Feeding the 4000+ (05-04-2025)

The Feeding of the 4000+ Message given by Peter McNaughton on May 4th, 2025 Matthew 15:32-39Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.” 33 And the disciples said to him, “Where are we to get enough bread in such a desolate place to feed so great a crowd?” 34 And Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” 35 And directing the crowd to sit down on the ground, 36 he took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 37 And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over. 38 Those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. 39 And after sending away the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan.

Feeding the 5000+ (04/27/2025)

“Feeding the 5000+” Message given by Rex Beck on April 27th, 2025 Jesus feeds the 5000 plus Matthew 14:13–21 Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself; and when the people heard of this, they followed Him on foot from the cities. 14 When He went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick. 15 When it was evening, the disciples came to Him and said, “This place is desolate and the hour is already late; so send the crowds away, that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!” 17 They said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” 18 And He said, “Bring them here to Me.” 19 Ordering the people to sit down on the grass, He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food, and breaking the loaves He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds, 20 and they all ate and were satisfied. They picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve full baskets. 21 There were about five thousand men who ate, besides women and children. The faithful and sensible servant who gives food at the proper time Matthew 24:42–51 “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. 43 “But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. 44 “For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will. 45 “Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46 “Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. 47 “Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 48 “But if that evil slave says in his heart, ‘My master is not coming for a long time,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow slaves and eat and drink with drunkards; 50 the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour which he does not know, 51 and will cut him in pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Church History and Books That Have Influenced Us (04/13/2025)

“Church History and Books That Have Influenced Us” Message given by Rex Beck on April 13th, 2025 In this message we will review books which represent significant movements of God throughout Church History as well as books which have specifically influenced us as a church. Key examples of books which have influenced us: Regarding a vision of God’s Eternal Purpose – The Stewardship of the Mystery by T. Austin-Sparks Regarding a profound inner spiritual life – Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ by Madame Guyon and The Spirit of Christ by Andrew Murray Portraying a grand life of faith serving God – The Biography of J. Hudson Taylor General exposition of the Old Testament – Commentaries by Keil & Delitzsch, C. A. Coates, and Henri Rossier.

Who are you? (04/06/2025)

“Who Are You?” Message given by Peter McNaughton on April 6th, 2025 In this message we cover four men who had their names changed by God—Abraham, Jacob, Peter, Paul.

First Lessons in the Gospel of the Kingdom II (03/27/2025)

“First Lessons in the Gospel of the Kingdom II” Message given by James Reinarz on March 27,2025 Jesus’ Message –  The Kingdom of God Mark 1:14-15 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Step One – “Follow Me” Mark 1:16-17 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”  Drop your nets Mark 1:18-20 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him. Step 2 – Come under Jesus’ “teaching with authority” Mark 1:21-22 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.  Dealing with what is unclean in your life Mark 1:23-28 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee. Step 3 – Serve Mark 1:29-31 And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

First Lessons in the Gospel of the Kingdom (03/23/2025)

“First Lessons in the Gospel of the Kingdom” Message given by James Reinarz on March 23rd 2025 Jesus’ Message –  The Kingdom of God Mark 1:14-15 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Step One – “Follow Me” Mark 1:16-17 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”  Drop your nets Mark 1:18-20 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him. Step 2 – Come under Jesus’ “teaching with authority” Mark 1:21-22 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.  Dealing with what is unclean in your life Mark 1:23-28 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee. Step 3 – Serve Mark 1:29-31 And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

Three Servants of the Lord II (03/16/2025)

“Three Servants of the Lord II” Message given by Rex Beck on March 16th, 2025 Paul—A drink offering being poured out Philippians 2:17–18 But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. 18 You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.   Timothy—Genuinely concerned for the interests of Christ Philippians 2:19–24 But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. 20 For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father. 23 Therefore I hope to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me; 24 and I trust in the Lord that I myself also will be coming shortly. Epaphroditus—A faithful brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier Philippians 2:25–30 But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need; 26 because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27vFor indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you. 29 Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard; 30 because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.

Three Servants of the Lord (03/09/2025)

“Three Servants of the Lord” Message given by Rex Beck on March 9th, 2025 Paul—A drink offering being poured out Philippians 2:17–18But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. 18 You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.   Timothy—Genuinely concerned for the interests of Christ Philippians 2:19–24But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. 20 For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father. 23 Therefore I hope to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me; 24 and I trust in the Lord that I myself also will be coming shortly. Epaphroditus—A faithful brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier Philippians 2:25–30But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need; 26 because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27vFor indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you. 29 Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard; 30 because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.

Shining as Lights Holding Fast the Word of Life (03/02/2025)

“Shining as Lights Holding Fast the Word of Life” Message given by Rex Beck on March 2nd, 2025 Shining as Lights Holding Fast the Word of Life Philippians 2:14–16 Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. Paul’s and the Philippians’ Offering to God Philippians 2:17–18 But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. 18 You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.

Work Out Your Own Salvation (02/23/2025)

“Work out your own salvation” Message given by Peter McNaughton on February 23rd, 2025 Philippians 2:12-18 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

Have This Mind in You Which Was Also in Christ Jesus (02/16/2025)

“Have This Mind in You Which Was Also in Christ Jesus” Message given by Rex Beck on February 16th, 2025 Looking out for the interests of others Philippians 2:3–5 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, The mind which was in Christ, taking the form of a servant Philippians 2:6–11 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

United for the Gospel (02/09/2025)

“United for the Gospel” Message given by Rex Beck on February 9th, 2025 A Church Striving for the Faith of the Gospel Philippians 1:27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; The Key to Unity—The Riches of the Triune God Philippians 2:1-2 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.

For Your Progress and Joy In Faith (02/02/2025)

“For your progress and joy in faith” Message given by Rex Beck on February 2nd, 2025 Paul knew salvation through the Spirit and other’s prayers Philippians 1:19–21 (DARBY) for I know that this shall turn out for me to salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ; 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but in all boldness, as always, now also Christ shall be magnified in my body whether by life or by death. 21 For for me to live is Christ, and to die gain; Paul chose to stay for the Philippians progress in faith Philippians 1:22–26 (DARBY) but if to live in flesh is my lot, this is for me worth the while: and what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 But I am pressed by both, having the desire for departure and being with Christ, for it is very much better, 24 but remaining in the flesh is more necessary for your sakes; 25 and having confidence of this, I know that I shall remain and abide along with you all, for your progress and joy in faith; 26 that your boasting may abound in Christ Jesus through me by my presence again with you. Paul wished the whole church would conduct themselves worthy of the glad tidings Philippians 1:27 (DARBY) Only conduct yourselves worthily of the glad tidings of the Christ, in order that whether coming and seeing you, or absent, I may hear of what concerns you, that ye stand firm in one spirit, with one soul, labouring together in the same conflict with the faith of the glad tidings;

Focusing on Christ and Being Supplied by The Spirit of Jesus Christ (01/26/2025)

“Focusing on Christ and Being Supplied by The Spirit of Jesus Christ” Message given by Rex Beck on January 26th, 2025 In prison Paul focused on Christ Philippians 1:12–18 (DARBY) But I would have you know, brethren, that the circumstances in which I am have turned out rather to the furtherance of the glad tidings, 13 so that my bonds have become manifest as being in Christ in all the praetorium and to all others; 14 and that the most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord through my bonds, dare more abundantly to speak the word of God fearlessly. 15 Some indeed also for envy and strife, but some also for good will, preach the Christ. 16 These indeed out of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the glad tidings; 17 but those out of contention, announce the Christ, not purely, supposing to arouse tribulation for my bonds. 18 What is it then? at any rate, in every way, whether in pretext or in truth, Christ is announced; and in this I rejoice, yea, also I will rejoice; Paul was supplied by the Spirit of Jesus Christ to magnify Christ Philippians 1:19–20 (DARBY) for I know that this shall turn out for me to salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ; 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but in all boldness, as always, now also Christ shall be magnified in my body whether by life or by death.

Proving What Is More Excellent (01/19/2025)

“Proving What Is More Excellent ” Message given by Rex Beck on January 19th, 2025 Paul’s care and confidence because of the Philippian’s care Philippians 1:6–8 (DARBY) having confidence of this very thing, that he who has begun in you a good work will complete it unto Jesus Christ’s day: 7 as it is righteous for me to think this as to you all, because ye have me in your hearts, and that both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the glad tidings ye are all participators in my grace. 8 For God is my witness how I long after you all in the bowels of Christ Jesus. Paul’s wish for the Philippians’ growth Philippians 1:9–11 (DARBY) And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in full knowledge and all intelligence, 10 that ye may judge of and approve the things that are more excellent, in order that ye may be pure and without offence for Christ’s day, 11 being complete as regards the fruit of righteousness, which is by Jesus Christ, to God’s glory and praise.

The Close Relationship Between Paul and The Philippians(01/12/2025)

“The Close Relationship Between Paul and The Philippians” Message given by Rex Beck on January 12th, 2025 Paul and the saints in Philippi Philippians 1:1–2 (DARBY)Paul and Timotheus, bondmen of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the overseers and ministers; 2 grace to you, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Fellowship with the gospel Philippians 1:3–6 (DARBY)I thank my God for my whole remembrance of you, 4 constantly in my every supplication, making the supplication for you all with joy, 5 because of your fellowship with the gospel, from the first day until now; 6 having confidence of this very thing, that he who has begun in you a good work will complete it unto Jesus Christ’s day: Mutual care Philippians 1:7–8 (DARBY)as it is righteous for me to think this as to you all, because ye have me in your hearts, and that both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the glad tidings ye are all participators in my grace. 8 For God is my witness how I long after you all in the bowels of Christ Jesus.

The Incarnation of Jesus Christ (12/29/2024)

“The Incarnation of Jesus Christ” Message given by James Reinarz on December 29th, 2024 Jesus – He will save His people from their sins Matthew 1:18-25 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:   23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,       and they shall call his name Immanuel”   (which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.    Jesus was in the form of God Philippians 2:5-6 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,   Jesus emptied Himself Philippians 2:7-8 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. God exalted Him Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Jesus Christ – The Son of David, The Son of Abraham (12/22/2024)

“Jesus Christ – The Son of David, The Son of Abraham” Message given by Peter McNaughton on December 22nd, 2024. The Genealogy of Jesus Christ 1:1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, 4 and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, 7 and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph, 8 and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, 9 and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, 10 and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, 11 and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. 12 And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, 13 and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, 14 and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, 15 and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, 16 and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ. 17 So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.

The Spirit and The Body 3 (12/15/2024)

“The Spirit and The Body 3” Message given by Rex Beck on December 15th, 2024 Knowing Things of the Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:1–3 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware. 2 You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. Gifts, Ministries, Effects 1 Corinthians 12:4–6 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 6 There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. Each One is Given the Manifestation of the Spirit for the Common Good 1 Corinthians 12:7–11 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. The Body, as the Sphere for the Manifestation of the Gifts  1 Corinthians 12:12–13 For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. You are a Part of the Body 1 Corinthians 12:14–20 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. 19 If they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But now there are many members, but one body. You Need All Parts of the Body 1 Corinthians 12:21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” The Care of All the Members 1 Corinthians 12:22–27 On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; 23 and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, 24 whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, 25 so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. God’s Appointment of Gifts in the Church 1 Corinthians 12:28–30 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. 29 All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? 30 All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they? In the Church Earnestly Desire the Greater Gifts 1 Corinthians 12:31–13:3 But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way. 1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.

1 Corinthians 14 (12/08/2024)

“1 Corinthians 14” Message given by Peter McNaughton on December 8th, 2024 1 Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. 2 For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. 3 On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. 4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. 5 Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. 6 Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 7 If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? 8 And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? 9 So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air. 10 There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning, 11 but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. 12 So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. 13 Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. 15 What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. 16 Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying? 17 For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up. 18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue. 20 Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. 21 In the Law it is written, “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.” 22 Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers. 23 If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, 25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you. Orderly Worship 26 What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. 27 If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. 28 But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. 30 If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, 32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. 33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, 34 the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. 35 If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. 36 Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached? 37 If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. 38 If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. 39 So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But all things should be done decently and in order.

The Spirit and The Body 2 (12/01/2024)

“The Spirit and The Body” Message given by Rex Beck on December 1st, 2024 Knowing Things of the Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:1–3 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware. 2 You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. Gifts, Ministries, Effects 1 Corinthians 12:4–6 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 6 There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. Each One is Given the Manifestation of the Spirit for the Common Good 1 Corinthians 12:7–11 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. The Body, as the Sphere for the Manifestation of the Gifts  1 Corinthians 12:12–13 For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. You are a Part of the Body 1 Corinthians 12:14–20 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. 19 If they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But now there are many members, but one body. You Need All Parts of the Body 1 Corinthians 12:21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” The Care of All the Members 1 Corinthians 12:22–27 On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; 23 and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, 24 whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, 25 so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. God’s Appointment of Gifts in the Church 1 Corinthians 12:28–30 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. 29 All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? 30 All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they? In the Church Earnestly Desire the Greater Gifts 1 Corinthians 12:31–13:3 But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way. 1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.

The Spirit and The Body (11/24/2024)

“The Spirit and The Body” Message given by Rex Beck on November 24th, 2024 Knowing Things of the Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:1–3 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware. 2 You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. Gifts, Ministries, Effects 1 Corinthians 12:4–6 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 6 There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. Each One is Given the Manifestation of the Spirit for the Common Good 1 Corinthians 12:7–11 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. The Body, as the Sphere for the Manifestation of the Gifts  1 Corinthians 12:12–13 For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. You are a Part of the Body 1 Corinthians 12:14–20 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. 19 If they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But now there are many members, but one body. You Need All Parts of the Body 1 Corinthians 12:21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” The Care of All the Members 1 Corinthians 12:22–27 On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; 23 and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, 24 whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, 25 so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. God’s Appointment of Gifts in the Church 1 Corinthians 12:28–30 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. 29 All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? 30 All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they? In the Church Earnestly Desire the Greater Gifts 1 Corinthians 12:31–13:3 But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way. 1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.

Philippians: The Best Life (1/5/2025)

“Philippians: The Best Life” Message given by Rex Beck on January 5th, 2025 The Best Life  Paul was purely and absolutely focused on Christ Philippians 1:19–20 (DARBY) for I know that this shall turn out for me to salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ; 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but in all boldness, as always, now also Christ shall be magnified in my body whether by life or by death. Philippians 1:21 (DARBY) For for me to live is Christ, and to die gain; Philippians 3:8 (DARBY) But surely I count also all things to be loss on account of the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, on account of whom I have suffered the loss of all, and count them to be filth, that I may gain Christ; Paul desired the church to walk worthily of the gospel of Christ Philippians 1:27 (NASB95) Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; Philippians 2:2 (NASB95) make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Paul was in a joyful close relationship with the Philippians Philippians 1:6–8 (DARBY) having confidence of this very thing, that he who has begun in you a good work will complete it unto Jesus Christ’s day: 7 as it is righteous for me to think this as to you all, because ye have me in your hearts, and that both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the glad tidings ye are all participators in my grace. 8 For God is my witness how I long after you all in the bowels of Christ Jesus. Paul and the Philippians together became a fragrant offering to the Lord Philippians 2:17–18 (NASB95) But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. 18 You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.

I Urge You as Aliens…Abstain from Fleshly Lusts (11/10/2024)

“I Urge You as Aliens…Abstain from Fleshly Lusts” Message given by Peter McNaughton on November 10th, 2024 1 Peter 2:9-12 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. 12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Being Built Up As A Spiritual House (11/03/2024)

“Being Built Up As A Spiritual House” Message on November 3rd, by Timothy Bontje 1 Peter 2:4-10 And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For this is contained in Scripture: “Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, And he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.” 7 This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve, “The stone which the builders rejected, This became the very corner stone,” 8 and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed. 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.    

Knowing Christ as the Cornerstone (10/20/2024)

“Knowing Christ as the Cornerstone” Message given by Peter McNaughton on October 20, 2024 1 Peter 2:4-7 4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,     a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” 7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected     has become the cornerstone,”

We Are A Priesthood (10/13/2024)

“We are a priesthood” Message given by Rex Beck on October 13th, 2024 Long for the pure milk of the Word as we put aside malice in the church life 1 Peter 2:1-3 Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, 2 like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, 3 if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord. Come to Him as you are being build up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood 1 Peter 2:4-5 And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Christ is the cornerstone for God’s building 1 Peter 2:6-8 For this is contained in Scripture: “Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, And he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.” 7 This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve, “The stone which the builders rejected, This became the very corner stone,” 8 and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed. We are a chosen race, a royal priesthood 1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Keep your behavior excellent 1 Peter 2:11-12 Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. 12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Redeemed to Love One Another as the Word Grows (10/06/2024)

“Redeemed to Love One Another as the Word Grows” Message given by Rex Beck on October 6th, 2024 We were redeemed from our futile way of life 1 Peter 1:17–21 If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. 20 For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you 21 who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. We can purify our souls for a sincere love of the brethren 1 Peter 1:22 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, We have been born again of incorruptible seed—the living and enduring word of God 1 Peter 1:23–25 for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For, “All flesh is like grass, And all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, And the flower falls off, 25 But the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word which was preached to you. We must long for the milk of the Word for growth in salvation 1 Peter 2:1–3 Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, 2 like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, 3 if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.

As Obedient Children Do Not Be Conformed (09/22/2024)

As Obedient Children Do Not Be Conformed Message given by Peter McNaughton on September 22nd, 2024 1 Peter 1:14-17  As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,

Living a holy life setting our hope on the coming grace (09/15/2024)

Living a holy life setting our hope on the coming grace Message given by Rex Beck on September 15th, 2024 The prophets saw this salvation and spoke about it for us 1 Peter 1:10–12 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. Prepare our minds for action 1 Peter 1:13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Being holy because God is holy 1 Peter 1:14–16 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” We were ransomed from our old life with the imperishable, precious blood of Christ 1 Peter 1:17–19 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

God’s Salvation—fully revealed at the end, rejoiced in at present even in trials, prophesied by the prophets, full of the sufferings of Christ and His glories (09/08/2024) (09

“God’s Salvation—fully revealed at the end, rejoiced in at present even in trials, prophesied by the prophets, full of the sufferings of Christ and His glories” Message given by Rex Beck on September 8th, 2024 Rejoicing in His salvation 1 Peter 1:6–7 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Believing and rejoicing in Him to obtain the salvation of our souls  1 Peter 1:8–9 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. The prophets saw this salvation and spoke about it for us 1 Peter 1:10–12 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.

Our Christian Life for the Church Life 2 (08/25/2024)

“Our Christian Life for the Church Life 2 – Lessons from 1 Peter” Message given by Rex Beck on August 25th, 2024 Peter writes to the exiles who are elect of God 1 Peter 1:1–2 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. They have been born again to a living hope and a full inheritance 1 Peter 1:3–5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. They are in trials now, but rejoice 1 Peter 1:6–7 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. They love Christ and believe in Him joyfully unto full salvation 1 Peter 1:8–9 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Our Christian Life For The Church Life – Lessons from 1 Peter (08/18/2024)

“Our Christian Life For The Church Life – Lessons from 1 Peter” Message given by Rex Beck on August 18th, 2024 Peter writes to the exiles who are elect of God 1 Peter 1:1–2 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. They have been born again to a living hope and a full inheritance 1 Peter 1:3–5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. They are in trials now, but rejoice 1 Peter 1:6–7 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. They love Christ and believe in Him joyfully unto full salvation 1 Peter 1:8–9 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

A Life Sowing To The Spirit (02/25/2024)

“A Life Sowing To The Spirit” Message given by James Reinarz on February 25th, 2024  John 3:3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ Galatians 3:3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 6:8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

A Life In Spirit (02/18/2024)

“A Life In Spirit” Message given by Rex Beck on February 18th, 2024 The Golden Lampstand Zechariah 4:1-3 Then the angel who was speaking with me returned and roused me, as a man who is awakened from his sleep. 2 He said to me, “What do you see?” And I said, “I see, and behold, a lampstand all of gold with its bowl on the top of it, and its seven lamps on it with seven spouts belonging to each of the lamps which are on the top of it; 3 also two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on its left side.” The lampstand and trees point to the work of the Spirit Zechariah 4:4-6 Then I said to the angel who was speaking with me saying, “What are these, my lord?” 5 So the angel who was speaking with me answered and said to me, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” 6 Then he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts. The oil for the lamps is supplied by the sons of oil, like the oil for the lampstand in Exodus is supplied by the people of Israel Zechariah 4:11–14 Then I said to him, “What are these two olive trees on the right of the lampstand and on its left?” 12 And I answered the second time and said to him, “What are the two olive branches which are beside the two golden pipes, which empty the golden oil from themselves?” 13 So he answered me, saying, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” 14 Then he said, “These are the two anointed ones who are standing by the Lord of the whole earth.” Leviticus 24:1–4 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Command the sons of Israel that they bring to you clear oil from beaten olives for the light, to make a lamp burn continually. 3 “Outside the veil of testimony in the tent of meeting, Aaron shall keep it in order from evening to morning before the LORD continually; it shall be a perpetual statute throughout your generations. 4 “He shall keep the lamps in order on the pure gold lampstand before the LORD continually. New Testament believers participate in God’s testimony by the Spirit Romans 8:16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, Acts 1:8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” By declaring “Jesus is Lord” in spirit 1 Corinthians 12:3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. By not grieving the Spirit Ephesians 4:30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. By praying in Spirit Ephesians 6:18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, By loving in Spirit Colossians 1:7–8 just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, 8 and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit. By receiving the Word and being sealed in Spirit Ephesians 1:13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, By walking in spirit Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. The lampstand supplied by oil overcomes every difficulty and “mountain” Zechariah 4:7-10 ‘What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain; and he will bring forth the top stone with shouts of “Grace, grace to it!” ’ ” 8 Also the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 9 “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands will finish it. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. 10 “For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven will be glad when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel—these are the eyes of the LORD which range to and fro throughout the earth.”

Oil For The Lampstand (02/04/2024)

 “Oil For The Lampstand” Message given by Rex Beck on February 4th, 2024 The Golden Lampstand Zechariah 4:1-3 Then the angel who was speaking with me returned and roused me, as a man who is awakened from his sleep. 2 He said to me, “What do you see?” And I said, “I see, and behold, a lampstand all of gold with its bowl on the top of it, and its seven lamps on it with seven spouts belonging to each of the lamps which are on the top of it; 3 also two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on its left side.” The lampstand and trees point to the work of the Spirit Zechariah 4:4-6 Then I said to the angel who was speaking with me saying, “What are these, my lord?” 5 So the angel who was speaking with me answered and said to me, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” 6 Then he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts. The oil for the lamps is supplied by the sons of oil, like the oil for the lampstand in Exodus is supplied by the people of Israel Zechariah 4:11–14 Then I said to him, “What are these two olive trees on the right of the lampstand and on its left?” 12 And I answered the second time and said to him, “What are the two olive branches which are beside the two golden pipes, which empty the golden oil from themselves?” 13 So he answered me, saying, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” 14 Then he said, “These are the two anointed ones who are standing by the Lord of the whole earth.” Leviticus 24:1–4 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Command the sons of Israel that they bring to you clear oil from beaten olives for the light, to make a lamp burn continually. 3 “Outside the veil of testimony in the tent of meeting, Aaron shall keep it in order from evening to morning before the LORD continually; it shall be a perpetual statute throughout your generations. 4 “He shall keep the lamps in order on the pure gold lampstand before the LORD continually. New Testament believers participate in God’s testimony by the Spirit Romans 8:16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, Acts 1:8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” By declaring “Jesus is Lord” in spirit 1 Corinthians 12:3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. By not grieving the Spirit Ephesians 4:30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. By praying in Spirit Ephesians 6:18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, By loving in Spirit Colossians 1:7–8 just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, 8 and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit. By receiving the Word and being sealed in Spirit Ephesians 1:13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, By walking in spirit Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. The lampstand supplied by oil overcomes every difficulty and “mountain” Zechariah 4:7-10 ‘What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain; and he will bring forth the top stone with shouts of “Grace, grace to it!” ’ ” 8 Also the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 9 “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands will finish it. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. 10 “For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven will be glad when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel—these are the eyes of the LORD which range to and fro throughout the earth.” John saw that the lampstands are the churches Revelation 1:10–13 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, 11 saying, “Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; 13 and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash. Revelation 1:20 the seven lampstands are the seven churches. We are to put our light on the lampstand Matthew 5:14–16 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all […]

The Churches As Golden Lampstands (01/21/2024)

The Churches As Golden Lampstands Message given by Peter McNaughton on January 21st, 2024

The Church Is The Lampstand (01/14/2024)

“The Church Is The Lampstand” Message given by Rex Beck on January 14th, 2024 John saw that the lampstands are the churches Revelation 1:10–13 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, 11 saying, “Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; 13 and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash. Revelation 1:20b …the seven lampstands are the seven churches. We are to put our light on the lampstand Matthew 5:14–16 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. The Golden Lampstand Exodus 25:32-35 “Six branches shall go out from its sides; three branches of the lampstand from its one side and three branches of the lampstand from its other side. 33 “Three cups shall be shaped like almond blossoms in the one branch, a bulb and a flower, and three cups shaped like almond blossoms in the other branch, a bulb and a flower—so for six branches going out from the lampstand; 34 and in the lampstand four cups shaped like almond blossoms, its bulbs and its flowers. 35 “A bulb shall be under the first pair of branches coming out of it, and a bulb under the second pair of branches coming out of it, and a bulb under the third pair of branches coming out of it, for the six branches coming out of the lampstand. The almonds show God’s life and authority Exodus 25:34-35 and in the lampstand four cups shaped like almond blossoms, its bulbs and its flowers. 35 “A bulb shall be under the first pair of branches coming out of it, and a bulb under the second pair of branches coming out of it, and a bulb under the third pair of branches coming out of it, for the six branches coming out of the lampstand. The almonds show God’s life and authority Numbers 16:3 They assembled together against Moses and Aaron, and said to them, “You have gone far enough, for all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is in their midst; so why do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?” Numbers 16:41 But on the next day all the congregation of the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron, saying, “You are the ones who have caused the death of the LORD’S people.” The almonds show God’s life and authority Numbers 17:2–3 “Speak to the sons of Israel, and get from them a rod for each father’s household: twelve rods, from all their leaders according to their fathers’ households. You shall write each name on his rod, 3 and write Aaron’s name on the rod of Levi; for there is one rod for the head of each of their fathers’ households. Numbers 17:8–10 Now on the next day Moses went into the tent of the testimony; and behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi had sprouted and put forth buds and produced blossoms, and it bore ripe almonds. 9 Moses then brought out all the rods from the presence of the LORD to all the sons of Israel; and they looked, and each man took his rod. 10 But the LORD said to Moses, “Put back the rod of Aaron before the testimony to be kept as a sign against the rebels, that you may put an end to their grumblings against Me, so that they will not die.” The church displays God’s authority because it is the pillar of the truth 1 Timothy 3:15 but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. 1 Corinthians 14:23–25 Therefore if the whole church assembles together and all speak in tongues, and ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad? 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all; 25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you.

The Golden Lampstand (01/07/2024)

“The Golden Lampstand” Message given by James Reinarz on January 7th, 2024 Revelation 1:10-13 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. Revelation 1:20b …and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. Exodus 25:31-35 “You shall make a lampstand of pure gold. The lampstand shall be made of hammered work: its base, its stem, its cups, its calyxes, and its flowers shall be of one piece with it. 32 And there shall be six branches going out of its sides, three branches of the lampstand out of one side of it and three branches of the lampstand out of the other side of it; 33 three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on one branch, and three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on the other branch—so for the six branches going out of the lampstand. 34 And on the lampstand itself there shall be four cups made like almond blossoms, with their calyxes and flowers, 35 and a calyx of one piece with it under each pair of the six branches going out from the lampstand. Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. John 1:4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

Ministers of a New Covenant (08/04/2024)

“Ministers of a New Covenant” Message given by Rex Beck on August 4th, 2024. Ministers of the New Covenant 2 Corinthians 3:5–6 …our adequacy is from God, 6 who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Paul’s Service Toward the Corinthians 2 Corinthians 1:12 For our proud confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you. Paul’s Very Human Situation 2 Corinthians 1:13–17 For we write nothing else to you than what you read and understand, and I hope you will understand until the end; 14 just as you also partially did understand us, that we are your reason to be proud as you also are ours, in the day of our Lord Jesus. 15 In this confidence I intended at first to come to you, so that you might twice receive a blessing; 16 that is, to pass your way into Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come to you, and by you to be helped on my journey to Judea. 17 Therefore, I was not vacillating when I intended to do this, was I? Or what I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, so that with me there will be yes, yes and no, no at the same time? Paul’s Spiritual View—In Christ is the “Yes” 2 Corinthians 1:18–20 But as God is faithful, our word to you is not yes and no. 19 For the Son of God, Christ Jesus, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silvanus and Timothy—was not yes and no, but is yes in Him. 20 For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us. Paul’s Connection in Christ with the Saints  2 Corinthians 1:21–22 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, 22 who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge. Paul’s Application of His Connection 2 Corinthians 1:23–24 But I call God as witness to my soul, that to spare you I did not come again to Corinth. 24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy; for in your faith you are standing firm.

The Life having Treasure in Jars of Clay (7/28/2024)

“The Life having Treasure in Jars of Clay” Message given by James Reinarz on July 28th, 2024 Ministers of the New Covenant 2 Corinthians 3:6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.  Paul’s aim – We work with you for your joy  2 Corinthians 1:23-24 But I call God to witness against me—it was to spare you that I refrained from coming again to Corinth. 24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith. 2 Corinthians 4:15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. Living as a jar of clay filled with treasure 2 Corinthians:7-9 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;  Life works when death works 2 Corinthians 4:10-12 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you. In the presence of Christ, related to Paul  2 Corinthians 4:13-15 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart! 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Ministers of the New Covenant 2 (07/14/24)

Ministers of the New Covenant 2 Message given by Rex Beck on July 14th, 2024 Ministers of the New Covenant The New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31–34 “Behold, days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, 32 not like the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, although I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. 33 “But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the Lord, “I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 34 “They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,” declares the Lord, “for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” God made Paul a minister of the New Covenant 2 Corinthians 3:5–6 Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, 6 who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Writing on Hearts 2 Corinthians 3:1–3 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some, letters of commendation to you or from you? 2 You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; 3 being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

Ministers Of The New Covenant (07/07/2024)

Ministers of the New Covenant Message given by Rex Beck on July 7th, 2024 Ministers of the New Covenant The New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31–34 “Behold, days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, 32 not like the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, although I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. 33 “But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the Lord, “I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 34 “They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,” declares the Lord, “for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” God made Paul a minister of the New Covenant 2 Corinthians 3:5–6 Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, 6 who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Writing on Hearts 2 Corinthians 3:1–3 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some, letters of commendation to you or from you? 2 You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; 3 being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

The Contrast Between Flesh and Spirit Part 2 (06/30/2024)

The Contrast Between Flesh and Spirit Part 2 Message given by Rex Beck on June 30th, 2024 Vision Sunday: The Testimony of the church The contrast between flesh and Spirit The lampstands are the churches, a testimony of Christ Revelation 1:20-21 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. 21 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. The testimony of the church is full of impact 1 Corinthians 14:24–25 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, 25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you. The Spirit is the essence of the testimony of Christ John 15:26–27 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning. 1 John 5:6 This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. The believer must know the difference between the Spirit and the flesh Galatians 3:3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. The Spirit and the flesh are against each other Galatians 5:16–18 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Living by the Spirit and Crucifying the Flesh Galatians 5:19–25 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Examples of the Flesh in the New Testament 1 Corinthians 3:1–4 But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, 3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human? 2 Corinthians 1:16–17 I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and to come back to you from Macedonia and have you send me on my way to Judea. 17 Was I vacillating when I wanted to do this? Do I make my plans according to the flesh, ready to say “Yes, yes” and “No, no” at the same time? Galatians 3:3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Examples of the Flesh in the Old Testament 1 Samuel 15:8–9 And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive and devoted to destruction all the people with the edge of the sword. 9 But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep and of the oxen and of the fattened calves and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them. All that was despised and worthless they devoted to destruction. 1 Samuel 15:14–15 And Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears and the lowing of the oxen that I hear?” 15 Saul said, “They have brought them from the Amalekites, for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen to sacrifice to the Lord your God, and the rest we have devoted to destruction.” 2 Samuel 1:5–10 Then David said to the young man who told him, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?” 6 And the young man who told him said, “By chance I happened to be on Mount Gilboa, and there was Saul leaning on his spear, and behold, the chariots and the horsemen were close upon him. 7 And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called to me. And I answered, ‘Here I am.’ 8 And he said to me, ‘Who are you?’ I answered him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’ 9 And he said to me, ‘Stand beside me and kill me, for anguish has seized me, and yet my life still lingers.’ 10 So I stood beside him and killed him, because I was sure that he could not live after he had fallen. And I took the crown that was on his head and the armlet that was on his arm, and I have brought […]

The Contrast Between Flesh and Spirit Part 1 (06/30/2024)

The Flesh and the Spirit Part 1 Message given by Peter McNaughton on June 30th, 2024 Galatians 3:3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:16–25 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 3:1–4 But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, 3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human? Romans 8:5-8  For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Ministering the New Covenant (06-16-2024)

“Ministering the New Covenant” Message given by James Reinarz on June 16th, 2024 Christ ministers a new covenant to us. Hebrews 8:6 But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. Hebrews 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, Paul was a Minister of the New Covenant 2 Corinthians 3:6 Our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Christ and Paul in the Ministry of the New Covenant 1 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. Through the New Covenant Ministry the Corinthians became a letter from Christ. Jeremiah 31:10b I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, 2 Corinthians 3:3 And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

The Covenanting God (06-02-2024)

“The Covenanting God” Message given on June 2nd by James Reinarz God’s Major Covenants: With Abraham Genesis 15:17–21 When the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. 18 On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates, 19 the land of the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites, 20 the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, 21 the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites and the Jebusites.”  God’s Major Covenants: With the children of Israel Exodus 24:6–8 And Moses took half of the blood and put it in basins, and half of the blood he threw against the altar. 7 Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it in the hearing of the people. And they said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.” 8> And Moses took the blood and threw it on the people and said, “Behold the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.”  God’s Major Covenants: The New Covenant by Jesus Luke 22:19-20 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.  Hebrews 9:15 Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.  The Terms of the New Covenant Hebrews 8:8b-12 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord,       when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel       and with the house of Judah,   9 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers       on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt.   For they did not continue in my covenant,       and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord.   10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel       after those days, declares the Lord:   I will put my laws into their minds,       and write them on their hearts,   and I will be their God,       and they shall be my people.   11 And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor       and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’   for they shall all know me,       from the least of them to the greatest.   12 For I will be merciful toward their iniquities,       and I will remember their sins no more.”

The Parable of the Prodigal Son (05/19/2024)

The Parable of the Prodigal Son Message given by Rex Beck May 19th, 2024. Lost In a Far-Off Country Luke 15:11–16 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. When He Came to Himself Luke 15:17–19 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.” ’ The Father Sees Him When He Was a Long Way Off Luke 15:20–21 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The Father Clothes Him and Celebrates with a Feast Luke 15:22–24 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. The Older Son Luke 15:25–32 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’ ”

The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins (05/12/2024)

“The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins” Message given by Rex Beck on May 12th, 2024 Matthew 25:1–13 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 “Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. 3 “For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. 5 “Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. 6 “But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 “Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 “The foolish said to the prudent, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 “But the prudent answered, ‘No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 “And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. 11 “Later the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’ 12 “But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 “Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.

The Parable of the Minas (5/5/2024)

“The Parable of the Minas” Message given by Peter McNaughton on May 5th, 2024 The Parable of the Minas Luke 19:11-27 As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. 12 He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. 13 Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ 14 But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ 15 When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. 16 The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ 17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ 18 And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’ 19 And he said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’ 20 Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; 21 for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ 22 He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’ 24 And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’ 25 And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten minas!’ 26 ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 27 But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’”

The Parable of the Talents (04/28/2024)

“The Parable of the Talents” Message given by Rex Beck on April 28th, 2024 Talents are the possessions of the king, given to each according to their ability Matthew 25:14–15 “For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. 15 “To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. Trading the talents Matthew 25:16–18 “Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents. 17 “In the same manner the one who had received the two talents gained two more. 18 “But he who received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. The master comes to settle accounts Matthew 25:19 Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Those who traded are met with, “Well done.” Matthew 25:20–23 “The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have gained five more talents.’ 21 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 “Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.’ 23 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ The one who hid has his talent taken away Matthew 25:24–30 “And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. 25 ‘And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’ 26 “But his master answered and said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed. 27 ‘Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. 28 ‘Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’ 29 “For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. 30 “Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Paul fought the fight and finished the course 2 Timothy 4:6–8 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; 8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

The Parable of the Talents (04/28/2024)

“The Parable of the Talents” Message given by Rex Beck on April 28th, 2024 Talents are the possessions of the king, given to each according to their ability Matthew 25:14–15 “For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. 15 “To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. Trading the talents Matthew 25:16–18 “Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents. 17 “In the same manner the one who had received the two talents gained two more. 18 “But he who received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. The master comes to settle accounts Matthew 25:19 Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Those who traded are met with, “Well done.”  Matthew 25:20–23 “The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have gained five more talents.’ 21 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 “Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.’ 23 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ The one who hid has his talent taken away Matthew 25:24–30 “And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. 25 ‘And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’ 26 “But his master answered and said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed. 27 ‘Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. 28 ‘Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’ 29 “For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. 30 “Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Paul fought the fight and finished the course 2 Timothy 4:6–8 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; 8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Four Parables of the Kingdom (04/21/2024)

“Four Parables of the Kingdom” Message given by Rex Beck on April 21st, 2024 Four Parables of the Kingdom Matthew 13:10–13 Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” 11 And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. The public parable of the mustard seed Matthew 13:31–32 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” The public parable of the leaven Matthew 13:33 He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.” Jesus left the crowds and went to a house with His disciples Matthew 13:36 Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” The secret parable of the treasure in the field Matthew 13:44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. The secret parable of the merchant seeking pearls Matthew 13:45­–46 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Parable of the Weeds (04/14/2024)

“Parable of the Weeds” Message given by Rex Beck on April 14th, 2024 Jesus spoke in parables Matthew 13:34–35 All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable. 35 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet: “I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.”  The parable of the wheat and weeds Matthew 13:24–30 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, 25 but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27 And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.” ’ ” The son of Man sows the good seed  Matthew 13:36–37 Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world growing both wheat and weeds Matthew 13:38–39 The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. There will be a harvest Matthew 13:39–43 The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40 Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, 42 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

The Parable of the Sower (04/07/2024)

“The Parable of the Sower” Message given by Rex Beck on April 7th, 2024 Jesus spoke in parables  Matthew 13:10–16  Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” 11 And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says:        “ ‘ “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” 15    For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed,        lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears        and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ 16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. 17 For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. The parable of the sower Matthew 13:1–9 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6 but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears, let him hear.” The parable of the sower explained The seed sown beside the way Matthew 13:18–19 “Hear then the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. The seed sown on rocky ground Matthew 13:20–21 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. The seed sown among thorns Matthew 13:22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. The seed sown on good earth Matthew 13:23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”  

Resurrection (03/31/2024)

“Resurrection” Message given by Rex Beck on March 31st, 2024 The discovery of Jesus’ resurrection Luke 24:1–6 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. 5And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6He is not here, but has risen. Christ must die and resurrect. Luke 24:6–8 Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” 8And they remembered his words, They try to report these words, but the words seemed like nonsense Luke 24:9–11 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, 11but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. Peter sees for himself and goes home Luke 24:12 But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened. Jesus appears to two disciples walking to Emmaus Jesus engages in conversation Luke 24:13–19 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19And he said to them, “What things?” They recount Jesus’ great acts and their disappointment and confusion Luke 24:19–24 And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” Jesus reveals the Scripture to them Luke 24:25–29 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. 28So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. Their eyes are opened, and their hearts were burning Luke 24:30–32 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” Jesus appears in their gathering and announces “Peace” Luke 24:33–40 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread. 36As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 37But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. 38And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. Jesus eats fish  Luke 24:41–47 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43and he took it and ate before them. 44Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. Jesus directs their life course  Luke 24:48–49 You are witnesses of these […]

The Mind Set On The Spirit (03/24/2024)

“The Mind Set On The Spirit” Message given by Timothy Bontje on March 24th 2024 Romans 8:1-2 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. Romans 8:3-4 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:5-8 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:9-11 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. 10 If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:12-17 So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— 13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him

The Spirit of Adoption As Sons (03/17/2024)

“The Spirit of Adoption As Sons” Message given by James Reinarz on March 17, 2024 Romans 8:15-17 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. Romans 8:29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:5-6 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:13-14 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.    

The Holy Spirit and the Christian (03/10/2024)

“The Holy Spirit and the Christian” Message given by Rex Beck on March 10, 2024 Cornelius sent for Peter Acts 10:30-33 And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.” Peter was Commanded by the Spirit to Accompany Them Acts 10:19–20 And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. 20 Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” Peter Preaches about Jesus Acts 10:34–43 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” The Spirit Fell on those who Heard the Word Acts 10:44–48 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47 “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days. They were Baptized in the Spirit Acts 11:15–18 As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” 18 When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.” Disciples at Ephesus Hadn’t Heard there is a Holy Spirit Acts 19:1-7 And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. 2 And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John’s baptism.” 4 And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. 7 There were about twelve men in all. In One Spirit We are Baptized into One Body and Made to Drink One Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:12–13 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.  

The Acts of the Spirit (03-03-24)

“The Acts of the Spirit” Message given by Rex Beck on March 3, 2024 Jesus Spoke by the Spirit 1 The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen. 3 To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God. Acts 1:1–3 The Holy Spirit will Come Upon Them 4 Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; 8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Acts 1:4–8 They Continued in Prayer with One Mind 13 When they had entered the city, they went up to the upper room where they were staying; that is, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14 These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. Acts 1:13–14 They were Filled with the Spirit 1 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance. Acts 2:1–4 The Crowds were Confused 5 Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven….12 And they all continued in amazement and great perplexity, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others were mocking and saying, “They are full of sweet wine.” Acts 2:5, 12–1 Peter Testifies concerning the Spirit 14 But Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: “Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give heed to my words. 15 “For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only the third hour of the day; 16 but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel: 17 ‘And it shall be in the last days,’ God says, ‘That I will pour forth of My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, And your young men shall see visions, And your old men shall dream dreams; 18 Even on My bondslaves, both men and women, I will in those days pour forth of My Spirit And they shall prophesy. 19 ‘And I will grant wonders in the sky above And signs on the earth below, Blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 ‘The sun will be turned into darkness And the moon into blood, Before the great and glorious day of the Lord shall come. 21 ‘And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ Acts 2:14–21 Jesus Poured out the Spirit 32 “This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. 33 “Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear. Acts 2:32–33 The People were Baptized and Received the Spirit 37 Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” 38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:37–38 The Continually Devoted Themselves to the Apostle’s Teaching and Fellowship, the Breaking of Bread and Prayer 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. Acts 2:41–43    

Christ our Savior, Immanuel, Ruler and Shepherd (12/24/2023)

“Christ our Savior, Immanuel, Ruler and Shepherd” Message given by James Reinarz on December 24th, 2023 Matthew 1:18 – 2:12 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.  19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.  20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”  22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).  24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife,  25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. 2:1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem,  2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”  3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him;  4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.  5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared.  8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”  9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.  10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.  11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.  12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Hark! The Herald Angel Sings (12-17-2023)

“Hark! The Herald Angel Sings” Message given by Rex Beck on December 17th, 2023 Luke 2:7–12 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” Hark! The Hearld Angel Sings Verse 1 by Charles Wesley Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” Joyful, all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With th’angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Luke 2:13–14 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Hark! The Hearld Angel Sings Verse 2 Christ, by highest Heav’n adored; Christ the everlasting Lord; Late in time, behold Him come, Offspring of a virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail th’incarnate Deity, Pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel. Matthew 1:21–23 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. Colossians 2:9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, Hark! The Hearld Angel Sings Verse 3 Hail the heav’nly Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Ris’n with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die; Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. Malachi 4:2 But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. John 10:10b I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Hark! The Hearld Angel Sings Verse 4 Come, Desire of nations, come, Fix in us Thy humble home; Rise, the woman’s conqu’ring Seed, Bruise in us the serpent’s head. Now display Thy saving pow’r, Ruined nature now restore; Now in mystic union join Thine to ours, and ours to Thine. Haggai 2:7 (KJV 1900) And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: And I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. Genesis 3:15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” 1 Corinthians 6:17 But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Hark! The Hearld Angel Sings Verse 5 Adam’s likeness, Lord, efface, Stamp Thine image in its place: Second Adam from above, Reinstate us in Thy love. Let us Thee, though lost, regain, Thee, the Life, the inner man: Oh, to all Thyself impart, Formed in each believing heart. 1 Corinthians 15:47–49 The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven. Ephesians 3:16–17 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…

Building Up the Church through Speaking (12-10-2023)

“Building Up the Church through Speaking” Message given by Rex Beck on December 10th, 2023 Our speech can corrupt or build up Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Prophesying builds up the church 1 Corinthians 14:2–4 For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. 3 On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. 4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. Build with gold, silver, and precious stones 1 Corinthians 3:9–15 For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. 11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— 13 each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14 If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

How We Talk To One Another In the Church Matters (12-03-2023)

“How We Talk To One Another In the Church Matters” Message given by Peter McNaughton on December 3rd, 2023 Matthew 12:36-37“… But I tell you that for every careless word that people speak, they will give an account of it on the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” 1 Timothy 5:13At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also they become gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention. Proverbs 16:28A perverse person spreads strife,And a slanderer separates close friends. Proverbs 17:9One who conceals an offense seeks love,But one who repeats a matter separates close friends. Proverbs 26:20-22For lack of wood the fire goes out,And where there is no gossiper, quarreling quiets down.21 Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire,So is a contentious person to kindle strife.22 The words of a gossiper are like dainty morsels,And they go down into the innermost parts of the body. 2 Timothy 3:3… unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good … Titus 3:1-2Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to slander no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing every consideration for all people. Exodus 17:3But the people were thirsty for water there; and they grumbled against Moses and said, “Why is it that you have you brought us up from Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” 1 Corinthians 10:10-11Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. James 5:9Do not complain, brothers and sisters, against one another, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. Colossians 3:9Do not lie to one another, since you stripped off the old self with its evil practices… Ephesians 4:25Therefore, ridding yourselves of falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, because we are parts of one another. 1 Timothy 1:4… nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to useless speculation rather than advance the plan of God, which is by faith, so I urge you now. Colossians 4:6Your speech must always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. Ephesians 4:29Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear. 1 Thessalonians 5:11Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you also are doing. 1 Corinthians 14:1-5Pursue love, yet earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For the one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people, but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for edification, exhortation, and consolation. … 4 The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but the one who prophesies edifies the church. 5 Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but rather that you would prophesy; and greater is the one who prophesies than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edification. 1 Corinthians 14:26What is the outcome then, brothers and sisters? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. All things are to be done for edification. 1 Corinthians 14:31-33For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted; 32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets; 33 for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. Colossians 3:16Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Christian Growth and the Body of Christ (11/26/2023)

“Christian Growth and the Body of Christ” Message given by Rex Beck on November 26th, 2023 Christian growth and the body of Christ 1 Corinthians 12:12–13 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. We are different and we need all the members 1 Corinthians 12:14–22 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, Growth comes through the joints and parts Ephesians 4:15–16 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Growth comes in the body from God Colossians 2:19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

Jesus’ baptism and temptation (11/12/2023)

“Jesus’ baptism and temptation” Message given by Rex Beck on November 12th, 2023 Jesus was baptized to fulfill all righteousness Matthew 3:13–17 Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him. 14 But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” 15 But Jesus answering said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permitted Him. 16 After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, 17 and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” Jesus’ temptation proved His faithfulness Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Turning stones into bread Matthew 4:2–4 And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. 3And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” 4But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’ ” Throwing Himself down from the temple Matthew 4:5-7 Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command His angels concerning You’; and ‘On their hands they will bear You up, So that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’ ” 7 Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” Worshipping Satan to receive the kingdoms Matthew 4:8-11 Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; 9 and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’ ” 11 Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him. Being a light to those in darkness Matthew 4:12-17 Now when Jesus heard that John had been taken into custody, He withdrew into Galilee; 13 and leaving Nazareth, He came and settled in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. 14 This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: 15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16 “The people who were sitting in darkness saw a great Light, And those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, Upon them a Light dawned.” 17 From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

The Church in Laodicea 2 (11/05/2023)

“The Church in Laodicea 2” Message given by Peter McNaughton on November 5th, 2023 Revelation 3:14–22 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: 15‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. 16‘So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. 17‘Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, 18I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. 19‘Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. 20‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. 21‘He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ”

The Church in Laodicea (10/29/2023)

“The church in Laodicea” Message given by Rex Beck on October, 29th 2023. The Lesson of the church in Laodicea The cure for lukewarmness Revelation 3:14–22 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: 15‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. 16‘So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. 17‘Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, 18I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. 19‘Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. 20‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. 21‘He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ”

Pillars in the Temple of God (10/22/2023)

“Pillars in the Temple of God” Message given by Rex Beck on October 22nd, 2023 Lessons from the church in Philadelphia: Pillars in the Temple of God Revelation 3:7–8, 11-13 7“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this: 8‘I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name…. 11‘I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12‘He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. 13‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ A pillar is of the truth and of God 1 Timothy 3:15 but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. Galatians 2:9 and recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we might go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. Jeremiah was made a pillar Jeremiah 1:18 “Now behold, I have made you today as a fortified city and as a pillar of iron and as walls of bronze against the whole land, to the kings of Judah, to its princes, to its priests and to the people of the land.” Pillars were placed at the front of the temple 1 Kings 7:21 Thus he set up the pillars at the porch of the nave; and he set up the right pillar and named it Jachin, and he set up the left pillar and named it Boaz.  

The Church in Philadelphia (10/15/2023)

“The Church in Philadelphia” Message given by Peter McNaughton on October 15th, 2023 Revelation 3:7-13 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this: 8‘I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have followed My word, and have not denied My name. 9Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and make them know that I have loved you. 10Because you have kept My word of perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of the testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who live on the earth. 11I am coming quickly; hold firmly to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12The one who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. 13The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

Being A Believer Who Has Life—The Lesson From The Church In Sardis (10/08/2023)

Being A Believer Who Has Life—The Lesson From The Church In Sardis Message given by Rex Beck on October 8th, 2023 In spirit John saw the churches as lampstands and Christ walking in the middle Revelation 1:10–13 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, 11 saying, “Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; 13 and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash. Ephesus, a church where the believers abandoned their first love and are given a chance to repent and overcome, loving the Lord in the first place Revelation 2:4-5 ‘But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 ‘Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place—unless you repent Smyrna, a church where believers are taught how to be faithful in the midst of suffering Revelation 2:10 ‘Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Sardis, a church where believers are taught to be filled with life Revelation 3:1–6 “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 ‘Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. 3 ‘So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you. 4 ‘But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 ‘He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. 6 ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ Being alive is of the utmost importance to the Christian Revelation 3:1 “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Jesus came that we might have life John 10:10b I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. Life is relationship, a basis for union and communion, and a sharing of nature. It cannot be separated from God Himself. John 17:3 This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. Life is Christ Himself Colossians 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. 1 John 5:11–13 And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. We manifest His life by allowing death to work in us 2 Corinthians 4:11–12 For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death works in us, but life in you.

Staying faithful to Christ in the midst of suffering (10/1/2023)

“Staying Faithful To Christ In The Midst Of Suffering” Message given by Rex Beck on October 1st, 2023 In spirit John saw the churches as lampstands and Christ walking in the middle Revelation 1:10–13 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, 11 saying, “Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; 13 and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash. Ephesus, a church where the believers abandoned their first love Revelation 2:4-5 ‘But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 ‘Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place—unless you repent. …and are given a chance to overcome the abandoning of the first love Revelation 2:7 To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.’ Smyrna, a church where believers are taught how to be faithful in the midst of suffering Revelation 2:8–11 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: 9 ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 ‘Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.’ The faithful will be given a crown of life Revelation 2:10 ‘Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

The Church in Ephesus (9/24/2023)

“The Church in Ephesus” Message given by Rex Beck on September 24, 2023 In spirit John saw the churches as lampstands and Christ walking in the middle Revelation 1:10–13 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, 11 saying, “Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; 13 and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash. The churches are the lampstands Revelation 1:20 “As for the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. Ephesus, a church where the believers lost their first love Revelation 2:1–7 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this: 2 ‘I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false; 3 and you have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake, and have not grown weary. 4 ‘But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 ‘Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place—unless you repent. 6 ‘Yet this you do have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.’

