Atlantic Gospel Chapel Messages

To put it plainly, the world is in trouble and it is clear that Satan is at work.  It seems that everywhere we turn in our modern society, we see immorality, gender bending, homosexuality, blasphemy, murder, abortion, lawlessness,  thievery, and the list goes on.  As believers it can be easy to become discouraged as we ask ourselves, "Why doesn't the world follow God's law?". But where there's a mess, there's a message.  In today's lesson, we turn to scripture to see what the Word of God has to say about our current situation.  And as we do, we will draw out things which should encourage and strengthen the believer in the face of such evil circumstances. We will consider questions such as: Who's world is this? What is God's response to the evil of this world? How should the Christian respond to such evil? What encouragement is there for us? We thank you for listening to today's teaching.  We pray, that as we continue in this world, that you will be encouraged by the Word of God.

In our previous lesson, we began to look at the lies of the world which have trained the church regarding abortion, rather than the truth of the Word of God. As we considered this evil which is at the forefront of our society, we examined some of the lies we didn't realize we believed.  The big lies include: That which is conceived in the mother's womb is not a baby. The rights extended to us do not extend to the unborn. In part 2 of this series, we consider the third lie, that a mother has the right to murder the child in her womb without consequences. Again, it is our desire that we be led by the Word of God regarding the topic of abortion, a topic which has great power to divide not only political groups, but the body of Christ, as well. We thank you for listening to today's teaching.  We pray that we as a body of believers will be led together by the Word of God in all matters, and that His Word would guide us in this topic, as well.

One of the greatest tragedies facing our world today is the horror of abortion.  This topic alone divides people not only politically, but it is a topic that divides the church as well.  As a church, we must look to the Word of God to determine what the Lord has to say about this blight on our society. Sadly, many of us have been discipled by the world instead of the Word of God.  The result is that, many churches during the Holocaust who sang louder to drown out the cries of the Jews carried by their churches on their way to the Nazi death camps, so the church today has grown complacent when it comes to the topic of abortion. Some of the lies we will consider in today's lesson are: The church should not speak on political issues. It is not the job of the government to interfere in the choice a woman makes regarding her body We can't legislate morality The church should not be involved in anything political. Finally, we begin to look at three big lies regarding abortion, covering the first two today. That which is conceived in the mother's womb is not a baby The rights extended to a child outside the womb do not extend to a child in the womb We thank you for listening to today's teaching.  We know this is a difficult topic for the church in today's world.  We therefore pray, that as a body of believers, we will all turn to the Word of God to determine the proper perspective on this topic.

For the believer in Jesus Christ, our focus is on knowing Jesus.  In Revelation 19, following the destruction of Babylon in chapter 18, heaven swells with praise for the Lord and His righteous judgments.  We then are brought into the marriage supper of the Lamb, where the bride of Christ, the church, is arrayed in fine linen; thus giving us a splendid view of our future glory with the Bridegroom, our Savior, Jesus Christ. However, the marriage supper of the Lamb is followed by the image of Jesus on a white horse, His white robes dipped in blood.  Here, Jesus is the conquering king who judges and makes war.  The blood on His robe is the blood of His enemies; while the "armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, follow Him on white horses." (Revelation 19:14, NKJV). Here in Revelation 19, we are presented with a different picture of Jesus, one which the world does not like.  For here, we see Jesus as judge, executing righteous judgment on a sinful and rebellious world.  But for those who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ, this is a Jesus we will never know.  For we know that our sin has already been judged through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. Thank you for listening to today's lesson.  If you are a believer listening to today's teaching, we pray you will be encouraged through the Word of God.  If you do not know the Lord Jesus as Savior, it is our fervent prayer that you consider the warnings contained in today's teaching, and know there is a way to escape the coming judgment of a holy, righteous and just God.  For this same God is also one of mercy and grace, forgiving sin through the death of His Son.

