Christian Life and Growth
Following the Lord in Love
by Bob Graham (Apr 15 2012)
Peter and the disciples were confused. Even though they saw the resurrected Lord, they were still disillusioned by all that had transpired in the last month or so. Peter, decided he must do something, so in his own self-will he decided he would return to fishing. The other disciples, discouraged and disillusioned as well followed Peter. After a long night without any fish, someone from shore asked a vaguely familiar question - Children, have ye any meat? No, was their reply. Cast your net on the other side of the boat. Lo and behold, their nets were full of fish. John said, it is the Lord. The meeting on the shore was a difficult one for Peter, but Jesus used the time to refocus his erring disciple. Jesus knew that Peter's faulty followship was linked to his failing love. He addresses both in this most revealing dialog and reclaims Peter for a lifetime of usefulness.
Living Unto God
by Bob Graham (Jan 29 2012)
Series: Lord, Change Me
The 6th Chapter of Romans makes it abundantly clear that the purpose of our Christian life is to live unto God. The death of Christ for us was to place the life of Christ in us. Christ lived an uninterrupted life unto God, He fulfilled the will of God in the power of the Holy Spirit. Believers have been spiritually birthed for the same purpose. However, we are hindered by one main problem...SIN. If we are to live unto God, we will have to address the issue of sin. We need to call it what God calls it, reckon ourselves dead indeed unto it, confess and forsake it, and then yield ourselves unto God as those that are alive from the dead.
Seeing His Shining Face
by Missionary Eddie Ray to China (Jan 15 2012)
Israel's High Priest was instructed to pray for the people with a unique expression - "The Lord make His face to shine upon thee." This expression is rich with meaning and Missionary Eddie Ray unpacks the meaning with fresh insight and timely application. He answers the following five questions: (1) What does it mean to have God's face shine upon us? (2) Why do we need to see His face shine upon us? (3) How can I see His face shining upon me? (4) What hinders me from seeing His shining face? (5) When am I going to see His shining face?
Lord, Change Me
by Bob Graham (Jan 8 2012)
Series: Lord, Change Me
All of us are on a journey called life on a road of change. While all of us might see the need for change, not just any change will do. God has a specific change in mind and He has predetermined that we should fix our eyes on that destination. And what is that destination? Many Christians think it is heaven, but our destination is not a place... it is a person! God wants us to be like His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. If we are honest, we will recognize the fact that we have plenty of ground to cover in our endeavor to be like Christ; hence, all of us need to change; to desire such a change and to ask God to change us... Lord, Change Me!
A Psalm for the Lord's Day
by Bob Graham (Jan 1 2012)
Series: Psalms Study
This Psalm, which the Jews recited each Sabbath day for many years, still has plenty to say to New Testament believers who assemble together each Lord's Day. Praise is always in order for the gathering of God's people; and it is a good thing for us to praise God. He has given us plenty to praise Him for in the course of any week. Yes, the corporate gathering of God's people is an important event each week and Christians would do well to make it a top priority. There are many wonderful benefits when we faithfully participate in the activities of a Bible believing church. This message will acquaint you with a number of them.
Dwelling in the Secret Place
by Bob Graham (Dec 4 2011)
Series: Psalms Study
The Christian who learns to dwell with his God in secret will experience a most sacred security. The Psalmist begins by giving his personal testimony of this dwelling; then he recommends it to those who will listen. The Psalmist is concluded with a word from the Lord himself to that secret place dweller. What a privilege! What protection! We must make it a priority.