Being People of Vision (09-17-23)

“Being People of Vision” Message given by Peter McNaughton on September 17, 2023 Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is one who keeps the Law. Matthew 16:16-18 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. Revelation 1:9-10 9 I, John, your brother and fellow participant in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet Revelation 1:11-20 11 … saying, “Write on a scroll what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.” 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And after turning I saw seven golden lampstands; 13 and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and wrapped around the chest with a golden sash. 14 His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire. 15 His feet were like burnished bronze when it has been heated to a glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters. 16 In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength. 17 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, 18 and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades. 19 Therefore write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things. 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

John’s Radiant Vision (09-10-23)

“John’s Radiant Vision” Message given by Rex Beck on September 10, 2023 John Saw the Vision of the Churches and Christ Revelation 1:10-13 10I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” 12Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. The Person John was when he Saw the Vision A Bondservant 1The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. Revelation 1:1-3 A Person Freed from Sins by the Blood of Christ and Made a Priest Revelation 1:4-6 4John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. A Person Waiting for the Lord to Return Revelation 1:7-8 7Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. 8“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” A Partner in the Tribulation, Kingdom, and Patient Endurance in Jesus Revelation 1:9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. A Person in Spirit Revelation 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet

The Samaritan, our Neighbor, and the Inn (08-27-23)

“The Samaritan, our Neighbor, and the Inn” Message given by James Reinarz on August 27, 2023 Luke 10:25-28 25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” The Parable of the Good Samaritan Luke 10:29-32 29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. Luke 10:33-35 33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Luke 10:36-37 36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” The Samaritan as our Neighbor Luke 10:33-34 33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him The church as the Inn Luke 10:35-37 35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ 36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

Romans Part XIII — Living in Society and with Each Other (08-20-23)

“Living in Society and with Each Other” Message given by Rex Beck on August 20, 2023 Be subject to the governing authorities Romans 13:1-5 1Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. Pay taxes and owe what is due Romans 13:6-7 6For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. Love each other Romans 13:8-10 8Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Wake up and Put on the Lord Jesus Christ Romans 13:11-14 11Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ Romans 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Romans Part XIIc — Living as a Member of the Body of Christ (08-13-23)

“Living as a Member of the Body of Christ” Message given by Rex Beck on August 13, 2023 We are members of His body Romans 12:3-5 3For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. 4For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. In the body we have gifts for the building up Romans 12:6-8 6Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Attributes needed for a “body life” Love, Zeal, and Joy Romans 12:9-11 9Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Giving in prayer and material things Romans 12:12-13 12Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Blessing Romans 12:14 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Empathy Romans 12:15-16 15Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Handling wrongs by not avenging yourself Romans 12:17-21 17Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans (Part XIIb) — Presenting Our Bodies for His Body, II (08-06-23)

“Presenting Our Bodies for His Body — Part II” Message given by Rex Beck on August 6, 2023 We can present our bodies to God Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. A presented life is not conformed to the world and is able to prove the will of God Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. We are members of His body Romans 12:3-5 3For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. 4For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. In the body we have gifts for the building up Romans 12:6-8 6Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Romans (Part XIIa) — Presenting Our Bodies for His Body, Part I (07-30-23)

“Presenting Our Bodies for His Body — Part I” Message given by Rex Beck on July 30, 2023 We can present our bodies to God Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. A presented life is not conformed to the world and is able to prove the will of God Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. We are members of His body Romans 12:3-5 3For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. 4For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. In the body we have gifts for the building up Romans 12:6-8 6Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Romans (Part X): Faith for a Grafted Life – The Long View (07-23-23)

“Faith for a Grafted Life — The Long View” Message given by Rex Beck on July 23, 2023 We are to spread God’s word to the whole earth Romans 10:13–15 13for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? 15How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!” The Word produces faith Romans 10:16–17 16However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. Israel heard, but didn’t believe Romans 10:18 18But I say, surely they have never heard, have they? Indeed they have; “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world.” God will make Israel Jealous with another nation as He stretches His hands out to them Romans 10:19–21 19But I say, surely Israel did not know, did they? First Moses says, “I will make you jealous by that which is not a nation, By a nation without understanding will I anger you.” 20And Isaiah is very bold and says, “I was found by those who did not seek Me, I became manifest to those who did not ask for Me.” 21But as for Israel He says, “All the day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.” Now, there is of Israel a remnant according to grace—God has not rejected His people Romans 11:1–6 1I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? 3“Lord, they have killed Your prophets, they have torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they are seeking my life.” 4But what is the divine response to him? “I have kept for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice. 6But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace. The vast majority of Israel has rejected Christ Romans 11:7–10 7What then? What Israel is seeking, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened; 8just as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, Eyes to see not and ears to hear not, Down to this very day.” 9And David says, “Let their table become a snare and a trap, And a stumbling block and a retribution to them. 10“Let their eyes be darkened to see not, And bend their backs forever.” Their stumbling (not falling) made God’s salvation go to other nations, so that Israel would become jealous Romans 11:11 11I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous. Israel as a nation will still be reconciled in the future Romans 11:12–15 12Now if their transgression is riches for the world and their failure is riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fulfillment be! 13But I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, 14if somehow I might move to jealousy my fellow countrymen and save some of them. 15For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? The example of the dough and lump, root and branch of God’s people Romans 11:16 16If the first piece of dough is holy, the lump is also; if the root is holy, the branches are too. Romans 11:28 28From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of God’s choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers… “… the argument of the apostle is, that as the separation unto God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, from the rest of mankind, as the parent stem of their race, was as real an offering of first-fruits as that which hallowed the produce of the earth, so, in the divine estimation, it was as real a separation of the mass or “lump” of that nation in all time to God. The figure of the “root” and its “branches” is of like import—the consecration of the one of them extending to the other.”  — JFB Gentiles are part of the tree by a living faith Romans 11:16b–18 … if the root is holy, the branches are too. 17But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, 18do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. God’s people are grafted in by a living faith Romans 11:16–24 19You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; 21for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. 22Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to […]

Romans (Part IX): Chosen by God to Call on His Name (07-16-23)

“Chosen by God to Call on His Name” Message given by Rex Beck on July 16, 2023 God’s love and salvation are so great that Paul wanted all of Israel to receive it. Paul was greatly concerned for Israel Romans 9:1–5 1I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— 2that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. 4They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 5To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. Not all Israel has believed. Does that mean God’s word has failed? Romans 9:6 6But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel… God’s selection is what determines God’s people—Think of Isaac and Jacob Romans 9:7–13 7and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 8This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. 9For this is what the promise said: “About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.” 10And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— 12she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” Does this mean God is unfair? Romans 9:14–18 14What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! 15For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. 17For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. God is the Potter Romans 9:19–21 19You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” 21Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? We are vessels, chosen by God for His glory Romans 9:22–24 22What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— 24even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? Paul still tried to preach to all the Jews Romans 10:1–4 1Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. 4For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. God’s word is so close, in their mouth and in their heart Romans 10:6–8 6But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7“or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); Confess with your mouth and believe in your heart Romans 10:9–11 9because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” Call on the Lord and He will be rich Romans 10:12–13 12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Our response to God’s selection: Preach the word Romans 10:14–17 14How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Fellowship — Part IV (07-02-23)

“God Is Light” Message given by Peter McNaughton on July 2, 2023 1 John 1:1-10 What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— 2 and the life was revealed, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was revealed to us— 3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete. 5 This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; 7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.

Fellowship — Part III (06-25-23)

“Fellowship with the Father and with His Son” Message given by Rex Beck on June 25, 2024 1 John 1:3 3that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. Fellowship is “joint participation” where there is a sharing of a “common interest” and “common resources” John sought to bring the churches into this fellowship 1 John 1:1-4 1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. Fellowship is maintained by light 1 John 1:5-6 5This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. We can walk in the light and have fellowship 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

Fellowship — Part II (06-18-23)

“Fellowship” (Part II) Message given by Rex Beck on June 18, 2023 True Fellowship begins with Knowing Jesus 1 John 1:1–4 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. Which we have heard Matthew 5:2–3 2And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. John 14:6 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Which we have seen with our eyes Matthew 14:19–20 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. Matthew 14:26–27 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” Which we looked upon Matthew 17:1–2 1 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. John 6:66–69 66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” Which we have touched with our hands Matthew 14:29–31 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” John 20:26–28 26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” The Word of Life and the Eternal Life Manifested 1 John 1:1–4 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. The Spirit will guide you into the truth John 16:12–15 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

Fellowship — Part I (06-11-23)

“Fellowship” (Part I) Message given by Rex Beck on June 11, 2023 Fellowship with the Father and with His Son 1 John 1:3 3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. The Apostle John’s history with God prepared Him for a ministry that emphasized fellowship John was called by Jesus while mending his nets Matthew 4:21–22 21 Going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. John was called one of the “sons of thunder,” but learned how to follow the Lord through drinking the cup the Lord gives, that is, through the experience of the cross — John was described as a son of thunder Mark 3:14–17 14 And He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach, 15 and to have authority to cast out the demons. 16 And He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom He gave the name Peter), 17 and James, the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James (to them He gave the name Boanerges, which means, “Sons of Thunder”) … — John zealously followed the Lord and was adjusted by Jesus Luke 9:46–50 49John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow along with us.” 50But Jesus said to him, “Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is for you.” Luke 9:51-56 54 When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” 55 But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; 56 for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” And they went on to another village. — Jesus told John that He would drink the same cup the Lord drank Mark 10:35–39  35 James and John, the two sons of Zebedee, came up to Jesus, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You.” 36 And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 37 They said to Him, “Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory.” 38 But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 They said to Him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you shall drink; and you shall be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized. John reclined on Jesus’ bosom at the last supper John 13:21–26 21 When Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, that one of you will betray Me.” 22 The disciples began looking at one another, at a loss to know of which one He was speaking. 23 There was reclining on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24 So Simon Peter gestured to him, and said to him, “Tell us who it is of whom He is speaking.” 25 He, leaning back thus on Jesus’ bosom, said to Him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus then answered, “That is the one for whom I shall dip the morsel and give it to him.” So when He had dipped the morsel, He took and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. John was the only disciple who saw the blood and water flow from the Lord’s side and who testified what he saw John 19:34–35 34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe. John was to remain until the Lord comes John 21:20–24 20 Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; the one who also had leaned back on His bosom at the supper and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” 21 So Peter seeing him said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” 23 Therefore this saying went out among the brethren that that disciple would not die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but only, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?” 24 This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true.

Romans (Part VIII.c): A Life in Spirit III (05-21-23)

“A Life In Spirit — III” Message given by Rex Beck on May 21, 2023 We who have the Spirit groan for sonship, the redemption of our bodies  Romans 8:10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. Romans 8:22-25 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. The Spirit helps pray in our weaknesses Romans 8:26-27 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. All things work together for good to those who love God Romans 8:28-30 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. God is for us as we are conformed to Him Romans 8:31-39 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans (Part VIII.b): A Life in Spirit II (05-14-23)

“A Life In Spirit — II” Message given by Rex Beck on May 14, 2023 Walking according to the Spirit Romans 8:1–4 1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. The importance of the mind set on the Spirit Romans 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Life and Peace Romans 8:6-8 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. The Spirit and Christ are in us Romans 8:9-13 9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. 12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. We have received the spirit of sonship Romans 8:14-16 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God… We will be glorified with Christ and will see the whole creation set free Romans 8:17-23 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

Romans (Part VIII): A Life in Spirit (05-07-23)

“A Life in Spirit — I” Message given by Rex Beck on May 7, 2023 We have been joined to Christ Romans 7:4 Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. The effect of sin dwelling in us Romans 7:18–20 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. Romans 7:24–25 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. The Freedom of the Spirit Romans 8:1–4 1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Setting our minds on the spirit Romans 8:5-8 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. The indwelling Christ Romans 8:9-10 9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. Living by the Spirit Romans 8:11-14 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. 12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. The Spirit of Sonship Romans 8:15-17 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Romans (Part VII): Dead to the Law and Joined to Christ (04-30-23)

“Dead to the Law and Joined to Christ” Message given by Rex Beck on April 30, 2023 Our “old man” was crucified with Christ Romans 6:6–7 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. We are alive to God Romans 6:11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. We can present ourselves to God Romans 6:12–13 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. The Law is not binding on us because we are dead Romans 7:1-3 1 Or do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives? 2 For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. 3 Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress. We have died to the Law to be joined to Christ Romans 7:4 Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. The past bad marriage to the law versus the new way of the Spirit Romans 7:5-6 5 For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. 6 But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code. Remember living under the law Romans 7:7-11 7 What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. 9 I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. 10 The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. 11 For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. Sin is in me Romans 7:12-14 12 So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. 13 Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. I don’t understand my own actions—sin dwells in me Romans 7:15-20 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. The law of my mind versus the law of sin Romans 7:21-23 21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ Romans 7:24-25 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

Romans (Part VI): Dead to Sin and Alive to God (04-23-23)

“Dead to Sin and Alive to God” Message given by Rex Beck on April 23, 2023 Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more. Grace reigns! Romans 5:19-21 19 For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. We are dead to sin Romans 6:1-4 1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. We are united with Christ Romans 6:5-10 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. Dead to sin and alive to God Romans 6:11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. The key to our experience—presenting ourselves to God Romans 6:12-14 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. Being slaves of the one you obey Present yourselves as slaves to righteousness Romans 6:15-19 15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. 19 I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification. The fruit leads to sanctification and eternal life Romans 6:20-23 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  

Romans (Part V): A Life filled with Grace (04-16-23)

“A Life filled with Grace” Message given by Rex Beck on April 16, 2023 The Life of a Justified Believer— We have Access into Grace Romans 5:1–5 1Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Justified by His Blood, Then Saved by His Life Romans 5:6-11 6For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Adam’s Effect on Humanity Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— Death was Reigning, now Grace works so that we can Reign in Life Romans 5:17 For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.  Grace Reigns through Righteousness Romans 5:20-21 20Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Resurrection (04-09-23)

“Resurrection” Message given by Rex Beck on April 9, 2023 Jesus on the cross Luke 23:32–34 32Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. John 19:30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Jesus is Risen Mark 16:1–2 1When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. Matthew 28:2–6 2And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Jesus appears to Mary John 20:16–17 16Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” Mark 16:9–11 9Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. Jesus breathes on the disciples and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:19–22 19On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

Romans (Part IV): A Life of Faith (03-26-23)

“A Life of Faith” Message given by Rex Beck on March 26, 2023 We are justified by faith through Christ’s redemption Romans 3:23–24 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus… Romans 3:28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Abraham’s example Romans 4:1–5 1What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness…  David’s example Romans 4:6-8 6…just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: 7“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” Justification ushers one to the promise of inheritance Romans 4:13 13For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. Faith is a relationship—a knowing of grace and promise Romans 4:16 16That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all… Abraham’s example of faith being a relationship Romans 4:17–22 17…as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. 18In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” 19He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. 20No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” Abraham’s story in Genesis Genesis 17:16–17 16I will bless her, and moreover, I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.” 17Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, “Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” Our life of faith is like Abraham’s Romans 4:23–25 23But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, 24but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

Romans (Part III): Propitiation (03-19-23)

“Propitiation” Message given by Peter McNaughton on March 19, 2023 Romans 3 Then what advantage does the Jew have? Or what is the benefit of circumcision? 2 Great in every respect. First, that they were entrusted with the actual words of God. 3 What then? If some did not believe, their unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of God, will it? 4 Far from it! Rather, God must prove to be true, though every person be found a liar, as it is written: “So that You are justified in Your words, And prevail when You are judged.” 5 But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? The God who inflicts wrath is not unrighteous, is He? (I am speaking from a human viewpoint.) 6 Far from it! For otherwise, how will God judge the world? 7 But if through my lie the truth of God abounded to His glory, why am I also still being judged as a sinner? 8 And why not say (just as we are slanderously reported and as some claim that we say), “Let’s do evil that good may come of it”? Their condemnation is deserved. 9 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; 10 as it is written: “There is no righteous person, not even one; 11 There is no one who understands, There is no one who seeks out God; 12 They have all turned aside, together they have become corrupt; There is no one who does good, There is not even one.” 13 “Their throat is an open grave, With their tongues they keep deceiving,” “The venom of asps is under their lips”; 14 “Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness”; 15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood, 16 Destruction and misery are in their paths, 17 And they have not known the way of peace.” 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” 19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; 20 because by the works of the Law none of mankind will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes knowledge of sin. 21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 but it is the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in God’s merciful restraint He let the sins previously committed go unpunished; 26 for the demonstration, that is, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 27 Where then is boasting? It has been excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. 28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one. 31 Do we then nullify the Law through faith? Far from it! On the contrary, we establish the Law.

Romans (Part II): God’s Impartial Judgment (03-12-23)

“God’s Impartial Judgment” Message given by Rex Beck on March 12, 2023 The problem with people who judge Romans 2:1 1Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. The person who judges accuses other people and even despises God’s kindness Romans 2:3–4 3Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 4Or do you presume (think lightly, NASB) on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? There is a day of judgment Romans 2:5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. God’s standard of judgment—absolute righteousness Romans 2:6–11 6He will render to each one according to his works: 7to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. 9There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, 10but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. 11For God shows no partiality. People with the law and without will be judged righteously under God’s final judgment Romans 2:12–16 12For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 14For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them 16on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. The specific case of the Jews Romans 2:17–24 17But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God 18and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; 19and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? 22You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. 24For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” Outward circumcision will not avail Romans 2:25–27 25For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. 26So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? 27Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. Only an inward work of the Spirit will avail Romans 2:28–29 28For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. 29But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.

Romans (Part I): The Gospel of God (03-05-23)

Romans: The Gospel of God (Part I) Message given by Rex Beck on March 5, 2023 Romans 1:1–4 1Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord … Romans 1:15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. Romans 1:16–17 16For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” The Sad Condition of the World / The Raw Material For the Church Ungodliness and Unrighteousness Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. People Know God by Seeing Creation Romans 1:19–20 19For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. The Downward Spiral—Leading to Humankind Making God Romans 1:21–23 21For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. God Gives Them Up to What is Within Romans 1:24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves Romans 1:26–27 26For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. It’s a Cruel World Romans 1:28–32 28And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. 29They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. The Gospel is Power to Bring All to Salvation Romans 1:16–17 16For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

The New Testament Priesthood — Part VIII (02-26-23)

“Proclaiming the Excellencies” Message given by Rex Beck on February 26, 2023 1 Peter 2:9–10 9But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Made Priests Revelation 1:5–6 5and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Delivered from the Domain of Darkness Colossians 1:13–14 13He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

The New Testament Priesthood — Part VII (02-19-23)

“Paul, a ‘Priest of the Gospel'” Message given by Rex Beck on February 19, 2023 The Old Testament Example—the Peace Offering Priests Help People Offer a Peace Offering Leviticus 3:1–5 1 “If his offering is a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offers an animal from the herd, male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the Lord. 2 And he shall lay his hand on the head of his offering and kill it at the entrance of the tent of meeting, and Aaron’s sons the priests shall throw the blood against the sides of the altar. 3 And from the sacrifice of the peace offering, as a food offering to the Lord, he shall offer the fat covering the entrails and all the fat that is on the entrails, 4 and the two kidneys with the fat that is on them at the loins, and the long lobe of the liver that he shall remove with the kidneys. 5 Then Aaron’s sons shall burn it on the altar on top of the burnt offering, which is on the wood on the fire; it is a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the Lord. Leviticus 7:12 If he offers it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the thanksgiving sacrifice unleavened loaves mixed with oil, unleavened wafers smeared with oil, and loaves of fine flour well mixed with oil. Peace with Thanksgiving, Vows, and Freewill Leviticus 7:15–16 15 And the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving shall be eaten on the day of his offering. He shall not leave any of it until the morning. 16 But if the sacrifice of his offering is a vow offering or a freewill offering, it shall be eaten on the day that he offers his sacrifice, and on the next day what remains of it shall be eaten. The Priests Eat a Portion of the Peace Offering Leviticus 7:31–33 31 The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast shall be for Aaron and his sons. 32 And the right thigh you shall give to the priest as a contribution from the sacrifice of your peace offerings. 33 Whoever among the sons of Aaron offers the blood of the peace offerings and the fat shall have the right thigh for a portion. Peace with God Romans 5:1–2 1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Ephesians 2:14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility

Jump in the River

“Jump In The River” Message given by Rex Beck on February 5, 2023 Revelation 22:1 And he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb…

The New Testament Priesthood — Part VI (02-12-23)

“The New Testament Priesthood” — Part VI Message given by Rex Beck on February 12, 2023 Paul was a “priest of the gospel” Romans 15:15–16 15But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given me from God, 16to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. The Old Testament Example—the priest’s part in the sin offerings of the people — Priests help people offer for sins Leviticus 4:27–31 27‘Now if anyone of the common people sins unintentionally in doing any of the things which the Lord has commanded not to be done, and becomes guilty, 28if his sin which he has committed is made known to him, then he shall bring for his offering a goat, a female without defect, for his sin which he has committed. 29‘He shall lay his hand on the head of the sin offering and slay the sin offering at the place of the burnt offering. 30‘The priest shall take some of its blood with his finger and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering; and all the rest of its blood he shall pour out at the base of the altar. 31‘Then he shall remove all its fat, just as the fat was removed from the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priest shall offer it up in smoke on the altar for a soothing aroma to the Lord. Thus the priest shall make atonement for him, and he will be forgiven. — Priests eat some of the sin offering Leviticus 6:25–26 25“Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘This is the law of the sin offering: in the place where the burnt offering is slain the sin offering shall be slain before the Lord; it is most holy. 26‘The priest who offers it for sin shall eat it. It shall be eaten in a holy place, in the court of the tent of meeting. How to help a New Testament believer concerning their sins — In the light the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin 1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. — If we confess our sins, he is faithful to forgive us our sins and cleanse us 1 John 1:8–9 8If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The New Testament Priesthood — Part V (02-05-23)

“The New Testament Priesthood” — Part V Paul was a “priest of the gospel” Romans 15:15–16 15But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given me from God, 16to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. The Old Testament Example—the priest’s part in the sin offerings of the people — Priests help people offer for sins Leviticus 4:27–31 27‘Now if anyone of the common people sins unintentionally in doing any of the things which the Lord has commanded not to be done, and becomes guilty, 28if his sin which he has committed is made known to him, then he shall bring for his offering a goat, a female without defect, for his sin which he has committed. 29‘He shall lay his hand on the head of the sin offering and slay the sin offering at the place of the burnt offering. 30‘The priest shall take some of its blood with his finger and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering; and all the rest of its blood he shall pour out at the base of the altar. 31‘Then he shall remove all its fat, just as the fat was removed from the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priest shall offer it up in smoke on the altar for a soothing aroma to the Lord. Thus the priest shall make atonement for him, and he will be forgiven. — Priests eat some of the sin offering Leviticus 6:25–26 25“Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘This is the law of the sin offering: in the place where the burnt offering is slain the sin offering shall be slain before the Lord; it is most holy. 26‘The priest who offers it for sin shall eat it. It shall be eaten in a holy place, in the court of the tent of meeting.

The New Testament Priesthood — Part IV (01-29-23)

“New Testament Believers are Priests” (Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties, we were not able to record January 22’s message, Part III) Message given by James Reinarz on January 29, 2023 1 Peter 2:4-5 4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. There is a true tabernacle in Heaven. Hebrews 8:19-20 19 Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 20 a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man. Hebrews 9:23 Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. Blood on the right ears, thumbs and great toes Exodus 29:19-21 19 “You shall take the other ram, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the ram, 20 and you shall kill the ram and take part of its blood and put it on the tip of the right ear of Aaron and on the tips of the right ears of his sons, and on the thumbs of their right hands and on the great toes of their right feet, and throw the rest of the blood against the sides of the altar. 21 Then you shall take part of the blood that is on the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it on Aaron and his garments, and on his sons and his sons’ garments with him. He and his garments shall be holy, and his sons and his sons’ garments with him. Consecrated and Ordained to Serve God Exodus 29:22-25 22 “You shall also take the fat from the ram and the fat tail and the fat that covers the entrails, and the long lobe of the liver and the two kidneys with the fat that is on them, and the right thigh (for it is a ram of ordination), 23 and one loaf of bread and one cake of bread made with oil, and one wafer out of the basket of unleavened bread that is before the Lord. 24 You shall put all these on the palms of Aaron and on the palms of his sons, and wave them for a wave offering before the Lord. 25 Then you shall take them from their hands and burn them on the altar on top of the burnt offering, as a pleasing aroma before the Lord. It is a food offering to the Lord. Ordained to Eat and Enjoy Their Portion Exodus 29:31-33 31 “You shall take the ram of ordination and boil its flesh in a holy place. 32 And Aaron and his sons shall eat the flesh of the ram and the bread that is in the basket in the entrance of the tent of meeting. 33 They shall eat those things with which atonement was made at their ordination and consecration, but an outsider shall not eat of them, because they are holy.

The New Testament Priesthood — Part II (01-15-23)

“The New Testament Priesthood” — Part II Message given by Rex Beck on January 15, 2023 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. The Example of the Old Testament Priesthood Exodus 19:5–6 5Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.” Exodus 28:1 “Then bring near to you Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the people of Israel, to serve me as priests—Aaron and Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. The glorious, beautiful garments of the priests Exodus 28:2 And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. Exodus 28:4 These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash. Exodus 28:6 “And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and of fine twined linen, skillfully worked. Gold—The work of God and God Himself 2 Corinthians 1:21–22 21And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. Blue—a heavenly life Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places … Purple—a royal, reigning life 17For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17 Scarlet—the cleansing of the blood of Christ 1 John 1:7–9 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Fine Linen—righteous deeds Revelation 19:8 it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

The New Testament Priesthood — Part I (01-08-23)

“The New Testament Priesthood” — Part I Message given by Rex Beck on January 8, 2023 1 Peter 2:9 9But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. The Example of the Old Testament Priesthood Exodus 28:1 “Then bring near to you Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the people of Israel, to serve me as priests—Aaron and Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. Exodus 29:1 “Now this is what you shall do to them to consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests. Take one bull of the herd and two rams without blemish,…  The glorious, beautiful garments of the priests — The garments are for beauty and glory  Exodus 28:2 And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. Exodus 28:5 They shall receive gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen. — The holy garments clothe the priest in beauty Exodus 28:4 These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash. They shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons to serve me as priests.  — The priest wears the names of the children of Israel on their shoulders and breast Exodus 28:9–12 9You shall take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel, 10six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the remaining six on the other stone, in the order of their birth. 11As a jeweler engraves signets, so shall you engrave the two stones with the names of the sons of Israel. You shall enclose them in settings of gold filigree. 12And you shall set the two stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, as stones of remembrance for the sons of Israel. And Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord on his two shoulders for remembrance. Exodus 28:29–30 29So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment on his heart, when he goes into the Holy Place, to bring them to regular remembrance before the Lord. 30And in the breastpiece of judgment you shall put the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be on Aaron’s heart, when he goes in before the Lord. Thus Aaron shall bear the judgment of the people of Israel on his heart before the Lord regularly.  

Birth of Jesus (12-25-22)

“Birth of Jesus” Message given by Isaac Yeh on December 25, 2022 Luke 1:26-35 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. Matthew 1:18-25 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. Matthew 2:1-11 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. Luke 2:4-20 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and […]

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (12-18-22)

“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” Message given by Rex Beck on December 18, 2022 Luke 2:7–12 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” Verse 1 Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” Joyful, all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With th’angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Luke 2:13–14 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Verse 2 Christ, by highest Heav’n adored; Christ the everlasting Lord; Late in time, behold Him come, Offspring of a virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail th’incarnate Deity, Pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel. Matthew 1:21–23 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. Colossians 2:9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily Verse 3 Hail the heav’nly Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Ris’n with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die; Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. Malachi 4:2 But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. John 10:10b I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Verse 4 Come, Desire of nations, come, Fix in us Thy humble home; Rise, the woman’s conqu’ring Seed, Bruise in us the serpent’s head. Now display Thy saving pow’r, Ruined nature now restore; Now in mystic union join Thine to ours, and ours to Thine. Haggai 2:7 (KJV 1900) And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: And I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts. Genesis 3:15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” 1 Corinthians 6:17 But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Verse 5 Adam’s likeness, Lord, efface, Stamp Thine image in its place: Second Adam from above, Reinstate us in Thy love. Let us Thee, though lost, regain, Thee, the Life, the inner man: Oh, to all Thyself impart, Formed in each believing heart. 1 Corinthians 15:47–49 47 The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven. Ephesians 3:16–17 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…

God’s Spiritual House (12-04-22)

“God’s Spiritual House” Message given by Rex Beck on December 4, 2022 We are being Built Together by the Spirit Ephesians 2:22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. The House at Bethany—a Picture of the Church Life John 12:1–3 1Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. Loving the Lord in the Church Life John 12:4–11 4But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5“Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.” 9When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. Loving Jesus—A Story Retold Wherever the Gospel is Preached Matthew 26:10–13 10But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. 11For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. 12In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. 13Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”

The Plan of God’s Mystery (11-27-22)

“The Plan of God’s Mystery” Message given by Rex Beck on November 27, 2022 God’s Eternal Purpose Ephesians 3:8–13 8To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, 10so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord… God’s Mystery Ephesians 3:6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. The Plan of God’s Mystery – Stewardship Ephesians 3:2 …assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you… 1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace…

Grace for God’s Eternal Purpose (11-20-22)

“Grace for God’s Eternal Purpose” Message given by Rex Beck on November 20, 2022 Ephesians 3:8–13 8To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, 10so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord … Ephesians 3:6 6This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

God’s Eternal Purpose (11-13-22)

“God’s Eternal Purpose” Message given by Rex Beck on November 13, 2022 Ephesians 3:6 6This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Ephesians 3:8–11 8To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, 10so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord…

One Spirit, One Body (11-06-22)

Message given by Rex Beck on November 6, 2022 In one Spirit we were baptized into one body 1 Corinthians 12:12–13 12For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. To each of us was given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good 1 Corinthians 12:7–10 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. The Spirit empowers each and apportions to each 1 Corinthians 12:11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. We learn to live in the body with the other members 1 Corinthians 12:14–15 14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 1 Corinthians 12:21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” We care for and are connected to the other members 1 Corinthians 12:22–26 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. We are the body of Christ 1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

The Mercy Of God (10-30-22)

Message “The Mercy of God” Message given by Daniel Schmitkons on October 30, 2022 Titus 3:1-8 1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. Romans 10:9-10 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

God, The Savior (10-23-22)

“God, The Savior” Message given by Peter McNaughton on October 23, 2022 Titus 3:1-7 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to slander no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing every consideration for all people. 3 For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He richly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Daniel — Part VI — Daniel’s excellent prayer (2022-10-16)

Daniel, Part VI — “Daniel’s excellent prayer” Message given by Rex Beck on October 16, 2022 Through reading Jeremiah, Daniel realized that a return should soon come Daniel 9:2 … in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, observed in the books the number of the years which was revealed as the word of the Lord to Jeremiah the prophet for the completion of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years. Daniel 9:3 So I gave my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes. Through reading Moses and the histories, Daniel realized God’s ways and the current situation of God’s people. Daniel 9:4–5 4I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed and said, “Alas, O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments, 5we have sinned, committed iniquity, acted wickedly and rebelled, even turning aside from Your commandments and ordinances. Daniel 9:10 … nor have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in His teachings which He set before us through His servants the prophets. Daniel 9:11 “Indeed all Israel has transgressed Your law and turned aside, not obeying Your voice; so the curse has been poured out on us, along with the oath which is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, for we have sinned against Him.” Through reading Moses and the histories, particularly Solomon’s prayer, Daniel focused his prayer on the restoration of God’s city, God’s mountain, God’s sanctuary, and God’s people Daniel 9:16 “O Lord, in accordance with all Your righteous acts, let now Your anger and Your wrath turn away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain; for because of our sins and the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people have become a reproach to all those around us.” Daniel 9:17–18 17“So now, our God, listen to the prayer of Your servant and to his supplications, and for Your sake, O Lord, let Your face shine on Your desolate sanctuary. 18“O my God, incline Your ear and hear! Open Your eyes and see our desolations and the city which is called by Your name; for we are not presenting our supplications before You on account of any merits of our own, but on account of Your great compassion.” Daniel 9:19 “O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and take action! For Your own sake, O my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people are called by Your name.” After this excellent prayer, Daniel is called “highly esteemed” by God Daniel 9:20–21 20Now while I was speaking and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God in behalf of the holy mountain of my God, 21while I was still speaking in prayer, then the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision previously, came to me in my extreme weariness about the time of the evening offering. Daniel 9:23 “At the beginning of your supplications the command was issued, and I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed; so give heed to the message and gain understanding of the vision.” New Testament Application—We can know the purpose of the ages, which has been hidden in God Ephesians 1:9–11 9He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him 10with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him 11also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will… Ephesians 3:9–10 9…and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; 10so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. Acts 26:19 So, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision…

Daniel — Part V — The History and Future of the World and Believers

Daniel, Part V — “The History and Future of the World and Believers” Message given by Rex Beck on October 9, 2022 Daniel saw a grand vision Daniel 7:1-3 1In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel saw a dream and visions of his head as he lay in his bed. Then he wrote down the dream and told the sum of the matter. 2Daniel declared, “I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea. 3And four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another. The first beast—the Babylonian kingdom Daniel 7:4 The first was like a lion and had eagles’ wings. Then as I looked its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man, and the mind of a man was given to it. The second beast—the Medo/Persian kingdom Daniel 7:5 And behold, another beast, a second one, like a bear. It was raised up on one side. It had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth; and it was told, ‘Arise, devour much flesh.’ The third beast—the Grecian kingdom Daniel 7:6 After this I looked, and behold, another, like a leopard, with four wings of a bird on its back. And the beast had four heads, and dominion was given to it. The fourth beast—the Roman kingdom, plus the future man of sin Daniel 7:7–8 7After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. 8I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things. The interpretation—the four beasts are four kings Daniel 7:17 ‘These four great beasts are four kings who shall arise out of the earth. Daniel 7:12 As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. The interpretation—the little horn is the coming antichrist Daniel 7:24–26 24As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings shall arise, and another shall arise after them; he shall be different from the former ones, and shall put down three kings. 25He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. 26But the court shall sit in judgment, and his dominion shall be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed to the end. Daniel 7:21–22 21As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them, 22until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom. Revelation 13:1 And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. Revelation 13:5–7 5And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. 6It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation… Daniel also saw God on His throne and Christ receiving the kingdom Daniel 7:9-10 9“As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire. 10A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened. Daniel 7:13-14 13“I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. 14And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed. The saints receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom Daniel 7:17–18 17‘These four great beasts are four kings who shall arise out of the earth. 18But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.’ Daniel 7:21–22 21As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them, 22until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom. Daniel 7:27 And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; his kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.’ Revelation 3:21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. Luke 22:28–30 28“You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, 29and I assign to […]

Daniel — Part IV — Being a Person of Prayer (10-02-22)

Daniel, Part IV — Being a Person of Prayer Message given on October 2, 2022 by Rex Beck Officials in the Kingdom Became Jealous of Daniel Daniel 6:1–5 1It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom 120 satraps, to be throughout the whole kingdom; 2and over them three high officials, of whom Daniel was one, to whom these satraps should give account, so that the king might suffer no loss. 3Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. 4Then the high officials and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him. 5Then these men said, “We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.” The trap laid for Daniel Daniel 6:6–9 6Then these high officials and satraps came by agreement to the king and said to him, “O King Darius, live forever! 7All the high officials of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the counselors and the governors are agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an injunction, that whoever makes petition to any god or man for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. 8Now, O king, establish the injunction and sign the document, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, which cannot be revoked.” 9Therefore King Darius signed the document and injunction. Daniel Continued His Life of Prayer Three Times a Day Daniel 6:10–13 10When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously. 11Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and plea before his God. 12Then they came near and said before the king, concerning the injunction, “O king! Did you not sign an injunction, that anyone who makes petition to any god or man within thirty days except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?” The king answered and said, “The thing stands fast, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be revoked.” 13Then they answered and said before the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or the injunction you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.” The King realized Daniel was a Servant of the Living God and Daniel was Protected from the Lions Daniel 6:16 Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!” Daniel 6:19–22 19Then, at break of day, the king arose and went in haste to the den of lions. 20As he came near to the den where Daniel was, he cried out in a tone of anguish. The king declared to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” 21Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! 22My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.” Daniel Prayed with Windows Open to Jerusalem Daniel 6:10 When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously. Pray Three Times a Day Psalm 55:17 Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice. Prayer instead of Anxiety Philippians 4:6–7 6do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Prayer for all Men, Saints, and Hard Cases 1 Timothy 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people… Ephesians 6:18–20 18praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. Mark 9:28–29 28And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” Prayer after abiding in Him and His words abiding in us John 15:7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

Daniel — Part III — Being a Person Full of Divine Light (09-25-22)

Hymns & Songs Build Your Kingdom Here Chris Llewellyn, Gareth Gilkeson, Will Herron 1. Come set Your rule and reign In our hearts again, Increase in us we pray, Unveil why we’re made; Come set our hearts ablaze with hope, Like wildfire in our very souls; Holy Spirit, come invade us now; We are Your church; We need Your power in us. 2. We seek Your kingdom first, We hunger and we thirst, Refuse to waste our lives, For You’re our joy and prize; To see the captive hearts released, The hurt, the sick, the poor, at peace; We lay down our lives for Heaven’s cause; We are Your church; We pray revive this earth. Chorus Build Your kingdom here, Let the darkness fear; Call us into light, Save us with Your might; Set the Cornerstone, In our hearts alone; Let Your saints draw near, Build Your kingdom here, we pray! 3. Unleash Your kingdom’s power, Reaching the near and far, No force of hell can stop Your beauty changing hearts; You made us for much more than this, Awake the kingdom seed in us, Fill us with the strength and love of Christ; We are Your church; We are the hope on earth. Resurrecting Steven Furtick, Christopher Joel Brown, Mack Donald Iii Brock, Wade Joye, Matthews Thabo Ntlele 1. The Head that once was crowned with thorns Is crowned with glory now; The Savior knelt to wash our feet, Now at His feet we bow. 2. The One who wore our sin and shame Is robed in majesty; The radiance of perfect love Now shines for all to see. Chorus Oh Christ, Your Cross Is victory; All praise will rise To Christ our King. (x2) 3. The fear that held us now gives way To Him who is our peace; And “It is finished!” was His cry, From death comes victory. Bridge In Your Spirit I’m alive And now You’re alive in me, The resurrected King Is resurrecting me; Lord, Your Spirit gives me life, Now from sin and death I’m free; The resurrected King Is resurrecting me. 4. The tomb where soldiers watched in vain Was borrowed for three days; His body there would not remain, He walked out from that grave; He walked out from that grave! He Giveth More Grace Words: Annie Johnson Flint 1) He giveth more grace When the burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength When the labors increase, To added affliction He added His mercy To multiplied trials, He multiplies peace. Chorus His love has no limit, His grace has no measure, His power, no boundary, Known unto men For out of His infinite Riches in Jesus, He giveth, and giveth, And giveth again. 2. Fear not that they need shall exceed His provision Our God ever yearns His resources to share Lean hard on the arm everlasting availing The Father both Thee and Thy load will upbear 3. When we have exhausted our store of endurance, When our strength has failed Ere the day is half-done When we reach the end Of our hoarded resources Our Father’s full giving Is only begun. Message “Daniel (Part III) — Being a Person Full of Divine Light” Message given by Rex Beck on September 25, 2022 As a man full of light Daniel interpreted the writing on the wall Belshazzar held a debauched feast using the vessels of the temple from Jerusalem Daniel 5:1–2 1Belshazzar the king held a great feast for a thousand of his nobles, and he was drinking wine in the presence of the thousand. 2When Belshazzar tasted the wine, he gave orders to bring the gold and silver vessels which Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem, so that the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines might drink from them. Daniel 5:5 Suddenly the fingers of a man’s hand emerged and began writing opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace, and the king saw the back of the hand that did the writing. The wise men could not read the writing Daniel 5:8 Then all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the inscription or make known its interpretation to the king. Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah has great illumination Daniel 5:13–14 13Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Are you that Daniel who is one of the exiles from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah? 14“Now I have heard about you that a spirit of the gods is in you, and that illumination, insight and extraordinary wisdom have been found in you. Daniel discerns the king’s actions and interprets the writings Daniel 5:23 but you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines have been drinking wine from them; and you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which do not see, hear or understand. But the God in whose hand are your life-breath and all your ways, you have not glorified. Daniel 5:25–28 25“Now this is the inscription that was written out: ‘MENĒ, MENĒ, TEKĒL, UPHARSIN.’ 26“This is the interpretation of the message: ‘MENĒ’—God has numbered your kingdom and put an end to it. 27“ ‘TEKĒL’—you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient. 28“ ‘PERĒS’—your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians.” Daniel’s interpretation is fulfilled Daniel 5:14 Now I have heard about you that a spirit of the gods is in you, and that illumination, insight and extraordinary wisdom have been found in you. New Testament examples John 8:12 Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” 1 John 1:5 This […]

Daniel — Part II — Being Filled with the Spirit (09-18-22)

“Being Filled with the Spirit — Lessons from Daniel’s Life” (Part II) Message given by Rex Beck on September 18, 2022 Daniel was full of the Spirit as he interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream Nebuchadnezzar dreamt another dream and called Daniel for its interpretation Daniel 4:4–5 4 “I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and flourishing in my palace. 5 “I saw a dream and it made me fearful; and these fantasies as I lay on my bed and the visions in my mind kept alarming me. Daniel 4:8–9 8 “But finally Daniel came in before me, whose name is Belteshazzar according to the name of my god, and in whom is a spirit of the holy gods; and I related the dream to him, saying, 9 ‘O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, since I know that a spirit of the holy gods is in you and no mystery baffles you, tell me the visions of my dream which I have seen, along with its interpretation. Daniel saw the world for what it was and that heaven rules Daniel 4:25–26 25 that you be driven away from mankind and your dwelling place be with the beasts of the field, and you be given grass to eat like cattle and be drenched with the dew of heaven; and seven periods of time will pass over you, until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes. 26 ‘And in that it was commanded to leave the stump with the roots of the tree, your kingdom will be assured to you after you recognize that it is Heaven that rules. Daniel is a person “in whom is a spirit of the holy gods” Daniel 4:8 “But finally Daniel came in before me, whose name is Belteshazzar according to the name of my god, and in whom is a spirit of the holy gods; and I related the dream to him, saying…” New Testament Examples of the Spirit and our spirit We have a human spirit that is united and works with the Holy Spirit 1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 8:16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God 1 Corinthians 6:17 But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him. The Spirit reveals to us the riches of God and of Christ 1 Corinthians 2:9–10 9 but just as it is written, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, All that God has prepared for those who love Him.” 10 For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. John 16:13–15 13 “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. 14 “He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. 15 “All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you. We must be filled in Spirit, live in Spirit and walk in Spirit Ephesians 5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

Daniel — Part I — Man of God (09-11-22)

Hymns and Songs Just Taste and See By: B. B.; R. C.; B. C.; E. L.; T. Y.; R. Y. 1. Just taste and see that the Lord is good; Just taste and see that the Lord is good. He’s good for you, as He is for me; So whatever you do, just taste and see. 2. Just call, “O Lord” – He’ll change your life; Just call, “O Lord” – He’ll change your life. Amazing grace He will afford If in every place you call “O Lord.” 3. You’ll feel real love coming into your heart; You’ll feel real love coming into your heart. You’ll sense a flow from God above; And you will know you’ve found real love. 4. So praise the Lord for His life in you; Yes praise the Lord for His life in you. Something of Christ He has outpoured Into your life; so, praise the Lord! Psalm 34 (Taste and See) Shane & Shane 1. I sought the Lord and He answered me And delivered me from every fear. 2. Those who look on Him are radiant, They’ll never be ashamed, They’ll never be ashamed. 3. This poor man cried and the Lord heard me And saved me from my enemies. 4. The Son of God surrounds His saints, He will deliver them, He will deliver them. Chorus Magnify the Lord with me, Come, exalt His name together; Glorify the Lord with me, Come, exalt His name forever. 5. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Oh, how blessed is He who hides in Him! 6. Oh, fear the Lord, oh, all you saints, He’ll give you everything, He’ll be your everything. Bridge 1 Let us bless the Lord Every day and night; To Him who rescues us We’ll let our praises rise. Bridge 2 I sought the Lord and He answered, I sought the Lord and He answered, I sought the Lord and He answered me. Jesus, My Savior! Thou Art Mine Words: James George Deck Music: John L. Hatton 1. Jesus, my Savior! Thou art mine, The Father’s gift of love divine; All Thou hast done, and all Thou art, Are now the portion of my heart. 2. Poor, feeble, wretched, as I am, I now can glory in Thy name; Now cleansed in Thy most precious blood And made the righteousness of God. 3. All that Thou hast Thou hast for me, All my fresh springs are hid in Thee; In Thee I live; while I confess I nothing am, yet all possess. 4. O Savior, teach me to abide Close sheltered at Thy wounded side, Each hour receiving “grace on grace,” Until I see Thee face to face. Message “Daniel — a Man of Revelation” Message given by Rex Beck on September 11, 2022 The king had a dream and insisted that his wise men tell him the dream and its interpretation Daniel 2:4–5 4 Then the Chaldeans said to the king in Aramaic, “O king, live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will show the interpretation.” 5 The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, “The word from me is firm: if you do not make known to me the dream and its interpretation, you shall be torn limb from limb, and your houses shall be laid in ruins. No wise men could tell the dream to the king Daniel 2:10–11 10 The Chaldeans answered the king and said, “There is not a man on earth who can meet the king’s demand, for no great and powerful king has asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or Chaldean. 11 The thing that the king asks is difficult, and no one can show it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.” Daniel understood the dream by revelation and then praised God who reveals mysteries Daniel 2:17–19 17 Then Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, 18 and told them to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel 2:22 22 he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. Only God can reveal in both Old and New Testaments Daniel 2:30 30 But as for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because of any wisdom that I have more than all the living, but in order that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your mind. Galatians 1:15–16 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; The dream revealed and its interpretation Daniel 2:31–35 31 “You saw, O king, and behold, a great image. This image, mighty and of exceeding brightness, stood before you, and its appearance was frightening. 32 The head of this image was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its middle and thighs of bronze, 33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. 34 As you looked, a stone was cut out by no human hand, and it struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. 35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold, all together were broken in pieces, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, so that not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth. Human kingdoms and God’s kingdom […]

Paul’s Prayers — Part III (08-28-22)

Hymns & Songs Unto Him Who Hath Loved Us Words: Arthur Tappan Pierson Music: Philip Paul Bliss 1. With praise and thanksgiving There stands a great throng In the presence of Jesus And sing this new song. Chorus Unto Him Who hath loved us And washed us from sin, Unto Him be the glory forever! Amen! 2. All these once were sinners, Defiled in His sight, Now arrayed in pure garments, In praise they unite. 3. He maketh the rebel A priest and a king, He hath bought us, and taught us This new song to sing. 4. How helpless and hopeless We sinners had been, If He never had loved us till Cleansed from our sin. 5. Aloud in His praises Our voices shall ring, So that others, believing, This new song shall sing. Glory To His Name! Words: E. A. Hoffman Music: John H. Stockton 1. Down at the cross where my Savior died, God’s righteous nature was satisfied; There to my sin was the blood applied, Glory to His name! Chorus 1 Glory to His name! Glory to His name! There to my sin was the blood applied, Glory to His name! 2. I am so wondrously saved from sin, Jesus so sweetly abides within; There at the cross where He took me in; Glory to His name! Chorus 2 Glory to His name! Glory to His name! There at the cross where He took me in; Glory to His name! 3. O, precious fountain that saves from sin, I am so glad I have entered in; There Jesus saves me and keeps me clean; Glory to His name! Chorus 3 Glory to His name! Glory to His name! There Jesus saves me and keeps me clean; Glory to His name! 4. Come to this fountain so rich and sweet; Cast thy poor soul at the Savior’s feet; Plunge in today and be made complete; Glory to His name! Chorus 4 Glory to His name! Glory to His name! Plunge in today and be made complete; Glory to His name! Renovate Me Ian Konopinski 1. Too long kept within that cell, In a small room You’ve been held, Waiting for the day I’d let You freely dwell; My own will, my selfish mind, My desires have You confined, When I should be living for You all the time, When I should be living for You all the time. Chorus Renovate me to habitate me; My heart You’re making Your home. 2. Lord, You’re looking at these walls And You want to see some fall, That You’d make more room within this little hall. Well, Lord, hear surrender’s sound Let them crash all to the ground, As I yield to You and let You break them down, As I yield to You and let You break them down. Chorus Renovate me to habitate me; My heart You’re making Your home; Renovate me, I’m cooperating, Your will within me be done. 3. Renovate my heart and life, Strengthen me, O Jesus Christ, Lord, each day to let You have Your way inside; So I’m looking now to You, Only You can make me new, Come and do the work that, Lord, You need to do; Jesus, do whatever’s pleasing unto You. Bridge Jesus, make my heart Your home, In me let Your will be done. Have Thine Own Way, Lord Words: Adelaide Addison Pollard Music: George Coles Stebbins 1. Have Thine own way, Lord, Have Thine own way. Thou art the Potter, I am the clay. Mould me and make me After Thy will, While I am waiting, Yielded and still. 2. Have Thine own way, Lord, Have Thine own way. Search me and try me Master, today. Whiter than snow, Lord Wash me just now, While in Thy presence, Humbly I bow. 3. Have Thine own way, Lord, Have Thine own way. Wounded and weary Help me, I pray. Power, all power, Surely is Thine; Touch me and heal me, Savior divine. 4. Have Thine own way, Lord, Have Thine own way. Hold o’er my being Absolute sway. Fill with Thy Spirit ‘Til all shall see Christ only, always, Living in me. Message “Paul’s Prayers — Part III” Message given by Rex Beck on August 28, 2022 Ephesians 1:15-21 15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

Paul’s Prayer — Part II (08-21-22)

Hymns and Songs Verily, Verily By: James McGranahan 1. Oh, what a Savior that He died for me! From condemnation He hath made me free; “He that believeth on the Son” saith He, “Hath everlasting life.” Chorus “Verily, verily, I say unto you;” “Verily, verily,” message ever new! “He that believeth on the Son”— ’tis true— “Hath everlasting life!” 2. All my iniquities on Him were laid, All my indebtedness by Him was paid; All who believe on Him, the Lord hath said, “Hath everlasting life.” 3. Though poor and needy, I can trust my Lord; Though weak and sinful, I believe His word; Oh, glad message; every child of God “Hath everlasting life.” 4. Though all unworthy, yet I will not doubt; For him that cometh He will not cast out: “He that believeth”— oh, the good news shout! “Hath everlasting life.” Drinking at The Fountain By: Haldor Lillenas 1. Many weary years I vainly sought a spring, One that never would run dry; Unavailing all the earth to me could bring, Nothing seemed to satisfy. Chorus Drinking at the Fountain that never runs dry, Drinking at the Fountain of life am I; Finding joy and pleasure In abounding measure, I am drinking at the Fountain of life. 2. Through the desert land of sin I roam no more, For I find a living Spring, And my cup of gladness now is running o’er, Jesus is my Lord and King. 3. Here is sweet contentment as the days go by, Here is holy peace and rest; Here is consolation as themoments fly, Here my heart is always blest. 4. Here I find a never ending, sure supply, While the endless ages roll; To this healing Fountain I would ever fly, There to bathe my weary soul. Bridge Deep and wide, deep and wide, There’s a Fountain flowing deep and wide; Deep and wide, deep and wide, There’s a Fountain flowing deep and wide. Only Christ Words: Watchman Nee Music: Black Spiritual Who can set us free from sin? Only Christ! Only Christ! Who can be our life within? Only Christ! Only Christ! Only Christ! Only Christ can set us free; Only Christ! Message “Paul’s Prayers” — Part II Message given by Rex Beck on August 21, 2022 Ephesians 3:14–19 14For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Paul’s Prayers — Part I (08-14-22)

Hymns and Songs Marvelous Light By: Steve Hindalong 1. I once was fatherless, A stranger with no hope; Your kindness wakened me, Wakened me, from my sleep; Your love it beckons deeply, A call to come and die; By grace now I will come And take this life, take Your life. Pre-chorus Sin has lost its power, Death has lost its sting; From the grave You’ve risen Victoriously! Chorus Into marvelous light I’m running, Out of darkness, out of shame; By the cross You are the truth, You are the life, You are the way. 2. My dead heart now is beating, My deepest stains now clean; Your Breath fills up my lungs, Now I’m free, now I’m free. Bridge 1 Lift my hands and spin around, See the light that I have found, O the marvelous light, The marvelous light. Bridge 2 Jesus turned my life around, He’s the Light that I have found, O the marvelous light, The marvelous light. My Hope Is Built Words: Edward Mote Music: William Bradbury 1. My hope is built on nothing less, Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus name. Chorus On Christ, the solid rock I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand. 2. When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil. 3. His oath, His covenant, His blood, Support me in the whelming flood; When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay. 4. When He shall come With trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found; Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne. Have Thine Own Way, Lord Words: Adelaide Addison Pollard Music: George Coles Stebbins 1. Have Thine own way, Lord, Have Thine own way. Thou art the Potter, I am the clay. Mould me and make me After Thy will, While I am waiting, Yielded and still. 2. Have Thine own way, Lord, Have Thine own way. Search me and try me Master, today. Whiter than snow, Lord Wash me just now, While in Thy presence, Humbly I bow. 3. Have Thine own way, Lord, Have Thine own way. Wounded and weary Help me, I pray. Power, all power, Surely is Thine; Touch me and heal me, Savior divine. 4. Have Thine own way, Lord, Have Thine own way. Hold o’er my being Absolute sway. Fill with Thy Spirit ‘Til all shall see Christ only, always, Living in me. Message “Paul’s Prayers” Message given by Rex Beck on August 14, 2022 Philippians 1:9-11 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Australia, Philippines, and Reflections from The Great Assembly & College Training (08-07-22)

Hymns My Savior, My God By: Aaron Shust 1. I am not skilled to understand What God has willed, What God has planned; I only know at His right hand Is One who is my Savior. 2. I take Him at His word and deed, Christ died to save me, this I read And In my heart I find a need Of Him to be my Savior. Pre-chorus That He would leave His place on high, And come for sinful man to die, You count it strange, so once did I, Before I knew my Savior. Chorus My Savior loves, my Savior lives, My Savior’s always there for me; My God He was, my God He is, My God is always gonna be. 3. Yes, living, dying, let me bring My strength, my solace from this spring That He who lives to be my King, Once died to be my Savior. Something Every Heart Is Loving By: Gerhardt Tersteegen 1. Something every heart is loving, If not Jesus, none can rest; Lord, my heart to Thee is given, Take it, for it loves Thee best. 2. Thus I cast the world behind me, Jesus most beloved shall be; Beauteous more than all things beauteous, He alone is joy to me. 3. Bright with all eternal radiance Is the glory of Thy face; Thou art loving, sweet and tender, Full of pity, full of grace. Bridge All Your love for me, All poured out on me; Lord, here I give my heart to Thee. 4. When I hated, Thou didst love me, Shedd’st for me Thy precious blood; Still Thou lovest, lovest ever. Shall I not love Thee, my God? 5. Keep my heart still faithful to Thee, That my earthly life may be But a shadow to that glory Of my hidden life in Thee. Because of His Love For Me By: Ian Konopinski 1. Now tell me how could it be, Because of His love for me, That Jesus would die, would be crucified, Would hang on a tree for me? To think of this love so strong, He suffered reproach and wrong, Despising the shame, enduring the pain, For those who mocked all along. Chorus Lord Jesus, how could it be, Because of Your love for me: Lord, how could You plead, Lord, how could You bleed, For a sinner like me? Oh, boundless love divine, That ransomed this soul of mine! The life that You gave Has opened the way, For me to be saved. 2. Oh how did these words so sweet With hearing of faith come meet And help my heart see that Jesus loved me And gave Himself up for me? Though I am just helpless, poor, And sinful, vile to the core, Through mercy and grace, He lifted my face To behold His love so sure. 3. Because You have bought my soul, You saved me and made me whole, You’re more than enough, Thus conquered by love, I’ll let You have full control. Because of Your sacrifice, Because, Lord, You paid the price, Though it be so small, I give You my all, Lord Jesus, take my whole life. Testimonies

Poured Out As A Drink Offering (07-31-22)

Hymns Once For All By: Philip P. Bliss 1. Free from the law—oh, happy condition! Jesus hath bled, and there is remission; Cursed by the law and bruised by the fall, Christ hath redeemed us once for all. Chorus Once for all—oh, sinner, receive it; Once for all—oh, doubter, believe it; Cling to the cross, the burden will fall, Christ hath redeemed us once for all. 2. There on the cross Your burden upbearing, Thorns on His brow Your Savior is wearing; Never again your sin need appall, You have been pardoned once for all. 3. Now we are free— There’s no condemnation; Jesus provides A perfect salvation: “Come unto Me,” Oh, hear His sweet call, Come, and He saves us once for all. 4. Children of God—oh, glorious calling, Surely His grace will keep us from falling; Passing from death to life at His call, Blessed salvation once for all. Arise, My Soul, Arise Words: Charles Wesley Music: Traditional American 1. Arise, my soul, arise! Shake off thy guilty fears; The bleeding Sacrifice In my behalf appears. Before the throne my Surety stands; My name is written on His hands. My name is written on His hands. 2. He ever lives above For me to intercede, His all-redeeming love, His precious blood to plead. His blood was shed for all our race, And sprinkles now the throne of grace. 3. Five bleeding wounds He bears, Received on Calvary; They pour effectual prayers; They strongly speak for me. Forgive him, O forgive, they cry, Nor let that ransomed sinner die! 4. The Father hears Him pray, His dear anointed One; He cannot turn away The presence of His Son. His Spirit answers to the blood, And tells me I am born of God. 5. To God I’m reconciled, His pardoning voice I hear; He owns me for His child, I can no longer fear. With confidence I now draw nigh, And Father, Abba, Father, cry. Refrain Hallelujah to the Man, Hallelujah the One who gave His life; Hallelujah to the Lamb! Hallelujah! Our perfect Sacrifice; Hallelujah to the Son, the Son of God! Alabaster Chris Llewellyn & Gareth Gilkeson added verses by Ian Konopinski 1. I lie broken at Your feet Like an alabaster jar, Every piece of who I am, Laid before Your majesty. Chorus I will bow my life At Your feet, at Your feet; My lips, so lost for words, Will kiss Your feet, kiss Your feet. 2. The debt of sin I could not pay, Your precious blood has washed away; With tears of love and gratitude I give my heart and life to You. 3. Though all may wonder, “why this waste?” It’s my first Love that has first place; In love, I pour out all my life To satisfy You, Jesus Christ. High Chorus Oh, I love You, Lord, I love You, Lord, I love You, Lord; All my life poured out All on You, all for You. Message “Poured Out As A Drink Offering” Message given by Daniel Schmitkons on July 31, 2022 Philippians 2:14-17 14 Do all things without complaining or arguments; 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, 16 holding firmly the word of life, so that on the day of Christ I can take pride because I did not run in vain nor labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. Philippians 1:21-26 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. 23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sakes. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that your pride in Christ Jesus may be abundant because of me by my coming to you again.

