Pastor’s Space
24
Feb '20
A Difficult Journey
24
Feb '20
Psalm 25:4-5
Life is sometimes called a journey. Over the course of life, each person experiences a variety of events, experiences, and unique situations. Some of these are pleasant while others can be very difficult. In Psalm 25, David pictures life not simply as a journey but as a difficult one.
However, David does not desire to go through life on his own. Rather, David seeks the Lord’s instructions as he journeys through all of his days. He desires that the LORD show him His ways and teach him His paths. David wants the LORD to help lead him into a greater knowledge of the truth. This is all a result of David’s great love for the LORD who is his salvation (Psalm 25:5).
Life is a journey and sometimes the journey can be difficult. As a result, we should not try to go through our lives on our own. To do so is like going on a long trip with no directions. We can follow David’s example by seeking direction from the LORD by spending time in His Word and in prayer. These two things will help us as we grow in our love for Him.
If you are not currently seeking Him daily, why not start today?
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
28
Jan '20
The Tempter
28
Jan '20
“The Tempter”
On Sunday mornings, we have been studying the Gospel of Matthew. This Sunday, we will begin a two-part look at the temptation of Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:1-4). Matthew makes it clear that the “tempter” is the one who tempts Christ. In Paul’s writings, he too refers to Satan as the tempter of believers today (ex. 1 Thess. 3:5).
Below is a helpful link that discusses Satan as the Tempter as presented in the Dictionary of Bible Themes.
https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/dictionary-of-bible-themes/4122-Satan-as-tempter
Take some time over the next week or two to read the passages in the link. Satan tempts believers today, but Jesus can help us to overcome him. How? Read the Bible and see for yourself.
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
23
Dec '19
Bible Reading in the New Year 2020
23
Dec '19
At this time of the year, many people come up with numerous resolutions for things they would like to do in the New Year. Often times Christians will look to commit to reading the Bible more. However, sometimes help is needed to maintain a good Bible reading schedule. Below are a series of links that provide a wide variety of Bible reading plans. Perhaps you will find one that works for you.
Back to the Bible = http://backtothebible.org/bible-reading-plans
Blue Letter Bible Chronological Reading Plan = https://www.blueletterbible.org/assets/pdf/dbrp/1Yr_ChronologicalPlan.pdf
Kohlenberger’s Bible Reading plan = https://www.moodypublishers.com/books/bible-study-and-reference/read-through-the-bible-in-a-year/
In addition, below are a few devotional resources that can be used along with daily Bible reading. This should not replace the Bible but serve as a supplement.
Today in the Word – We receive these monthly devotions at the church. An electronic version can be found here = https://www.todayintheword.org
Theodore Epp’s Strength for the Journey = https://store.backtothebible.org/strength-for-the-journey-p/12590.htm
Ron Rhodes “A Chronological Tour Through the Bible” = https://www.amazon.com/Chronological-Tour-Through-Bible/dp/0736964339/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=ron+rhodes+chronological&qid=1576772856&s=books&sr=1-4
My prayer is that you will seek to read your Bible every day in 2020.
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
16
Dec '19
From Malachi to Matthew
16
Dec '19
On Sunday (12/15) we began a new sermon series in the Gospel of Matthew having recently concluded the book of Malachi. Malachi is the last book in the Old Testament whereas Matthew is the first book in the New Testament. The period in-between the two books is often called the 400 years of silence. I prefer calling this period 400 years of prophetic silence because God was still working in history, He simply did not provide any new Biblical revelation.
So what was God doing during this period of time? Below is a great video that will provide you with an overview of the 400 years of prophetic silence. I hope you will enjoy Dr. White’s message.
Also, here is an additional resource that provides a brief overview of this period – https://www.gotquestions.org/400-years-of-silence.html
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
10
Dec '19
Behold The King
10
Dec '19
Beginning Sunday morning, December 15, we will begin a new sermon series entitled “Behold the King.” The series will be an exposition of the Gospel of Matthew. The first four messages will be:
- Matthew 1:1-17 “The Genealogy of The King”
- Matthew 1:18-25 “The Birth of The King”
- Matthew 2:1-12 “A Shepherd For My People”
- Matthew 2:13-23 “Out of Egypt I Called My Son”
Below are some resources that you might find helpful as we begin our study through this Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus.
- Andy Woods Matthew overview video = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsOLiFDRzVA&list=PLJ5WZ9aWBhyggeJejxrEHbJUNnqfZQmdy&index=1
- Introduction and Overview = https://www.blueletterbible.org/study/eo/Mat/Mat000.cfm
- Today in the Word Matthew Devotional = https://www.todayintheword.org/siteassets/website_assets/pdf/today-in-the-word-04-2004.pdf
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
25
Nov '19
2 Thessalonians
25
Nov '19
“Stand Firm Until He Comes” 2 Thessalonians
On Sunday evenings beginning December 1, we will begin a new series in 2 Thessalonians entitled “Stand Firm Until He Comes.” Paul wrote this letter a short time after 1 Thessalonians. The letter was written to correct some doctrinal errors in the church, as well as encourage believers to stand firm until Jesus returns for them. By correcting the doctrinal error, Paul restored their joy, hope, and peace.