As we come to the close of the book of Acts, we may be tempted to think that this is the end of the story.  Instead, we find that it is, in fact, a beginning.  Often referred to as, "The Acts of the Apostles," Luke opened his book addressing Theophilus, to whom he wrote the Gospel of Luke, stating in Acts 1:1 and 2, "The first account, O Theophilus, I composed, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when He was taken up to heave, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen..." The Book of Acts, then, is the continuing story of Jesus and what He continues to do, by the Holy Spirit. through His disciples.  So, when Paul arrives in Rome, he first seeks out the Jews, to whom he explained to them, "by solemnly bearing witness about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets..." (Acts 28:23).  And while some of the Jews believed, still many others rejected.  It was this rejection through which the door of the Gospel was opened to the Gentiles. And today, this story, which began in a manger over 2,000 years ago, continues to spread throughout the world; a story which we who have trusted in Christ are privileged to play a part. Thank you for listening to today's teaching.  We pray that as you consider your part in the Gospel story, that you would be strengthened and encouraged by the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.  If you are uncertain of your part in this story, we pray, above all, that you may personally know the person of Jesus Christ and to trust in the finished work of the cross through which Jesus bore the curse for all our sin.

In his letter to the church in Colossae, Paul is writing to a church that is worthy of much praise.  In the opening verses of his letter, he praises God for their faith and love toward the saints.  He then offers prayers for them that they would continue to grow and to be strengthened. But he also writes to a church which has been infected with various false teachings including Gnosticism and legalism.  And as he moves on from his prayer for this church, he presents what is ultimately the solution to these issues confronting this church; the person and work of the Lord Jesus. In our passage today, we encounter some of the highest Christological praise in all of Scripture as Paul presents the work and the person of Jesus Christ to this church. As we examine our passage this morning, we will draw out three aspects of our Redeemer: The Redeemer's Work The Redeemer's Person The Redeemer's Qualifications Thank you for listening to today's teaching.  We pray that as we focus on the person and work of Jesus Christ, like Paul, you will be drawn with us to offer up praise and adoration for the beauty of who Jesus is, and for His wonderful work of redemption.

As the book of Acts nears its close, we find Paul finally arriving in Rome.  It has been a long journey fraught with many trials and dangers.  As the last chapter of Acts opens, we find Paul shipwrecked on the island of Malta. To the surprise of some Christians, the pagan inhabitants of this island showed Paul and his companions extraordinary kindness.  This brings us to one lesson from this passage, the pagans are also created in the image of God and therefore they are capable of showing love and kindness to others. But this kindness does not translate into righteousness.  And indeed, the events that unfold on this small island provide Paul with another opportunity to share the Gospel with whomever he encounters. And when he finally arrives in Rome, he is again shown kindness by people he never met.  But in this case, these strangers are of the same faith as Paul and therefore brothers in Christ. As we explore this passage we will draw several lessons: Paul was set apart by the Lord as the apostle to the Gentiles, and nothing would keep him from doing his job. Even in the most remote places we find people made in the image of God and therefore they are candidates for the Gospel. We see Christians as people showing hospitality, especially among those who are of the household of faith. Finally, we see the faithfulness of God in accomplishing His purposes in this world. Thank you for listening to today's teaching.  We pray you will be blessed through the teaching of God's Word.

Most of us are familiar with the various storms of life, such as the loss of loved ones, or changes in employment or income, difficulties with relationships, etc..  In the midst of these various trials, we can find ourselves struggling to see God's purposes in allowing this situation into our lives. The book of Acts a three part story which parallels the Lord's call to His disciples to carry the Gospel to Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and finally to the ends of the earth.  The last portion follows Paul's journey to Rome, beginning all the way back in chapter 19.  The Lord's message to Paul is, "you must stand before Caesar." But in today's passage from Acts 27, when Paul boards a ship to head to Rome, he is caught in a tremendous storm which threatens both ship, crew and cargo.  But in the midst of this, Paul emerges as a calm leader, to whom eventually even the centurion charged with accompanying Paul defers. What is it that allowed Paul to face this literal storm with such confidence and peace.  In today's lesson, we will learn three things: This is an historic event witnessed by Luke. We see the Godly leadership and character of Paul No matter the storms in our life, we must remember that this is God's story.  This does not mean that He will calm every storm.  But it does mean that God's purposes will be accomplished. Thank you for listening to today's teaching.  We pray you will be encouraged through the teaching of God's Word.

In this special message, the leadership of Atlantic Gospel Chapel come together to bring a message about Christmas.  In this message we consider: Who is Jesus? What do the prophets say about Jesus? The birth of Jesus Why does Christmas matter? Thank you for listening to today's teaching.  We pray you will be blessed through the teaching of God's Word, and as we consider the wonderful truth of Immanuel, God with us.