Standing Through Prayer (Part 2)
by Bob Graham (Sep 25 2011)
Series: Prayer
The Bible states plainly that we are in a war and every soldier of Christ needs strength to stand so that he may fight the battle. Our text teaches us that we must stand praying, praying always, praying with all prayer, praying in the Spirit, watching in prayer, persevere in prayer and pray for all the saints. Prayer is not just an activity in the Christian's life, it is his very occupation. No one will stand nor be effective in the battle apart from prayer. (This is the second part of a two-part message)
Standing Through Prayer (Part 1)
by Bob Graham (Sep 25 2011)
Series: Prayer
The Bible states plainly that we are in a war and every soldier of Christ needs strength to stand so that he may fight the battle. Our text teaches us that we must stand praying, praying always, praying with all prayer, praying in the Spirit, watching in prayer, persevere in prayer and pray for all the saints. Prayer is not just an activity in the Christian's life, it is his very occupation. No one will stand nor be effective in the battle apart from prayer. (This is the first part of a two-part message)
A Lesson in Humility
by Bob Graham (Sep 18 2011)
Nebuchadnezzar made a bold statement in Daniel 4 that resulted in some rather humiliating consequences. However, after seven years of wilderness training, he came to his senses and learned a lesson he would not soon forget. His lesson was a lesson in humility, and we would do well to examine our own hearts for attitudes of pride lest we bring upon ourselves consequences of the same nature.
Your Walk with God
by Bob Graham (Jul 31 2011)
Your walk with God is a vital part of your Christian life. If you are going to experience genuine growth you must be intentional. This message covers 5 key concepts revealed in the first Psalm that will enhance your time with the Lord each day.
Elements of Effective Intercession
by Evangelist Rich Tozour (Jun 5 2011)
Series: Prayer
Moses was a mighty intercessor. When it comes to interceding with God over the sins and needs of a people, Moses is clearly a shining example for all of us. Israel had sinned and God was angry with His people. Moses, knowing the critical nature of the situation, stepped in and began to intercede for Israel with a heart of a loving leader who understood the chief concerns of God as well as the chief needs of men.
The Power of Prayer
by Evangelist Rich Tozour (Jun 5 2011)
Series: Prayer
Our biggest problems are God's greatest opportunities. The book of Acts describes a difficult time in the history of the early church; the church was being persecuted, the Apostle James had just been executed and now Peter was incarcerated. But prayer was made without ceasing by the church for him and God stepped into a difficult situation and brought about a miraculous deliverance.
Wrestling with God in Prayer
by Evangelist Rich Tozour (Jun 5 2011)
Series: Prayer
Jacob started out in life manipulating and deceiving to get his own way. On his way back to his homeland, God had an important appointment for Jacob; he had to meet his brother Esau whose last words threatened his very life. Now Esau was coming and 400 men with him. Jacob got serious about this matter of prayer that night as he wrestled with the Lord. He prayed the price and left us with a valuable example regarding how to get answers from God in prayer.
An Attitude God Can Bless
by Bob Graham (Mar 13 2011)
In Matthew 5-7, Jesus delivered to His disciples the Sermon on the Mount, a message describing the heartbeat of Christianity. His message was carefully organized. The very first words of His message describe the believer's attitude. And the very first attitude He addresses, in many respects, is a prerequisite for receiving the balance of what He had to say. This message is about an attitude God can bless. The Bible is replete with individuals who possessed this attitude and went away blessed of the Lord.
Temptation - Take Heed Lest Ye Fall
by Bob Graham (Feb 27 2011)
Temptation is something every believer experiences. God has given us powerful provisions to withstand its allurements, but they are of little value to us if they are foolishly forfeited. Christ was tempted in all points as we are, and yet without sin. He has given us the power to be victors rather than victims. Let us take heed, lest we fall.
It's Time To Pray
by Bob Graham (Feb 20 2011)
Series: Prayer
Daniel lived an exceptional life; he was a truthful man, he was a trusted man, he was a tested man and he was a triumphant man. One does not have to look very far for one of the key disciplines that secured his success among multiple administrations of world rulers - Daniel was a man of prayer. Daniel prayed when things were going good, he prayed when things were not going so good, he prayed when things were going bad, and he continued praying when things went from bad to worse. What we discover from the life and ministry of Daniel is that it was always time to pray. And so it is for all of us as well... it is time to pray!
