The Triune God from Creation to Redemption

Third in a series on the Gospel of Mark by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Mark 1:9-13

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Though Mark’s writing style is brief, it is certainly powerful. In recording both the baptism and temptation of Jesus. Mark deliberately points us back to creation, to the very beginning of history. Just as the original creation of the world was a project of the Triune God. So too the redemption of the world, that is beginning now with the arrival of the King, is also a project of the Triune God. And in like fashion. just as Adam and Eve were subsequently tempted by Satan in the Garden, Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness as a part of God’s plan to restore lost humanity.

Why is it important to know that both Creation and Redemption are products of a Triune God?

• Trinitarianism: There is one God in three persons who know and love one another.
• Tritheism: Three separate gods who get along and work together.
• Unipersonalism: God takes one of three forms, but these are not persons but simply different manifestations of one God.

“The persons within God exalt each other, commune with each other and defer to one another. Each divine person harbors the others at the top of the center of His being. In constant movement of overture and acceptance. each person envelops and encircles the others. God’s interior life (therefore) overflows with regard for others.“ – Comelius Plantinga

What are the implications of the Trinity?

Being in love relationship with God is ultimate reality. If this is who God is and how He has designed the universe, then surely He intended it to be the design for how relationships are to work.

Why was Jesus tempted in the wilderness?

In the Garden. God said to Adam: “Obey Me about the tree.” To which of course Adam failed and all humanity was subject to sin and death. God said to Jesus “Obey me about the tree.” Only this time the tree was a cross and Jesus did obey so that all those who believe in Christ are delivered from sin and death to righteousness and life.

What does the reality of a Triune God mean?

• We are invited into a love relationship with the Triune God.
• You can only truly know the Triune God in community.
• We cannot survive without the Triune God.
• God does not leave us alone in the battle.

Finding the Servant King in the Wilderness

Second in a series on the Gospel of Mark by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Mark 1:2-12

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Notice how Mark emphasizes the theme of the wilderness in these opening verses. John the Baptist lives in the wilderness. He ministers in the wilderness. Those who are baptized by John went out into the wilderness. Jesus himself comes to the wilderness to be baptized by John and immediately following He was driven into the wilderness by the Spirit. And so there is something about the “wilderness” that God wants us to learn. I think Mark is telling us that if we we want to meet the King, we must be willing to find Him in the wilderness.

Wilderness is a major theme throughout the Bible

• Moses and the burning bush (Exodus 3)
• Jacob wrestles with God in the wilderness (Genesis 32)
• David finds God’s presence in the wilderness (Psalm 63)
• Israel meets with God at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19)

The wilderness represents our absolute need for God

“Most people if they really learned how look into their own hearts, would know that they do want and want acutely something that cannot be had in this world. There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never keep their promise… There is always something that we grasp at in that first moment of longing that always fades away in the reality… what we were really looking for has evaded us.” – C.S. Lewis

John the Baptist, a true wilderness man

• Bare essentials (diet and dress)
• Prophetic in nature (authentic and anointed)
• Baptism of repentance unto forgiveness (not self-applied religion)

“My hearing him preach gave me a heart wound and by God’s grace my old foundation was broken up and  saw that my own righteousness could not save me.” – Nathan Cole

Meeting the King in the wilderness

• Preparing the “way” for the King
• Following the King’s pathway – the Cross
• Receiving the Spirit’s power
• Knowing the Father’s love

The Servant King Announced

First in a series on the Gospel of Mark by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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We begin a new sermon series in the Gospel of Mark. Mark begins with a bang!

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Mark 1:1)

Mark gives us the real Jesus; the unadulterated, unfiltered version of Jesus. While the other Gospels begin at the birth of Jesus, Mark starts right at the point of Jesus’ ministry. Mark is an action Gospel. It’s written for the Romans who were all about “action,” and so it’s kind of a front page, newspaper edition. The word “immediately” appears over 40 times. Mark announces that the King has arrived in the person of Jesus, the Christ and the Son of God.

Why Were The Gospels Written?

• Eye witnesses gave early testimony to Christ
• Over time there was a need for a written record
• The Gospels, especially Mark give us the Real Jesus

Who is This  Mark?

• John Mark is associated with Peter (Acts 12:12)
• A ministry companion of Barnabas Paul (Acts 12:25;13:5)
• Is known as the quitter and deserter (Acts 13:13)
• Graciously restored (Acts 15:37-40; 2 Timothy 4:11)

Mark Announces The King

• “Gospel” currency in Mark’s day
• Jesus is the King, the Messiah, the Son of God
• John’s fulfillment of Isaiah 40 is proof positive of Christ
• The Incarnation is the end to all philosophy and other religions

How Can This Be Believed?

Mark’s announcement of the Christ sounds impressive, but he was speaking to a much more primitive audience. They could believe something like the divine has become incarnate. But do we really expect a modem sophisticated person with all the intellectual and cultural barriers to believe such a thing?

Consider the real impact of the truth of the lncarnation

• It changes our basic motivation
• It is a tremendous source for suffering
• It is great motivation for peace and justice

A Vision for a City Without Limits

Sixteen and final message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 11-12

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When we come to the closing chapters of Nehemiah there is still much to be accomplished for the restoration of Jerusalem. The exiles have been in the land for over 90 years: The Temple is restored, the city walls have been rebuilt, and the people have experienced a mighty revival. However, the city must be re-inhabited. lf God’s glory was going to return to Jerusalem, people had to be willing to invest their lives to the rebuilding of the city.

1. Our Constant  Nemesis: Drifting from God’s Purpose
Then the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet, saying, “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?” Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: “Consider your ways!” (Haggai 1:3-5)

2. The Grand Theme of Nehemiah Building a City within a City

• Building a city on a hill (Matthew 5:14)
• Jesus speaking
• Neighbor loving
• Community transforming

3. Nehemiah’s Relocation Plan  (Nehemiah 11:1-3)
There were only a few residents living in the city. Most were living in villages. Apparently the housing situation and living conditions in the city were not very good. And so it isn’t surprising that many of the Jews were unwilling to move in the city. So Nehemiah decided to cast lots and choose a tenth of the people to repopulate the city.

4. Dedicating Ourselves to the Future (Nehemiah 12:43)

• The people dedicate the work to God
• They dedicate the wall to God
• They dedicate the future to God

And there was the angel who talked with me, going out, and another angel was coming out to meet him, who said to him, “Run, speak to this young man, saying: ‘Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls, because of the multitude of men and livestock in it. For I,’ says the LORD, ‘will be a wall of fire all around her, and  will be the glory in her midst.’ (Zechariah 2:3-5)

Christmas Service 2011

Message by Matt Donovan, Dave Piehl, Jim Marner and Craig Diestelkamp

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The Son Revealed!

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

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In the opening verses of Matthew’s Gospel we find a genealogy that begins with the patriarch Abraham and runs through King David down to Joseph the legal father of Jesus. Matthew intends to show his Jewish readers that Jesus is indeed the royal heir to the throne of David. He is true pedigree. from the royal blood line. So humanly speaking, Jesus is clearly the Son of David. However, Matthew ls more concerned to show that Jesus is also the Son of God, the rightful heir to the throne over all things. It the genealogy were all that could he said about Christ then He may have had the legal right to be the King of Israel, but He could have never redeemed men. Notice how Matthew reveals Jesus. not just as David’s son, but as He truly is God’s Son.

Jesus is revealed the Son of God by the names given to Him! 

Jesus – Joshua, “Jehovah is Salvation” (Matthew 1:1, Matthew 1:21)
Christ – “The anointed Messiah” (Matthew 1:1, Matthew 1:16)
Immanuel – “God with us!” (Matthew 1:23)

Jesus ls revealed the Son of God by the sign that accompanied Him, He ls born of a virgin!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. (Matthew 1:18 NKJV)

By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. (1 John 4:2-3a  NKJV)

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14 NKJV)And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel. (Genesis 3:15b NKJV)

Jesus ls revealed by those who obey God and step out of the shadows Into His purpose!

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.” (Matthew 1:20 NKJV)

How can we reveal the Son of God?

1. Hearing God’s voice and trusting His presence.
2. Putting our faith in God’s plan, not our plan.
3. Relying on His strength (Isaiah 40:31)

The Gracious King

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Matthew 1

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The gospel of Matthew begins in a very unique way. Matthew doesn’t begin with narrative like the gospel of Luke and he doesn’t begin with high theology like John’s gospel. Matthew begins with a genealogy of Christ. And for this reason Matthew’s account becomes a very important bridge linking the Old and New Testament. The main purpose that Matthew writes is to demonstrate the fact that Jesus is the Christ, the predicted Messiah, the King of the Jews. Matthew is the story of the King revealed; a King rejected and a King who will return.

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham (Matthew 1:1)

Jewish heredity was always important
Numbers 26
Ruth 3-4
Ezra 2:62
Luke 4:1-2

Jewish heredity must be proved
Matthew’s genealogy is in descending order.
Luke’s genealogy is in ascending order.
Matthew traces the royal line through Joseph.
Luke traces the priestly (blood) line through Mary.

Jesus is a King like none other!

Jesus is God’s Son!
Jesus – Joshua, “Jehovah is Salvation” (Matthew 1:1, Matthew 1:21)
Christ – “The anointed Messiah” (Matthew 1:1, Matthew 1:16)
Immanuel – “God with us!” (Matthew 1:23)

He is a gracious King!
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld  glory, the glory as of the may begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

He IS the Savior King from a long list of sinners!
Tamar (Genesis 38)
Rahab (Joshua 2, Hebrews 11:31)
Ruth (Genesis 19, Ruth)
Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11)

“For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Matthew 9:13b)

Renewing the Covenant

Fifteenth message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 9:36-10:39

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When we come to Nehemiah chapter 10, the people realized they needed to renew the covenant before God. Covenant is a word used throughout the Bible used to describe God’s special relationship with His people. Webster’s Dictionary defines covenant as “a formal, solemn, and binding contract between two or more parties especially for the performance of some action.” Ezra and the people understand that the strength of their covenant pledge does not rest in their ability to perform but is God’s faithful character.

God has always used Covenant as a means of relating to His people. God’s Covenant with Adam and Eve, Abraham, David and Christ are examples of how God enters into redemptive relationship with His people.

Nehemiah and the people renew the Covenant in three important areas:

1. They pledged themselves to be a people of God’s Word (Nehemiah 10:29)

God’s Word is the highest authority.

God’s Word defines both sin and righteousness.

All of God’s Word is to be obeyed.

2. They pledge themselves to be a separated people for God’s glory (Nehemiah 10:30-31)

From the beginning of Israel’s calling they were to be a people separated unto the Lord. To walk in covenant relationship with God meant they were  to be a holy nation, God’s special people, a kingdom of priests to him; and  it also meant they were to live and worship separate from the other nations (Exodus 19:1-6)

Two areas of spiritual distinction:

• No mixed marriages
• Sabbath observance

3. They pledge themselves as a people devoted to the house of God (Nehemiah 10:32-39)

And we made ordinances to bring the firstfruits of our ground and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, to the house of the LORD; will not neglect the house of our God. (Nehemiah 10:35-39 NKJV)

 

What Does True Confession Sound Like?

Fourteenth message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 9 and Psalm 51

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Corporate confession of sin is biblical, powerful and much needed in the church However, there is the tendency for it to become routine when it’s a constant part of our liturgy. When we recite words often enough, it is easy to rattle them off without examining our hearts of being disgusted about the ugly truth of our sinful condition. Our corporate confession is never to serve as a substitute for personal confession, repentance and forgiveness. What does true confession of sin sound like?

1. True confession begins with careful examination of sin. 

“Be killing sin or it will be killing you.” (John Owen)

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. Romans 8:13

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16

2. True confession is modeled for us in Psalm 51

Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Psalm 51:1

3. True confession is not just acknowledging sin but leads to repentance of sin.

…these people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me… Isaiah 29:13

4. True confession expresses godly sorrow.

For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

• Willing to take full responsibility for one’s sin (Psalm 51:1-2)
• Recognizes one’s accountability before God (Psalm 51:4)
• Recognizes his need for cleansing (Psalm 51:4-7)
• Confession based in hope (Psalm 51:10-14)
• Confession always leads to reconciliation.

Peacemaker’s seven A’s of confession:

1. Address everyone involved (All those whom you affected)
2. Avoid if, but, and maybe (Do not try to excuse your wrongs)
3. Admit specifically (Both attitudes and actions)
4. Acknowledge the hurt (Express sorrow for hurting someone)
5. Accept the consequences (Such as making restitution)
6. Alter your behavior (Change your attitudes and actions)
7. Ask for forgiveness

The Power of Public Confession

Thirteenth message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 9

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In Nehemiah 9, Ezra the scribe has taught the people the Word of the Lord.  After a careful reading of God’s word, the people realized they needed to tum back toward God. Hearing the Word has led to a deep conviction of sin and the people realize they must practice the very important step of confession so that the work of repentance is sealed in their hearts. Confession of sin that leads to true repentance is one of the greatest gifts that God has given to us.

• Confession of sin has always been a part of Israel’s worship in the Day of Atonement.

Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, confess over it all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions, concerning all their sins, putting them on the head of the goat, and shall send  it  away into the wilderness by the hand of a suitable man. (Leviticus 16:21 NKJV)

• Israel understood the value of a corporate identity.

 Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, in sackcloth, and with dust on their heads. Then those of Israelite lineage separated themselves from all foreigners; and they stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. (Nehemiah 9:1-2 NKJV)

•  Public confession is an act of worship that involves both faith in God and confession of sin.

• We worship when we confess Christ for who He is and what He does.
• And we worship when we proclaim our faith in the gospel by confessing our sin.

•  The Power of Public Confession

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to 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. (1 John 1:8-10 NKJV)

Almighty God, we acknowledge and confess that we have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed.  We have not loved You with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We have not loved our neighbor as ourselves. Deepen within us our sorrow for the wrong we have done, and the good we have left undone. Lord, You are full of compassion and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy; there is always forgiveness with You! Restore to us the joy of Your salvation; bind up that which is broken, give light to our minds, strength to our wills, and rest to our souls. Speak to each of us, and let Your word abide with us until it has wrought in us Your holy will. Amen.

The Marks of Revival

Twelfth message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 8

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ln Nehemiah chapter eight we find one of the greatest means of spiritual reform. As Ezra the scribe teaches from the first live books of the Old Testament, a revival breaks out. What a scene! Fifty thousand people are convicted in their heart, fall on their face and begin confessing their sins to God. The question is often asked, what does true revival look like? The story of Nehemiah helps us identify some very important aspects of true revival.

1. Revival comes from a love for God’s Word (Nehemiah 8:1-8) When God’s word penetrates our hearts and we truly yield to what God’s word declares revival takes place. The Spirit of God uses the Word to cleanse and revive the hearts of the people of God. David speaks of God’s word as being a source of personal revival. “My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:25 NKJV)

2. Revival ignites the heart of men to move toward God His Word and their home. “Now on the second day the heads of the fathers’ houses of all the people, with the priests and Levites, were gathered to Ezra the scribe, in order to understand the words of the Law.” (Nehemiah 8:13 NKJV) One of the great signs of true revival is men coming of Christ and turning their hearts back to their families. “And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.” (Malachi 4:6 NKJV)

3. Revival is a renewal of deep gratitude, restoring joy and grace in God’s people. (Nehemiah 8:14-17) “And they found written in the Law, which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths…” (Nehemiah 8:14 NKJV)

How many cases can you remember‘? Such remarkable providence, some wonderful turn of events, that saved you from ruin. Set down the instances of God’s goodness to you when you were in sin, before your conversion, for which you have never been thankful enough; and the marvelous mercies that you have received since. How long the catalogue of instances where your ingratitude has been so black that you are forced to hide your face in confusion? (Charles Finney, Revivals of Religion)

Trusting in the Lord

Message by Christoph Zurcher

Scripture: Isaiah 26:3-4; Philippians 4:4 & 7

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Using God’s promise to Abram and Sarai in Genesis as an example, Christoph shows us the importance of trusting completely in Him.

The People of the Book

Eleventh message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1-10

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Amazingly in just 52 short days, the walls which fortified the city of Jerusalem had been restored. The city was now able to be reoccupied in safety and security. It’s now time to build the people instead of the walls and so Nehemiah takes one of his most important steps in the restoration of the people of Jerusalem: he appoints Ezra the scribe to proclaim the Word of God before the people. Ezra performs several important ministries through the Word.

1. Ezra brought the Book of the Law before the people – So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding… (Nehemiah 8:2a)
2. Ezra connects the Word to God’s redemptive work – …on the first day of the seventh month. (Nehemiah 8:2b)
3. Ezra uses the platform (pulpit) to address the people – So Ezra the scribe stood on a platform of wood which they had made for the purpose… (Nehemiah 8:4)
4. He opens the Book – And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it… (Nehemiah 8:5a)
5. Ezra raised the book above the people – …for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it… (Nehemiah 8:5)
6. Ezra blessed the Lord – And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with theirfaces to the ground. (Nehemiah 8:6)
7. Ezra brought understanding to God’s Word – Nehemiah 8:2, 3, 7, 8, 12, 13
8. Ezra showed them the full purpose of God’s Word - …for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10b)

Cultural Architecture (Transforming Community)

Tenth message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 7

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When we come to chapter seven we see a major shift in the book. The wall is completed, the gates are restored and the city is safe from outside invaders. But Nehemiah’s work is not finished. He knows that a city is more than walls, gates and houses. A city is people and Nehemiah recognizes the need for transforming the community to reflect the glory of God. If he is going to build a community he must become a cultural architect. Instead of a culture of love, forgiveness and peace, this was a culture of criticism, judgment, unforgiveness and betrayal. Nehemiah takes several wise steps to bring about the needed reforms.

1. He Appoints Leaders to Lead – Then it was, when the wall was built and I had hung the doors, when the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed, that I gave the charge of Jerusalem to my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the leader of the citadel, for he was a faithful man and feared God more than man (Nehemiah 7:1-2 NKJV).

• Assistants
• Gatekeepers
• Guards

2. He Assigns Singers to Sing –Then it was, when the wall was built and I had hung the doors, when the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed (Nehemiah 7:1 NKJV). (He) ordered the Levite leaders to appoint a choir of Levites who were singers and musicians to sing joyful songs to the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals (1 Chronicles 15:16 NLT).

 3. He Assembles the People to be the People – Then my God put it into my heart to gather the nobles, the rulers, and the people, that they might be registered by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of those who had come up in the first return, and found written in it (Nehemiah 7:5 NKJV).  But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9 NKJV).

4. Principles of Cultural Transformation:

• Back to zero
• Stating the obvious
• Transitioning emotionally

Completion, Continuation and Community

Ninth message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 6:15-19

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When we come to close of chapter six we see that Nehemiah moves from the completion of the task to the continuation of the work. Completing the wall was a great accomplishment, but Nehemiah realizes that a city is much more than walls, gates, and houses. A city is people. Rebuilding the wall served to unite the people together and refocused their attention to God’s purpose. Now it was time to rebuild the community of God’s people. Even though Nehemiah has accomplished a great task, he realizes he can’t stop here. He must continue.

1. Completion Must Be Followed With Continuance – So the wall was finished…  (Nehemiah 6:15)
2. Humility Is Key To Moving Forward – So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of Elul, in fifty-two days … for they perceived that this work was done by our God.  (Nehemiah 6:15-16)
3. Faithfulness Speaks the Loudest – And it happened, when all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations around us saw these things, that they were very disheartened in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was done by our God. (Nehemiah 6:16)
4. Recognizing Systemic Problems – Also in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came to them. For many in Judah were pledged to him, because he was the son-in-law of Shechaniah the son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah. Also they reported his good deeds before me, and reported my words to him. Tobiah sent letters to frighten me. (Nehemiah 6:17-19)
5. Moving Forward With The Right Heart Attitude

• Let Jesus’ example encourage you (1 Peter 2:21-24)
• Do everything you can to live in peace (Romans 12:18)
• Grieve your loss and move forward (Psalm 27:10)
• Forgive (Ephesians 4:32)

Living and Working Before Greatness

Eighth message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 6

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To this point in the story, Nehemiah’s enemies have failed in their attempts to stop the rebuilding the wall. However, as Nehemiah nears the completion of the work he is about to encounter one of enemy’s most vicious attacks. Sanballat and Tobiah attempt to distract, disgrace and deceive the leader. Yet Nehemiah demonstrates remarkable discernment, confidence and clarity in the face of opposition. How was this possible? I believe the answer is found in the fact that

Nehemiah possessed a keen awareness of the greatness of God.

1. Saying “No” To Distractions! - Now it happened when Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall, and that there were no breaks left in it (though at that time I had not hung the doors in the gates), that Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together among the villages in the plain of Ono.” (Nehemiah 6:1-4)
2. Confronting Attempts To Disgrace! - “In the same way, Sanballat, for the fifth time, sent his servant to me with an open letter in hand.” In it was written: It is reported among the nations, and Geshem says, that you and the Jews plan to rebel; therefore, according to these rumors, you are rebuilding the wall, that you may be their king.  (Nehemiah 6:5-10)
3. Exposing Compromised Deception! - And  said, “Should such a man as I flee? And who is there such as I who would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in!” Then I perceived that God had not sent him at all, but that he pronounced this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.  (Nehemiah 6:11-15)
4. Living And Working Before True Greatness!  - ”I am doing a great work, so that  cannot come down. Why should the work cease while  leave it and go down to you?” (Nehemiah 6:3)

Like Nehemiah, we need a deep conviction of God’s greatness that shapes the way we view and live life.

