November 2009
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.
Come Back to the Joy of the Lord
by Dr. Rick Flanders (Nov 6 2009)
Series: 2009 Revival Meetings
The attraction of any church needs to be the presence and power of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible says the joy of the Lord is our strength. How do we get back to the joy of the Lord. This message gives five practical steps to get back to the place of joy in the Christian life.
How to Have God Come to Your Aid
by Dr. Rick Flanders (Nov 5 2009)
Series: 2009 Revival Meetings
Paul had many wonderful experiences and special privileges as an Apostle of Jesus Christ but he also had an infirmity in the flesh; a disability of some sort that God allowed to remain in his life to serve as a constant reminder of his own personal weakness and his need for God's strength. Paul earnestly sought the Lord three times to remove this infirmity, but God taught Paul, and teaches us a very important lesson through all this: God's strength is made perfect in weakness.
Fathers, Provoke Not Your Children to Wrath
by Dr. Rick Flanders (Nov 3 2009)
Series: 2009 Revival Meetings
One of the problems that repeatedly affected the proliferation of revival has occurred within the Christian home. The failure was not in the revival itself, but rather a failure within the families to pass on its life giving principles to the next generation. The Apostle Paul addresses a portion of this problem in sixth chapter of Ephesians when he admonishes fathers not to provoke their children to wrath. This message deals with several ways this can happen in the average Christian home.
We Wrestle Not Against Flesh and Blood
by Dr. Rick Flanders (Nov 3 2009)
We as believers are in a battle that is fought on multiple fronts, both seen and unseen. Both of these battlegrounds are important but we are prone to give too much attention to the enemies we see while losing sight of the those we don't see. In the course of history revival fires have been extinguished by this very phenomenon; social and political issues have risen on the heels of powerful awakenings distracting good men and ministries from fulfilling their primary work for God's kingdom. Pastors and leaders need to be aware of the fact that the greatest contribution we can make for the future and furtherance of this generation is to stay focused on the work God has given us to do; preaching the Word, persevering in prayer, winning the lost and discipling those we win.
The Benefits of the Spirit
by Dr. Rick Flanders (Nov 2 2009)
Series: 2009 Revival Meetings
The Holy Spirit is not just a doctrine, He is a person that lives within us. The Scriptures tell us some very specific benefits that are ours due to the Spirit's indwelling. Therefore, it should be normal for every surrendered Christian to see miraculous manifestations of the work of Spirit in us and through us.
An Important Revival Promise
by Dr. Rick Flanders (Nov 1 2009)
Series: 2009 Revival Meetings
Our text contains a very important Revival promise. Although it is often misunderstood and misapplied, there is still a valuable principle communicated that is found throughout the Scriptures. God still stands ready to bless His people whenever they come as He prescribed.
The Easy Life
by Dr. Rick Flanders (Nov 1 2009)
Series: 2009 Revival Meetings
Much is communicated about the difficulty of living the Christian life, but our Lord indicates that this is not necessarily so. Our text describes a life that is substantially less burdensome and invites us to come unto Him and experience it for ourselves.
Revival in the Family
by Dr. Rick Flanders (Nov 1 2009)
Series: 2009 Revival Meetings
When we experience genuine Revival, the very first place it will be seen is at home. Ephesians 5 teaches us that when a person is filled with the Spirit of God, there will be immediate manifestations of spiritual health. He or she will cooperate with the Holy Spirit and joy, gratitude and unselfishness will be the evidence. Imagine the impact a family member would make if these qualities were readily demonstrated in the context of their home.