Christ, the Sin Offering (07-24-22)

Hymns Where You Dwell By: Hannah Bontje 1. Out of the darkness, into Your light, You’re evermore shaping our hearts To love You deeper, to glorify The One that saved our souls. 2. Through all our weakness, our trying ways, Surely You never will fail. All things are working for Your good will, Your kingdom come in us. Chorus Send out Your truth and light! Lead us to Your holy hill! Bring us to the mountain where You dwell, Where You dwell, That we may know our God, That we may know our God. 3. Give us a faith that is pleasing to You, A life that is worthy of Your call, Strengthened with power to live for You, Our Christ, our all in all. 4. We praise You God and with thankful hearts Rejoice with all saints in the light. We’ve come to Zion lifting Your great Name high! Sing praise forevermore! He Giveth More Grace Words: Annie Johnson Flint 1. He giveth more grace When the burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength When the labors increase, To added affliction He added His mercy To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace. Chorus His love has no limit, His grace has no measure, His power, no boundary, Known unto men For out of His infinite Riches in Jesus, He giveth, and giveth, And giveth again. 2. When we have exhausted our store of endurance, When our strength has failed Ere the day is half-done When we reach the end Of our hoarded resources Our Father’s full giving Is only begun. O Jesus Christ, Grow Thou In Me Words: Johann Casper Lavater Music: Ada Rose Gibbs 1. O Jesus Christ, grow Thou in me, And all things else recede; My heart be daily nearer Thee, From sin be daily freed. Chorus Each day let Thy supporting might My weakness still embrace; My darkness vanish in Thy light, Thy life my death efface. 2. In Thy bright beams which on me fall, Fade every evil thought; That I am nothing, Thou art all, I would be daily taught. 3. More of Thy glory let me see, Thou Holy, Wise, and True; I would Thy living image be, In joy and sorrow too. 4. Fill me with gladness from above, Hold me by strength divine; Lord, let the glow of Thy great love Through all my being shine. 5. Make this poor self Grow less and less, Be Thou my life and aim; Oh, make me daily through Thy grace More meet to bear Thy name. Message “Christ, the Sin Offering” Message given by Daniel Schmitkons on July 24, 2022 Romans 3:23, 26 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God … 26 for the demonstration, that is, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Leviticus 17:11 11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement. Hebrews 9:22 22 And almost all things are cleansed with blood, according to the Law, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Hebrews 13:11-12 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the Holy Place by the high priest as an offering for sin are burned outside the camp. 12 Therefore Jesus also suffered outside the gate, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood. Hebrews 10:1-2 1 For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the form of those things itself, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually every year, make those who approach perfect. 2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins? Romans 8:3 3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh… Hebrews 10:11-12 11 Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; 12 but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God…

Sin (07-17-22)

Hymns and Songs There Is A Fountain Words: William Cowper Music: Early American melody 1. There is a fountain filled with blood Drawn from Immanuel’s veins; And sinners, plunged beneath that flood, Lose all their guilty stains: Lose all their guilty stains, Lose all their guilty stains; And sinners, plunged beneath that flood, Lose all their guilty stains. 2. The dying thief rejoiced to see That fountain in his day; And there may I, though vile as he, Wash all my sins away: Wash all my sins away, Wash all my sins away; And there may I, though vile as he, Wash all my sins away. 3. Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood Shall never lose its power, Till all the ransomed ones of God Be saved, to sin no more: Be saved, to sin no more, Be saved, to sin no more; Till all the ransomed ones of God, Be saved to sin no more. 4. E’er since by faith I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply, Redeeming love has been my theme, And shall be till I die: And shall be till I die, And shall be till I die; Redeeming love has been my theme, And shall be till I die. 5. When this poor lisping, stammering tongue Lies silent in the grave, Then in a nobler, sweeter song, I’ll sing Thy power to save: I’ll sing Thy power to save, I’ll sing Thy power to save; Then in a nobler, sweeter song, I’ll sing Thy power to save. Give Me Faith By: Christopher Joel Brown, London Gatch, Mack Donald Iii Brock, Wade Joye 1. I need You to soften my heart, To break me apart; I need You to open my eyes To see that You’re shaping my life. Pre-chorus All I am I surrender. Chorus Give me faith to trust what You say; You are good and Your love is great; I’m broken inside, I give You my life. 2. I need You to shine in my night, To be all my light; I need You to pierce through the dark, And cleanse every part of me. Bridge I may be weak But Your Spirit’s strong in me; My flesh may fail, My God, You never will. Just As I Am Words: Charlotte Elliott‎ 1. Just as I am, without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come! 2. Just as I am, and waiting not To rid my soul of one dark blot; To Thee, whose blood Can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come! 3. Just as I am, though tossed about, With many a conflict, many a doubt, Fightings within, and fears without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come! 4. Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; Sight, riches healing of the mind, Yes, all I need in Thee to find, O Lamb of God, I come, I come! 5. Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve, Because Thy promise I believe; O Lamb of God, I come, I come! 6. Just as I am, Thy love unknown Has broken every barrier down Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone; O Lamb of God, I come, I come! I Surrender All Words: Judson W. Van De Venter; Music: W. S. Weeden 1. All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live. Chorus I surrender all, I surrender all. All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all. 2. All to Jesus I surrender, Humbly at His feet I bow, Worldly pleasures all forsaken; Take me, Jesus, take me now. 3. All to Jesus I surrender, Make me, Savior, wholly Thine; Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit, Truly know that Thou art mine. 4. All to Jesus I surrender, Lord, I give myself to Thee; Fill me with Thy love and power, Let Thy blessing fall on me. 5. All to Jesus I surrender, Now I feel the sacred flame. Oh, the joy of full salvation! Glory, glory to His name! Cry In My Heart By: D.J. Wheller, John D. Winter 1. There’s a cry in my heart For Your glory to fall, For Your presence to fill up my senses; There’s a yearning within, A thirst for discipline, A hunger for things that are deeper. Pre-chorus Could You take me beyond? Could You carry me through? If I opened my heart, Could I go there with You? Chorus For what do I have If I don’t have You, Jesus? What in this life Could mean anymore? You are my Rock, You are my glory, You are the Lifter of my head. Pre-chorus 2 Could You take me beyond? Could You carry me through? If I opened my heart, Could I go there with You? For I’ve been here before But I know there’s still more, O Lord, I need to know You. Bridge I want to know You more, I want to love You more, I want to trust You more, I want to know You more. Pre-chorus 3 You will take me beyond, You will carry me through; When I open my heart, Lord, I go there with You; For I’ve been here before, But I know there’s still more; O Lord, I need to know You. Message “Sin” Message given by Peter McNaughton on July 17, 2022 Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are cleansed with blood, according to the Law, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Genesis 4:7-9 7 If you do well, will your face not be cheerful? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.” 8 Cain talked to his brother Abel; and it happened that when they were in the field […]

The Peace Offering (07-03-22)

Hymns Open Up Our Eyes By: Chris Brown, London Gatch, Mack Brock, Stuart Garrard, Wade Joye 1. Greater is the One who’s in us, Greater is the One who calls our name; He will never fail; Stronger is the One within us, Stronger is the One who fights for us; He will never fail, You will never fail. Pre-chorus For Your love endures forever; Oh, Your love endures forever. Chorus Open up our eyes Surround us with Your light, Your love endures forever. 2. Mighty is the One who’s for us, Mighty is the One who’s strong to save; He will make a way, You will make a way. Bridge Our God is fighting for us always, Our God is fighting for us all; Our God is fighting for us always; We are not alone, we are not alone. Jesus Paid It All Words: Elvina M. Hall Music: John T. Grape 1. I hear the Savior say, “Thy strength indeed is small, Child of weakness watch and pray, Find in Me Thine all in all.” Chorus Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow. 2. Lord now indeed I find Thy power, and Thine alone, Can change the leper’s spots And melt the heart of stone. 3. For nothing good have I Whereby Thy grace to claim; I’ll wash my garments white In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb. 4. And when before the throne I stand in Him complete, “Jesus died my soul to save,” My lips shall still repeat. Bridge Oh, praise the One who paid my debt And raised this life up from the dead! Unashamed Love Jason Morant 1. You’re calling me to lay aside The worries of my day To quiet down my busy mind And find a hiding place; Worthy, worthy… 2. I open up my heart and let My spirit worship Yours, I open up my mouth and let A song of praise come forth; Worthy, You are worthy… Chorus Of a child-like faith, And of my honest praise, And of my unashamed love; Of a holy life, And of my sacrifice, And of my unashamed love. 3. You’re calling me to follow You In all I say and do; O Jesus Christ, now let Your life Shine forth in every move; Worthy, worthy… 4. Right now I choose my life to lose To live each day for You; My life a living sacrifice Poured out for You anew; Worthy, You are worthy… Bridge Worthy, You are worthy… Message “The Peace Offering” Message given by Rex Beck on July 3, 2022 Experiencing the Drink Offering on the Sacrifice and Service of Faith Philippians 2:17–18 17 But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. 18 You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me. Leviticus 7:11-12, 16 11 “And this is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings that one may offer to the Lord. 12 If he offers it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the thanksgiving sacrifice unleavened loaves mixed with oil, unleavened wafers smeared with oil, and loaves of fine flour well . 16 But if the sacrifice of his offering is a vow offering or a freewill offering, it shall be eaten on the day that he offers his sacrifice, and on the next day what remains of it shall be eaten. All the flesh shall be consumed Leviticus 7:15 15 And the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving shall be eaten on the day of his offering. He shall not leave any of it until the morning. mixed with oil. All who are clean may eat of it Leviticus 7:19 19 “Flesh that touches any unclean thing shall not be eaten. It shall be burned up with fire. All who are clean may eat flesh…” God, The Offeror, the Priests, and the Offering Priest all Enjoy their portions Leviticus 7:30-33 30 His own hands shall bring the Lord’s food offerings. He shall bring the fat with the breast, that the breast may be waved as a wave offering before the Lord. 31 The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast shall be for Aaron and his sons. 32 And the right thigh you shall give to the priest as a contribution from the sacrifice of your peace offerings. 33 Whoever among the sons of Aaron offers the blood of the peace offerings and the fat shall have the right thigh for a portion. Peace John 16:33 33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Colossians 3:15 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

The Meal Offering (06-26-22)

Hymns Your Name By: Paul Baloche & Glenn Packiam 1. As morning dawns and evening fades You inspire songs of praise That rise from earth to touch Your heart And glorify Your Name. Chorus Your Name is a strong and mighty tower, Your Name is a shelter like no other, Your Name, let the nations sing it louder; ‘Cause nothing has the power to save But Your Name. 2. Jesus, in Your Name we pray, Come and fill our hearts today, Lord, give us strength to live for You And glorify Your Name. Glory To His Name! Words: E. A. Hoffman Music: John H. Stockton 1. Down at the cross where my Savior died, God’s righteous nature was satisfied; There to my sin was the blood applied, Glory to His name! Chorus 1 Glory to His name! Glory to His name! There to my sin was the blood applied, Glory to His name! 2. I am so wondrously saved from sin, Jesus so sweetly abides within; There at the cross where He took me in; Glory to His name! Chorus 2 Glory to His name! Glory to His name! There at the cross where He took me in; Glory to His name! 3. O, precious fountain that saves from sin, I am so glad I have entered in; There Jesus saves me and keeps me clean; Glory to His name! Chorus 3 Glory to His name! Glory to His name! There Jesus saves me and keeps me clean; Glory to His name! 4. Come to this fountain so rich and sweet; Cast thy poor soul at the Savior’s feet; Plunge in today and be made complete; Glory to His name! Chorus 4 Glory to His name! Glory to His name! Plunge in today and be made complete; Glory to His name! Jesus, I Take My Cross Today By: Ian Konopinski 1. Jesus, I take my cross today, I’ll follow You and go Your way. For Your sake, I will lose my life, To know You more, O Jesus Christ. Chorus 1 I’ll die to my own volition, Die to all my desires, Die to all my ambitions; To find in You new life, new life. 2. Today I choose Your will, not mine, Not my own strength, but Your pow’r divine. Chorus 2 I’ll let go of my resisting, Let go of all my pride, Let go of my insisting, To lay hold of new life, new life. Bridge I will take my cross, Today I’ll follow You, I’ll go Your way; Jesus, You’re my Lord, My life is Yours today, Lord, have Your way. 3. Yours is the glory, pow’r, and praise, Jesus, today, and always. Unashamed Love Jason Morant 1. You’re calling me to lay aside The worries of my day To quiet down my busy mind And find a hiding place; Worthy, worthy… 2. I open up my heart and let My spirit worship Yours, I open up my mouth and let A song of praise come forth; Worthy, You are worthy… Chorus Of a child-like faith, And of my honest praise, And of my unashamed love; Of a holy life, And of my sacrifice, And of my unashamed love. Message “The Meal Offering” Message given by Rex Beck on June 26, 2022 Philippians 2:17–18 17Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me. The Meal Offering Leviticus 2:1-13 “When anyone brings a grain offering as an offering to the Lord, his offering shall be of fine flour. He shall pour oil on it and put frankincense on it 2 and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests. And he shall take from it a handful of the fine flour and oil, with all of its frankincense, and the priest shall burn this as its memorial portion on the altar, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to theLord. 3 But the rest of the grain offering shall be for Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the Lord’s food offerings. Prepared in Different Ways 4 “When you bring a grain offering baked in the oven as an offering, it shall be unleavened loaves of fine flour mixed with oil or unleavened wafers smeared with oil. 5 And if your offering is a grain offering baked on a griddle, it shall be of fine flour unleavened, mixed with oil. 6 You shall break it in pieces and pour oil on it; it is a grain offering. 7 And if your offering is a grain offering cooked in a pan, it shall be made of fine flour with oil. 8 And you shall bring the grain offering that is made of these things to the Lord, and when it is presented to the priest, he shall bring it to the altar. 9 And the priest shall take from the grain offering its memorial portion and burn this on the altar, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the Lord. 10 But the rest of the grain offering shall be for Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the Lord’s food offerings. With No Leaven or Honey 11 “No grain offering that you bring to the Lord shall be made with leaven, for you shall burn no leaven nor any honey as a food offering to the Lord. 12 As an offering of firstfruits you may bring them to the Lord, but they shall not be offered on the altar for a pleasing aroma. With Salt 13 You shall season all your grain offerings with salt. You shall not let the salt of the covenant with your God be missing from your grain offering; with all your offerings you shall offer salt.  Christ is Our Passover, with Unleavened Bread 1 Corinthians 5:7–8 7Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For […]

Burnt Offering (06-19-22)

Hymns Just Taste and See By: B. B.; R. C.; B. C.; E. L.; T. Y.; R. Y. 1. Just taste and see that the Lord is good; Just taste and see that the Lord is good. He’s good for you, as He is for me; So whatever you do, just taste and see. 2. Just call, “O Lord” – He’ll change your life; Just call, “O Lord” – He’ll change your life. Amazing grace He will afford If in every place you call “O Lord.” 3. You’ll feel real love coming into your heart; You’ll feel real love coming into your heart. You’ll sense a flow from God above; And you will know you’ve found real love. 4. So praise the Lord for His life in you; Yes praise the Lord for His life in you. Something of Christ He has outpoured Into your life; so, praise the Lord! ‘Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus Words: Louisa M. R. Stead Music: William J. Kirkpatrick 1. ’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His Word; Just to rest upon His promise, And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!” Chorus Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er; Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! Oh, for grace to trust Him more! 2. Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to trust His cleansing blood; And in simple faith to plunge me ’Neath the healing, cleansing flood! 3. Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus, Just from sin and self to cease; Just from Jesus simply taking Life and rest, and joy and peace. 4. I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; And I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end. I Offer Up My Life Written by: Don Moen, Claire Cloninger 1. All that I am, all that I have, I lay them down before You, O Lord; All my regrets, all my acclaim, The joy and the pain, I’m making them Yours… Chorus Lord, I offer my life to You, Everything I’ve been through, Use it for Your glory; Lord, I offer my days to You, Lifting my praise to You As a pleasing sacrifice; Lord, I offer You my life. 2. Things in the past, Things yet unseen, Wishes and dreams That are yet to come true. All of my hopes, All of my plans, My heart and my hands Are lifted to You. Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee. Take my moments and my days; let them flow in endless praise, let them flow in endless praise. Take my love; my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure store. Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for thee, ever, only, all for thee. Message “Burnt Offering — Give Yourself To God” Message given by Peter McNaughton on June 19, 2022 Leviticus 1:1-9 1 Now the Lord called to Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting, saying, 2 “Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘When anyone of you brings an offering to the Lord, you shall bring your offering of livestock from the herd or the flock. 3 If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer a male without defect; he shall offer it at the doorway of the tent of meeting, so that he may be accepted before the Lord. 4 And he shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so that it may be accepted for him to make atonement on his behalf. 5 Then he shall slaughter the bull before the Lord; and Aaron’s sons the priests shall offer up the blood and sprinkle the blood around on the altar that is at the doorway of the tent of meeting. 6 He shall then skin the burnt offering and cut it into its pieces. 7 And the sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire on the altar and arrange wood on the fire. 8 Then Aaron’s sons the priests shall arrange the pieces, with the head and the suet, on the wood which is on the fire that is on the altar. 9 Its entrails, however, and its legs he shall wash with water. And the priest shall offer all of it up in smoke on the altar as a burnt offering, an offering by fire as a soothing aroma to the Lord. Romans 12:1-2 1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Matthew 16:24-27 24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. 25 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every man according to his deeds.

The Drink Offering — Part II (06-12-22)

Hymns All In All By: Dennis Jergan 1. You are my strength When I am weak, You are the treasure that I seek, You are my all in all; Seeking you as a precious jewel, Lord, to give up I’d be a fool, You are my all in all. Chorus Jesus, Lamb of God, Worthy is Your name; Jesus, Lamb of God, Worthy is Your name. 2. Taking my sin, My cross, my shame, Rising again; I bless Your name, You are my all in all; When I fall down You pick me up, When I am dry You fill my cup, You are my all in all. Do It Again By: Matthew James Redman, Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, Brock Mack 1. Walking around these walls, I thought by now they’d fall; But You have never failed me yet; Waiting for change to come, Knowing the battle’s won, For You have never failed me yet. Chorus Your promise still stands, Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness; I’m still in Your hands, This is my confidence, You’ve never failed me yet. 2. I know the night won’t last, Your word will come to pass; My heart will always sing Your praise; Jesus, You’re still enough, Keep me within Your love; My heart will always sing Your praise. Bridge I’ve seen You move, You move the mountains, And I believe I’ll see You do it again; You made a way, Where there was no way, And I believe I’ll see You do it again. Take My Life Words: Frances Havergal Music: Henri Malan 1. Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee. Take my moments and my days; let them flow in endless praise, let them flow in endless praise. 2. Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of thy love. Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for thee, swift and beautiful for thee. 3. Take my voice and let me sing always, only, for my King. Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from thee, filled with messages from thee. 4. Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold. Take my intellect and use every power as thou shalt choose, every power as thou shalt choose. 5. Take my will and make it thine; it shall be no longer mine. Take my heart it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne, it shall be thy royal throne. 6. Take my love; my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure store. Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for thee, ever, only, all for thee. Message “Experiencing the drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of faith” Message given by Rex Beck on June 12, 2022 Philippians 2:17–18 (NKJV) 17Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me. The Philippian’s Church Life  Philippians 1:27 (ESV) Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel… Paul Lived for the Philippians Philippians 1:24–25 24But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith… The drink offering with Jacob Genesis 35:9–16 9God appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Paddan-aram, and blessed him. 10And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; no longer shall your name be called Jacob, but Israel shall be your name.” So he called his name Israel. 11And God said to him, “I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come from your own body. 12The land that I gave to Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and I will give the land to your offspring after you.” 13Then God went up from him in the place where he had spoken with him. 14And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he had spoken with him, a pillar of stone. He poured out a drink offering on it and poured oil on it. 15So Jacob called the name of the place where God had spoken with him Bethel. The drink offering with Moses Numbers 15:2–5 2“Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you come into the land you are to inhabit, which I am giving you, 3and you offer to the Lord from the herd or from the flock a food offering or a burnt offering or a sacrifice, to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering or at your appointed feasts, to make a pleasing aroma to the Lord, 4then he who brings his offering shall offer to the Lord a grain offering of a tenth of an ephah of fine flour, mixed with a quarter of a hin of oil; 5and you shall offer with the burnt offering, or for the sacrifice, a quarter of a hin of wine for the drink offering for each lamb.

The Drink Offering — Part I (06-05-22)

Hymns And Can It Be Lyrics: Charles Wesley Music: Thomas Campbell 1. And can be that I should gain, An interest in the Savior’s blood? Died He for me, who caused His pain — For me, who Him to death pursued? Amazing love, how can it be That Thou, my God, should die for me? Amazing love, how can it be That Thou, my God, should die for me? 2. ’Tis mystery all! Th’ Immortal dies! Who can explore His strange design? In vain the firstborn seraph tries To sound the depths of love divine! ’Tis mercy all! let earth adore, Let angel minds inquire no more. ’Tis mercy all! let earth adore, Let angel minds inquire no more. 3. He left His Father’s throne above, So free, so infinite His grace; Emptied Himself of all but love, And bled for Adam’s helpless race: ’Tis mercy all, immense and free; For, O my God, it found out me. ’Tis mercy all, immense and free; For, O my God, it found out me. 4. Long my imprisoned spirit lay, Fast bound in sin and nature’s night, Thine eye diffused a quickening ray, I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth and followed Thee. My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth and followed Thee. 5. No condemnation now I dread, Jesus, and all in Him, is mine; Alive in Him, my living Head And clothed with righteousness divine, Bold I approach the eternal throne, And claim the crown through Christ, my own. Bold I approach the eternal throne, And claim the crown through Christ, my own! Jesus, I Come (Revised) Writers: Christopher Joel Brown / Steven Furtick; Rev. Ian Konopinski 1. Oh, how I need Your grace, More than my words can say; Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come; I need Your faithfulness, I need Your righteousness, Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come. 2. Oh, what amazing love, Poured out Your cleansing blood, Oh, Lamb of God, Jesus, I come; Within this boundless flood, I find You are enough, Oh, Lamb of God, Jesus, I come. Chorus Oh, this love, can it be, You, my Lord, would die for me? By Your blood, now I come To the throne of God above! 3. Out of all my weakness, Out of all my darkness, Bright, Heaven’s Sun, Jesus, I come; In Your light now I see, Jesus, You’re all I need; Bright, Heaven’s Sun, Jesus, I come! Bridge Thank You, Jesus, Just as I am, I come; Hallelujah, For Your amazing love. You Are My King (Amazing Love) By: Billy James Foote 1. Oh, how I need Your grace, More than my words can say; Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come; I need Your faithfulness, I need Your righteousness, Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come. 2. Oh, what amazing love, Poured out Your cleansing blood, Oh, Lamb of God, Jesus, I come; Within this boundless flood, I find You are enough, Oh, Lamb of God, Jesus, I come. Chorus Oh, this love, can it be, You, my Lord, would die for me? By Your blood, now I come To the throne of God above! 3. Out of all my weakness, Out of all my darkness, Bright, Heaven’s Sun, Jesus, I come; In Your light now I see, Jesus, You’re all I need; Bright, Heaven’s Sun, Jesus, I come! Bridge Thank You, Jesus, Just as I am, I come; Hallelujah, For Your amazing love. Message “The Drink Offering” Message given by Rex Beck on June 5, 2022 Philippians 2:17–18 (NKJV) 17Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me. The believers are to be a living sacrifice Romans 12:1–2 (ESV) 1I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Paul had a close relationship to the Philippians Philippians 1:3–7 3I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. The drink offering with Jacob Genesis 35:9–15 9God appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Paddan-aram, and blessed him. 10And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; no longer shall your name be called Jacob, but Israel shall be your name.” So he called his name Israel. 11And God said to him, “I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come from your own body. 12The land that I gave to Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and I will give the land to your offspring after you.” 13Then God went up from him in the place where he had spoken with him. 14And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he had spoken with him, a pillar of stone. He poured out a drink offering on it and poured oil on it. 15So Jacob called the name of the place where God had spoken with him Bethel. […]

Christ is Our Shepherd (05-22-22)

Message given by Rex Beck on May 22, 2022 John 10:1–3 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. Following the Shepherd by Knowing His Voice John 10:4-6 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. Finding Pasture and Receiving Life Abundantly John 10:7–10 7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life for His Sheep John 10:11–15 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. One Flock and One Shepherd John 10:16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.

Knowing Jesus (05-15-22)

Hymns and Spiritual Songs How Sweet The Name of Jesus Sounds Words: John Newton Music: J. C. Lowry 1. How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds In a believer’s ear! It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, And drives away his fear. And drives away his fear. And drives away his fear. It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, And drives away his fear. 2. It makes the wounded spirit whole, And calms the troubled breast; ’Tis manna to the hungry soul, And to the weary, rest; And to the weary, rest, And to the weary, rest; ’Tis manna to the hungry soul, And to the weary, rest. 3. Dear Name, the Rock on which we build, Our Shield and Hiding Place, Our never failing treasury, filled With boundless stores of grace! With boundless stores of grace, With boundless stores of grace; Our never failing treasury, filled With boundless stores of grace! 4. Jesus! Our Savior, Shepherd, Friend, Our Prophet, Priest and King, Our Lord, our Life, our Way, our End, Accept the praise we bring; Accept the praise we bring, Accept the praise we bring; Our Lord, our Life, our Way, our End, Accept the praise we bring. 5. Weak is the effort of our heart, And cold our warmest thought; But when we see Thee as Thou art, We’ll praise Thee as we ought; We’ll praise Thee as we ought, We’ll praise Thee as we ought; But when we see Thee as Thou art, We’ll praise Thee as we ought. 6. Till then we would Thy love proclaim With every fleeting breath, And triumph in that blessed Name Which quells the pow’r of death! Which quells the pow’r of death, Which quells the pow’r of death; And triumph in that blessed Name Which quells the pow’r of death! I’ll Go Where You Want Me To Go Words: Mary Brown (Revised) Music: Carrie E. Rounsefell 1. It may not be on the mountain’s height, Or over the stormy sea; It may not be at the battle’s front My Lord will have need of me; But if, by a still quiet voice, He calls To paths I do surely not know, I’ll answer, dear Lord, With my hand holding Yours, I’ll go where You want me to go. Chorus I’ll go where You want me to go, dear Lord, O’er mountain, or plain, or sea; I’ll say what You want me to say, dear Lord, I’ll be what You want me to be. 2. Perhaps today there are loving words Which Jesus would have me speak; There may be now, in the paths of sin, Some wand’rer whom I should seek. O Savior, if Thou wilt e’er be my Guide, Though cloudy and rugged the way, My voice shall then echo the message so sweet, I’ll say what You want me to say. 3. There’s surely somewhere a lowly place In earth’s harvest fields so wide, Where I may labor through life’s short day For Jesus, the Crucified. So, trusting my all to Your tender care, I know that You always love me! I’ll follow Your will with a heart so sincere, I’ll be what You want me to be. I’d Rather Have Jesus Words: Rhea F. Miller Music: George Beverly Shea 1. I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold; I’d rather be His than have riches untold; I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands. I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand. Chorus Than to be the king of a vast domain And be held in sin’s dread sway. I’d rather have Jesus than anything This world affords today. 2. I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause; I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause; I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame. I’d rather be true to His holy name. 3. He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom; He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb; He’s all that my hungering spirit needs. I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead. Message “Knowing Jesus” Message given by Daniel Schmitkons on May 15, 2022 John 9:1-3 1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him John 9:6b-7 6b Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the mud 7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). Sohe went and washed and came back seeing. John 9:11 He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed and received my sight.” John 9:16-17 16 Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them. 17 So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet. John 9:24-27 24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.” 25 He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” 26 They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27 He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” John 9:29-38 29 We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” 30 The […]

Light of the World (05-08-22)

Hymns and Spiritual Songs All Who Are Thirsty Brenton Brown, Glenn Robertson 1. All who are thirsty, All who are weak, Come to the Fountain, Dip your heart in the Stream of life; Let the pain and the sorrow Be washed away In the waves of His mercy, As deep cries out to deep. Chorus We sing, Come, Lord Jesus, Come! Come, Lord Jesus, Come! 2. Won’t You come, Won’t You come; Nothing but Your will for me, I am only free when You come. Isaiah 2 (Therefore With Joy) Music: R. L. 1. Therefore, with joy shall ye draw water Out of the wells of salvation And in that day, shall ye say, Praise the Lord. (repeat) Chorus 1 Call upon His name, Declare His doings among the people, Make mention that His name is exalted. Cry out and shout, Thou inhabitant of Zion, For great is the Holy One of Israel In the midst of Thee! 2. And in that day, O thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise Thee: For all Thine anger is turned, You comfort me. Behold, my God is my salvation; And I will trust, and not be fearful: For the Lord is my strength and my song; And He also is become my salvation. Chorus 2 Sing unto the Lord; For He hath done excellent things: And yes, this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: For great is the Holy One of Israel In the midst of thee! Before The Throne of God (chorus of Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus) Words: Charitie Lees Bancroft Music: Vikki Cook 1. Before the throne of God above I have a strong, a perfect plea: A great High Priest, whose name is Love, Who ever lives and pleads for me. My name is graven on His hands, My name is written on His heart; I know that while in heaven He stands, No tongue can bid me thence depart, No tongue can bid me thence depart. 2. When Satan tempts me to despair, And tells me of the guilt within, Upward I look, and see Him there, Who made an end of all my sin. Because the sinless Savior died, My sinful soul is counted free; For God, the Just, is satisfied To look on Him and pardon me, To look on Him and pardon me. Chorus Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face And the things of earth Will grow strangely dim In the light of His glory and grace. 3. Behold Him there, the risen Lamb, My perfect, spotless righteousness, The great unchangeable I AM, The King of glory and of grace! Now one with Him, I cannot die, My soul is purchased by His blood; My life is hid with Christ on high, With Christ, my Savior and my God, With Christ, my Savior and my God. Message “The Revelation of Jesus as the Light of the World” Message given by Rex Beck on May 8, 2022 John 8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” The Warfare John 8:13 So the Pharisees said to him, “You are bearing witness about yourself; your testimony is not true.” John 8:48 The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” John 8:52–53 52 The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.’ 53 Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?” John 8:59 So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. Promised Freedom John 8:31–32 31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. The Effects of Light — Life and Knowledge John 8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Eventually We Become Light Ephesians 5:8–9 8 …for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true) … Matthew 5:14  “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Jesus Judges Our Sin (05-01-22)

Hymns & Songs ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus Words: Louisa M. R. Stead Music: William J. Kirkpatrick 1. ’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His Word; Just to rest upon His promise, And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!” Chorus Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er; Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! Oh, for grace to trust Him more! 2. Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to trust His cleansing blood; And in simple faith to plunge me ’Neath the healing, cleansing flood! 3. Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus, Just from sin and self to cease; Just from Jesus simply taking Life and rest, and joy and peace. 4. I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; And I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end. Honey In The Rock Brandon Lake, Brooke Fraser 1. Praying for a miracle, Thirsty for the Living Well; Only You can satisfy. 2. Sweetness at the mercy seat, Now I’ve tasted, it’s not hard to see Only You can satisfy. Chorus 1 There’s honey in the rock, Water in the stone, Manna on the ground, No matter where I go, I don’t need to worry Now that I know Everything I need, You’ve got; There’s honey in the rock. 3. Freedom where the Spirit is, Bounty in the wilderness; You will always satisfy. Chorus 2 There’s honey in the rock, Water in the stone, Manna on the ground, No matter where I go, I don’t need to worry Now that I know Everything I need, You’ve got; There’s honey in the rock, Purpose in Your plan, Power in the blood, Healing in Your hands, Started flowing when You said it is done, Everything You did’s enough; There’s honey in the rock. Bridge I keep looking, I keep finding, You keep giving, keep providing, I have all that I need, You are all that I need; I keep praying, You keep moving, I keep praising, You keep proving, I have all that I need, You are all that I need. 4. Oh, how sweet, How sweet it is To trust in You, Jesus. He’s Always Been Faithful Thomas O Chisholm, William M. Runyan, Sara Groves 1. Morning by morning I wake up to find The power and comfort of God’s hand in mine; Season by season I watch Him, amazed, In awe of the mystery of His perfect ways; All I have need of, His hand will provide, He’s always been faithful to me. 2. I can’t remember a trial or a pain He did not recycle to bring me gain; I can’t remember one single regret In serving God only, and trusting His hand; All I have need of, His hand will provide, He’s always been faithful to me. Refrain Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not As Thou has been Thou forever wilt be. Chorus Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided, Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me! 3. This is my anthem, this is my song, The theme of the stories I’ve heard for so long: God has been faithful, He will be again, His loving compassion, it knows no end; All I have need of, His hand will provide, He’s always been faithful to me. Message “Jesus Judges Our Sin” Message give by Peter McNaughton on May 1, 2022 John 4:13-19 13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again; 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never be thirsty; but the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water so that I will not be thirsty, nor come all the way here to draw water.” 16 He said to her, “Go, call your husband and come here.” 17 The woman answered and said to Him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have correctly said, ‘I have no husband’; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this which you have said is true.” 19 The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. John 4:28-29 28 So the woman left her waterpot and went into the city, and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is He?” John 8:1-11 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 And early in the morning He came again into the temple area, and all the people were coming to Him; and He sat down and began teaching them.3 Now the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in the act of adultery, and after placing her in the center of the courtyard, 4 they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the very act of committing adultery. 5 Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?” 6 Now they were saying this to test Him, so that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground. 7 When they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 Now when they heard this, they began leaving, one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman where she was, in the center of the courtyard. 10 And straightening […]

The Spirit (04-24-22)

Message For God So Loved By: Ed Cash, Scott Cash, Franni Cash, Martin Cash, Andrew Bergthold 1. Come all you weary, Come all you thirsty, Come to the well that never runs dry, Drink of the Water, Come and thirst no more. 2. Come all you sinners, Come find His mercy, Come to the table: He will satisfy, Taste of His goodness, Find what you’re looking for. Chorus For God so loved the world that He gave us His one and only Son to save us, Whoever believes in Him will live forever; The power of Hell forever defeated There’s victory, there’s life, and there’s freedom; For God so loved, God so loved the world. 3. Bring all your failures, Bring your addictions, Come lay them down at the foot of the cross, Jesus is waiting there with open arms. Bridge Praise God, praise God For Jesus Christ will save; Praise Him, praise Him For His love has made the way. He Is Exalted By: Twila Paris 1. He is exalted, The King is exalted on high, I will praise Him; He is exalted, Forever exalted, And I will praise His name. 2. He is the Lord; Forever His truth shall reign; Heaven and earth Rejoice in His holy name; He is exalted, The King is exalted on high. Forever (We Sing Hallelujah) By: Jenn Johnson, Gabriel Wilson, Joel Taylor, Christa Black Gifford, Bryan Johnson, Kari Jobe 1. The moon and stars they wept, The morning sun was dead, The Savior of the world was fallen; His body on the cross, His blood poured out for us, The weight of every curse upon Him. 2. One final breathe He gave As heaven looked away, The Son of God was laid in darkness; A battle in the grave, The war on death was waged, The power of Hell forever broken. Pre-Chorus The ground began to shake, The stone was rolled away, His perfect love could not be overcome; Now, Death, where is your sting? Our resurrected King Has rendered you defeated. Chorus Forever He is glorified, Forever He is lifted high, Forever He is risen, He is alive, He is alive! Bridge We sing, “Hallelujah!” We sing, “Hallelujah!” We sing, “Hallelujah!” The Lamb has overcome! Revelation Song By: Jennie Lee Riddle 1. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, Holy, holy is He; Sing a new song to Him who sits on Heaven’s mercy seat. Chorus Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come; With all creation I sing, “Praise to the King of Kings!” You are my everything and I will adore You. 2. Clothed in rainbows of living color, Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder; Blessing and honor, strength and Glory and power be To You, the only wise King. 3. I’m filled with wonder,  Awestruck wonder At the mention of Your name; Jesus Your name is power, Breath and living water, Such a marvelous mystery. Hymns “The Spirit” Message given by Rex Beck on April 24, 2022 The Spirit—Rivers of Living Water John 7:37–39 37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ ” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. The Glorified Christ Luke 24:26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” John 20:22 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. A Life in Spirit Guiding us in Truth John 16:12–13 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. Bearing Fruit Galatians 5:22–23 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Living a Spirit Filled Life  We can walk in Spirit Romans 8:4 … in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. We can be filled in Spirit Ephesians 5:18–21 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Resurrection is our Hope (04-17-22)

Hymns Christ The Lord is Risen Words: Charles Wesley (altered) Music: Paul Sjolund 1. Christ the Lord is ris’n indeed, Hallelujah! He has met His people’s need, Hallelujah! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Hallelujah! Sing, ye heav’ns and earth, reply, Hallelujah! 2. Lives again our glorious King, Hallelujah! Where, O Death, is now thy sting? Hallelujah! Dying once He all doth save, Hallelujah! Where thy victory O grave? Hallelujah! 3. Love’s redeeming work is done, Hallelujah! Fought the fight, the battle won, Hallelujah! Death in vain forbade Him rise, Hallelujah! Christ ascended o’er the skies, Hallelujah! 4. Soar we now where Christ hath led, Hallelujah! Foll’wing our exalted Head, Hallelujah! Made like Him, like Him we rise, Hallelujah! Free from all the earthly ties, Hallelujah! You Are Good By: Israel Houghton 1. Lord, You are good And Your mercy endureth forever. Pre-chorus People from every nation and tongue, From generation to generation… Chorus We worship You! Hallelujah, Hallelujah! We worship You For who You are; (x2) Lord, You are good! All Hail The Power of Jesus’ Name Edward Perronet, John Rippon, & Oliver Holden 1. All hail the power of Jesus’ name! Let angels prostrate fall. Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all. Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all! 2. O seed of Israel’s chosen race now ransomed from the fall, hail him who saves you by his grace, and crown him Lord of all. Hail him who saves you by his grace, and crown him Lord of all! 3. Let every tongue and every tribe responsive to his call, to him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all. To him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all! 4. Oh, that with all the sacred throng we at his feet may fall! We’ll join the everlasting song and crown him Lord of all. We’ll join the everlasting song and crown him Lord of all. Resurrecting Steven Furtick, Christopher Joel Brown, Mack Donald Iii Brock, Wade Joye, Matthews Thabo Ntlele (altered) 1. The Head that once was crowned with thorns Is crowned with glory now; The Savior knelt to wash our feet, Now at His feet we bow. 2. The One who wore our sin and shame Is robed in majesty; The radiance of perfect love Now shines for all to see. Chorus Oh Christ, Your Cross Is victory; All praise will rise To Christ our King. (x2) 3. The fear that held us now gives way To Him who is our peace; And “It is finished!” was His cry, From death comes victory. Bridge In Your Spirit I’m alive And now You’re alive in me, The resurrected King Is resurrecting me; Lord, Your Spirit gives me life, Now from sin and death I’m free; The resurrected King Is resurrecting me. 4. The tomb where soldiers watched in vain Was borrowed for three days; His body there would not remain, He walked out from that grave; He walked out from that grave! Life! Life! Eternal Life! William Leslie 1. Under the burdens of guilt and care Many a spirit is grieving, Who in the joy of the Lord might share, Life everlasting receiving. Chorus Life! Life! Eternal life! Jesus alone is the Giver; Life! Life! Abundant life! Glory to Jesus forever! 2. Burdened one, why will you longer bear Sorrows from which He releases? Open your heart, and rejoicing, share Life more abundant in Jesus. 3. Leaving the mountain, the streamlet grows, Flooding the vale with a river; So from the hill of the Cross there flows Life more abundant for ever. 4. Oh, for the floods on the thirsty land! Oh, for a mighty revival! Oh, for a sanctified, fearless band! Ready to hail its arrival. Message “Resurrection is our Hope” Message given by Rex Beck on April 17, 2022 Peter Denies the Lord Mark 14:66–72 66 And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, 67 and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you mean.” And he went out into the gateway and the rooster crowed. 69 And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” 70 But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” 71 But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” 72 And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept. God lays on Christ the Iniquities of us all Isaiah 53:2–6 2    For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. 3    He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4    Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5    But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 6    All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Jesus Resurrects and Appears to Many Mark 16:1–13 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so […]

Living for Jesus — (04-10-2022)

Hymns Complete In Thee Words: Aaron R. Wolfe; Chorus: James Martin Gray; Music: Talmadge J. Bittikofer 1. Complete in Thee! no work of mine May take, dear Lord, the place of Thine; Thy blood hath pardon bought for me, And I am now complete in Thee. Chorus Yea, justified! O blessed thought! And sanctified! Salvation wrought! Thy blood hath pardon bought for me, And glorified, I too, shall be! 2. Complete in Thee! no more shall sin, Thy grace hath conquered, reign within; Thy voice shall bid the tempter flee, And I shall stand complete in Thee. 3. Complete in Thee–each want supplied, And no good thing to me denied; Since Thou my portion, Lord, wilt be, I ask no more, complete in Thee. 4. Dear Savior! when before Thy bar All tribes and tongues assembled are, Among Thy chosen will I be, At Thy right hand, complete in Thee. Here I Am To Worship By: Tim Hughes 1. Light of the world, You stepped down into darkness, Opened my eyes, let me see, Beauty that made this heart adore You, Hope of a life spent with You. Chorus Here I am to worship, Here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that You’re my God; You’re altogether lovely, Altogether worthy, Altogether wonderful to me. 2. King of all days, O so highly exalted, Glorious in Heaven above; Humbly You came To the earth You created, All for love’s sake became poor. Bridge I’ll never know how much it cost To see my sin upon that cross. In spirit and truth, I worship You. I Love You, Lord By: Laurie Klein, Go Fish I love You, Lord, And I lift my voice To worship You; In You, I rejoice; Take joy, my King, in what You hear, May it be a sweet, sweet sound In Your ear. More Love to Thee Words: Elizabeth Prentiss; Music: William Howard Doane 1. More love to Thee, O Christ, More love to Thee! Hear Thou the prayer I make On bended knee; This is my earnest plea: More love, O Christ, to Thee, More love to Thee, More love to Thee! 2. Once earthly joy I craved, Sought peace and rest; Now Thee alone I seek, Give what is best; This all my prayer shall be: More love, O Christ, to Thee, More love to Thee, More love to Thee! 3. Let sorrow do its work, Send grief and pain; Sweet are Thy messengers, Sweet their refrain, When they can sing with me, “More love, O Christ, to Thee, More love to Thee, More love to Thee!” 4. Then shall my latest breath Whisper Thy praise; This be the parting cry My heart shall raise; This still its prayer shall be: More love, O Christ, to Thee, More love to Thee, More love to Thee! Message “The most blessed life — living for Jesus” Message given by Rex Beck on April 10, 2022 John 5:2–9 Jesus heals a man who had been sick for 38 years 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. 3 In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. 5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” 9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath. John 5:14-17 Jesus finds him again and the Jews persecute Jesus 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. 16 And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” John 5:18-22 The life Jesus lived in relation to the Father 18 This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. 19 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. 22 For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, John 5:30 30 “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. John 5:24 Life is given through His words and faith 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. John 5:39-40 Coming to Jesus to have life 39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.

Living Water — (04-03-2022)

Hymns You Are Good By Jason Ingram and Reuben Morgan 1. You are good, You are good When there’s nothing good in me; You are love, You are love On display for all to see; You are light, You are light When the darkness closes in, You are hope, You are hope, You have covered all my sin. 2. You are peace,You are peace When my fear is crippling; You are true, You are true Even in my wandering; You are joy, You are joy, You’re the reason that I sing; You are life, You are life, In You death has lost its sting. Chorus Oh, I’m running to You, Lord, I’m running to You, Lord, Jesus, all You are will always be enough, Capture my heart and keep it true, All that I need is found in You. 3. You are more, You are more Than my words can ever say; You are Lord, You are Lord, All creation will proclaim; You are here, You are here, In Your presence, I’m made whole; You are God, You are God, Of all else I’m letting go. Bridge My heart will sing no other name Jesus, Jesus. Come Unto Jesus By Ian Konopinski 1. Are you a traveler that’s lost and weary, Wandering on some dark, deserted road? Seeking some rest, are you seeking some solace, Seeking relief from your life’s heavy load? Chorus Come unto Jesus, all who are weary, Come unto Jesus, and lean on His breast, Unload your cares and lay down your burdens, In Him you’ll find boundless love and rest. 2. Out in the world there is boundless oppression, Cruel reproaches, and foul misery; Have you been robbed, are you beaten and broken? Jesus will find you, you’re Healer He’ll be. 3. Aren’t you tired of wasting your wages, Spending your strength on what will pass away? See how your soul still is searching for something, Love that endures and a peace that remains. 4. Are you an athlete, the racecourse you’re running? Struggling and striving, a crown you would win? Without some food you will faint in a moment, Eat heaven’s Bread and you’ll have life within. 5. Are you a farmer that’s seeking a harvest, Bearing the yoke that is easy and light? Friend, how you need some supply and refreshment! Drink from the Fountain that cannot run dry! 6. To you, dear friend, now this Jesus is calling, Waiting and willing to show you His face; He lived and died, all your sorrows He’s taken, Salvation’s ready, come now find His grace. Yet Not I, But Through Christ In Me By Michael Farren, Jonny Robinson, Rich Thompson 1. What gift of grace is Jesus my Redeemer; I once was dead, now life eternal’s mine; He is my Joy, my Righteousness, and Freedom, My steadfast Love, my deep and boundless Peace; To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus, For my life is wholly found in Him; Oh how strange and divine, I can sing: all is mine, Yet not I, but through Christ in me! 2. The night is dark but I am not forsaken, In Jesus Christ, my soul on Him is stayed, I will press on, believing and rejoicing, Though I am weak, His power is displayed; To this I hold, my Shepherd – He will carry me, Through the deepest valley He will lead; Oh the night has been won, and I shall overcome, Yet not I, but through Christ in me! 3. No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven, Salvation’s sure, the price is fully paid: For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon And He was raised to overthrow the grave; To this I hold, my sin has been defeated, Jesus now and ever is my plea; Oh the chains are released, I can sing: I am free, Yet not I, but through Christ in me! 4. With every breath I’ll live for Christ, my Savior, For His great love constrains me to give all; And day by day I know He will renew me Until I reach the goal, His upward call! To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus, All the glory evermore to Him, When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat: Yet not I, but through Christ in me! Be Thou Supreme, O Jesus Christ Words: J. Temperley Grey Music: P. Skene 1. Be Thou supreme, O Jesus Christ, Nor creed, nor form, nor word, Nor holy Church, nor human love, Compare with Thee, my Lord! 2. Be Thou supreme, O Jesus Christ, Thy love has conquered me; Beneath Thy Cross I die to self, And live alone to Thee. 3. Be Thou supreme, O Jesus Christ, My inmost being fill; So shall I think as Thou dost think, And will as Thou dost will. 4. Be Thou supreme, O Jesus Christ, Thy life transfigure mine; And through this veil of mortal flesh, Lord, let Thy splendor shine. 5. Be Thou supreme, O Jesus Christ, My soul exults in Thee; To be Thy slave, to do Thy will, Is my felicity. Message “Living Water” Message given by Rex Beck on April 3, 2022 John 4:1–30 Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2(although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), 3 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. 4 And he had to pass through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. 7 A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 8 (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for […]

Born Again (03-27-22)

Hymns Joyful (the One Who Saves) By: Chris Chuong Original words: Henry van Dyke 1. Joyful, joyful, we adore You, God of glory, Lord of love; Hearts unfold like flowers before You, Opening to the sun above; Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, Drive the dark of doubt away; Giver of eternal gladness, Fill us with the light of day. Chorus You are the One who saves, You are the One who saves; You are the One who’s hands Lift us from the grave; You are the Light of life, The everlasting Day, You are the One who takes All our sins away. 2. You are giving and forgiving, Ever blessing, ever blessed, Fountain of the joy of living, Ocean depths of happy rest. Bridge Jesus, You are my Rescue, Jesus, You are my Rescue, I give You everything I am. Saving One By: Fieldes Mia Leanne Cherie, Neufeld Jon, Neufeld Tim Robert 1. What mercy was revealed, What selflessness and peace; My fate was surely sealed Until He rescued me. His pardon for my sin, His bounty for my need, From slavery and shame, I am redeemed. Chorus We sing a sweet refrain For all that He has done, Jesus is the Christ, the saving One; By wondrous grace we’re saved, Through faith the vict’ry won, Jesus is the Christ, the saving One. 2. No fear can hold me down, Nor darkness steal my joy, For blood has been poured out, The enemy destroyed; Death could not hold Him down, The grave was not enough, To steal away His throne, For He is God. Bridge Anyone who calls upon His name, They will be saved, They will be saved! Mighty To Save By: Benjamin David Fielding, Reuben Timothy Morgan 1. Everyone needs compassion, A love that’s never failing, Let mercy fall on me; Everyone needs forgiveness, The kindness of a Savior, The hope of nations… Chorus Savior, He can move the mountains, My God is Mighty to save, He is Mighty to save; Forever, Author of salvation, He rose and conquered the grave, Jesus conquered the grave. 2. So take me as You find me, With all my fears and failures And fill my life again; I give my life to follow, And everything I believe in I surrender… Bridge Shine Your light and Let the whole world see We’re singing For the glory of the risen King, Jesus! Message “Born Again” Message given by Peter McNaughton on March 27, 2022 John 3:1-15 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; 2 this man came to Jesus at night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”3 Jesus responded and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus *said to Him, “How can a person be born when he is old? He cannot enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born, can he?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which has been born of the flesh is flesh, and that which has been born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it is coming from and where it is going; so is everyone who has been born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus responded and said to Him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered and said to him, “You are the teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen, and you people do not accept our testimony. 12 If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven, except He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man. 14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes will have eternal life in Him.