• Our character development is a great work! (Philippians 2:12)
• Our purity is a great work! (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Thessalonians 4:3)
• Our marriage and family is a great work (Ephesians 5:32-33)
• Our Church us a great work! (Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28)
• Out ministry is a great work! (2 Timothy 2:20-22)

All Over the World the Spirit is Moving

Message by Guest Speaker Dale Pugh, Mi

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Dale Pugh and his wife, Kathy

Dale Pugh and Christoph Zurcher will be going to Japan October 6th through the 17th to do evangelistic work, Tsunami relief work and meet with leaders. Please remember to pray daily for them, the missionaries on the ground there and their families back home. You can link to his blog here.

Notes from today’s message:

God is moving on His timetable (Isaiah 49:3)

When we see Him move it appears to be suddenly (Acts 2:1-2)

Questions to ask ourselves:

• Where is our faith and what are we expecting?
• What is our expectation for this church?
• What is our expectation for our family?

 God has plans for us  (Jeremiah 29:11) 

Making Course Corrections (Dealing With Setbacks)

Seventh message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 5

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When we come to the end of Chapter 4, everything seems to be going well.  But all is not well.  Just halfway through the rebuilding of the wall, Nehemiah faces a new kind of opposition.  This time it’s not opposition from without, but from within.  One of the most challenging things a leader can face are complaints, disagreements, problems coming from his own ranks. Nehemiah is about to learn three powerful lessons as a leader.

1.  Care for the oppressed and neglected (Nehemiah 5:1-5)

How should leaders handle complaints? Should we dismiss them? To dismiss a complaint is the right response if it is coming from someone who believes complaining is a virtue, or they see it as their gift to keep the leader in check.  But dismissing a complaint is the wrong response if the complaint is legitimate. That person may have a concern which needs to be heard. Or it may be coming from someone who doesn’t understand the vision, or as in this case is being oppressed.

Caring leaders handle complaints patiently and wisely (Nehemiah 5:6-7) (James 1:19, 3:17)

2.  Learn to negotiate peace (Nehemiah 5:8-11)

There are important times in a churches journey when peace must be fought for and championed. Leaders must be willing to become peace makers and fight for true peace. Nehemiah avoided the traps of peace faking and peace breaking.  Peace making requires the courage to confront sin through confession, repentance and forgiveness so reconciliation can be achieved.  Nehemiah demonstrated his ability to negotiate peace.

• He confronted sin and injustice.
• He confessed his own sin.
• He called for restitution.

3.  Give yourself to the work, but stay close to the people

• He treated the people with honor and respect. (verse 15)
• He worked on the wall beside the people. (verse 16 )
• He shared his table with the other leaders and the people. (verse 17)
• He cared for the people. (verse 18)

Because Nehemiah was willing to stay close to the people he established a culture of peace and maintained a spirit of worship among the people. (verse 13)

Pain and Progress (Part 2)

Sixth message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 4

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In the fourth chapter, Nehemiah encounters a growing opposition to rebuilding the wall. As long as the people in Jerusalem were content with their weakened condition, the enemy left them alone. But when the Jews began to serve the Lord and bring glory to God’s name, the enemy became active. Nehemiah learned the important lesson — Opposition is not only evidence of God’s blessing, but it is also an opportunity for us to grow. Satan wanted to use these problems as weapons to destroy the work, but God used them as tools to build His people. The difficulties that came to the work brought out the best in Nehemiah and his people. Here’s the principle: The price for progress is pain.

Everyone working for God’s cause should expect opposition (2 Timothy 3:12)

• Expect apathy (Nehemiah 3:5)
• Expect anger (Nehemiah 4:1)
• Expect ridicule and criticism (Nehemiah 4:2-3)
• Expect a fight (Nehemiah 4:7-8)

The question is: How will we respond to opposition?

Four Tactics of Opposition the Enemy Uses to Stop the Work:

1. Compromise  (Nehemiah 2:20)
2. Distraction and Draining  (Nehemiah 4:2-3)
3. Discouragement Nehemiah 4:10 – Then Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is failing, and there is so much rubbish that we are not able to build the wall.”
4. Fear and Intimidation Nehemiah 4:14b-15 – “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.” And it happened, when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and that God had brought their plot to nothing, that all of us returned to the wall, everyone to his work.

Strategies for Building and Fighting

1. Guard the weak and vulnerable areas (4:13)
2. Send a faith message to the enemy (4:15)
3. Equip yourself with tools to build and weapons to fight (4:16-18)
4. Let the conflict unite you, not divide you (4:18-19)
5. Focus on the greatness of God (4:14)

Pain and Progress (Part 1)

Fifth message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 4

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In the fourth chapter, Nehemiah encounters a growing opposition to rebuilding the wall. As long as the people in Jerusalem were content with their weakened condition, the enemy left them alone. But when the Jews began to serve the Lord and bring glory to God’s name, the enemy became active. Nehemiah learned the important lesson — Opposition is not only evidence of God’s blessing, but it is also an opportunity for us to grow. Satan wanted to use these problems as weapons to destroy the work, but God used them as tools to build His people. The difficulties that came to the work brought out the best in Nehemiah and his people. Here’s the principle: The price for progress is pain.

Everyone working for God’s cause should expect opposition (2 Timothy 3:12)

• Expect apathy (Nehemiah 3:5)
• Expect anger (Nehemiah 4:1)
• Expect ridicule and criticism (Nehemiah 4:2-3)
• Expect a fight (Nehemiah 4:7-8)

The question is: How will we respond to opposition?

Four Tactics of Opposition the Enemy Uses to Stop the Work:

1. Compromise  Nehemiah 2:20 – So I answered them, and said to them, “The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build, but you have no heritage or right or memorial in Jerusalem.”
2. Distraction and Draining  Nehemiah 4:2b-3 – “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they fortify themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Will they revive the stones from the heaps of rubbish— stones  that are burned?” Now Tobiah the Ammonite  was  beside him, and he said, “Whatever they build, if even a fox goes up  on it,  he will break down their stone wall.”

We’ll look at the last two next time.

Leading and Laboring In Times of Change

Fourth message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 3:1-23

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When we come to chapter three we see that Nehemiah is beginning to implement his vision of rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. “Implementation” can be one of the most difficult steps in the vision process, because at that point you are asking people to change. People love vision talk. They love to hear sermons, read blogs and articles about vision. But often when they realize implementing vision requires change, they begin to think and act differently.

Seven truths about change

1. Most of us don’t like being asked to change.
2. People can handle only so much change.
3. People feel awkward when asked to do something new.
4. When people are confronted with change, they often think first about what they must give up.
5. Change makes people feel like they are alone.
6. People tend to revert back to their old behavior the minute the reason to change is removed.
7. People are at different levels of readiness for change.

The need for a good “change theology”
Isaiah 43:18-19 – “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Leading in change requires strong and compassionate leaders
Nehemiah 3:1, 6, 13, 14, 15, 28

• Lead by example
• Lead by humility
• Lead by hard work

Judges 5:2 – “Israel’s leaders took charge, and the people gladly followed. Praise the LORD!

Laboring in change requires a people willing to work!
A great many people have got a false idea about the church. They have the idea that the church is a place to rest in… to get into a nicely cushioned to charities, listen to a minister, and do their share to keep the church out of bankruptcy, is all they want. The idea of actual work in the church never enters their mind. (D.L. Moody)

See God’s work as the best personal investment of our lives
Nehemiah 3:10 – Next to them Jedaiah the son of Harumaph made repairs in front of his house.

Working Together

Message by Guest Speaker Rueben Popet

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Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:5-9

Rueben and Karen Popet founded Beraca Ophanage in 2000. The orphanage is located in  in southwestern Romania. It is a home which provides care, education, spiritual guidance, and love for children.

Today Ruben speaks to us about accomplishing great things as we come together with a focus on the Kingdom of God.

Vision: The Only Way To Travel

Third message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 2:9-20

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Nehemiah is a great study in vision. First of all, Nehemiah is one of the most visionary leaders in the Bible. With God’s help, he pulled  a project that is one of the most amazing feats recorded in Scripture. But also the story itself is like a road map for vision. The book literally contains a step by step process of vision and one of the most important steps of vision is heart preparation. Here is some of the “heart preparation” that we see in Nehemiah’s life.

• Vision is a holy discontent for status quo
• Vision comes to those who are desperate
• Vision is given to those who wait on God

Vision is about a journey
Nehemiah 2:9a – Then  went to the governors in the region beyond the River, and gave them the king’s letters.

Vision rests in the kings authority
Nehemiah 2:9b – Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.

Vision focuses on restoration
Nehemiah 2:13-14 – And I went out by night through the Valley Gate to the Serpent Well and the Refuse Gate, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem which were broken down and its gates which were burned with fire. Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and to the King’s Pool, but  there was  no room for the animal under me to pass.

Vision is sustained by hope
Nehemiah 2:17 – Then I said to them, “You see the distress that we  are  in, how Jerusalem  lies  waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.”

Vision sees past the opposition of criticism
Nehemiah 2:19 – But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard  of it,  they laughed at us and despised us, and said, “What  is  this thing that you are doing? Will you rebel against the king?”

When Is Enough, Enough?

Message by Guest Speaker Mike Masters

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In today’s message Mike Masters, pastor of New Voice Church, speaks to us about contentment.

Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:7-8

Nathan then said to David, “You are the man! Thus says the LORD God of Israel, ‘It is I who anointed you king over Israel and it is I who delivered you from the hand of Saul. I also gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives into your care, and I gave you the house of Israel and Judah; and if that had been too little, I would have added to you many more things like these!

Three steps on path to contentment -

1. Gratefulness - Another word for “enough” (Ecclesiastes 5:18-19)
2. Righteousness – Seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33)
3. Intimacy – People who don’t put God in the appropriate place in their lives are hopelessly dissatisfied. (Psalm 42:1)

Nehemiah, A Great Leader!

Second message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:11-2:8

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After much prayer and planning, Nehemiah approaches King Artaxerxes with a request for the resources needed to build back the city of Jerusalem. In this second sermon in the Nehemiah series, we see how Nehemiah’s actions give us a great example of a prayerful, faithful, humble and bold leader who puts his trust completely in the Lord.

A man of prayer
Nehemiah 1:11 – Lord, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring You. Please grant me success today by making the king favorable to me. Put it into his heart to be kind to me.”

A faithful man
Nehemiah 1:11 – In those days  was the king’s cup-bearer.

A passionate man
Nehemiah 2:2-3 – And it came to pass in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, that  took the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had never been sad in his presence before.

A humble man
Nehemiah 2:2-3 – Therefore the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, since you are not sick?  This is nothing but sorrow of heart.” So I became dreadfully afraid, I said to the king “Let the king live forever.”

A courageous man
Nehemiah 2:4-5 – Then the king said to me, “What do you request?” So  prayed to the God of heaven. And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.”

A thoughtful man
Nehemiah 2:7-8 – Furthermore I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given to me for the governors of the region beyond the River, that they must permit me to pass through till I  come to Judah, and a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he must give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel which pertains to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house that will occupy.”

Faith, Courage and Determination

Message by Chris Briles

Scripture: Mark 2:1-5

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Chris, Vonda, Aaron, Jessica and Carmen Briles are a missionary family that spent nine years in Altotonga, Veracruz, Mexico. They have relocated to New Braunfels, Texas where Chris has the responsibilities of Director of Operations for World Indigenous Missions. Their passion is reaching the lost and discipling the found.

  

Building a City Within a City

First message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:1-11

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In the first sermon in this series, we are introduced to Nehemiah, a man whose heart aches for the sad state of his people in Jerusalem. Nehemiah was a city builder and as such was a forerunner of Jesus. Christ’s vision for His church is to be a ‘city set on a hill,’ a city within a city, an alternate city. Like Nehemiah, we need the Holy Spirit to break us out of our tendency to accept the fallen conditions of our world as the norm for how things should be.

Introduction To Nehemiah

• Written about 445 BC.
• Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem 141 years earlier.
• Nehemiah lived during the time known as the Restoration Period.
• Nehemiah is part of the third exile from Babylon.
• Originally Ezra  Nehemiah were one book and later separated.
• Ezra focuses on rebuilding the Temple.
• Nehemiah focuses on rebuilding the city wall.

The True Purpose of Nehemiah - Building a city on a hill (Matthew 5:14)

• Gospel-speaking.
• Neighbor-loving.
• Community-transforming.

The spiritual lesson we learn: Often our lives can have aspects which things are broken and devastated and need the power and benefits of the gospel to bring strength and stability.

The Response of Nehemiah
How are we to understand Nehemiah’s response when we realize the report he received from Hanani was not new news? Breaking out of normalcy.

The Prayer of Nehemiah
As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. (Nehemiah 1:4)

• Adoration
• Confession
• Remembrance

Caught In The Middle

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Psalm 27:13-14

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I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! – Psalm 27:13-14 NKJV

When you are required to “wait” it means that you are caught in the middle of something beyond your control. The truth is we spend a lot of our lives “caught in the middle” in some way or another. Thankfully, the Bible teaches us that our lives are caught in the middle of God’s redemptive plan. David found himself caught in the middle of receiving the promise of God but not seeing its fulfillment. David learned the great lesson that learning to “wait on the Lord” brings great blessings into our lives.

What did it mean for David to be caught in the Middle?
David had been anointed by God to be King of Israel, but the crown and the throne were not yet his. David spent at least seven years in the wilderness and over ten years passed before he experienced the  of God’s promise.

Waiting is not about the suspension of meaning and purpose. It is the purpose! Waiting for God is an essential part of His plan.

The Risk Reward Factor of Waiting
Risk – I would have lost heart (verse 13)
Reward – He shall strengthen your heart (verse 14)

How Can We Avoid the Risk and Reap the Reward?

1. See the big picture of God’s Kingdom.
2. Don’t get lost in the fulfillment of the promise, but see God working in the process.
3. Remember, the final chapter of your story has been written.
4. The One you are waiting for is trustworthy.
5. In those moments when you are “caught” you find rest. (Psalm 16:7-11)

Be Strong and Courageous

Message by Dru Johnson

Scripture: Exodus 23:20-23, Joshua 5:13-15

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Dru and Stephanie Johnson

Today’s message: In order to understand how to be strong and courageous, we need to understand who we are.

This is Dru and Stephanie Johnson’s last Sunday with us before they move their family so Dru can take a position at King’s College in New York City. God bless you and your family. We love you!

Old and New Wineskins

Message by Christoph Zurcher

Scripture: Luke 5:33-39

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A service designed to engage children and adults alike.

He told them this parable: “No one tears a piece out of a new garment to patch an old one. Otherwise, they will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for they say, ‘The old is better.’”

Jesus is First and Last

Message by Aaron and Mary Pugh

Scripture: Revelation 1:8; 1:17

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Our message today is from Aaron and Mary Pugh who have been missionaries in Valencia, Spain through World Indigenous Missions for the past eight years. They currently serve as associate pastors for Abundant Life Church – Mary as children’s pastor and Aaron as director of small groups and the discipleship pastor.

God’s Redemptive School

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Psalm 27:11-12

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David got it right when it came to some really critical things in His life. He understood that life was about learning and lessons. Therefore, he approached life from the attitude and perspective of a student. He always wanted to learn as much as he could. He knew that God’s Word in particular is the means given to teach us and instruct us in God’s Ways. But most importantly, he understood that God himself, the LORD is the Teacher.

Teach me your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my enemies. (Psalm 27:11)

Three Reasons To Live Life As a Student

1) God’s University Is The School of Wisdom (Proverbs 1:9)
There is no knowing that does not begin with knowing God. (John Calvin)

• Abraham went to school in a tent
• Joseph got his training in a pit and then a prison
• Moses studied on the back side of the desert
• David went to university in a cave

2) Students Search the Depths of God’s Wisdom
Six characteristics of being a student:

• A healthy cynicism toward your own wisdom
• A humble sense of need
• A willing and open heart
• Discernment, focus, and determination
• Commitment to act on what you’re learning
• Resisting the temptation to think we have arrived

3) Students understand the danger life presents
Psalm 27:11 – Lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies. Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; For false witnesses have risen against me, And such as breathe out violence.

• God’s Way – the paradigm of His Word (Psalm 119)
• God’s Way – by Jesus (Ephesians 4:20-21)
• God’s Way – dealing with our enemies (1 Peter 2:21-23)

Four Things You Can Always Ask For

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Psalm 27:7-11

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Psalm 27 is prayer of great confidence before God. David begins by declaring that the Lord is his Light and Salvation and because of this he has no reason to fear. That’s an amazing statement when you consider that David is being chased by his enemies. In verses 4 through 6, David also declares his confidence in God’s powerful and protective presence. When we come to verses 7 through 11, the mood changes. We begin to hear the actual petition of David’s heart that brought about the great confidence in the opening verses. These verses reveal the depth of David’s anxiety and his desperate cry for God’s mercy to help him in a time of trouble and adversity.

1. God will always listen to you. Psalm 27:7-8 – Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When You said, “Seek My face.” My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”
2. You can always count on His Grace. Psalm 27:9 – Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.
3. He has always promised to be our Helper. Psalm 27:9 – …you have been my helper.
4. He will always teach us and instruct us. Psalm 27:11 – Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my enemies.

God Knows Exactly What We Need

Message by Dru Johnson

Scripture: 1 Samuel 8:19-22, 10:17-24

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A service designed to engage children and adults alike.

In today’s “First Morning” message Dru looks at 1 Samuel and helps us find the answers to these questions:

1. Did Israel need a king?
2. What kind of king did they need?
3.  What kind of king did they want?
4. What kind of king did they get?

What Might Have Been

Message by Missionary Bruce McDonald from Regions Beyond. Bruce ministers in areas such as Africa, India, and Eastern Europe.

Scripture: Acts 4:29

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Ever wonder what would have happened had we done things differently in our lives? Listen in as Bruce explains the way we deal with life’s challenges and problems will necessarily affect the future.

From Heaven To Our Hearts Back To Heaven

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Psalm 27:7-8 and Luke 11:1-13

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It’s nothing short of amazing that God hears our prayers and even more amazing that He answers them. I say that not because anything is questionable or suspect in God but because of us. We so often choose our own way and our own kingdom over His. Thankfully, prayer finds its hope, not in the qualifications of the one praying, but in the character and plan of the God who’s hearing. He answers because of who He is. He answers because of what He’s doing. He answers because He loves to see us come to Him and He loves to provide for our need.

Five Reasons God Answers Prayer (Luke 11:1-4)

• Because of His grace
• Because of His faithfulness
• For His Kingdom
• For His glory
• Because of His love

Jesus’ teaching on prayer: God is a Loving Father!

• A model prayer (Luke 11:1-4)
• Two parables
• Two principles

1st Parable  (Luke 11:5-8)
“The not so good friend”

1st Principle  (Luke 11:9-10)
God answers our prayers even when we are not so good. So ask, seek, knock!

2nd Parable  (Luke 11:11-12)
Even sinner dads know how to give good gifts!

2nd Principle  (Luke 11:13)
How much more will God give to us what is truly good‘?

Why does God want to give us the Holy Spirit?
So that God Himself is living in our hearts.

Through the Holy Spirit we can hear God’s voice feel God’s presence, and know God’s will. Because of the Holy Spirit, or hearts are forever connected with God the Father who is in heaven.

Psalm 27:8 – When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”

Where Do You Turn in Trouble?

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Psalm 27:4-6

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In the wilderness of trouble that David faced, he was pressed to make one of two choices: Either find God in the midst of His trouble and experience the power and depth of intimacy and peace through His presence; Or stubbornly refuse to allow God to reach to the brokenness of his heart, and find his own God-replacements. David’s two choices are still the only ones we have today. The wilderness of trouble is where David learned how much he needed God.

Trouble teaches us how to give our hearts to God in lament
A lament is a passionate expression of grief or deep pain. It refers to the expression of mourning or sorrow in the midst of great loss. David’s laments were many times complaints offered to God. David wasn’t complaining to grumble. He was complaining to understand.

Trouble is meant to show us the safety and protection of God’s House
Psalm 27:5a – For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me;

Trouble teaches us only God is the sure foundation of our life
Psalm 27:5b – He shall set me high upon a rock.

The wilderness of trouble teaches us to worship
Psalm 27:6 – And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.

At first glance the wilderness does not appear to be a place of worship. It feels more like a place of hunger, thirst pain, disappointment frustration, anger, guilt, etc. Here is the key. Our worship begins by giving voice to God of all those emotions that we are carrying through the wilderness.

Dreaming God’s Dream

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scriptures: Psalm 27 and Ephesians 4:1-6

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To be sure David was a dreamer just like the rest of us. Here he is just a young man… barely 16 or 17 years old. And the prophet of God tells him he is going to be the next king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:11-12). You have to know that promise captured David’s wildest and deepest imaginations. A shepherd boy becomes a King?? This is story book stuff! If he wasn’t a dreamer up until now–he just became one. But in the wilderness experience David is confronted with his greatest need. It’s not the fulfillment of his dream, but it’s his need for the reality of God’s presence and power in His life. This is God’s plan, His purpose, His desire… call it His dream for everyone of us. God is not against our dreams. ln fact I believe He gives them to us. But our dreams must be filtered through God’s dream. His dream must become our dream. And so the question is, “What is God’s dream?” I believe David summed it up in his words, That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life. (Psalm 27:4, Ephesians 4:1-6)

God’s Dream is His House the place of His presence and His people

• a people (Exodus 19:4-6, 1 Peter 2:9)
• a body (1 Corinthians 12)
• a family (Ephesians 3:14-15)
• a temple (Ephesians 2:19)
• a church (Matthew 16:16-18)

The Tension of Living In Community
More than any before us, an American today believes “I must write the script of my own life.” The thought that such a script must be subordinated to the grand narrative of the Bible is foreign one. Still more alarming is the idea that this surrender of our personal story to God’s story must be mediated by a community of fallen people we frankly don’t want getting in our way or meddling with our own hopes and dreams.

