217church - Audio

Complacency focuses on today, celebration relies on tomorrow.

All of us will be asked the question, “Where are you?” by God. Some of us will respond by running away from and avoiding God. But only in turning to God and responding with the phrase “Here I am” can we truly receive grace and as a result project His holiness to the world. Let’s be people who stop, are vulnerable, receive grace, holiness, and fill the earth with His Glory.

The words of the Psalmist echo out our greatest need as people, to know that we are known by God. Each of us desires to be significant in His eyes and we must realize God knows our motives, our location and our purpose.

The voice of God is powerful and when we place ourselves under the influence of God’s words there is a blessing that always comes back true.

The Psalms teach us how to praise God, even in the midst of the storms of life. Psalm 1 deals the question- how can we draw real strength to face our times of crisis? This Psalm says that, first, we need to receive counsel from people who build up, and don’t tear down; then, it admonishes us to be solidly planted in the one source that will endure forever- the Word of God!

Elijah heard God’s voice that it would rain in the land even in the midst of a famine. He believed in God’s purposeful outcome and believed for an improbable and impossible result. As we realize God’s vision for our church we must see it, pray it, check it and then we will see it.

Jesus meets the disciples in their deepest time of desperation on the sea in the storm. In our times of peril we must cry out with prayers to God, rely on the power of God and rest in the presence of God.

When we go all-in God takes responsibility for the outcome

Philippians 4:8-9 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learnedand received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."

Rick Romano, missionary to the Dominican Republic, shares with us the work they are doing to change lives in the DR and reminded us of our calling to live out the gospel no matter where we are. For more information on Rick's ministry visit http://missiontwentyfive35.org.

Paul writes his letter from prison to the church he loves and prays for joyfully in Philippi. He writes of our trials and sufferings how they should create boldness, progress, and focus as we live his joyful purpose in our families. Today’s trials equal tomorrow’s transformation.

When Jesus encounters those in conflict about marriage and when to divorce, he reestablishes God’s original plan from the beginning and helps us understand the extreme importance of marriage in a culture.

Paul writes a letter to the church and helps them understand the great opportunity present to embody Christ through the example of marriage. Just as Jesus came to serve, we are to serve our spouse. We must protect, provide and praise each other.

Jesus is risen from the dead! In Luke’s account of the resurrection, Peter realizes he is forgiven and everything Jesus said was absolutely true. Because of the love of Christ and resurrection power we are to leave sin, embrace life, and embody love.

There is no unimportant role in the church and we all have a part to play. Paul writes to a young church to all use their gifts and come together towards the fulfilling of a vision. Our spiritual gifts have been given to equip, encourage and extend the church.

God gives us the sabbath out of love to restore our health. When we learn to rest, it helps us to remember our why. We must inspect our habits, confront the truth and restore the sabbath in our lives.

When Jesus is speaking to his disciples he gives them a simple formula by which to build a communication pathway to him, ask, seek, and knock.

God has called us to strengthen our hands for the building of a healthy church in Central New Jersey. He will prune us accordingly, give us the desire to pursue him and then we must believe God for the possibility of our future.

Our work does not define our worth, he already accomplished that at the cross Work is part of life and our role is to work as hard for the Lord. Jesus clearly defines that our work is to for Him always honoring him.