Following Jesus (03-20-22)

Hymns Marvelous Light by: Steve Hindalong 1. I once was fatherless, A stranger with no hope; Your kindness wakened me, Wakened me, from my sleep; Your love it beckons deeply, A call to come and die; By grace now I will come And take this life, take Your life. Pre-chorus Sin has lost its power, Death has lost its sting; From the grave You’ve risen Victoriously! Chorus Into marvelous light I’m running, Out of darkness, out of shame; By the cross You are the truth, You are the life, You are the way. 2. My dead heart now is beating, My deepest stains now clean; Your Breath fills up my lungs, Now I’m free, now I’m free. Bridge Jesus turned my life around, He’s the Light that I have found, O the marvelous light, The marvelous light. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus by: Helen Howarth Lemmel 1. O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There’s light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant and free. Chorus Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face And the things of earth Will grow strangely dim In the light of His glory and grace. 2. Through death into life everlasting He passed, and we follow Him there; O’er us sin no more hath dominion For more than conqu’rors we are! 3. His Word shall not fail you, He promised; Believe Him and all will be well; Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell! Be Thou My Vision Irish Folk Hymn Translated by Elanor H. Hull 1. Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart, Naught be all else to me save that Thou art; Thou my best thought by day or by night, Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light. 2. Be Thou my wisdom, be Thou my true Word, I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord; Thou my great Father, and I thy true son, Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one. 3. Be Thou my battle-shield, Sword for my fight, Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight. Thou my soul’s shelter, And Thou my high tow’r. Raise Thou me heav’nward, O Pow’r of my pow’r. 4. Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise, Thou mine Inheritance now and always; Thou and Thou only, first in my heart, High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art. 5. High King of heaven my victory won, May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heav’n’s Sun; Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all. I Am The Lord’s Words: Lucy Ann Bennett Music: Joseph Barnby 1. I am the Lord’s! O joy beyond expression, O sweet response to voice of love Divine; Faith’s joyous “Yes” to the assuring whisper, “Fear not! I have redeemed thee; thou art Mine.” 2. I am the Lord’s! It is the glad confession Wherewith the Bride recalls the happy day, When love’s “I will” accepted Him forever, “The Lord’s,” to love, to honor and obey. 3. I am the Lord’s! Yet teach me all it meaneth, All it involves of love and loyalty, Of holy service, absolute surrender, And unreserved obedience unto Thee. 4. I am the Lord’s! Yes; body, soul, and spirit, O seal them irrecoverably Thine; As Thou, Beloved, in Thy grace and fulness Forever and forevermore art mine. Message “Following Jesus” Message given by Rex Beck on March 20, 2022 John 1:19-51 19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” 22 So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” 24 (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) 25 They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, 27 even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” 28 These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing. Behold, the Lamb of God 29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” Jesus Calls the First Disciples 35 The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with […]

John, The Gospel of Life (03-13-22)

Hymns Our God Saves By: Paul Baloche, Brenton Gifford Brown 1. In the name of the Father, In the name of the Son, In the name of the Spirit, Lord we come; We gather together To lift up Your name, To call on our Savior, To fall on Your grace. Pre-chorus Hear the joyful sound of our offering As Your saints bow down, As Your people sing We will rise with You, Lifted on Your wings And the world will see that… Chorus Our God saves, Our God saves, There is hope in Your name; Mourning turns to songs of praise, Our God saves, Our God saves! 2. For all of Your goodness, For all of Your grace, For all of Your mercy, Lord, we praise, We come now to worship, Beholding Your face, We turn our hearts to You, The God who can save. Bridge We see and we now realize That in us You’re saving and growing, That Jesus You’re changing our lives, We’ll shine so the whole world will know… 3. Our Blessed Redeemer, Our Savior and Friend, Jesus our Answer, our Way our End We light Your name higher Above every name We call on You, Jesus, The God who will save! Lord, I Need You By: Matthew G Maher, Jesse Pryor Reeves, Daniel Carson, Christy Nockels, Kristian Paul Stanfill 1. Lord, I come, I confess, Bowing here, You are my rest; Without You I fall apart, You’re the One that guards my heart. 2. You alone have power to save, Lord, all my sin, You take away; So wash me now, in Your precious blood, You’re the Way that I come to God. Chorus Lord, I need You, oh, I need You Every hour I need You; My one defense, my righteousness, Oh God, how I need You. 3. Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more, Where grace is found, is where You are, And where You are, Lord, I am free; Holiness is Christ in me. Bridge Teach my song to rise to You When temptation comes my way, And when I cannot stand I’ll fall on You, Jesus, You’re my hope and stay. Only Christ Who can set us free from sin? Only Christ! Only Christ! Who can be our life within? Only Christ! Only Christ! Only Christ! Only Christ can set us free; Only Christ! O Light of Light, Shine In 1. O Light of light, shine in! Cast out this night of sin, Create true day within: O Light of light, shine in! Chorus O Light, all light excelling, Make my heart Thy dwelling; O Joy, all grief dispelling, To my poor heart come in! 2. O Joy of joys, come in! End Thou this grief of sin, Create calm peace within: O Joy of joys, come in! 3. O Life of life, pour in! Expel this death of sin, Awake true life within: O Life of life, pour in! 4. O Love of love, flow in! This hateful root of sin Deal with, renew, within: O Love of love, flow in! 5. O Heaven of heavens, descend! This cloudy curtain rend, And all earth’s turmoil end: O Heaven of heavens, descend! 6. My God and Lord, O come! Of joys the Joy and Sum, Make in this heart Thy home: My God and Lord, O come! Message “John, The Gospel of Life” Message given by Peter McNaughton on March 13, 2022 John 3:3 Jesus responded and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 6:53-54 53 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves. 54 The one who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. John 15:4-5 4 Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself but must remain in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. John 1:1-18 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of mankind. 5 And the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not grasp it. The Witness John the Baptist 6 A man came, one sent from God, and his name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. 9 This was the true Light that, coming into the world, enlightens every person. 10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through Him, and yet the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own people did not accept Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of a man, but of God. The Word Made Flesh 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us; and we saw His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John *testified about Him and called out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who is coming after me has proved to be my superior, because He existed before me.’” 16 For of His […]

Warfare and Resurrection (03-06-22)

Hymns Open Up Our Eyes By: Chris Brown, London Gatch, Mack Brock, Stuart Garrard, Wade Joye 1. Greater is the One who’s in us, Greater is the One who calls our name; He will never fail; Stronger is the One within us, Stronger is the One who fights for us; He will never fail, You will never fail. Pre-chorus For Your love endures forever; Oh, Your love endures forever. Chorus Open up our eyes Surround us with Your light, Your love endures forever. 2. Mighty is the One who’s for us, Mighty is the One who’s strong to save; He will make a way, You will make a way. Bridge Our God is fighting for us always, Our God is fighting for us all; Our God is fighting for us always; We are not alone, we are not alone. There Is Always Something Over Words: Margaret E. Barber Music: Robert Lowry 1. There is always something over, When we taste our gracious Lord; Every cup He fills o’erfloweth, Rich supply He doth afford. Nothing narrow, nothing stinted, Ever issued from His store; To His own He gives full measure, Running over, evermore. 2. There is always something over, When we, from the Father’s hand, Take our portion with thanksgiving, Praising for the things He planned. Satisfaction, full and deepening, All our need He doth supply, When the heart has tasted Jesus Its desires to satisfy. 3. There is always something over, When we share in all His love; Unplumbed depths still lie beneath us, Unscaled heights rise far above. Human lips can never utter All His wondrous tenderness. We can only praise and wonder And His Name forever bless. O For A Thousand Tongues Words: Charles Wesley; Music: Carl G. Gläser 1. O for a thousand tongues to sing My great Redeemer’s praise, The glories of my God and King, The triumphs of His grace. 2. My gracious Master and my God, Assist me to proclaim, To spread through all the earth abroad The honors of Thy name. 3. Jesus! The name that charms our fears, That bids our sorrows cease; ‘Tis music in the sinner’s ears, ‘Tis life and health and peace. 4. His love my heart has captive made, His captive would I be! For He was bound and scourged and died, My captive soul to free. 5. He breaks the pow’r of canceled sin, He sets the prisoner free; His blood can make the foulest clean— His blood availed for me! 6. So now Thy blessed Name I love, Thy will would e’er be mine! Had I a thousand hearts to give, My Lord, they all were Thine! Jesus Paid It All Words: Elvina M. Hall; Music: John T. Grape 1. I hear the Savior say, “Thy strength indeed is small, Child of weakness watch and pray, Find in Me Thine all in all.” Chorus Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow. 2. Lord now indeed I find Thy power, and Thine alone, Can change the leper’s spots And melt the heart of stone. 3. For nothing good have I Whereby Thy grace to claim; I’ll wash my garments white In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb. 4. And when before the throne I stand in Him complete, “Jesus died my soul to save,” My lips shall still repeat. Bridge Oh, praise the One who paid my debt And raised this life up from the dead! I Love My Master Words: Frances Ridley Havergal; Music: Alexander C. Ewing 1. I love, I love my Master, I will not go out free, For He is my Redeemer, He paid the price for me; I would not leave His service, It is so sweet and blest And in the weariest moments He gives the truest rest. 2. My Master shed His life-blood, My vassal life to win, And save me from the bondage Of tyrant self and sin; He chose me for His service, And gave me power to choose That blessed, perfect freedom, Which I shall never lose. 3. I would not halve my service, His only it must be! His only, who so loved me, And gave Himself for me; Rejoicing and adoring, Henceforth my song shall be: I love, I love my Master, I will not go out free. Message “Warfare and Resurrection” Message given by Rex Beck on March 6, 2022 Warfare 2 Kings 13:14-19 14 Now when Elisha had fallen sick with the illness of which he was to die, Joash king of Israel went down to him and wept before him, crying, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” 15 And Elisha said to him, “Take a bow and arrows.” So he took a bow and arrows. 16 Then he said to the king of Israel, “Draw the bow,” and he drew it. And Elisha laid his hands on the king’s hands. 17 And he said, “Open the window eastward,” and he opened it. Then Elisha said, “Shoot,” and he shot. And he said, “The Lord’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Syria! For you shall fight the Syrians in Aphek until you have made an end of them.” 18 And he said, “Take the arrows,” and he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground with them.” And he struck three times and stopped. 19 Then the man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck five or six times; then you would have struck down Syria until you had made an end of it, but now you will strike down Syria only three times.” Paul’s Warfare 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take […]

Spiritual Warfare (02-27-22)

Hymns When Christ Once Died on Calvary By: Albert B. Simpson 1. When Christ once died on Calvary, I too was there; ‘Twas in my place He stood for me, And now accepted e’en as He, His name I bear. Chorus I am crucified with Christ, Nevertheless I live, Yet, not I, But Christ who liveth in me; And the life I live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved and gave Himself for me. 2. When Christ once rose With life divine, I too was there; His resurrection pow’r is mine, And as the branches and the vine His life I share. 3. When Christ will come some day for me, I shall be there; With Him and like Him I shall be, And all His glorious majesty I too shall share. 4. O blessed life so deep, so high, Lord, keep me there; Help me with Christ to live, to die, And let me with Him, by and by His glory share. Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken Words: Henry Francis Lyte Music: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 1. Jesus, I my cross have taken, All to leave and follow Thee; Destitute, despised, forsaken, Thou, from hence, my all shalt be. Perished every fond ambition, All I’ve sought, and hoped, and known; Yet how rich is my condition: Jesus Christ is all I own! 2. Let the world despise and leave me, They have left my Savior, too; Human hearts and looks deceive me; Thou art not, like them, untrue; And, while Thou shalt smile upon me, God of wisdom, love, and might, Foes may hate, and friends disown me; Show Thy face, and all is bright. 3. Man may trouble and distress me, ’Twill but drive me to Thy breast; Life with trials hard may press me, Christ is still my sweetest rest. Oh ’tis not in grief to harm me, While Thy love is left to me; Oh ’twere not in joy to charm me, Were that joy unmixed with Thee. 4. Go, then, earthly fame and treasure! Come, disaster, scorn, and pain! In Thy service, pain is pleasure, With Thy favor, loss is gain; I have called Thee, “Abba Father”; I have set my heart on Thee: Storms may howl, and clouds may gather, All must work for good to me. 5. Take, my soul, thy full salvation, Rise o’er sin and fear and care, Joy to find in every station, Something still to do or bear; Think what Spirit dwells within thee, What a Father’s smile is thine, Think how Jesus died to win thee: Child of God, canst thou repine? 6. Haste then on from grace to glory, Winged by faith and armed by prayer; God’s eternal days before thee, God’s own hand shall guide thee there. Soon shall close thy earthly mission, Swift shall pass thy pilgrim days, Hope shall change to glad fruition, Faith to sight, and prayer to praise. You Make All Things Work For Good By: Ian Konopinski 1. God, You say all things work for good; God, I don’t see how these things could; God, though much is not understood, God, can I trust You like I should? Chorus 1 You make all things work for good, You make all things work for good. 2. God, my Father, I do love You, God, my Father, I trust You too; God, I see in all that You do, God, Your promise always holds true… Chorus 2 You gave Your word, God, to us, You will be true to Your promise: You called us, God, for Your purpose; So give us all hearts full of trust. Bridge You are faithful, wise, and good, You are faithful, wise, and good. 3. You know what You’re doing, You know how You’ll do it, So help me to trust You, And help me to yield more to You, I give my life to You To let You do what You would do; I know that You’re faithful, I know that You’re wise, that You are good; I trust You, my Father, I love You, my Father; I trust You, my Father, I love You, my Father… Message “Spiritual Warfare” Message given by Rex Beck on February 27, 2022 Spiritual Warfare Part I — “Feed Your Enemies” 2 Kings 6:8-23 8 Once when the king of Syria was warring against Israel, he took counsel with his servants, saying, “At such and such a place shall be my camp.” 9 But the man of God sent word to the king of Israel, “Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are going down there.” 10 And the king of Israel sent to the place about which the man of God told him. Thus he used to warn him, so that he saved himself there more than once or twice. 11 And the mind of the king of Syria was greatly troubled because of this thing, and he called his servants and said to them, “Will you not show me who of us is for the king of Israel?” 12 And one of his servants said, “None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.” 13 And he said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send and seize him.” It was told him, “Behold, he is in Dothan.” 14 So he sent there horses and chariots and a great army, and they came by night and surrounded the city. 15 When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” 16 He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” […]

Jeff Brown — Guest Speaker (02-20-22)

Hymns Yes and Amen By: Nate Moore, Chris McClarney & Tony Brown 1. Father of kindness, You have poured out of grace, You brought me out of darkness, You have filled me with peace; Giver of mercy, You’re my help in time of need, Lord, I can’t help but sing. Chorus Faithful You are, Faithful forever You will be; Faithful You are, All Your promises are yes and Amen; All Your promises are yes and Amen. 2. Beautiful Savior, You have brought me near, You pulled me from the ashes, You have broken every curse; Blessed Redeemer, You have set this captive free, Lord, I can’t help but sing. Bridge I will rest In Your promises; My confidence Is Your faithfulness. Goodness of God By: Ed Cash, Ben Fielding, Jason Ingram, Brian Johnson (Bethel) & Jenn Johnson 1. I love You, Lord For Your mercy never fails me; All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands, From the moment that I wake up Till I lay my head, I will sing of the goodness of God. Chorus All my life You have been faithful, All my life You have been so, so good; With every breath that I am able I will sing of the goodness of God. 2. I love Your voice, You have led me through the fire, In darkest night You are close like no other; I’ve known You as a Father, I’ve known You as a Friend, I have lived in the goodness of God. Bridge Your goodness is running after, It’s running after me; Your goodness is running after, It’s running after me; With my life laid down, I’m surrendered now, I give You everything; Your goodness is running after, It’s running after me. All The Way My Savior Leads Me Words: Fanny Crosby Music: Robert Lowry 1. All the way my Savior leads me; What have I to ask beside? Can I doubt His tender mercy, Who through life has been my Guide? Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort, Here by faith in Him to dwell! For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well, For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well. 2. All the way my Savior leads me, Cheers each winding path I tread, Gives me grace for every trial, Feeds me with the living bread. Though my weary steps may falter, And my soul athirst may be, Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! a spring of joy I see, Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! a spring of joy I see. 3. All the way my Savior leads me; Oh, the fullness of His love! Perfect rest to me is promised In my Father’s house above. When my spirit, clothed immortal, Wings its flight to realms of day, This my song through endless ages: Jesus led me all the way, This my song through endless ages: Jesus led me all the way. Message Message given by guest speaker Jeff Brown on February 20, 2022

Lessons From the Life of Elisha — Part V (02-13-22)

Hymns Open The Eyes of My Heart, Lord By: Paul Baloche 1. Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. Open the eyes of my heart. I want to see You. I want to see You. (Repeat) Chorus To see You high and lifted up Shining in the light of Your glory. Pour out Your power and love As we sing, “holy, holy, holy…” Bridge Holy, holy, holy, Holy, holy, holy, Holy, holy, holy, I want to see You. Bridge 2 Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, I want to see You. The Wonderful Cross By: Isaac Watts, Lowell Mason, Matt Redman 1. When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride. 2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, Save in the death of Christ my God! All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood. Chorus Oh the wonderful Cross, Oh the wonderful Cross, Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live, Oh the wonderful Cross, Oh the wonderful Cross, All who gather here by grace draw near, And bless Your name. 3. See from His head, His hands, His feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down! Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown? 4. His dying crimson, like a robe, Spreads o’er His body on the tree; Then I am dead to all the globe, And all the globe is dead to me. 5. Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all. Holy Spirit By: Torwalt Bryan James, Torwalt Katie 1. There’s nothing worth more, That will ever come close, No thing can compare, You’re our living hope; Your presence, Lord. 2. I’ve tasted and seen, Of the sweetest of loves, Where my heart becomes free, And my shame is undone In Your presence, Lord. Chorus Holy Spirit, You are welcome here; Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere; Your Glory, God, is what our hearts long for To be overcome by Your presence, Lord. Bridge Let us become more aware of Your presence; Let us experience the glory of Your Goodness. Message “Lessons From the Life of Elisha — Part V” Message given by Rex Beck on February 13, 2022 Elisha truly heals 2 Kings 5:1-14 Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. 2 Now the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little girl from the land of Israel, and she worked in the service of Naaman’s wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” 4 So Naaman went in and told his lord, “Thus and so spoke the girl from the land of Israel.” 5 And the king of Syria said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” So he went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing. 6 And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which read, “When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you Naaman my servant, that you may cure him of his leprosy.” 7 And when the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Only consider, and see how he is seeking a quarrel with me.” 8 But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent to the king, saying, “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come now to me, that he may know that there is a prophet in Israel.” 9 So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.” 11 But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper. 12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. 13 But his servants came near and said to him, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” 14 So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. Romans 6:11-13 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Spiritual Food — Lessons From the Life of Elisha — Part IV (02-06-22)

Hymns What A Fellowship (Leaning) Words: E. A. Hoffman Music: A. J. Showalter 1. What a fellowship, what a joy divine, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms; What a blessedness, what a peace is mine, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. Chorus Leaning, leaning, Safe and secure from all alarms; Leaning, leaning, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. 2. Oh, how sweet to walk In this pilgrim way, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms; Oh, how bright the path Grows from day to day, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. 3. What have I to dread, What have I to fear, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms? I have blessed peace With my Lord so near, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. What A Friend We Have In Jesus Words: Joseph M. Scriven; Music: Charles C. Convers 1. What a friend we have in Jesus, All ours sins and griefs to bear; What a privilege to carry, Everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear; All because we do not carry, Everything to God in prayer! 2. Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged, Take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful? Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; Take it to the Lord in prayer. 3. Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Saviour still our refuge; Take it to the Lord in prayer. Do thy friends despise forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer! In His arms He’ll take and shield thee; Thou wilt find a solace there. 4. Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear; May we ever, Lord, be bringing All to Thee in earnest prayer. Soon in glory bright unclouded There will be no need for prayer; Rapture, praise, and endless worship Will be our sweet portion there. ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus Words: Louisa M. R. Stead; Music: William J. Kirkpatrick 1. ‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His Word; Just to rest upon His promise, And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!” Chorus Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er; Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! Oh, for grace to trust Him more! 2. Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to trust His cleansing blood; And in simple faith to plunge me ’Neath the healing, cleansing flood! 3. Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus, Just from sin and self to cease; Just from Jesus simply taking Life and rest, and joy and peace. 4. I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; And I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end. Message “Spiritual Food — Lessons From the Life of Elisha” Message given by Rex Beck on February 6, 2022 2 Kings 4:38-5:14 Elisha neutralizes the poison food in the pot 38 And Elisha came again to Gilgal when there was a famine in the land. And as the sons of the prophets were sitting before him, he said to his servant, “Set on the large pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.” 39 One of them went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine and gathered from it his lap full of wild gourds, and came and cut them up into the pot of stew, not knowing what they were. 40 And they poured out some for the men to eat. But while they were eating of the stew, they cried out, “O man of God, there is death in the pot!” And they could not eat it. 41 He said, “Then bring flour.” And he threw it into the pot and said, “Pour some out for the men, that they may eat.” And there was no harm in the pot. Elisha multiplies food 42 A man came from Baal-shalishah, bringing the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. And Elisha said, “Give to the men, that they may eat.” 43 But his servant said, “How can I set this before a hundred men?” So he repeated, “Give them to the men, that they may eat, for thus says the Lord, ‘They shall eat and have some left.’ ” 44 So he set it before them. And they ate and had some left, according to the word of the Lord. Elisha truly heals Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. 2 Now the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little girl from the land of Israel, and she worked in the service of Naaman’s wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” 4 So Naaman went in and told his lord, “Thus and so spoke the girl from the land of Israel.” 5 And the king of Syria said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” So he went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing. 6 And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which read, “When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you Naaman my servant, that you may cure him of his leprosy.” 7 And when the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Only consider, and see how he is seeking a quarrel with me.” 8 But when […]

Living in Resurrection Life — Lessons from the Life of Elisha — Part III (01-30-22)

Hymns Enough By: Louie Giglio; Christopher D Tomlin 1. You are my supply, My breath of life, Still more awesome than I know; You are my Reward, Worth living for, Still more awesome than I know. Chorus All of You is more than enough for All of me, for every thirst and Every need, You satisfy me With Your love and all I have in You Is more than enough. 2. You’re my Sacrifice Of greatest price, Still more awesome than I know; You’re my coming King, You are everything, Still more awesome than I know. Bridge More than all I want, More than all I need, You are more than enough for me; More than all I know, More than all I can see, You are more than enough… Fall Afresh By: Jeremy Riddle 1. Awaken my soul, come awake To hunger, to seek, to thirst; Awaken first love, come awake And do as you did at first. Chorus Spirit of the Living God, Come, fall afresh on me, Come, wake me from my sleep; Blow through the caverns of my soul, Pour in me to overflow. 2. Awaken my soul, come awake To worship with all your strength. Bridge Show Your shining face, Let Your Spirit come invade. Jesus Paid It All Words: Elvina M. Hall Music: John T. Grape 1. I hear the Savior say, “Thy strength indeed is small, Child of weakness watch and pray, Find in Me Thine all in all.” Chorus Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow. 2. Lord now indeed I find Thy power, and Thine alone, Can change the leper’s spots And melt the heart of stone. 3. For nothing good have I Whereby Thy grace to claim; I’ll wash my garments white In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb. 4. And when before the throne I stand in Him complete, “Jesus died my soul to save,” My lips shall still repeat. Bridge Oh, praise the One who paid my debt And raised this life up from the dead! Have Thine Own Way Words: Adelaide Addison Pollard Music: George Coles Stebbins 1. Have Thine own way, Lord, Have Thine own way. Thou art the Potter, I am the clay. Mould me and make me After Thy will, While I am waiting, Yielded and still. 2. Have Thine own way, Lord, Have Thine own way. Search me and try me Master, today. Whiter than snow, Lord Wash me just now, While in Thy presence, Humbly I bow. 3. Have Thine own way, Lord, Have Thine own way. Wounded and weary Help me, I pray. Power, all power, Surely is Thine; Touch me and heal me, Savior divine. 4. Have Thine own way, Lord, Have Thine own way. Hold o’er my being Absolute sway. Fill with Thy Spirit ‘Til all shall see Christ only, always, Living in me. Message “Living in Resurrection Life — Lessons from the Life of Elisha (Part III)” Message given by Rex Beck on January 30, 2022 2 Kings 4:8-37 Elisha and the Shunammite Woman 8 One day Elisha went on to Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to eat some food. So whenever he passed that way, he would turn in there to eat food. 9 And she said to her husband, “Behold now, I know that this is a holy man of God who is continually passing our way. 10 Let us make a small room on the roof with walls and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that whenever he comes to us, he can go in there.” 11 One day he came there, and he turned into the chamber and rested there. 12 And he said to Gehazi his servant, “Call this Shunammite.” When he had called her, she stood before him. 13 And he said to him, “Say now to her, ‘See, you have taken all this trouble for us; what is to be done for you? Would you have a word spoken on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?’ ” She answered, “I dwell among my own people.” 14 And he said, “What then is to be done for her?” Gehazi answered, “Well, she has no son, and her husband is old.” 15 He said, “Call her.” And when he had called her, she stood in the doorway. 16 And he said, “At this season, about this time next year, you shall embrace a son.” And she said, “No, my lord, O man of God; do not lie to your servant.” 17 But the woman conceived, and she bore a son about that time the following spring, as Elisha had said to her. Elisha Raises the Shunammite’s Son 18 When the child had grown, he went out one day to his father among the reapers. 19 And he said to his father, “Oh, my head, my head!” The father said to his servant, “Carry him to his mother.” 20 And when he had lifted him and brought him to his mother, the child sat on her lap till noon, and then he died. 21 And she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God and shut the door behind him and went out. 22 Then she called to her husband and said, “Send me one of the servants and one of the donkeys, that I may quickly go to the man of God and come back again.” 23 And he said, “Why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon nor Sabbath.” She said, “All is well.” 24 Then she saddled the donkey, and she said to her servant, “Urge the animal on; do not slacken the pace for me unless I tell you.” 25 So she set out and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel. When the man of God saw her coming, he said to Gehazi his servant, “Look, there is the Shunammite. 26 Run at once to meet […]

Blessing Others — Lessons from the Life of Elisha — Part II (01-23-22)

Hymns O Love of God By: Frederick Martin Lehman 1. The love of God is greater far Than tongue or pen can ever tell. It goes beyond the highest star And reaches to the lowest hell. The guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win; His erring child He reconciled And pardoned from his sin. Chorus O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure The saints’ and angels’ song. 2. Upon that cross on Calv’ry’s hill God’s love for all there on display. For friend and foe, He hung until The debt for sin was fully paid. The work was done! Oh, praise the Son! His blood has freed us from sin! From heav’n above, He came in love, That all might live through Him. 3. Could we with ink the ocean fill, And were the skies of parchment made; Were every stalk on earth a quill, And every man a scribe by trade; To write the love of God above Would drain the ocean dry; Nor could the scroll contain the whole, Though stretched from sky to sky. 4. When time at last shall pass away, And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall; When men who here refuse to pray, On rocks and hills and mountains call; God’s love, so sure, shall still endure, All measureless and strong; Redeeming grace to Adam’s race— The saints’ and angels’ song. Boldly I Approach By: Gilkeson Gareth Andrew, Llewellyn Christopher Dean 1. By grace alone somehow I stand Where even angels fear to tread, Invited by redeeming love Before the throne of God above; He pulls me close with nail-scarred hands Into His everlasting arms. 2. When condemnation grips my heart And Satan tempts me to despair, I hear the voice that scatters fear The Great I AM, the Lord is here; Oh praise the One who fights for me And shields my soul eternally! Chorus Boldly I approach Your throne, Blameless now I’m running home; By Your blood I come, Welcomed as Your own Into the arms of Majesty. 3. Behold the bright and risen Son, More beauty than this world has known; I’m face to face with love Himself: His perfect spotless righteousness ; A thousand years, a thousand tongues, Are not enough to sing His praise! Bridge This is the joy of our salvation, Knowing we’re free from condemnation! Oh praise the One, praise the One Who made an end to all our sin! Jesus For Me! Words: William James Kirkpatrick Music: John L. Hatton 1. Jesus, my Savior, is all things to me; Oh, what a wonderful Savior is He, Guiding, protecting, o’er life’s rolling sea, Mighty Deliv’rer— Jesus for me. Chorus Jesus for me, Jesus for me, All the time everywhere, Jesus for me. 2. Jesus in sickness, and Jesus in health, Jesus in poverty, comfort or wealth; Sunshine or tempest, whatever it be, He is my Safety— Jesus for me. 3. He is my Refuge, my Rock, and my Tow’r, He is my Fortress, my Strength and my Pow’r; Life Everlasting, my Day’s-man is He, Blessed Redeemer— Jesus for me. 4. He is my Prophet, my Priest and my King, He is my Bread of Life, Fountain and Spring; Bright Sun of Righteousness, Day-star is He, Horn of Salvation— Jesus for me. 5. Jesus in sorrow, in joy, or in pain, Jesus my Treasure in loss or in gain; Constant Companion where’er I be, Living or dying— Jesus for me! Message “Blessing Others — Lessons from the Life of Elisha” (Part II) Message given by Rex Beck on January 23, 2022 The Two Bears 2 Kings 2:23–25 23 He went up from there to Bethel, and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” 24 And he turned around, and when he saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. And two she-bears came out of the woods and tore forty-two of the boys. 25 From there he went on to Mount Carmel, and from there he returned to Samaria. Vessels for Oil 2 Kings 4:1–7 1 Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord, but the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.” 2 And Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me; what have you in the house?” And she said, “Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.” 3 Then he said, “Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels and not too few. 4 Then go in and shut the door behind yourself and your sons and pour into all these vessels. And when one is full, set it aside.” 5 So she went from him and shut the door behind herself and her sons. And as she poured they brought the vessels to her. 6 When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another.” Then the oil stopped flowing. 7 She came and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest.”

Living a Blessing Life — Lessons from the Life of Elisha — Part I (01-16-22)

Hymns Blessed Assurance Words: Fanny Jane Crosby Music: Phoebe Palmer Knapp 1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine; Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. Chorus This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long. 2. Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. 3. Perfect submission, all is at rest, I, in my Savior, am happy and blest; Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love. Hear My Cry By Chris Chuong Chorus Hear my cry, hear my plea, I just want to be with Thee. Open my heart so I can see Everything You have for me. And I will worship You For You are Lord of all eternity. Hear my cry, hear my plea, Lead me home. 1. Since we’re of the day, Let us keep a sober heart, Having put on the breastplate of faith And love and the helmet of salvation. Pre-chorus Lord we know that You Died and rose again; We will rise with You. 2. You will come again, Like a thief in the wake of night. For God has not destined us For wrath but for us to have salvation. Bridge And the trumpets they will sound With the angels all around They’re singing holy is Your Name, Holy is Your Name. And we’ll gather in the air, With the Lord He will be there, We’re singing holy is Your Name, Holy is Your Name. How Great Is Our God By Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, Jesse Reeves 1. The splendor of a King, Clothed in majesty; Let all the earth rejoice, All the earth rejoice. He wraps Himself in light, And darkness tries to hide And trembles at His voice, Trembles at His voice. Chorus How great is our God, sing with me, How great is our God, and all will see How great, how great is our God! 2. Age to age He stands And time is in His hands, Beginning and the end, Beginning and the end; The Godhead Three in One, Father, Spirit, Son; The Lion and the Lamb, The Lion and the Lamb. Bridge Name above all names, Worthy of all praise; My heart will sing, How great is our God. Message “Living a Blessing Life — Lessons from the Life of Elisha” Message given by Rex Beck on January 16, 2022 Receiving the Spirit 2 Kings 2:9 9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.” The New Bowl 2 Kings 2:19-22 19 Now the men of the city said to Elisha, “Behold, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees, but the water is bad, and the land is unfruitful.” 20 He said, “Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it.” So they brought it to him. 21 Then he went to the spring of water and threw salt in it and said, “Thus says the Lord, I have healed this water; from now on neither death nor miscarriage shall come from it.” 22 So the water has been healed to this day, according to the word that Elisha spoke. The She-Bears 2 Kings 2:23-25 23 He went up from there to Bethel, and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” 24 And he turned around, and when he saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. And two she-bears came out of the woods and tore forty-two of the boys. 25 From there he went on to Mount Carmel, and from there he returned to Samaria. The Widow’s Oil 2 Kings 4:1–8 Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord, but the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.” 2 And Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me; what have you in the house?” And she said, “Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.” 3 Then he said, “Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels and not too few. 4 Then go in and shut the door behind yourself and your sons and pour into all these vessels. And when one is full, set it aside.” 5 So she went from him and shut the door behind herself and her sons. And as she poured they brought the vessels to her. 6 When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another.” Then the oil stopped flowing. 7 She came and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest.”

Standing for the Lord — Lessons from the Life of Elijah — Part VI (01-09-22)

Hymns Oh, How I Need You Writer(s): Stuart David Garrard, Leslie Anne Jordan, David Leonard, Paul Brendon Mabury 1. Lord, I find You in the seeking Lord, I ask and, how You give! Lord, I knock and, Oh! You open, You let me see much more of You. Chorus I need You, Oh, how I need You; Oh, how I need You, Oh, how I need You! 2. Lord, I seek You in the morning Lord, I seek You all the day; Lord, You fill me with Your glory, Lord, You fill me with Your grace. Bridge Light, glorious Light, I will go where You shine; Break the dawn, crack the skies, Make Your way bright before me; In Your light, I will find all I need, All I need is You. No Mortal Tongue By Catherine Booth-Clibborn 1. No mortal tongue can e’er describe The freedom of the soul, When passed beyond all earthly bribe To God’s complete control. All things are his, yes, life, and death, Things present or to come; In Christ he draws in peace each breath, In Christ he finds his home. 2. When such as we the King can choose, To share with Him His throne, ‘Tis passing strange that we refuse To be our Lord’s alone. O never speak of sacrifice! A privilege untold Is to be His at any price, In Calv’ry’s hosts enrolled. 3. Arise! the holy bargain strike— The fragment for the whole— All men and all events alike Must serve the ransomed soul. All things are yours when you are His, And He and you are one; A boundless life in Him there is, Whence doubt and fear are gone. I Surrender All Words: Judson W. Van De Venter Music: W. S. Weeden 1. All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live. Chorus I surrender all, I surrender all. All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all. 2. All to Jesus I surrender, Humbly at His feet I bow, Worldly pleasures all forsaken; Take me, Jesus, take me now. 3. All to Jesus I surrender, Make me, Savior, wholly Thine; Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit, Truly know that Thou art mine. 4. All to Jesus I surrender, Lord, I give myself to Thee; Fill me with Thy love and power, Let Thy blessing fall on me. 5. All to Jesus I surrender, Now I feel the sacred flame. Oh, the joy of full salvation! Glory, glory to His name! Message “Standing for the Lord — Lessons from the Life of Elijah Part VI — Receiving the Spirit of Elijah” Message given by Rex Beck on January 9, 2022 2 Kings 2:1-14 From Gilgal to Bethel to Jericho Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. 2 And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. 3 And the sons of the prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take away your master from over you?” And he said, “Yes, I know it; keep quiet.” 4 Elijah said to him, “Elisha, please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. 5 The sons of the prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take away your master from over you?” And he answered, “Yes, I know it; keep quiet.” To the Jordan 6 Then Elijah said to him, “Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. 7 Fifty men of the sons of the prophets also went and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. 8 Then Elijah took his cloak and rolled it up and struck the water, and the water was parted to the one side and to the other, till the two of them could go over on dry ground. The Spirit 9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.” 10 And he said, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so.” 11 And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 12 And Elisha saw it and he cried, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. 13 And he took up the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. 14 Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the water, saying, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” And when he had struck the water, the water was parted to the one side and to the other, and Elisha went over. The Wonders of the Spirit John 16:12-15 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit […]

Standing for the Lord — Lessons from the Life of Elijah — Part V (01-02-22)

Hymns You Never Let Go By Matt Redman 1. Even though I walk Through the valley of the shadow of death, Your perfect love is casting out fear; And even when I’m caught In the middle of the storms of this life, I won’t turn back, I know You are near. Pre-chorus And I will fear no evil For my God is with me, And if my God is with me, Whom then shall I fear, Whom then shall I fear? Chorus Oh no, You never let go Through the calm and through the storm; Oh no, You never let go In ev’ry high and ev’ry low; Oh no, You never let go, Lord, You never let go of me. 2. And I can see a light that is coming For the heart that holds on, A glorious light beyond all compare; And there will be an end to these troubles But until that day comes We’ll live to know You here on the earth. Bridge I can see a light that is coming For the heart that holds on, And there will be an end to these troubles, But until that day comes Still I will praise You, Still I will praise You. Unto Him Who Hath Loved Us Words: Arthur Tappan Pierson Music: Philip Paul Bliss 1. With praise and thanksgiving There stands a great throng In the presence of Jesus And sing this new song. Chorus Unto Him Who hath loved us And washed us from sin, Unto Him be the glory forever! Amen! 2. All these once were sinners, Defiled in His sight, Now arrayed in pure garments, In praise they unite. 3. He maketh the rebel A priest and a king, He hath bought us, and taught us This new song to sing. 4. How helpless and hopeless We sinners had been, If He never had loved us till Cleansed from our sin. 5. Aloud in His praises Our voices shall ring, So that others, believing, This new song shall sing. This New Year by Ian Konopinski 1. My yesterday came and went, For better days I’m longing; So now, Lord, I look to You, And see Your new day dawning. 2. Forgetting what lies behind, Both failures and successes, I reach out to know You, Lord, As this new year commences. Pre-chorus All my days, all my life, I give to You, O Jesus Christ. Chorus This new year, this new day, I will begin with You; My old life is left behind, You’re making all things new; I’ll go Your way, I’ll trust, obey, My Lord, I pray: may each day be for You. 3. By faith, I have life in You And my old life You’re ending; Your life in me makes me new, For You are my Beginning. 4. I’ll press on to follow You, Lord, keep me moving forward; In fellowship intimate, Lord, draw me ever closer. Bridge This new year let me follow, All my life is Yours; Every day let me trust You And love You more, my Lord. Ending In twenty twenty-two, Right now I choose, Your will to do; This new year’s all for You. Message “Standing for the Lord — Lessons from the Life of Elijah (Part V)” Message given by Rex Beck on January 2, 2022 2 Kings 2:1-14 Elijah is Taken to Heaven From Gilgal to Bethel to Jericho Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. 2 And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. 3 And the sons of the prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take away your master from over you?” And he said, “Yes, I know it; keep quiet.” 4 Elijah said to him, “Elisha, please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. 5 The sons of the prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take away your master from over you?” And he answered, “Yes, I know it; keep quiet.” To the Jordan 6 Then Elijah said to him, “Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. 7 Fifty men of the sons of the prophets also went and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. 8 Then Elijah took his cloak and rolled it up and struck the water, and the water was parted to the one side and to the other, till the two of them could go over on dry ground. The Spirit 9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.” 10 And he said, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so.” 11 And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 12 And Elisha saw it and he cried, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore […]

Standing for the Lord — Lessons from the Life of Elijah — Part IV (12-19-21)

Message “Standing for the Lord — Lessons from the Life of Elijah (Part III)” Message given by Rex Beck on December 19, 2021 Elijah Flees Jezebel 1 Kings 19:1-8 Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.” 3 Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. 4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” 5 And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” 6 And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. 7 And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.” 8 And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God. The Lord Speaks to Elijah 1 Kings 19:9-18 9 There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” 11 And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” 15 And the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. 17 And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. 18 Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

Standing for the Lord — Lessons from the Life of Elijah — Part III (11-28-21)

Hymns I Have Come to the Fountain of Life By: Albert B. Simpson 1. I have come to the Fountain of Life, A fountain that flows from above; I have passed from the waters of strife And come to the Elim of love; I have drunk of the heavenly well, In the depths of my being it springs. No mortal can measure or tell The gladness the Comforter brings. Chorus Oh, come to the Fountain of Life, The fountain that never runs dry; Oh, drink of the boundless supply, For Christ is the Fountain of Life. 2. I have come to the Fountain of Blood That for guilt and uncleanness doth flow; I have washed in its sin-cleansing flood And my garments are whiter than snow. I count not my righteousness mine— ‘Tis Jesus that lives in my soul. I partake of His nature divine, And in Him I am perfectly whole. 3. I have come to the Fountain of Health, A boundless and endless supply; ‘Tis a secret man’s wisdom or wealth Can never discover or buy But the secret my Lord hath revealed In the fountain that flows from His side, In the stripes by whose pain we are healed, In Himself as He comes to abide. 4. I have come to the Fountain of Joy; His joy is the strength of my heart. My delight is unmixed with alloy, My sunshine can never depart. The fig tree may wither and die, Earth’s pleasures and prospects decline; But my fountains can never be dry— My portion, my joy is divine. Always Forever By: Phil D Wickham 1. You are the hand That catches my fall, You are the Friend That answers my call; You are my day, You are my night, You are my love And all of my life. Chorus 1 You are the love I need, You are the air I breathe, You are my love, my life Always forever, Always forever. Chorus 2 You are the love I need, You are the air I breathe, You are my love, my life Always forever; I would lay down my life Just to be by Your side; You are my love, my life Always forever, always forever. 2. You are the grace That covers my sin, You’re everything, The beginning and end; You have my soul, My heart and my mind, You have my love And all of my life. Bridge Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, forever. Live Out Thy Life Within Me Words: Frances R. Havergal; Music: Samuel S. Wesley 1. Live out Thy life within me, O Jesus King of kings! Be Thou Thyself the answer To all my questionings; Live out Thy life within me, In all things have Thy way! I, the transparent medium, Thy glory to display. 2. The temple has been yielded And purified of sin, Let Thy Shekinah glory Now shine forth from within. And all the earth keep silence, The body henceforth be Thy silent, gentle servant, Moved only as by Thee. 3. Its members every moment Held subject to Thy call, Ready to have Thee use them, Or not be used at all, Held without restless longing, Or strain, or stress, or fret, Or chafings at Thy dealings, Or thoughts of vain regret. 4. But restful, calm and pliant, From bend and bias free, Awaiting Thy decision, When Thou hast need of me. Live out Thy life within me, O Jesus, King of kings! Be Thou the glorious answer To all my questionings. Message “Standing for the Lord — Lessons from the Life of Elijah (Part III)” Message given by Rex Beck on November 27, 2021 Daily Food 1 Kings 17:15–16 15 And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah. God is a God of resurrection 1 Kings 17:17-24 17 After this the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, became ill. And his illness was so severe that there was no breath left in him. 18 And she said to Elijah, “What have you against me, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance and to cause the death of my son!” 19 And he said to her, “Give me your son.” And he took him from her arms and carried him up into the upper chamber where he lodged, and laid him on his own bed. 20 And he cried to the Lord, “O Lord my God, have you brought calamity even upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by killing her son?” 21 Then he stretched himself upon the child three times and cried to the Lord, “O Lord my God, let this child’s life come into him again.” 22 And the Lord listened to the voice of Elijah. And the life of the child came into him again, and he revived. 23 And Elijah took the child and brought him down from the upper chamber into the house and delivered him to his mother. And Elijah said, “See, your son lives.” 24 And the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth.”  Obadiah and Elijah 1 Kings 18:1-6 After many days the word of the Lord came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, “Go, show yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain upon the earth.” 2 So Elijah went to show himself to Ahab. Now the famine was severe in Samaria. 3 And Ahab called Obadiah, who was over the household. (Now Obadiah feared the Lord greatly, 4 and when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the Lord, Obadiah took a hundred prophets and hid them by fifties in a cave and fed them with bread and water.) 5 And Ahab said to Obadiah, “Go through the land to all the springs […]

Lessons from the Life of Elijah — Part II (11-21-2021)

Hymns Forever By: Christ Tomlin 1. Give thanks to the Lord, Our God and King, His love endures forever; For He is good, He is above all things, His love endures forever. Pre-chorus Sing praise, sing praise, Sing praise, sing praise… 2. With a mighty hand and Outstretched arm, His love endures forever; For the life that’s been reborn, His love endures forever. Chorus Forever You are faithful, Forever You are strong, Forever You are with us, Forever. (x2) 3. From our rising up to our lying down, His love endures forever; By the grace of God we will carry on, His love endures forever. Lord, You are Good By: Israel Houghton 1. Lord, You are good And Your mercy endureth forever. (x2) Pre-chorus People from every nation and tongue, From generation to generation… Chorus We worship You! Hallelujah, Hallelujah! We worship You For who You are; (x2) Lord, You are good! Great Is Thy Faithfulness Words: Thomas O. Chisholm; Music: William M. Runyan 1. Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not; As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be. Chorus Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed, Thy hands hath provided– Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me! 2. Summer and winter and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon and stars in their courses above Join with all nature in manifold witness To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. 3. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine with ten thousands beside. I’ll Let My Words Be Few By: Beth Redman, Matt Redman 1. You are God in heaven, And here am I on earth, So I’ll let my words be few: Jesus, I am so in love with You. Chorus And I’ll stand in awe of You, Yes, I’ll stand in awe of You; And I’ll let my words be few: Jesus, I am so in love with You. 2. The simplest of all love songs, I want to bring to You, So I’ll let my words be few: Jesus, I am so in love with You. Message “Standing for the Lord — Lessons from the Life of Elijah (Part II)” Message given by Rex Beck on November 21,2021 James 5:17-18 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit. 1 Kings 17:1-7 Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.” 2 And the word of the Lord came to him: 3 “Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. 4 You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” 5 So he went and did according to the word of the Lord. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan. 6 And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. 7 And after a while the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land. Luke 4:25–26 25 But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, 26 and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 1 Kings 17:8-16 8 Then the word of the Lord came to him, 9 “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” 10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.” 11 And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, “Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” 12 And she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die.” 13 And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son. 14 For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth.’ ” 15 And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah. 1 Kings 17:17-16 17 After this the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, became ill. And his illness was so severe that there was no breath left in him. 18 And she said to Elijah, “What have you against me, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin […]

Standing for the Lord — Lessons from the Life of Elijah – Part I (11-14-21)

Hymns This Is Amazing Grace By: Wickham Phil, Farro Joshua Neil, Riddle Jeremy 1. Who breaks the power of sin and darkness, Whose love is mighty and so much stronger? The King of Glory, The King above all kings! Who shakes the whole earth with holy thunder And leaves us breathless in awe and wonder? The King of Glory, The King above all kings! Chorus This is amazing grace, This is unfailing love, That You would take my place, That You would bear the cross; You laid down Your life That I would be set free, Oh, Jesus, I sing for All that You’ve done for me. 2. Who brings our chaos back into order, Who makes the orphan a son and daughter? The King of Glory, the King glory! Who rules the nations with truth and justice, Shines like the sun in all of its brilliance? The King of Glory, the King above all kings! Bridge Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, Worthy is the King Who conquered the grave; (repeat) Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, Worthy, worthy, worthy! Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder Words: John Newton 1. Let us love and sing and wonder, Let us praise the Savior’s Name! He has hushed the law’s loud thunder, He has quenched Mount Sinai’s flame. He has washed us with His blood, He has washed us with His blood, He has washed us with His blood, He has brought us nigh to God. 2. Let us love the Lord who bought us, Pitied us when enemies, Called us by His grace, and taught us, Gave us ears and gave us eyes: He has washed us with His blood, He has washed us with His blood, He has washed us with His blood, He presents our souls to God. 3. Let us sing, though fierce temptation Threaten hard to bear us down! For the Lord, our strong Salvation, Holds in view the conqueror’s crown: He who washed us with His blood, He who washed us with His blood, He who washed us with His blood Soon will bring us home to God. 4. Let us wonder; grace and justice Join and point to mercy’s store; When through grace in Christ our trust is, Justice smiles and asks no more: He who washed us with His blood, He who washed us with His blood, He who washed us with His blood Has secured our way to God. 5. Let us sing and join the chorus, May our praises fill the sky Of the One who’s gone before us, And is seated now on high: You have washed us with Your blood, You have washed us with Your blood, You have washed us with Your blood, You are worthy, Lamb of God! 6. Hark! the Name of Jesus, sounded Loud, from golden harps above! Lord, we blush, and are confounded, Faint our praises, cold our love! Wash our souls and songs with blood, Wash our souls and songs with blood, Wash our souls and songs with blood, For by Thee we come to God. Speak, Lord, in the Stillness Words: Emily May Grimes New tune: Micah Shumway 1. Speak, Lord, in the stillness, While I wait on Thee; Hushed my heart to listen In expectancy. Speak, O blessed Master, In this quiet hour; Let me see Thy face, Lord, Feel Thy touch of power. 2. For the words Thou speakest, They are life indeed; Living bread from heaven, Now my spirit feed! All to Thee is yielded, I am not my own; Blissful, glad surrender, I am Thine alone. 3. Speak, Thy servant heareth, Be not silent, Lord; Waits my soul upon Thee For the quickening word. Fill me with the knowledge Of Thy glorious will; All Thine own good pleasure In Thy child fulfill. 4. Like a watered garden, Full of fragrance rare, Lingering in Thy presence, Let my life appear. Message “Standing for the Lord — Lessons from the Life of Elijah” Message given by Rex Beck on November 14, 2021 God’s Intention Genesis 1:26–27 26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the heavens, and over the cattle, and over the whole earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth on the earth. 27 And God created Man in his image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Man has spirit and soul Genesis 2:7 And Jehovah Elohim formed Man, dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and Man became a living soul. Man is flesh Genesis 6:3 And Jehovah said, My Spirit shall not always plead with Man; for he indeed is flesh; but his days shall be a hundred and twenty years. God calls Noah and Abraham Genesis 6:8 But Noah found favour in the eyes of Jehovah. Genesis 12:1–3 1 And Jehovah had said to Abram, Go out of thy land, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, to the land that I will shew thee. 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing. 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee; and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. God considers Israel His wife Jeremiah 2:2–3 2 Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith Jehovah: I remember for thee the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals, when thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land not sown. 3 Israel was holiness unto Jehovah, the first-fruits of his increase: all that devour him are guilty; evil shall come upon them, saith Jehovah. Solomon’s heart turned to other gods 1 Kings 11:4 And it came to pass when Solomon was old, that his wives turned […]

Holding Fast To The Head (11-07-21)

Hymns Second Chance By: Gilkeson Gareth Andrew, Llewellyn Christopher Dean, Herron William 1. My future hangs on this: You make preciousness from dust, Please don’t stop creating me. Your blood offers the chance To rewind to innocence; Reborn, perfect as a child. Chorus Oh, Your cross, it changes everything, There my world begins again with You. Oh, Your cross, it’s where my hope restarts, A second chance is Heaven’s heart. 2. When sin and ugliness Collide with redemption’s kiss, Beauty awakens by romance. Always, inside this mess, I have found forgiveness, Mercy, as infinite as You. Bridge Countless second chances We’ve been given at the cross. 3. Fragments of brokenness Salvaged by the art of grace, You craft life from our mistakes. Black skies of my regrets Outshone by this kindness, New life dawns over my soul. It Is Well Words: Horatio Spafford; Music: Philip Bliss 1. When peace like a river Attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, “It is well, it is well with my soul.” Chorus It is well, (it is well,) With my soul, (with my soul,) It is well, it is well with my soul. 2. Though Satan should buffet, Though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ has regarded My helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul. 3. My sin, oh the bliss Of this glorious thought! My sin, not in part but the whole Is nailed to the cross, And I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! 4. For me, be it Christ, Be it Christ hence to live; If dark hours about me shall roll, No pang shall be mine, For in death as in life, Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul. 5. And, Lord, haste the day When my faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll; The trump shall resound, And the Lord shall descend, Even so, it is well with my soul. Loved With Everlasting Love Words: George Wade Robinson; Music: James Mountain 1. Loved with everlasting love, Led by grace that love to know; Gracious Spirit from above, Thou hast taught me it is so. Oh, this full and perfect peace! Oh, this transport all divine! In a love which cannot cease, I am His, and He is mine. 2. Heav’n above is softer blue, Earth around is sweeter green; Something lives in every hue Christless eyes have never seen: Birds with gladder songs o’erflow, Flow’rs with deeper beauties shine, Since I know, as now I know, I am His, and He is mine. 3. Things that once were wild alarms Cannot now disturb my rest; Closed in everlasting arms, Pillowed on the loving breast. Oh, to lie forever here, Doubt and care and self resign, While He whispers in my ear, I am His, and He is mine. 4. His forever, only His: Who the Lord and me shall part? Ah, with what a rest of bliss Christ can fill the loving heart. Heav’n and earth may fade and flee, Firstborn light in gloom decline; But, while God and I shall be, I am His, and He is mine. Message “Holding Fast To The Head” Message given by Julian Taylor on November 7, 2021 Ephesians 1:22-23 22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and made Him head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. Ephesians 4:11-16 11 And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. 14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of people, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. Colossians 2:16-19 16 Therefore, no one is to act as your judge in regard to food and drink, or in respect to a festival or a new moon, or a Sabbath day — 17 things which are only a shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ. 18 Take care that no one keeps defrauding you of your prize by delighting in humility and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding firmly to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 14 For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; 15 and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.

Building Up The Body of Christ (10-31-21)

Hymns Blessed Be Your Name By: Beth and Matt Redman 1. Blessed be Your name In the land that is plentiful, Where Your streams of abundance flow, Blessed be Your name. Blessed be Your name When I’m found in the desert place, Though I walk through the wilderness, Blessed be Your name. Pre-Chorus Every blessing You pour out I’ll Turn back to praise, And when the darkness closes in, Lord, Still I will say… Chorus Blessed be the name of the Lord, Blessed be Your name! Blessed be the name of the Lord, Blessed be Your glorious name! 2. Blessed be Your name When the sun’s shining down on me, When the world’s all as it should be; Blessed be Your name; Blessed be Your name On the road marked with suffering, Though there’s pain in the offering, Blessed be Your name. Bridge You give and take away, You give and take away; My heart will choose to say: “Lord blessed be Your name!” All Who Are Thirsty By: Brenton Brown, Glenn Robertson 1. All who are thirsty, All who are weak, Come to the Fountain, Dip your heart in the Stream of life; Let the pain and the sorrow Be washed away In the waves of His mercy, As deep cries out to deep. Chorus We sing, Come, Lord Jesus, Come! Come, Lord Jesus, Come! 2. Won’t You come, Won’t You come; Nothing but Your will for me, I am only free when You come. Good, Good Father By: Pat Barrett and Tony Brown 1. Oh, I’ve heard a thousand stories Of what they think You’re like, But I’ve heard the tender whisper Of love in the dead of night, And You tell me that You’re pleased And that I’m never alone. Chorus You’re a good, good Father It’s who You are, it’s who You are, It’s who You are, And I’m loved by You, It’s who I am, it’s who I am, It’s who I am. 2. Oh, and I’ve seen many searching For answers far and wide, But I know we’re all searching for Answers only You provide, ‘Cause You know just what we need Before we say a word. Bridge Because You are perfect in all of Your ways, You are perfect in all of Your ways, You are perfect in all of Your ways to us. 3. Oh, it’s love so undeniable I, I can hardly speak, Peace so unexplainable I, I can hardly think, As You call me deeper still, As You call me deeper still, As You call me deeper still into love, love, love… Message “Building up the Body of Christ” Message given by Rex Beck on October 31, 2021 Ephesians 4:7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 2 Timothy 1:6–7 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Ephesians 4:7-12 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” 9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ… Matthew 16:18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Ephesians 4:12-14 12 …to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.

Filling Our Flasks with Oil — Pt. 2 (10-24-21)

Hymns O Christ, Our Hope Translated by: John Chandler Music: Latin, c. 8th cent. 1. O Christ, our hope, our heart’s desire, And our life’s boundless spring! Redeemer of this fallen world, Its Savior and its King, Its Savior and its King. 2. How vast the mercy and the love Which led Thee to the tree, And on this cross, Lord, Thou hast died To set Thy people free, To set Thy people free. 3. But now the bands of death are burst, The ransom has been paid; And Thou art on Thy Father’s throne, In glorious robes arrayed, In glorious robes arrayed. 4. O may Thy mighty love prevail Our sinful souls to spare; O may we come before Thy throne, And find acceptance there! And find acceptance there! 5. O Christ, be Thou our lasting joy, Our ever great reward! Our only glory may it be To glory in the Lord, To glory in the Lord. 6. All praise to Thee, ascended Lord; All glory ever be To Father, Son, and Spirit blest, Through all eternity, Through all eternity. How Firm a Foundation Words: “K” – from Rippon’s “Selection of Hymns” (1787) Music: John Francis Wade 1. How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, Is laid for your faith in His excellent word! What more can He say than to you He hath said, To you who for refuge to Jesus hath fled. 2. “Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed, For I am your God, and will still give thee aid; I’ll strengthen thee, Help thee and cause thee to stand, Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.” Chorus O Christ, our Hope! Our heart’s desire! When we were lost and in despair, You died and rose to save our souls; You are life’s boundless Spring, Our Savior and our King! 3. “When through the deep waters I call thee to go, The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow; For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless, And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.” 4. “When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, My grace, all sufficient shall be thy supply; The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.” 5. “The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose, I will not, I will not desert to his foes; That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!” My Hope is Built Words: Edward Mote Music: William Bradbury 1 My hope is built on nothing less, Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus name. Chorus On Christ, the solid rock I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand. 2. When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil. 3. His oath, His covenant, His blood, Support me in the whelming flood; When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay. 4. When He shall come With trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found; Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne. Message “Filling Our Flasks With Oil” — Part 2 Message given by Peter McNaughton on October 24, 2021 Matthew 25:1–4 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.” The Building Christ for the Body of Christ Ephesians 4:7-14 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” 9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.