The Blessings of Living God’s Dream of Community

• Community releases the power of the Cross (Ephesians 2:14-17)
• Community reveals the full measure of God’s love (Ephesians 3:18)
• Community releases transforming power (Hebrews 3:12-13)

The Cost of the Dream
Genesis 15:17-18a – And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces. On the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram.

Matthew 27:46b – “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

The Importance of Friends

Message by Dr. Dru Johnson

Scripture: John 15:13

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Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. – John 15:13

How do we tell the difference between good friends and Facebook friends?

Good friends =

• Point us
• Cut us
• Willing to die

Point us
We need good friends that point us to Jesus! Ones that make us a better servant of God.

Cut Us
Good friends are willing to be brutal if it heal us, to make us a better person. Proverbs 27:6 – Trustworthy are the wounds from a friend, but many are the kisses of an enemy.

Willing to Die
While Jesus was on earth were the disciples good friends? No. We don’t have many friends who are real friends but of those there are even fewer who would be willing to die for us.

We need good friends in our lives!

Getting It Right

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Psalm 27

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You know it is pure grace when we get it right because so often we get it wrong. No, I don’t mean that we are always committing gross sin. And don’t mean that we always being tempted to question our faith in Christ or question whether ministry is really worth it. Getting it wrong is much more subtle than that. Getting it wrong is not about the big, dramatic, consequential moments of life. Getting it wrong is much more about the little mundane moments of everyday life. And that is critical, because most of life is actually about the “little moments”. David got it right in the little moments of his life and we see expressed in Psalm 27. In fact you could say that verse 4 is a manual for getting it right.

Psalm 27:4 – One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple.

Being a “one thing” person

Amazingly, David’s “one thing” isn’t safety, or vindication, or victory. It isn’t power, control, or retribution. Even under personal duress, the “one thing” that David wishes for is to be in God’s house, standing in His presence, taking in the glory & beauty of the Lord.

“One thing” people make a focused impact

We are a nation and culture of multiple-choice. We love our access to mass information, endless choices and keeping or options open. We don’t want to miss anything. Experiencing life is the idolatry of our culture.

God’s house is the best plan for your life

David gets it right. His quest is for a life that’s shaped and directed by a daily worship of the Lord. David knows who he is: a creature created for worship.

Learning to recognize true beauty

The amazing beauty that surrounds us every day was designed to be sign beauty. All of the beautiful things that we see, touch, taste and hear every day, were designed to be signs that would point to the ultimate beauty that can only be found in the One who created them. So, when you’re looking at the beauty that surrounds you in the physical world, it requires that you look beyond the signs to the stunning beauty of the God to whom each sign points. Only his beauty can give you hope, strength, and peace. Only his beauty can give you life.

Dealing with our sight problems

• The most important vision is seeing with your heart
• Humbly accepting your blindness
• Learning to see is a community project
• Living to see with 20/20 vision

Jesus Died To Cause Our Enemy To Stumble

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Psalm 27

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Psalm 27 is an amazing psalm. It is a Psalm of worship, faith, commitment, trouble, pain, beauty, hope and patience. Most believe David wrote this Psalm during the early part of his time as a fugitive. He is being chased  enemies, shut out of the house of God and separated from family and all that is comfortable. Just as we see in so many of the Psalms, it is the wilderness struggles of David’s life that become the occasion of deep intimacy with God. David responds to the hardship and adversity of the wilderness turning to God. And so the Psalms are prayers of lament and songs of worship.

David gets it right!

He realized we live in a terribly broken world filled with sin, danger, calamity and enemies on every side.

Psalm 27:2 – When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when  enemies and my foes attack me they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.

The Psalms are prophetic and they point forward to the coming of the Messiah. Many of the words which David wrote in the Psalms are echoed in the life and sufferings of Jesus Christ the Psalms we see Christ and His Cross!

Compare Psalm 27:2 and Colossians 2:14-15

“When my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall” (Psalm 27:2)
“He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” (Colossians 2:14-15)

The Cross became the ultimate place of the enemy’s stumbling!

He stumbled:

• an Heaven (Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28)
• in the Garden (Genesis 3:15)
• at Bethlehem (Matthew 2:12)
• in the Wilderness (Luke 4:1-13)
• throughout Christ’s ministry (Luke 10:9)
• at the Cross (Colossians 2:14-15)

Because Jesus has defeated our enemy

We can choose faith and not fear!
We can offer forgiveness rather than revenge or despair!
We can tum tragedy into triumph!
We can find God’s presence anywhere at anytime!

What Kind Of People Forgive?

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Fourth of a series: “Jesus, on Relationships”

Scripture: Genesis 45:1-5 and Genesis 50:15-21

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One of the most powerful stories in the Bible is the story of Joseph.  When he encounters his brothers for the first time in 15 years  after they had been the cause of such enormous pain and suffering in his life, Joseph finds the grace of God to extend forgiveness to them. What is it that causes some people to find forgiveness while others never do? Our lesson today studies six aspects of Joseph’s life that helped him come to forgiveness. We learn the most forgiving people in the world have an exceedingly high view of God.

1. Forgiving people trust that God is all powerful, all loving and always working for His glory and our good! Genesis 50:20 – But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.
2. Forgiving people trust God’s promise! Romans 12:19 – Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. Genesis 50:19 – Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God?
3. Forgiving people see their sin against God and His forgiveness of them as infinitely great! Matthew 18:24 – And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.
4. Forgiving People see God as the true treasure of forgives and they will do anything to have God. Genesis 39:2 – The Lord was with Him.
5. Forgiving people see others through the eyes of Christ. Genesis 50:21 – Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
6. Forgiving people realize how utterly powerless they are to forgive without God’s help. Genesis 44-45

Time for Action

Message by Christoph Zurcher

Scripture: Mark 10:17-22

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God still wants to speak today. Do we hear Him when He speaks? Do we listen to what He has to say? We have to be careful how we listen! Many people hear the truth but there is a difference between just hearing and listening to the truth. Listening is responding to what we hear. To listen means to obey the word of God by putting it into action.

Bearing Fruit That Will Last

Message by Guest Speaker, Janine Geekie

Scripture: John 15:16

Janine Geekie

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Janine is a missionary to Japan. Prior to her speaking, the following video on Fuse Jesus Community was played.

Janine on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/zenezene

Waiting for God

Message by Matt Donovan

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Waiting is a part of life

None of us like to wait and none of us are very good at it. Waiting cuts right at the heart of self-centeredness.

Waiting for God
“It’s one of the greatest stresses in Life.” – Oswald Chambers
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” Psalm 37:7

Biblical examples of waiting

• Abraham and Sarah
• Israelites in Egypt
• Promise of the Messiah

Why God asks us to wait
God works from a different timetable than we do. 2 Peter 3:8

What God does while we wait
“What God does in us while we wait is just as important as what it is we are waiting for” – Ben Patterson
“He considered that God is able to raise men even from the dead.” Hebrews 11:19

Active waiting

• Not passive, it’s active.
• We are not standing still.
• It’s a discipline.

What God really wants to give us
“We do not see the answer, we trust the answerer. We do not gain the victory; we are united with the victor.” PT Forsyth

Three Essentials

• Trust
• Humility
• Hope

“God gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might he increases in power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:29-31

The Forgiven Should Always Forgive!

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Third of a series: “Jesus, on Relationships”

Scripture: Luke 6:36-37 and Matthew 18:23-35

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Jesus is warning us about our tendency to make critical judgments against people, which involves looking for faults and failures in others. He is calling us to judge with “charitable judgment.” Which means when it is necessary to judge, we should judge other Christians charitably. Our judgment should never lead to condemnation, but to forgiveness.

Why should we forgive?

• Because we have been forgiven!
• Forgiveness is at the heart of our identity in Christ.
• Unforgiveness is a symptom of gospel amnesia.

The Story of the Unjust Servant (Matthew 18:23-35)

• Peter’s question: How often are we required to forgive?
• Jesus’ answer: 7 x 70 = 77 or “unlimited”

Jesus conveys two great truths in the story.

1. How great God’s forgiveness is for us!
2. And how God’s forgiveness for us is connected to our forgiveness of others.

God’s great forgiveness toward us.

• Seeing ourselves accountable to God
• Considering the enormous debt
• The debt of money represents our sin debt
• The servant represents us

We know these things theologically, but over time and the amount of
service and sacrifice we offer to God causes us to loose the reality of
someone who has been forgiven an enormous debt.

Psalm 130:3 – If you Oh Lord could mark iniquities, O Lord who could stand?

God’s forgiveness toward us is connected to how we forgive others.

• What happens when we don’t get grace!
• If our sin is a small thing, God’s forgiveness is a small thing!
• We see ourselves on probation with God and put others there as well!
• We approach Christianity as if we can repay our debt!
• We demand payment from others!
• We fail to see ourselves like the wicked servant!

The Justified Shouldn’t Judge!

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Second of a series: “Jesus, on Relationships”

Scripture: Luke 6:27-38

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Luke 6 records Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in which He teaches that the primary ethic of kingdom of God is not about getting wealth, power, comfort, or fame, but loving God and loving others, especially your enemies. Jesus explains that first of all kingdom love is expressed in mercy and compassion which refuses to judge and condemn others (Luke 6:36-37).

How are we to understand Jesus’s command? “Judge not lest you be judged” (Luke 6:37)

Jesus said “judging” others is dangerous business.

• Our natural inclination is to judge harshly. (Genesis 3)
• Critical judgments harm others and ourselves. (Matthew 7:1-2)
• Harsh judgments enslave our soul. (Psalm 109:18-19)

God commands us to judge “charitably.”

• Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:16)
• Martin Luther’s Short Catechism
• The Second Great Commandment

The limits of charitable judgments

• Charity does not mean that we accept without question everything people say or do. (Philippians 1:9-10; James 3:14-17)
• Charitable judgments should not be used to end appropriate discussion, questioning, and debate. (1 Peter 5:2-3)
• Charity does not prevent the exercise of redemptive church discipline. (Matthew 18:12-14; Galatians 6:1)

How do we learn to make charitable judgments?

1. We accept our contribution to conflict!
2. We must deal with our own heart issues first! (selfishness, pride, self-righteousness, insecurity, self-pity, jealousy, prejudice, unforgiveness)
3. We must embrace our blindness!
4. We must see ourselves justified by Christ!

Romans 8:33-34 – Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

The Kingdom Ethic of Love!

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

First of a series: “Jesus, on Relationships”

Scripture: Luke 6:17-28

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Luke 6 records Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount by the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus spent much of his ministry. Jesus taught that He is the King of kings, who is bringing a counter-cultural kingdom. The kingdom values and ethics are not about getting wealth, power, comfort, or fame. The kingdom of God is about being in right relationship with God–loving God and loving others, especially you enemies.

Jesus draws the multitudes in an unprecedented way.

Jesus teaches counter-cultural kingdom!
Two kinds of people:  “blessed” and “cursed”.
Two ways of living: “blessed” or “happy”.
Our identity determines our lifestyle.

The inverted paradigm of Kingdom ethics –

Hunger
“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:20)

Comfort
“Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied.” (Luke 6:21)

Power
“Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake.” (Luke 6:22)

Fame
“Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” (Luke 6:26)

The Kingdom ethic is expressed in love
“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who abuse you.” (Luke 6:27)

The Proverbs on Wealth

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Last of a 10-part series on Proverbs

Scripture: Proverbs 8:12-21, 1 Timothy 6:6-10

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The slogan on our currency reads “In God We Trust” but is that true? The American motto really seems better expressed in the words of Gordon Gekko, the fictional character played by the movie Wall Street who said “Greed is Good!” The truth is, how we handle our money really does determine whether or not we trust in God. We will either worship our money or we will worship God with our money (Matthew 6 24).

Proverbs show us four categories of financial status.

• Wealthy and righteous (Proverbs 13:11)
• Poor and righteous (Proverbs 19:1)
• Wealthy and unrighteous (Proverbs 11:1)
• Poor and unrighteous (Proverbs 14:23)

The problem with wealth is not “money” but our hearts.

1 Timothy 6:10 – For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.

Our greatest need is wisdom before wealth!

Proverbs 8:17-18 – I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me. Riches and honor are with me, Enduring riches and righteousness.

Wisdom teaches us how to understand true wealth.

1. Wisdom warns us of the limitations of financial wealth!

• Wealth is a poor source of happiness. (Proverbs 3:13-15)
• Wealth is a strong source of temptation (Proverbs 28:6; 1 Timothy 6:6-10)
• Wealth compared to eternity is worthless (Proverbs 11:4; Luke 12:25)

2. Wisdom tells us that financial haste is foolishness!

Proverbs 21:5 – The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.

• Financial haste often leads to sin.
• Financial haste seldom works.

3. Wisdom teaches that wealth comes through diligence!

Proverbs 13:11 – Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase.

4. Diligence is more than  working hard, it’s working smart!

Proverbs 3:9-10 – Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.

The wise investments of first-fruits giving!

• Sacrificial
• Regular
• Joyful
• Proportional
• Generous

A Follower of Christ

Message by our own Christoph Zurcher

Scripture: Luke 9:57-62

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In these three verses we find three illustraitons of the main hindrances to following Jesus whole-heartedly:

A service designed to engage children and adults alike.

1. Material comforts
2. A job, occupation or education
3. Our relationships with family and friends

Luke 9:23 – And He said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

What would that involve?

• Forsaking the comforts of this life
• Complete dependency on God
• Obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit
• Pouring out one’s life for others
• Suffering for righteousness sake, loneliness and persecution

The cost of following Jesus – Salvation did not cost us anything but it cost God everything.

Count the cost (Luke 14:28) – Do we really mean to abandon our lives, plans, comfort to follow him whole-heartedly?

Recognize we don’t have the strength (Matthew 11:28-30) – If we try to be a true follower of Christ in our own strength we won’t get very far.

If we choose to put Jesus first and follow him, God will give our life direction, meaning and purpose.

The Proverbs on Addiction

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Ninth in a 10-part series on Proverbs

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Our culture often speaks of addictions as being a disease. And while many addictions do cause both physiological and psychological affects, the Bible addresses addictions as a sin issue. By definition an addiction is a sin pattern that the persons believes is beyond their ability to control. The writer of Proverbs identifies at least six different addictions and addresses the root issue underlying them.

• The immoral (Proverbs 5:7)
• The sluggard (Proverbs 6:6)
• The greedy (Proverbs 15:27)
• The proud (Proverbs 16:5)
• The drunkard (Proverbs 23:29)
• The glutton (Proverbs 23:21)

Behind every addiction is an idol of the heart!

Idolatry is a worship issue! (Romans 1:25)

Idols become our functional gods! “To whatever we look for any good thing and for refuge in every need, that is what is meant by ‘god.’ To have a god is nothing else than to trust and believe in him from the heart… To whatever you give your heart and entrust your being, that, I say, is really your god.” – Martin Luther

“Inordinate desire” is the New Testament word for idolatry!  “If ‘idolatry’ is the characteristic and summary Old Testament word for our drift from God, then ‘desires’ (epithumiai) is the characteristic and summary New Testament word for the same drift. Both are shorthand for the problem of human beings.. .The New Testament merges the concept of idolatry and the concept of inordinate, life-ruling desires.” – David Powlison

• Idols promise but they don’t deliver
• Idols always demand a sacrifice
• Idols enslave

What’s the answer to our addiction? The Gospel of repentance unto faith, confession and forgiveness.

• Repentance is a gift from God (2 Timothy 2:24-26)
• Repentance is turning away from our sin (Isaiah 55:7)
• Repentance is coming to our senses (Luke 15:17)
• Repentance is true godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10)
• Repentance is the first step toward freedom (2 Corinthians 7:10)

1 Thessalonians 1:5-10 – For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

The Proverbs on Discipline

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Eighth in a 10-part series on Proverbs

Scripture: Proverbs 6:23

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If you are in parenting stage of life, or hope to be there one day, Proverbs reminds us how critically important raising children is. Being a parent is one of the most challenging, painful, and joyous experiences we can encounter. But it is also incredibly important to the kingdom of God. If you have children, there is no more important calling in your life than to raise them according to the “training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). But of course carrying out that responsibility day after day, year after year is a huge responsibility. Now here is the good news! God doesn’t leave us to ourselves. He gives us an abundance of grace through His Word and the Holy Spirit so we can raise our children.

Parenting is a call to discipline! For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life. (Proverbs 6:23)

Discipline must begin in the heart! (Proverbs 4:23)

Parents are singers too and need help! (Psalm 51:5)

What is discipline? Instruction, teaching, training, correction.

Why discipline?

1. We discipline for the good of the child. He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him. (Proverbs 13:24) Loving parents seek to correct the faults of their children because… their children’s lives, favor, protection, healing, dignity and prosperity are at stake. Unloving parents turn their backs on them and hand them over to death, social ruin, public exposure, calamity, and shameful poverty. (Bruce Waltke)
2. We discipline for the good of society. Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly. (Proverbs 17:12)
3. We discipline so there can be peace in the home. Correct your son and he will give you rest (or peace); yes, he will give delight to your soul. (Proverbs 29:17)
4. We discipline  to bring glory to God! The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools. (Proverbs 3:35)

The Proverbs on Marriage (part 2)

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Seventh in a 10-part series on Proverbs

Scripture: Proverbs 11:17

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The Book of Proverbs has much to say about marriage. Foremost in the writer’s mind is the idea that marriage is a covenant relationship (Proverbs 2:16-17). As a covenant relationship the marriage partners are called upon to demonstrate Godly character toward their mate. Solomon offers profound advice for both husbands and wives that help build a strong marriage.

Two directions of wisdom for marriage

1. Wisdom to choose a good marriage partner

• Seek Christ (Proverbs 19:14)
• Seek character (Proverbs 31:30)
• Seek counsel (Proverbs 15:22)

2. Wisdom to build a good marriage (Proverbs 12:4)

Just as there are two kinds of wives, there are two kinds of husbands. Notice what Proverbs says about husbands. Proverbs 11:17 – “The merciful man does good for his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.” Cruelty here means to act harshly, violent, uncaring and insensitive.

1. A cruel husband hangs with the wrong friends. Proverbs 14:1-2 – Don’t envy evil people or desire their company. For their hearts pilot violence, and their words always stir up trouble.
2. A cruel man strays from home. Proverbs 27:8 – Like a bird that wanders from its nest is a man who wanders from his place.
3. A cruel man harms with words and will not be honest. Proverbs 12:18-19 – There is one who speaks like the piercing of a sword, … But a lying tongue is but for a moment.
4. A kind husband learns to understand his wife. 1 Peter 3:7 – Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding.
5. A kind husband communicates properly. Proverbs 12:18b-19 – But the tongue of the wise promotes health. The truthful lip shall be established forever.
6. A kind husband loves only his wife! Proverbs 5:18-19 – Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth. As a loving deer and a graceful doe, let her breasts satisfy you at all times; and always be enraptured with her love.

The Proverbs on Marriage (part 1)

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Sixth in a 10-part series on Proverbs

Scripture: Proverbs 2:1-17

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The Book of Proverbs has much to say about marriage. Foremost in the writer’s mind is the idea that marriage is a covenant relationship (Proverbs 2:16-17). As a covenant relationship the marriage partners are called upon to demonstrate Godly character toward their mate. Solomon offers profound advice for both husbands and wives that help build a strong marriage.

The Big Idea: Marriage is a Covenant

• Marriage is not contractual.
• Marriage portrays Christ-like love.
• Marriage is for a lifetime.
• Marriage is to bring glory to God.

Proverbs tell us there are two kinds of wives and two kinds of husbands. First let’s look at what the writer had to say about wives.

An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones. (Proverbs 12:4)

An excellent wife brings her husband blessing and honor, both privately and publicly. In the home she supports and respects her husband’s God-given call to less the marriage and the family with dignity respect and appreciation. In public, her actions and words are such that bring honor and esteem to her husband. (Proverbs 31:10-12)

A shameful wife destroys a man inwardly. She is like decay in his bones. In the home, her demanding, arguing, and critical ways become a source of pain and heartache, which undercuts his manhood and robs him of his ability to lead the household with strength and confidence. In public she is demeaning and disrespectful to the point you can almost see in a marriage. The wife’s character is often reflected in her husband’s demeanor.

• She is demanding and quarrelsome. (Proverbs 27:15-16)
• She creates emotional and physical distance. (Proverbs 21:19; 25:24)
• She destroys instead of builds. (Proverbs 14:1)

An excellent wife builds her house in wisdom and the fear of the Lord. (Proverbs 31:30)

To be continued next week.

God Provides

Message by Dru Johnson

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-14

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This story is about God giving Abram what he needs.

Who is in this story?

• Abram
• Isaac
• God
• Angel (Messenger)
• Two servants

Objects in the story:

• Wood
• Fire
• Knife
• Altar
• Rope

Sayings in the story:

• Here I am
• We’ll be back
• Abram’s only son
• God will provide

God provided a ram so Abram didn’t have to sacrifice is only son. In the new testament, God did give His only Son for us! John 3:16

Living Out the Incarnation

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 5:14-21

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Most of us think of the Incarnation as an event—that moment when Christ came to earth, took on human flesh and lived as a man (John 1:14). As important as the event is to everything we believe about Jesus, we need to see the Incarnation as God’s agenda and calling for our lives. The theology of the Incarnation means nothing if we do not allow its truth to transform our lives. The apostle Paul tells us our call to be an “ambassador” for Christ defines what it truly means to live incarnate lives that demonstrate the glory of God (2 Corinthians 5:20).

1) Ambassadors live only for the One whom they are called to represent! 2 Corinthians 5:14 – For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

Paul direction toward two motivating forces that enable us to live for Christ

• The power of the Cross.
• The compelling force of God’s love.