The Powerful Potential of Prayer
by Bob Graham (Jan 16 2011)
Series: Prayer
Israel was in trouble, the forces of the Philistines had once again gathered against them and they were afraid. They cried out to Samuel to pray for them. Samuel walked with God and did indeed pray for God's deliverance. The deliverance was so decisive that the Philistines never entered the land as long as Samuel was alive. This is just one instance of what God can do when His people cooperate with Him through Spirit directed prayer. This message illustrates the powerful potential of prayer in eight different circumstances of our Christian life.
Where Are You Growing?
by Bob Graham (Jan 2 2011)
The Apostle Peter was inspired by the Spirit of God to instruct those who trusted Christ to grow in grace. This is not a mere suggestion of a good idea, but a clear command. The very phrase "grow in grace" contains a powerful implication - God is involved in the process! Not only does He initiate the growth, He also empowers us so that we can grow; but believers must cooperate if they ever hope to reflect this gracious work of the Lord. This growth is not limited to children and new believers; every one of us have plenty of places to grow in our Christian life.
Living with a God-Centered Focus
by Bob Graham (Nov 28 2010)
The twelve spies that were sent into the land of Promise to search out the land shared the same experience, saw the same evidence but brought back two entirely different reports. How can this be? The difference was a matter of how they viewed life: Ten of the twelve had a self-centered view of life and two of them had a God-centered view. Their report was a mere reflection of these two basic orientations. It was so back then, and it remains so today. This message not only catalogs the characteristics of these two views of living, it also illustrates the dynamic difference of the outcome.
The Fellowship of Life
by Bob Graham (Nov 14 2010)
John experienced something wonderful in his days with the Lord Jesus Christ and he simply had to share it with us. It was life on a spiritual level that was personal, godly, eternal, illuminating and extremely satisfying. It was a communication of life that went beyond our typical empty conversations. John not only told of its joys, but warned of its undoing. This is a life God meant for all of His people to participate in, it is a fellowship of life.
God's Love Will Make the Difference
by Bob Graham (Oct 31 2010)
The Apostle John mentions several benefits available to the person that loves God and keeps His commandments. He reveals the fact that true love for God is evidenced by obedience. However, we find many of God's servants, who seemingly loved their Lord, faltering in the area of obedience. Haven't we all experienced the same dilemma? What is the answer? Is our love not enough? This message uses the Bible to answer this important question.
Paul's Powerful Prayer for Genuine Christian Growth
by Bob Graham (Oct 10 2010)
Series: Prayer
Paul's prayer for the believers at Philippi is quite instructive for those of us who desire to see genuine spiritual progress in the lives of those God has allowed us to influence for His glory. Though this prayer is relatively short, it is packed with meaning and provides valuable insight regarding the foundational characteristics of our growth in grace.
Living a Resurrected Lifestyle
by Bob Graham (Aug 29 2010)
Paul lays the foundation for our identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection in Colossians 2 and now takes us to the place of application. He begins with the statement, "If ye then be risen with Christ", which is true for all of us as believers, then "seek those things which are above". This message provides believers with five practical means by which they can rightly represent their resurrected Lord.
I Believe, Help Thou Mine Unbelief
by Bob Graham (Aug 8 2010)
Here is the story of a man who was caught in the dilemma of faith. Part of him believed that God was able to solve his son's problem and part of him believed otherwise. In desperation, he did the right thing - he cried out, "Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief." The answer to all our problems hinges upon what we believe our God can do.
God is Love
by Bob Graham (Jul 18 2010)
Series: Knowing and Doing the Will of God
Many believers have failed to comprehend and carry out the will of God because they have fallen prey to one of Satan's oldest lies concerning the love of God. We have come to believe that God's love is conditional, and we are well aware of our personal failures, so we conclude that God is upset with us and no longer loves us. Rather than seeking to serve Him out of a heart of love, we avoid Him, or spend our lives trying to win back His approval by wearying ourselves in the fruitless activities of our own works. Oh, that we would grasp the truth that God is love and will always do what's best for me.