Filling Our Flasks With Oil — Pt. 1 (10-17-21)

Hymns In The Secret By Andy Park 1. In the secret, in the quiet place, In the stillness You are there. In the secret, in the quiet hour, I wait only for You, ‘Cause I want to know You more. Chorus I want to know You, I want to hear Your voice, I want to know You more; I want to touch You, I want to see Your face, I want to know You more. 2. I am reaching for the highest goal That I might receive the prize; Pressing onward, pushing every Hindrance aside, out of my way, ‘Cause I want to know You more. Refrain I want to know You more, Jesus Christ, my Lord… Just As I Am Words: Charlotte Elliott‎ 1. Just as I am, without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come! 2. Just as I am, and waiting not To rid my soul of one dark blot; To Thee, whose blood Can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come! 3. Just as I am, though tossed about, With many a conflict, many a doubt, Fightings within, and fears without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come! 4. Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; Sight, riches healing of the mind, Yes, all I need in Thee to find, O Lamb of God, I come, I come! 5. Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve, Because Thy promise I believe; O Lamb of God, I come, I come! 6. Just as I am, Thy love unknown Has broken every barrier down Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone; O Lamb of God, I come, I come! Christ Liveth In Me Words: Daniel Webster Whittle Music: James McGranahan 1. Once far from God and dead in sin, No light my heart could see. But in God’s Word the light I found; Now Christ liveth in me. Chorus Christ liveth in me. Christ liveth in me. Oh! What a salvation this, That Christ liveth in me. 2. As rays of light from yonder sun, The flow’rs of earth set free, So life and light and love come forth From Christ living in me. 3. As lives the flow’r within the seed, As in the cone the tree, So, praise the God of truth and grace. His Spirit dwelleth in me. 4. With longing all my heart is filled, That like Him I may be. As on the wondrous thought I dwell, That Christ liveth in me. Take Time to Behold Him Words: Adapted from William Dunn Longstaff; Music: George Coles Stebbins 1. Take time to behold Him, Speak oft with your Lord, Abide in Him always, And feed on His Word. Make friends with God’s children, Help those who are weak, Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek. 2. Take time to behold Him, The world rushes on; Spend much time in secret With Jesus alone. By looking to Jesus Like Him you shall be; Your friends, in your conduct, His likeness shall see. 3. Take time to behold Him, Let Him be your Guide; And run not before Him Whatever betide; In joy or in sorrow Still follow the Lord, And, looking to Jesus, Still trust in His Word. 4. Take time to behold Him, Be calm in your soul, Each thought and each motive Beneath His control. Thus led by His Spirit To fountains of love, You then shall be fitted For service above. Message “Filling Our Flasks With Oil” — Part 1 Message given by Rex Beck on October 17, 2021 Matthew 25:1–4 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.” The Building Christ for the Body of Christ Ephesians 4:7-14 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” 9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.

Christ — The Image We are Transformed and Conformed To (10-10-21)

Hymns Draw Me Nearer 1. I am Thine, oh Lord, I have heard Thy voice And it told Your love to me; But I long to rise in the arms of faith And be closer drawn to Thee. Chorus Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, To the cross where Thou hast died; Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, To Thy precious, bleeding side. 2. Consecrate me now To Thy service, Lord By the power of grace divine; Let my soul look up With a steadfast hope And my will be lost in Thine. 3. O the pure delight of a single hour That before Thy throne I spend, When I kneel in prayer, And with Thee, my God, I commune as Friend with friend! 4. There are depths of love That I yet may know Ere Thee face to face I see; There are heights of joy That I yet may reach Ere I rest in peace with Thee. Boldly I Approach 1. By grace alone somehow I stand Where even angels fear to tread, Invited by redeeming love Before the throne of God above; He pulls me close with nail-scarred hands Into His everlasting arms. 2. When condemnation grips my heart And Satan tempts me to despair, I hear the voice that scatters fear The Great I AM, the Lord is here; Oh praise the One who fights for me And shields my soul eternally! Chorus Boldly I approach Your throne, Blameless now I’m running home; By Your blood I come, Welcomed as Your own Into the arms of Majesty. 3. Behold the bright and risen Son, More beauty than this world has known; I’m face to face with love Himself: His perfect spotless righteousness ; A thousand years, a thousand tongues, Are not enough to sing His praise! Bridge Behold, our joy in Your salvation, Knowing we’re free from condemnation! Oh praise the One, praise the One Who made an end to all our sin! Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord 1. Teach me Thy way, O Lord, Teach me Thy way; Thy gracious aid afford, Teach me Thy way. Help me to walk aright; More by faith, less by sight; Lead me with heav’nly light, Teach me Thy way. 2. When I am sad at heart, Teach me Thy way, When earthly joys depart, Teach me Thy way. In hours of loneliness, In times of dire distress, In failure or success, Teach me Thy way. 3. When doubts and fears arise, Teach me Thy way; When storms o’erspread the skies, Teach me Thy way. Shine through the cloud and rain, Through sorrow, toil, and pain; Make Thou my pathway plain, Teach me Thy way. 4. Long as my life shall last, Teach me Thy way; Where’er my lot be cast, Teach me Thy way. Until the race is run, Until the journey’s done, Until the crown is won, Teach me Thy way. Message “Christ — The Image We are Transformed and Conformed To” Message given by Timothy Bontje and Daniel Schmitkons on October 10, 2021 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled faces, looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 8:29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters… Philippians 3:21 …the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will transform the body of our lowly condition into conformity with His glorious body, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

That I May Know Christ — Pt. 1 (10-03-21)

Songs & Hymns Revelation Song By Jennie Lee Riddle 1. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, Holy, holy is He; Sing a new song to Him who sits on Heaven’s mercy seat. Chorus Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come; With all creation I sing, “Praise to the King of Kings!” You are my everything and I will adore You. 2. Clothed in rainbows of living color, Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder; Blessing and honor, strength and Glory and power be To You, the only wise King. 3. I’m filled with wonder, Awestruck wonder At the mention of Your name; Jesus Your name is power, Breath and living water, Such a marvelous mystery. Blessed Assurance Words: Fanny Jane Crosby Music: Phoebe Palmer Knapp 1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine; Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. Chorus This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long. 2. Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. 3. Perfect submission, all is at rest, I, in my Savior, am happy and blest; Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love. From the Inside Out By Joel Timothy Houston, Joel Houston 1. A thousand times I’ve failed, Still your mercy remains, And should I stumble again, Still I’m caught in Your grace. Pre-chorus Everlasting, Your light will shine When all else fades; Never-ending, Your glory Goes beyond all fame. Chorus In my heart in my soul, Lord, I give You control, Consume me from the inside out, Lord; Let justice and praise become my embrace To love You from the inside out. 2. Your will above all else, My purpose remains; The art of losing myself In bringing You praise. Bridge Everlasting, Your light will shine When all else fades; Never-ending, Your glory Goes beyond all fame; And the cry of my heart, Is to bring You praise From the inside out, Lord, my soul cries out. Message “That I May Know Christ….” Message given by Rex Beck on October 3, 2021 Philippians 3:10–11 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Christ, the source of everything unto full salvation Hebrews 7:25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. Colossians 2:9–10 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. Christ our sanctifier and sanctification Hebrews 13:12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 1 Corinthians 1:30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption…

In Order That I May Gain Christ — Pt. 3 (09-26-21)

Hymns Breathing Out My Sorrow Lyrics: Albert Benjamin Simpson New Melody: Ian Konopinski 1. O Lord, breathe Thy Spirit on me, Teach me how to breathe Thee in; Help me pour into Thy bosom All my life of self and sin. Chorus I am breathing out my sorrow, Breathing out my sin; I am breathing, breathing, breathing, All Thy fulness in. 2. I am breathing out my own life, That I may be filled with Thine; Letting go my strength and weakness, Breathing in Thy life divine. 3. Breathing out my sinful nature, Thou hast borne it all for me; Breathing in Thy cleansing fulness, Finding all my life in Thee. 4. I am breathing out my sorrow, On Thy kind and gentle breast; Breathing in Thy joy and comfort, Breathing in Thy peace and rest. 5. I am breathing out my sickness, Thou hast borne its burden too; I am breathing in Thy healing, Ever promised, ever new. 6. I am breathing out my longings In Thy listening, loving ear; I am breathing in Thy answers, Stilling every doubt and fear. 7. I am breathing every moment, Drawing all my life from Thee; Breath by breath I live upon Thee, Lord, Thy Spirit breathe in me. Fall Afresh By: Riddle Jeremy 1. Awaken my soul, come awake To hunger, to seek, to thirst; Awaken first love, come awake And do as you did at first. Chorus Spirit of the Living God, Come, fall afresh on me, Come, wake me from my sleep; Blow through the caverns of my soul, Pour in me to overflow. 2. Awaken my soul, come awake To worship with all your strength. Bridge Show Your shining face, Let Your Spirit come invade. Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God By: Stuart Townend and Keith Getty 1. Holy Spirit, living Breath of God, Breathe new life into my willing soul. Let the presence of the risen Lord, Come renew my heart and make me whole. Cause Your Word to come alive in me; Give me faith for what I cannot see, Give me passion for Your purity; Holy Spirit, breathe new life in me. 2. Holy Spirit, come abide within, May Your joy be seen in all I do. Love enough to cover every sin, In each thought and deed and attitude. Kindness to the greatest and the least, Gentleness that sows the path of peace. Turn my strivings into works of grace; Breath of God, show Christ in all I do. 3. Holy Spirit, from creation’s birth, Giving life to all that God has made, Show Your power once again on earth, Cause Your church to hunger for Your ways. Let the fragrance of our prayers arise; Lead us on the road of sacrifice, That in unity the face of Christ May be clear for all the world to see. Message “In Order That I May Gain Christ” — Pt. 3 Message given by Rex Beck on September 26, 2021 Philippians 3:8 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ Matthew 25:1–4 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. The Overshadowing Christ 2 Corinthians 12:8–9 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Christ United With Us John 14:19–20 19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 1 Corinthians 6:17 17 But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. The Savior Christ Acts 5:31 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 1 Timothy 1:15 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

In Order That I May Gain Christ — Pt. 2 (09-19-21)

Hymns You Are Written by Jason Ingram, Reuben Morgan 1.You are good, You are goodWhen there’s nothing good in me;You are love, You are loveOn display for all to see;You are light, You are lightWhen the darkness closes in,You are hope, You are hope,You have covered all my sin. 2.You are peace,You are peaceWhen my fear is crippling;You are true, You are trueEven in my wandering;You are joy, You are joy,You’re the reason that I sing;You are life, You are life,In You death has lost its sting. ChorusOh, I’m running to You, Lord,I’m running to You, Lord,Jesus, all You are will always be enough,Capture my heart and keep it true,All that I need is found in You. 3.You are more, You are moreThan my words can ever say;You are Lord, You are Lord,All creation will proclaim;You are here, You are here,In Your presence, I’m made whole;You are God, You are God,Of all else I’m letting go. BridgeMy heart will sing no other nameJesus, Jesus. There Is Always Something Over Words: Margaret E. BarberMusic: Robert Lowry 1.There is always something over, When we taste our gracious Lord; Every cup He fills o’erfloweth,Rich supply He doth afford.Nothing narrow, nothing stinted, Ever issued from His store;To His own He gives full measure,Running over, evermore. 2.There is always something over,When we, from the Father’s hand,Take our portion with thanksgiving,Praising for the things He planned.Satisfaction, full and deepening,All our need He doth supply,When the heart has tasted JesusIts desires to satisfy. 3.There is always something over,When we share in all His love;Unplumbed depths still lie beneath us,Unscaled heights rise far above.Human lips can never utterAll His wondrous tenderness.We can only praise and wonderAnd His Name forever bless. Nearer, My God, To Thee! Words: Sarah Flower AdamsMusic: Lowell Mason 1.Nearer, my God, to Thee,Nearer to Thee!E’en though it be a crossThat raiseth me;Still all my song would be:“Nearer, my God, to Thee,Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee!” 2.Though like the wanderer, The sun gone down,Darkness comes over me,My rest a stone;Yet in my dreams I’d beNearer, my God, to Thee,Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee! 3.There let the way appear,Steps unto heav’n;All that Thou sendest me, In mercy giv’n;Angels to beckon meNearer, my God, to Thee,Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee! 4.Then, with my waking thoughtsBright with Thy praise,Out of my stony griefs Bethel I’ll raise;So by my woes to beNearer, my God, to Thee,Nearer, my God, to Thee,Nearer to Thee! 5.There in my Father’s home,Safe and at rest,There is my Savior’s love, Perfectly blest;Age after age to be Nearer my God to Thee,Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee! Message Message given by Rex Beck on September 19, 2021 “In Order That I May Gain Christ — Pt. 2” 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ . — Philippians 3:8 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. — Matthew 25:1–4 The Christ we Receive in Salvation — The Accomplisher of our Redemption and Justification Colossians 1:1414 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Romans 5:99 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. — Christ who is Present in Time and Present with Us Matthew 28:2020 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 2 Timothy 4:16–1716 At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. — Christ who leads us Acts 5:3131 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. Romans 8:1414 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. — Christ is engraved on our hearts 2 Corinthians 3:33 And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

In Order That I May Gain Christ (09-12-21)

Hymns Be Thou My Vision Translator: Mary E. Byrne; Versifier: Eleanor H. Hull Music: Irish Folk 1. Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; Naught be all else to me Save that Thou art. Thou my best thought By day or by night, Waking or sleeping Thy presence my light. 2. Be Thou my Wisdom and Thou my true word; I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord; Thou my great Father, And I thy true son; Thou in me dwelling, And I with Thee one. 3. Be Thou my battle-shield, Sword for my fight, Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight. Thou my soul’s shelter, And Thou my high tow’r. Raise Thou me heav’nward, O Pow’r of my pow’r. Refrain Be my Everything; Be my Everything! 4. Riches I need not, Nor man’s empty praise, Thou mine inheritance, Now and always; Thou and Thou only, First in my heart, High King of heaven My Treasure Thou art. 5. High King of heaven, My victory won, May I reach heaven’s joys, Bright heav’ns Sun, Heart of my own heart, Whatever befall, Still be my vision, O Ruler of all. O Jesus Christ, Grow Thou In Me Words: Johann Casper Lavater Music: Ada Rose Gibbs 1. O Jesus Christ, grow Thou in me, And all things else recede; My heart be daily nearer Thee, From sin be daily freed. Chorus Each day let Thy supporting might My weakness still embrace; My darkness vanish in Thy light, Thy life my death efface. 2. In Thy bright beams which on me fall, Fade every evil thought; That I am nothing, Thou art all, I would be daily taught. 3. More of Thy glory let me see, Thou Holy, Wise, and True; I would Thy living image be, In joy and sorrow too. 4. Fill me with gladness from above, Hold me by strength divine; Lord, let the glow of Thy great love Through all my being shine. 5. Make this poor self grow less and less, Be Thou my life and aim; Oh, make me daily through Thy grace More meet to bear Thy name. O The Bitter Shame and Sorrow Words: Theodore Monod Music: James Mountain 1. Oh, the bitter shame and sorrow, That a time could ever be, When I let the Savior’s pity Plead in vain, and proudly answered, “All of self, and none of Thee, All of self, and none of Thee.” 2. Yet He found me; I beheld Him Bleeding on the cursed tree; Heard Him pray, “Forgive them, Father” And my wistful heart said faintly, “Some of self, and some of Thee, Some of self, and some of Thee.” 3. Day by day His tender mercy, Healing, helping, full and free, Sweet and strong, and ah! so patient, Brought me lower while I whispered, “Less of self, and more of Thee, Less of self, and more of Thee.” 4. Higher than the highest heavens, Deeper than the deepest sea, Lord, Thy love at last hath conquered; Grant me now my heart’s petition: None of self, and all of Thee, None of self, and all of Thee. Messsage “In Order That I May Gain Christ” Message given by Rex Beck on September 12, 2021 Philippians 3:8-14 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. The Christ we Receive in Salvation — The Captain of our Salvation Hebrews 2:10 10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. — The Accomplisher of our Redemption and Justification Colossians 1:14 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Romans 5:9 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. — Present in Time and Present with Us Matthew 28:20 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 2 Timothy 4:16–17 16 At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. Christ who leads us Acts 5:31 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. Romans 8:14 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

Running to Gain Christ — Pt. 4 (08-22-21)

Running to Gain Christ — Part 4 Message given by Rex Beck on August 22, 2021 Philippians 3:12–14 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. He is the chief cornerstone of God’s building Ephesians 2:19–22 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. He is the ascended Christ John 20:17 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” Ephesians 4:8, 11-12 8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” ….11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,  He is the enthroned Christ Ephesians 1:19–20 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, Mark 16:20 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.

Running to Gain Christ — Pt. 3 (08-15-21)

“Running to Gain Christ” Message given by Daniel Schmitkons and Timothy Bontje on August 15, 2021 Philippians 3:12–14 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. He overcame the world John 16:33 33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Galatians 6:14 14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Through His resurrection, we have eternal life John 10:10 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 1 Peter 1:3 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1 John 5:11–12 11 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. Through His death and resurrection, He produced His body, the church  The New Man Ephesians 2:15–16 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. The household of God and God’s building Ephesians 2:19–22 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Running to Gain Christ — Pt. 2 (08-08-21)

“Running to Gain Christ” — Part 2 Message given by Rex Beck on August 08, 2021 Philippians 3:12–14 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. He Destroyed the Devil Hebrews 2:14–15 14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. He Abolished Death and the Power of Death Acts 2:24 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. 2 Timothy 1:10 10 …and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel… Romans 6:9 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him.  He Condemned Sin Romans 8:3 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh… He Freed Us From Sin Romans 6:6–7 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. He overcame the world John 16:33 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Galatians 6:14 14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Running to Gain Christ — pt. 1 (08-01-21)

“Running to Gain Christ” — part 1 Message given by Rex Beck on August 1, 2021 Philippians 3:12–14 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. The Crucified Christ 1 Corinthians 2:2 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. The Buried Christ 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures … Romans 6:3–4 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. The Resurrected Christ 1 Corinthians 15:4 …that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures… Through His Death and Resurrection, He Destroyed the Devil Hebrews 2:14–15 14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

Pursuing Toward the Goal — Christ (07-25-21)

Pursuing toward the goal—Christ Message given by Rex Beck on July 25, 2021 Philippians 3:12-14 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. The eternal Christ John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Incarnated Christ John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. Christ as a genuine human being Philippians 2:8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus

Running The Race (07-18-21)

Hymns For God So Loved By: We The Kingdom, Andrew Bergthold, Martin Cash, Franni Rae Cash, Scott Cash & Ed Cash 1. Come all you weary, Come all you thirsty, Come to the well that never runs dry, Drink of the Water, Come and thirst no more. 2. Come all you sinners, Come find His mercy, Come to the table: He will satisfy, Taste of His goodness, Find what you’re looking for. Chorus For God so loved the world that He gave us His one and only Son to save us, Whoever believes in Him will live forever; The power of Hell forever defeated Now it is well, I’m walking in freedom, For God so loved, God so loved the world. 3. Bring all your failures, Bring your addictions, Come lay them down at the foot of the cross, Jesus is waiting there with open arms. Bridge Praise God, praise God For Jesus Christ will save; Praise Him, praise Him For His love has made the way. There is a Fountain Words: William Cowper Music: New tune by Ian Konopinski 1. There is a Fountain filled with blood Drawn from Emmanuel’s veins; And sinners plunged beneath that flood Lose all their guilty stains. Lose all their guilty stains. 2. The dying thief rejoiced to see That Fountain in his day; And there may I, though vile as he, Wash all my sins away, Wash all my sins away. Pre-chorus Won’t you come to this Fountain, This Fountain of life? Chorus This Fountain flowing That will cleanse and give you life, His grace bestowing When you believe in Jesus Christ. 3. E’er since, by faith, I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply, Redeeming love has been my theme, And His name I’ll glorify, And His name I’ll glorify. Message “Running the Race” Message given by Rex Beck on July 18, 2021 Philippians 3:12–14 12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:30 But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption

The Syrophoenician Woman (06-27-21)

Hymns Glory To His Name! Words: E. A. Hoffman Music: John H. Stockton (1878) 1. Down at the cross where my Savior died, God’s righteous nature was satisfied; There to my sin was the blood applied, Glory to His name! Chorus Glory to His name! Glory to His name! There to my sin was the blood applied, Glory to His name! 2. I am so wondrously saved from sin, Jesus so sweetly abides within; There at the cross where He took me in; Glory to His name! Chorus Glory to His name! Glory to His name! There at the cross where He took me in; Glory to His name! 3. O, precious fountain that saves from sin, I am so glad I have entered in; There Jesus saves me and keeps me clean; Glory to His name! Chorus Glory to His name! Glory to His name! There Jesus saves me and keeps me clean; Glory to His name! 4. Come to this fountain so rich and sweet; Cast thy poor soul at the Savior’s feet; Plunge in today and be made complete; Glory to His name! Chorus Glory to His name! Glory to His name! Plunge in today and be made complete; Glory to His name! Enough Louie Giglio; Christopher D Tomlin 1. You are my supply, My breath of life, Still more awesome than I know; You are my Reward, Worth living for, Still more awesome than I know. Chorus All of You is more than enough for All of me, for every thirst and Every need, You satisfy me With Your love and all I have in You Is more than enough. 2. You’re my Sacrifice Of greatest price, Still more awesome than I know; You’re my coming King, You are everything, Still more awesome than I know. Bridge More than all I want, More than all I need, You are more than enough for me; More than all I know, More than all I can see, You are more than enough… Not Too Short By: Ian Konopinski 1. Though there are many who are far away And others who have wandered off and strayed, But, Lord, You give me faith That they’re not too far away: Your hand, O Lord, is reaching out, And it’s strong enough to save, to save, to save. Chorus Your hand, O Lord, is not too short to save, Your kindness and Your mercy make a way, For just a little turn, a touch of grace, Is more than enough to bring them to Your love, To wrap them in salvation’s warm embrace. 2. For You already came and lived and died, And now You live and share with us Your life; For from Your wounded side Still flows that gracious tide; Those piercéd hands, still reaching out, Salvation still provide, provide, provide. 3. No one is too lost, none are too far gone, No one is too far out, too far away, So, Jesus, Lord, I pray For mercy, have Your way, Your mighty hands, still reaching out, Can save these ones today, today, today. Bridge Lord, You alone can save, Only You can make a way, Lord, only Your hands can reach them; Give them a little turn, O Lord, touch them with Your grace, Lord, only Your hands can save them. Final Chorus Your hand, my Lord, was not too short to save, Your kindness and Your mercy made the way, For just that little turn, Your touch of grace, Was more than enough To bring me to Your love, To wrap me in salvation’s warm embrace… So reach them, touch them, Save them, save them. There Is Always Something Over Words: Margaret E. Barber Music: Robert Lowry 1. There is always something over, When we taste our gracious Lord; Every cup He fills o’erfloweth, Rich supply He doth afford. Nothing narrow, nothing stinted, Ever issued from His store; To His own He gives full measure, Running over, evermore. 2. There is always something over, When we, from the Father’s hand, Take our portion with thanksgiving, Praising for the things He planned. Satisfaction, full and deepening, All our need He doth supply, When the heart has tasted Jesus Its desires to satisfy. 3. There is always something over, When we share in all His love; Unplumbed depths still lie beneath us, Unscaled heights rise far above. Human lips can never utter All His wondrous tenderness. We can only praise and wonder And His Name forever bless. Message “The Syrophoenician Woman” Message given by Peter McNaughton and Timothy Bontje on June 27, 2021 24 Now Jesus got up and went from there to the region of Tyre. And when He had entered a house, He wanted no one to know about it; and yet He could not escape notice. 25 But after hearing about Him, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately came and fell at His feet. 26 Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician descent. And she repeatedly asked Him to cast the demon out of her daughter.27 And He was saying to her, “Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 28 But she answered and said to Him, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table feed on the children’s crumbs.” 29 And He said to her, “Because of this answer, go; the demon has gone out of your daughter.” 30 And after going back to her home, she found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

Loaves and Fishes — (06-20-21)

Hymns Once For All By: Philip P. Bliss 1. Free from the law—oh, happy condition! Jesus hath bled, and there is remission; Cursed by the law and bruised by the fall, Christ hath redeemed us once for all. Chorus Once for all—oh, sinner, receive it; Once for all—oh, doubter, believe it; Cling to the cross, the burden will fall, Christ hath redeemed us once for all. 2. There on the cross Your burden upbearing, Thorns on His brow Your Savior is wearing; Never again your sin need appall, You have been pardoned once for all. 3. Now we are free— There’s no condemnation; Jesus provides A perfect salvation: “Come unto Me,” Oh, hear His sweet call, Come, and He saves us once for all. 4. Children of God—oh, glorious calling, Surely His grace will keep us from falling; Passing from death to life at His call, Blessed salvation once for all. Man of Sorrows By: Philip P. Bliss 1. “Man of sorrows,” what a name For the Son of God who came Ruined sinners to reclaim: Hallelujah! What a Savior! 2. Bearing shame and scoffing rude, In my place, condemned He stood, Sealed my pardon with His blood: Hallelujah! What a Savior! 3. Guilty, vile, and helpless we; Spotless Lamb of God was He; “Full atonement!” can it be? Hallelujah! What a Savior! Refrain Hallelujah! What a Savior Is Jesus Christ our Lord! Hallelujah! What a Savior Is Jesus Christ our Lord! 4. Lifted up was He to die; “It is finished,” was His cry; Now in heaven exalted high: Hallelujah! What a Savior! 5. When He comes, our glorious King, All His ransomed home to bring, Then anew this song we’ll sing: Hallelujah! What a Savior! It Is Well Words: Horatio Spafford Music: Philip P. Bliss 1. When peace like a river Attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, “It is well, it is well with my soul.” Chorus It is well, (it is well,) With my soul, (with my soul,) It is well, it is well with my soul. 2. Though Satan should buffet, Though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ has regarded My helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul. 3. My sin, oh the bliss Of this glorious thought! My sin, not in part but the whole Is nailed to the cross, And I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! 4. For me, be it Christ, Be it Christ hence to live; If dark hours about me shall roll, No pang shall be mine, For in death as in life, Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul. 5. And, Lord, haste the day When my faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll; The trump shall resound, And the Lord shall descend, Even so, it is well with my soul. Message “Loaves and Fishes” Message given by Peter McNaughton and Julian Taylor on June 20, 2021 Mark 6:30-44 30 The apostles gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught. 31 And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a little while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) 32 And they went away in the boat to a secluded place by themselves. 33 The people saw them going, and many recognized them and ran there together on foot from all the cities, and got there ahead of them. 34 When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things. 35 And when it was already late, His disciples came up to Him and said, “This place is secluded and it is already late; 36 send them away so that they may go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But He answered them, “You give them something to eat!” And they said to Him, “Shall we go and spend two hundred denarii on bread, and give it to them to eat?” 38 But He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go look!” And when they found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 And He ordered them all to recline by groups on the green grass. 40 They reclined in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41 And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food and broke the loaves and He gave them to the disciples again and again to set before them; and He divided the two fish among them all. 42 And they all ate and were satisfied; 43 and they picked up twelve full baskets of the broken pieces of bread, and of the fish. 44 There were five thousand men who ate the loaves.

The Gospel — pt. 2 (06-13-21)

Hymns Drinking at the Fountain by: Haldor Lillenas 1. Many weary years I vainly sought a spring, One that never would run dry; Unavailing all the earth to me could bring, Nothing seemed to satisfy. Chorus Drinking at the Fountain that never runs dry, Drinking at the Fountain of life am I; Finding joy and pleasure In abounding measure, I am drinking at the Fountain of life. 2. Through the desert land of sin I roam no more, For I find a living Spring, And my cup of gladness now is running o’er, Jesus is my Lord and King. 3. Here is sweet contentment as the days go by, Here is holy peace and rest; Here is consolation as themoments fly, Here my heart is always blest. 4. Here I find a never ending, sure supply, While the endless ages roll; To this healing Fountain I would ever fly, There to bathe my weary soul. Bridge Deep and wide, deep and wide, There’s a Fountain flowing deep and wide; Deep and wide, deep and wide, There’s a Fountain flowing deep and wide. Whenever the Heart Shall Turn 1. Whenever the heart Shall turn to the Lord, The veil shall be taken away; So turn your heart To the Lord all the day, And the veil shall be taken away. 2. Now the Lord is that Spirit, And where the Spirit of the Lord is, There is liberty—such liberty! 3. Whenever the heart Shall turn to the Lord, The veil shall be taken away. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus By: Helen Howarth Lemmel 1. O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There’s light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant and free. Chorus Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face And the things of earth Will grow strangely dim In the light of His glory and grace. 2. Through death into life everlasting He passed, and we follow Him there; O’er us sin no more hath dominion For more than conqu’rors we are! 3. His Word shall not fail you, He promised; Believe Him and all will be well; Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell! Multiply Your Love By: Andy Park 1. Multiply Your love through us To the lost and the least; Let us be Your healing hands, Your instruments of peace; May our single purpose be To live out Your life; Through our simple words and deeds, Let love be multiplied. 2. Multiply Your love through me To someone in need; Help me, Lord, to freely give This grace that I’ve received; Let my single purpose be To live out Your life; Through my simple words and deeds, Let love be multiplied. 3. Multiply Your church through us To the ends of the earth; Where there’s only barrenness, Let us see new birth; Use us as Your laborers Working side by side; Let us see Your harvest come, Let love be multiplied. Bridge 1 There’s no height, there’s no depth Tribulation or power That an conquer Your love, Freely given to all; You died our souls to save There is no greater love than this. Bridge 2 Now from darkness to light, Sons and daughters now found; Oh, You captured our hearts, Help us live out Your love; You died our souls to save, There is no greater love than this. Message “The Gospel — pt. 2” Message given by Tim Bontje and Peter McNaughton Mark 5:21-43 21 When Jesus had crossed over again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around Him; and He stayed by the seashore. 22 And one of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came, and upon seeing Him, fell at His feet 23 and pleaded with Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death; please come and lay Your hands on her, so that she will get well and live.” 24 And He went off with him; and a large crowd was following Him and pressing in on Him. 25 A woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years, 26 and had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all, but instead had become worse— 27 after hearing about Jesus, she came up in the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak. 28 For she had been saying to herself, “If I just touch His garments, I will get well.” 29 And immediately the flow of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in Himself that power from Him had gone out, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My garments?” 31 And His disciples said to Him, “You see the crowd pressing in on You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’” 32 And He looked around to see the woman who had done this. 33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, aware of what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be cured of your disease.” 35 While He was still speaking, people came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, “Your daughter has died; why bother the Teacher further?” 36 But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid, only believe.” 37 And He allowed no one to accompany Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. 38 They came to the house of the synagogue official, and He saw a commotion, and people loudly weeping and wailing. 39 And after entering, He said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child has not died, but is asleep.” 40 And […]

(06-06-2021)

Hymns Good To Me By: Josh Malek Chorus Lord, You are so good, to me You are so good to me The earth, the sky, the sun, the sea You made this all for me You’re bigger than the galaxy Yet You still remember me Lord, You are so good, to me You are so good to me 1. I shall never be in want, You’ve pro__vided everything You’re everything I need, and the reason that I sing Who am I to reject, every_thing You made good What more can I do, but give thanks like I should 2. When I’m feeling in distress, and I fear I cannot stand You strengthen me with peace, by Your righteous right hand Now I focus my mind on the things from above I’m so filled with joy, when I trust in Your love 3. There’s a table for me, daily bread and new wine Your body and Your blood, yes, You gave it all for mine Now You live inside of me and I have eternal life Your greatest gift to me, I lift my praises on high O Breath Of Life Words: Bessie Porter Head Music: Mary Jane Hammond 1. O Breath of Life, come sweeping through us, Revive Thy Church with life and pow’r; O Breath of Life, come cleanse, renew us, And fit Thy Church to meet this hour. 2. O Wind of God, come bend us, break us, Till humbly we confess our need; Then in Thy tenderness remake us, Revive, restore, for this we plead. 3. O Breath of Love, come breathe within us, Renewing thought and will and heart; Come, Love of Christ, afresh to win us, Revive Thy Church in every part. 4. O Heart of Christ, once broken for us, ’Tis there we find our strength and rest; Our broken, contrite hearts now solace, And let Thy waiting Church be blest. 5. Revive us, Lord! Is zeal abating, While harvest fields are vast and white? Revive us, Lord, the world is waiting, Equip Thy Church to spread the light. Where You Dwell by: Hannah Bontje 1. Out of the darkness, into Your light, You’re evermore shaping our hearts To love You deeper, to glorify The One that saved our souls. 2. Through all our weakness, our trying ways, Surely You never will fail. All things are working for Your good will, Your kingdom come in us. Chorus Send out Your truth and light! Lead us to Your holy hill! Bring us to the mountain where You dwell, Where You dwell, That we may know our God, That we may know our God. 3. Give us a faith that is pleasing to You, A life that is worthy of Your call, Strengthened with power to live for You, Our Christ, our all in all. 4. We praise You God and with thankful hearts Rejoice with all saints in the light. We’ve come to Zion lifting Your great Name high! Sing praise forevermore! Message Message given by Peter McNaughton on June 6, 2021 Mark 5:1-18 Jesus Restores a Demon-Possessed Man They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spiritcame from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. 6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” 9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. 11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside.12 The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13 He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. 14 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. 18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him.

The Church & The Churches — pt. 6 (05-30-21)

Hymns Breathing Out My Sorrow Words: Albert B. Simpson New Melody: Ian Konopinski 1. O Lord, breathe Thy Spirit on me, Teach me how to breathe Thee in; Help me pour into Thy bosom All my life of self and sin. Chorus I am breathing out my sorrow, Breathing out my sin; I am breathing, breathing, breathing, All Thy fulness in. 2. I am breathing out my own life, That I may be filled with Thine; Letting go my strength and weakness, Breathing in Thy life divine. 3. Breathing out my sinful nature, Thou hast borne it all for me; Breathing in Thy cleansing fulness, Finding all my life in Thee. 4. I am breathing out my sorrow, On Thy kind and gentle breast; Breathing in Thy joy and comfort, Breathing in Thy peace and rest. 5. I am breathing out my sickness, Thou hast borne its burden too; I am breathing in Thy healing, Ever promised, ever new. 6. I am breathing out my longings In Thy listening, loving ear; I am breathing in Thy answers, Stilling every doubt and fear. 7. I am breathing every moment, Drawing all my life from Thee; Breath by breath I live upon Thee, Lord, Thy Spirit breathe in me. Great Are You, Lord By: David Leonard, Jason Ingram, Leslie Jordan 1. You give life, You are love, You bring light to the darkness; You give hope, You restore Every heart that is broken; And great are You, Lord. Chorus It’s Your breath in our lungs, So we pour out our praise, We pour out our praise; It’s Your breath in our lungs, So we pour out our praise to You only. Bridge And all the earth will shout Your praise, Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing: “Great are You, Lord!” All Who Are Thirsty By: Brenton Brown, Glenn Robertson 1. All who are thirsty, All who are weak, Come to the Fountain, Dip your heart in the Stream of life; Let the pain and the sorrow Be washed away In the waves of His mercy, As deep cries out to deep. Chorus We sing, Come, Lord Jesus, Come! Come, Lord Jesus, Come! Bridge Won’t You come, Won’t You come; Nothing but Your will for me, I am only free when You come. Message “The Church & The Churches — pt.6” Message given by Rex Beck on May 30, 2021 — The church is a matter of spirit and vision Revelation 1:10-13 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man … — There is one church in one city Acts 14:23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. Titus 1:5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you Romans 15:7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. — The church is God’s farm, God’s building 1 Corinthians 3:3-15 3 For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human? 5 What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8 He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. 9 For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. 11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— 13 each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14 If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

The Church & The Churches, pt. 5 (05-23-21)

Hymns Jesus, I Come 1. Oh, how I need Your grace, More than my words can say; Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come; I need Your faithfulness, I need Your righteousness, Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come. 2. Oh, what amazing love, Poured out Your cleansing blood, Oh, Lamb of God, Jesus, I come; Within this boundless flood, I find You are enough, Oh, Lamb of God, Jesus, I come. Chorus Oh, this love, can it be, You, my Lord, would die for me? By Your blood, now I come To the throne of God above! 3. Out of all my weakness, Out of all my darkness, Bright, Heaven’s Sun, Jesus, I come; In Your light now I see, Jesus, You’re all I need; Bright, Heaven’s Sun, Jesus, I come! Bridge Thank You, Jesus, Just as I am, I come; Hallelujah, For Your amazing love. Nothing But The Blood By: Robert Lowry 1. What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus; What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Refrain: Oh! precious is the flow That makes me white as snow; No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 2. For my pardon, this I see, Nothing but the blood of Jesus; For my cleansing this my plea, Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 3. Nothing can for sin atone, Nothing but the blood of Jesus; Naught of good that I have done, Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 4. This is all my hope and peace, Nothing but the blood of Jesus; This is all my righteousness, Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 5. Now by this we’ll overcome— Nothing but the blood of Jesus; Nigh by this we have become— Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 6. Glory! Glory! This we sing— Nothing but the blood of Jesus, All our praise for this we bring— Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Message “The Church & The Churches,” pt. 5 Message given by Rex Beck on May 23, 2021 — The Vision of the Lampstands Revelation 1:10-13 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man… Revelation 1:20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. — One church in one city Acts 14:23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. Titus 1:5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you… — The church in the city must receive all John 17:21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. Romans 15:5-7 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. — The church is practical Matthew 18:15-17 15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. Revelation 2:1-5 To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 “ ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. Revelation 3:1-2 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “ ‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.

The Church & The Churches, pt. 4 (05-16-21)

Hymns Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder Words: John Newton; Altered verse 5: Ian Konopinski Music: Jars of Clay 1. Let us love and sing and wonder, Let us praise the Savior’s Name! He has hushed the law’s loud thunder, He has quenched Mount Sinai’s flame. He has washed us with His blood, He has washed us with His blood, He has washed us with His blood, He has brought us nigh to God. 2. Let us love the Lord who bought us, Pitied us when enemies, Called us by His grace, and taught us, Gave us ears and gave us eyes: He has washed us with His blood, He has washed us with His blood, He has washed us with His blood, He presents our souls to God. 3. Let us sing, though fierce temptation Threaten hard to bear us down! For the Lord, our strong Salvation, Holds in view the conqueror’s crown: He who washed us with His blood, He who washed us with His blood, He who washed us with His blood Soon will bring us home to God. 4. Let us wonder; grace and justice Join and point to mercy’s store; When through grace in Christ our trust is, Justice smiles and asks no more: He who washed us with His blood, He who washed us with His blood, He who washed us with His blood Has secured our way to God. 5. Let us sing and join the chorus, May our praises fill the sky Of the One who’s gone before us, And is seated now on high: You have washed us with Your blood, You have washed us with Your blood, You have washed us with Your blood, You are worthy, Lamb of God! 6. Hark! the Name of Jesus, sounded Loud, from golden harps above! Lord, we blush, and are confounded, Faint our praises, cold our love! Wash our souls and songs with blood, Wash our souls and songs with blood, Wash our souls and songs with blood, For by Thee we come to God. One Words and Music: Alyssa Karim 1. We are the Church of God Sanctified in Christ, Called to be holy together With those everywhere Who call on the name Of Jesus, their Lord and ours. Pre-chorus We were all baptized By one Spirit Into one body By one faith… Chorus There is one body, There is one Spirit, There is one hope, To which we have been called; There is one Lord, There is one faith, There is one God And Father of all. 2. In Him we’ve been Bought through the blood, The forgiveness of all sins, To bring all things, On earth and heav’n Under Jesus Christ, the Head. Bridge Though one body, we are many parts, Many parts in the body of Christ; Though one body, we are many parts, Many parts… Message “The Church and The Churches, pt. 4” Message given by Peter McNaughton on May 16, 2021 Revelation 1:10-13, 20 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, 11 saying, “Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; 13 and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash. 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. John 17:20-23 20 “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; 21 that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; 23 I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.

The Church & The Churches, pt. 3 (05-09-21)

Hymns Once By Nature By: Bob Brenneman, Rick and Barbara Coleman, Eric Larson, Tom and Rosie Yau 1. Once by nature we were dead in sin. In a world of utter discord: But together God has quickened us. Raised us up to sit together with the Lord. Chorus Jesus is getting us together. Come and see the saints in one accord. His love is knitting us together To the stature of the fullness of the Lord. 2. Thus with all saints we can apprehend All the vast dimensions of God. Knowing Christ’s love Passes all we know. We’re together filled to fullness with our God. 3. Now we know the purpose of our God. Visible the mystery became: Christ, the church, together now we see, And together put the enemy to shame. 4. For this cause we pray the Father God – Strengthen Thou with might our inner man: Make Yourself at home in all our hearts, Root us, ground us in Your love and for Your plan. 5. In the Body we’ll be fitly framed As the many members Christ supplies: Working in the measure of each part, All by growth in love the Body edifies. 6. Now we’re one His purpose to fulfill As the one new man of His plan. Unto Him be glory in the church, And in Jesus Christ forevermore — Amen! Build Your Kingdom By: Gilkeson Gareth Andrew, Llewellyn Christopher Dean, Herron William 1. Come set Your rule and reign In our hearts again, Increase in us we pray, Unveil why we’re made; Come set our hearts ablaze with hope, Like wildfire in our very souls; Holy Spirit, come invade us now; We are Your church; We need Your power in us. 2. We seek Your kingdom first, We hunger and we thirst, Refuse to waste our lives, For You’re our joy and prize, To see the captive hearts released, The hurt, the sick, the poor, at peace; We lay down our lives for Heaven’s cause; We are Your church; We pray revive this earth. Chorus Build Your kingdom here, Let the darkness fear; Call us into light, Save us with Your might; Set the Cornerstone, In our hearts alone; Let Your saints draw near, Build Your kingdom here, we pray! 3. Unleash Your kingdom’s power, Reaching the near and far, No force of hell can stop Your beauty changing hearts; You made us for much more than this, Awake the kingdom seed in us, Fill us with the strength and love of Christ; We are Your church; We are the hope on earth. Message “The Church and The Churches, pt. 3” Message given by Rex Beck on May 9, 2021 Revelation 1:10-13 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man. Revelation 1:20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. 1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: 1 Thessalonians 1:1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. Romans 15:5-7 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Matthew 18:15-17 15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. John 20:22-23 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

The Church and The Churches, pt. 2 — (05-02-21)

Hymns In The Secret By: Chris Tomlin 1. In the secret, in the quiet place, In the stillness You are there. In the secret, in the quiet hour, I wait only for You, ‘Cause I want to know You more. Chorus I want to know You, I want to hear Your voice, I want to know You more; I want to touch You, I want to see Your face, I want to know You more. 2. I am reaching for the highest goal That I might receive the prize; Pressing onward, pushing every Hindrance aside, out of my way, ‘Cause I want to know You more. Refrain I want to know You more, Jesus Christ, my Lord… O Jesus, Jesus, Dearest Lord Words: Frederick William Faber; chorus by Russell Kelso Carter Music: Taubert 1. O Jesus, Jesus, dearest Lord! Forgive me if I say, For very love, Thy sacred name A thousand times a day. Chorus O Jesus, Lord, with me abide; I rest in Thee, whate’er betide; Thy gracious smile is my reward; I love, I love Thee, Lord! 2. I love Thee so I know not how My transports to control; Thy love is like a burning fire Within my very soul. 3. For Thou to me art all in all; My honor and my wealth; My heart’s desire, my body’s strength, My soul’s eternal health. 4. Burn, burn, O love, within my heart, Burn fiercely night and day, Till all the dross of earthly loves Is burned, and burned away. 5. O light in darkness, joy in grief, O heaven’s life on earth; Jesus, my love, my treasure, who Can tell what Thou art worth? 6. What limit is there to this love? Thy flight, where wilt Thou stay? On, on! our Lord is sweeter far Today than yesterday. Message “The Church and The Churches, pt. 2” Message given by Peter McNaughton on May 2, 2021 (Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties, we were not able to record this Sunday’s message. We apologize for the inconvenience) Matthew 16:16-18 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” Acts 9:5-6 5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, 6 but get up and enter the city, and it will be told to you what you must do.” Revelation 1:10-13 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, Revelation 1:20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

The Church and The Churches (04-25-21)

Hymns You Are By: Jason David Ingram, Reuben Timothy Morgan 1. You are good, You are good When there’s nothing good in me; You are love, You are love On display for all to see; You are light, You are light When the darkness closes in, You are hope, You are hope, You have covered all my sin. 2. You are peace, You are peace When my fear is crippling; You are true, You are true Even in my wandering; You are joy, You are joy, You’re the reason that I sing; You are life, You are life, In You death has lost its sting. Chorus Oh, I’m running to You, Lord, I’m running to You, Lord, Jesus, all You are will always be enough, Capture my heart and keep it true, All that I need is found in You. 3. You are more, You are more Than my words can ever say; You are Lord, You are Lord, All creation will proclaim; You are here, You are here, In Your presence, I’m made whole; You are God, You are God, Of all else I’m letting go. Bridge My heart will sing no other name Jesus, Jesus. Just As I Am Words: Charlotte Elliott Music: William Batchelder Bradbury 1. Just as I am, without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come! Chorus Ooh, just as I am, Ooh I come; Ooh, just as I am, O Lamb of God, I come! 2. Just as I am, and waiting not To rid my soul of one dark blot; To Thee, whose blood Can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come! 3. Just as I am, though tossed about, With many a conflict, many a doubt, Fightings within, and fears without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come! 4. Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; Sight, riches healing of the mind, Yes, all I need in Thee to find, O Lamb of God, I come, I come! 5. Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve, Because Thy promise I believe; O Lamb of God, I come, I come! 6. Just as I am, Thy love unknown Has broken every barrier down Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone; O Lamb of God, I come, I come! Message “The Church and The Churches” Message given by Rex Beck on April 25, 2021 Revelation 1:10-13 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, Revelation 1:20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. 1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours Ephesians 1:22-23 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. Ephesians 4:4-6 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

The Cross & The Spirit, pt. 5 (04-18-21)

Hymns I Am Not My Own Words: Albert Benjamin Simpson Music: George Coles Stebbins 1. Tell me not of earthly pleasures, Tempt me not with sordid gain; Mock me not with earth’s illusions, Vex me not with honors vain. I am weaned from sinful idols; I am henceforth not my own; I have giv’n my heart to Jesus, I belong to Him alone. Chorus: I am not my own, I am not my own. I belong to Jesus, And I am not my own. 2. Oh, the blessed rest it brings us To belong to Christ alone; We can draw on all His fulness When we’ve nothing of our own. Blessed Jesus, take me, own me, Make me, keep me wholly Thine. Deign to find in me Thy portion, While I joy to call Thee mine. 3. Weary soul, give up the struggle, Cease at length thyself to own; Give thyself away to Jesus, And belong to Him alone. Once He gave His all to win thee, Now He asks as much of thee; All He has He fully gives thee; Let thy love His portion be. I Need Thee Every Hour Words: Annie Sherwood Hawks; Chorus by Robert Lowry Music: Robert Lowry 1. I need Thee every hour, Most gracious Lord; No tender voice like Thine Can peace afford. Chorus I need Thee, oh, I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee; Oh, bless me now, my Savior! I come to Thee. 2. I need Thee every hour, Stay Thou near by; Temptations lose their power When Thou art nigh. 3. I need Thee every hour, In joy or pain; Come quickly and abide, Or life is vain. 4. I need Thee every hour, Teach me Thy will; And Thy rich promises In me fulfill. 5. I need Thee every hour, Most Holy One; Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son. I Am The Lord’s Words: Lucy Ann Bennett Music: Joseph Barnby 1. I am the Lord’s! O joy beyond expression, O sweet response to voice of love Divine; Faith’s joyous “Yes” to the assuring whisper, “Fear not! I have redeemed thee; thou art Mine.” 2. I am the Lord’s! It is the glad confession Wherewith the Bride recalls the happy day, When love’s “I will” accepted Him forever, “The Lord’s,” to love, to honor and obey. 3. I am the Lord’s! Yet teach me all it meaneth, All it involves of love and loyalty, Of holy service, absolute surrender, And unreserved obedience unto Thee. 4. I am the Lord’s! Yes; body, soul, and spirit, O seal them irrecoverably Thine; As Thou, Beloved, in Thy grace and fulness Forever and forevermore art mine. Message “The Cross & The Spirit. pt. 5” Message given by Rex Beck on April 18, 2021 1 Corinthians 2 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. Wisdom from the Spirit 6 Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. 7 But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— 10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. 14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. 16 “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

The Cross and The Spirit, pt. 4 (04-11-21)

Hymns Measure Me! Words: Betty Kent Music: Bob Brenneman 1. No matter what the sorrow is, No matter what the pain, I welcome You into my heart To measure me within. Chorus How wonderful, my Lord, You are; How gracious is Your name; E’en when Your measure seems quite hard I still desire Your gain. 2. You raise the level higher still, My prayer is to endure: I want what You desire until I see Your life mature. 3. When You become a rest in me And reign as King within, No matter what the pain, it must Reveal Yourself therein. Blessed Assurance Words: Fanny Crosby Music: Phoebe Knapp 1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine; Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. Chorus This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long. 2. Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. 3. Perfect submission, all is at rest, I, in my Savior, am happy and blest; Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love. Message “The Cross & The Spirit, pt. 4” Message given by Rex Beck on April 11, 2021 John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 10:28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. Galatians 2:19-20 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 3:14 … so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. Romans 8:16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

He Is Risen (04-04-2021)

Hymns In Christ Alone Words: Stuart Townend Music: Keith Getty 1. In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, My strength, my song. This cornerstone, this solid ground, Firm through the fiercest Drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace, When fears are stilled when striving cease! My Comforter, my all in all; Here in the love of Christ I stand! 2. In Christ alone, who took on flesh, Fullness of God in helpless babe! This gift of love and righteousness, Scorned by the ones He came to save, Till on that cross as Jesus died The wrath of God was satisfied, For every sin on Him was laid. Here in the death of Christ I live! 3. There in the ground His body lay; Light of the world by darkness slain. Then bursting forth in glorious day, Up from the grave He rose again! And as He stands in victory, Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me, For I am His and He is mine, Bought with the precious blood of Christ! 4. No guilt in life, no fear in death; This is the power of Christ in me. From life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No power of hell, no scheme of man Can ever pluck me from His hand; ’Til He returns or calls me home, Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand! Resurrecting By: Christopher Brown, Wade Joye, Steven Furtick, Matthews Thabo Ntele, Mack Brock 1. The Head that once was crowned with thorns Is crowned with glory now; The Savior knelt to wash our feet, Now at His feet we bow. 2. The One who wore our sin and shame Is robed in majesty; The radiance of perfect love Now shines for all to see. Chorus Oh Christ, Your Cross Is victory; All praise will rise To Christ our King. (x2) 3. The fear that held us now gives way To Him who is our peace; And “It is finished!” was His cry, From death comes victory. Bridge In Your Spirit I’m alive And now You’re alive in me, The resurrected King Is resurrecting me; Lord, Your Spirit gives me life, Now from sin and death I’m free; The resurrected King Is resurrecting me. 4. The tomb where soldiers watched in vain Was borrowed for three days; His body there would not remain, He walked out from that grave; He walked out from that grave! Message “He is Risen” Message given by Rex Beck on April 4, 2021 John 20:1-31 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes. Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene 11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her. Jesus Appears to the Disciples 19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is […]

The Cross and the Spirit, Pt. 3 (03-28-21)

Hymns At The Cross (I Bow The Knee) Morgan Reuben Timothy, Zschech Darlene Joyce 1. Oh Lord You’ve searched me, You know my way; Even when I fail You, I know You love me. Your holy presence Surrounding me In every season, I know You love me; I know You love me. Chorus At the cross I bow my knee, Where Your blood was shed for me, There’s no greater love than this. You have overcome the grave, Your glory fills the highest place, What can separate me now? 2. You go before me, You shield my way, Your hand upholds me; I know You love me. I know You love me. Bridge You tore the veil, You made a way When You said that it is done. 3. And when the earth fades, Falls from my eyes, And You stand before me, I know You love me; I know You love me. O Love of God Words and Music: Frederick M. Lehman 1. The love of God is greater far Than tongue or pen can ever tell. It goes beyond the highest star And reaches to the lowest hell. The guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win; His erring child He reconciled And pardoned from his sin. Chorus O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure The saints’ and angels’ song. 2. Upon that cross on Calv’ry’s hill God’s love for all there on display. For friend and foe, He hung until The debt for sin was fully paid. The work was done! Oh, praise the Son! His blood has freed us from sin! From heav’n above, He came in love, That all might live through Him. 3. Could we with ink the ocean fill, And were the skies of parchment made; Were every stalk on earth a quill, And every man a scribe by trade; To write the love of God above Would drain the ocean dry; Nor could the scroll contain the whole, Though stretched from sky to sky. 4. When time at last shall pass away, And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall; When men who here refuse to pray, On rocks and hills and mountains call; God’s love, so sure, shall still endure, All measureless and strong; Redeeming grace to Adam’s race— The saints’ and angels’ song. Message “The Cross and The Spirit, pt. 3” Message given by Rex Beck on March 28, 2021 Romans 6:6-8 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. Romans 7:1-6  Or do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives? 2 For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. 3 Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress. 4 Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. 5 For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. 6 But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.