2) Ambassadors have a redemptive outlook on relationships! 2 Corinthians 5: 16-17 – Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

• We see Christ differently.
• We see ourselves differently.
• We see others differently.

3) Ambassadors do the hard work of reconciliation! 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 – Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, … Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. Ambassadors do the hard work of reconciliation

• Ambassadors look at others redemptively
• Ambassadors take the initiative to restore relationships
• Ambassadors do what is necessary to restore relationships

What Does The Incarnation Mean?

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: John 1:14-18, Hebrews 4:14-18

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John tells in the first chapter of his Gospel that Word from before the beginning is the Eternal One, the Creator, the Promised One, the Rejected One and the One who is our Savior. And more he is going to tell us that the Word becomes the Incarnate One. This is John’s Christmas Story.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

The word “incarnation” is derived from the Latin word which means “in the flesh” -

What does the Incarnation mean?

1) The Incarnation means God truly wants us to know Him!

John 1:14 – And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.

2) The Incarnation means God can make us like Him!

Council of Chalcedon 451 – The early church fathers described the Incarnation by saying Jesus Christ is one person with two natures–fully God and fully man. To describe the union of these two natures they used the term “hypostatic union”. This is the theological nomenclature we use to explain the Incarnation.

Why is the humanity of Jesus important? (1 Timothy 2:4; Hebrews 4:14-15)

It is Christ’s humanity that uniquely qualifies Him to be a faithful High Priest on behalf of His people. Jesus entered into the full human experience. He understands the full catalog of temptations we face. He understands betrayal, rejection, physical pain and aloneness. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

3) The Incarnation means we now relate to God on the basis of grace and truth!

Grace is God’s loving mercy and forgiveness to forgive and cleanse sin and His unmatched power to help us overcome all of life’s battles.

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

John’s Christmas Story

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: John 1:1-13

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One of the most unique and certainly most important accounts of Christmas is found in chapter 1 of John’s Gospel. I say that because John presents the Christmas story without ever mentioning any historical markers that we associate with Christmas; no Bethlehem, no Joseph and Mary, no shepherds, no King Herod and the wise men. Some would wonder, what kind of Christmas story is this? You can’t have Christmas without shepherds. But John’s gives us the “story behind the story” so to speak. This is the story that is told not so much from history, but from eternity. It’s the Christmas story told from heaven not from earth. And that’s why it is so unique. John’s story is rich in theology and unique to all the New Testament. Most of all John tells us who Jesus truly is. He introduces the story by stating some amazing things about Jesus and His coming into the world.

• The Word is the Eternal One John 1:1-2 – In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.
• He is the One who created all things John 1:3
• He is the True Life and Light John 1:4
• He is the Promised One John 1:6 -8
• The Rejected One John 1:10 -11
• The Saving One John 1:12 -13

The Incarnate One John 1:14 – And the Word became flesh…!

1. The Incarnation means we are loved and valued by God!  Philippians 2:5-11
2. The Incarnation means God truly wants us to know Him! John 1:14 – And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,
3. The Incarnation means God can make us like Him!  2 Corinthians 5:21 – For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us,that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
4. The Incarnation means we can experience Grace and Truth! John 1:14 – and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

He Became One of Us – The Pre-Christmas Story

Message by Dru Johnson

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Why did the entire French village of Le Chambon shelter 5,000 Jews from the Nazis?

Scripture: Philippians 2:6-8 – “who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (English Bible Version)

Balm of Gilead

Message by guest speaker, Gaylon Vinson of Vinson Ministries International (VMI) and founding pastor of Washington Park Fellowship now GracePoint of Webster.  VMI is dedicated to the training of pastors and leaders in countries around the world including Russia, Latvia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Mexico and Venezuela.

Scripture: Jeremiah 8 and 9

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The Proverbs On Our Speech

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Fifth in a 10-part series on Proverbs

Scripture: Proverbs 18:21

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The Bible has a lot to say about our words. Jesus in particular warned us how important this issue of our speech is even from an eternal perspective (Matthew 12:34-37). When you come to the Book of Proverbs, Solomon addresses the subject of our words often. In fact it is the one issue he addresses most with over 130 references having to do with our words and speech.

1. Wisdom is a verbal virtue

Proverbs comes to us in the form of a personal conversation, not a sermon or a even a book. Wisdom is constantly taught to us through personal conversations of…

• a loving parent
• a faithful friend
• a wise counselor
• a Godly leader
• sometime, through the words of a fool

2. Jesus conversed the Gospel in honest, wise conversations so He could speak to the issues of the heart. (Mark 7-11)

3. Our ability to talk and listen to one another biblically greatly affects how we grow as Christians and as a church. (Ephesians 4:11-29)

4. Proverbs on our speech

A. The power of words (Proverbs 18:21)

1. They penetrate for good and for bad (Proverbs 12:18)
2. They spread for good and for evil (Proverbs 17:14)

B. The weakness of meaningless words

1. They are no substitute for deeds (Proverbs 14:23)
2. They don’t change the facts (Proverbs 26:23-28)
3. They cannot compel a response (Proverbs 29:19)

C. Words at their best

1. They are honest! (Proverbs 16:13)
2. They are few (Proverbs 17:28)
3. They are calm (Proverbs 17:27; James 3:17)
4. They are apt (Proverbs 15:23)

Proverbs 15:28 –”The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.”

The Proverbs on Making Wise Plans

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Fourth in a 10-part series on Proverbs

Scripture: Proverbs 12:5

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God is sovereign – He is in control of every person, every thing, and every outcome that ever has been or ever will be. Yet, Proverbs has much to say about planning for the future. We should plan wisely and plan with flexibility, meaning make plans that honor God yet be willing to change when God calls you to something else.

We need to work “on” our life not just “in” our life!

Five reasons why we should plan:

1. The complexity of life
Proverbs 20:18 – Plans are established by counsel; by wise counsel wage war.

2. The uncertainty of life
Proverbs 27:1 – Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

3. The brevity of life
Psalm 90:12 – So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

4. The frailty of life
Proverbs 16:33 –The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.

5. God Himself is a planner!
Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Five ways to plan wisely

1. Choose not to do evil
Proverbs 6:18 – …A heart that devises wicked plans,

2. Pray
James 4:15 – Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”

3. Seek Counsel
Proverbs 15:22 – Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established.

4. Work hard at your plan
Proverbs 21:5 – The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.

5. Be Flexible
Proverbs 16:9 – A man’s heart pins his way, But the LORD directs his steps.

Jonah

Message by our guest speaker, Christoph Zurcher

Scripture: Book of Jonah

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Scriptures referred to during the message:

• “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” – Mark 16: 15
• God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. – 1Timothy 2: 4
• Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins. – James 4: 17
• “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” – John 14: 15
• For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God, and are justified  freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ. – Romans 3: 23
• But God demonstrates his own Love for us in this, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5: 8

The YouTube video played near the end of the message: “A Gift of a Bible” – Penn of Penn and Teller speaks of someone who offered him a Bible one night after his show.

The Proverbs on the Heart

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Third in a 10-part series on Proverbs

Scripture: Proverbs 4:23

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The Book of Proverbs is intensely practical and altogether relevant for today’s Christian. One of the great themes throughout Scripture and in particular the Book of Proverbs is the “heart.” Depending on the translation you read, the word ‘heart’ is mentioned at least 900 times and in Proverbs it is used over 50 times

Jesus and Solomon agree we have a sin problem in our heart. (Matthew 22:37, Matthew 5:8, Proverbs 20:9)

What is sin? Disobedience, dishonor and disregard for God and His Word
How do we deal with sin? Freud, Jung, Rogers and the Bible

Jesus said there is an undeniable connection between our heart and our behavior. Roots = Fruit (Luke 6:43-45)

Lasting change must take place through the pathway of the heart.

Change that ignores the heart will seldom transform the life.

Behavioral change alone doesn’t work!

1. it’s only rearranging the flesh
2. it tends toward pride or despair
3. parenting often focuses on behavior and not the heart

God always focuses on the heart when He seeks to bring change in our life. (Titus 3:3-7, Doctrine of Regeneration)

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Ezekiel 36:26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you;

The heart should always be our target in personal growth and ministry.

Proverbs 20:5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, But a man of understanding will draw it out.

The Proverbs on Wisdom

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Second in a 10-part series on Proverbs

Scripture: Proverbs 9:1-10 and Ephesians 5:15-21

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The Book of Proverbs is intensely practical and altogether relevant for today’s Christian There are many good and rich themes throughout the book of Proverbs. As you read it, it is important to identify and group together the major themes that run throughout the book. One of the major themes that you find running throughout the entire book of Proverbs is this idea of wisdom

How Does Solomon teach us wisdom?

1. Teaching us the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 9:10)
2. Using key words (wisdom, understanding, knowledge and instruction)
3. Showing us our need for wisdom (Proverbs 9:1, Proverbs 24:3)

Two great myths of wisdom:

- the older you become the wiser you become

- education and intellect equal wisdom

4. Contrasting wisdom with foolishness

Solomon tells us that we can learn wisdom from watching both the wisdom and folly of others.

I. The Wisdom of Prudence is set against the foolishness of careless living.

Proverbs 22:3 A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

II. The foolishness of laziness is compared to the wisdom of being industrious.

Proverbs 6:6-11 Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler, Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest. How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep—So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, And your need like an armed man.

III. The wisdom of learning and receiving instruction is compared to the foolishness rejecting counsel or input.

Proverbs 9:8-9 Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

Image: Simon Howden / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Introduction to Proverbs

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

First in a 10-part series on Proverbs

Scripture: Proverbs 1:1-7

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Proverbs 1:7 – The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,  But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Solomon the author

Solomon means “peaceable” (2 Samuel 12:24)
Son of David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:24)
Becomes king over Israel (1 Kings 1:30-53)
He rules the kingdom by wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-9)
He is the wisest man in his day (1 Kings 4:29; 1 Kings 10:1-6)
Prolific writer and composer (1 Kings 4:32)
He is a man of great wealth (1 Kings 10:14-23)
Commissioned to build the temple (1 Kings 5:5)
Great downfall (1 Kings 11:4-5)

The book of Proverbs – Proverbs is “wisdom” literature

• philosophical wisdom
• practical wisdom
• truisms not promises
• principles more than methods

Proverbs is all about wisdom (Proverbs 4:7) - wisdom, understanding, instruction, knowledge

Wisdom is not “intellect” but “life smarts”
The wisdom of Proverbs is anticipated in Jesus (Colossians 2:3)
Wisdom is living your life under the Lordship of Christ

Wisdom begins with the “fear of the Lord” (Proverbs 1:7)
The “fear of God” is both an Old and New Testament concept
(2 Corinthians 7:1; Philippians 2:12-13; 1 Peter 1:17)

How Do You Love God?

Message by our own Sean Duggan

Scripture: Mark 28-31

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Do you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength? Since that is what Jesus commanded us to do, does the way you live your life show that love? Sean helps us to assess the focus of our lives.

Baby Talk

First Sunday Message by Dru Johnson

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Why do we speak baby talk to babies? So we can communicate with them. Why then do we speak to non-Christians with words they don’t understand? Listen to this message geared for both children and adults to find out how we should communicate.

(The YouTube video on “Christianese” played near the end of the message can be found here.)

You Are Blessed Because You Believed

Guest Speaker, Dale Pugh, regional supervisor to missionaries at World Indigenous Missions (WIM).

Scripture: Luke 1:45

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Luke 1:45 “You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what He said.”

Faith + Action = Results

Matthews 6:24-34

• Step one: Believe!  - Mark 9:23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”
• Step two: Take action. Faith without works is dead. Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
• Step three: Expect results. - Romans 8:31-37 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Fatalism says, “Don’t show up, you can’t win anyway.” The Bible says “I am more than a conqueror through HIM who loves me!”

Matthew 7:7-11

(The YouTube video played near the end of the message can be found here.)

To Whom Do You Listen?

Message by Dru Johnson

Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:15-20

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Whose voice we listen to determines what we can be and what we know.

“See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

“But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess.

“This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” – Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Loving the Congregation

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Final Message in the Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16

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This week we conclude our year long study of the Book of 1^st Corinthians. Throughout this series we have covered some of the more complex issues in all of Scripture, including the Cross, church splits, immorality, gender confusion, lawsuits, alcohol, feminism, and spiritual gifts, to name a few. In closing Paul speaks from his heart as a pastor who shares some important concerns with his congregation.

A pastor’s concern for continued grace giving Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. – 1 Corinthians 16:1-2

Grace giving principles: sacrificial, regular, cheerful & proportional (2 Corinthians 8-9)

His concern for all the ministry demands For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. – 1 Corinthians 16:9

(pastoring, missions, Christian counseling & conciliation)

Paul’s concern for good leaders And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. Therefore let no one despise him. – 1 Corinthians 16:10-11

Recognize, receive & respect (Hebrews 13:17)

A pastor’s concern for strong men Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love. – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

GracePoint should be a “man factory” – Boys come in and men go out!

Equipping the Called

Message by our guest speaker, Christoph Zurcher

Scripture: Judges 6

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In this chapter we have Gideon going about his everyday business threshing wheat in a hidden place because he was afraid of the enemy when he suddenly was addressed by the Angel of the Lord: “Mighty warrior! Go out boldly in the strength you have and save your people from the Midianites. Am I not sending you?!”

Gideon was a farmer, not a soldier. In his own eyes he was unqualified to lead the army but God sees and looks at our potential, not just the person we are right now. God knows us better than we know ourselves.

Maybe God is stirring you, asking you to do a task that seems much bigger than you can handle… It is overwhelming to you. You don’t quite understand how to go about it or what to do.

Ask God to show you clearly if it is Him who is asking you to do a particular task. Ask God for direction on how He wants you to go about it and then trust Him that He is the one guiding you , helping you with His strength to do his will.

If There is a Resurrection, What Do We Gain?

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:20-58

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The church in Corinth was immersed in a Greek culture that did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. When Paul preached at Athens and declared the fact of Christ’s resurrection, some of his listeners laughed at him and considered him mad (Acts 17:32). This skeptical attitude against the resurrection had invaded the church and Paul had to address it. In this section Paul deals with several important questions regarding the resurrection.

If Jesus did not rise from the grave what do we loose?
(1 Corinthians 15:12-19)

• No one will ever beat death.
• The apostle’s teaching and preaching is a lie.
• The Christian faith is worthless.
• Sin cannot be forgiven.
• Christians are hopeless fools.
• There is no hope beyond the grave.
• Christians are the most pitiful people on earth.

If Jesus rose from the grave what do we gain in eternity?
(1 Corinthians 15:20-28)

• We gain a resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:51-53)
• We belong to Christ and not Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45, 46, 49)
• We will live forever with Christ in His kingdom (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
• Sin, Satan & death have been conquered (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)

What are the implications of the resurrection in this life?
(1 Corinthians 15:29-35)

• We can die in the hope and faith of eternity with Christ
• We can live this life with an eternal perspective

Paul addresses the real problem concerning the resurrection. Some people resisted the idea of a resurrection for so called academic reasons saying it did not make sense or was not logical. However, Paul argues that resistance to believing in the resurrection is really not an academic issue but a heart issue. The truth is people love their sin more than they love God’s truth and His gospel. Paul calls them to come to their senses through repentance of sin and embrace an eternal vision.

If There is No Resurrection…

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-19

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Christianity is the largest religion in the history of the world with billions of followers who worship Jesus Christ as God. Unlike the founder of any other religion, Jesus declared Himself to be God and then proved His divinity through His resurrection from death as the only person to ever defeat the grave. Thus, the entirety of the Christian faith is built upon the historical fact of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Simply, if Jesus did not rise from death then Christianity is not merely a well-intentioned error, but a deceitful delusion of the worst kind. In Chapter 15, Paul addresses questions concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ, by proving its validity and demonstrating its power.

The Gospel succinct
(1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

• Jesus died
• Jesus was buried
• Jesus rose from the grave

The proofs of the resurrection
(1 Corinthians 15:4-11)

• Historical evidence, death, burial & resurrection
• Peter’s eye witness testimony
• Jesus appeared to the twelve disciples
• James the brother of Jesus believed
• Paul the persecutor of the church was transformed

The devastating implications if Jesus did not rise from the grave
(1 Corinthians 15:12-19)

• No one can overcome death (verses 12-13)
• The apostles teaching is worthless (verses 14-15)
• Christianity is a worthless faith (verse 14)
• Our sins cannot be forgiven (verse 17)
• Christians are hopeless fools (verse 19)
• There is no hope beyond the grave (verse 18)
• Christians live the most miserable life of all (verse 19)

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Part 10)

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14

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The flow of the church service is a key factor in determining the release of a congregation’s life and ministry. Our gatherings can be fruitful or frustrating and the difference is found in how we understand and apply key the principles of corporate worship. The Corinthians were very zealous and exuberant when it came to the worship service, but they often expressed their worship carelessly and selfishly by misusing and abusing the spiritual gifts. They needed balance and wisdom and so Paul gives three principles that must be a part of every worship service.

Edification 1 Corinthians 14:1-5

• Why prophecy is the greater gift.
• Prophecy is greater than tongues in the corporate worship service because everyone is edified.

The problem in Corinth was not the gift of tongues, but the attitude of the worshipers who exalted their personal experience above the edification of others.

Understanding 1 Corinthians 14:6-25

Three examples:

1. Musical instruments,
2. The commands of a trumpet
3. Plain, understandable conversation

The speaker must strive to make his message understandable so believers can be instructed and worship together and non-believers can understand the message that God is speaking to them.

Order 1 Corinthians 14:26-40

Guidelines for tongues

1. Tongues must be interpreted
2. The message in tongues must be judged
3. They should speak one at a time not more than three

Guidelines for prophecy

1. Limit the number to three prophecies
2. Prophecy must be judged
3. Prophets must be gracious and submissive
4. Prophecy should be given in orderly fashion
5. The prophet must exercise self-control
6. The operation of the gifts should create an atmosphere of peace

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Part 9)

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14

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Definition
The Bible defines speaking in tongues as the ability to praise and pray to God in a language unknown to the speaker.

Blessings that come through the gift of speaking in tongues:

1. Tongues glorifies God in personal devotion and prayer. (1 Corinthians 14:2)
2. Tongues edifies the believer. (1 Corinthians 14:4)
3. Tongues has both a public and private expression. (1 Corinthians 14:3-5)
4. Tongues is a sign to unbelievers. (1 Corinthians 14:22)

Definition
Prophecy in its simplest from is divinely inspired and anointed utterance.

There is a difference between the Old Testament office of the Prophet and the New Testament gift of prophecy. (1 Samuel 3:20; 1 Kings 18:36; 2 Kings 6:12; Haggai 1:1)

Old Testament Prophets heard, spoke and wrote divine revelation.

The Scripture warns against false prophets

• They claim to speak for God
• They often perform counterfeit signs
• They point to false gods.

Principles for the New Testament Gift of prophecy:

1. The New Testament does not elevate the “gift of prophecy” to the same level of authority as the Scripture.
2. The gift of prophecy is often the teaching and preaching ministry of the Scriptures in the Church. (1Corinthians 14:4-7)
3. Prophecy can be a revelation about a future event that God in tend to reveal to the entire church. (Acts 11:28-29)
4. Prophecy is sometimes a word from God given to an individual. (Acts 21: 10-11)
5. Prophecy should be tested and approved by church leaders. (1 Corinthians 14:29-30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22)

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Part 8)

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13

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I Corinthians 13 is known by many people as the “Love Chapter.” However, it is also greatly misunderstood. Many people read it without considering the context. Chapter 13 is not a theological treatise on love. Nor is it just sentimental instruction on Christian charity. The context is spiritual gifts and Paul is telling us the true motive for doing spiritual gifts (ministry) must be love.

The evidence of spiritual maturity is not demonstrating the greatest gifts, but its loving Jesus and loving people.
1 Corinthians 13:1 – Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.

Love is the standard for doing ministry together in the church!
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 – Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

Love must dictate the culture of the church
The dictionary defines culture as “the sum of attitudes, customs and beliefs that distinguish one group of people from another. Culture is the relational environment that we create as we do ministry together.

What makes up a church’s culture?

• Focusing on kingdom values (Matthew 13:46)
• A people who truly know God (Daniel 11:32; Acts 4:13)

Assessing the eternal value of love
1 Corinthians 13:8-9 – But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part.

• Maturity discerns between the eternal and temporal
• The Perfect is Jesus
• Continue in faith, hope and love

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Part 7)

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:8-11

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The Gift of the word of knowledge / Definition
The gift of the Word of Knowledge is divine revelation of certain facts in the mind of God that He imparts to believers so that we can know what God knows and respond accordingly.

General make up of the gift
These people have a thirst for the knowledge of God’s truth and it motivates them to studying and prayer to understand the Scriptures. However, more than just wanting head knowledge they desire God’s revelational knowledge of certain divine facts that when shared, imparts a clear sense of God’s will in to the situation.

Examples from the Bible

• The prophet Elisha (2 Kings 6:12; 5:21)
• The ministry of Jesus (John 1:47-48)
• The apostle Peter (Acts 5; Acts 10)

Do you have the gift?

1. Do you have desire for the knowledge of God’s Word that motivates you to pray and study the Scriptures continually?
2. In studying God’s word have you found new insights and understanding, even when it comes to difficult subjects?
3. Do you have a strong prayer life and often sense God speaking to you during times of devotion and communion?
4. Do you desire to see people set free from sin and bondage and long for people to have a strong God-awareness in their life.

The Gift of discerning of spirits / Definition
The spiritual gift of discerning of spirits is the ability to perceive whether such things as people, events or beliefs are from God or Satan.

General make up of the gift
Those with the gift of discerning of spirits are acutely aware that there are two forces at work in the world today.. .the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. They understand that Satan and his demons love to disguise themselves as angels of light and often use copies and counterfeits of God’s work to deceive people.

