What does it mean for someone to be “poor in spirit”? Does it mean they’re just naturally shy? Or is it a showy humility – someone who puts himself down so others will try to stroke him up? Today, Pastor John explains that being poor in spirit isn’t about how you act; it’s about how you see yourself before God. It’s not about who you are, but what God is. And it’s not something you can produce in yourself. It comes from seeing God and knowing that you have nothing to offer to Him.Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Matthew, chapter 5, as he continues his message, Happiness Through Poverty.
You’re probably heard “The Beatitudes” before. Also known as the “Blessed Ares.” And maybe you’ve thought, well, yes, I’m pretty good at that one. Or, ouch, I’m not so great on this other one. But today, Pastor John introduces the Beatitudes by explaining that they’re not just natural tendencies or habits that you may or may not have. These are characteristics that are worked out in your heart by the Holy Spirit. In each case, you submit something to God, and He returns it as a blessing.Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Matthew, chapter 5, as he begins his message, Happiness Through Poverty.
We all need a little help from our friends. Actually, a lot. Think of some of the friendships you’ve had during your lifetime. What was the content of those relationships? Did you hang around and talk shop, sports, or politics? Or did you share your Christian lives and pray for each other? Today, Pastor John emphasizes the value of Christian friendships by looking at the friends of the Apostle Paul. And from just a few short verses, he gives you several key insights into what makes a true friend.Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Colossians, chapter 4, as he continues his message, Christ In Our Friendships.
Sometimes when you’re reading one of Paul’s epistles, and you get to the last chapter, it seems like it’s just a bunch of “say hi to so-and-so” stuff, and it’s not really very important. Well, today, Pastor John looks at Paul’s closing greetings in Colossians and pulls together some fascinating insights from these verses. Have you heard of Ty-CHEEK-us? Paul’s job for Tychicus was to carry three letters. Little did he know that he was carrying three books of the New Testament! What “little” job does God have for you today?Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Colossians, chapter 4, as he begins his message, Christ In Our Friendships.
It’s important that we learn how to pray properly. And this is especially true when it comes to how we pray for people. Are you praying for someone you know to come to faith? Are you praying that God will open the door and that you’ll be able to speak clearly? Today, Pastor John shows the correlation between how you pray and how you witness. The Apostle Paul gives several instructions about effective praying. You’ll want to follow Paul’s instructions and his examples in your own prayers.Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Colossians, chapter 4, as he begins his message, How To Be A Winsome Witness.
What kind of work do you do? Is it sacred or secular? How would you define that? A pastor – that’s sacred. A maintenance worker – that’s secular. Except if it’s at a church or a Christian school – then it’s sacred… Maybe. Don’t worry: today, Pastor John explains that ALL labor performed by a Christian, in the Name of Christ, IS sacred. You can glorify God in your job – not so much by WHAT you do, but by HOW you do it. Not as pleasing your boss, but God. With sincerity and enthusiasm.Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Colossians, chapter 3, as he continues his message, Christ In The Workplace.
Wherever you go, throughout your day, you see people “at work.” There’s the truck driver on the highway, the server at the restaurant, the person who answers the phone when you call in with a problem. How do those people seem to be doing? Today, Pastor John shows that your work satisfaction is not based on how cool your job is or how much money you make. It’s a result of working “biblically.” Working in the Name of Christ gives your job purpose and meaning, and it results in thankfulness.Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Colossians, chapter 3, as he begins his message, Christ In The Workplace.
The topic of how to parent your children has seldom been more confusing than it is in our culture today. There are so many conflicting ideas that it’s hard to know where to start. Today, Pastor John looks at God’s Word to provide the correct answers. If you’re a parent, there are several great ways that you can set your children up for success – with God, and in the world. And there are things you can do that could undermine them. God’s Word contains both the positives and the negatives of how to parent well.Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Colossians, chapter 3, as he continues his message, Christ In The Home – Children & Parents.
If you were to look for a word today that would probably get a negative reaction, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better one than “authority.” Especially given our glorification of the “pursuit of happiness,” nothing can be more dislikeable. But today, Pastor John shows that respect for authority is foundational to a successful life. And if you’re a parent, you’re responsible for teaching respect to your children. By doing so, you’re setting them up for blessings from the Lord, and in this world.Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Colossians, chapter 3, as he begins his message, Christ In The Home – Children & Parents.
There are a lot of definitions of “love” in our culture today. And many of them are simply assertions of one’s own will to do things their own way. But is that really what “love” is supposed to be? Today, Pastor John reminds us that God IS Love. And therefore, He gets to define it. And God defines love as a sacrificial giving for the good of the other. Husbands, do you love your wife? How can you answer that question honestly? The best way is to measure your love by the Word of God.Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Colossians, chapter 3, as he continues his message, Christ In The Home – Husbands.
