BuildingUp from Agape Church

Epaphras is called a "faithful Minister of Christ" on behalf of the Colossians. Often we think about church leaders as the Ministers who are called to be faithful. While that is true, the rest of the story is that we have all been called into a ministry. Not only called, but Christ has placed us in certain people's lives, certain careers, certain churches that we would do specific good works that...

1 Peter 3:9 In God's grand design, His people - filled with His Spirit - are the primary means by which He blesses the earth. Our journey to live into this design begins by abiding with Christ. As we seek and spend time with Him, God will bless others through us (often without our realizing it). But there is also an intentional aspect in which we are called to lay down our desires to "repay evil w...

Ephesians 5:15-16 Reflection is part of life. We reflect on seasons, relationships, and sometimes failures. We ponder what we could have or should have done differently. But reflection can lead to suffocating regret that keeps us tied up in shame and sorrow. While the true value of reflection is to let our acknowledged failures lead to new motivation and growth.

From 1 Peter 4 Scripture teaches that each true believer has been entrusted with at least one spiritual gift for the purpose of glorifying God and building up the church. One of the most common questions a Christ follower will ask is, "How do I discover my gift"? And while a spiritual gifts test is a common response, there is far more sure way for us to seek out this answer from God.

Community with other believers in a local church should be something that is very important to us. But developing connections is often difficult. So often we try to build community through temporal means such as like personalities, hobbies, life seasons, or family dynamics. But Jesus teaches us in John 15 that believers (branches) are only truly connected through Him (the vine). And it is that uni...

The foundation of generosity is grace. God has been kind to all the earth, so all people have the chance to share what they have with others. But believers who take the time to meditate on the riches of God’s kindness, even in the midst of their often difficult routines, truly understand grace and are ready to share it with others.

Each believer has been uniquely gifted to make Christ known and advance His Kingdom through love and good works. God sovereignly places us in the right opportunities at the right time to faithfully complete his mission for us. But with this mission, there will also be unique trials that we will need one another to overcome.

God instructs His people to develop the habit of regular gatherings for the purpose of worship & exhortation. But they are not to merely attend these gatherings, but to engage in them with sincere hearts. What can we do in order to make sure our hearts are best prepared for times of corporate worship?

Through Jesus, we are given the divine privilege of drawing near to God. But often, we do not take advantage of what Christ has offered. Many times we lack confidence that we truly belong in God's presence. What causes this lack of boldness and how do the scriptures seek to correct our thinking?

From Hebrews 3:12-13

From Luke 7:35.

From Ephesians 5:15-16.

From Ephesians 5:15-16.

On this Episode of the podcast we discuss the upcoming sermon series on the Parables of Jesus. Why did Jesus use parables in teaching? What should we consider as we study the Parables?

On this Episode of the podcast we do a deep dive into two more of the 7 Themes for Agape's Month of Corporate Prayer: Witness (Making Christ known) and Spirit (Asking for Spiritual Gifts).

On this Episode of the podcast we do a deep dive into 2 of the 7 themes for Agape's month of corporate prayer: Worship (Love for God) and Harmony (Love for one another).

We are getting ready to begin this year's call to a time of corporate prayer and fasting. This episode of the podcast reflects on the origins of the "7 Prayers for Agape" as well as this year's theme and some thoughts on fasting.

The Bible tells us that God provides His Spirit to help His people in their weakness, including when they have difficulty praying. What kind of weakness may we experience when we try to pray and what type of help does the Spirit provide?

Many Christians struggle with both making time to pray as well as finding joy when they do pray. What does the Bible show us is the primary purpose of prayer? And how can understanding that purpose, increase our delight in praying?

From Proverbs 31 we wrap up this series with thoughts on leadership, the Fear of the Lord, and how we should interpret the writings about an excellent wife.

From Proverbs 30, this Episode explores the words of Agur, including wise thoughts on human limitations, the word of God, and the only prayer we find in Proverbs.

From Proverbs 29, this Episode deals with leadership; specifically the joy that comes from wise leaders who build up others in truth.

This Episode looks at how God uses the wise sayings to give us understanding about our lives; as well as looks at the wisdom of loving and listening to God's word.

From Proverbs 27, this Episode deals with what a person can learn about themselves when they are praised, and the importance of being tactful even when trying to bless someone.

From Proverbs 26, this Episode deals with how and when to address someone who is foolish, as well as the impact of gossip on conflicts and quarrels.