Examples from the Bible

• Jesus (Matthew 4:1; Mark 1:5; 5:1-9)
• Peter (Acts 5:1-10; 10:19)

Do you have the gift?

1. Do you feel a special responsibility to protect the truth of God’s Word by exposing error?
2. Do you love righteousness and hate sin?
3. Do you have a strong sense that if you yield to temptation it could open the door to Satan’s influence?
4. Do you often make a careful evaluation of someone or something that was said, that others did not see, but yet proved to be correct?

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Part 6)

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: I Corinthians 12:9-10 “…to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles..”

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The Gift of Faith / Definition

The gift of faith is the ability to envision what needs to be done and then to trust God to accomplish it even though it seems impossible to most people.

Different from…

Saving faith & the fruit of faith

Mark 11:22-23 – So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.

General make up of people with the gift of faith

• They believe the impossible is possible
• They are convinced that God performs His Word
• Great encouragement to the Body of Christ
• People always borrow their faith

Examples from the Bible

• The life of Jesus (Luke 22:42; 23:46)
• The heroes of faith (Hebrews 11)
• The life of Paul (Acts 27)

The gift of faith is given…

• For the faithful not the faithless
• At the moment we need it
• In connection with God’s purpose
• For others to borrow

Do you have the gift of faith?

1. Do you view obstacles as opportunities and trust God for the impossible?
2. Do you love to boast about the power of God?
3. Are you motivated by new ministries?
4. Do you get frustrated with people who say something can’t be done?
5. Do other believers come to you to borrow your faith?
6. Do you have an effective prayer ministry?

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Part 5)

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: I Corinthians 12:9-10 – “To another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles.”

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How are you applying this series?

• Are you filled with the Spirit?
• Are you using the gift(s) God has given you?
• Are you moving forward or looking backward?

Avoiding two extremes

God can’t! Or God must!

But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases. (Psalm 115:3)

The Working of Miracles / Definition

The ability to call on God to do extraordinary, supernatural acts that reveal His power.

Examples from the Bible

• The Life of Jesus (John 20:30)
• The example of Stephen (Acts 6:8)

Errors concerning miracles

• Self promotion
• The assumption that anointing means approval
• The lust for power
• Demanding a sign

Do you have the gift of working of miracles?

The Gifts of Healings / Definition

The ability to call on God to heal the sick through supernatural means for the purpose of revealing God’s grace and power.

Examples from the Bible

• The Life of Jesus (Matthew 4:23, 24)
• The example of Peter (Acts 6:8)
• The example of Paul (Acts 19:11, 12)

Errors concerning healing…

• God doesn’t heal today…
• We shouldn’t use doctors or medicine
• Healing should only be done at church service
• If you love God and walk by faith you never get sick

Do you have the gift of healing?

In What Do I Believe?

Guest Speaker, Christoph Zurcher.

Scripture: Isaiah 26:4

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(The YouTube video played at the beginning of the message can be found here.)

Due to technical difficulties, these opening remarks of Christoph are not included in above audio file:

“Have you ever found yourselves in a situation where you trusted your GPS to take you to your destination and you ended up somewhere else because your GPS device got confused? You did everything right, you followed all the instructions but you still didn’t get where you needed to go! Frustration sets in. That’s why my daughter suggested that I should name my GPS so I could yell at it!….”

Charge of the Light Brigade

Guest Speaker, Dale Pugh, regional supervisor to missionaries at World Indigenous Missions (WIM).

Scripture: Philippians 2:14-16

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Philippians 2:14-16 – Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.

Five ways or styles you can employ to share your faith from Bill Hybell’s book Contagious Christianity:

• Direct Approach is a clear message straight to a person you may or may not know. I have no problem using this one and it seems to go along with my personality type. This approach also worked well when someone told me about the Lord.
• Intellectual Approach is more of a teaching style. Many times it can be used in an indirect way. For instance make a comment about a current event using Bible knowledge. You don’t even have to tell the person you are using Scripture. You can talk about an issue using God’s wisdom. This will open them up to the Gospel message.
• Testimonial Style – If you meet someone who does not know the Lord or knows very little about him you can simply state something God has done for you. This approach is powerful because no one can argue with a person testimony.
• Invitational Style – You do not have to give the message of salvation to a person, just invite to a place were that message will be given.
• Serving Style – Serving people in love is a great way to demonstrate the Gospel message. Many times people will then ask why you are serving.

Three practical steps you can take  –

1. Go to website and listen to this message again.
2. Pray for God to raise you up as a worker in His harvest.
3. Get the book “Just Walk Across the Room” by Bill Hybels and read it.

God’s Covenant with Christ Jesus

Message by Matt Donovan, an Elder at GracePoint

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(The original YouTube video played at the beginning of the message is here starting at the 5:08 mark.)

John 17:1-5 – Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should[a] give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

Isaiah 53:10-12 – Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand. He shall see the labor of His soul,^[a]and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.

The Pit of Rejection

Message by Guest Speaker, Mike Masters from New Voice Church

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Scripture: Psalms 69:20

Reproach has broken my heart and I am so sick. And I looked for sympathy, but there was none, and for comforters, but I found none.

Isaiah 61:1 – The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners;

1. The People Who Knew Rejection

Jesus
Luke 22:59-61 – After about an hour had passed, another man began to insist, saying, “Certainly this man also was with Him, for he is a Galilean too.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, “Before a rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.”

Joseph
Genesis 37:23-28 – So it came about, when Joseph reached his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the varicolored tunic that was on him; and they took him and threw him into the pit. Now the pit was empty, without any water in it. Then they sat down to eat a meal. And as they raised their eyes and looked, behold, a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing aromatic gum and balm and myrrh, on their way to bring them down to Egypt. Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it for us to kill our brother and cover up his blood? “Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers listened to him. Then some Midianite traders passed by, so they pulled him up and lifted Joseph out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. Thus they brought Joseph into Egypt.

David
1Samuel 17:28-29 – Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger burned against David and he said, “Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your insolence and the wickedness of your heart; for you have come down in order to see the battle.” But David said, “What have I done now? Was it not just a question?”

1Samuel 18:6 – It happened as they were coming, when David returned from killing the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy and with musical instruments.

1Samuel 18:7-11 – The women sang as they played, and said, “Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.” Then Saul became very angry, for this saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?” Saul looked at David with suspicion from that day on. Now it came about on the next day that an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul, and he raved in the midst of the house, while David was playing the harp with his hand, as usual; and a spear was in Saul’s hand. Saul hurled the spear for he thought, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David escaped from his presence twice.

Psalms 142:4 – Look to the right and see; for there is no one who regards me; there is no escape for me; No one cares for my soul.

Psalms 6:6-7 – I am weary with my sighing; every night I make my bed swim, I dissolve my couch with my tears. My eye has wasted away with grief; it has become old because of all my adversaries.

2Samuel 19:4 – The king covered his face and cried out with a loud voice, “O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!”

Psalms 55:12-14 – For it is not an enemy who reproaches me, Then I could bear it; nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me, and then I could hide myself from him. But it is you, a man my equal, my companion and my familiar friend; we who had sweet fellowship together Walked in the house of God in the throng.

2. The Problem with Rejection

Psalms 55:4-7 – My heart is in anguish within me, And the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me, And horror has overwhelmed me. I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. “Behold, I would wander far away, I would lodge in the wilderness. Selah.

3. The Pit of Rejection

1Samuel 30:6 – And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

Psalms 3:1-6 – LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

Psalms 55:22 – Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Jeremiah 30:17 – For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.

Genesis 45:1-4 – Then Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried, “Have everyone go out from me.” So there was no man with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. He wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard of it. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come closer to me.” And they came closer. And he said, “I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt.

Genesis 50:20 – “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.

Isaiah 53:3-5 – 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. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Part 4)

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:8-10

As we consider the gifts of the Holy Spirit, it is important to remember that Jesus is our best model for understanding spiritual gifts.

• Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35)
• Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:21-22)
• Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1)
• Jesus was empowered by the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:14)
• All His ministry was Spirit empowered and directed (Luke 4:18)

Gifts are given…

• To promote the Lordship of Christ (verses 2-3)
• By the Trinity (verses 4-6)
• To benefit others (verse 7)
• By God’s appointment (verse 11)

I Corinthians 12:9 – to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles,

Avoiding the extremes
God can’t! and God must!

The Gifts of Healings / Definition
The ability to call on God to heal the sick through supernatural means for the purpose of revealing God’s grace and power.

The Working of Miracles / Definition
The ability to call on God to do extraordinary, supernatural acts that reveal His power.

The Gift of Faith / Definition
The ability to envision what needs to be done and then to trust God to accomplish it even though it seems impossible to most people.

General Makeup

• Trust God in impossible situations
• Believe God for big things
• Futuristic Change oriented
• Totally convinced of God’s Word

Illustrated
Jesus (Luke 1:37) Paul (Acts 27)

Are You Listening?

Message by Guest Speaker, Chris Briles

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The Briles Family

Chris and Vonda Briles are missionaries with World Indigenous Missions and are living in New Braunfels, Texas where Chris serves as Director of Operations for the organization. In his message today, he shares what God has been doing in their lives and five ways that God speaks to us.

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Part 3)

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:7-10

For the past two weeks we have been considering important principles that Paul gives to help us understand the use of spiritual gifts. This week we actually begin studying the “gifts.” As we consider the gifts of the Holy Spirit, it is important to remember where it all began. Acts chapter two gives us the account of the Spirit of God being outpoured on the Day of Pentecost.

Fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy at Pentecost

And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. (Acts 2:17-18)

Marked the Spirit’s outpouring on all flesh

Announced the beginning of the “last days”

Established the norm for the Spirit’s gifting and activity in the church

Gifts of Revelation

• A Word of wisdom
• A Word of knowledge
• Discerning of spirits

Gifts of Power

• The gift of faith
• The working of miracles
• The gift of healing

Gifts of Inspiration

• Prophecy
• Different of tongues
• Interpretation of tongues

The Word of Wisdom

for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, (1 Corinthians 12:8)

Definition: The gift of the word of wisdom is God’s supernatural insight given to the believer about people and situations that is not obvious to the average person and it comes with the understanding of what to do and how to do it.

All Christians are called to search for and learn wisdom from God. (Ephesians 1:16-17, James 1:5)

Demonstrated in the life of Jesus (Luke 2:40-52)

Illustrated in Scripture: Joshua (Deuteronomy 34:9) Daniel (Daniel 2:17) Solomon (1 Kings 3:5)

Do you have the gift?

Do you find that when you counsel people,  God by His Spirit, gives you wisdom to share with them from Scripture, which they accept as God’s truth to them through you?

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Part 2)

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:1-26

In this section of Scripture we come to one of the most exciting portions of the New Testament. Paul addresses the subject of the Holy Spirit’s gifting in the church, empowering the believers to do the ministry Jesus had begun when He was on earth and now to be continued in the church. Jesus is our greatest example of what it means to be Spirit filled, Spirit led, Spirit empowered and Spirit gifted!

What do we need to understand about spiritual gifts?

• Spiritual gifts are different from natural talents
• There are several lists of spiritual gifts in the New Testament
• We are each given different gifts and different portions of gifts
• We must be open to serving outside our area of gifting
• God gives us passion and opportunities to assist our gifting
• Every gift must be cultivated to be effective in ministry

Spiritual gifts serve the Lordship of Jesus
Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:3)

Spiritual gifts are given and administered by the Trinity
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)

Spiritual gifts each exist to benefit the whole church
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. (1 Corinthians 12:7)

Four principles of corporate edification:

• Unity (1 Corinthians 12:12-13)
• Diversity (1 Corinthians 12:14-17)
• Interdependence(1 Corinthians 12:18-21)
• Value (1 Corinthians 12:22-26)

Spiritual gifts are appointed by God
But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. (1 Corinthians 12:11)

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:2-16

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. (1 Corinthians 12:7)

In this section of Scripture we come to one of the most exciting portions of the New Testament. Paul addresses the subject of the Holy Spirit’s gifting in the church, empowering the believers to do the ministry Jesus had begun when He was on earth and now to be continued in the church. Jesus is our greatest example of what it means to be Spirit filled, Spirit led, Spirit empowered and Spirit gifted!

• Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35)
• Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:21-22)
• Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1)
• Jesus was empowered by the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:14)
• All His ministry was Spirit empowered & directed (Luke 4:18)

Jesus sends the Holy Spirit upon the church so believers can continue the very same ministry He began.
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” (John 14:12; Acts 1:8)

What we need to understand about spiritual gifts!
Spiritual gifts are different from natural talents
There are several lists of spiritual gifts in the New Testament
We are each given different gifts and different portions of gifts
We must be open to serving outside our area of gifting
God gives us passion and opportunities to assist our gifting
Every gift must be cultivated to be effective in ministry

Spiritual gifts serve the Lordship of Jesus (1 Corinthians 12:2-3)

Spiritual gifts are given and administered by the Trinity (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)

Spiritual gifts each exist to benefit the whole church (1 Corinthians 12:7)

Spiritual gifts are appointed by God (1 Corinthians 12:11)

The Lord’s Supper (Part 2)

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. (1 Corinthians 11:28-2 9)

The Corinthians were making a mockery of the Lord’s Supper. The very observance given to us by Jesus Himself, which was intended to bring believers closer together, was actually causing division and destruction in the Corinthian Church. In this packed portion of Scripture, Paul gives the following directives for the Lord’s Supper.

• It is about Jesus and therefore only for Christians
• It requires prior self-examination and repentance of sin
• It is to honor all Christians as equals in Christ
• It is to be a source of unity and not division among Christians
• It is not to be eaten as a normal meal
• Disregard for these directives may bring God’s judgment.

The Reformed view holds that Christ is present in the Lord’s Supper, but not physically or bodily. Rather His presence in the sacrament is spiritual or dynamic. Calvin said that the Lord is present influentially, and used the sun as an illustration. Just as the sun remains in the heavens and its light and warmth affect the earth, so too Christ’s presence in the Lord’s Supper is spiritual and not physical. So it’s the radiance and the power of the Spirit that conveys on us the communion of the Lord’s flesh and blood. (Romans 8:9-11).

How do we remember Christ’s death and rightly discern His Body?

• By Looking Back (1 Corinthians 11:23-26a)
• By Looking Ahead (1 Corinthians 11:26b)
• By Looking Within (1 Corinthians 11:27-28, 31-32)
• By Looking Around (1 Corinthians 11:33-34)

Created and Redeemed For Right Relationship

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:2-16

In 1 Corinthians 11, we come to the section of Scripture where Paul addresses the issue of gender. Some of the most important but controversial theological debates in all of Christianity today center around the issues of gender; such as marriage, feminism, homosexuality, lesbianism etc. These issues are at the forefront of our culture today and everybody wants to debate them. Certainly the church needs to know what the Scriptures have to say concerning these things. Speaking through Paul, God provides principles that are applicable to similar problems in our own day.

Three positions on gender:

• Egalitarianism
• Hierarchical Chauvinism
• Complimentarian Chivalry

Paul’s reasoning from Scripture:

• Creation (11:8-9)
• Redemption (11:2-12)
• Nature (11:13-16)

What does Creation teach us?

1. Men and women are equal, both created in God’s image. (Genesis 1:26)
2. God has given men and women different roles. (Genesis 2:18)
3. All that God made is very good! (Genesis 1:31)
4. Sin, not gender has caused the conflict and confused the roles between men and women. (Genesis 3:16)

What does Redemption teach us?

1. The Trinity models right relationship (1 Corinthians 11:3)
2. Men and women must respect godly authority (1 Corinthians 11:4-9).
3. Angels provide us an example for authority (1 Corinthians 11:10).
4. Men and women need each other (1 Corinthians 11:11-12).

What does nature teach us?

Men should be masculine and women should be feminine. Gender roles and identity are defined by Scripture not culture. (1 Corinthians 11:13-16)

Created In His Image and Glory

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:2-9

In 1 Corinthians 11, we come to the section of Scripture where Paul addresses the issue of gender. Some of the most important but controversial theological debates in all of Christianity today center around the issues of gender; such as marriage, feminism, homosexuality, lesbianism, etc. These issues are at the forefront of our culture today and everybody wants to debate them. Certainly the church needs to know what the Scriptures have to say concerning these things. Speaking through Paul, God provides principles that are applicable to similar problems in our own day.

Three positions on gender

Egalitarianism
Hierarchical Chauvinism
Complimentarian Chivalry

Paul’s reasoning from Scripture

Creation (11:8-9) Redemption (11:2-12) Nature (11:13-16)

What does Creation teach us?

• Men and women are equal, both created in God’s image. Genesis 1:26 – Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
• God has given men and women different roles.
  • Head (1 Corinthians 11:3-9)
  • Helper (Genesis 2:18)
• All that God made is very good! (Genesis 1:31)

Men make culture, culture doesn’t make men.

• Sin, not gender has caused the conflict and confused the roles between men and women. Genesis 3:16 – Your desire shall be for your husband, And he shall rule over you.”

What does Redemption teach us?

• The Trinity models right relationship (1 Corinthians 11:3)

Genesis 3:14-15

Glorifying God

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:23-33

When we come to this section of 1 Corinthians Paul revisits a theme he had brought up earlier in his letter. It is the issue of being good missionaries to our community and city. Whenever the Church exists in a culture that is not rooted in Christ or the truth of Scripture, Christians must constantly live with the tension of trying to relate to their culture for the sake of the Gospel and yet remain faithful to Christ and His kingdom. And that means there all kinds of practical decisions we must make on a daily basis about the way we present Christ to our world. Paul reminds us of several very important responsibilities as good missionaries.

1. Obey God’s Word: Is something permissible? 1 Corinthians 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful;
2. Obey your conscience: Is it wise to do? 1 Corinthians 10:23b all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.
3. Demonstrate God’s love: Will others be edified? 1 Corinthians 10:24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.
4. Be a good evangelist: Will this help bring others to Christ? 1 Corinthians 10: 31-33 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
5. Bring Glory to God! Will we be happy? 1 Corinthians 10: 31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

A. You were created for God’s glory (Isaiah 43:7)
B. All life is an opportunity to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31)
C. People often choose happiness over glory (Romans 3:23)
D. True happiness is impossible apart from God’s glory
E. Your highest joy is found in God alone

“The chief end of man is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever.” (Westminster Confession / John Piper)

The Most Important Information! The Gospel of Jesus Christ

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

We live in an age of mass information and we are constantly bombarded with the need to know more! There is a constant influx of information from countless sources, all clamoring for our attention. But did you ever stop to think: What is the most important information to know? Paul tells us plainly in these first few verses of 1 Corinthians 15 the most important information to posses is contained the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul gives us five line of powerful evidence to prove the Gospel is true and of supreme importance

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is “good news!”
It has the power to save us!
It is for everyone!
It must be believed, received and stood upon!

1. Christ died! 1 Corinthians 15:3 – For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.
2. Christ was buried! 1 Corinthians 15:3 – and that He was buried.
   
3. Christ rose from the dead! buried! 1 Corinthians 15:4 – and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.
4. Christ appeared to many eyewitnesses! 1 Corinthians 15:5-8 – and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.
5. Christ by His grace continues to transform lives! 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 – For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am…

Resisting Idolatry

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-14

When we come to chapter ten of First Corinthians, Paul gives a very strong warning to the Corinthians. Paul is writing to a group of Christians who were over confident in their ability to overcome temptation. Paul uses the Old Testament example of Israel’s failure in the wilderness to warn the believers of the dangers of sin and in particular the sin of idolatry. Paul gives several specific warnings but his main concern is the sin of idolatry which is the root of all other sin.

1st Warning: Privileges are no guarantee to success. (verses 1-4)

2nd Warning: Good beginnings do not guarantee a good finish. (verses 5-9)

3rd Warning: Don’t be deceived by sin: God can enable us to overcome if we obey His Word. (verses 11-13)

4th Warning: Flee from idolatry (verses 7 and 14)

Idolatry is a root issue to all other sin.

Martin Luther’s understanding of the Ten Commandments

Jesus points us to the heart (Ezekiel. 36:25, Luke 6:43-45)

We are inherently worshipers! Idolatry is simply inverted worship. (Genesis 1:26-28, Romans 1:21-26)

The human heart is an idol factory (John Calvin)

The Slippery Slope of Idolatry

Desire

Demand

Expectation

Disappointment

Judgment

Punishment

How do we free ourselves from idolatry?

• Recognize – see and name your idols (Jeremiah 17:9)
• Repent – confess your false gods and break them (I Thessalonians 1:9)
• Replace – worship Jesus as your only true Savior & Lord (John 4:23)
• Rejoice – through Jesus, idols are exchanged for the real God (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Living to Preach the Gospel

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27

One of the important questions facing the church is: What is the role of the church in regards to mainstream culture?

1. Our greatest gift to culture is the Gospel of Jesus Christ
   1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.
2. We must be faithful to contend for the Gospel 1 Corinthians 1:17 – For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
   
   Pit Bull Christianity is dangerous!
3. We must be willing to apply the Gospel to different cultures
   1 Corinthians 9:19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more… Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.
   
   How do we contextualize? Consider the Gospel writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Every culture has aspects to be; rejected, received and redeemed.
4. We must allow the Gospel to transform us personally
   1 Corinthians 9:24 – Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

Respecting Your Pastor

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9

For some reason many people imagine pastoral ministry to be some kind of dreamy life; filled with endless hours of Bible reading; prayer walks with Jesus; and unbroken seasons of singing worship songs and all the time smiling. Statistically however, being a pastor is one of the most hazardous professions to pursue. Some believe being involved in full time ministry is the spiritual equivalent of being a kamikaze pilot, diving into the heartbreak of people’s brokenness, crisis, conflict and criticism. Certainly the apostle Paul experienced the pain of ministry firsthand. In this section he speaks directly about a proper relationship between a pastor and a church and gives us three broad principles.