Living By Faith (03-21-21)

Hymns Shine Jesus Shine By Graham Kendrick 1. Lord, the light of Your love is shining, In the midst of the darkness shining; Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us, Set us free by the truth You now bring us; Shine on me, shine on me! Chorus Shine, Jesus, shine! Fill this land with the Father’s glory; Blaze, Spirit, blaze; Set our hearts on fire; Flow, river, flow, Flood the nations with grace and mercy; Send forth Your word, Lord, and let there be light! 2. Lord, I come to Your awesome presence, From the shadows Into Your radiance; By the blood I may Enter Your brightness, Search me, try me, Consume all my darkness; Shine on me, shine on me! 3. As we gaze on Your kingly brightness, So our faces display Your likeness, Ever changing from glory to glory, Mirrored here may our lives tell Your story; Shine on me, shine on me! Build My Life By Pat Barrett 1. Worthy of every song we could ever sing, Worthy of all the praise we could ever bring, Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe; We live for You, oh, we live for You. 2. Jesus, the name above every other name, Jesus, the only One who could ever save, Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe; We live for You, oh we live for You. Chorus Holy, there is no one like You, There is none beside You Open up my eyes in wonder And show me who You are And fill me with Your heart And lead me in Your love to those around me. Bridge I will build my life upon Your love, It is a firm foundation; And I will put my trust in You alone And I will not be shaken. Message “Living By Faith” Message given by Rex Beck on March 21, 2021 Galatians 3:1-5, 13-14 You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? 2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”— 14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham would come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

The Riches of the Spirit and the Power of the Cross (03-07-21)

Hymns Hallelujah for the Cross! King Ross Sullivan, Wright Brandon Todd 1. Up to the hill of Calvary, My Savior went courageously And there He bled and died for me, Hallelujah for the cross; And on that day the world was changed, A final, perfect Lamb was slain, Let earth and heaven now proclaim, “Hallelujah for the cross!” Chorus Hallelujah for the cross of Christ: Through His death, we have life! Hallelujah! Let His praises rise! Hallelujah for the cross! 2. What good I’ve done could never save, My debt too great for deeds to pay, But God, my Savior, made a way, Hallelujah for the cross; A slave to sin, my life was bound, But all my chains fell to the ground When Jesus’ blood came flowing down; Hallelujah for the cross! 3. Now let my life His story sing, And through the world His praises ring, All glory be to Christ my King; Hallelujah for the cross! I Am Crucified With Christ Albert Benjamin Simpson 1. I am crucified with Christ, And the cross hath set me free; I have ris’n again with Christ, And He lives and reigns in me. 2. Mystery hid from ancient ages! But at length to faith made plain: Christ in me, the Hope of Glory, Tell it o’er and o’er again. Chorus Oh! it is so sweet to die with Christ, To the world, and self, and sin; Oh! it is so sweet to live with Christ, As He lives and reigns within. 3. This the secret nature hideth, Harvest grows from buried grain; A poor tree with better grafted, Richer, sweeter life doth gain. 4. This the secret of the holy, Not our holiness, but Him; O Lord! empty us and fill us, With Thy fullness to the brim. 5. This the balm for pain and sickness, Just to all our strength to die, And to find His life and fullness, All our being’s need supply. 6. This the story of the Master, Thru the Cross, He reached the Throne, And like Him our path to glory, Ever leads through death alone. Message “The Riches of the Spirit and the Power of the Cross” Message given by Rex Beck on March 7, 2021 Galatians 3:14 … so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:22-25 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 6:14-15 14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.

The Cross and The Spirit, pt. 2 (02-28-21)

Hymns Message “The Cross and The Spirit, pt. 2” Message given by Rex Beck on February 28, 2021 Luke 9:23-26 23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. John 7:37-39 37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ ” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Money (02-21-21)

Hymns Hosanna (Praise is Rising) Paul Baloche 1. Praise is rising, Eyes are turning to You, We turn to You; Hope is stirring, Hearts are yearning for You, We long for You. Pre-chorus ‘Cause when we see You We find strength to face the day; In Your presence all our fears Are washed away, washed away… Chorus Hosanna! Hosanna! You are the God who saves us, Worthy of all our praises; Hosanna! Hosanna! Come have Your way among us, We welcome You here Lord Jesus. 2. Hear the sound of Hearts returning to You, We turn to You. In Your kingdom Broken lives are made new, You make us new. I Love My Master Words: Frances Ridley Havergal Music: Alexander C. Ewing 1. I love, I love my Master, I will not go out free, For He is my Redeemer, He paid the price for me; I would not leave His service, It is so sweet and blest And in the weariest moments He gives the truest rest. 2. My Master shed His life-blood, My vassal life to win, And save me from the bondage Of tyrant self and sin; He chose me for His service, And gave me power to choose That blessed, perfect freedom, Which I shall never lose. 3. I would not halve my service, His only it must be! His only, who so loved me, And gave Himself for me; Rejoicing and adoring, Henceforth my song shall be: I love, I love my Master, I will not go out free. Message “Money” (Due to technical difficulties, we were not able to record this week’s message. Sorry for the inconvenience!) Deuteronomy 8:11-19 11 “Take care lest you forget the Lord your God by not keeping his commandments and his rules and his statutes, which I command you today, 12 lest, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, 13 and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, 15 who led you through the great and terrifying wilderness, with its fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no water, who brought you water out of the flinty rock, 16 who fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers did not know, that he might humble you and test you, to do you good in the end. 17 Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ 18 You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day. 19 And if you forget the Lord your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish Proverbs 30:8-9 8  Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, 9    lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God Luke 16 10 “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. 11 If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? 12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Matthew 6 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 1 Corinthians 9:14-15 14 In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel. 15 But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. 1 Timothy 6:17-18 17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Philippians 4:17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit

The Cross and The Spirit, pt. 1 (02-14-21)

Hymns I Surrender All Words: Judson W. Van de Venter Music: Winfield Scott Weeden 1. All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live. Chorus I surrender all, I surrender all. All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all. 3. All to Jesus I surrender, Make me, Savior, wholly Thine; Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit, Truly know that Thou art mine. 4. All to Jesus I surrender, Lord, I give myself to Thee; Fill me with Thy love and power, Let Thy blessing fall on me. 5. All to Jesus I surrender, Now I feel the sacred flame. Oh, the joy of full salvation! Glory, glory to His name! Thy Mighty Love Words: Constrained by the Lord’s Love Music: Emily May Grimes 1. Thy mighty love, O God, constraineth me, As some strong tide it presseth on its way, Seeking a channel in my self-bound soul, Yearning to sweep all barriers away. 2. Shall I not yield to that constraining power? Shall I not say, O tide of love, flow in? My God, Thy gentleness hath conquered me, Life cannot be as it hath hither been. 3. Break through my nature, mighty, heavenly love, Clear every avenue of thought and brain, Flood my affections, purify my will, Let nothing but Thine own pure life remain. 4. Thus wholly mastered and possessed by God, Forth from my life, spontaneous and free, Shall flow a stream of tenderness and grace, Loving, because God loved, eternally. Message “The Cross and The Spirit” Message given by Rex Beck on February 14, 2021 1 Corinthians 1:17-25 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. 18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” 20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 2:8-15 8 None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— 10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. 14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.

Christ our Cornerstone (01-31-21)

Hymns My Hope is Built Words: Edward Mote Music: William Batchelder Bradbury 1. My hope is built on nothing less, Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus name. Chorus On Christ, the solid rock I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand. 2. When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil. 3. His oath, His covenant, His blood, Support me in the whelming flood; When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay. 4. When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found; Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne. Build Your Kingdom Here Rend Collective 1. Come set Your rule and reign In our hearts again, Increase in us we pray, Unveil why we’re made; Come set our hearts ablaze with hope, Like wildfire in our very souls; Holy Spirit, come invade us now; We are Your church; We need Your power in us. Chorus Build Your kingdom here, Let the darkness fear; Call us into light, Save us with Your might; Set the Cornerstone, In our hearts alone; Let Your saints draw near, Build Your kingdom here, we pray! 2. We seek Your kingdom first, We hunger and we thirst, Refuse to waste our lives, For You’re our joy and prize; To see the captive hearts released, The hurt, the sick, the poor, at peace; We lay down our lives for Heaven’s cause; We are Your church; We pray revive this earth. 3. Unleash Your kingdom’s power, Reaching the near and far, No force of hell can stop Your beauty changing hearts; You made us for much more than this, Awake the kingdom seed in us, Fill us with the strength and love of Christ; We are Your church; We are the hope on earth. Message “Christ Our Cornerstone” Message given by Rex Beck on January 31, 2021 1 Peter 2:1-10 2 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” 7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” 8 and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Jesus Transforms Us – Pt. 2 (01-24-21)

Hymns ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus Words: Louisa M. R. Stead Music: William James Kirkpatrick 1. ’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His Word; Just to rest upon His promise, And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!” Chorus Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er; Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! Oh, for grace to trust Him more! 2. Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to trust His cleansing blood; And in simple faith to plunge me ’Neath the healing, cleansing flood! 3. Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus, Just from sin and self to cease; Just from Jesus simply taking Life and rest, and joy and peace. 4. I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; And I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end. Cornerstone By: Edward Mote, Eric Liljero, Jonas Myrin, Reuben Morgan 1. My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly trust in Jesus’ name. Chorus Christ alone, Cornerstone, Weak made strong in the Savior’s love; Through the storm, He is Lord, Lord of all. 2. When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil, My anchor holds within the veil. Bridge He is Lord, Lord of all. 3. When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found; Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne, Faultless to stand before the throne. Message “Jesus Transforms Us – Pt. 2” Message given by Rex Beck on January 24, 2021 1 Peter 2:1-10 2 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” 7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” 8 and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Jesus Transforms Us – Pt. 1 (01-17-21)

Hymns How Sweet The Name of Jesus Sounds Words: John Newton Music: J. C. Lowry 1. How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds In a believer’s ear! It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, And drives away his fear. And drives away his fear. And drives away his fear. It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, And drives away his fear. 2. It makes the wounded spirit whole, And calms the troubled breast; ’Tis manna to the hungry soul, And to the weary, rest; And to the weary, rest, And to the weary, rest; ’Tis manna to the hungry soul, And to the weary, rest. 3. Dear Name, the Rock on which we build, Our Shield and Hiding Place, Our never failing treasury, filled With boundless stores of grace! With boundless stores of grace, With boundless stores of grace; Our never failing treasury, filled With boundless stores of grace! 4. Jesus! Our Savior, Shepherd, Friend, Our Prophet, Priest and King, Our Lord, our Life, our Way, our End, Accept the praise we bring; Accept the praise we bring, Accept the praise we bring; Our Lord, our Life, our Way, our End, Accept the praise we bring. 5. Weak is the effort of our heart, And cold our warmest thought; But when we see Thee as Thou art, We’ll praise Thee as we ought; We’ll praise Thee as we ought, We’ll praise Thee as we ought; But when we see Thee as Thou art, We’ll praise Thee as we ought. 6. Till then we would Thy love proclaim With every fleeting breath, And triumph in that blessed Name Which quells the pow’r of death! Which quells the pow’r of death, Which quells the pow’r of death; And triumph in that blessed Name Which quells the pow’r of death! Lord, I Need You Matt Maher 1. Lord, I come, I confess, Bowing here, You are my rest; Without You I fall apart, You’re the One that guards my heart. 2. You alone have power to save, Lord, all my sin, You take away; So wash me now, in Your precious blood, You’re the Way that I come to God. Chorus Lord, I need You, oh, I need You Every hour I need You; My one defense, my righteousness, Oh God, how I need You. 3. Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more, Where grace is found, is where You are, And where You are, Lord, I am free; Holiness is Christ in me. Bridge Teach my song to rise to You When temptation comes my way, And when I cannot stand I’ll fall on You, Jesus, You’re my hope and stay. Message “Jesus Transforms Us – Pt. 1” Message given by Rex Beck on January 17, 2021 1 Peter 2:1-10 2 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” 7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” 8 and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Receiving Grace for Christ and the Church (01-10-21)

Hymns Yet Not I, But Through Christ in Me Jonny Robinson, Rich Thompson, Michael Farren 1. What gift of grace is Jesus my Redeemer; I once was dead, now life eternal’s mine; He is my Joy, my Righteousness, and Freedom, My steadfast Love, my deep and boundless Peace; To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus, For my life is wholly found in Him; Oh how strange and divine, I can sing: all is mine, Yet not I, but through Christ in me! 2. The night is dark but I am not forsaken, In Jesus Christ, my soul on Him is stayed, I will press on, believing and rejoicing, Though I am weak, His power is displayed; To this I hold, my Shepherd – He will carry me, Through the deepest valley He will lead; Oh the night has been won, and I shall overcome, Yet not I, but through Christ in me! 3. No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven, Salvation’s sure, the price is fully paid: For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon And He was raised to overthrow the grave; To this I hold, my sin has been defeated, Jesus now and ever is my plea; Oh the chains are released, I can sing: I am free, Yet not I, but through Christ in me! 4. With every breath I’ll live for Christ, my Savior, For His great love constrains me to give all; And day by day I know He will renew me Until I reach the goal, His upward call! To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus, All the glory evermore to Him, When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat: Yet not I, but through Christ in me! Just As I Am Words: Charlotte Elliott Music: English Folk Melody 1. Just as I am, without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come! 2. Just as I am, and waiting not To rid my soul of one dark blot; To Thee, whose blood Can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come! 3. Just as I am, though tossed about, With many a conflict, many a doubt, Fightings within, and fears without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come! 4. Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; Sight, riches healing of the mind, Yes, all I need in Thee to find, O Lamb of God, I come, I come! 5. Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve, Because Thy promise I believe; O Lamb of God, I come, I come! 6. Just as I am, Thy love unknown Has broken every barrier down Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone; O Lamb of God, I come, I come! Message “Receiving Grace for Christ and the Church” Message given by Rex Beck on January 10, 2021 Ephesians 3:7-13 7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

Knowing Christ in the Church Life (01-03-21)

Hymns Jesus, Shine On Us Now Original song and lyrics by Phil Wickham (“Heaven Fall Down”) Revised lyrics by Ian Konpinski 1. Open our eyes, Lord, let us see All that You are, You’re all we need; Open our ears, Lord, let us hear What You would say, be loud and clear, Please be near. Pre-chorus Lord, to You we cry, Please come, shine Your Light. Chorus Jesus, shine on us now; Spirit, Spirit pour out Lord, we need You; Shine on us now. 2. Come, Jesus, come, bless us again, Fill up our hearts, we welcome You in; Shine, Jesus, shine, shine like the sun, Break through our clouds, O Shining One; O Light, please come. Bridge We’re crying out in desperation, Waiting now in expectation; We’re crying out in desperation for You; We need You, Lord, we need salvation, We need Your word’s illumination, So we’re crying out in desperation for You. O Jesus Christ, Grow Thou In Me Words: Johann Casper Lavater Music: Ada Rose Gibbs 1. O Jesus Christ, grow Thou in me, And all things else recede; My heart be daily nearer Thee, From sin be daily freed. Chorus Each day let Thy supporting might My weakness still embrace; My darkness vanish in Thy light, Thy life my death efface. 2. In Thy bright beams which on me fall, Fade every evil thought; That I am nothing, Thou art all, I would be daily taught. 3. More of Thy glory let me see, Thou Holy, Wise, and True; I would Thy living image be, In joy and sorrow too. 4. Fill me with gladness from above, Hold me by strength divine; Lord, let the glow of Thy great love Through all my being shine. 5. Make this poor self Grow less and less, Be Thou my life and aim; Oh, make me daily through Thy grace More meet to bear Thy name. Message “Knowing Christ in the Church Life” Message given by Rex Beck on January 3, 2021 Ephesians 2:17-22 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Seeing Stars (12-13-20)

Hymns Your Grace Is Enough by Matt Maher 1.Great is Your faithfulness, O God of Jacob,You wrestle with The sinner’s restless heart; You lead us by still waters And to mercy And nothing can keep us apart. Pre-chorusSo remember Your people,Remember Your children;Remember Your promise, O God. ChorusYour grace is enough,Your grace is enough;Your grace is enough for me. 2.Great is Your love and justice God of Jacob,You use the weak to lead the strong; You lead us in the song Of Your salvation,And all Your people sing along. Be Thou My Vision Translated: Mary E. ByrneMusic: Traditional Irish Folk 1.Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;Naught be all else to me Save that Thou art.Thou my best thought By day or by night,Waking or sleeping Thy presence my light. 2.Be Thou my Wisdom and Thou my true word;I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;Thou my great Father, And I thy true son;Thou in me dwelling, And I with Thee one. 3.Be Thou my battle-shield,Sword for my fight,Be Thou my dignity,Thou my delight.Thou my soul’s shelter, And Thou my high tow’r.Raise Thou me heav’nward, O Pow’r of my pow’r. RefrainBe my Everything;Be my Everything! 4.Riches I need not, Nor man’s empty praise,Thou mine inheritance, Now and always;Thou and Thou only, First in my heart,High King of heaven My Treasure Thou art. 5. High King of heaven, My victory won,May I reach heaven’s joys, Bright heav’ns Sun,Heart of my own heart, Whatever befall,Still be my vision, O Ruler of all. Message “Seeing Stars” Message given by Ian Konopinski and Julian Taylor on December 13, 2020 (We apologize for the sound quality in the second half of the message. We had unforeseen technological difficulties) Matthew 2:1-121 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: 6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah;For from you will come forth a RulerWho will shepherd My people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod secretly called for the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” 9 After hearing the king, they went on their way; and behold, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on ahead of them until it came to a stop over the place where the Child was to be found. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And after they came into the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary; and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And after being warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way. 2 Peter 1:19And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. Revelation 22:16“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you of these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” Philippians 2:15… prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world Revelation 1:12-2012 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And after turning I saw seven golden lampstands; 13 and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and wrapped around the chest with a golden sash. 14 His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire. 15 His feet were like burnished bronze when it has been heated to a glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters. 16 In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength. 17 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, 18 and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades. 19 Therefore write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things. 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

The Vision of the Wise Men (12-6-20)

Hymns I Have Decided to Follow Jesus Music: Traditional Assam 1. I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, No turning back, no turning back. 2. The world behind me, the cross before me, The world behind me, the cross before me, The world behind me, the cross before me, No turning back, no turning back. 3. Though none go with me, still I will follow, Though none go with me, still I will follow, Though none go with me, still I will follow, No turning back, no turning back. 4. Will you decide now to follow Jesus? Will you decide now to follow Jesus? Will you decide now to follow Jesus? No turning back, no turning back. I Will Follow by Chris Tomlin Where You go, I’ll go Where You stay, I’ll stay When You move, I’ll move I will follow… – 1 – All Your ways are good All Your ways are sure I will trust in You alone Higher than my sight High above my life I will trust in You alone In You alone Chorus Where You go, I’ll go Where You stay, I’ll stay When You move, I’ll move I will follow You Who You love, I’ll love How You serve I’ll serve If this life I lose, I will follow You I will follow You – 2 – Light unto the world Light unto my life I will live for You alone You’re the one I seek Knowing I will find All I need in You alone, in You alone Bridge In You there’s life everlasting In you there’s freedom for my soul In You there’s joy, unending joy (last time:) and I will follow Message “The Vision of the Wise Men” Message given by Timothy Bontje and Julian Taylor on December 6, 2020 Matthew 2:1-18 1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: 6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For from you will come forth a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod secretly called for the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” 9 After hearing the king, they went on their way; and behold, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on ahead of them until it came to a stop over the place where the Child was to be found. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And after they came into the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary; and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And after being warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way. 13 Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.” 14 So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt. 15 He stayed there until the death of Herod; this happened so that what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” 16 Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent men and killed all the boys who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi. 17 Then what had been spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: 18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, Weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; And she refused to be comforted, Because they were no more.” Philippians 3:7-10 7 But whatever things were gain to me, these things I have counted as loss because of Christ. 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them mere rubbish, so that I may gain Christ, 9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection …

The Vision of Mary (11-29-20)

Hymns Your Grace Is Enough by Matt Maher 1. Great is Your faithfulness, O God of Jacob, You wrestle with The sinner’s restless heart; You lead us by still waters And to mercy And nothing can keep us apart. Pre-chorus So remember Your people, Remember Your children; Remember Your promise, O God. Chorus Your grace is enough, Your grace is enough; Your grace is enough for me. 2. Great is Your love and justice God of Jacob, You use the weak to lead the strong; You lead us in the song Of Your salvation, And all Your people sing along. Breathing Out My Sorrow Words: Albert B. Simpson 1. O Lord, breathe Thy Spirit on me, Teach me how to breathe Thee in; Help me pour into Thy bosom All my life of self and sin. Chorus I am breathing out my sorrow, Breathing out my sin; I am breathing, breathing, breathing, All Thy fulness in. 2. I am breathing out my own life, That I may be filled with Thine; Letting go my strength and weakness, Breathing in Thy life divine. 3. Breathing out my sinful nature, Thou hast borne it all for me; Breathing in Thy cleansing fulness, Finding all my life in Thee. 4. I am breathing out my sorrow, On Thy kind and gentle breast; Breathing in Thy joy and comfort, Breathing in Thy peace and rest. 5. I am breathing out my sickness, Thou hast borne its burden too; I am breathing in Thy healing, Ever promised, ever new. 6. I am breathing out my longings In Thy listening, loving ear; I am breathing in Thy answers, Stilling every doubt and fear. 7. I am breathing every moment, Drawing all my life from Thee; Breath by breath I live upon Thee, Lord, Thy Spirit breathe in me. Message “The Vision of Mary” Message given by Daniel Schmitkons and Timothy Bontje Luke 1:26-38, 46-55 26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” 29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” 35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” 38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. —— 46 And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. 49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. 50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty. 54 He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, 55 As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.”

The Vision of Zechariah (11-22-2020)

Hymns How Firm A Foundation Words: “K” in Rippon’s Selection of Hymns, 1787 Music: Early American melody 1. How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, Is laid for your faith in His excellent word! What more can He say than to you He hath said, To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled? 2. “Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed, For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid; I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.” 3. “When through the deep waters I call thee to go, The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow; For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless, And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.” 4. “When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply; The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.” 5. “The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose, I will not, I will not desert to his foes; That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake!” He’s Always Been Faithful By: Sara Groves 1. Morning by morning I wake up to find The power and comfort of God’s hand in mine Season by season I watch Him, amazed In awe of the mystery of His perfect ways All I have need of, His hand will provide He’s always been faithful to me 2. I can’t remember a trial or a pain He did not recycle to bring me gain I can’t remember one single regret In serving God only, and trusting His hand All I have need of, His hand will provide He’s always been faithful to me REFRAIN: Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not As Thou has been Thou forever wilt be. CHORUS: Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me. 3. This is my anthem, this is my song The theme of the stories I’ve heard for so long God has been faithful, He will be again His loving compassion, it knows no end All I have need of, His hand will provide He’s always been faithful to me Message “The Vision of Zechariah” Message given by Peter McNaughton and Julian Taylor on November 22, 2020 Luke 1:5-22 5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. 7 And yet they had no child, because Elizabeth was infertile, and they were both advanced in years. 8 Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priestly office, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were in prayer outside at the hour of the incense offering. 11 Now an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. 12 Zechariah was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. 14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice over his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. 17 And it is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers back to their children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in her years.” 19 The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” 21 And meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah, and were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them; and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple, and he repeatedly made signs to them, and remained speechless. Luke 1:57-66 57 Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had displayed His great mercy toward her; and they were rejoicing with her. 59 And it happened that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to call him Zechariah, after his father. 60 And yet his mother responded and said, “No indeed; but he shall be called John.” 61 And they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this […]

Special Guest: Jose Alicea (11-15-2020)

Hymns Resurrecting by Elevation Worship 1. The Head that once was crowned with thorns Is crowned with glory now; The Savior knelt to wash our feet, Now at His feet we bow. 2. The One who wore our sin and shame Is robed in majesty; The radiance of perfect love Now shines for all to see. Chorus Oh Christ, Your Cross Is victory; All praise will rise To Christ our King. (x2) 3. The fear that held us now gives way To Him who is our peace; And “It is finished!” was His cry, From death comes victory. Bridge In Your Spirit I’m alive And now You’re alive in me, The resurrected King Is resurrecting me; Lord, Your Spirit gives me life, Now from sin and death I’m free; The resurrected King Is resurrecting me. 4. The tomb where soldiers watched in vain Was borrowed for three days; His body there would not remain, He walked out from that grave; He walked out from that grave! O Hallelujah, Yes, ‘Tis Joy – 1 – Since Christ my soul from sin set free, This life has been a joy to me; And ’mid earth’s sorrows and its woe, ’Tis joy my Jesus here to know. Chorus O hallelujah, yes, ’tis joy! For it is Christ that I enjoy! On land or sea, what matters where? Where Jesus is, my joy is there. – 2 – The earth was once a bitter place Till Jesus showed His smiling face; Now joy’s begun within my soul, ’Twill last while endless ages roll. – 3 – What matters where on earth we dwell? On mountain top, or in the dell, In cottage, or a mansion fair, Where Jesus is, my joy is there. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus Words and Music: Helen Howarth Lemmel 1. O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There’s light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant and free! Chorus Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace. 2. Thro’ death into life everlasting, He passed, and we follow Him there; O’er us sin no more hath dominion– For more than conqu’rors we are! 3. His Word shall not fail you–He promised; Believe Him, and all will be well: Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell! Message Special Guest Speaker: Jose Alicea Message given by Jose Alicea on November 15, 2020

The Change of the Age (11-08-20)

Hymns Our God Saves by Paul Baloche (third verse added by Hannah Bontje) 1. In the name of the Father, In the name of the Son, In the name of the Spirit, Lord we come; We gather together To lift up Your name, To call on our Savior, To fall on Your grace. Pre-chorus Hear the joyful sound of our offering As Your saints bow down, As Your people sing We will rise with You, Lifted on Your wings And the world will see that… Chorus 1 Our God saves, Our God saves, There is hope in Your name. Chorus 2 Our God saves, Our God saves, There is hope in Your name; Mourning turns to songs of praise, Our God saves, Our God saves! 2. For all of Your goodness, For all of Your grace, For all of Your mercy, Lord, we praise, We come now to worship, Beholding Your face, We turn our hearts to You, The God who can save. 3. Our Blessed Redeemer, Our Savior and Friend, Jesus our Answer, our Way our End We light Your name higher Above every name We call on You, Jesus, The God who will save! I Need Thee Every Hour Words: Annie S. Hawks Music: Robert Lowry 1. I need Thee every hour, Most gracious Lord; No tender voice like Thine Can peace afford. Chorus I need Thee, oh, I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee; Oh, bless me now, my Savior! I come to Thee. 2. I need Thee every hour, Stay Thou near by; Temptations lose their power When Thou art nigh. 3. I need Thee every hour, In joy or pain; Come quickly and abide, Or life is vain. 4. I need Thee every hour, Teach me Thy will; And Thy rich promises In me fulfill. 5. I need Thee every hour, Most Holy One; Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son. Message “The Change of the Age” Message given by Daniel Schmitkons and Timothy Bontje on November 8, 2020 Acts 26:19 “For that reason, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision … “ Galatians 2:1-2 1 The after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. 2 It was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles … 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled faces, looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. Romans 8:23 And not only that, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons and daughters, the redemption of our body. Matthew 1:18-21, 24-25 18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, since he was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. 20 But when he had thought this over, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a Son; and you shall name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 24 And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, 25 but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he named Him Jesus. Matthew 2:13-14 13 Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.” 14 So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt.

The Center and Content of Visions — Jesus the Son of God (11-01-20)

Hymns Open The Eyes of My Heart, Lord by Michael W. Smith 1. Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. Open the eyes of my heart. I want to see You. I want to see You. (Repeat) Chorus To see You high and lifted up Shining in the light of Your glory. Pour out Your power and love As we sing, “holy, holy, holy…” Bridge Holy, holy, holy, Holy, holy, holy, Holy, holy, holy, I want to see You. Heart Of Worship by Matt Redman 1. When the music fades And all is stripped away And I simply come; Longing just to bring Something that’s of worth, That will bless Your heart. Pre-chorus I’ll bring You more than a song, For a song in itself Is not what You have required; You search much deeper within, Through the way things appear, You’re looking into my heart. Chorus I’m coming back To the heart of worship, And it’s all about You, It’s all about You, Jesus; I’m sorry, Lord, For the thing I’ve made it, When it’s all about You, It’s all about You, Jesus. 2. King of highest worth, No one could express How much You deserve; Though I’m weak and poor, All I have is Yours, Every single breath. Message “The Center and Content of Visions — Jesus the Son of God” Message given by Peter McNaughton and Timothy Bontje on November 1, 2020 Matthew 1:18-21 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

The Keys of the Kingdom (10-25-20)

Hymns In The Secret By: Chris Tomlin 1. In the secret, in the quiet place, In the stillness You are there. In the secret, in the quiet hour, I wait only for You, ‘Cause I want to know You more. Chorus I want to know You, I want to hear Your voice, I want to know You more; I want to touch You, I want to see Your face, I want to know You more. 2. I am reaching for the highest goal That I might receive the prize; Pressing onward, pushing every Hindrance aside, out of my way, ‘Cause I want to know You more. Nearest Of All Words: D. M. Panton Music: Carl Maria Von Weber 1. Nearest of all is He, Dearest of all to me; Mine in life’s lowly ways, Mine in life’s common days. 2. True in the time of care, Fairest when all is fair; Strength of my helplessness, Always at hand to bless. 3. Secret of joy untold, Changeless as years unfold; Nearest of all is He, Dearest of all to me! Messsage “The Keys of the Kingdom” Message given by Rex Beck on October 25, 2020 Matthew 16:13-20 13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. Acts 1:3-8 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 2:38-39 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” Acts 10:44-45 44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. Colossians 4:3-4 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

Becoming a Living Stone for God’s Building (10-18-20)

Hymns Build My Life By: Passion, Brett Younker 1. Worthy of every song we could ever sing, Worthy of all the praise we could ever bring, Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe; We live for You, oh, we live for You. 2. Jesus, the name above every other name, Jesus, the only One who could ever save, Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe; We live for You, oh we live for You. Chorus Holy, there is no one like You, There is none beside You Open up my eyes in wonder And show me who You are And fill me with Your heart And lead me in Your love to those around me. Bridge I will build my life upon Your love, It is a firm foundation; And I will put my trust in You alone And I will not be shaken. Complete in Thee Words: Aaron Robarts Wolfe 1. Complete in Thee! no work of mine May take, dear Lord, the place of Thine; Thy blood hath pardon bought for me, And I am now complete in Thee. Chorus Yea, justified! O blessed thought! And sanctified! Salvation wrought! Thy blood hath pardon bought for me, And glorified, I too, shall be! 2. Complete in Thee! no more shall sin, Thy grace hath conquered, reign within; Thy voice shall bid the tempter flee, And I shall stand complete in Thee. 3. Complete in Thee–each want supplied, And no good thing to me denied; Since Thou my portion, Lord, wilt be, I ask no more, complete in Thee. 4. Dear Savior! when before Thy bar All tribes and tongues assembled are, Among Thy chosen will I be, At Thy right hand, complete in Thee. Chorus 2 Complete in Thee! O blessed thought! Complete in Thee! Salvation wrought! Thy blood hath pardon bought for me, And I am now complete in Thee. Message “Becoming a Living Stone for God’s Building” Message given by Rex Beck on October 18, 2020 Matthew 16:13-20 13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-6 4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 3:11-13 11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— 13 each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.

Christ and His Building Work (10-11-20)

Hymns Who You Say I Am Words and Music: Ben Fielding & Reuben Morgan 1. Who am I that the highest King Would welcome me? I was lost but He brought me in, Oh His love for me, Oh His love for me. Chorus Who the Son sets free, Oh is free indeed; I’m a child of God, yes I am; In my Father’s house There’s a place for me; I’m a child of God, yes I am. 2. Free at last, He has ransomed me, His grace runs deep; While I was a slave to sin, Jesus died for me, Yes, He died for me. Bridge I am chosen, not forsaken, I am who You say I am; You are for me, not against me, I am who You say I am. Not I, But Christ Words: Ada A. Whiddington Music: Albert B. Simpson 1. Not I, but Christ be honored, loved, exalted, Not I, but Christ be seen, be known and heard; Not I, but Christ in every look and action, Not I, but Christ in every thought and word. Chorus Oh, to be saved from myself, dear Lord, Oh, to be lost in Thee, Oh, that it may be no more I, But Christ that lives in me. 2. Not I, but Christ to gently soothe in sorrow, Not I, but Christ to wipe the falling tear; Not I, but Christ to lift the weary burden, Not I, but Christ to hush away all fear. 3. Christ, only Christ, no idle word e’er falling, Christ, only Christ, no needless bustling sound; Christ, only Christ, no self-important bearing, Christ, only Christ, no trace of I be found. 4. Not I, but Christ my every need supplying, Not I, but Christ my strength and health to be; Christ, only Christ, for spirit, soul, and body, Christ, only Christ, live then Thy life in me. 5. Christ, only Christ, ere long will fill my vision, Glory excelling soon, full soon I’ll see; Christ, only Christ, my every wish fulfilling, Christ, only Christ, my all in all to be. Message “Christ and His Building Work” Message given by Rex Beck on October 11, 2020 Matthew 16:13-18 13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Ephesians 2:19-22 … but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. 11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— 13 each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14 If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

I Will Build My Church (10-04-2020)

Hymns All In All By: Dennis Jernigan 1. You are my strength When I am weak, You are the treasure that I seek, You are my all in all; Seeking you as a precious jewel, Lord, to give up I’d be a fool, You are my all in all. Chorus Jesus, Lamb of God, Worthy is Your name; Jesus, Lamb of God, Worthy is Your name. 2. Taking my sin, My cross, my shame, Rising again; I bless Your name, You are my all in all; When I fall down You pick me up, When I am dry You fill my cup, You are my all in all. Unashamed By: Douglas Kaine Mckelvey, Jon Neufeld, Tim Neufeld 1. I have not much To offer You, Not near what You deserve; But still I come Because Your cross Has placed in me my worth. 2. Oh Christ, my King of sympathy Whose wounds secure my peace, Your grace extends To call me friend, Your mercy sets me free. Chorus And I know I’m weak, I know I’m unworthy To call upon Your name, But because of grace, Because of your mercy, I stand here unashamed. 3. I can’t explain This kind of love, I’m humbled and amazed, That You’d come down From heavens heights And greet me face to face. Bridge Here I am at Your feet, In my brokenness complete. Message “I Will Build My Church” Message given by Rex Beck on October 4, 2020 Matthew 16:13-28 13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. 21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” 24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. 28 Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

Special Guest: Bob Brenneman (09-27-20)

Hymns All The Way My Savior Leads Me Words: Fanny Jane Crosby Music: Robert Lowry – 1 – All the way my Savior leads me; What have I to ask beside? Can I doubt His tender mercy, Who through life has been my Guide? Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort, Here by faith in Him to dwell!|| For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well, For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well. – 2 – All the way my Savior leads me, Cheers each winding path I tread, Gives me grace for every trial, Feeds me with the living bread. Though my weary steps may falter, And my soul athirst may be,|| Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! a spring of joy I see, Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! a spring of joy I see. – 3 – All the way my Savior leads me; Oh, the fullness of His grace! Perfect rest to me is promised In my Father’s blest embrace. When my spirit, clothed immortal, Wings its flight to realms of day,|| This my song through endless ages: Jesus led me all the way, This my song through endless ages: Jesus led me all the way. He Will Hold Me Fast Words and Music: Keith and Kristen Getty – 1 – When I fear my faith will fail Christ will hold me fast When the tempter would prevail He will hold me fast I could never keep my hold Through life’s fearful path For my love is often cold He must hold me fast Chorus: He will hold me fast He will hold me fast For my Savior loves me so He will hold me fast – 2 – Those He saves are His delight Christ will hold me fast Precious in His holy sight He will hold me fast He’ll not let my soul be lost His promises shall last Bought by Him at such a cost He will hold me fast – 3 – In His presence I abide Christ will hold me fast Giving rest on every side He will hold me fast Foes withstand to no avail He will hold me fast Not one word from Him has failed All shall come to pass. – 4 – For my life He bled and died Christ will hold me fast Justice has been satisfied He will hold me fast Raised with Him to endless life He will hold me fast Till our faith is turned to sight When he comes at last Message “How To Have Christ In Your Life” Special guest speaker: Bob Brenneman

The Last Supper (09-20-20)

Hymns It Passeth Knowledge 1. It passeth knowledge, that dear love of Thine, My Savior, Jesus; yet this soul of mine Would of Thy love in all its breadth and length, Its height and depth, its everlasting strength, Know more and more. 2. It passeth telling, that dear love of Thine, My Savior, Jesus; yet these lips of mine Would fain proclaim to sinners, far and near, A love which can remove all guilty fear, And love beget. 3. It passeth praises, that dear love of Thine, My Savior, Jesus; yet this heart of mine Would sing that love, so full, so rich, so free, Which brings a rebel sinner, such as me, Nigh unto God. 4. But though I cannot sing, or tell, or know The fulness of Thy love, while here below, My empty vessel I may freely bring; O Thou, who art of love the living spring, My vessel fill. 5. I am an empty vessel—not one thought Or look of love to Thee I’ve ever brought; Yet I may come, and come again to Thee, With this the empty sinner’s only plea, Thou lovest me. 6. Oh, fill me, Jesus, Savior, with Thy love! Lead, lead me to the living fount above; Thither may I, in simple faith draw nigh, And never to another fountain fly, But unto Thee. 7. Lord Jesus, when Thee face to face I see, When on Thy lofty throne I sit with Thee, Then of Thy love, in all its breadth and length, Its height and depth, its everlasting strength, My soul shall sing. Worthy To Me 1. A woman came up to Him With an alabaster flask Of very expensive ointment And she poured it on His head Jesus said, “She has done A beautiful thing to me.” 2. How often do the hours go by With no single thought of You? Oh Lord, what can I say, what can I do? I turn now my eyes to You; I give my heart and all my life, I pour it all just on You, for You. 3. My Lord, how You gave Your life: Every single drop You gave For me, in Your love for me. Let me love You like You love; I am Yours, for there is none More worthy to me, to me. Pre-chorus Oh worthy One, Most worthy One, I lay my life at Your feet. Chorus My Lord and my King, My most faithful One, How could I not pour my all on You? All that You’ve done for me, All of Your life, You spent for me; Let me pour myself, Every drop that remains in me For You. Message “The Last Supper” Message given by Rex Beck on September 20, 2020 Mark 14:12-26 12 And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, “Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 13 And he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, 14 and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15 And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us.” 16 And the disciples set out and went to the city and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. 17 And when it was evening, he came with the twelve. 18 And as they were reclining at table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” 19 They began to be sorrowful and to say to him one after another, “Is it I?” 20 He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. 21 For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” 22 And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. 24 And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” 26 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

The House at Bethany (09-13-20)

Hymns Set a Fire By: Will Reagan 1. No place I would rather be, No place I would rather be, No place I would rather be, Than here in Your Love! Here in Your Love! 2. So set a fire down in my soul That I can’t contain and I can’t control; I want more of You, God! I want more of You, God! 3. I want more, I want more, I want more, I want more, I want more, I want more, More of You; won’t You pour it out? O Jesus Christ, Grow Thou in Me Words: Johann Casper Lavater Music: Ada Rose Gibbs 1. O Jesus Christ, grow Thou in me, And all things else recede; My heart be daily nearer Thee, From sin be daily freed. Chorus Each day let Thy supporting might My weakness still embrace; My darkness vanish in Thy light, Thy life my death efface. 2. In Thy bright beams which on me fall, Fade every evil thought; That I am nothing, Thou art all, I would be daily taught. 3. More of Thy glory let me see, Thou Holy, Wise, and True; I would Thy living image be, In joy and sorrow too. 4. Fill me with gladness from above, Hold me by strength divine; Lord, let the glow of Thy great love Through all my being shine. 5. Make this poor self Grow less and less, Be Thou my life and aim; Oh, make me daily through Thy grace More meet to bear Thy name. Message “The House at Bethany” Message given by Peter McNaughton John 12:1-8 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.” Matthew 26:6-13 6 Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. 8 And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? 9 For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” 10 But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. 12 In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. 13 Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”

Salvation has Come to this House (09-06-2020)

Hymns ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus Words: Louisa M. R. Stead Music: William James Kirkpatrick 1. ’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His Word; Just to rest upon His promise, And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!” Chorus Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er; Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! Oh, for grace to trust Him more! 2. Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to trust His cleansing blood; And in simple faith to plunge me ’Neath the healing, cleansing flood! 3. Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus, Just from sin and self to cease; Just from Jesus simply taking Life and rest, and joy and peace. 4. I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; And I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end. Thank You, Jesus By: Hannah Hobbs, Matt Crocker 1. Grace that flows like a river, Washing over me; Fount of Heaven, love of Christ, Overflow in me. Chorus Thank You, Jesus, You set me free; Christ, my Savior, You rescued me. 2. Take this life delivered, A vessel of Your love, Wholly now devoted To see Your kingdom come. Bridge You’ve given me life, You’ve opened my eyes, I love You, Lord, I love You, Lord; You’ve entered my heart, You’ve set me apart, I love You, Lord, I love You, Lord. Message “Salvation has Come to this House” Message given by Rex Beck Luke 19:1-10 He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3 And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. 4 So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” 8 And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Come Home Running (08-30-20)

Hymns Sov’reign Grace O’er Sin Abounding Words: John Kent Music: William Batchelder Bradbury 1. Sov’reign grace o’er sin abounding, Ransomed souls, the tidings swell; ‘Tis a deep that knows no sounding, Who its breadth or length can tell? On its glories, on its glories, Let my soul forever dwell! On its glories on its glories, Let my soul forever dwell! 2. What from Christ the soul can sever, Bound by everlasting bands? Once in Him, in Him forever, Thus th’ eternal cov’nant stands. None shall pluck thee, non shall pluck thee From the Savior’s mighty hands! None shall pluck thee, none shall pluck thee From the Savior’s – mighty hands! 3. Heirs of God, joint-heirs with Jesus, Long ere time its race begun; To His name eternal praises, O what wonders love has done! One with Jesus, one with Jesus, By eternal union one. One with Jesus, one with Jesus, By eternal – union one. 4. On such love, my soul, still ponder, Love, so great, so rich, so free; Say while lost in holy wonder, Why, O lord, such love to me? Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Grace shall reign eternally! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Grace shall reign – eternally! O Come to the Altar By: Steven Furtick, Christopher Joel Brown, Mack Donald Iii Brock, Wade Joye 1. Are you hurting and broken within? Overwhelmed by the weight of your sin? Jesus is calling; Have you come to the end of yourself? Do you thirst for a drink from the well? Jesus is calling. Chorus O come to the altar, The Father’s arms are open wide; Forgiveness was bought with The precious blood of Jesus Christ. 2. Leave behind your regrets and mistakes, Come today there’s no reason to wait, Jesus is calling; Bring your sorrows and trade them for joy, From the ashes a new life is born, Jesus is calling. Bridge Oh what a Savior! Isn’t He wonderful? Sing hallelujah, Christ is risen! Bow down before Him, For He is Lord of all; Sing hallelujah, Christ is risen! 3. Bear your cross as you wait for the crown, Tell the world of the treasure you’ve found. Message “Come Home Running” Message given by Rex Beck on August 30, 2020 Luke 15:11-32 11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.” ’ 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. 25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’ ”

God is Searching for You (08-23-20)

Hymns “Rock of Ages” Words: Augustus Montague Toplady Music: Thomas Hastings 1. Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee; Let the water and the blood, From Thy riven side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure, Save me from its guilt and pow’r. 2. Not the labor of my hands Can fulfill Thy law’s demands; Could my zeal no respite know, Could my tears forever flow, All could never sin erase, Thou must save, and save by grace. 3. Nothing in my hands I bring, Simply to the cross I cling; Naked, come to Thee for dress; Helpless look to Thee for grace; Foul, I to the fountain fly; Wash me, Savior, or I die. 4. While I draw this fleeting breath, When mine eyes shall close in death, When I soar to worlds unknown, See Thee on Thy judgment throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee. ————— “What Made You, Lord, to Die for Me?” Words and Music: Howard Higashi 1. What made You, Lord, to die for me? Why would You die for me, Your enemy? You took my place to hang on a tree, To be a curse, a curse for me. Chorus 1: What made You die for me? I was Your enemy. Lord, You became a curse for me. Oh, what a mystery! My God, You died for me! You died for me, Your enemy. 2. I never thought that You would be So full of love and tender mercy. How could You love a person like me? You loved me, dear Jesus, Your enemy. 3. You loved me, Lord, so very long; And with a love enduring and strong. Although I mocked and cursed You so long, You waited and prayed for me all along. 4. I was a man who was just sin, Which issued in a life full of sins. My heart toward You was in rebellion, But, Lord, You touched me with Your compassion. Chorus 2: Your love has conquered me, Even Your enemy. In love, dear Lord, You came to me. Nothing could change me But love and mercy. Your love, dear Lord, has conquered me. 5. One little turn and You were there, Waiting for me with Your loving care. How could I still remain Your enemy? Your love, dear Jesus, disarmed me. Message “God Is Searching For You” Message given by Rex Beck on August 23, 2020 Luke 15:1-12 1Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”  3So he told them this parable: 4“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.  8“Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? 9And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ 10Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” 

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath (08-16-20)

Hymns Out of my Bondage Words: William True Sleeper 1. Out of my bondage sorrow and night, Jesus, I come! Jesus, I come! Into Thy freedom gladness and light, Jesus, I come to Thee! Out of my sickness into Thy health, Out of my want and into Thy wealth, Out of my sin and into Thyself, Jesus, I come to Thee! 2. Out of my shameful failure and loss, Jesus, I come! Jesus, I come! Into the glorious gain of Thy cross, Jesus, I come to Thee! Out of earth’s sorrows into Thy balm, Out of life’s storm and into Thy calm, Out of distress to jubilant psalm, Jesus, I come to Thee! 3. Out of unrest and arrogant pride, Jesus, I come! Jesus, I come! Into Thy blessed will to abide, Jesus, I come to Thee! Out of myself to dwell in Thy love, Out of despair into raptures above, Upward for aye on wings like a dove, Jesus, I come to Thee! 4. Out of the fear and dread of the tomb, Jesus, I come! Jesus, I come! Into the joy and pleasure, Thine own, Jesus, I come to Thee! Out of the depths of ruin untold, Into the flock Thy love doth enfold, Ever Thy glorious face to behold, Jesus, I come to Thee! Living For Jesus Words: Thomas Obediah Chisholm Music: Carl Harold Lowden 1) Living for Jesus a life that is true, Striving to please Him in all that I do; Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free, This is the pathway of blessing for me. Chorus O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee, For Thou, in Thy redemption, Didst give Thyself for me; I own no other Master, My heart shall be Thy throne, My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone. 2. Living for Jesus who died in my place, Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace; Such love constrains me to answer His call, Follow His leading and give Him my all. 3. Living for Jesus wherever I am, Doing each duty in His holy name; Willing to suffer affliction and loss, Deeming each trial a part of my cross. 4. Living for Jesus through earth’s little while, My dearest treasure, the light of His smile; Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem, Bringing the weary to find rest in Him. Message “Jesus Heals on the Sabbath” Message given by Rex Beck on August 16, 2020 Luke 14:1-24 One Sabbath, when he went to dine at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, they were watching him carefully. 2 And behold, there was a man before him who had dropsy. 3 And Jesus responded to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?” 4 But they remained silent. Then he took him and healed him and sent him away. 5 And he said to them, “Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?” 6 And they could not reply to these things. 7 Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, 8 “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, 9 and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” 12 He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. 13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” 15 When one of those who reclined at table with him heard these things, he said to him, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” 16 But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. 17 And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ 18 But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’ 19 And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ 20 And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ 21 So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ 22 And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ 23 And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’ ”

Hypocrites and the Pure in Heart (08-09-20)

Hymns I Have Come to the Fountain of Life Words and Music: Albert Benjamin Simpson 1. I have come to the Fountain of Life, A fountain that flows from above; I have passed from the waters of strife And come to the Elim of love; I have drunk of the heavenly well, In the depths of my being it springs. No mortal can measure or tell The gladness the Comforter brings. Chorus Oh, come to the Fountain of Life, The fountain that never runs dry; Oh, drink of the boundless supply, For Christ is the Fountain of Life. 2. I have come to the Fountain of Blood That for guilt and uncleanness doth flow; I have washed in its sin-cleansing flood And my garments are whiter than snow. I count not my righteousness mine— ‘Tis Jesus that lives in my soul. I partake of His nature divine, And in Him I am perfectly whole. 3. I have come to the Fountain of Health, A boundless and endless supply; ‘Tis a secret man’s wisdom or wealth Can never discover or buy But the secret my Lord hath revealed In the fountain that flows from His side, In the stripes by whose pain we are healed, In Himself as He comes to abide. 4. I have come to the Fountain of Joy; His joy is the strength of my heart. My delight is unmixed with alloy, My sunshine can never depart. The fig tree may wither and die, Earth’s pleasures and prospects decline; But my fountains can never be dry— My portion, my joy is divine. Make Me a Blessing Words: Ira Bishop Wilson Music: George S. Schuler 1. Out in the highways and byways of life Many are weary and sad, Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife, Making the sorrowing glad. Chorus Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing, Out of my life may Jesus shine; Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray, Make me a blessing to someone today. 2. Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love, Tell of His pow’r to forgive; Others will trust Him if only you prove True every moment you live. 3. Give as ’twas given to you in your need, Love as the Master loved you; Be to the helpless a helper indeed, Unto your mission be true. At The Cross (I Bow My Knee) Words and Music: Darlene Zschech and Reuben Morgan 1. Oh Lord You’ve searched me, You know my way; Even when I fail You, I know You love me. Your holy presence Surrounding me In every season, I know You love me; I know You love me. Chorus At the cross I bow my knee, Where Your blood was shed for me, There’s no greater love than this. You have overcome the grave, Your glory fills the highest place, What can separate me now? 2. You go before me, You shield my way, Your hand upholds me; I know You love me. I know You love me. Bridge You tore the veil, You made a way When You said that it is done. 3. And when the earth fades, Falls from my eyes, And You stand before me, I know You love me; I know You love me. Message Hypocrites and the Pure in Heart Message given by Rex Beck on August 9, 2020 Luke 11:37-52 37 While Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him, so he went in and reclined at table. 38 The Pharisee was astonished to see that he did not first wash before dinner. 39 And the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. 40 You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also? 41 But give as alms those things that are within, and behold, everything is clean for you. 42 “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. 43 Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seat in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. 44 Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, and people walk over them without knowing it.” 45 One of the lawyers answered him, “Teacher, in saying these things you insult us also.” 46 And he said, “Woe to you lawyers also! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers. 47 Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets whom your fathers killed. 48 So you are witnesses and you consent to the deeds of your fathers, for they killed them, and you build their tombs. 49 Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute,’ 50 so that the blood of all the prophets, shed from the foundation of the world, may be charged against this generation, 51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it will be required of this generation. 52 Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.” 53 As he went away from there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to press him hard and to provoke him to speak about many things, 54 lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself […]

Choosing the Better Part (08-02-20)

Hymns Drinking at the Fountain Words and Music: Haldor Lillenas 1. Many weary years I vainly sought a spring, One that never would run dry; Unavailing all the earth to me could bring, Nothing seemed to satisfy. Chorus Drinking at the Fountain that never runs dry, Drinking at the Fountain of life am I; Finding joy and pleasure In abounding measure, I am drinking at the Fountain of life. 2. Through the desert land of sin I roam no more, For I find a living Spring, And my cup of gladness now is running o’er, Jesus is my Lord and King. 3. Here is sweet contentment as the days go by, Here is holy peace and rest; Here is consolation as themoments fly, Here my heart is always blest. 4. Here I find a never ending, sure supply, While the endless ages roll; To this healing Fountain I would ever fly, There to bathe my weary soul. “Deep and Wide” Deep and wide, deep and wide, There’s a Fountain flowing deep and wide; Deep and wide, deep and wide, There’s a Fountain flowing deep and wide. Alabaster Words and Music: Rend Collective 1. I lie broken at Your feet Like an alabaster jar, Every piece of who I am, Laid before Your majesty. Chorus I will bow my life At Your feet, at Your feet; My lips, so lost for words, Will kiss Your feet, kiss Your feet. 2. The debt of sin I could not pay, Your precious blood has washed away; With tears of love and gratitude I give my heart and life to You. 3. Though all may wonder, “why this waste?” It’s my first Love that has first place; In love, I pour out all my life To satisfy You, Jesus Christ. Alternate Chorus Oh, I love You, Lord, I love You, Lord, I love You, Lord; All my life poured out All on You, all for You. Message “Choosing the Better Part” Message given by Rex Beck on August 2, 2020. Excerpt below: Luke 10:38-42 38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” A message for your enjoyment throughout the week visions and revelations: message 20 “The Life of One Who Has Visions and Revelations”

A Picture of Loving Jesus (07-26-20)

Hymns Give Me Faith Words and Music: Elevation Worship 1.I need You to soften my heart,To break me apart;I need You to open my eyesTo see that You’re shaping my life. Pre-chorusAll I amI surrender. ChorusGive me faith to trust what You say;You are good and Your love is great;I’m broken inside, I give You my life. 2.I need You to shine in my night,To be all my light;I need You to pierce through the dark,And cleanse every part of me. BridgeI may be weakBut Your Spirit’s strong in me;My flesh may fail,My God, You never will. Simplicity Words and Music: Rend Collective 1.I come in simplicity,Longing for purityTo worship in YouIn spirit and truth, only You. Lord, strip it all awayTill only You remain;I’m coming back to my first love,Only You. ChorusYou’re the reason I sing,The reason I sing,My heart will sing,How I love You;And forever I’ll sing,Forever I’ll sing,Yes, my heart will sing,How I love You. 2.I come with my broken songTo You, the perfect One,To worship You in spirit and truth,Only You. Give me a child-like heart,Lead me to where You are,I’m coming back to my first love,Only You. BridgeHow I love You, how I love You,How I love You, my first love;How I love You, how I love You,How I love You, my first love. Message Message given by Rex Beck on July 26, 2020. Excerpt below Luke 7:31-50 31“To what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? 32They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, “ ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’ 33For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35Yet wisdom is justified by all her children.” 36One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. 37And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 40And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” 41“A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” A message for your enjoyment throughout the week visions and revelations: message 19″The Transfiguration of Jesus”

Feasting With Jesus: The Real Physician (07-19-20)

Hymns Good To Me Words and Music: Josh Malek Chorus Lord, you are so good, to me You are so good to me The earth, the sky, the sun, the sea You made this all for me You’re bigger than the galaxy Yet you still remember me Lord, you are so good, to me You are so good to me 1. I shall never be in want, You’ve provided everything You’re everything I need, and the reason that I sing Who am  I to reject, everything you made good What more can I do, but give thanks like I should 2. When I’m feeling in distress, and I fear I cannot stand You strengthen me with peace, by your righteous right hand Now I focus my mind on the things from above I’m so filled with joy, when I trust in your love 3. There’s a table for me, daily bread and new wine Your body and your blood, yes, you gave it all for mine Now you live inside of me and I have eternal life Your greatest gift to me, I lift my praises on high Message Message given by Rex Beck on July 19, 2020 “Feasting With Jesus: The Real Physician” Luke 5:27-39 27After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” 28And leaving everything, he rose and followed him. 29And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. 30And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” 33And they said to him, “The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink.” 34And Jesus said to them, “Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? 35The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.” 36He also told them a parable: “No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment. If he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old. 37And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. 38But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. 39And no one after drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good.’ ” A message for your enjoyment throughout the week visions and revelations: message 18 “The Apostle Peter (pt 6, pt 3) – The Revelation by Christ”

Living By Every Word That Comes From God (07-12-20)