We all have our own stories from our lives.  And if we're honest, we will admit that we frequently repeat the same stories; even to the point where others can fill in forgotten details.  But there is one story that is the most important thing about us.  And that is the story of what God has done in our own live. One hymn writer put it this way,  I love to tell the story, 'Tis pleasant to repeat What seems, each time I tell it, More wonderfully sweet. I love to tell the story, For some have never heard The message of salvation From God's own holy Word. When Paul stood before the governor, Felix, he recounted his story.  And now, after two years of imprisonment, Paul stands before Festus, the new governor, along with Herod Agrippa.  And Paul again has opportunity to share his story.  And we find this is something Paul is eager to do.  For in telling the story of his own conversion, along with the reasons for his various trials, he is able to point his listeners to the wonderful Gospel of Jesus Christ and the purposes of God. Thank you for listening to today's lesson.  We pray you will be encouraged through the teaching of God's Holy Word, and be emboldened to share your story of God's work in your life.  If you do not have that story, we pray you will come to know the Person and work of Jesus Christ through faith in Him.

In 1982, Emmaus Bible College student, Steve Linscott, was convicted for the 1980 murder of his neighbor.  He came to light as a suspect when he provided details of a dream to authorities in which a young woman was violently murdered; details which paralleled the crime scene.  The problem, Steve Linscott was innocent.  Sentenced to 40 years, DNA evidence exonerated him ten years later.  During his time, he questioned God's purposes for allowing this to happen.  And while most of us are not likely to experience this same type of injustice, we are acutely aware of circumstances in our own lives which may cause us to question God's purposes. As we return to our study in Acts, we catch up with Paul, who has spent two years imprisoned in Caesarea awaiting trial.  When he is finally given an audience with the new governor, Festus, he must defend himself against the false charges brought against him by the Jewish authorities. As we examine our passage, we will see that Paul's two year imprisonment is not outside the purposes of God.  And if that is true for Paul, it is true for us as well. Thank you for listening to today's teaching.  We pray you will be encouraged through the teaching of God's Holy Word.

While holidays are generally joyous occasions, for many they become times of sadness; a reminder of loved ones no longer with us.  This sadness can become more pronounced if loved ones pass around the holiday.  Aside from the loss of loved ones, many of us experience other forms of distress; from health issues, to financial troubles including loss of job, to relationship issues, etc.  In fact, someone once said, the moment you received Jesus Christ as your Savior, you had a target on your back.  Our enemy, Satan, delights in bringing suffering to God's people. What hope is there for the believer?  What does Scripture say about these times of suffering? In today's teaching, we examine one of the most comforting verses in Scripture, Romans 8:28, which reads, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (NASB). The questions we will consider as we meditate on this verse are: What are all things? How can we be certain these are working to our good? Thank you for listening to today's lesson.  We pray you will find encouragement and comfort through the teaching of God's Word.

As children we remember being excited about the first snow of the season.  The first snow meant winter was here, and with winter comes Christmas.  We also remember how time seemed to slow down as we anticipated the coming day. Likewise, any mother knows the anticipation of bringing a child into the world.  And with this anticipation comes a season of suffering as she experiences the pains of child birth.  But when the child finally arrives, many speak of forgetting the pain once the child is in her arms. In Romans 8:18-30, Paul writes, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us," (Romans 8:18, LSB).  He then begins to speak of groaning associated with the eager anticipation of the glory to be revealed in us.  We find this groaning coming from three sources: Creation groans We, ourselves, groan The Holy Spirit groans Thank you for listening to today's lesson.  We pray you will be blessed and encouraged through the teaching of God's holy Word. 

As Paul opens his letter to the church in Colossae, he begins by offering praise and thanksgiving for this local body of believers.  He writes, "We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven..." (Colossians 1:3-5a, LSB).  Their faith and love for the saints flow from the hope laid up for them in heaven. What does hope mean to the Christian?  Do we understand hope in the wishful sense, as in, "I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow"?  Or is there something deeper? As we consider our passage today, we will discover that the hope of which the Scriptures speak is at the very core of our being as believers in Jesus Christ. Thank you for listening to today's teaching.  We pray you will be blessed and encouraged through the teaching of God's Holy Word.