1. A Good Pastor Is Worthy of Respect

1 Corinthians 9:1 – Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

2. A Good Pastor is Worthy of a Decent Wage

1 Corinthians 9:4 – Do we have no right to eat and drink? Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working?

Paul argues from human experience (verse 7)

Paul argues from Old Testament Law (verses 8-10; Deuteronomy 25:4)

1 Corinthians 9:14 – Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.

3. There May Be Times When It Is Right To Lay Aside One’s Wages

1 Corinthians 9:12 If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ.

• For the sake of the Gospel (verses 15-18)
• For the sake of unbelievers (verses 19-23)
• For the sake of oneself (verses 24-27)

1 Corinthians 9:1 – Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

The Lord’s Supper

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:14-17

There are many ways to view human history. Some people say that the best way to study history is by talking about important people, key events or even God’s covenants. However, one of the unique ways of looking at human history is looking at how Scripture speaks of five important meals.

1st Meal – Man eats alone
And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (Genesis 2:16-17)

2nd Meal – The Lord’s Passover
And thus you shall eat it: with a belt on your waist, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. So you shall eat it in haste. It is the LORD’s Passover.
(Exodus 12:7-11)

3rd Meal – The Last Supper
And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.
(Luke 22:19-20)

4th Meal – Communion
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
(1 Corinthians 10:16)

Choosing the Higher Principle

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

In every church some of the most contentious arguments can arise over issues of different Christian liberties. While the issue in the Corinthian Church was “meat offered to idols” the issues in our own day would include things such as drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, listening to secular music, etc. Christians must always remember they exist in a much wider culture context than just the local church to which they belong. We are called of God to be missionaries into the world, which means there are going to be a lot cultural issues that are going to be highly controversial. We need to know what is acceptable and unacceptable for a Christian when it comes to God’s Word and we need to know how to get along when our convictions differ over matters of conscience. Paul takes us back to the model of Christ and he reminds us of four things about Christian liberty.

Avoiding the errors of sectarianism and syncretism (John 17:15)

1. We need the right knowledge. Corinthians 8:1 – Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.
2. We need to obey our conscience. 1 Corinthians 8:7 – However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.
3. We need to be honest about our weaknesses and strengths? Romans 14:4 – Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.
4. We need to practice the highest principle! 1 Corinthians 8:8 – But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor f we do not eat are we the worse.

What about… Alcohol? Cigarettes? Secular music?

Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage, Part 2

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:10-24, 39-40

Three weeks ago we began a two-part message on Marriage Divorce and Remarriage. In addressing each of these subjects we want to try and answer some common questions that people have on this whole issue. First we dealt with the question concerning marriage.

What does the Bible tell us about marriage?

1. 1. God made marriage for one man and one woman. (Genesis 2:22-25)
2. God designed marriage to be a permanent union of “oneness” that is not to be broken. (Genesis 2:23-24; Matthew 19:4-6)
3. Marriage is a covenant. (Malachi 2:14; Proverbs 2:17; Ecclesiastes 5:4)
4. 4. A marriage is one in which the husband commits himself to providing for his wife’s and children’s well-being. (Exodus 21:10; Ephesians 5:28-29; 1 Timothy 5:8)
5. A husband is accountable for his family’s well-being and conduct. (Genesis 3:9; Ephesians 5:22-23; Colossians 3:18-21; 1 Peter 3:1-7)
6. God hates divorce. (Malachi 2:16)

Six important questions regarding Divorce and Remarriage

1. What constitutes the legitimate ending of a marriage?
   1. Death of a spouse (1 Corinthians 7:39; Romans 7:2-4)
   2. Adultery (Matthew 5:32; 19:8)
   3. Non-Christian leaves (1 Corinthians 7:12-1 6)
   4. Treason or Betrayal (Matthew 19:9)
2. What will the elders do if my Christian spouse insists on divorcing me? (Mark 10:11-12; Romans 7:2-3; 1 Corinthians 7:10-11, 27)
3. Does this mean women must endure an abusive relationship? (1 Peter 3:7)
4. Can I remarry after divorcing an adulterer? (Matthew 19:19; Mark 10:10; Luke 16:18)
5. What if I divorced my spouse because of domestic violence, child abuse or abandonment—can I remarry?
6. What if I was divorced as a non-Christian?

God’s Purpose and Plan

First Morning Guest Speaker Christoph Zurcher

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Scripture: The Book of Esther

Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage, Part 1

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:10-24, 39-40

In our society, marriages fail under a wide range of circumstances. Many people have gone through a divorce before having a relationship with Christ, and others have experienced divorce through no desire or decision of their own. Still others may have divorced because of their own wrongful choices, but have since experienced the repentance and forgiveness offered through our Lord Jesus.

The myth of divorce
No one is harmed
It’s better for the children
It ends the relationship

1. God made marriage for one man and one woman (Genesis 2:22-25)
2. God designed marriage to be a permanent union of “oneness” that is not to be broken (Genesis 2:23-24; Matthew 19:4-6)
3. Marriage is a covenant (Malachi 2:14; Prov. 2:17; Ecclesiastes 5:4)
4. A marriage is one in which the husband commits himself to providing for his wife’s and children’s well-being (Exodus 21:10; Ephesians 5:28-29; 1 Tim. 5:8)
5. A husband is accountable for his family’s well-being and conduct (Genesis 3:9; Ephesians 5:22-23; Col. 3:18-21; 1 Peter 3:1-7)
6. God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16)

Our commitment at GracePoint of Webster to protect marriage!

Singleness, Curse or Blessing?

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:7-9, 25-36

In the opening verses of the chapter Paul address those who are married, but in this section he gives some very important instruction to those who are single. Nationally, about half of American adults over the age of 21 are single. While over 90% of all single people do get married, leaving less than 10% who will never marry, the number of single people in our society continues to increase.

Reasons for growing number of singles in our nation:

1. people are waiting longer to get married
2. more people are sexually active before marriage
3. more couples getting divorced
4. the death of a spouse

Theologically, marriage is God’s preferred norm. Yet both marriage and singleness are God’s gift.
(Genesis 2:18; Matthew 19:4-6; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; Proverbs 18:22)

Practically, there may be some very important reasons why people might want to remain single.

Paul exhorts singles to… be Thankful!
1 Corinthians 7:7b – But each one has his own gift from God,

…be Pure!
1 Corinthians 7:8 – So I say to those who aren’t married and to widows—it’s better to stay unmarried, just as I am. But if they can’t control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It’s better to marry than to burn with lust.

…be Wise!
1 Corinthians 7:25 -31 vs. 26 …Because of the present crisis,

…be Devoted!
1 Corinthians 7:32 I want you to be free from the concerns of this ljfe…. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with
as few distractions as possible.

The Right Kind of Sex

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:1-6

There was tremendous confusion in the Corinthian Church concerning marriage. Because of the rampant immorality in their culture and in the church; the high divorce rate, widespread homosexuality and mass gender confusion; problems with slavery; and celibacy, most people had a very low view of marriage.

• 1 Corinthians 7:1 – Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
  Some believe Paul himself had a low view of marriage. But Paul is not telling the men that they shouldn’t get married, because that would contradict what the Scripture teaches. (Genesis 2:18; Matthew 19:4-6; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; Proverbs 18:22). Paul is not condemning marriage, nor sexual relations in the marriage. But rather he condemns sex before marriage in the church and in society.
• 1 Corinthians 7:3 – Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.
  Paul’s says in a Christian marriage each partner has an obligation to fulfill their mate’s sexual needs and desires. There should be a mutual giving of ourselves in sexual love and intimacy to one another continually. This is God’s design for a strong and happy marriage.

• 1 Corinthians 7:4 – The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.
  Paul is simply saying the wife does not have authority over her own body because she has released, or given herself completely to her husband. And the husband does not have authority over his own body because he has released, or given himself completely to his wife.

• 1 Corinthian 7:5 – Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of
  your lack of self-control.

Sex is for pleasure (1 Corinthians 7:3)
Sex is for procreation (Genesis 1:26-28)
Sex is for companionship and oneness (Genesis 2:18)
Sex is for comfort (2 Samuel 12:
Sex is for protection (1 Corinthians 7:5)
Don’t allow Satan room in the marriage!

The Wrong Kind of Sex

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

The believers in Corinth were young new Christians who came in to the kingdom with all kinds of sexual experiences and lifestyles. They were confused about morality, gender issues and things concerning the physical body. Even though they were God’s people, they had a lot of beliefs and ideas that were totally incongruent with Christianity. They had very little understanding about what it meant to be righteous, holy, children of God. So Paul is dialoguing with them in this letter and refuting some of the misguided thinking they had about sexuality and morality. Paul addresses several misconceptions these believers had.

1. I am free in Christ to do whatever I want. 1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
2. We are just physical, material beings, therefore sex is just meeting a need. 1 Corinthians 6:13 Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.
3. It’s my body, I can do with it whatever I want. 1 Corinthians 6:13b Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.
4. What I do sexually is a private matter and doesn’t affect anyone else. 1 Corinthians 6:16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For “THE TWO,” He says, “SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH.” But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Blessed by God to Bless Others

First Morning Guest Speaker Christoph Zurcher

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Scripture: Psalm 1

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His Law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:1-2

We will only find true joy and fulfillment in Jesus Christ

The more we get to know God through His Word, the more we will understand His thoughts and will.

The word of God is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

When you hear the word of God, when you read it, meditate upon it, when you speak it and pray it, it will always…

• strengthen you, build you up, encourage you
• comfort you in time of need
• lead and guide you when you seek direction
• it convicts us through the Holy Spirit when we sin
• it gives us instructions how to live our life after God’s standards
• it feeds us

We need to be hungry for His word.

Sequoia Tree Illustration

Sequoia Tree

Tree testimony: Rotten roots too weak to support the tree in the storm

Trees were made to know water and we are made to know God’s word. (Psalm 3)

The natural tree is a picture of the spirtual man. Our fruitfulness depends upon beeing rooted in the Word of God.

But for the sinners, the ungodly, what a different story!

God’s promise is that He will bless the righteous, those who put God’s interest first in their lives and chose to live a life according to His Word. (Mathew 6:33)

Dealing with Christian Conflict

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:1-8

In this section Paul is addressing the issue of how Christians were completely disregarding Christian love. And they were using the court system established by the Greeks to sue one another. And Paul has to rebuke them, because their conduct was destroying the testimony of Christ in the community.

Christ’s principles on dealing with conflict. (Matthew 18:7)
Conflict is inevitable
Conflict is an opportunity to glorify God.
Resolving conflict biblically is a great witness.

Church relationship draw sometimes draw into business matters.
What are we to do when those business arrangements go wrong?

Christians should always seek to resolve trivial (secondary) disputes among themselves and not rush off to court. (1 Corinthians 6:1)

Christians should call on the resources of the church to help in such conflicts. (1 Corinthians 6:2-5)
Negotiation, Mediation, Arbitration

1. Paul makes a difference between “trivial matters” and “criminal” matters. (1 Corinthians 6:1-8; Romans 13:1-7)
2. The church should handle “trivial matters,” the secular courts should handle “criminal matters.”
3. Paul does not imply that the church has a right to cover up crimes or protect criminals.
4. Paul does not forbid Christians from filing a law suit against a non-Christian.
5. Christians should always do what is right for the Gospel.

Abuses at Corinth

• They were destroying the testimony of Christ!
• They failed to live up to their potential in Christ!
• By trying to resolve conflicts in court, everyone was loosing!

Where Is Jesus Today?

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11 and Luke 2:10-11

The apostle Paul makes it clear in Philippians 2:5-11, that the counterpart to the humble incarnation of Christ is His glorious exaltation as Lord preeminent. As the second member of the Trinity, Jesus Christ ruled from eternity past as God exalted in Glory. He then humbly entered into history as a man to identify with us. Throughout His life on the earth, Jesus repeatedly said that following his death, burial and resurrection, he would ascend back to heaven where he had come from.

The Christmas Story? A too familiar story!
Luke 2:10-11, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Where Is Jesus Today?

lsaiah’s vision foreshadow’s John’s vision
(Isaiah 6:1-59 Revelation 19:11-16)
“By ascending, Jesus took the risk of being forgotten.” – Philip Yancey, The Jesus I Never Knew

Jesus has returned to where He had come from.
(Acts 1:10-11)

Jesus is in heaven with all of God’s people who have died before us.
(Ephesians 4:8; Hebrews 12:1)

Jesus is sitting on a throne at the Right Hand of God where He rules as sovereign Lord and King.
(Psalm 110; Hebrews 8:1)

Jesus is interceding as our Mediator!
(1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 7:25; Ephesians 2:6)

Jesus is with us as we bring the good news to others.
(Matthew 28:18-20)

Jesus is in heaven preparing a place for you.
(John 14:2-3)

Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart!
(Revelation 3:20-21)

The Meaning of Jesus Birth, A Humble God Drawing Near

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: Luke 2:1-7 and Philippians 2:1-11

Philippians 2:1-11 is one of the most significant portions of Scripture on the person and work of Jesus.  Verses 5 – 11 are considered to be a First Century creedal hymn that the church would use in worship. But Paul has a very practical purpose in mind.   Paul appeals to the church to look at the life of Jesus Christ and follow His example. And its here we find this incredible example of humility. The life of the Lord Jesus Christ is first and foremost about humility.

1. Humility honors God and causes the church to be strong.

Philippians 2 3-4  Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Pride is the greatest enemy to humility. (John Stott)

2. The Incarnation shows Christ as the most humble man in history.

Philippians 2:5-7  Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

3.  The humble circumstances of Christ birth demonstrate true humility!

Caesar Augustus, Quirinius
Joseph & Mary, Bethlehem

4. The greatest act of humility was demonstrated in the Cross.

Philippians 2:8  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

Jesus humbled himself…
For our glory (Hebrews 2:10)
To reach the lowest places in our heart (Hebrews 2:11)
To humble us (Psalms 34:18)
To help us have humble ministry (Luke 4:18)

When The Church Needs Discipline

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not As God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 5:1-8

When we come to chapter five, Paul deals specifically with one of the more troubling sins in the church. To understand what was going on in the church you need to understand what was going on in the city. Corinth was a city with a very long history of sexual perversion that permeated the culture. The life style and culture was steeped in immorality. There was open tolerance for alternative sexuality and worse yet there was great pride in their sexual freedom. The very term “Corinthianize” meant someone who was involved in a sexually perverted lifestyle. And so anything that you could think of, but shouldn’t think of that is happening in our present day – was taking place in Corinth.

Two important questions we must answer:
What constitutes sexual immorality?
How should the church respond to unrepentant Christians?

1. As Christians we should have the right action and attitude toward sin!

1 Corinthians 5:1-2 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles – that a man has his father’s wife! And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you.

Our culture misunderstands freedom, tolerance and acceptance!

2. The Church must judge Christians who are unrepentant of their sin.

1 Corinthians 5:3-5 For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

3. Churches become increasingly weak and even sinful when they fail to judge sin in the church.

1 Corinthians 5:6-8 Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover was sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Loving The Church Like A Father

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not the Way God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:14-21

In this section of Scripture Paul painfully reveals his head of a father for the Corinthians. He had labored hard to birth the church in Corinth. He had given them an excellent model to follow. And now they are returning the favor with an arrogant attitude that is refusing to listen to their father. And so like a good father, Paul sternly instructs the church, calling them to repentance or face discipline. Paul makes a series of analogies between parenting and pastoring. Basically he says that being a good pastor or a good leader is very much like being a good father.

1. Like good fathers, pastors love the people.

1 Corinthians 4:14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

Fathers love by caring
Fathers love by understanding
Fathers love by bearing the burden
Fathers love by disciplining when necessary

2. Like a good father, pastors provide an exemplary lifestyle.

1 Corinthians 4:15 for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Therefore I urge you, imitate me.

Example is the most powerful rhetoric. (Thomas Brooks)

3. Like a good father pastors are not just all talk.

1 Corinthians 4:18 Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.

4. Like a good father, pastors must be willing to confront sin.

1 Corinthians 4:21 What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?

The Kind Of Leaders The Church Needs

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not the Way God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:1-15

The issue of leadership is paramount in the church. The problem that Paul was experiencing in the Corinthian church was there were all kinds of people aspiring for leadership, but they had no idea know how to be godly Christian leaders. They were taking cues from non-Christian sources. Where do we get our example of Christian leadership? Do we opt for the business model? Or do we take our prompts from the entertainment world? The Corinthians were confused about Paul’s leadership and so the apostle gives them four powerful images of the Christian leader to help them understand the kind of leaders the Church needs.

1. The Obedient Servant
1 Corinthians 4:1 Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ…
“servant” here means under-rower

2. The Faithful Steward
1 Corinthians 4:1b …and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover
it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

There are always three judgments in the life of a steward.

• There is man’s judgement (4:3).
• There is his own judgement (4:3b-4a)
• Most importantly there is God’s judgment (4:4b)

3. The Humble Spectacle

1 Corinthians 4:9 For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.
Paul said as ministers we became “spectacles.” In other words they were the “last act,” the leftovers after the main event.

4. The Loving Father
1 Corinthians 4:14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel

• A father loves by beginning the family.
• A father loves by setting an example for the family.
• A father loves by disciplining his children.

Why Should We Love The Church?

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not the Way God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:16-23

The Corinthian Christians were reeling from controversy and divisions in their young urban church. So Paul, the church founder, writes this letter in an effort to contend for their survival. In this section Paul argues that the greatest threat to the church is usually from those forces from within and not from without: Its from enemies who join the ranks of the believing. Most importantly, we learn from 1 Corinthians chapter 3 that God cares very much for the church—even the messed up ones. Paul had a deep concern for the church and we should care too. Without a deep love for the church we can become the cancer that spreads through the church body that causes weakness and poor health.

Three things you need to know about the church

1. The Church Comes At A Great Cost
2. The Church Is Always Under Attack
3. The Church In America Is Struggling

Three Questions That Paul Answers In These Verses:

1. Why Should We Care About The State Of The Church?
1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?  If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.

2. What Causes Someone To Destroy A Good Church?
1 Corinthians 3:18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “HE CATCHES THE WISE IN THEIR OWN CRAFTINESS”; and again, “THE LORD KNOWS THE THOUGHTS OF THE WISE, THAT THEY ARE FUTILE.”

3. How Can A Church Prevent Its Own Destruction?
1 Corinthians 3:21 Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.

Jesus Loves The Little Children

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: Matthew 19:13-15

Message from First Morning focus on Children’s Ministry at GracePoint of Webster.

What are We Building? (Part 2)

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not the Way God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:7-23

Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are God’s family, God’s field and God’s temple. In the metaphor “temple” the primary thought Paul is trying to convey is the building of the local church. Many Christians only see the church and Christianity from an individual perspective. Paul gives us six principles to help us understand the importance of building church according to God’s plan. The first three we dealt with last week. Today we will look at the remaining three.

Principle #4 We Must Build With The Right Materials!
1 Corinthians 3:12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear;

Paul described two opposite kinds of building materials. Wood, hay and stubble – represents that which is passing, temporary, ordinary, common, cheap, easy to find. Gold, silver and precious stones – represents that which is permanent, beautiful, valuable and rare. There are some materials that are worthless and there are some materials that are valuable, lf you want to build something that will last… you have to build with valuable materials

Proverbs 24:3 Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength; For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.

How do we find wisdom?
Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.

We ask God!
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

We must learn humility
Psalm 25:4 Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day……25:9 The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way.

We must keep seeking!
Proverbs 2:4 If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; 7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; 8 He guards the paths of justice, And preserves the way of His saints.

Principle #5 We Must Build For Eternity!
1 Corinthians 3:14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.

Paul warns us that everything we do both as Christians and churches will one day be judged by Jesus much like a building inspector coming for final inspection. Some things may appear to be very successful to you and me as look on, but on that day, the Day of Judgment, Jesus is going to come to destroy all the work that has not been built upon Him.

Principle #6 We Must Build With The Right Motive!
1 Corinthians 3:21 Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come – all are yours.

The motive that must guide everything in our life is the glory of God.

The members of the Corinthian church were glorifying men instead of Christ and that was wrong. If they would have been seeking to glorify God alone, there would have been harmony in the assembly.

What are We Building? (Part 1)

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not the Way God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:7-23

The Corinthians had become selfish and immature causing them to loose sight of their mission to make their church an effective outreach to their city. In this chapter Paul instructs them with three powerful metaphors to guide them back to a right understanding of what God has called them to be and do. He reminds the Corinthians that they are God’s family God’s field and God’s temple. The metaphor Paul uses in verse 9 of the “temple” paints an obvious picture of a building. The usual explanation for this passage is that Paul is describing the building of the Christian life. And while there is an individual application to these verses, the primary thought that Paul is trying to convey is the building of the local church. Many Christians only see the church and Christianity from an individual perspective. Paul gives us six principles to help us understand the importance of building church according to God’s plan. Today we’ll look at the first three.

Principle #1 – The Church Belongs To God!
1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.

Principle #2 – The Leaders Of The Church Must Be Good Builders!
1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation,

Principle #3 – We Must Build On The Right Foundation!
1 Corinthians 3:11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

“I Will Rebuild”

Guest Speaker, Dr. Samuel Mohanraj

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Scripture: Ezekiel 36:36

Dr. E. Samuel Mohanraj, the Founder and President of Showers of Blessing Ministries, is a native of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, India. He speaks regularly in conferences, seminars and crusades in India, USA, Malaysia, Singapore, the Middle East and other parts of the world. He has also trained and mentored many leaders and pastors. Many people have been blessed, healed and anointed by God’s power through Dr. Samuel’s varied ministries i.e. gospel crusades, fasting and prayer meetings, television programmes, audio and video tapes, spiritual books, children’s ministry, widows’ ministry as well as the support of village churches and poor pastors.