Hymns Resurrecting – 1 – The Head that once was crowned with thorns Is crowned with glory now; The Savior knelt to wash our feet, Now at His feet we bow. – 2 – The One who wore our sin and shame Is robed in majesty; The radiance of perfect love Now shines for all to see. Chorus Oh Christ, Your Cross Is victory; All praise will rise To Christ our King. (x2) – 3 – The fear that held us now gives way To Him who is our peace; And “It is finished!” was His cry, From death comes victory. Bridge In Your Spirit I’m alive And now You’re alive in me, The resurrected King Is resurrecting me; Lord, Your Spirit gives me life, Now from sin and death I’m free; The resurrected King Is resurrecting me. – 4 – The tomb where soldiers watched in vain Was borrowed for three days; His body there would not remain, He walked out from that grave; He walked out from that grave! Spring up, O Well – 1 – I’ve got a river of life flowing within me; It makes the lame to walk and the blind to see. It opens prison doors, sets the captives free. I’ve got a river of life flowing within me. Chorus Spring up, O well, within my spirit! Rise up and tell, so all can hear it! Spring up, O well, so I experience That life abundantly. – 2 – I’ve got a river of life flowing within me; It started gushing up when God set me free. That I keep the flow is my only plea. I’ve got a river of life springing within me. – 3 – Once I call His name there’s a flow within; It turns me from my day, makes Him Lord again. As my spirit burns, Satan cannot win. Calling, “Oh Lord Jesus,” keeps the flow within. Our Father, As The Evergreen – 1 – Our Father, as the evergreen, Thou art forever new; Thou art the ever living Lord, Thy freshness as the dew. Chorus  O Father, Thou art unchanging, Thou never hast grown old; Thru countless ages, ever fresh, Thy newness doth unfold. – 2 – O Thou art God, and Thou art “new”; Without Thee all is worn, But all with Thee is ever fresh, Though many years have gone. – 3 – Each blessing Thou hast given us Thy newness doth contain; Thy covenant, Thy ways are new, And ever thus remain. – 4 – Now we Thy new creation are- New spirit and new heart; We’re daily from the old renewed, New life Thou dost impart. – 5 – The earth and heavens will be new And Thy new city share; New fruits each month will be supplied, For all is newness there. – 6 – O Father, Thou art ever new, And all is new in Thee; We sing the new eternal song, New praise we give to Thee. Message Matthew 4:1-4 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” — 4But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” John 4:27-34 27Just then his disciples came back. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you seek?” or, “Why are you talking with her?” 28So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, 29“Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” 30They went out of the town and were coming to him. — 31Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” 32But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” 33So the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought him something to eat?” 34Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. John 6:57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 1 Peter 2:1-3 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God A message for your enjoyment throughout the week visions and revelations: message 17 “The Apostle Peter (pt 6) – The Revelation by Christ”

Water Into Wine (07-05-20)

Hymns When I Don’t Know Words and Music: Julian Taylor 1. I know who I am l’ve been saved by the Lamb! And l’ve centered my life on the cross. So my life ought to hold All His power so bold; I could serve Him no matter the cost Though I may triumph by day In the darkness my courage gives way; My patience and faith With the joy that He gave, All now seem to be lost in the fray Chorus When I don’t know, the Lord will break through! When I give up, He makes all things new! Like the sun in the morning will cast out the night, So his light blinds my heart with all kindness and might. So I’ll wait in His presence, though weary or pressed, ‘Til His glory shines through me in infinite rest! 2. Through the darkness of night I have lost all my sight… Is my dear Savior distant or gone? But it’s my prideful heart That’s been closed from the start; Without breaking I won’t see the dawn I would not dare realize That he’s opening my hard shut eyes. Just rest in his arms With no care or alarms, And awake to most beautiful skies! 3. All new heights unexplored Has the Lord for us stored That he yearns to reveal ev’ry day. For when we stop our fight He will show us the light, And His likeness we’ll start to display. Knowing the secret it seems Is the “unknowing,” not in the means. When we shed the old Then the new we behold, Far beyond all impossible dreams! My Jesus, I Love Thee Words: William R. Featherston Music: Adoniram J. Gordon 1. My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine; For thee all the follies of sin I resign; My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art thou; If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, ’tis now. 2. I love thee because thou hast first loved me And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree; I love thee for wearing the thorns on thy brow; If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, ’tis now. 3. I’ll love thee in life, I will love thee in death, And praise thee as long as thou lendest me breath, And say when the deathdew lies cold on my brow: If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, ’tis now. 4. In mansions of glory and endless delight, I’ll ever adore thee in heaven so bright; I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow: If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, ’tis now. Message “Water into Wine” Message given by Rex Beck for July 5, 2020 JOHN 2:1-12 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. 3When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” 5His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 6Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. 9When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 10and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” 11This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. 12After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days. A message for your enjoyment throughout the week visions and revelations: message 15 “The Apostle Peter (pt 5) – The Revelation by Christ”

Testimony Week II (06-28-20)

Hymns There Is A Fountain Filled with Blood Words: William Cowper Music: American Folk 1. There is a fountain filled with blood Drawn from Immanuel’s veins; And sinners, plunged beneath that flood, Lose all their guilty stains: Lose all their guilty stains, Lose all their guilty stains; And sinners, plunged beneath that flood, Lose all their guilty stains. 2 The dying thief rejoiced to see That fountain in his day; And there may I, though vile as he, Wash all my sins away: Wash all my sins away, Wash all my sins away; And there may I, though vile as he, Wash all my sins away. 3. Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood Shall never lose its power, Till all the ransomed ones of God Be saved, to sin no more: Be saved, to sin no more, Be saved, to sin no more; Till all the ransomed ones of God, Be saved to sin no more. 4. E’er since by faith I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply, Redeeming love has been my theme, And shall be till I die: And shall be till I die, And shall be till I die; Redeeming love has been my theme, And shall be till I die. 5. When this poor lisping, stammering tongue Lies silent in the grave, Then in a nobler, sweeter song, I’ll sing Thy power to save: I’ll sing Thy power to save, I’ll sing Thy power to save; Then in a nobler, sweeter song, I’ll sing Thy power to save. Abide With Me Words: Henry Francis Lyte Music: William H. Monk 1. Abide with me: fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me. 2. Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day; Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away. Change and decay in all around I see. O thou who changest not, abide with me. 3. I need thy presence every passing hour. What but thy grace can foil the tempter’s power? Who like thyself my guide and strength can be? Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me. 4. I fear no foe with thee at hand to bless, Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness. Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if thou abide with me. 5. Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes. Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies. Heaven’s morning breaks and earth’s vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me. We will not post a Sunday morning message this week. Instead, we will be hosting a testimony Sunday at the live Cleveland Heights church meeting, where brothers and sisters can share for 2-4 minutes about what the Lord is doing in them. We are happy that many saints will be able to share their experiences of the Lord to nourish the body of Christ. Stay tuned next week for more developments. A message for you enjoyment throughout the week visions and revelations: message 15 “The Apostle Peter (pt 5) – The Revelation by Christ”

Testimony Week (06-21-20)

Hymns Arise and Eat Words and Music: Shulamite Konopinski 1. Arise and eat, He said to me This journey’s far too great for you I’ll give you food you’ve never known You’ll go in My strength alone Chorus: I lift my eyes to You Your heavenly food is my supply Though all my strength may fail Your life sustains me evermore 2. For me, a lowly sinner like me How can there be such grace to me? I’ll rise and eat the food You give I see it is really true 3. With tears on my way, I falter still Not knowing how, but my God’s still here And faithfully His life will sustain Each step that I take in faith 4. So Lord, till we meet, then face to face Your strength will uphold me from day to day And step by step until I arrive I’ll live on each word You speak You Hold My Hear Music and Lyrics: Chris Chuong 1. Your love so amazing, it’s true Gave up Your life for me Your grace washes me and all of my sins So I can be with you 2. Beholding Your beauty, surreal Clothed me in righteousness Your Spirit redeems my soul to live So I can be with you Chorus: You are the One that gives me life You are the One that sets me free You hold my heart You hold my heart 3. Waiting for You to come back To bring me home to life For all of my days I’ll sing all of Your praise For I will be with You We will not post a Sunday morning message this week. Instead, we will be hosting a testimony Sunday at the live Cleveland Heights church meeting, where brothers and sisters can share for 2-4 minutes about what the Lord is doing in them. We are happy that many saints will be able to share their experiences of the Lord to nourish the body of Christ. Stay tuned next week for more developments. A message for your enjoyment throughout the week visions and revelations: message 15 “The Apostle Peter (pt 5) – The Revelation by Christ”

Jesus’ Words are Spirit and Life (06-14-20)

Hymns Build My Life Housefires Verse 1 Worthy of every song we could ever sing Worthy of all the praise we could ever bring Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe We live for You, oh, we live for You Verse 2 Jesus, the Name above every other name Jesus, the only One who could ever save Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe We live for You, we live for You Chorus Holy, there is no one like You, There is none beside You Open up my eyes in wonder And show me who You are And fill me with Your heart And lead me in Your love to those around me Bridge And I will build my life upon Your love, It is a firm foundation And I will put my trust in You alone And I will not be shaken And I will build my life upon Your love, It is a firm foundation And I will put my trust in You alone And I will not be shaken… Nothing But The Blood Words and Music: Rob Lowry 1. What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Chorus Oh! Precious is the flow That makes me white as snow; No other fount I know—  Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 2. For my pardon this I see: Nothing but the blood of Jesus. For my cleansing this my plea: Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 3. Nothing can for sin atone— Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Naught of good that I have done— Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 4. This is all my hope and peace: Nothing but the blood of Jesus. This is all my righteousness: Nothing but the blood of Jesus.   Message “Jesus’ Words are Spirit and Life” Message given by Rex Beck for June 14, 2020 John 6: 14-15, 25-27, 52-71 14 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” 15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.  25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” 26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” 52 The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”53 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. 56 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” 59 Jesus said these things in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum. 60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” 61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) 65 And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” 66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” 70 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” 71 He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray him. A message for your enjoyment throughout the week visions and revelations: message 13 “The Apostle Peter …” (pt 4)

Manna – Part 2 (06-07-20)

Hymns The King Of Love My Shepherd Is Words: Henry Baker Music: John Bacchus Dykes This week’s hymn is “The King of Love My Shepherd Is” by Henry Baker. This refreshing hymn is based on Psalm 23. I invite you to also read through that Psalm before singing the song. The hymn touches many aspects of what a good and wonderful Shepherd that Jesus Christ is. We all were like sheep that had gone astray, turning aside to our own ways (Isaiah 53:6), but the Good Shepherd laid down His life for us (John 10:11) and sought us to bring us back home (Luke 15:4-7). Praise the Lord for His goodness and love that never fails! In Christ, we have all that we need. He feeds and supplies us. He walks with us even in the darkest valleys. Jesus leads us and protects us. He fills our cup until it overflows. We may rejoice in His goodness and mercy that will follow us all our days. As we dwell together with Him in His house, may we join the hymn-writer and sing our Good Shepherd’s praise forever and ever. I hope that we may have such a sweet enjoyment of our Shepherd feeding us and caring for us this week. —Ian K 1. The King of love my Shepherd is, Whose goodness faileth never; I nothing lack if I am His And He is mine forever. 2. Where streams of living water flow My ransomed soul He leadeth, And where the verdant pastures grow With food celestial feedeth. 3. Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, But yet in love He sought me, And on His shoulder gently laid, And home, rejoicing, brought me. 4. In death’s dark vale I fear no ill With Thee, dear Lord, beside me; Thy rod and staff my comfort still, Thy cross before to guide me. 5. Thou spread’st a table in my sight; Thy unction, grace bestoweth: And O what transport of delight From Thy pure chalice floweth! 6. And so through all the length of days Thy goodness faileth never; Good Shepherd, may I sing Thy praise Within Thy house forever. We Are Hungry Words and Music: Brad Kilman Jesus Christ is so wonderful, so bountiful. As much as we lack, as weak and unworthy as we are, we can partake of “the [superabundant] supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:19, AMP) to meet all our need. Jesus tells us, “I am the bread of life, and He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35, NKJV). Outside of Christ, we realize that everything else runs dry: our resolutions only last so long, our strength runs out, our store of endurance so quickly fails. But we can come again and again to Him with hearts full of assurance that His word is still true, that He will feed us with the bread of life to satisfy all our hunger and take care of all our need. Let’s sing this song together and tell the Lord that we need more of Him, trusting in Him to be faithful to His word. “Lord, we need You as the bread of life! Lord, we need You as that Living Water to quench all our thirst today! Lord Jesus, come and fill us up! Lord, You are all that we need!” — Ian K 1. Lord, I want more of You, Living Water, rain down on me; Lord, I need more of You, Living Breath of life, come and fill me up. Chorus We are hungry, We are hungry, We are hungry for more of You; We are thirsty, Oh Jesus, We are thirsty for more of You. Bridge We lift our holy hands up, We want to touch You; We lift our voices higher, And higher and higher to You. Blessed Assurance For The Lord’s Table Meeting Words: Fanny Jane Crosby Music: Phoebe Palmer Knapp 1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine; Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. Chorus This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long. This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long. 2. Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. 3. Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest; Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love. Children’s Content Song: The Manna Song Coloring Page Message “Manna – Part 2” Message given by Rex Beck for June 7, 2020 John 6:30-35, 48-57 30So they said to Him, “What then do You do for a sign, so that we may see, and believe You? What work do You perform? 31“Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread out of heaven to eat.’ ” 32Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread out of heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven. 33“For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.” 34 Then they said to Him, “Lord, always give us this bread.” 35Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. … 48“I am the bread of life. 49“Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50“This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51“I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; […]

Manna – Part 1 (05-31-20)

Hymns Lord I Need You by Christy Nockels, Daniel Carson, Jesse Reeves, Kristian Stanfill, and Matt Maher I have had the song, “Lord, I Need You,” on my heart for the past couple weeks. Most of us will be familiar the song, but it is always refreshing to come back to the Lord and remember just how much we need Him. I invite you to sing this song with me, as I am sure many of us are going through an assortment of difficult situations these days. We need the Lord in every way, in everything, in every situation, in every hour and moment. Praise the Lord that He is the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Heb. 12:2) who will be faithful to hold on to us to the end (John 10:28), and to work and finish all that He started in us (1 Thes. 5:23-24). May the Lord help us and teach us more to raise songs like this that acknowledge and confess our need to Him when we find ourselves in those temptations and difficult situations. May we have a further realization both of how much we need Him and how He is the bountiful supply and Fountain of Life for our every need. May we experience Him more and more, lean on Him more and more, and depend on Him more and more each and every day. –Ian K 1. Lord, I come, I confess, Bowing here, You are my rest; Without You I fall apart, You’re the One that guards my heart. 2. You alone have power to save, Lord, all my sin, You take away; So wash me now, in Your precious blood, You’re the Way that I come to God. Chorus Lord, I need You, oh, I need You Every hour I need You My one defense, my righteousness Oh God, how I need You. 3. Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more, Where grace is found, is where You are, And where You are, Lord, I am free; Holiness is Christ in me. Bridge Teach my song to rise to You When temptation comes my way, And when I cannot stand I’ll fall on You, Jesus, You’re my hope and stay. Amazing Grace Words: John Newton Music: Traditional American Folk Sin is the great equalizer. It makes us all the lowest of the low. We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. No matter how hard we might try, we could never live up to God’s standard of righteousness. And that is what makes grace so amazing! Grace saves us, not out of our own merit or character, but simply because God could and he wanted to. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we all can experience new, eternal life! Not only does this save our souls from hell and grant us access into the Lord’s eternal home, but it also molds us and perfects us into Christ’s image here on earth. The apostle Paul talks about this experience of Grace in 1 Corinthians 15:10: “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.” In fact, the writer of this hymn, John Newton has a similar story of God’s grace slowly working in him over the course of his life. In his early twenties he became involved in the Atlantic slave trade and even commanded his own slave ship. His first interaction with God happened when he was 23 years old. He was out at sea and was caught in a terrible storm and nearly capsized and drowned. He cried out to God for mercy and for salvation. Even though that was the start of his spiritual journey, it still took many years for the grace of God to become evident in his life. He still remained in the slave trade until the mid-1750’s, but eventually decided to devote his life to God. He became an abolitionist, began studying Christian theology, was ordained in the Church of England in 1764, and penned over 280 hymns. One of these, of course, is perhaps the most famous Christian hymn of all time, “Amazing Grace,” which was first written on New Year’s Day in 1773. May we each have an “amazing” story of grace in our lives, as the Lord brings us from the very pits of ruin, to a servant of God molded in His image, and finally into His very blessed and glorious presence, bright shining as the sun! — Julian T.  1. Amazing Grace! How sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now, I see. 2. T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear, And Grace, my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed! 3. Through many dangers, toils and snares We have already come; T’was grace that brought us safe thus far And grace will lead us home. 4. The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures. 5. When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we’ve first begun. Only Christ (For The Lord’s Table meeting) Who can set us free from sin? Only Christ! Only Christ! Who can be our life within? Only Christ! Only Christ! Only Christ! Only Christ can set us free; Only Christ! Children’s Content Song: Manna, Manna Is All Around Coloring Page Message “Manna — Part 1” Message given by Rex Beck for May 31, 2020. EXODUS 16:2-31 2And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, 3and the people of Israel said to them, “Would that we […]

The Need for Spiritual Food (05-24-2020)

Hymns Grow In Grace Words: Frances Ridley Havergal Music: Wilhelm A. F. Schulthes The featured hymn for this week is “Grow in Grace” by Frances Havergal. This is a very enjoyable hymn about growing in the Lord. I hope that we all may have experiences of the Lord this week that cause us to see Christ more and grow in Him more. As you will note in each verse and the chorus, there is thought of growing IN GRACE. This phrase comes directly from 2 Peter 3:18, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” After writing a letter that was full of warnings to believers of what to be wary of and what not to do, this verse is his conclusion. It’s almost as if the Apostle Peter went through countless ways of how NOT to grow with this final verse of how to grow. We grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. All other ways we may try to grow will only cause weeds to sprout at best. I appreciate how the hymn writer picks up on this crucial point and developed the thought in five verses. May we take time to consider each of them. May the Lord do more of His work deeply in us this week. May He cause the growth (1 Cor. 3:6) that produces the fruit in us that would be so pleasing to Him! May we spend much time this week personally and with others seeking the Lord’s shining face (Psalm 27:8) and spend time in His presence to behold His glory which will transform us to more and more like Him (2 Cor. 3:18). May we not be satisfied with how far we may have come or what we have seen previously: may we press on to lay hold of more that for which we have been laid hold of by Christ Jesus (Phil 3:12)! — Ian Konopinski 1. Unto him that hath Thou givest Ever more abundantly; Lord, I live because Thou livest, Therefore give more life to me, Therefore speed me in the race, Therefore let me grow in grace. 2. Deepen all Thy work, O Master, Strengthen every downward root; Only do Thou ripen faster, More and more Thy pleasant fruit; Purge me, prune me, self abase; Only let me grow in grace. Chorus To grow in grace, to grow in grace, All Thy riches I partake; By the shining of Thy face, Jesus, let me grow in grace. 3. Let me grow by sun and shower, Every moment water me; Make me really, hour by hour, More and more conformed to Thee, That Thy loving eye may trace Day by day my growth in grace. 4. From Thy fulness grace outpouring, Show me ever greater things; Raise me higher, sunward soaring, Mounting as on eagle-wings. By the shining of Thy face, Ever let me grow in grace. 5. Let me, then, be always growing, Never, never standing still, Listening, learning, better knowing Thee and Thy most blessed will. Till I see Thee face to face, Daily let me grow in grace. I Belong to Jesus Words: Maud Frazer Jackson Music: M. A. Sea There are so many ‘masters’ that try to lay claim to our souls – schools, jobs, health, money, even our ‘self’. None of those things can ever give us true rest, but when we realize we belong to Jesus, we find that we have everything. He has bought us with His precious blood to make us His own, and we can say, “I am not my own. All I have and all I am shall be His alone.” When we realize that Jesus is Lord and King and that He reigns above every earthly circumstance, we can stop struggling and have perfect peace. Jesus is the perfect master who loves us, died for us, keeps our soul, and allows us to say we are His and He is ours. — Shulamite Konopinski 1. I belong to Jesus;   I am not my own; All I have and all I am   Shall be His alone. 2. I belong to Jesus;   He is Lord and King, Reigning in my inmost heart   Over everything. 3. I belong to Jesus;   What can hurt or harm, When He folds around my soul   His almighty Arm? 4. I belong to Jesus;   Blessed, blessed thought! With His own most precious blood   Has my soul been bought. 5. I belong to Jesus;   He has died for me; I am His and He is mine   Through eternity. 6. I belong to Jesus;   He will keep my soul, If the deathly waters dark   Round about me roll. O Christ, He Is The Fountain (for the Lord’s Table Meeting) 1. O Christ, He is the fountain, The deep, sweet well of life: Its living streams I’ve tasted Which save from grief and strife. And to an ocean fulness, His mercy doth expand; His grace is all-sufficient As by His wisdom planned. 2. O I am my Beloved’s, And my Beloved’s mine; He brings a poor vile sinner Into His house of wine! I stand upon His merit; I know no other stand. I’m hidden in His presence And held by His own hand. 3. The Bride eyes not her garment, But her dear Bridegroom’s face; I will not gaze at glory, But on my King of grace: Not at the crown He giveth, But on His pierced hand; The Lamb is all the glory, And my eternal stand! Children’s Content Fruit of the Spirit Coloring Page Message “The Need for Spiritual Food—Feeding the Four Thousand” Message given by Rex Beck for May 24, 2020 Matthew 15:29-38 29 Jesus went on from there and walked beside the Sea of Galilee. And he went up on the mountain and sat down there. 30 And great […]

Jacob’s Blessing on God’s People (05-17-20)

Hymns The Olive, Without Crushing, Yields No Oil Words: Watchman Nee, tr. from Chinese Music: William H. Monk This week’s hymn is a very precious and sober hymn by Watchman Nee, translated from the Chinese. I hope that we all can appreciate this deep hymn that will bring us into a deeper life with Christ. The opening thought of the song is simple: to get olive oil, wine, and fragrant herbs, one needs to put these things through a process, namely crushing, to achieve the end product. Similarly for us, we too need to go through a process if we are to become a disciple of Jesus that pleases Him and can be useful to Him in His service of bringing His life to others. As we see in this song, this process is not necessarily pleasant, and there can be many honest questions and prayers that we will bring to the Lord. We may not enjoy all the experiences that we go through, actually many of them are quite unpleasant and painful, but the ultimate goal is for us to gain more Christ amd become more like Him. Because we love Jesus and will do anything to please Him; because we are happy and content to have Christ and only Him; because we seek to have a simple life that pleases Him, we may accept all from Him, as He designs to strip us of everything else that He may replace it with Himself. When we are full of so many other ‘things’, we have no room for Christ in our lives; the Lord desires to empty and remove all those other things so that we can have more room for Christ to fill us. I hope and pray that we all can have such a sober realization of how the Lord often wants to work in us and with us. Especially in this strange season where so many things have been taken away, I hope we may see that the Lord is endeavoring to show us more of Himself and give us more of Himself: so may we yield to Him and allow Him to work as He pleases. May we be those who, like Paul, can count all things as loss, that we may gain Christ (Phil. 3:8) more and more. —Ian K 1. The olive, without crushing, yields no oil; The precious herb, unbruised, no fragrance frees; No wine from grapes, without the winepress toil. Must I be bruised and pressed, Lord, such as these? Chorus: Lord, Thy afflictions are true gain to me. What Thou removest, Lord, replace with Thee! 2. For sacred love to find the melody, Must my heart’s strings be stretched and tuned by Thee? Must I be smitten, Lord, Thy love to see? I fear no loss, if Thou draw close to me. 3. Oh, how ashamed I feel for holding back! You sculpted me, yet I myself retain. According to Thy pleasure, dear Lord, act; Mind not my feelings. Thy delight is gain. 4. Lord, should my joy and pain not match Thine own, I’ll welcome, bear Thy yoke at any cost. I’ll take the suff’rings for Thy joy alone; If You are pleased, I’ll gladly bear Thy cross! 5. I want to praise Thee with the sweetest praise. On earth there is none fairer, Lord, than Thee. Tears cloud my eyes, yet sweetness fills my heart. May I decrease. May Thou increase in me! Blessed Be Your Name Matt Redman This is a simple song that has touched my heart, especially in recent times. No matter what is happening in our lives, no matter where we are, whether we like it or not, we don’t have to question the Lord’s worthiness. He is always worthy of our praise. When we have plenty, we can bless the name of the Lord. When we walk through the desert, we can still bless His name. The bridge of this song comes from the book of Job, in which a man passes through intense suffering and can still bless the name of the Lord. Job 1:21 says, “…the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” I have been learning that as the Lord gives us blessings and sometimes takes them away, we can place our hope not on those earthly blessings but on the Lord Himself. He is the true blessing in our lives. Today, right here, right now, we can bless His glorious name! — Shulamite Konopinski 1. Blessed be Your name in the land that is plentiful, Where Your streams of abundance flow, Blessed be Your name; Blessed be Your name when I’m found in the desert place, Though I walk through the wilderness, Blessed be Your name. Pre-chorus Every blessing You pour out I’ll turn back to praise, When the darkness closes in, Lord, still I will say… Chorus Blessed be the name of the Lord, Blessed be Your name; (Jesus!) Blessed be the name of the Lord, Blessed be Your glorious name! 2. Blessed be Your name when the sun’s shining down on me, When the world’s all as it should be, Blessed be Your name; Blessed be Your name on the road marked with suffering, Though there’s pain in the offering, Blessed be Your name. Bridge You give and take away, You give and take away; My heart will choose to say, “Lord, blessed be Your name!” Man of Sorrows (For the Lord’s Table Meeting) 1. Man of sorrows, Lamb of God By His own betrayed The sin of man and wrath of God Has been on Jesus laid 2. Silent as He stood accused Beaten, mocked, and scorned Bowing to the Father’s will He took a crown of thorns Chorus Oh that rugged cross my salvation Where Your love poured out over me Now my soul cries out hallelujah Praise and honor unto Thee 3. Sent of heaven, God’s own Son To purchase and redeem And reconcile the […]

Blessing Others (05-10-20)

Hymns Within The Veil Words: Freda Hanbury Allen Music: Anonymous This week’s hymn is “Within the Veil” by Freda Hanbury Allen. This is a very sweet and intimate hymn that portrays the special inner life that we may have with Christ. In the Old Testament, there was a tabernacle (and later a temple) that was erected for the worship of God. There was an outer court where there was an altar that all of God’s people could come to offer their sacrifices with the help of the priests. Then there was the Holy Place where the priests often went into to serve in various ways. Within the Holy Place, there was the innermost sanctuary separated by a veil called the Holy of Holies where the Ark of the Covenant and the very presence of God were. The Holy of Holies could only be accessed on one day of the year, the Day of Atonement, only by the high priest. So why do I give this lengthy history lesson? Because things are different now! Praise God! Christ has come to establish the New Testament, the new and living way that we may have boldness to enter into the very presence of God (Hebrews 10:19-20)! When Jesus died on the Cross, the veil was torn from top to bottom (Matt. 27:51), which signifies that the way into the Holy of Holies is now open for all of God’s people. We may now have boldness and confidence to draw near to God (Heb. 10:19-22), to come into God’s very presence, all because of Christ and His sacrifice on our behalf. So this is just the foundation that needs to laid for this hymn to make any sense and why it’s so special. Instead of merely coming into God’s presence once a year (or for all of us who are not high priests, that means never!), we may draw near all the time, we can live our whole lives in the very presence of God. Verse 1: “Within the Veil, be this, beloved, thy portion” — this is what Jesus Christ has made available to us. God doesn’t want a people that are far off, trembling with fear because they are sinful and unworthy to come to Him (though we very much are, Jesus’ blood was shed for us, and He is our Way to come to God!), He wants a people that will dwell with Him, that He may dwell with. It is this close and intimate relationship that we may have with God now that offers us the experiences that we need to be changed. When we behold the glory of the Lord, we are transformed into His image (2 Cor 3:18), He changes us to be like Him. This is what this hymn discusses. We are not changed by endeavoring to alter our behavior. We do not become more godly and spiritual by trying to follow some outward set of rules by our own strength. No, it is simply beholding the Lord, spending time with Him, allowing Him to reveal more of Himself to us and in us, to shine on us, to ‘tune’ and adjust us in the way that He sees fit. For some of us, we may take for granted that we may come to the Lord and spend time in His presence. In a way, it is so easy for our spiritual lives to become common and mundane, mostly because our view is small and our earthly lives are often also so common and mundane and we project that onto God and our spiritual lives. I would like to offer to us all a word of warning, and a word of encouragement. Because we are dealing with the God of the universe, we must take caution to not take our interactions with Him lightly; there ought to be a kind of godly fear and reverence in us to give Him the respect and love that He deserves. The word of encouragement: we are dealing with the God of the universe! In Him is all that we need! He is our way, our life, our truth, our everything! We must expect from Him that, as He has made the way to come to Him and dwell with Him, He will also grant us, in His perfect timing and way, the perfect experiences of Him that will supply us AND transform us to be like Him. Our interactions with God are not a small thing! I feel that I could say lots more about this hymn, but I feel that already I have said too much. I hope and pray that the Lord can bring each one of us into a deeper relationship with Him, that we would have many experiences of beholding God face to face, that we would really have a life and living ‘within the veil’, and that He would change us all to be more like Him. Praise the Lord for the new and living way that He has made available to us! May we be faithful to come to and remain in His presence and behold His glory! –Ian K 1. “Within the Veil:” be this, beloved, thy portion, Within the secret of thy Lord to dwell; Beholding Him, until thy face His glory, Thy life His love, thy lips His praise shall tell. 2. “Within the Veil,” for only as thou gazest Upon the matchless beauty of His face, Canst thou become a living revelation Of His great heart of love, His untold grace. 3. “Within the Veil,” His fragrance poured upon thee, Without the Veil, that fragrance shed abroad; “Within the Veil,” His hand shall tune the music Which sounds on earth the praises of Thy Lord. 4. “Within the Veil,” thy spirit deeply anchored, Thou walkest calm above a world of strife; “Within the Veil,” thy soul with Him united, Shall live on earth His resurrection life. O Jesus, Come and Wrestle Me Words: Ian Konopinski Music: Shulamite Konopinski I was […]

Wrestling With God (05-03-2020)

Hymns Channels Only Words: Mary Maxwell Music: Ada Gibbs This week’s hymn is “Channels Only” by Mary Maxwell (1900). This is a bouncy, enjoyable hymn that has a theme of being a channel for the Lord to flow through. The hymn begins with praise as the Lord’s love has touched us and laid hold of us. But it is interesting that there is a thought that Lord has saved us, cleansed us, and fills us with Himself, and He does so with a purpose and an intention that we would become a channel for His life, Spirit, grace, and salvation to flow through to others. One of the themes that we see in the Gospel of John is living water. In 4:14 we see that the water that Jesus gives us to drink becomes a spring in us, springing up to eternal life. Later, in 7:38, we see that those who believe in Him will have rivers of living water flowing out from within them. It is not enough that Jesus would give us living water to quench our thirst, He would make that water become a spring within us, even to the point that it would flow out from us that we may be a blessing to all those around us. The chorus originally had the lines “but with all Thy wondrous pow’r. . . every day in every hour.” I am not sure who is responsible for the change that is contained in the lyrics below, but I like that it also includes the thought of being ready for the Lord to flow in every hour AND every place. There is no place that we should not think that we can be a blessing to others. We can flow the Lord’s life and grace to those at our jobs and schools, other acquaintances we may have, brothers and sisters in the church, and maybe most practically given we have so much time in our houses these days, those in our family. Because we have the Lord’s grace, life, and Spirit within us, we may depend on His infinite supply to meet our own needs, as well as the needs of others. May the Lord open our eyes more this week to see how we can be a blessing to all those that are around us. May He fill us with such a rich enjoyment of His grace, and may He also lead us how to share that enjoyment with others that they may be edified, encouraged, and watered. –Ian K 1. How I praise Thee, precious Savior, That Thy love laid hold of me; Thou hast saved and cleansed and filled me, That I might Thy channel be. Chorus Channels only, blessed Master, But with all Thy wondrous grace Flowing through us, Thou canst use us Every hour and every place. 2. Just a channel, full of blessing, To the thirsty hearts around; To tell out Thy full salvation, All Thy loving message sound. 3. Emptied that Thou shouldest fill me, A clean vessel in Thine hand; With no pow’r but as Thou givest Graciously with each command. 4. Witnessing Thy pow’r to save me, Setting free from self and sin; Thou hast bought me to possess me, In Thy fulness, Lord, come in. 5. Jesus, fill now with Thy Spirit Hearts that full surrender know; That the streams of living water From our inner man may flow. Nearer, My God, to Thee Words: Sarah Fuller Flower Adams Music: Lowell Mason 1. Nearer, my God, to Thee,   Nearer to Thee; E’en though it be a cross   That raiseth me, Still all my song shall be Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer, my God, to Thee,   Nearer to Thee. 2. Though, like a wanderer,   The sun gone down, Darkness comes over me,   My rest a stone; Yet in my dreams I’d be Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer, my God, to Thee,   Nearer to Thee. 3. There let the way appear,   Steps unto heav’n; all that thou sendest me,   In mercy given; Angels to beckon me Nearer, my God, to thee; Nearer, my God, to thee,   Nearer to thee! 4. Then, with my waking thoughts   Bright with Thy praise, Out of my stony griefs   Bethel I’ll raise, So by my woes to be Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer, my God, to Thee,   Nearer to Thee. 5.    (not included in the recording above) There in my Father’s home,   Safe and at rest, There is my Savior’s love,   Perfectly blest; Age after age to be, Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer, my God, to Thee,   Nearer to Thee. In Christ Alone (for Lord’s Table Meeting) 1. In Christ alone my hope is found; He is my light, my strength, my song; This cornerstone, this solid ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace, When fears are stilled, when strivings cease! My comforter, my all in all— Here in the love of Christ I stand. 2. In Christ alone, Who took on flesh, Fullness of God in helpless babe! This gift of love and righteousness, Scorned by the ones He came to save. Till on that cross as Jesus died, The wrath of God was satisfied; For ev’ry sin on Him was laid— Here in the death of Christ I live. 3. There in the ground His body lay, Light of the world by darkness slain; Then bursting forth in glorious day, Up from the grave He rose again! And as He stands in victory, Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me; For I am His and He is mine— Bought with the precious blood of Christ. 4. No guilt in life, no fear in death— This is the pow’r of Christ in me; From life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No pow’r of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever […]

The House of God (04-26-2020)

Hymns My God, My Portion, and My Love Words: Isaac Watts 1. My God, my Portion, and my Love, My everlasting All, I’ve none but Thee in heaven above, Or on this earthly ball. What empty things are all the skies, And this inferior clod! There’s nothing here deserves my joys, There’s nothing like my God. 2. In vain the bright, the burning sun Scatters his feeble light; ‘Tis Thy sweet beams create my noon; If Thou withdraw ’tis night. And whilst upon my restless bed, Among the shades I roll, If my Redeemer shows His head, ‘Tis morning with my soul. 3. To thee I owe my wealth, and friends, And health, and safe abode: Thanks to Thy Name for meaner things: But they are not my God. How vain a toy is glittering wealth, If once compared to Thee; Or what’s my safety, or my health, Or all my friends to me? 4. Were I possessor of the earth, And called the stars my own, Without Thy graces and Thyself, I were a wretch undone. Let others stretch their arms like seas, And grasp in all the shore; Grant me the visits of Thy grace, And I desire no more. This week’s hymn of the week is “My God, My Portion, and My Love’ by Isaac Watts (1719). This is a wonderful hymn in which the writer has a deep realization of how precious God is, to the point that he would let go of everything else so that he could have only Him. I hope that in our respective places where we may find ourselves this week, we can take time to consider our God, how precious and valuable He is, and make conscious decisions to choose Him and allow Him to have the first place in our hearts and lives. I hope that we can be like Paul, who counted all things as loss, as well as suffering the loss of all things so that he could gain Christ and be found in Him (Philippians 3:7-9). Verse 3 is so sweet in that it puts many of the things that are important to us in perspective: we owe everything to the Lord. He graciously gives us so many things; He perfectly and sovereignly takes care of each and every need that we have. But the writer does not confuse any of these gifts with the Giver, as He is worth more than all of our safety, health, friendships, and any other earthly riches. We can give thanks to God for everything He gives and arranges for us, but the most valuable thing to have is God Himself. I really like the end of verse 4. The hymn ends with the thought that I cannot force anyone to choose the kind of life they live. ‘Let others stretch their arms like seas to grasp in all the shore.’ Other people can reach for so many different things. But I choose to seek the ‘visits of Thy grace’ and nothing more. I have tasted the sweetness of the visits of His grace. The Lord’s presence, His mercy, His love, His person are so much abundantly better than everything else I could ask for. Brothers, sisters, friends, I can exhort you to choose the best in life, I can beg and plead (and I sincerely do beg and plead that you would choose to follow Christ with your whole heart and life!), but ultimately the decision is yours. I cannot force you. No one else can force you. Oddly enough, as omnipotent and mighty as the Lord is, He will not force you; He waits for you to freely choose Him. What will you choose? I will tell you all that I, by the Lord’s grace, mercy, and sovereign aid, I just want to choose Christ with my whole life, I want nothing but Christ, and the ‘visits of His grace.’ It is my earnest hope that you also will chose Him too and enjoy the unspeakable and matchless treasure that our God is. May the Lord open our eyes this week to see Him in all His peerless worth and glory, and may He give us all grace that we may love Him with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength and choose Him for all our days. Amen. — Ian K My Hope Is Built Words: Edward Mote Music: William Batchelder Bradbury 1. My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. Chorus On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand. 2. When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil. 3. His oath, His covenant, His blood, Support me in the whelming flood; When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay. 4. When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found; In Him, my righteousness, alone, Faultless to stand before the throne. There are so many lines in this hymn that are taken almost directly out of the Bible. The first line of the chorus (after which, the writer, Edward Mote, originally named this hymn – “The Solid Rock”) has its roots in a number of Bible references, such as the “living stone” found in 1 Peter 2:4. The other lines in the chorus could also refer to Jesus’s parable about building your house on “the rock” found in Matthew 7:24-27. But my favorite subject in this hymn is the constant reference to hope, particularly in Verse 2. “When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil.” That last phrase is almost a direct quote out of Hebrews 6:19-20 which reads, “This hope we have […]

Choosing God Who Chose Us (04-19-20)

Memory Verse Psalm 23 Hymns Live Out Thy Life Within Me Words: Frances R. Havergal Music: Samuel S. Wesley 1. Live out Thy life within me, O Jesus, King of kings! Be Thou Thyself the answer to all my questionings; Live out Thy life within me, in all things have Thy way! I, the transparent medium, Thy glory to display. 2. The temple has been yielded, and purified of sin, Let Thy Shekinah glory now shine forth from within, And all the earth keep silence, the body henceforth be Thy silent, gentle servant, moved only as by Thee. 3. Its members every moment held subject to Thy call, Ready to have Thee use them, or not be used at all, Held without restless longing, or strain, or stress, or fret, Or chafings at Thy dealings, or thoughts of vain regret. 4. But restful, calm and pliant, from bend and bias free, Awaiting Thy decision, when Thou hast need of me; Live out Thy life within me, O Jesus, King of kings! Be Thou the glorious answer to all my questionings. This week’s featured hymn is “Live Out Thy Life Within Me” by Frances Havergal. This beautiful hymn takes the position that our life is entirely for the Lord to live through and leads us to a place of full surrender in all things to the Lord. In the first verse, we beseech Jesus, the King of Kings, whose worth far surpasses any earthly glory, to live out His life within us. There is a recognition that only a life that is lived for the Lord is worth living. The statement, “Be Thou Thyself the answer to all my questionings”, shows us that every whisper of doubt within or questioning of our circumstances can find its answer in the Lord Himself. Eyes that are set on the King of Kings can never be disappointed. I am reminded of Psalm 123, where the eyes of the psalmist are lifted up to the Lord, just as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, until He has mercy upon him. The rest of the hymn paints a touching picture of a life that is yielded to the Lord. We are His “silent, gentle servant, moved only as by Thee.” It is easy to talk a lot and move ahead of the Lord, assuming that we know what is best in serving Him. May we never move ahead of the Lord, but may we wait silently and gently, until He shows us His way. In verse 3, Havergal furthers this thought that we are ready to be used by the Lord – or not be used at all. Only a life that is absolutely yielded to Him could say this: we don’t know if the Lord will choose to use us in a certain time or place, but we can be ready as willing vessels, satisfied to let Him have His perfect way. This is true rest and peace, when our life is just for Jesus. The end of verse 3 and beginning of verse 4 show us that we have no more restless longings, but are instead restful, calm, and pliant. I treasure the thought that we can each have lives such as this, turning constantly to Him as the glorious answer to all our questionings. As you sing this hymn (and I encourage you to sing it), may the words and tune lead you more and more deeply into the presence of the Lord. I pray that as we abide in His presence, our offering of our lives would send such a sweet fragrance up to our King of Kings. — Shulamite Konopinski Therefore With Joy 1. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water Out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord. (x2) Chorus 1 Call Upon His name, Declare His doings among the people, Make mention that His name is exalted. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: For great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee! 2. And in that day, O thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise Thee: For all Thine anger is turned, You comfort me. Behold, my God is my salvation; And I will trust, and not be fearful: For the Lord is my strength and my song; And He also is become my salvation. Chorus 2 Sing unto the Lord; for He hath done excellent things: And yes, this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: For great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee! I was inspired by last week’s message about Isaac and his digging of wells. It is so good that we also can be those in the midst of the promised land who dig for wells and find a rich enjoyment of Christ and His refreshing Spirit. Many of us are probably familiar with the song ‘Therefore With Joy’ (and I also have found that there is a number of different ways that people sing it, so please do not be disgruntled with the way I chose!). But maybe you are not aware that the lyrics are directly quoting Isaiah 12 word for word from the KJV! So not only is the song very enjoyable and Scriptural, but it is also a great way to memorize the Bible! I have enjoyed this song for years, and I always wanted to set the other verses of Isaiah 12 to the same melody. One of the benefits of lockdown is that we have our time available to us in a different way, so I finally got around to doing it this week. So I hope you can also enjoy the new addition to this old classic. I do want to note that the additions are not quite as word-for-word like the first half of the song, but I tried to find the balance between […]

Experiencing the Resurrection of Christ (04-12-20)

Hymns Savior, I By Faith Am Touching Words: Bertha FennellMusic: R. L. Haslup 1. Savior, I by faith am touching Thee, the source of every good; Virtue now, by faith am claiming, Through the cleansing of Thy blood. Chorus:Touching Thee, new life is glowing By Thy Spirit’s burning flame; Cleansing, purging, spirit-filling, Glory to Thy Holy Name! 2.Touching Thee in faith, I take Thee In Thy riches full and free; All I am I open to Thee, All Thou art Thou giv’st to me. 3.Touching Thee in faith, I promise,By Thine own unfailing aid,Prompt obedience, instant service,When and where it should be paid. 4.Touching now Thine outstretched scepter, O most mighty King of kings; Of Thy fulness now receiving, High I mount on eagle wings. 5.Grace and virtue, strength and wisdom, All my need, by Thee supplied; Keep me touching, keep me claiming, Keep me ever at Thy side. This is a precious hymn that illustrates a simple life in faith that looks to the Lord be our everything, to give us everything. I have much that I can say about this wonderful hymn, but I will try to keep it short. ;) Verse 1 starts off with this thought that we are touching the Lord by faith. Not by our striving, not by our own merit, simply by faith. This phrase “by faith” is so precious, so important. Hebrews Chapter 11 uses this phrase about 18 times to describe the heroes of faith it mentions. You could say that your whole life as a Christian is ‘by faith’. Paul would go so far to say that the righteousness revealed in the gospel is from faith to faith (Romans 1:17). It is by faith through grace that I am saved (Eph. 2:8), and it is also by faith that I am brought into experience of all that God is and has promised, and by faith that I can have a life that seeks after Him and is pleasing to Him (Heb. 11:6). Praise the Lord, that He is the source of all our good! We need no good of our own, in fact, we must abandon every thought of trying to bring our own goodness into our new life with Christ, for Christ is All in all (Col. 3:11), all of our goodness, all of our virtue, we simply need to ‘put Him on.’ The chorus of the song points us to the new life that we enjoy in the Spirit (Rom. 8:10-11). Oh, it is so enjoyable to touch the Lord and experience Him! May He bring us and keep us all in such a sweet enjoyment of all He is and all He has! On a technical note, the Songs and Hymns of Life hymnal where I found this song had verse 2 as I have it posted below. When I was looking up the hymn on hymnary.org (a site that is a reference that I use often), it had a slightly different verse 2, which I have included as verse 3. I liked them both, so I included them! Verse 4 is a reference to the book of Esther when she goes in to intercede before the king although she was not called for, and she finds favor in the king’s sight so he extends his golden scepter and she lives (Esther 4:9-5:3). What a wonderful picture for us! We, who have no worthiness of our own, no right or claim based on anything we have done, and yet we can come boldly before the throne of the King of kings, find favor in His sight, and are welcomed to receive mercy and find grace in our time of need (Heb. 4:16)! Praise the Lord for such a sweet picture! It’s all because of Him and His accomplishment for us! Verse 5 closes with such a sweet thought: all that I need is supplied by You, Lord; let me abide here; keep me claiming and touching and enjoying all that You are! Do not let me wander away! May this be our prayer this week. Lord, keep us ever at Thy side! —Ian K Complete In Thee Words: Aaron Robarts Wolfe (1821-1902); Chorus by James Martin Gray (1851-1935)New Tune: Ben Nyce 1.Complete in Thee! no work of mineMay take, dear Lord, the place of Thine;Thy blood hath pardon bought for me,And I am now complete in Thee. ChorusYea, justified! O blessed thought!And sanctified! Salvation wrought!Thy blood hath pardon bought for me,And glorified, I too, shall be! 2.Complete in Thee! no more shall sin,Thy grace hath conquered, reign within;Thy voice shall bid the tempter flee,And I shall stand complete in Thee. 3.Complete in Thee–each want supplied,And no good thing to me denied;Since Thou my portion, Lord, wilt be,I ask no more, complete in Thee. 4.Dear Savior! when before Thy barAll tribes and tongues assembled are,Among Thy chosen will I be,At Thy right hand, complete in Thee. We invite you to sing together with us on “Complete in Thee” by Aaron Wolf and James M. Gray with the tune by Ben Nyce. This is a jubilant song that praises our Lord for all that He has accomplished for us. We can only begin to comprehend some of our Savior’s final words on the cross “It is finished!” (John 19:30). Redemption’s work was done, the precious blood was poured out for our pardon, He fully bore the stroke of punishment that was due to us (Isaiah 53:8). It is wonderful that the hymn does not stop there. The refrain is referencing Romans 8:30, “and whom He foreordained, them He called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified” (ASV). You will notice that the verse is in the past tense, because God has already completed it! Hallelujah, we are justified! Regardless of how I feel or how I am currently faring in my Christian life, these are divine, completed facts! We can cast out all doubt because our salvation rests on […]

Isaac: A life of Receiving God’s Promises (04-05-20)

Hymns Speak, Lord, in the Stillness Words: Emily May Grimes (1920) Music: Micah Shumway 1 Speak, Lord, in the stillness, While I wait on Thee; Hushed my heart to listen, In expectancy. Speak, O blessed Master, In this quiet hour; Let me see Thy face, Lord, Feel Thy touch of power. 2 For the words Thou speakest, They are life indeed; Living bread from heaven, Now my spirit feed! All to Thee is yielded, I am not my own; Blissful, glad surrender, I am Thine alone. 3 Speak, Thy servant heareth, Be not silent, Lord; Waits my soul upon Thee For the quickening word. Fill me with the knowledge Of Thy glorious will; All Thine own good pleasure In Thy child fulfill. 4 Like a watered garden, Full of fragrance rare, Lingering in Thy presence, Let my life appear. This week’s featured hymn is “Speak, Lord, in the Stillness” by Emily May Grimes (1920) using the tune written by Micah Shumway. This is a wonderful hymn that has a laser focus on desiring to hear the Lord’s word. I like the thought contained in the first line that mentions ‘the stillness’ and later in the verse it mentions ‘this quiet hour’. We can be honest when we say just how busy our lives and the world is (though there have been some interesting changes in recent weeks). Things are hardly still and hardly quiet ever! If you don’t have a regular practice of this, I would STRONGLY encourage you to set aside some time during the day (mornings seem especially good for whatever reason) to take some time to pray and spend time with Jesus in the Bible. Keeping this practice has changed my life. The point is that we need time when we can focus and seek the Lord, put down our smartphones and laptops and all the other distractions, and enjoy His presence, and hear His word. For some of us, ‘the stillness’ sometimes needs to be more figurative, where in the midst of the day’s craziness, we can still have a heart that is focused on the Lord and seeking His speaking throughout the day. This song is so enjoyable. It invites the Lord to speak. It begs the Lord to speak. It expects the Lord to be faithful to us and give us His life-giving word, which can be considered our daily bread (Matt. 4:4, 6:11). The words that Jesus speaks are spirit and life (John 6:63) and when we touch His living word we can be energized, strengthened, watered, growing, and changed. May the Lord make us all like little Samuels, saying, “Speak, for Your servant is listening” (1 Sam. 3:10), fully surrendered to the Lord, to do His will, and for His pleasure. May we be full of expectation that, as we ask for and seek His word, He will be faithful to give it to us (Matt. 7:7-8). Especially in these strange times when we may have a little more time than usual, may our mornings and days be full of Christ’s life-giving word! — Ian Konopinski Fall Afresh 1 Awaken my soul, come awake To hunger, to seek, to thirst; Awaken first love, come awake And do as you did, at first. Chorus Spirit of the living God, come fall afresh on me, Come wake me from my sleep; Blow through the caverns of my soul, Pour in me to overflow. 2 Awaken my soul, come awake To worship with all your strength. (x2) Bridge Show Your shining face, Let Your Spirit come invade. We are certainly all experiencing many new challenges. Most of our lives are usually so busy, and we are constantly rushing from one thing to another, struggling to keep up with the world’s busy pace. Many of us now are going through something totally new and different. Many of us are confined to our homes with many restrictions. Instead of either wallowing in our perceived lost freedoms or twiddling our thumbs while watching our 101st movie on Netflix, how about we open to God and allow Him to bring us into a deeper relationship with our Lord and Savior? Why not use this time to invite the Lord in to “blow through the caverns of our souls” and even to fill us more until we overflow with His Spirit? Perhaps the Lord has something very specific that He would like for each one of us to gain and experience during these unprecedented times. This is, in part, why I feel like this song, “Fall Afresh” by Jeremy Riddle, has been on my heart. I am stuck in a certain place for the time being, but, by the Lord’s mercy, I want to seek Him and be filled with Him more during this time. May all of our days be so filled with His shining face, the Spirit of the Living God filling us, overflowing in us, and going even deeper in us! I invite you to join in and sing this song together with us, and allow the Lord to touch those deep parts of our hearts that He has yet to reach, being open to His moving and speaking. — Ian Konopinski Children’s Content He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands Coloring Page Message Message given by Rex Beck for April 5, 2020 GENESIS 21:1-10 Isaac Is Born 21 The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised. 2 And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. 3 Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac. 4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.5 Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. 6 And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.” 7 And she said, […]

A Life of Faith (03-29-2020)

Worship “My Goal is God Himself” – 1 – My goal is God Himself, not joy, nor peace, Nor even blessing, but Himself, my God; ’Tis His to lead me there—not mine, but His— At any cost, dear Lord, by any road. – 2 – So faith bounds forward to its goal in God, And love can trust her Lord to lead her there; Upheld by Him, my soul is following hard Till God hath full fulfilled my deepest prayer. – 3 – No matter if the way be sometimes dark, No matter though the cost be oft-times great, He knoweth how I best shall reach the mark, The way that leads to Him must needs be strait. – 4 – One thing I know, I cannot say Him nay; One thing I do, I press towards my Lord; My God my glory here, from day to day, And in the glory there my great Reward.  The hymn for this week is “My Goal is God” by Frances Brook. This is a precious hymn that is very special in that it has such an intense focus on God Himself being our Goal, our Prize, and our Reward. We can make the focus of our lives a lot of different things: our career, our families, our health (or lack thereof), money (or lack thereof), success, status, the pursuit of happiness, etc.; the writer of this hymn had a profound realization that God is the highest and best thing to live for. I am reminded of the verses penned by the Apostle Paul in Philippians Chapter 3 where he talks about counting everything else as loss, that he might gain Christ, know Him, and be found in Him because knowing Christ is so surpassingly excellent than anything else (verses 4-9). Verse 1 of our hymn starts out with this profound thought: my Goal is God, not His blessings, not anything else, it is just God Himself. It is so true that God blesses us with so many things–but do not get trapped looking for or being content with the gifts while forsaking the Giver! The verse doesn’t stop there, the writer has another profound thought, that God is responsible to bring me ALL the way to that end–it may take many different roads, it may take many different costs–but God will faithfully bring us to that end, when we will have Him and only Him Himself. So verse 2 continues this thought, and even employs some strong language: “So faith bounds forward”, not just merely inching on, not slowly limping (even though this may be our experience from time to time), faith BOUNDS forward to its goal in God. “And love can trust her Lord to lead her there” and we are upheld by Him every step of the way until we reach our Goal. Verse 3 talks about how sometimes the road is dark (i.e., we may not know exactly where we’re going or how we’ll get there), and we may/will have to make large sacrifices with the cost being often great. Oh but praise the Lord, God is so worth it, and He knows how to bring us there, He knows perfectly well! May we sing and pray and praise with verse 4 where we “would not say Him nay”, meaning we don’t say “no” to the Lord, we just humbly go His way and say “yes” to Him again and again, and the ‘one thing’ we do is just press on. Dear brothers and sisters, God can be our glory here, from day to day, and He will be in eternity our “exceedingly great Reward” (Gen. 15:1). May the Lord bless us all and give us such a life to faithfully follow Him, trusting that He will carry us faithfully to the end! — Ian K “Simplicity” – 1 – I come in simplicity, Longing for purity To worship in You In spirit and truth, only You. Lord, strip it all away Till only You remain; I’m coming back to my first love, Only You. Chorus You’re the reason I sing, The reason I sing, My heart will sing, How I love You; And forever I’ll sing, Forever I’ll sing, Yes, my heart will sing, How I love You. – 2 – I come with my broken song To You, the perfect One, To worship You in spirit and truth, only You. Give me a child-like heart, Lead me to where You are, I’m coming back to my first love, only You. Most of us may be familiar with the song “Simplicity” by Rend Collective. This is such a sweet love song to the Lord. Keeping in the title of the song, I very much appreciate the “simplicity” and straight-forwardness of the song. It is so wonderful that we may come to the Lord with our child-like faith, not because we know so much, or have done so much for the Lord, but just because we love Him. I really appreciate the honesty of verse 2, that we come to the Lord with our ‘broken song’ that is far from perfect, and yet we come to the perfect One. Psalm 8 says that it is out of the mouths of babies and nursing infants that the Lord has perfected praise (v. 2): He is the One that makes our praise pleasing to Him. Furthermore, praise the Lord that He is the One who will always receive us when we come to Him, He will never cast us out and turn us away (John 6:37), even if we feel like our songs and prayers are less than adequate. May we have such a sweet and simple love for our Lord, and be confident that He will be happy to receive us and our broken songs to make them perfect praise.  — Ian Konopinski Children’s Content “Faith is Just Believing” Coloring Pages Message A Life of Faith Message given by Rex Beck Hebrews 11:1, 6 1Now faith is the assurance of things […]

