Vertical Vision with Ernest Finklea

Why did Jesus save us? As we continue our study in Philippians 3:7-14, we will find the answer and guidance in how to take hold of it.

What is the most valuable thing in life? What will give us the greatest life and satisfaction? Paul gives us the answer and instructions on how to attain it in Philippians 3:7-14.

Life has seasons of hurt and sorrow. There is One who has experienced the fullness of pain and sorrow and understands what we go through. Hope and strength in the midst of hurt lies in the firm grip of Jesus who can take us through the storms that He Himself has faced.

When someone gives us a wrapped gift, the first thing we might think is, "What is it?" And then we might ask ourselves, "What does it do?" Well at Christmas, we celebrate God sending His Son wrapped in human flesh as a baby. Today's episode explores some key things we get, when we revive this Gift.

Eternal life is a terms that is used regularly in chuch and among Christians. But what is it? When does it begin? That is the topic of today's episode.

the Bible tells us that as followers of Jesus, we have many wonderful things in Him. Today's episode focuses on the forgiveness that we have in Jesus. We will see how priceless and precious it is.

As Easter approaches, it is good to reflect on the covenant that God the Father and Jesus made to us. A covenant is a promise, and when we understand the magnitude of it, it becomes a great source of hope and assurance.

There are a lot of things we can be proud of but there is one thing that is greater than them all.

When the Lord tells us to do something, it may not make sense to us. It might not be convenient. It might even push our buttons a little bit. But God only has our best interests at heart. And as we look at a conversation He had with Peter, we will see how listening to the Lord will change our circumstances.

Are Christians supposed to judge? There are those in and out of the Church who would say, "No." They use Matthew 7:1-2 as a proof text and think that Jesus just wants us to be open and accepting. But when we look at the context of what Jesus said, we see that it is not prohibiting us from judging but rather instructing us on judging correctly.

Life can be crazy. It can leave us frustrated, disappointed, and stressed out. But Paul gives us insight into how we can have hope, peace, and joy even in the midst of life's craziness.

God has given each Christian specific gifts and roles in His Body. Today's episode focuses on these gifts and roles and how the Holy Spirit uses us to build each other up in our relationship with Jesus and become more like Him.

As Christians, we learn to be disciples by following the example of Jesus and the examples of mature Christians. And as we grow in Christ, we can become examples to other Believes and disciple them in their relationship with Jesus. Today's episode addresses both following examples of discipleship and being an example.

Part of being a Disciple of Jesus is knowing how to correctly and effectively use the Bible. In today's episode, we will learn from the Master, Jesus, how to do this.

Jesus knew the Scriptures and He knew how to use them in any situation. And if we are going to follow Jesus, part of being a disciple is knowing and using the Bible. Today's episode focuses on how to gain a better understanding of the Word of God.

Communication is vital in any relationship. It determines the quality and intimacy of a relationship and the ability to achieve its goals. Today's episode focuses on communicating with our Heavenly Father through the privilege of prayer.

How can you identify a true disciple of Jesus? It is that they go to church regularly, carry a Bible, or maybe they have a position of leadership in a church? Jesus tells us that there is one thing that identifies us as His disciple; love. It is the nature of God the Father, it is the heart of Christ, and it is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Today's episode focuses on what love is and how we are to...

Jesus lived His life in obedience to His Father and in reliance on the Holy Spirit. If we are going to live in step with Jesus, we also must live in obedience to our Father and rely on the Holy Spirit. And this relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is a tremendous privilege and blessing for us.

To be a disciple of Jesus requires that we follow Him; and to follow Him requires that we keep our eyes and minds on Him. In today's episode, we examine why it is critical for us to focus on Jesus and how to focus on Him.

Every choice we make comes at a cost; and we have to decide whether or not the benefits we gain are worth the price. Jesus invites us to follow Him. Choosing to follow comes at a cost. But not following Jesus also has a cost. In today's episode, we learn that the benefits that come with being a disciple of Jesus far outweigh what it costs us.

Jesus' invitation to us to follow Him might seem a little scary. Where will He lead me? What will He want me to do? In today's episode, Jesus tells us that in following Him we will find rest and direction in life. And the best part is that He gives us the direction and strength to follow in His steps.

Jesus invites us to follow Him, to be His disciples. In this new series, we will learn what a disciple is and how to be one. And, as we follow Jesus as His disciples, we will find real life in Him as we are conformed into His image.

The second half of Galatians chapter 2 is an account of Paul confronting Peter and other Jewish Christians for their hypocrisy. In this passage, we see the damage that different gospels and false teaching can do among Christians. But we also see the freedom and unity that comes from simply living by faith in Jesus.

It is interesting that the people Paul called out as false teachers, promoting a different and divergent gospel, accused Paul of promoting a different gospel. As Paul gives his defense to the Galatian Christians, we see two key principles about the Gospel and how to validate teachings and doctrines.

The book of Galatians is filled with some wonderful truths about what God has for us as his children. It also addresses different gospels that aim to rob us of the very freedom and power that He has provided for us and steer people away from the true gospel of salvation. Today's episode examines the danger of these gospels as we begin a new study through Galatians.