You may have heard that there’s a command in the Bible that husbands love their wives. But what if “the feeling’s gone and you just can’t get it back”? If that’s your situation, then Pastor John has some great news for you today: Love is NOT a feeling. It’s a decision. If you’re a husband, you’re called to love your wife. That means that you want the best for her. If you’re a Christian, then the Holy Spirit will empower you to do that. No matter how things are now, they can become right again.Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Colossians, chapter 3, as he begins his message, Christ In The Home – Husbands.
Of the various biblical concepts that come under criticism today, one of the biggest targets is the word: “submission.” It doesn’t cater to our modern sense of the autonomous self. Today, Pastor John explains that submission is a fundamental biblical concept that applies to many aspects of the Christian life. It doesn’t mean passive or inferior. Rather, it recognizes the sovereignty and wisdom of God. When you follow God’s good design, you’re helping yourself and others conform to God’s leadership.Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Colossians, chapter 3, as he continues his message, Christ In The Home – Wives.
If you’ve been a Christian for very long, you’ve probably come across the New Testament’s teachings about marriage and the family. Or, you may have come across caricatures of those relationships that disparage those teachings. Today, Pastor John explains what could be the problem. If you’re just looking at the external commands, you may miss the point. But when you understand that these relationships flow out of your personal relationship with Christ, they make complete sense.Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Colossians, chapter 3, as he begins his message, Christ In The Home – Wives.
What does it mean for God’s Word to “dwell” in you? Is it just a matter of memorizing the Bible? Is it carrying a concordance with you, so you can look stuff up when you need it? Today, Pastor John explains that the Word of God must be allowed to have access to every part of your life. If you want to be a Spirit-filled believer, you must be a Word-filled believer. God’s Word is to be read, believed, internalized, and obeyed. And when that’s true in your life, it’ll show in your words and your deeds.Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Colossians, chapter 3, as he continues his message, The Overflow Of New Life.
How do you follow God’s will in your life? And, how can you follow it, if you don’t know it? So, how can you know it? Today, Pastor John shares three elements that will always be in alignment when you’re in God’s will. First, the peace of God will be in your heart. Second, the will of God will always conform to the Word of God. And third, God’s hand will lead you. And you can know you’re in God’s will when your life is overflowing with Jesus. You’ll experience a divine peace that rules your heart.Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Colossians, chapter 3, as he begins his message, The Overflow Of New Life.
If you wanted to improve in a skill – whether it’s playing tennis or playing the cello – you’d want to find a qualified instructor. And that instructor would want to train you in good habits. But first, they’d probably have to fix some bad habits. Maybe you’re holding the tennis racket or the cello bow incorrectly. Today, Pastor John shows how the same pattern applies to the Christian life. There are old habits, ways, and lifestyles that you need to put off. But there are far better things to replace them with.Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Colossians, chapter 3, as he continues his message, Off With The Old, On With The New.
There are some amazing things that can be done with the human body. Someone can drive a golf ball hundreds of yards. People have walked on the surface of the moon. And beautiful paintings, sculptures, and music have been created. As Pastor John emphasizes today, the bodies that God created are good. It's only how it’s used that’s questionable. The Bible has some very specific instructions about those things you need to remove, and those you need to put on, to glorify God in your body.Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Colossians, chapter 3, as he begins his message, Off With The Old, On With The New.
Have you ever had a “stretch goal”? Maybe you’re a runner, and you had an optimistic but challenging target for running a Ten K. Or, at your job, you were trying for a new position that was well above your current level. If so, you’ll recognize the constant, diligent effort that it requires. Today, Pastor John explains that if you want to have an abundant Christian life, it involves the same process. If you focus on Christ – what He’s done for you, and what He wants to do for you in this life – you can live victoriously.Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Colossians, chapter 3, as he begins his message, How To Live The Abundant Life.
When you ask people about their quote-“spirituality,” what kinds of answers do you get? Some people may be into Eastern forms of religious experience. Many do their own thing. Often, you’ll hear of self-actualization, self-enlightenment, or some other self-something. Today, Pastor John reminds us that true spirituality is only found in Jesus Christ. He is the Way and the Truth and the Life. You won’t “improve” your relationship with Christ by adding any man-made laws or experiences to the Word of God.Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Colossians, chapter 2, as he continues his message, Don’t Be Spoiled.
As Christians, there’s always the temptation to look for Jesus… plus. Jesus plus rules. Jesus plus some mystical or spiritual experience. Jesus plus physical disciplines. Today, Pastor John shows from the book of Colossians that there is no “plus” in Jesus. And he warns us against those who might be trying to push their personal “spirituality” agenda on us. You don’t need to follow a certain diet or observe certain days to be spiritual. You don’t need a special “experience.” You just need Jesus.Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Colossians, chapter 2, as he begins his message, Don’t Be Spoiled.