“I Am Your Shield, Your Exceedingly Great Reward” (03-22-2020)

Hymns “Come, Jesus, Lord, with Holy Fire” 1) Come, Jesus, Lord, with holy fire, Come, and my quickened heart inspire, My conscience purged by blood; Now to my soul Thyself reveal, Thy mighty working let me feel, Since I am born of God. 2) Let nothing now my heart divide, Since with Thee I am crucified, And live to God in Thee. Dead to the world and all its toys, Its idle pomp and fading joys, Jesus, my glory be. 3) Now with a quenchless thirst inspire, A longing, infinite desire, And fill my craving heart. Less than Thyself, oh, do not give, In might Thyself within me live; Come, all Thou hast and art. 4) My will be swallowed up in Thee, Light in Thy light still may I see In Thine unclouded face: Called the full strength of trust to prove, Let all my quickened heart be love, My spotless life be praise. This week’s hymn is “Come, Jesus, Lord, With Holy Fire” by Charles Wesley. This is an excellent hymn that exemplifies a hunger and thirst for the Lord and His working. The tune, once you get it, is buoyant, joyful, and even invigorating (at least for me!). :) The first line of the song is probably taken from Matthew 3:11 where Jesus is described as the One who can baptize in the Holy Spirit and fire. Though I am sure commentaries are all over the map on what fire signifies, at least Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown refer to it as the “fiery character of the Spirit’s operations upon the soul”, which I feel like most of us have experienced. There is a certain excitement, fervor, and energy that comes when we have the Lord working mightily within us. This is what I feel like our brother Charles was invoking the Lord for. Because we have been born of God, born of the Spirit, washed in His blood, we can ask the Lord to come in and inspire us again. Some precious thoughts that are contained in this hymn: it is so good to be dead to the world and all its toys, and for Jesus to be all our glory, joy, and hope. Verse 3 says, “Less than Thyself, oh, do not give” where the writer had a realization that he could seek after lots of other spiritual ‘things’, but what he really wants is to just have MORE CHRIST. AMEN!! Lord, give us all more of Yourself, and Yourself alone! May the Lord inspire such a joy and fervor in all of us! — Ian K “Lift Up Thine Eyes, My Child” (Lyrics by Hannah Bontje; tune of “Crown Him With Many Crowns”) 1) Lift up thine eyes, My child, Away from where you stand; Away from failure and regret Out to the promised land. No longer face defeat, No longer feel dismay; Lift up thine eyes from where you stand Out to the promised land.  2) Look out from where thou art And see the blessings giv’n. See how My promises remain Despite where thou hast been. From northward to the south, From eastward to the west, Look out from where thou standest now And see the blessings giv’n.  3) Arise, My child! Arise! Leave all you trust and know! Step out by faith and not by sight Into this land unknown. In providence divine, Full care is rendered thee; Arise, My child! Step out by faith Into this land unknown.  4) Walk throughout all the land, Receive all that is thine! According to the length and breadth, Enjoying Christ divine! The promise surely made, His fullness to possess! Walk on! Receive all that is thine! Christ, your inheritance! This hymn was written out of inspiration from Genesis 13:14-17 when the Lord, speaking to Abram after he and Lot separate upon their return from Egypt, tells him: “Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever. I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted. Arise, walk through the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you.” I was struck by the four different commands God gives to Abram: “Lift up your eyes”, “look from where you are”, “arise”, and “walk through the land”. “Lift up your eyes…” I was touched by these tender words to Abram following some hard situations that must have left him feeling ashamed and defeated. He had given his very own wife to Pharaoh when they were in Egypt, and when that situation got sorted out and they returned to the land, there was strife between Abram and his nephew Lot. Abram let Lot choose which part of the land to settle in, and Lot went ahead and chose the best piece of the land! How defeated Abram must have felt! But this is the exact moment the Lord tells him to “lift up his eyes”. When I read this command, I was so thankful we have a God who doesn’t want us to dwell on our failures, mistakes, and hard situations but rather to lift our eyes to Him and all He has in store for us. My hope and prayer is that I, too, would live a life with eyes lifted to see what He wants me to see. “Look from the place where you are…” God wanted Abram to look out at the vastness of the land before him and know that He was giving it all to him. I was so impressed how Abram’s failures and mistakes didn’t change anything. The Lord promised, and so it would be. “For all the promises of God find their ‘Yes’ in Him.” “Arise…” From the beginning with God’s first call, Abram’s journey was characterized by […]

God’s Appearing (03-14-20)

Hymn: “Though Christ A Thousand Times” … Though the tune is a little tricky, once you get it this is such a fun and inspiring hymn. Essentially, one of the main thoughts of the song is that there is not anything lacking in Christ and what He accomplished on the Cross for us, but all of Christ’s person and work will avail us nothing until He is applied in our hearts and lives, hence why he says that it is the Cross in thine own heart that can alone make thee whole. May we echo with the chorus, “O Cross of Christ I take thee into this heart of mine, that I to my own self may die and rise to Thy life divine.” Based on that same theme we can look at verse two. As long as I am stuck in myself or seeking to save my life, God will be of little help to me; rather, if I let go of my old life and die to self, I can lay hold of Christ as my life; if I let go and ‘go out’ then God’s Spirit can fill me up; if I wait in faith’s patience then in Christ I can possess all things (a similar thought is seen in 1 Cor. 3:18-23 where we must become fools to become wise). Another precious thought is found in this hymn: “To bring thee to thy God, love takes the shortest route.” It is so good to love God and thus be brought so close to Him! When I rid my heart of all the other things that crowd it, namely my old self and the world, then I can allow God’s love to fill my heart, which in turn causes me to love Him even more (Rom. 5:5; 1 John 2:15-16). May the Lord be with you all, Ian K – 1 – Though Christ a thousand times In Bethlehem be born, If He’s not born in thee Thy soul is still forlorn. The Cross on Golgotha, Will never save thy soul; The Cross in thine own heart, Alone can make thee whole. Chorus O, Cross of Christ, I take thee Into this heart of mine, That I to my own self may die And rise to thy life Divine. – 2 – What e’er thou lovest, man, That too become thou must; God, if thou lovest God, Dust, if thou lovest dust. Go out, God will come in; Die thou and let Him live; Be not and He will be; Wait and He’ll all things give. – 3 – To bring thee to thy God, Love takes the shortest route; The way which knowledge leads, Is but a roundabout. Drive out from thee the world, And then thy heart shall be Filled with the love of God, And holy like as He.   Message: God’s Appearing Message given by Rex Beck on March 15, 2020. Acts 7:2-4 2 And Stephen said: “Brothers and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, 3 and said to him, ‘Go out from your land and from your kindred and go into the land that I will show you.’ 4 Then he went out from the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran. And after his father died, God removed him from there into this land in which you are now living. Genesis 12-13 The Call of Abram 12 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” 4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. 5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, 6 Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. 7 Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. 8 From there he moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the Lord and called upon the name of the Lord. 9 And Abram journeyed on, still going toward the Negeb. Abram and Sarai in Egypt 10 Now there was a famine in the land. So Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine was severe in the land. 11 When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife, “I know that you are a woman beautiful in appearance, 12 and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me, but they will let you live. 13 Say you are my sister, that it may go well with me because of you, and that my life may be spared for your sake.” 14 When Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful. 15 And when the princes of Pharaoh saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house. 16 And for her sake he dealt well with Abram; […]

A Romantic Life Following the Lord (03-08-2020)

The start of our new series, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Message given by Rex Beck on March 8, 2020 A picture of God He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” (Genesis 22:2) Patterns for the believers’ experience ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead, but of the living.” (Matthew 22:32) And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:11-12) Abraham—a life of faith And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. (Galatians 3:8-9) And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness. (Genesis 15:5-6) Isaac—a life of enjoyment Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. (Galatians 4:28) And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before you!” God said, “No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him. (Genesis 17:18-19) Jacob—a life growing to maturity though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” (Romans 9:11-13) By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. (Hebrews 11:21)

A Picture of the Church Life (03-01-2020)

Message given by Peter McNaughton concluding our series on The Gospel of Romans. Message given on March 1, 2020. Romans 16  I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, 2 that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well. 3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. 5 Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. 11 Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. 12 Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. 17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen. 22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord. 23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you. 25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

A Priestly Service of the Gospel of God (02-23-20)

Message given by Rex Beck on February 23, 2020. Romans 15:14-21 14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. 15 But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, 19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; 20 and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, 21 but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.”

Glorifying God with One Voice (02-16-2020)

Message given by Rex Beck on February 16, 2020 Romans 15:1-9  We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.”

Acceptance in the Church Life (02-09-2020)

Message given by Peter McNaughton on February 9, 2020. Romans 14 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.  5 One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.  10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11 for it is written,  “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” 12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.  13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.  20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. 22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. 

Living for the Body of Christ in Today’s World (02-02-2020)

Message given by Rex Beck on February 2, 2020 Romans 13  Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.  8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.  11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. 

Growing in Christ for the Body of Christ (01-26-2020)

Rex talks more about the Body of Christ. Message given on January 26, 2020 Romans 12:1-5 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.  3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.   Ephesians 4:14-16 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Christian Living in the Body of Christ (1-19-2020)

Rex talks about what Christian should look like in the Body of Christ. Message given on January 19, 2020. Romans 12:5-21 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.  9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.  14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

The Body of Christ (01-12-20)

Rex picks up the Romans series again in Chapter 12. Message given on January 12, 2020. Romans 12:1-8 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.  3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

You Shall Call His Name Emmanuel (12-22-2019)

Rex Beck delivers a special Christmas message on the name, “Emmanuel”. Luke 1:26-38 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”  34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”  35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Luke 2:1-7 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:27-32 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” Hebrews 2:17-18 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Present Your Bodies a Living Sacrifice (12-15-19)

Peter McNaughton shares on the first two verses in Romans 12. Message given on December 15, 2019 Romans 12:1-2 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Grafted Into the Olive Tree (12-08-19)

Message give by Peter McNaughton on December 8, 2019 Romans 11 I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” 4 But what is God’s reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5 So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.  7 What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, 8 as it is written,  “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day.”  9 And David says,  “Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them; 10  let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and bend their backs forever.”  11 So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. 12 Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!  13 Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry 14 in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. 15 For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? 16 If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches.  17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. 19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. 23 And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree.  25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written,  “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; 27  “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.”  28 As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. 32 For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.  33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!  34  “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” 35  “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?”  36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

The Lord is rich to all who call on His name (12-01-19)

Message given by Rex Beck on December 1, 2019 Romans 9:23-24, 30-33 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— 24 even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? 30 What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. 32 Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33 as it is written,  “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” Romans 10:1-10:17 1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.  5 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”  14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.   

Enjoying God’s love as the Spirit helps us in our weakness (11-17-19)

Message given on November 17, 2019 by Rex Beck Romans 8:26-39 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.  31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,  “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”  37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Spirit in Us (11-10-2019)

Message given on November 10, 2019 by Rex Beck Romans 8:18-30 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.  26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

Life In Spirit (10-27-2019)

Message given by Rex Beck on October 27, 2019 Romans 8:1-17 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.  9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.  12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

The Law of the Spirit of Life (10-20-2019)

Rex Beck speaks on the end of Romans 7 and the beginning of Romans 8. Message given on October 20, 2019. Romans 7:21-8:11 21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.  Romans 8 1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.  9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Four Laws (10-13-2019)

Peter McNaughton shares on Romans 7 and 8. Message given on October 13, 2019. Romans 7:7-25 7 What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. 9 I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. 10 The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. 11 For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. 12 So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.  13 Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.  21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

Freed from the Law and Joined to Christ (10-06-2019)

Peter McNaughton speaks on Romans 7; message given on October 6, 2019 Romans 7:1-6 1 Or do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives? 2 For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. 3 Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress.  4 Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. 5 For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. 6 But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.

Present Ourselves to God (09-29-2019)

Message given by Rex Beck on September 29, 2019 Romans 6:8-23 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.  12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.  15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. 19 I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.  20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Died and Risen With Christ (09-22-2019)

Rex speaks on the death that we die with Christ and also the resurrection life that we share with Him. Message given on September 22, 2019. Romans 6:1-14 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.  5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.  12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

Adam and Christ (09-15-2019)

Rex speaks on Adam and Christ. Message give on September 15, 2019 Romans 5:10-21 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. 12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— 13 for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.  15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. 17 For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.  18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Standing In Grace and Saved By His Life (09-08-2019)

Message given by Rex Beck on September 08, 2019 Romans 5:1-11 1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Justified By His Grace as a Gift – Part II (08-25-2019)

Romans 4:1-8; 13-25  1 What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:  7  “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8  blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” 13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression.  16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. 18 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. 20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” 23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

Justified by His Grace as a Gift – Part I (08-18-2019)

Rex shares about the amazing gift of justification by grace from Romans 3. Romans 3:19-31  19Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.  21But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.  27Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.

The Terrible Plight of a Person Without Salvation (08-11-2019)

Rex shares on Paul’s insight into the desperate plight all humans have without the Lord. Romans 1:18-27 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.  24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.  Romans 2:3-5 3 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.  Romans 2:17, 28-2917 But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God…28 For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. 29 But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.  Romans 3:1-2, 9-11 Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? 2 Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God….9 What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; 11no one understands; no one seeks for God.   Romans 3:19-20 19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

Set Apart for the Gospel of God (07-21-2019)

Set Apart for the Gospel of God Getting things rolling in our current message series, “The Gospel in Romans,” we start out at the beginning of Romans, looking at the verses Romans 1:1-17: 1Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, 6To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 8First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. 13I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. 16For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Salvation Message Series

Sundays 11a.m. to 12:15p.m. (Details.)

The Lord Builds Us Up

Jesus in his grace restores and gathers us beneath his wings.

Quick Intro to Malachi

Malachi was the last Old Testament book, written about 400 years before Christ. It is a message to the priesthood and nation living in the rebuilt Jerusalem and offering at the rebuilt temple. It touches on the sins and hypocrisy of the priests and people. Some of these are offering blemished lambs, incomplete tithes, and some divorce the wife of their youth. Malachi reveals God as a refiner of silver, and prophesies of John’s coming to prepare the Lord’s way and of the Lord coming as the messenger of God’s covenant. He is the sun of righteousness who has healing in His wings. Read more about the Bible or Malachi, specifically.

Quick Intro to Zechariah

Zechariah prophesied along side Haggai to the Jews who returned to rebuild the temple at Jerusalem. Whereas Haggai’s prophecies are very practical touching housing, food, and drink, Zechariah’s prophecies take the reader to heavenly, eternal realms. The nine visions that begin this book include subjects like Christ seeking to restore His testimony, the cleansing of sins for working on God’s house, a lampstand burning oil to shine to all the earth, the Branch as a servant of God removing iniquity in one day, God arranging the whole earth for his glory. Zechariah prophesies how Joshua the priest will wear a crown, which kingly priest is only fulfilled in Christ. And he unveils the entrance of Christ to Jerusalem on a donkey. Finally he prophesies about the battle of Armageddon and the second coming of Christ. Read more about the Bible or Zechariah, specifically.

Quick Intro to Haggai

Haggai was a prophet to the Jews who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity. The Jews had started to rebuild the temple but had stopped for about 20 years due to their fear of opposition from the neighbors. Haggai’s prophecy encouraged them to build. He posed the rhetorical question: why are you dissatisfied with your lives? The answer was that they put money into a bag with holes, they did’t have enough to eat, and because they neglected God’s house. So the Lord stirred them up to work on the house. Eventually Christ would come and the glory of the later house will be more than that of the former. The Lord will bless Judah from this day onward. Read more about the Bible or Haggai, specifically.

Quick Intro to Habakkuk

Habakkuk is starkly original. It is a dialog between the prophet and God concerning the violence and harshness of the Babylonians in their conquest of Judah. Habakkuk wonders about righteousness. God gives the answer in prophecy that eventually the just shall live by faith. In spite of the violence, the Lord is still in His Holy temple, and all the earth would do well to be silenced before Him as God revives His work. Read more about the Bible or Habakkuk, specifically.

Quick Intro to Nahum

Nahum prophesies Ninevah’s complete ruin due to their iniquity, lies and blood thirstiness. It’s a comfort to Israel knowing their enemy will never again pass through them. This is the good news brought by the messenger through the mountains. Even though these devastators have touched Judah, God will restore the splendor of Jacob. Read more about the Bible or Nahum, specifically.

Quick Intro to Micah

Micah prophesied to Judah about the same time as Isaiah, during the reigns of king Jotham through Hezekiah. He chastises the wicked rulers, priests, and the schemers of iniquity found in Judah, and wails for the coming judgment. Through many puns, he describes the fate of Judean cities in the coming wrath. But he also makes known the remnant who will be gathered together like sheep and will be lead out to pasture by Christ. He sees that one day the mountain of the house of the Lord will be established above the other mountains. And he prophesies the ruler, Christ, will be born in Bethlehem. There is no way out of the judgments prophesied by Micah, so he takes refuge in waiting for the God of his salvation, who is light for him. Read more about the Bible or Micah, specifically.

Quick Intro to Jonah

Jonah prophesied to the Northern kingdom of Israel during the days of Jeroboam II. Jonah was a prophet who didn’t like people and didn’t listen to God’s word. God told him to go to Ninevah, the Assyrian capital. Instead he went the other way on a ship, faced a storm, got swallowed by a fish, repented, and finally preached to Ninevah. The whole city repented, and Jonah got mad that God would not judge the city and that God caused a worm to eat the leaf that provided shade for him. The story shows that God loves people and will give His word to them so they would repent. It is interested to note that less than 50 years after Jonah spoke to the Assyrian capital Ninevah, the Assyrians destroyed the northern kingdom of Isreal. Read more about the Bible or Jonah, specifically.

Quick Intro to Obadiah

Obadiah prophesies concerning Edom, who gloated over the misfortune of Isreal and who committed violence against God’s nation as they were being invaded by another army. Obadiah warns Edom not to gloat, because the house of Jacob will eventually possess the nations, Edom will be burned as stubble, and the kingdom will be the Lord’s. Read more about the Bible or Obadiah, specifically.

Quick Intro to Amos

Amos is a prophet to the northern kingdom of Israel during the days of Uzziah and Jeroboam II, contemporaneous with Hosea. He prophesies the impending judgment of God upon the northern and in lesser ways southern kingdom. Amos makes clear that just as a lion only roars when there is prey, there is no way out of this judgment and that the best is for those who remain to seek Jehovah. Eventually, Amos prophesies, God will raise up the booth of David that the Jews will possess the gentiles and the gentiles will be called by the name of the Lord. The Jews and Gentiles will be God’s people. Read more about the Bible or Amos, specifically.

Quick Intro to Zephaniah

Zephaniah prophesied in the days of Josiah, contemporaneous with Jeremiah. His message is of complete judgment of the whole earth on the day of the Lord. This includes the nations who are enemies of Judah and Judah herself who was rebellious and who heeded no voice. The remnant of Israel eventually will be gathered together under the King of Israel, the Lord, and will be praised among all people of the earth. Read more about the Bible or Zephaniah, specifically.

Quick Intro to Joel

Joel never writes a time marker for his ministry. However, because people could still repent and change the outcome of God’s judgment upon them, I place it early in the history of the kings of Israel. Joel warns of locusts, signifying kingdoms with armies, coming to devour Israel’s land, signifying armies attacking the nation, unless Judah repents of his ways. In the midst of this speaking, Joel unveils the day of the Lord where the nations will be judged at Christ’s second coming. He also prophesies the outpouring of the Spirit upon flesh, which was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost when Peter spoke the first message to the church and 5000 men were saved. Read more about the Bible or Joel, specifically.

Quick Intro to Hosea

Hosea was a prophet mainly to the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of Jeroboam II. He was a contemporary of Isaiah. Hosea was asked by God to marry a prostitute, who was unfaithful to him, as a sign of God’s breaking relationship with the northern kingdom of Israel. Hosea calls Israel a cake not turned (unbalanced), a deceitful bow (will not work for the purpose they were established) and a silly dove (unable to be turned). He likes the faithfulness of Israel to an evaporating morning dew. But he also shows the faithfulness of God being constant as the sun rises day by day. He shows us Christ being called out of Egypt and reveals that God is constant, like an evergreen tree, in the midst of the fickleness of Israel and Judah. Read more about the Bible or Hosea, specifically.

Quick Intro to Daniel

Daniel was one of the captives living in Babylon during the 70 years when the temple at Jerusalem was destroyed. He was trained by the Babylonian king and held high office in his administration. He prayed for Jerusalem and saw visions that describe human history from Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, through three other empires (Medo-Persian, Greek and Roman) and eventually culminating in the second coming of Christ, when the mountain cut out without hands (Christ) will fill the earth (have his kingdom on the whole earth). Read more about the Bible or Daniel, specifically.

Quick Intro to Ezekiel

Ezekiel was a prophet during Israel’s final fall. His eponymous book contains many different forms of literature. He seems to have been a deeply and broadly knowledgable man, well-prepared to write at that historical moment. Like a great movement that started in Exodus ended with a return to alienation and captivity. When Ezekiel sat down to write, God told him that Jerusalem would fall, the Temple be destroyed, and Ezekiel’s wife would die. He must not publicly mourn her just as the Jews now exiled with him in Babylon must refrain from public mourning. Ezekiel’s name refers to God’s strength. God punished Israel mightily, but he is also mighty to save, and Ezekiel ends with God’s promise to restore the Temple and console his people. This calamity like all of God’s judgments, purified his people and prepared them for the next movement. Read more about the Bible or Ezekiel, specifically. Sources: Biblica Bible.org

Quick Intro to Lamentations

Lamentations is a book containing five poetic laments mourning the destruction and captivity of Jerusalem and God’s goodness. Where once the city was like a great queen, it became desolate like a widow enslaved and weeping in the night. All of Israel’s history with God, the law, and the prophets, have not been enough to keep the people faithful. A chapter of that history ends with a nation of freed slaves defeated and enslaved by Babylon. That is not how Lamentations ends, though. Babylon is an agent of God used to punish Israel, and the book acknowledges God’s eternal sovereignty, mercy, and faithfulness. God is punishing Israel, but He has not abandoned it. The book ends with an Judah’s repentance and appeal for restoration. Read more about the Bible or Lamentations, specifically. Sources: Biblica Bible.org

Quick Intro to Jeremiah

Jeremiah prophesied about the destruction of Judah because of the sins of its king. Jeremiah shows the dynamic between a prophet and God — how God shaped him to be a fitting vessel to convey God’s message.

Quick Intro to Isaiah

Isaiah’s prophecies describe Christ like no other book. He foretells that the virgin will have a son, and that the government will be on child’s shoulders, that he will be wounded for our transgressions, and gather people as God’s people.

Quick Intro to Song of Songs

Song of Songs is a love story between a king and a shulamite woman. It is a picture of Christ as the king seeking a close, intimate relationship with His believer.

Quick Intro to Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes is the record of king Solomon exploring life for meaning.

Quick Intro to Psalms

Psalms is preeminently a book about Christ. It prophesies His anointing, His zeal for the Father’s house, His betrayal, His death, His crowning, His royal priesthood, His ruling over all things, His marriage to the church, and much more. These prophesies are embedded in sentiments that cover a full range of human emotion and thought. Inside these sentiments are experiences of God, His Word, the Spirit, and suffering in the Christian walk. Psalms covers real situations and real feelings the writers faced in real life. The collection of Psalms starts with Christ being put on the holy hill, proceeds through all kinds of human experiences with God, and ends with praise to God from all the earth. Read more about the Bible or Psalms, specifically.

Quick Intro to Proverbs

Proverbs is a book about how to live life with wisdom.

Quick Intro to Job

Job answers the question, “why do people who are faithful to God suffer?”

Quick Intro to Esther

The book of Esther a Jewish queen married to a Babylonian king while her people were exiles there. Her bravery and faith saved her uncle and all of her people from a genocidal official.

Quick Intro to Nehemiah

Nehemiah describes the third wave of people who returned to Jerusalem and how they banded together for building and fighting to defend their city.

Quick Intro to Ezra

Ezra is a record of two groups who return to rebuild the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.

Quick Intro to 2 Chronicles

2 Chronicles is about the kinds and events in the southern kingdom of Judah after Israel split into northern and souther kingdoms.

Quick Intro to 1 Chronicles

1 Chronicles re-tells much of the history of Israel. It starts with a genealogy of kings and priests, and then picks up King David’s story from the death of Saul to the end of his life when he sets the site for the temple and gathers materials for it.

Quick Intro to 2 Kings

2 Kings starts with the prophet Elijah passing his mantle to Elisha and tells what happened as the Northern kingdom, Israel, fell into idolatry and eventually captivity in Babylon.

Quick Intro to 1 Kings

1 Kings describes the Israel kingdom’s highest point under Solomon and the glorious temple constructed by him. However, by the end of the book, Israel has split into two kingdoms: Judah and Israel. The northern kingdom, Israel, had bad rulers, and God demonstrated there that he was God and the gods they worshipped (called Baals) were false.

Quick Intro to 2 Samuel

2 Samuel tells about the reign of Kind David, a “man after God’s own heart.” (Acts 13:22). Despite this endorsement, David sinned seriously and his kingdom experienced almost every kind of war imaginable during his reign. David expanded the kingdom of Israel in accordance with God’s commands recounted in Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy.

Quick Intro to 1 Samuel

1 Samuel tells the story of Samuel’s mother, Hannah, prayed for a son, and offered him as a servant to God at birth. Samuel grew up with corrupt priests, but he listened to God.

Quick Intro to Ruth

Ruth is about a woman who comes to Israel as a widow and foreigner with her mother-in-law, worked a menial job, met a man named Boaz, re-married, lived an honorable life, and became an ancestor of Jesus.

Quick Intro to Judges

Judges paints an almost 400-year picture that shows a time when God’s people stopped fighting to enlarge their borders and inherit the entire land.

Podcast: Relationships

The Spirit and the Word interact. This interaction transforms Christians to resemble Jesus Christ and knits them together. Listen to more of this message originally given July 17, 2013. Relationships Follow along with the scripture we read…

Quick Intro to Joshua

Joshua is entirely concerned with conquering and possessing the good land as Israel’s inheritance.

Quick Intro to Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy re-tells the history of Israel from unbelief in the wilderness to faith and victories. It describes how the Israelites find the place God prepared for them, and what they were to do there.

Quick Intro to Numbers

Numbers is a mostly sad record of the journeys and mostly failings of Israel as they travelled through the wilderness… until a new generation steps into the good land God promised.

Quick Intro to Leviticus

Leviticus details offerings to be made at God’s altar.

Quick Intro to Exodus

Exodus shows us the way out of Egypt, a picture of the world, for God’s people under Moses’ leadership. It shows God’s provision of manna, water, and protection. And it describes in detail the Law as a picture of the first marriage covenant God made with His people. It gives details of the tabernacle and all its furnishings, which provide a rich, symbolic picture of God interacting with His people through grace. Read more about the Bible or Exodus, specifically.

Quick Intro to Genesis

Genesis describes the creation of heavens, the earth and human beings, and thus gives a picture of God’s eternal purpose from the beginning.

Podcast: The Spirit Gives Life

Shortly before his death, Paul wrote a letter to his apprentice, Timothy advising him on the challenges facing his life and the life of his church, including the way to guard and use his spirit. When the God’s spirit witnesses with a Christian’s spirit, they can know something in a way that is deeper than just head knowledge that they are a child of God. The Spirit Gives New Life Subscribe (Appologies for the audio quality on this one. Technical difficulties and a cold interfered.) You can follow along with the scripture for this message below. The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you. II Timothy 4:22 ESV

Podcast: Unity

When the church has unity, it shows the world that Jesus is from the father. Message: “Unity” Follow along with the scripture passages below, if you like. (Note: This message was originally given by Rex and Peter on Sunday morning March 3, 2013.) eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit-just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call-one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:3-6 ESV

Podcast: The Affection of Christ Jesus

Christ’s salvation reaches even damaged emotions, as we become more like Jesus. As we honor Christ the Lord, making him holy, even our emotional lives change. The Affections of Christ Jesus They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. Ephesians 4:19 ESV

Podcast: Receiving Answers to Prayer

It seems like almost everyone has said at least one prayer. But why to do some prayers get answered and others don’t? This message is about what prayer is supposed to do, and why it is important. Receiving Answers to Prayer

Scripture: Following Your Conscience

Tomorrow’s message continues where we left off last week: talking about the conscience. 12 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols?… Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. I Corinthians 8:7-9 ESV

Scripture: Conscience

When it isn’t clear, the conscience can make you feel miserable. In fact, by doing that, it can save you from a lot more trouble. But did you know that you can also damage your conscience so that it doesn’t work the way it should? Find out more about how the conscience works tomorrow. (And read ahead, if you like.) According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper… Hebrews 9:9 ESV

Scripture: Receiving Answers to Prayer

It seems like almost everyone has said a prayer at some time in their life. But why to do some prayers get answered and others don’t? That’s what we’re talking about tomorrow (April 28). 7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! Matthew 7:7-11 ESV

Scripture: What Words Come Out of Your Mouth

Here are the verses that we will be talking about tomorrow (April 14). Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 ESV

Scripture: Jesus Has Risen

The Bible says he is called Immanuel, which means God with us. Jesus lived with people on earth for about 33 years, but by his death and resurrection, he made a way for people to be with God always.

Podcast: Being Filled in Spirit

The Holy Spirit fills and changes us. Wherever God is at work, the Spirit is there. Being Filled in Spirit 2012-12-09 Read along with the scripture for this post.

Scripture: Building With Gold, Silver, Precious Stones

The life of a Christian should not stagnate after Jesus saves them. They have careful work to do. Work that will be tested. Read the scripture we’re going to cover, and join us tomorrow!

Scripture: Roles in the Church

Church is not one-size-fits-all. Nor is it a place where some people are important and others aren’t. Instead, each person has an important role. I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; I Timothy 2:8 ESV

Scripture: The Spirit Gives Life

The Spirit gives us freedom and life. This life is not weak and dead, it is powerful. It is the same life that raised Jesus from the dead! If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:11 ESV

Scripture: Train Yourself for Godliness

This Sunday’s message is about spiritual training.

Scripture: Fulfilling Your Ministry

Paul encouraged Timothy to, “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” (II Timothy 4:2 ESV). This week, we’re going to talk about fulfilling your ministry — God’s purpose for you.

Scripture: Living With the Bible

In recent messages, we’ve been looking at Paul and Timothy’s relationship as an example of discipleship. Although the Bible says Timothy knew scripture when he was young, he still had more to learn. He needed to understand it, handle it, and follow it. Paul was his mentor in those things, and that’s what we’re talking about this Sunday. and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. II Timothy 2:2 ESV

Scripture: Serving in the Church

We’re talking about Paul and Timothy again tomorrow: learning with Timothy how to preach the gospel and build up believers and churches. 19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:19-21 ESV

Scripture: Timothy’s Service

Here are the verses we’re covering on Sunday, in case you want to read ahead. We’ll learn more about Paul and Timothy. 19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:19-21 ESV

Scripture: The Example of Timothy

Timothy was a biracial kid from Lystra. Just a believer in Jesus in a smaller, commonplace Roman city (in modern day Turkey). His mother was a Jewish believer in Jesus, but it seems his father, who was Greek, was not a believer. Paul mentored Timothy in spreading the gospel and making disciples of Jesus.

Scripture: The Spirit Gifts

“Jesus is Lord!” these three words might seem simple, but they take spiritual power to say. And not just any spiritual power will do. The Holy Spirit enables people to say this. The Holy Spirit also gives diverse gifts to the individuals in church. Those individuals are to use their gifts to function together as a single body, the Body of Christ. Even though the people and the gifts they receive can be quite different from each other, we have only one Lord, and we form a single body. Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. 12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body — Jews or Greeks, slaves or free — and all were made to drink of one Spirit. I Corinthians 12:1-13 ESV

Scripture: Being Filled in Spirit

We’re talking more about the Holy Spirit. Here’s are the main verses we are covering today. Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. Acts 6:1-3 ESV

Scripture: The Holy Spirit Reveals Jesus

And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy–the Son of God. Luke 1:34-35 ESV

Scripture: Jesus is Willing to Touch People

Jesus didn’t shy away from people’s problems. He touched even the most afflicted and ostracized people, and Jesus’ touch is a powerful thing. Jesus could do this even though he was suffering and rejected himself. In doing these miracles, he also set a profound example of how Christians should care for people. Stop by the ICC tomorrow to hear more. Read ahead to day if you are inclined: For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned–every one–to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. 8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? 9 And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. 10 Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Isaiah 53:2-10 ESV

Scripture: It’s About Faith

God is glorious. He made people with a glorious intent, but we don’t live up to it. In fact, the bible says that everyone has sinned. We just can’t do what God wants us to do. On the one hand, it might seem offensive to be told that you just don’t (and can’t) measure up, but it’s so important to know because once we know this, we can stop trying so hard to do what is beyond our ability anyway. God has made a way to treat us as if we measured up to his intentions: Jesus. All that is necessary is to believe in Jesus and say so. This isn’t an exclusive club. Even the giants of faith held out spiritual examples for millennia needed faith in God’s grace. Jesus’ life and death give everyone access. All that is necessary is to believe and say so. This really is good news for people who feel so bad about failure, and who find success is never quite enough. Read ahead, if you like. Join us Sunday at the ICC for more information. 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. Romans 3:22-24 ESV What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered;8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” Romans 4:1-8 ESV

Scripture: It’s Super Easy to Be Saved

God is righteous, and people aren’t. It’s a simple fact. On some level, don’t you kind of know it, feel it yourself, see it in friends and family? This righteousness gap is serious. It cuts us off from the God who made us for relationships with him. The good news is that God made a remedy for this, and it’s not painful or hard. Join us on Sunday at 11 to learn more. Read ahead now, if you like. 6 But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?'” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?'” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:6-17 ESV Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Romans 3:27-28 ESV This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:11-12 ESV

Podcast: Jesus Brings Us Into Fellowship

When two Christians get together, Jesus is there. Our whole lives are wrapped around Jesus Christ, and we lean on him, but church is Jesus bringing us together into relationships with him and each other.

Podcast: You Are Christ’s Body

Christ brings people to himself using his body, the church. The church, in this sense, refers to all kinds of groups of Christians all over the world sometimes called the universal church. The church is one huge body, but on the practical level that means being with a specific group of Christians. In those individual instances of Christ’s body, there are many different kinds of people with different levels and types of experience with God and with different gifts. No Christian is complete alone, instead we all need each other to function and to exhibit Christ. Follow along with the scripture this message.

Scripture: Speaking About Jesus

This Sunday, we’re starting a new theme: Announcing the Good News. Everyone has problems, something in each life that seems to control it too much. Without Jesus, everyone is enticed or bullied by sin. But Jesus offers us new life and allows us to walk away from the things that dominated our old life. Jesus frees them like prisoners of a fallen nation. Like hostages suddenly freed, they owe nothing to their captors or their old lives. This really is good news, and something that anyone might be glad to hear. And there is only one way that they can hear, somebody has to tell them they can be free. Join us if you can tomorrow, to hear more. Read ahead today, if you want to.

Podcast: Jesus Directs Our Life

Woody Allen famously said: “The heart wants what it wants,” but the Bible tells us that the heart isn’t that trustworthy. People know they need purpose. Jesus has a purpose, and he gives us that purpose.

Podcast: Jesus Christ is a Man

Jesus Christ is God. Jesus is also a man; a human being. As a human being, Jesus relates to every aspect of our lives. Listen and follow along with the scripture for this message.

Podcast: Jesus Emptied & Humbled Himself

Every Christian should be crazy about Jesus Christ. He loved us, and we fall in love with him, when we truly see him. Listen to find out more and follow along with the scripture for this message.

Podcast: Jesus is the Radiance of God’s Glory

Jesus is more valuable than anything else. Once people start to see it, they can get hooked on knowing him. Paul said he counted everything else as rubbish (Phil. 3:8). People who know him will not be disappointed. Follow along with the scripture for this message.

Podcast: God Loves You

God loves us. He cares about our lives. Where we were once dead, he brings us to life and gives us a ministry. Follow along with the scripture for this message.

The Churches are the Lampstands

This Sunday (at the Alcazar), the message will be about the church. Churches are compared to lampstands made of pure gold that light the tabernacle where God dwells, and Christ walks between the churches. This scripture loaded with symbolism: images of purity and holiness — the glory and the presence of God. Feel free to read these passages, mull them over, and join us on Sunday to hear more. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. Revelation 1:10-13 ESV

Podcast: The Body of Christ

The church is Christ’s body. When a person believes in him, he brings that person into a church, making them part of his body. Just as a hand or foot cannot walk off and live apart from the body, a Christian cannot simply cease to be part of Christ’s body. You might stop going to a church, but once you’re in, you’re stuck. Just as a body needs all of its parts, the church needs everyone that Christ connects to it. Regardless of how you feel about yourself, you have an important and distinct function. Each part is vital, necessary, and valuable.

Scripture: The Body of Christ

Tomorrow, we are talking about Christ’s body. While on earth, Christ did some pretty amazing things: healing diseases and injuries, performing other miracles, and spreading the news of salvation from sins and eternal alienation from God. Starting right then, he began calling people and making preparations for his church. To this day, the church functions as his body, woven together from many people and carrying on the same kind of work. When some believers gather, their little community works like a body, and they become part of something much older and greater than we often imagine. Come tomorrow to hear about more about it. Read ahead today, if you want to: 12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body–Jews or Greeks, slaves or free–and all were made to drink of one Spirit.

Encouraging Each Other to Love & Good Works

The Bible tells us to exhort each other to “love and good works” (See Heb. 10:24 below). Exhort means to [s]trongly encourage or urge (someone) to do something.” That is what we are talking about in today’s message.

Scripture: You are Christ’s Body

Tomorrow’s message is about the church. It is Christ’s body. Like a human body, it has many different parts and it is vital that they work together. Just as we use our bodies to communicate and act in the world, Christ uses his Church. This doesn’t mean just our gathering on Sundays, but churches all over the world. If you want to read ahead, here is the primary passage we’ll be covering tomorrow: 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

Scripture: Jesus Builds You Together

Today’s message was taken from the same scripture as last week. Here are the verses: So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22 ESV As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-5 ESV

Scripture: The Church is Built Together

When you become a Christian, you become part of a family and a building. Jesus builds the Church (and we’re talking here about churches all over the world, not just us). The Church is founded on the “apostles and prophets” (see Ephesians 2:20 below). The building material he uses is saints. That means everyday Christians. We all become a very special (holy) place for him to live… Which is pretty amazing, when you think about it. We collectively become a house for God. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22 ESV You might think that being God’s house would be a static or boring thing. Houses don’t get to do a lot after all, but God also makes us a priesthood. In the Bible, priests are those who can mediate between people and God. The world desperately needs care by people who God hears and who can bring the message of Jesus’ transforming power to them. As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-5 ESV

Scripture: Jesus Christ is a Man

God is really interested in people — so much that he became a human being. Because he became a man, died, and rose again, people can know God the Father and the Holy Spirit differently, and they can continue these relationships eternally. As a man, Jesus also provided us an example, and, because he was a man, Jesus knows what we go through. God really cares about people and he is intensely interested in what they do with this choice. In case you missed the message or want to review, here are the primary verses we talked about today. Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Matthew 26:64 ESV 5 For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. 6 It has been testified somewhere, “What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him? 7 You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor, 8 putting everything in subjection under his feet.” Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. 9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. 10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. Hebrews 2:5-10 ESV

Scripture: Jesus — Light of the Nations

Jesus is the light of the nations. Today’s message was a short update on Gospel Odyssey, a week-long program that brings the gospel to the streets. We heard how different people responded to the gospel. I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. Isaiah 42:6-7 ESV [F]or all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God Romans 3:23 ESV

Wives

God cares about marriages. In order to live the Bible’s instructions for wives, women need both the Word and the Spirit of God. This message starts by discussing that, and then spends a little time on the practical aspects of being a good wife.

How to Navigate Life with Jesus

“For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it” Hebrews 2:1 NASB. Pay Attention Like a Pilot This verse tells us that we’ve heard something and that our job is to pay close attention to it, otherwise we will drift away. This is a good description of our Christian life. What have we heard? Mainly we have heard about the Son, as chapter 1 of Hebrews shows. The Greek words used in this verse help us paint a picture of what it means to pay attention. “Pay much closer attention” is used to describe a pilot’s concentration as he brings his ship to dock. “Drift away” refers to a river causing a boat to drift down from its intended place. Floating Down a River You see, our life is like floating down a river. Christ the Son is there as we float but somehow we become professional degraders of the Son. We float down the river with its problems and think “we only have the Son.” We serve God and see challenges and feel “it’s just me and the Son.” Hebrews uplifts the Son and tells us that we should concentrate on Him like a pilot docking his boat. What does Hebrews say about the Son? Well, Chapter 1 vs. 1-4 is a good place to start to find out. God Now Speaks Only Through Jesus God used to speak in a lot of different ways through many different prophets. However, now God is speaking only through the Son. If you want to hear God speaking, don’t look in your environment, look at the Son. And the Son is incredibly awesome and sufficient. He is heir of all things, God made the ages through Him, He’s the shining of God’s glory, the true character of His nature. He made purification for sins and sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high. He became much better than the angels and inherited a more excellent name than they. All these descriptions describe the Son as a Heavenly ascended Christ who has accomplished a lot. As God, all things were made through Him and He will inherit all things. As man, He made purification for sins and God made Him sit at His right hand. Concentrate on Jesus We may say “we only have the Son” as we float down our river of life. However, this is a recipe for drifting away. We need to look at Him, pay attention to Him, get out of our own things, and explore all that He is. What should we concentrate on in this life? Concentrate on the glories of the Son. This is the way to partake of the Great Salvation God has for us.

Scripture: Jesus Emptied & Humbled Himself

One of the things that makes Jesus completely awesome is the way he brought himself to human beings even though he was God. He didn’t cling to his power. Instead, he laid down his glory, power, and ultimately his life to be with us and so that he could be with us and we could be with him. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ… Philippians 3:8 ESV

Scripture: Jesus is the Radiance of God’s Glory

This Sunday’s message starts our series: “Why Jesus Christ is Completely Awesome.” Knowing Jesus is worth any price. Jesus is the radiance and glory of God. If you want to read ahead, here are the verses we’ll be covering.

Why Jesus Christ is Completely Awesome

“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.” Philippians 3:8 ESV. Jesus Christ is completely awesome. The Apostle Paul saw the surpassing worth of knowing Christ and counted everything else to be loss. When he had the opportunity to gain Christ, he counted everything he lost as rubbish, garbage, and nothing in comparison. Being a Christian is not about self help, feeling good, and merely being in a community. It is life of exploring, discovering, and intensely pursuing the awesome Person of our Lord Jesus Christ. Christians should be crazy about Christ. But why are we so enthralled with Him? What is so great about Him? To know this, you must simply what Jesus is like. This series describes him. It discusses one of his attributes each week. Jesus is not like things in the world. The closer you look at things in the world, the more imperfections you may see. However, the closer you look at Christ, the more marvelous He appears, the more worthy He grows in your eyes. Let’s have a life where we run the race set before us looking away to Jesus. Let’s explore Him more, love Him more, and gain Him more. Messages in this series: Scripture: Jesus Emptied and Humbled Himself Scripture: Jesus is the Radiance of God’s Glory

Scripture: God Loves You

Sin kills. The Bible describes people who are dead in their disobedience. How do these people live? They follow the ways of the world and of the devil. Thankfully, there’s an antidote for sin and alienation from God. Christ makes us alive and saves us through the grace of God, but he doesn’t stop there. The Bible said that we can sit with him in the heavenly realms, and that God will lavish even more kindness on us. God really loves people, and he wants everyone to be saved. (See Ephesians 2:1-7.) In last Sunday’s message, we talked about God’s amazing love for people. Here are the primary passages we covered. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV

Scripture: Relationships

In this series, “the Spirit and the Word,” we are talking about the ways that profound biblical truths apply to everyday situations. Tomorrow, we are talking about the way the spirit and the word change friendships and relationships within the church. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light;” and there was light. Genesis 1:1-3 NASB [F]or our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 1 Thessalonians 1:5 NASB

Scripture: Handling Money

Today we’re talking about money. This message is part of our series on the Word and the Spirit. In the series, we’re examining what the Bible tells us about some very practical, everyday aspects of life, like marriage, work, raising children, and handling money. Although these are everyday matters, they are also among the most important things we do. We make decisions in these areas all the time, occasionally with much thought and soul-searching. Regardless of our efforts, these important, everyday areas of life rarely seem to all go perfectly at the same time. This series of messages isn’t about using our own efforts to conform to the Bible’s prescription. The Bible provides direction and form for these matters, but the Spirit provides the power. The Spirit and the Word work together. Together they renew and transform people, touching every area of life from the profound to the everyday routine. Here are the primary verses we are going to cover — in case you want to read ahead or come back and read along while listening to the podcast. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light;” and there was light. Genesis 1:1-3 NASB

Husbands

God cares about marriages. This message starts with very spiritual things, and then gets down to some of the nitty gritty details about how to be a good husband. In order to live out the Bible’s instructions to husbands, men need both the Word and the Spirit of God.

Christ on Your Job

God cares about our work and our relationships with people there, but the Bible isn’t just a rulebook or instruction book for life, it’s living and it causes us to respond. When we interact with the Bible the Holy Spirit interacts with us. The Spirit shapes our lives so that we live according to the Bible. See how that matters at work Monday morning.

Go!

This is the final installment in the message series: “The Mountains Surrounding Jerusalem.” The series is based on Psalm 125:2 (NIV): “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the LORD surrounds His people.” On the mountain, we can ask deeper and more important questions about our priorities and the way we are spending our lives. God wants us to focus on things with eternal importance. It is on a mountain that Jesus gave his followers authority and purpose to, “go and make disciples of all nations.” (See Matthew 28:19 NIV.)

Scripture: Christ on Your Job

The Bible sheds some light on our work. Here are the primary passages we’ll be talking about tomorrow (June 10, 2012). In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Genesis 1:1-3 NIV In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.

Hear Him

Life is a fast current, and a routine we’re comfortable with, but sometimes God calls us up out of that routine rush. When we let Jesus lead us up the mountain, we can see and hear him shining like the sun. On the mountain we can hear God! You will waste your life if you do not see the glory of the Lord. This is what we need. Nothing else will do. Download. Subscribe

Jesus Heals & Feeds

People often find themselves feeling anxious, blind, broken, hungry, and suffering. Even when people know that something is wrong, they do not know what to do about it. Only a miracle can make a person whole. “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people,” (Psalm 125:2 NIV). About a thousand years after the Psalmist wrote these words, Jesus healed people suffering with many different disabilities and miraculously fed the entire crowd, well over 4,000 people. It all happened in a remote place on one of those mountains. Jesus still heals and feeds, and he uses us to do it. He knows how to use the little bit we have, not even enough for ourselves, to supply us and everyone around us with more than we need. Scripture for this message.

Jesus Uplifts

“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people.” Psalm 125:2 NIV. Jesus visited the mountains surrounding Jerusalem during his ministry. He was victorious over temptation, he taught people, and he fed people on those same mountains that the Psalmist reminded Israelites about centuries earlier. Scripture for this message.

Scripture: Seeing Jesus Only

Edit: We postponed last week’s message in order to let interns talk about their experiences during Gospel Week. It was great to hear some of the stories about people being saved! This week, we return to the series, The Mountains that Surround Jerusalem, with a message entitled, “Seeing Jesus Only.” As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the LORD surrounds His people. Psalm 125:2 NIV After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. 4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

Scripture: Go!

As the mountains surround Jerusalem,    So the LORD surrounds His people Psalms 125:2 NIV 16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20 NIV

Scripture: The Life of Jesus Heals and Feeds

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the LORD surrounds His people. Psalm 125:2 NIV 29  Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. 30  Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. 31  The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.

Scripture: Being a Person of Prayer

This Sunday’s message is the second in our series: “The Mountains that Surround Jerusalem.” These are the primary passages we plan to cover: As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore. Psalm 125:2 NIV

Scripture: Jesus Uplifts

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore. Psalm 125:2 NIV

Scripture: The Trespass Offering — Making Amends

Sunday’s message is on making amends. You can read the scripture we plan to cover. All references are linked to BibleGateway.com in case you want to read them in context. Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” Acts 23:1 NIV Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace. 2 Corinthians 1:12 NIV

God’s Redemption: Bearing Fruit

God is really into us! He made so much beauty and goodness and gives it to human beings. Sinful nature would destroy us, and everything that is good for us. It can control us, and what we produce. Christ died so that we could live a new and fruitful life. Resurrection doesn’t just mean that people get to go to heaven, it is something we can begin to experience now.

If Anyone Comes to Me

Luke 14:15-35 makes some clear and hard demands. God is preparing a future for people in his Kingdom. It is like a feast and we’re invited, but if we make excuses when we get the invitation, we can miss it.

Scripture: Resurrection

This Easter Sunday, we will be talking about Jesus’ appearances after his resurrection. To Mary Magdalene and the women who found the empty tomb 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). 17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'” John 20:16-17 NIV 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” Matthew 28:9-10 NIV

Scripture: Sin Offering — Barriers Removed

This Sunday’s message is about dealing with the wrong things we do. Jesus obliterates the record of sin. By doing this, he also removes the barriers between God and people. Learn more on Sunday, and read ahead if you like. Here are the passages well cover: The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29 NIV 27 “‘If any member of the community sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the LORD’s commands, when they realize their guilt 28 and the sin they have committed becomes known, they must bring as their offering for the sin they committed a female goat without defect. 29 They are to lay their hand on the head of the sin offering and slaughter it at the place of the burnt offering. 30 Then the priest is to take some of the blood with his finger and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering and pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar. 31 They shall remove all the fat, just as the fat is removed from the fellowship offering, and the priest shall burn it on the altar as an aroma pleasing to the LORD. In this way the priest will make atonement for them, and they will be forgiven.'”

Knowing the Lord

One of the greatest joys of the Christian life is knowing the Lord. It is a wonderful thing that a sinful, mortal human being can know God. The more you see of the Lord, the more you realize God’s boundless goodness. Imposing a preconception on God can really limit or prevent us from seeing him as he really is.

Jesus Brings in the Kingdom

Jesus teaches us to care for other people, and demonstrates his power to do that. Jesus cast out a demon that was making a man mute. Because we have all failed to follow God’s law, we are all speechless before God when he sits as a judge. We have no excuse. Jesus changes that. He paid for us. New we can be part of his kingdom.

Scripture: The Peace Offering — Enjoying God

1 If your offering is a fellowship offering, and you offer an animal from the herd, whether male or female, you are to present before the LORD an animal without defect. 2 You are to lay your hand on the head of your offering and slaughter it at the entrance to the tent of meeting. Then Aaron’s sons the priests shall splash the blood against the sides of the altar. 3 From the fellowship offering you are to bring a food offering to the LORD: the internal organs and all the fat that is connected to them, 4 both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the long lobe of the liver, which you will remove with the kidneys. 5 Then Aaron’s sons are to burn it on the altar on top of the burnt offering that is lying on the burning wood; it is a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the LORD. Leviticus 3:1-5 NIV

Now is the Time to Become Right with God

By his death on the cross, Jesus made a way to God, and transcended the limitations of humanity. That means he can live inside all who believe in him, regardless of where they are. That life is now available to everyone. This life is like fire, and it changes people’s lives.

The Church is for Christ

Church is much more than just a way to make it through the tough parts of life, or a way to meet other people (though those things are good, too). The Church (composed of all believers everywhere) is for Jesus. The Bible sometimes describes it as his body or his bride.

Scripture for Sunday, March 11

This Sunday’s message is called “The Meal Offering — Christ is the Perfect Man.” Join us at 11 a.m. on Sunday at the India Community Center, and read ahead if you want to: 1 “‘When anyone brings a grain offering to the LORD, their offering is to be of the finest flour. They are to pour olive oil on it, put incense on it 2 and take it to Aaron’s sons the priests. The priest shall take a handful of the flour and oil, together with all the incense, and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar, a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the LORD. 3 The rest of the grain offering belongs to Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the food offerings presented to the LORD.

Scripture: Christian Life Together (part 2)

This Sunday’s message picks up where we left of last week on a “Christian Life Together.” Join us at 11 a.m. on Sunday at the India Community Center. Here are the verses we will cover: 9 Two are better than one,     because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down,     one can help the other up.     But pity anyone who falls     and has no one to help them up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.     But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered,     two can defend themselves.     A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Scripture: A Christian Life Together

The message this Sunday is called, “A Christian Life Together.” Here are the passages we plan to cover: They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Message: Making Friends With Our Money

Money, like everything else in the world, is temporary. Jesus taught that it is much better to use what is temporary to gain what is eternal, than to spend a lifetime accumulating what we cannot keep. Find out how.

Teach Us to Pray

In what is commonly known as, the Lord Prayer, Jesus taught his disciples a vital lesson about spiritual life. Prayer is one of the firs things that a Christian does in their Christian life, and it is also one of the most challenging things to do.

We Live by Faith

Listen to Rex talk about the life of faith, and a well-known Bible story about a stressful trip by boat. Faith is what brings us to believe that Jesus is real. Faith is necessary for everyone who knows him — even Jesus’ own disciples when they were with him on the same boat.

Jesus Sets Us Free

Jesus releases people from lives of suffering and compulsive sin; and he has something for each of us to do. You can also just download this message.

The Power of Jesus’ Touch

Sometimes people are reluctant to be involved in each others’ suffering. Jesus is not afraid to be with people who are suffering. In the gospels, he often touches people who society considered untouchable, and his touch brings healing. You can also download this message.

He is Risen

Jesus’ death and resurrection is the foundation of Christian belief. “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 NLT. (Note: We’re catching up with some older recorded messages. This message was originally given Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011.) Listen now or download for later.

At Home with Jesus

People do not need to live as strangers to God. Instead, they can by part of God’s family. (See Ephesians 2:19 NLT. (Note: We’re catching up with some older recorded messages. This message was originally given Sunday, January 16, 2011.) You can Download the mp3 and listen to it later, if you like. If the file starts playing when you click this link, try right clicking and choosing to Save it instead.

Jesus’ Salvation from Sins

Sins interfere in any relationship with the Lord. Just like any relationship with a friend, an offense can make the relationship feel strained, but it need not. Jesus forgives when he could condemn us.

Conscience & Anointing

This is the second installment in our series: Learning to Sense the Lord’s Presence from November 11, 2010.

Conscience

This Sunday’s message was about conscience — how it can guide people, what strengthens and weakens it, and how it can lead people into a deeper relationship with God. Edit: This is the first message in a series: Learning to Sense the Lord’s Presence. EDIT: You can now also download this file. If the file starts playing when you click the link, right-click it and choose Save.