Are We Mature Yet?

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not the Way God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:1-7

Although the Corinthians are Christians they are slow to repent of their sin and obey God. Paul likens them to an immature baby, stubbornly keeping some ways of thinking and acting that are from their former way of life, which are unfitting for their new life in Jesus Christ. In this lesson, Paul identifies three key areas that greatly hinder Christian growth. He then directs their focus away from themselves and back to Jesus and the work He has appointed the church to do.

What does a true Christian look like?

• Jesus is both Savior and Lord
• Christians can be carnal
• Being A Christian implies change

What kind of progress are you making?

1 Corinthians 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.

• In what areas of your life have you experienced spiritual growth?
• What areas of your life are still immature?
• Is there an urgency to see godly change take place?

What are the things that hinder spiritual growth?

1 Corinthians 3:2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; 3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal?

• Poor spiritual diet
• Failure to process our needs in God’s grace
• Hero making instead of team building

Do we truly see God as the source of all things?

1 Corinthians 3:5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.

• God is the Gardener
• Jesus is our Great Example of growth
• The Bible is the Gardener’s handbook
• The Church is God’s Garden

Are We Spiritual Yet?

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not the Way God Intended It!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:1-16

In the church there are all kinds of different ideas as to what it means to be spiritual. To some Christians knowing the Scripture is considered a mark of spirituality. To some it’s being filled with the Holy Spirit, or speaking in tongues. To others it’s the idea of being missional. And so the questions persist. What does it mean to be spiritual? How does someone become spiritual? This is an important issue, because we live in a very spiritual culture that is not a very Christian. Likewise, the city of Corinth was a very spiritual city, but not a very Christian. Even the Christians in the church of Corinth were having huge disagreements over what it meant to be spiritual. Paul tries to clear up all their misunderstanding by telling them being spiritual simply means that we are filled with, led by and empowered with the Spirit of God. And so in this section, Paul is going to focus on the ministry of the Holy Spirit and he will teach us four-fold process.

God the Holy Spirit works through a preacher…
1 Corinthians 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

Who teaches spiritual truths…
1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written: “EYE HAS NOT SEEN, NOR EAR HEARD, NOR HAVE ENTERED INTO THE HEART OF MAN THE THINGS WHICH GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.’’ But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.

Using spiritual words…
1 Corinthians 2:10b For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit offend. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing (combining) spiritual things with spiritual.

To produce spiritual people.
1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural men does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself rightly judged by no one. For ‘‘WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD THAT HE MAY INSTRUCT HIM?” But we have the mind Christ.

Boasting In Jesus

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not the Way God Intended It!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

The Corinthians were struggling with the offense of the Gospel. Here was a young, hip, urban church in the midst of a very “cool” culture and Christianity was anything but cool. And these Christians were struggling with what other people thought about Christ and the Gospel. And the truth is this is major problem in our day. How we are perceived by others sometimes can make us feel uncomfortable. And the question is how do we respond to that as a Christian? We want to believe in Christ and follow God, but at the same time we don’t want others to think you are a total freak. And so the pressure is on to find a way to still serve God and go to heaven and still be cool…as if that were even possible.

The foolishness of the Gospel: 1 Corinthians 1:18
Martin Luther’s theology of glory versus a theology of the Cross.

Worldly wisdom verses God’s wisdom: 1 Corinthians 1:19-21

• The wise (the expert)
• The scribe (the interpreter and writer)
• The disputer (the philosopher and debater).

Responses to the Cross: 1 Corinthians 1:22-25

• Some stumble
• Some laugh
• Some worship

The true reason why God chose us: 1 Corinthians 1:26-28

Don’t be ashamed! 1 Corinthians 1:29

• Some change the message
• Some refuse to speak the message
• Some are more proud of themselves than Christ

Our greatest boast is Jesus! 1 Corinthians 1:30-31

The Church Belongs To Jesus (Part 2)

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not the Way God Intended It !

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17

We are studying the book of 1 Corinthians, a letter written to one of the worst churches in the Bible and perhaps in all of history. Paul wrote the letter as a sharp rebuke to address the major problems in the church. Last week we briefly outlined some of the problems Paul addresses in his letter. There was defilement in the people; disunity in the church and there was disgrace in their testimony. In the verses that we will discuss today, Paul begins to address this problem of disunity.

CONSIDER THIS!

Jesus promised to establish the church (Matt. 16:18) and He is praying that we will always be unified (John 17:20).

A Call For Unity! 1 Corinthians 1:10

Unity is not absolute tolerance of all people, perspective and views.
Unity is not uniformity.
Unity at GracePoint is…

• Theological
• Relational
• Philosophical
• Missional

A Call For Maturity! 1 Corinthians 1:11-12

Personality cults cause division.
We need the proper respect for leaders.
We can have preferences but not prejudice.
We want to encourage diversity but not division.

Who Does the Church Belong To? 1 Corinthians 1:13

Is Christ divided?
Was Paul crucified for you?
Were you baptized in the name of Paul?

Our Main Priority Is To Preach The Gospel! 1 Corinthians 1:17

The Church Belongs To Jesus (Part 1)

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not the Way God Intended It!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Today we start a brand new series in the book of 1 Corinthians. Christianity, Not the Way God Intended It To Be. Ironically, we have just finished the series on 1 Thessalonians, one of the best churches in the New Testament. When we study 1 Corinthians we are going to see that it is actually one of the worst churches in that we find in the Bible.

Introduction to our author, the Apostle Paul

Radically saved and called by God (Acts 9)

Becomes a Missionary and Church Planter (Acts 13-28)

Plants the church of Corinth about 50 A.D. (Acts 18)

His first letter to the church is lost (1 Corinthians 5:9)

He writes what we now call 1 Corinthians in 57 A. D.

Corinth was a church of many problems

“defiled, divided and disgraced”

The Church needs spiritual leadership!
Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, (1 Corinthians 1:1)

Help Is On the Way

Guest Speaker, Dale Pugh

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Clip of “Help Is On The Way” by Michael W. Smith

Scripture: 1 Samuel 11:1-13

Three things about this passage:

• There was a terrible problem a huge need and the Spirit of God came powerfully upon Saul. When there is a need, when people cry out to God He will show up.
• So Saul sent the messengers back to Jabesh-gilead to say, “We will rescue you by the noontime tomorrow!”
• There was great joy throughout the town when that message arrived!

Kenya video presentation
Pastor Craig Diestelkamp, Christoph Zurcher, Ryan and Dave Piehl’s trip to Webuye area of Kenya.

Burn

Our own Sean Duggan is our guest speaker today

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Scripture: Mark 12:29-30

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

Are you burning your life for God? Or are you just a pew-sitter in the Church?

New Tricks for Old Dogs

Guest Speaker, Jim Newsome

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Scripture: John 16:12

God’s Faithfulness: The Process of Sanctification

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

The verb “sanctify” means to separate, to set oneself apart for the purpose of God.

Principles of the process of sanctification

1. Nature

2. Source

3. Extent

4. Goal

5. Culmination

6. Security

Faith Sustained By God’s Faithfulness

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Hew who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)

Paul closes his letter to the Thessalonians by reminding them of God’s wonderful, unfailing faithfulness. In particular, Paul draws their attention to the faithfulness of God’s call upon their lives.

The faithfulness of God is demonstrated in three powerful ways:

• His genuineness – Always being true
• His veracity – Always telling the true
• His faithfulness – Always proving Himself true

“God’s call” is the phrase the Bible uses to describe the gracious and sovereign work of God, which brings us to “trusting in Christ” for our salvation. But we must also understand the goal of God’s call, which is to “be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Understanding what it means to be called by God is critical in order to fully know what it means to be a Christian. Not onlyh does it affect our understanding of how we became a Christian, but also our understanding of God’s purpose for us now and our hope for the future.

Paul wants to assure the Thessalonians that if the faithfulness of God can “Bring them to Christ” then certainly His faithfulness can preserve them for the day of Christ’s return.

How Does God’s Faithfulness Complete God’s Call?

• By faithfully sustaining and confirming our faith
• By faithfully leading us through the process of santification
• By faithfully presenting us complete, without blame before Christ.

By faithfully sustaining and confirming our faith

Why is faith in God, which should be easy, so difficult for us? (Like a monkey with his hand in the jar)

Who is the true hero of faith?

• Christ the Power of our faith – Hebrews 12:1-2
• Christ the Protector of our faith – Luke 22:31-32
• Christ the Perfector of their faith – Romans 4:19-22

Jump Out of the Boat

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp and Guest Missionaries Rueben and Karen Popet

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Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

Rueben and Karen Popet founded Beraca Ophanage in 2000. The orphanage is located in  in southwestern Romania. It is a home which provides care, education, spiritual guidance, and love for over 20 children.

They can be found on our website: http://www.gracepointwebster.org/Beracah_Orphanage/Home.html and also here: http://www.newjdioaraco.com/

Despise Not Prophecy!

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

When it came to spiritual gifts, Paul was thankful to God that he spoke in tongues more than all the Corinthians. Yet in the church, he would rather speak five words with understanding than 10,000 words in tongues. Why? So he could “build up” the church. (1 Corinthians 14:18-19). The key for the apostle Paul was always edification (1 Corinthians 14:5).

Clearing up misconceptions
In the New Testament the office and ministry of a Prophet is different than the spiritual gift of prophecy. “Prophets” often prophesy, but not everyone who prophesies is a “Prophet.”

Prophets in the Old Testament filled three important roles.
All heard from God
Some wrote what they heard
Some declared what they heard
(The major prophets did all three)

Three signs of false prophets (Deuteronomy 13:1-3; 18:18-20)
They falsely speak for God
They sometime perform signs and wonders
They don’t point you to Christ

Revelation that has been revealed by the Old Testament Prophets and New Testament. Apostles has now become canonized in Scripture. This form of special revelation is closed. The New Test. is our final authority and the gift of prophecy is under the authority of the Bible.

1. Prophecy is forth-telling  (preaching & teaching) (1 Corinthians 14:4, 6-7)
2. Prophecy can be fore-telling (predictive in nature) (Acts 11:27)
3. Prophecy can be personal (Acts 21:10)

The guiding principle to exercising all spiritual gifts is love! (1 Corinthians 13)

Despise Not!

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

19 Do not quench the Spirit.
20 Do not despise prophecies.
21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.
22 Abstain from every form of evil.

Non-Charismatics (cessationists) …believe the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit, tongues and prophecy, healing, miracles, etc., functioned only in the early church and are not to be practiced today.

Charismatics …believe the supernatural gifts are given to every generation and should be practiced today according to the guidelines and principles of Scripture.

Packages of God’s truth always come wrapped in ribbons of great controversy. (Bob Mumford)

The value of the gift of tongues

1. It glorifies God in praise and worship.
He who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. (1 Corinthians 14:2; see Acts 2:11)

2. It builds up our spiritual man.
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself. (1 Corinthians 14:4)

3. It builds up the church.
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification. (1 Corinthians 14:4-5)

4. It’s a sign to unbeliever.
Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers… (1 Corinthians 14:22; Isaiah 28:11)

John 7:37-39 Thirst! Come! Drink!
Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Twisting the Truth!

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: John 8:42-47

In the Gospel of John chapter 8 Jesus uncovers the truth to the invisible world and clearly shows that the Devil is a real being. Jesus also tell us that Satan’s plan has always been to destroy human life. And the major weapon that he uses is distorting and twisting the truth. He has the power to blind us from the truth, through ignorance, unbelief, deception and falsehood. His lies have the power to persuade people to think that right is wrong and wrong is right. The enemy loves to distort the truth—and so he often uses half truths work his deception.

A lie that is all of a lie can be fought outright.
But a lie that is partly the truth is a harder matter to fight.
(Alfred Lord Tennyson)

Lie # 1. God Cannot Be Trusted.

Two fundamental attributes of God that anchor our faith.

God is 100% true (2 Samuel 7:28)

He cannot tell a lie. His truth is absolute and eternal. His word is true, all the time, in every circumstance and for every people and place.

God is completely GOOD! (Nahum 1:7)

“God is good…all the time!”

Lie # 2. Sin Is Only A Mistake.

As human beings, do we only make mistakes or, are we guilty of real sin?

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

Lie # 3. Sin Is Harmless.

Ephesians 4:27 “…make no room for the devil.”

Lie # 4. Satan Has Too Much Power.

Three things the devil doesn’t want you to know

1. He’s outnumbered (2 Kings 616)
2. He’s been defeated at the Cross (1 John 3:8)
3. His power is limited (1 John 4:4)

Sheep Parts Stew

Guest Speaker Bruce McDonald

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Scripture: Romans 8:28, 31, 35 and 37

Video clips played during the message:
The Devil Is Under My Feet
Dancing Happy Rhythm Choir

Bruce and his wife Becky are founders of Regions Beyond International (www.RegionsBeyond.org). To accomplish the great commission, Regions Beyond International is dedicated to establishing churches in the unreached areas. In doing so, they conduct crusades to lead people to Christ, work to train up new pastors, and provide training and education to current pastors. Since its beginning, Regions Beyond has ministered on four continents, reaching hundreds of thousands of lost souls.

Pray Without Ceasing

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

“It is not in the moving of the lips that is the essence of prayer. It is in the elevation of the heart to God.” (J.B. Lightfoot)

The key to unceasing prayer is DEPENDENCE UPON GOD! When we are truly dependent on God, prayer is the normal response. No matter what happens, you recognize your complete dependence on God’s power and grace. Clearly, the text says that. This is a way of life, just like always rejoicing and always giving thanks; you are always praying. This is the will of God for you. And you respond because you understand that no matter what happens, you have reason to rejoice; you have reason to be thankful; you have reason to pray…because God overrules all the bad things to produce good.

Examples of unceasing prayer

Jesus (Luke 22:42)

The early church

The New Testament

Ways that God motivates us to pray!

1. God has sent us the Holy Spirit to lead us into intimate relationship through prayer.

Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

2. God loves to deliver us from trouble.

Psalm 20:1 May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble…

3. God wants to give us compassion for the lost.

Romans 10:1 my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation.”

Romans 9:1 -2 With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it. My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ!—if that would save them.

Yielding To The Work of the Spirit

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

In these verses we find a list of staccato commands that the Apostle Paul gives to help us understand how we are to yield to the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.

16 Rejoice always,
17 pray without ceasing,
18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
19 Do not quench the Spirit.
20 Do not despise prophecies.
21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.
22 Abstain from every form of evil.

I believe there is a beautiful connection in this list of commands and the key statement that ties them all together is verse 19 “Quench not the Spirit.” Not only does it reference the verses that follow, but it references the verses that precede it. And it also indicates the wonderful balance of the Spirit’s work and ministry in our lives 1) to develop our character through the fruit of the Spirit and 2) empower us for service with the gifts of the Spirit. The first three commands refer to the Spirit’s work of character transformation, and the last three refer to the Spirit’s release of supernatural gifts.

One of the main values to our Christian faith here at GracePoint is to live under the influence of the Holy Spirit’s transforming power. (Ephesians 5:18-21).

Wherever the Spirit of God is received for who He is and the work that He has been sent to do, there is always a two-fold work and manifestation of God.

1) Life and character transformation into the image of Christ
2) A release of the supernatural gifts that come from Christ Himself.

Yielding To The Fruit Of The Spirit

“Rejoice Always”
Christian joy is…
A command with no exceptions
A supernatural response
A response of our will

Christian joy is the emotion springing from the deep-down confidence in our life that God is in perfect control of everything and will bring from it our good for His glory.

Comfort The Fainthearted

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:14

Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. (1 Thessalonians 5:14 The Message)

Every Church Needs A Strong Immune System

Medical science tells us that when a virus enters our physical body our immune system springs into action by sending out what are called “marker cells” to isolate the problem. These “marker cells” locate the virus and study it so they can identify it. Once they determine what it is, they send out a signal to the rest of the body for the other cells to come and surround it in order to neutralize it. In this way the body heals itself.

The Ministry of Encouragement!

The Greek word for “comfort” here means to encourage and it is made up of two words, meaning “near” and “speech.” So the idea is that of drawing along side the person, so we can get close enough to speak into their life and bring encouragement.

God is an Encourager

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 tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

Learning to Encourage Like Jonathan (1 Samuel 23:13-18)

1. Everyone Needs Encouragement.
2. True Encouragement Is Hard Work.
3. Our Encouragement Should Always Be “IN GOD!”
4. The Best Encouragement Is Found In A Promise.

Check Your Baggage

Guest Speaker Jim Newsom

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Scripture: Daniel 11:32b

“… but the people who know their God will display strength and take action.”

Three types of baggage that need to be checked:

1) Unforgiveness for ourselves.
2) Unforgiveness for others
3) Unforgiveness for God

Jim Newsom is founder and executive director of Outward Focused. Since 1984, Outward Focused has had a hand in establishing 5 churches, 5 prison ministries, and has helped train 14 men for full-time ministry. This ministry has had an impact in 70 schools, 55 prisons, and over 100 churches.

In Jim resides in Louisville, Kentucky with his wife, Diane, and their two children, Jessica & Jason.

Hell’s Memory Verse

Guest Speaker Chris Briles

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Scripture: Matthew 24:14

The Briles Family http://brilesfamily.blogspot.com/

“We are a family of 5: Chris 46 years young, Vonda 43, Aaron 17, Jessica 15, and Carmen 7. We are a missionary family that spent 9 years in Altotonga, Veracruz, Mexico. We have recently moved to New Braunfels, TX so Chris can assume the responsibilities of Director of Operations for World Indigenous Missions. Our passion is reaching the lost and discipling the found.”

Ministering To Problems

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15

The church is not a gallery for the exhibition of eminent Christians, but a school for the education of imperfect ones. (Henry Howard Beecher)

Christ offers hope for every person to grow and make progress. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. (Colossians 1:28)

Paul identifies five different areas of need in the Body of Christ. The wayward, the worried, the weak, the wearisome and the wicked

God provides great resources for our growth and health.

The Spirit empowered Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Gifted leaders (Eph. 4:11-12)

The Body of Christ (1 Thess. 5:14-15)

When it comes to ministry, one size does not fit all! (Jim Newsom)

Ministering to the Wayward

Warn “admonish” the wayward (vs. 14)

Be gentle in admonishment (Gal. 6:1-2)

Learn the skill of admonishment

Become wise in admonishment (Prov. 25:11)

Be patient in admonishment (Prov. 28:23)

A Call To Appreciation

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

Although the church in Thessalonica was just a few months old and lacked the direct involvement of Paul, Silas & Timothy, it is clear from these verses that a group of men from within the congregation was providing leadership. We are not sure whether these leaders were appointed by Paul before he had to flee the city because of persecution; or if these men simply began to assume the responsibilities of leadership, based on the Spirit’s prompting’s to meet the needs of the people as the church began to grow. But what is obvious is that some form of New Testament Church leadership is in place. Paul affirms their leadership and calls upon the congregation to recognize their work among them. These two verses are important because they outline the important relationship between the shepherds and sheep in God’s house. Nothing is more important to the spiritual progress of the church than a healthy relationship between the leaders and the congregation.

Shepherd’s Responsibilities

• Labor
• Leadership
• Instruction

Sheep’s Responsibilities

• Appreciation
• High esteem
• Love

God’s Blessing

• The Peace of God

“Mom’s Day Off” video illustration used during message from bluefish tv.

The Lord’s Name Is Captain

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: Joshua 5:13-15; 1 Thessalonians 5:8

When you study the names of the Lord you come to realize that a revelation of God’s name is also a revelation of His character. God’s name reveals all that He is and all that He is willing to be for us. The Bible is full of many names for God Joshua chapter 5 we come across a wonderful title that Scripture gives to the Son of God:  The Captain of the Host of the Lord (Joshua 5:14).

Jesus is our Captain!

For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the author (Greek word is archegos, meaning “leader or captain”) of their salvation perfect (complete) through sufferings (Hebrews 2:10).

Jesus is the Lord of Hosts, Jehovah Sabaoth (James 5:4)

1. Never go into battle without the Captain’s plan! Joshua 5:14  “I am at Your command,” Joshua said. “What do You want Your servant to do?”
2. Never go into battle without cultivating a heart of worship!Joshua 5:14  … And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped,
3. Never go into battle without complete surrender! Joshua 5:14…”What does my Lord say to His servant?”
4. Never go into battle without clothing yourself in armor! Joshua 5:15  Then the Commander of the LORD’s army said to Joshua, “Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.” And Joshua did so.

Living And Walking As Sons of Light

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

When we come to these last two chapters of 1 Thessalonians, Paul focuses on two major events; The Rapture of the Church and the Day of the Lord. Having spoken about the Rapture in chapter 4, he begins to address the subject of “The Day of the Lord” which is the event of Christ’s coming the earth to judge the world. The purpose in writing about these dramatic events is to comfort the Thessalonians and give them security as to their eternal destiny. He addresses the security of the believer’s future through a series of contrasts. All of these contrasts serve to show the complete and total distinction that exists between believers and unbelievers and the implications it brings to bear upon our lives.

1. The contrast of knowledge and ignorance

1 Thessalonians 5:1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.

2. The contrast of expectancy and surprise

1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.

3. The contrast of nature

1 Thessalonians 5:4-5 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.

4. The contrast of behavior

1 Thessalonians 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.

Power in Beginning Again

Guest Speaker, Pastor Jonathan Mudenyo

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Jonathan Mudenyo & wife Rose

Jonathan Mudenyo pastors New Hope Church in Webuye, Kenya and is also the overseer of the School of Ministries that serves to train pastors and leaders in that part of Kenya.

Scripture: Luke 5:1-10

^“One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, he saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’
Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.’
When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!’ For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.”

In this story out of Luke we see Jesus tell Peter to begin again. Even though the fishermen returned to the same waters they had been fishing, with Jesus’ direction they were successful.