In January, 1973, a man in the Dominican Republic volunteered to be crucified as a sacrifice for world peace.  With a goal of remaining on the cross, his efforts were cut short due to an infection he developed in his right foot.  Following this event, one headline read, "Crucifixion for World Peace Falls Short." Continuing our look at peace with God, we look again at Paul's letter to the church in Rome in Romans 5:1, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."  As we do so, we will consider three questions: How is it that the sacrifice of Jesus truly gives us peace with God? What are the blessings associated with peace with God? How do we live in light of this peace with have with God? Thank you for listening to today's lesson.  We pray first, that you know peace with God.  Second, we pray you will be blessed through the teaching from God's Holy Word.

Scripture is clear that the natural state of mankind is at enmity with God.  Simply put, we are enemies.  And yet, Scripture also says that we can have peace with God.  How is this possible? Can we have peace with God by living a good life, free from sin?  Can we have peace with God through church, either through our church affiliation, attendance or following the right ceremony?  Or can we have peace with God through obedience to all that he has commanded? Join us as we examine Paul's answer to finding peace with God in Romans 5:1-2, and discover a peace that is not dependent upon our merits, but rather is dependent upon the merits of another, Jesus Christ. We thank you for listening to today's lesson.  We pray you will be blessed through the teaching of God's Holy Word.

In 1 Samuel 15, the Lord instructs King Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites, "for what he did to Israel, how he ambushed him on the way when he came up from Egypt." (1 Samuel 15:2 NKJV).  This included destroying all people and all livestock.  When Samuel joined Saul following the victory, the king boasted of his faithfulness to do all that the Lord had commanded.  But as Samuel approached the camp, he asked, "What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?" (1 Samuel 15:14 NKJV). Clearly Saul had not fully obeyed the Lord's command.  This begs the question, was Saul a believer?  Will Saul be in heaven?  This leads to an even greater question, can a person be a believer in Jesus Christ and yet disobey the Lord? Join us for today's lesson as we examine this question.  We further examine the questions, How does one become a Christian? What role does obedience play in the life of a believer? What impact does disobedience have on the believer? What security is there for the believer? Thank you for listening to today's lesson.  We pray that as we examine these questions together that you will also be encouraged in your walk with the Lord, imperfect though it may be, because we have a sure and certain hope in Jesus Christ.

The message of the Gospel is like the check engine light on our car.  Many ignore it, but the consequences can be catastrophic.  The Gospel message calls us out for our sin.  To ignore the message of the Gospel has eternal consequences.  Through this message, the believer is called to be a peacemaker.  But this does not mean we compromise on the truth for the sake of peace.  For this reason, the world does not always respond to the Gospel message in a peaceable manner. As we continue in our study of Acts, we find Paul appearing before the governor, Felix, to answer the charges brought by his accusers.  Among these is the charge that Paul, and the sect of which he is the ringleader, is a pest; literally a pestilence, a cancer which threatens to contaminate the nation with heresy and blasphemy.  They charge him with desecrating the temple, supposing that Paul brought a gentile into the temple. In today's lesson we draw four lessons from Paul's responses to the charges and his accusers. We don't need to worry about the charges against us.  Don't compromise the truth, but trust God. We are only messengers; the message is from God.  And the message offends. Recognize that God is working and act accordingly. Be prepared to speak the Truth, even in difficult circumstances. Thank you for listening to today's lesson.  We pray you will be blessed through the teaching of God's Holy Word.

The modern world, if it considers God's existence, likes to emphasize God as love.  But it must be recognized that God's wrath and judgment are just a crucial.  And while we are in the day of grace, we must recognize that God still hates sin and that He does not, and will not, simply sweep sin under the rug. In Lamentations, the prophet is forced to deal with God's wrath poured out on the nation of Judah, specifically as it applied to the fall of Jerusalem at the hands of the Babylonian empire.  And while we often view our circumstances from an emotional vantage point, like Jeremiah we need to take the theological view, God's view, on what is happening.  Like Jeremiah, our hope is in the steadfast love of the Lord; a love which never ceases.  But at the same time, we must come to terms with the fact that God's love is connected to discipline.  He always seeks our ultimate good, which includes repentance, restoration and a changed life. We thank you for listening to today's lesson.  We pray that as we consider today's passage, we will be encouraged that we can trust and praise God in all circumstances.