Below are some resources that you might find helpful as we study this wonderful letter.
Dr. Andy Woods – 2 Thessalonians Book overview video = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lbqRan_kWA&feature=share
Introduction and Overview = https://www.blueletterbible.org/study/eo/2Th/2Th000.cfm
Today in the Word, 1 & 2 Thessalonians Devotional = https://www.todayintheword.org/siteassets/website_assets/pdf/today-in-the-word-07-2015.pdf
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 3:18 (NASB)
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
30
Sep '19
No Divisions Among You
30
Sep '19
“No Divisions Among You” 1 Corinthians 1:10-17
We live in a time in our nation’s history where division seems to be the norm. Divisions can easily be seen in such places as the political world. As a result, I believe our hearts are so accustomed to divisions that we are indifferent toward them. Unfortunately, divisions are nothing new whether in a country or in a local church. We see this was an enormous problem in the Corinthian church.
In 1 Corinthians 1:10-17, Paul addresses the issue of division which was one of a multitude of issues that were facing the church in Corinth. In Greek, the word division gives the picture of something being torn. Essentially, the church was divided (i.e. being torn) because each person had their preferred pastor/leader. Some followed Paul while others Apollos. As a result, these divisions were causing the church to experience many tragic consequences. For example, Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 that these divisions were causing their spiritual growth to stop.
Although divisions may be commonplace in the secular world, they should never exist in the church. What is the solution? One answer is in the letter to the Corinthians as found in chapter 13. Paul states that the greatest spiritual gift is “agape” love. Agape is the type of love that seeks for what is best for others rather than self (1 Corinthians 13:5). It describes God’s love.
Only when a church has unity can it fulfill its purpose and bring glory to God. When we seek our own ways and cause divisions, we will experience consequences and fail in bringing glory to God. Why not seek agape today in your life and in the church?
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
23
Sep '19
Until He Comes
23
Sep '19
“Until He Comes”
We will be observing the Lord’s Supper on Sunday 09/29. This is always a great opportunity to take time to reflect on the Lord Jesus’ sacrifice as we await His return in glory. Below are a few scriptures from both the Old and New Testaments you can use to read and pray over to prepare your hearts.
Old Testament Scriptures
Exodus 12 – The Israelites sacrificed a lamb and placed the blood on their door so that the angel of death would pass by their doors. Jesus Christ would be the ultimate sacrificial lamb, and this time God would provide the lamb.
Isaiah 53:10 – Jesus’ death would fulfill the Father’s will. Through this, many would be counted righteous (53:11).
New Testament Scriptures
Mark 14:12-25 – Jesus and his disciples observe the Passover meal and the institution of the Lord’s Supper occurs.
Colossians 2:13-15 – Jesus death on the cross canceled the record of debt against us.
1 Corinthians 11:23-34 – Provides the basic themes, instructions, and warnings concerning the Lord’s Supper.
May the Lord bless you as you prepare your hearts to observe the Lord’s Supper.
Pastor Steven
09
Sep '19
Daniel Extras 6
09
Sep '19
Currently, our Sunday evening sermon series is on the book of Daniel. Below are some extra resources related to the sermon entitled “Prophecies of the Nations” which was on Daniel 11:1-35. In this sermon, we looked at the prophecies that we can look at today and see their historical fulfillment.
- Who’s Who in Daniel 11?
Great article that provides a detailed summary of “Who’s Who” in Daniel 11. https://israelmyglory.org/article/whos-who-in-daniel-11/
- A great article dealing with many details related to Daniel 11.
https://walvoord.com/article/252
- Daniel Commentary that I referenced that provides an excellent chart on Daniel 11.
Daniel 11 provides enormous evidence for the accuracy of God’s Word.
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
21
Aug '19
The Promise Keeper
21
Aug '19
The meaning of the word promise often varies among people. This is largely due to the fact that promises are not kept as well as they were in previous generations. Decades ago, a person could promise you something by simply giving you their word. Unfortunately today we are probably more familiar with “broken promises” than promises kept. The need to be careful with vows we make (i.e. promises) is perhaps best summoned up in Ecclesiastes 5:5 “It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.”
While we all fail or break our promises to others sometimes, there is One who never does. The Bible tells us that one thing we can always trust in is that the LORD will always keep His promises. Prior to Joshua’s death, he stated,“and you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one word of all the good words which the LORD your God spoke concerning you has failed; all have been fulfilled for you, not one of them has failed.”
The fact that the LORD is a promise keeper should encourage us each day. We know that despite all that goes on in life that the LORD will always keep His promises. The Bible is filled with His promises, so God’s people must know them so they can rest in them. Why not spend some time each day reading and thanking the LORD for them?
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