Knowing God By Name
by Bob Graham (Jul 11 2010)
Series: Knowing and Doing the Will of God
How well do you know God? This is a very pertinent question to consider. Many of us know many things about God, but when it comes to experiencing God at work in our lives, we have little to speak of. God initiates situations and circumstances in our lives as opportunities to get to know Him experientially. These experiences reveal to us His character and His nature. We can walk away from these circumstances praising God, not only for the deliverance He gave, but also for the personal experience of knowing God by name.
Understanding the Will of the Lord
by Bob Graham (Jun 13 2010)
Series: Knowing and Doing the Will of God
You have heard the expression; "Where there's a will, there's a way." There is a lot true about that statement, however it is important to identify whether it's your will or God's will... because the outcome will either be your way or God's way. Does God have a specific will for my life? You had better know He does, the Scriptures are clear on this matter. And yet, there are many misconceptions regarding the will of God. We talk about a number of them in this message and then give five very clear means of determining the will of God in your daily life.
Holy Heart Burn
by Bob Graham (May 16 2010)
The tow disciples on the road to Emmaus were sad and troubled about the events that transpired with the crucifixion and what happened to Jesus. Some of their folks reported that they saw and angel and Jesus was alive, others went there and saw nothing. They weren't sure what to believe. Then another traveler joined their company and heard their sad hearts and began to expound to them the answers from the Word. The further they went, the more their hearts burned with the truth. Then their eyes were opened, and the Lord disappeared. Those two disciples were back on the Emmaus Road heading the other direction with their hearts aflame with the truth the once doubted.
Facing the Giants
by Bob Graham (Apr 25 2010)
The story of David and Goliath is a favorite among believers, but we must not lose sight of its implications; we too face giants in life, and must defeat them as well. Our giants may look a whole lot different than the 9 foot 6 inch Philistine, but they can be just as forboding. This message equips us with three basic principles to defeat the giants of life.
Two Vital Factors for Answered Prayer
by Bob Graham (Mar 14 2010)
Series: Prayer
Jesus cursed the fig tree on His way to Jerusalem just days before He was crucified. The next day Peter was amazed at how quickly the fig tree had withered away. This situation presented an opportunity for the Lord to teach His disciples two vital factors involved in receiving answers to their own prayers.
Faith that Makes a Difference
by Bob Graham (Dec 13 2009)
Series: Faith
God can use you to make a difference in someone's life. The man in our text was sick of the palsy, he suffered some form of paralysis. Our world is full of people who are paralyzed in one way or another; they need someone to take an interest in them and do whatever it takes to get them to Jesus where their soul can be saved and their life changed. This requires faith; the kind of faith that makes a difference in people's lives.
Cultivating Contentment in Our Christian Life
by Bob Graham (Nov 29 2009)
During the Christmas season it is so easy to be swayed by the spirit of this world working overtime to stir the chords of discontentment within us. We're repeatedly bombarded with advertising telling us we need the bigger, the better, the newer so that we can be happy; nothing can be further from the truth. God sends us a clear message in our text - we already have everything we need for our present and future happiness; we simply need to be content. But contentment does not come naturally, we discuss three concepts that will help cultivate contentment in our Christian lives.
What Does It Cost To Give Thanks?
by Bob Graham (Nov 22 2009)
Daniel was the target of deceitful decree. His enemies knew if they were ever to ensnare him, they would have to find issue with his service to God, and so they made it illegal for him to pray. When Daniel knew the decree was made law, he went to his usual spot, opened the window toward Jerusalem and prayed and gave thanks to God. He was well aware of the cost of his decision, and he still gave thanks. What can we glean from the example of this grateful man?
Exercise Yourself Unto Godliness
by Bob Graham (Nov 15 2009)
Series: It's Time To Change
We live in a culture inundated with an "instant" mentality and it should come as no surprise that it has spilled over into some of our spiritual expectations. Many believers have come to think that there must be an easy way to live godly; it simply is not so. Godliness requires exercise. In this message we delve into five very practical aspects of this exercise and one outstanding promise.