There are five power principles to learn from this passage:

1. Prayer – God speaks to us through prayer. A prayer cannot be answered until it is prayed.
2. Open heart - Be open to act on what God is telling us to do. Take  in the instructions He gives us.
3. Worship – God shows up when we worship Him.
4. Evangelism – We need to bring others to see what God is doing. We have a responsibility to share the experience with our neighbors, family and friends.
5. Rid sin from our lives - Lay aside anything that gets between us and our relationship with God.

The Triumph Of The Resurrection

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

These Christians that Paul writes to believed Christ could come at any moment. But they were especially worried that their believing loved ones who had died, might be cheated out of eternity? Paul assures them of God’s two fold promise to both resurrect the dead and “catch away” those who are alive in Christ. He bases his assurance on two essential truths–Jesus’ death and His resurrection. In Christ’s death we have the triumph over sin, and in His resurrection we have the triumph over death.

1. The resurrection is a triumph over despair!
1 Thessalonians 4:13 “that you may not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.”
1 Corinthians 15:19 “If in this life only we have hop in Christ we are of all men the most to be pitied.”

2. The resurrection is a triumph over depravity!
1 Corinthians 15:3  “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,”
Romans 7:24-25 “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God-through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

3. The resurrection is a triumph over destiny!
2 Thessalonians 1:7 “…Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, and in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,”

What Does The Death of Christ Mean?

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: Isaiah 53:1-12; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

In  this  section  of  Paul’s  letter  to  the  Thessalonians  we  find  great promise and comfort concerning the return of Christ and hope of our future  glory.    These  Christians  believed  Christ  could  come  at  any moment.   But  they were especially worried  that  their believing  loved ones who had died, might be cheated out of eternity?   Paul assures them of God’s two fold promise to both resurrect the dead and “catch away”  those  who  alive  in  Christ.    He  bases  his  assurance  on  two essential truths–Jesus’ death and His resurrection.

1.  Jesus’  suffering  and  death  was  God’s  purpose for His life!
John  12:27-28  “Now My  soul  is  troubled, and what  shall  I  say? ‘Father,  save Me  from  this  hour’?  But  for  this  purpose  I  came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name.”

2.    Jesus’  death  was  a  gross  act  of  injustice. He was murdered!
Act 4:27   “For  truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together.”
Isaiah 53:10 “Yet  it  pleased  the  LORD  to  bruise Him; He  has  put Him  to  grief”.

3.  His death became our sin substitute.  Jesus died for us!
Isaiah 53:6 “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—everyone—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

4.  Jesus  died  as  an  example  of  how  we  should live before God.
Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

How To Pray For Missions

Guest Speaker Steve Chulick and his wife Carolyn are missionaries to India

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Click photo to go to the Chulicks' page on GlobalMessenger.org

Scripture: Romans 8:26 & 1 Corinthians 14:14

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us^[a] with groanings which cannot be uttered.

For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. ¹⁵ What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.

• Pray for Nations – Psalm 2:8 – - – - Internet Resources: JoshuaProject.net and OperationWorld.org

• Pray for Missionaries - Romans 15:30
• Pray for Unbelievers – 1 Timothy 2:1-4

Presentation of the Chulicks’ ministry in India:

Music played during the presentation: “Before The Throne Of God Above” by Invocation

A Call To Excellent Christianity (Part 2)

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

In this section Paul gives us specific exhortations that direct believers toward spiritual excellence in their Christian walk.

1 Thessalonians 4:1 – “Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God;” There are five key thoughts expressed in these opening verses that help us understand how we can excel in our Christian walk and bring pleasure to God.

Progress

Verse 1 – “that you should abound more and more,”

Priority

Verse 1 – “just as you received from us”

Power

Verse 1 – “we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus”

Principle

Verse 2 – “For you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.”

Purity

Verse 3 – “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality;”

Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.  (Westminster Shorter Catechism)

1. Know the will of God. Verse 3 – “For this is the will of God”
2. Learn “self control” Verse 4 – “that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,”
3. Don’t take advantage of others. Verse 6 – “that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all…“

A Call To Excellent Christianity (Part 1)

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-3

This introduces a new section in the epistle that carries through to the end of the letter. Paul gives us specific exhortations that direct believers toward spiritual excellence in their Christian walk.

1 Thessalonians 4:1 – “Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God;“  It is this exhortation that the rest of letter is built upon. There are five key thoughts expressed in these opening verses that help us understand how we can excel in our Christian walk and bring pleasure to God.

Progress

Verse 1 – “that you should abound more and more,”

Priority

Verse 1 – ” just as you received from us”

Philippians 3:13-14 – “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Power

Verse 1 – “we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus”

By virtue of being “in Christ” our life is now totally immersed in all that Christ has accomplished on the Cross. So that our Christian walk and experience becomes an extension of God’s grace and power in our lives..

Principle

Verse 2 – “For you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.”

Purity

Verse 3 – “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality;”

Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.  (Westminster Shorter Catechism)

God’s Plan In The Midst Of Economic Crisis

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Listeners Note: There was a power failure due to a passing storm a few minutes into the recording.  The audio degrades for a minute or two but returned to normal when power was restored.

1. God wants to heal our nation by exposing hidden sin and bringing us to repentance.

2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

2. God wants to fill us with compassion for a world that in many places only knows recession of the worst kind.

Matthew 9:36 – “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”

3. God desires that we make Him our joy and treasure rather than trying to find it in our goods, money and wealth.

1 John 2:15 – “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

4. God intends to accomplish His mission in the world even at a time when human resources might seem low.

2 Corinthians 8:2 – “That in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.”

5. God calls the church to care for those in need especially its hurting members.

Galatians 6:9 – “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Learning To Pray 101

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:10-13

Of all the disciplines of the Christian life, prayer can be one of the least understood. Most of us understand what is involved in reading the Word, witnessing, church membership, giving, and serving. But when it comes to this thing called prayer, many Christians are not sure how to pray or why we should pray. In these verses Paul helps us understand both ‘why’ and ‘how’ about prayer.

Prayer Is About Relationship

1 Thessalonians 3:11 - “Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you”

John 14:12-13 – “Most assuredly,… And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

John 16:23 – “…Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.”

Prayer Is Working With God To Accomplish His Plan

The same God who determines the outcome also determines the plan and method to achieve the outcome. When God wants to accomplish something, He works a prayer in someone’s’ heart and then through their prayer He begins to accomplish His plan.

Prayer Must Become A Habit

1Thessalonians 3:10 - “night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith”

Prayer Is For People

1 Thessalonians 3:10 – “and perfect what is lacking in your faith?”

1 Thessalonians 3:12 – “And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you.”

1 Thessalonians 3:13 – “so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.”

The Lord’s Own House

Guest Speaker, Aaron Pugh, Missionary to Spain

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Scripture: Psalm 92:12-15

But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted into the Lord’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God.  Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, “The Lord is just! He is my rock! There is nothing but goodness in him!”

Standing Firm In The Faith

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-10

In chapter 3 Paul’s concern is focused on the “faith” of the Thessalonians. Paul’s great desire was for all believers to being strong and stand firm in the faith. He wrote to the Colossians and said, “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6-7). The key word is “faith” and Paul mentions it five times in this passage.

1. He sacrificed and sent Timothy to them. 1 Thessalonians 3:1 – “Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone,”

2. In sending Timothy, he sent them the best. 1 Thessalonians 3:2 – “and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ,”

3. Timothy went to “strengthen and encourage.” 1 Thessalonians 3:2 – “…to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith,”

4. Three components of powerful faith.

Knowledge
Acceptance
Trust

5. Faith strengthens us for two important things! 1 Thessalonians 3:3-5 – “that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.”

How Satan Hinders

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20

When we come to this latter portion of chapter 2 we see Paul responding to a different criticism. Apparently some of his critics were saying, “Paul doesn’t really care, and the proof is that is that he’s never coming back.” In other words “He has deserted you.” And the reason is pretty obvious. You have to remember that he only left because he was forced out. In Acts chapter 17, we are told the Jews became jealous of Paul’s ministry and influence – and so they stirred up a riot. This is where we find we find that statement about the apostles. “These men who have upset the world have come here also.” And it is here, Paul illustrates two important aspects of effective ministry.

1. We must love God’s people

But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again…

“Taken away”

“in presence, not in heart”

“endeavored”

“more eagerly”

“see your face”

“with great desire”

2. Satan opposes God’s work

1 Thessalonians 2:18 …but Satan hindered us.

He hinders us in every opportunity (C.H. Spurgeon)

He hinders the church (Revelation 2-3)

He hinders leaders (Job 1; Peter Lk. 22:31; Paul 2 Corinthians 12)

He hinders the work of evangelism.

1st Morning: The Power of God’s Word Working in Our Lives

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received His message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the word of God – which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe.

The Bible is not just any book. It is THE BOOK that gives life, creates faith, produces change, causes miracles, frightens the devil, heals our hearts, builds our character, gives us joy and peace, defeats temptation, is eternal, indestructible and is 100% reliable and without any error.

God’s Word doesn’t contain errors — but we sometimes make mistakes in our interpretation of His word. (The Children’s Bible In a Nutshell)

We need listening ears and receptive hearts! “To him who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 13:9 The Parable of the Sower)

Receptive hearts release the power of God’s Word. “the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

What does the Word of God accomplish?

• It cleanses us. Psalm 119:9
• It counsels us. v.24
• It strengthens us. v.28
• It brings us mercy. v.41
• It brings us joy! v.47
• It gives us hope. v.49
• It comforts our hearts. v.50
• It builds trust and faithfulness. vv.89-90
• It makes us wise. vv.97-100
• The Word of God working in us also guides us.

How People Grow/Caring For People

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:1-9, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Paul cared enough to reach people for Christ! (1 Thessalonians 2:1-6)

Paul cared enough to accept people! (1 Thessalonians 2:7-9)

Acceptance is key to our growth!

It empowers us to accept others

It frees us from “works and performance mentality”

It builds trust in relationships

It provides for healing and growth

Paul cared enough to challenge people! (1 Thessalonians 2:10-12)

“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13 NASB)

The example of Joshua and Moses (Joshua 1:1-9; Deuteronomy 31:6)

How do (fathers) leaders build strength and courage into their children?

A model of integrity!

You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; (1 Thessalonians 2:10)

A witness of life and words!

as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged* every one of you, as a father does his own children, (1 Thessalonians 2:11)

Fathers must be willing to say the hard things! Everyone one of us needs a few people to tell us the truth about our hearts and souls. We all have weak spots and blind spots that we cannot navigate on our own. We need someone to remind us of our deepest aspirations and values and to warn us when we may be getting off track. We need someone to help us question our motives and examine our hearts. We need someone to perform spiritual diagnosis on us when our hearts get hard and our vision gets dim.

Caring For People

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

(or click here to download)

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

How do people grow?

The sin model

The truth model

The experience model

The supernatural model

Paul believed in the power of care. “besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.” (2 Corrinthians 11:28 )

Paul cared enough to reach people for Christ! (1 Thessalonians 2:1-6) “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:7-8 )

Paul cared enough to accept people! (1 Thessalonians 2:7-9) …just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. (Ephesians 1:4-6) Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God. (Romans 15:7)

Paul cared enough to challenge people! (1 Thessalonians 2:10-12)

Waiting for Jesus: What Will Jesus Do Upon His Return?

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: Isaiah 64:1-4

“For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10)

Scripture repeatedly states that Jesus will return to earth suddenly and visibly in his glorified, resurrected body.

This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go. (Acts 1:11)

Jesus will judge everyone who has ever lived.

But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, (Romans 2:5)

Jesus will punish non-Christians in hell… And he will reward Christians in heaven…

…when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)

Jesus will lift the curse and all its affects.

“Consider the work of God; For who can make straight what He has made crooked?” (Ecclesiastes 7:13)

Jesus will restore perfect peace and harmony.

And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

How should we live until Jesus returns?

Oh, that You would rend the heavens! That You would come down! That the mountains might shake at Your presence— (Isaiah 64:1)

Breaking the Cycle of Sin

Pastor Dru Johnson’s  last message at GracePoint before he and his family move to Scotland.

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Judges 2:10 – “Eventually that entire generation died and was buried. Then another generation grew up that didn’t know anything of GOD or the work he had done for Israel.”

Why Should We Worship Jesus?

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Matthew 2:11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

What is worship?

Worship is not a style of music. Worship is not something that is connected to time and space. Worship is not something that starts or stops. Worship is not confined to Christians.

If you do not worship God seven days a week, then you do not worship Him one day a week. (A.W. Tozer)

Worship then is living our life individually and corporately as continuous living sacrifices to the glory of a person or thing.

There is a close connection between glory and worship. Romans 11:36-12:1 Glory means weightiness, importance, value preeminence, priority, or that which is our greatest treasure, deepest longing, and fountain of hope. Glory is simply the biblical word for value.

We worship God through Jesus. Ephesians 2:18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

We worship God like Jesus John 17:24  “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.”

We worship God in Jesus John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

(Isaiah 6:1-2; Revelation 1:13-30)

Why Did Jesus Come To Earth?

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Matthew 1:1-25

Jesus repeatedly said that He was sent from heaven to earth on a mission by God the Father. Scripture describes His mission in the several ways; a humble servant (Mark 10:45), a Savior to the lost (Luke 19:10), a destroyer of the enemy (1 John 3:8).

One of the most important statements that Jesus made in speaking of His mission on earth is found in Matthew 5:17-18 where Jesus said; “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. ”For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.”

1. He came to be our Prophet Matthew 1:22-23 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, “God with us.”

2. He came to be our Priest Matthew 1:21 “And she (Mary) will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

3. He came to be our King! Matthew 1:1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham.

“There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry ‘Mine.’” (Abraham Kuyper)

Why Is Jesus The Only True Savior?

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Luke 2:8-11

A Savior is someone or something that delivers us or resuces us form a terrible plight. The idea or concept of “Savior” has always been a popular theme in human history. But the Savior theme is not just an ancient concept. It is still very popluar in our current pop culture. You see in movies, songs, software, video games, comics, clothing, advertising. Most religions teach you that there are “things” that you should or should not do in order to receive their promised salvation. They basically teach that you are the savior. But this is the exact opposite to Christianity. Christianity says that we cannot save ourselves. Our ruin is too great and our corruption is too deep. The Bible declares that we need a Savior and that Savior is no one less than Jesus Christ.

1. God Alone Is Our Savior. Isaiah 49:26 “All flesh shall know that I, the LORD, am your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”

2. Jesus Is Our Savior God. Luke 2:11 “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior…”

3. Jesus Saves Many People. Luke 2:10 ”Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.”

4. Jesus Saves Us From Many Things. Matthew 1:21 “And she (Mary) will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

5. Jesus Is Our Only Savior. Luke 2:11 “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

1st Morning: The Beatitudes (Part 3)

Pastor Dru Johnson

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Matthew 5:8-10

The Three P’s:

1. Pure in heart
2. Peacemakers
3. Persecution

The Church Worthy of Thanksgiving (Part 2)

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

(or click here to download)

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 1 Thessalonians 1:2

Marks worthy of thanksgiving!

Works produced by genuine faith!

Labor motivated by God’s love!

Endurance sustained by eternal hope!

A powerful message given by powerful preachers!

People who receive and welcome the Word of God

“having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,” (1 Thessalonians 1:6)

People who become immediate disciples!

“And you became followers of us and of the Lord,” 1 Thessalonians 1:6

People who become powerful examples!

“so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.” (1 Thessalonians 1:7-8

The Church Worthy of Thanksgiving (Part 1)

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

(or click here to download)

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers… (1 Thessalonians 1:2 NKJVT)

“We must avoid the cynicism of our day! The church is like Noah’s Ark. If it weren’t for the storm outside, we couldn’t stand the stink inside.” Reinhold Niebuhr

Marks worthy of thanksgiving!

1. Works produced by genuine faith! remembering without ceasing your work of faith, 1 Thessalonians 1:3 NKJV

2. Labor motivated by God’s love! remembering without ceasing your … labor of love 1 Thessalonians 1:3 NKJV

3. Endurance sustained by eternal hope! remembering without ceasing your … patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thessalonians 1:3 NKJV

4. A powerful message given by powerful preachers! For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. 1 Thessalonians 1:5 NKJV

Thessalonians: Church Planting

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture Reference: Acts 17:1-10, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-6

All Things Are Possible

Pastor Dru Johnson

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Scripture Reference: Mark 5:1-15

“It was once impossible in the minds of most, that a black man, an African-American, would be our President.”

1st Morning: The Beatitudes (Part 2)

Pastor Dru Johnson

(or click here to download)

Matthew 5:6-10

See for yourself:

• Click here to view the first video clip presented.
• Click here to view the second video clip presented.

Faith or Fear for the Future?

Guest Speaker, Dale Pugh

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Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:24-34

Dale & his wife, Kathy

Learning to Pray Like Jesus (Part 2)

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture Reference: John 17:9-21

John 17 records what has been call the High Priestly prayer of Jesus. It is the greatest prayer every recorded in Scripture because it is the powerful prayer of an Overcomer. Even though Jesus is about to go to the Cross and face horrible suffering and shame. He is not a victim–He was and is the Ultimate Victor! He has just finished saying to His disciples, “Be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.”

Jesus prays that we would be kept! – John 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

Jesus prays that we would have joy in Him! -  John 17:13 But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.

Jesus prays that we would be missionaries! – John 17:15-18 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one… Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.

Jesus prays for our unity! – John 17:20-21 I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.

Released by Receiving

Guest Speaker, Jim Newsome of Outward Focused

Ephesians 1:18-19

1st Morning: The Beatitudes (Part 1)

Pastor Dru Johnson

Matthew 5:1-10

“God’s looking for some really, really sorry people.”

Learning to Pray Like Jesus (Part 1)

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Matthew 6:8-13, Luke 11:1-13, and John 17:1-5

Being Good Shepherds and Good Sheep

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

1 Peter 5:1-4

You’re Not Good Enough for the World

Pastor Dru Johnson

1 Peter 2:1-5

1st Morning: Cicoff the Jester

Guest Speaker: Christoff Zurcher

www.cicoff.com

Are You Mission Focused?

Guest Speaker: Chris Briiles

Matthew 28:19

brilesfamily.blogspot.com

Back to School Wisdom from Peter (Part 2)

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

1 Peter 5:7

Back to School Wisdom from Peter (Part 1)

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

1 Peter 5:1-11

Keep on Rejoicing!

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

1 Peter 4:12-19

1st Morning: Trust People, Trust God

Pastor Dru Johnson

Ezra 1

Don’t Throw Away Your Confidence

Guest Speaker, Gaylon Vinson

Hebrews 10:19-39

Blessed By Suffering

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

1 Peter 3:10-22

Called To Bless

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

1 Peter 3:8-14

1st Morning: Real Freedom

Pastor Dru Johnson

God’s Missionary Strategy

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

God’s Purpose In His Church (part 2)

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

Husbands

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp           click here

God’s Purpose In His Church (part 1)

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

1st Morning

Pastor Dru Johnson click here

Called To Be Holy

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

Hope For Wives In A Difficult Marriage

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

What is the Bible?

Pastor Dr Johnson click here

1 Peter: Part Two

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

1 Peter : Hope

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

Sex the Way God Didn’t Intend It

Pastor Dru Johnson click here

The Ten Commandments

Pastor Mark Tucker click here

The Respectable Sin of Anger

Gaylon Vinson click here

Sex the Way God Intended It

Pastor Dru Johnson click here

The Heart of The Gospel

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

Remembering

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

Finish Well: Part 3

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

Finish Well: Part Two

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

The Subtle Sin of Impatience

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here
Wednesday Night Focus

1st Morning: Adoption

Pastor Dru Johnson click here

Finish Well 2 Timothy 4:7

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

The Power of Preaching the Gospel

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

The Power Of Knowing God

Pastro Craig Diestelkamp Click here

1st Morning: Devotion to God

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

Waiting on God, fasting & praying

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

The Beraca Orphanage

Ruben and Karen Popet click here

Godliness

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

Faithfulness

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

1st Morning: Be careful not to forget!

Pastor Dru Johnson click here

Special Christmas Eve Service

Pastor Dru Johnson click here

Jesus, Militant & Merciful

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

Guest Speaker

Missionary Bruce McDonald with Regions Beyond click here

God’s Gift of Grace

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

Slaves of Righteousness

Dru Johnson click here

The Call Of God

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

Serving

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

1st Morning: How We Remember

Pastor Dru Johnson click here

The Marks Of A Leader

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

Character Counts

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

Beyond The Curse

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

1 Morning: Telling Time

Pastor Dru Johnson click here

Steps to Recovery

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

Telling Time: 1st Morning

Pastor Dru Johnson click here

1 Samuel 27

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

King David Series: Lessons For Cave Dweller

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

King David Series: Jealousy

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

King David Series: Friendship That Last

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

Beginning & End: 1st Morning

Pastor Dru Johnson click here

King David Series: Transparent Friendship

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

King David Series: A Man After God’s Heart

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here
includes short exhortation from Pastor Manasses Vilaça from Brazil

Our Heavenly Father

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

Why We Call It ‘GracePoint’

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

The Way of Wisdom Part:Two

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

SORRY, BAD QUALITY

Anger: 1st Morning

Pastor Dru Johnson click here

The Way of Wisdom Part:One

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

The Four Essential Parts To Our Vision

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

Unless The Lord Builds The House

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

Easter Sunday: If These Things are True………

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

THE GOSPEL – The Power of God

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

THE GOSPEL – I am Not Ashamed

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

Genesis 35: Part Two

Pastor Dru Johnson click here

Genesis 37: Part One

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp click here

Genesis 4: God Cares

Pastor Dru Johnson click here