Summons Radio

If you've been a part of the Body of Christ for any length of time, then you know that disagreements within are fairly common. Today Pastor Terry shares with us from the text what God's perspective is on feuds within His Body. We learn that one of the first results of fighting and bickering with the Body is division, which is NOT God's will.

Are you a citizen of heaven? Well the proof of you answer lies in the way you live. You see, citizens of heaven live differently than those who are not. And as we just heard from a moment ago, trying to obtain all that you can in this life generally points to the fact that you're heart is not on the eternal.

Believer, have you ever considered the fact that you're an alien? I know it sounds strange. But, today we'll learn that we truly are not of this world, even though we're in it. God has called us to live lives that are separate. We are to live as strangers and pilgrims in this existence knowing that eternity awaits us.

This life, this existence is full of things that we have to do...get up for work, be diligent there, come home and participate in family life...all these things are wonderful and should be considered blessings. But, we should see all these life tasks through the lens of Messiah...He is the reason we should be doing anything at all.

It's easy to become complacent as a believer in Jesus Christ...eternity is secure and life is good with God. But, that's really not all there is to this Christian life. God wants us to be in a state of continual growth...He wants to daily change us more and more into His image...are you willing to be changed?

In the last message Pastor Terry shared with us we learned that righteousness is one of the wonderful blessings for the Christian. Today we learn that a relationship with God follows that amazing blessing. First, you're born again into the family of God...made righteous. Then you can enjoy a day by day walk with Him.

Humanity stands guilty of sin before a Holy God. There's is nothing that we can do to change this. Save one thing...placing your faith in the sacrifice of God's Son, Jesus. Then you become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. This is just one of many benefits of the Christian life.

Though the worldly perspective would tell us otherwise, there is a huge difference between being a religious person and having a real and personal relationship with the Creator of the Universe! Pastor Terry exhorts us today to consider which camp we're in...are you religious or do you have a relationship with God?

When we hear the term religious zealot, it's not hard to think of a modern day example, Islam. The Muslim faith is one that at it's very core has murderous intentions. And we'll learn today that Paul was an example of a religious zealot. He was SO zealous that he even oversaw the murder of those who disagreed with his perspective.

Many people have a misunderstanding of grace. They believe that grace is only for the saving of lost souls. And it certainly is! But, that's not the only function of grace. Grace is also the divine influence on the heart as seen in the life. God's grace is the dunamis power to live obedient lives that are pleasing to God.

Today Pastor Terry shares with us a few ways that we can remain safe and secure as Christians. And probably the most fundamental way is for us to KNOW the Word of God. And not just memorize verses or even attend church. Pastor Terry exhorts us to be people of the Word...people who are personally moved and guided by God's Word.

A well rounded Christian has several characteristics that define them. And today Pastor Terry shares with us that one of the main characteristics of a well rounded Christian is being a messenger. We have been called by God to be messengers of His life changing truth. So the question is, are you sharing God's love with those around you?

While we know that Jesus was victorious over the enemy at the cross...the realization of that victory is something that's happening each day. And you and I have a responsibility to fight for those around us. Not in our own strength, but in the strength of the Holy Spirit...we are called to be good soldiers in God's army.

Being a disciple of Christ means that our lives are one hundred percent surrendered to God and His will. The last time you were with us Pastor Terry began sharing with us three examples of people in the Scriptures who did just that...surrendered all to God. Today Pastor Terry challenges us to follow their example.

Today Pastor Terry begins sharing with us three great examples of Christians in the Scriptures. Paul, Timothy, and Epafroditus. Each one of these men lived a special of abandonment to God. They gave their ALL to Him. And it doesn't matter what your past is, God can and will use you, if you'll submit to His ways.

Some people find it quite easy to tell others about Jesus. In fact, it is pretty easy just to explain to someone how to be saved. The more difficult task and the one that will yield the most fruit in God's Kingdom is living like you're saved. Being a light in this world means that you live in obedience to God's Word.

In these seemingly last days in which we live, it's vitally important to be a light for Christ. But, how do we do that? How can you be a light? Today Pastor Terry will begin sharing with us a few ideas as to how we can be a light for Christ. The most important is how we live. Our lives speak much louder than our words ever will!

There's a healthy balance that should exist in your life. God has taken His Word and written it upon your heart...He's filled you with His Holy Spirit, causing you to walk in His ways and to keep His statutes. The other side of this equation is your willingness. As long you're willing, God will continue this amazing work in your life.

Pastor Terry's point a moment ago is one that we all need to carefully think about. Think about your life before you accepted Jesus as your Savior? Now, think about your life now...has there been marked change? Are you a different person than you were ten years, five years, one year...one week ago? Christians should be in a state of continual change.

What's the number one reason that people are kept from salvation...pride? Pride declares that we don't have to admit that we're wrong...pride says, I'm fine the way I am and won't have to answer to anyone. The opposite of pride is humility which is necessary in order to experience God's salvation plan. 6

The concept that Pastor Terry will be sharing with us today defies common logic and the norms of our culture...to succeed in this kingdom...you have to step on as many people as possible and claw your way to the top. But, in God's Kingdom...things are different...we must humble ourselves and take the lowly position in order to be lifted up.

One of the most damaging things that can consume a person is a guilty conscience. A guilty conscience will often times keep us from doing what we know to be right. Pastor Terry just declared that Jesus can and will set us free from sin...but there is a big IF for this to take place. We have to be willing and approach God by faith.

There are some people out there that believe that Jesus was created by the Father...this would make Him a mere man. But today we learn that the Scripture do not support this concept. As we just heard from Pastor Terry...Jesus has ALWAYS been...He has NO beginning and NO end...this makes Him God!

Who's the most important person in your life? If you're honest, than the reflection in the mirror is likely the one. But, God has called us to a different life. He has called us to live for those around us. Our focus should be on those around us...how can we serve them...how can we minister to them? Seek the LORD for this heart change.

Self esteem, self worth, self...self...self...all these egocentric concepts are in direct opposition to the Scriptures and the life that we are to live. In fact today, we learn from the book of Philippians that we are to live self LESS lives...that means that everyone but ourselves should come first. This can only be done by the power of the Holy Spirit.