Humility - The Fertile Ground for Godly Change
by Bob Graham (Oct 25 2009)
Series: It's Time To Change
Humility - Andrew Murray says its the place of entire dependence upon God; ...the root of every virtue; Jim Berg says it's the frame of mind...that says I am sinful and need God's mercy and I am insufficient and need God's grace. Either way you slice it, we need it. If we ever hope to experience the grace of God necessary to change for His sake and His glory, we need to follow the example of our Lord and Savior and humble ourselves. God resists the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.
Change Deals With the Idols of the Heart
by Bob Graham (Oct 18 2009)
Series: It's Time To Change
The elders of Israel were steeped in idolatry. One day they came to the prophet Ezekiel to inquire of the Lord and God made it plain that the only thing He was willing to talk about was the idols they had set up in their hearts. The practice of idolatry is far more prevalent than most us realize. Idolatry affects us at the heart level and steals the affection and devotion God rightly deserves. Whatever rules our hearts will exercise an inescapable influence over our thoughts and behaviors. Therefore, biblical change must thoroughly address the idols of the heart.
Lasting Change Begins in the Heart
by Bob Graham (Oct 11 2009)
Series: It's Time To Change
If we ever hope to experience lasting change in our lives, then we must deal with our problems on the heart level. The heart of our problem is the problem in our heart. Jesus made it very plain that we do the things we do because of what we have stored up in our hearts. People and circumstances are not the cause of our problems, they only provide occasions for our hearts to reveal themselves. Fruit change is a result of root change. The heart must be the target of our personal growth and ministry. God wants to produce a heart change in us and then use us to produce heart change in others.
What Does Change Look Like?
by Bob Graham (Sep 13 2009)
Series: It's Time To Change
As believers in Christ, all of us are commanded by God to change, but change into what? There is little doubt that people would answer this question with a wide differences of opinion, so we need to define our terms... What does biblical change look like? Our message this morning deals with six different characteristics inherent in biblical change.
Plant Yourself in the House of the Lord
by Bob Graham (Aug 30 2009)
The statistical studies prove it, but the Bible informed us long ago that those who plant themselves in the house of the Lord shall be fat, flourishing and fruitful even in their old age. The benefits of acitve church participation are many; so put down your roots, get the whole family involved in a good Bible believing church. And the sooner you do so the better off your children will be in the long run.
The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us
by Bob Graham (Aug 9 2009)
Jesus came to earth in the body of a man not only to die for us but also to give us a living illustration of the glorious nature and character of God. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. In essence, He "fleshed out" the verbal revelation of the Father. The New Testament describes to us what it was like. However, the Word still needs to become flesh...people still need to see the character of God, and they can as Christ lives in us and through us. Our mission is still to reveal God to the world so the world can find God.
The Importance of Baptism by Immersion
by Bob Graham (Jul 19 2009)
The Scriptures give us a clear command to baptize believers once they are born again. What is the reason for baptism? Why do we baptize by immersion? What is the history of our baptism? What is the significance of baptism by immersion? With the many erroneous views concerning baptism, we need biblical answers to these questions.
Do You Pray?
by Bob Graham (Jul 19 2009)
Series: Prayer
Do you pray? I am not asking if you say your prayers; but do you pray? Many believers do not pray at all. Many others pray nothing but form prayers. And many that do pray; pray words that have no heart. There is a wide gap in the ranks between those who are greatly used of God and those who make little impact on the world around them; in most cases the difference can be summed up in their life of private prayer.
When My Heart Is Overwhelmed
by Bob Graham (Jun 14 2009)
Series: Psalms Study
When faced with overwhelming circumstances, God provides the believer with a place of refuge and a pathway to restoration.
The Joy in Serving
by Missionary Mark Ernst (Jun 7 2009)
If you are looking for true joy in the Christian life, you will find it in serving others.
Take My Yoke Upon You and Learn of Me
by Bob Graham (Apr 22 2009)
Series: The Parables of Christ
We came to Jesus for salvation and He never intended us to leave. There is available for all believers an abundant life and that life is in Christ.