Christmas is a time to celebrate when Love came down - when Jesus came to Rescue, Recover, and Reconnect us by giving us the gift of Himself. He wants us to rest in His work... "God rest ye merry gentlemen". Is there room in your "INN-er" heart for Jesus?

As we give Jesus our trust, make Him first in our life, give what we value to His work, and bring other people to Him, we are giving Him gifts even more valuable than those the wise men brought. 

There are two trees associated with Christmas - the Christmas tree and the family tree. Jesus chose to come through a messed up broken family so He can identify with us, and so we can identify with Him. Jesus came to die for us because we're family. That's what X-mas is all about - God so loved the world that He GAVE!

The Truth about Christmas... A Biblical basis for modern-day Christmas traditions like the Christmas Tree, Santa Claus, and more!

The best gift is one that we need, and Christmas is about understanding the need. Like Nicodemus, we must understand that we need to be born again to see that the Kingdom of God is a person (Jesus), a place (heaven), and a thing (His Reign).

God communicates His love for us through value, use & maintenance!

After Barnabas found Saul, they went and taught in Antioch. It was there that the disciples were first called "Christians" (little copies of Christ). It was also from Antioch that the Gentile Christians broke down walls with the Jewish Christians by demonstrating God's love and grace through their giving.

The Holy Spirit repeats the message God gave Peter in chapter 10 - "What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy." But unfortunately, as we see then and now, tradition is sometimes the hardest thing to break. Let's have the heart of Peter and say, "...who was I that I could stand in God's way?"

The Lord confirms to Peter that the gospel is for everyone, not just Jews. In obedience, he goes to Cornelius, preaches the good news of Jesus Christ, and witnesses the Holy Spirit fall upon the Gentiles. Like Peter, we need to let the Father, Son and Holy Spirit to interrupt our plans and thinking.

After finding sickness in Lydda, Peter found sadness in Joppa. Healing both just as Jesus did.

You are a Christian before a man, woman, race, etc. Saul wanted to preach to and reach the Jews, God wanted him to learn to love the Gentiles.

"It is better to have God molding you than you molding."

Although Saul's heart and mind was to reach his Jewish brothers in Jerusalem, God called him to preach the Good News to the Gentiles. The churches were actually edified and multiplied when he left! The renowned apostle Paul had to spend his first years in ministry in obscurity for God to prepare him for his calling. Like Saul, let's not get discouraged in the wait, but trust God for the "bigger picture."

As we see in Saul and Ananias' lives, obedience to the Lord isn't always easy, but it is always worth it. Saul had to sit in darkness for three days, while Ananias had to work through his fears with the Lord, but the course of history was changed when they both chose to trust in the Lord and answer the Lord's call. How about you?

Saul was going down a "crooked" path as he persecuted Christians, but it was on a street called Straight: where he was gloriously converted and really began to pray; where he discovered God's will for his life; where he was filled with the Holy Spirit; where he openly identified himself with the Lord and His people; and where he became a living witness for the Lord. Are you on "Straight Street"? 

"Chasing Chariots"

We learn from Philip that opportunities are found in the most unexpected places, are fleeting, and are prepared when following the voice of the Holy Spirit. Like Philip, let's be enthusiastic (full of God) for the ministry of Jesus! 

When witnessing to our Muslim friends, we should start with common ground. Both the Bible and the Qur'an say that Jesus is the Messiah, the Word of God, & a spirit from God. Then let the Spirit of Truth guide them into all truth. Truth is no less true if it is found somewhere else than the Bible! 

In the Bible, the land represents God's promises. He gave the Israelites the Promised Land not because of their righteousness, but because of His grace and faithfulness. God has already won the war, se we can fight the battles against the enemy from a position of victory!

Jesus preaches the gospel by saying, "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand." It's time to re-think how we live, because there's a profound reality, right here at our fingertips. Jesus' Kingdom is available to all right now, but we must learn to operate from within in order to walk in it.

Philip proclaimed Christ, while Simon boasted of himself. The people were amazed at Simon's magic, but they were converted to Christ by Philip's ministry. God is not to be used to build up ourselves. It's all about His Kingdom. Are we like Philip or Simon? Let's be missional minded!

Abraham knew God was faithful to keep all of His promises, so he chose to believe God by faith even when he didn't know WHERE he was going, WHEN & HOW it was going to happen, and WHY it was asked of him. Let's follow father Abraham's example and live lives of radical faith in Jesus!

Stephen's death brought about great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, which scattered the believers throughout Judea and Samaria, just as Jesus spoke of in Acts 1:8. However, as they kept talking about the God of glory, they saw the God of glory work miracles, which resulted in much rejoicing in spite of the persecution!

As Stephen operated in God's grace and power, the Sanhedrin accused him of blasphemy  against Moses (the Law) & God. He responded by reminding them of their history, for which he was stoned to death. Yet even in his death, Stephen responded in love by the power of the Holy Spirit. How do we respond to persecution?

ChangeMakers Accept God’s Call

Ephesians 2: 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, that no one should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

This passage teaches us that God Created us To Do Good Works, AND that HE has Already Prepared those Good Works For US.  

Peter and the apostles were so filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit that they could not stop sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, no matter how much they were persecuted. Evidence of the Holy Spirit is in the fruit. Nothing can stop the work of God. Will we be "fanatics" for Jesus too?

Learn about the ancient art of having a life "rhythm" or rules (trellis) that will support your friendship with Jesus, so that like Daniel, you will know God in your everything!

The purging of sin and hypocrisy in Ananias and Sapphira from the church, brought about purity, which allowed for God's power, which resulted in multitudes being saved and healed. The early church knew who God was. Do we? Will we be able to stand and say like the apostles, "We must obey God rather than men"?

A deeper look into the lesson of Ananias and Sapphira teaches us: 1) That hypocrisy kills our witness, joy, peace and love  2) Satan always keeps his victims in the dark  3) When we sin, we invariable hurt others. Sin kills, but Jesus saves, loves, and lives! 

When the early church was in one accord, with one heart & soul, stewarding and not owning their possessions, there was great power and abundant grace! A man named Joseph sold his property and and gave the money to the church; however, Ananias and Sapphira tried to do the same, but lied and withheld some money, which brought about their death. The Spirit gives, but the flesh takes...

The Council of religious leaders tried to forbid Peter and John from speaking in the name of Jesus, but the apostles responded that they couldn't stop speaking about what they saw and heard. What about us? They depth of our friendship with Jesus will be revealed by our willingness to stand with Him in times of testing and trials. Let's remember that Jesus stood for us and still stands by us!

Peter, John and the healed lame man were thrown into prison by the Sadducees for proclaiming the name of Jesus for healing and salvation, but thousands of bystanders believed and were saved! Sometimes bad things happen to good people... Are we going to be more concerned about rejection and suffering, than salvation? 

After John and Peter healed the lame man at the Beautiful Gate, the people were amazed and began to congregate. Peter realized he had an opportunity to preach, so he gave the same as he did before - "Repent therefore and return, that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." This is still the good news today: the Holy Spirit still brings the times of refreshing!

John and Peter were led and empowered by the Holy Spirit to heal a man lame from birth, who immediately went to the House of God, leaping with praise and thanksgiving. We too, should leap and praise God when we truly understand that we are loved and forgiven by the power and authority of Jesus Christ!

Jesus has and will fulfill all four cups of the Jewish Passover Seder. The cups of Sanctification, Judgment, Redemption, & Praise. Without judgment, there can be no redemption, but Jesus has redeemed us with His own blood. We, who believe in Jesus, can drink the cup of Redemption, because Jesus drank the cup of judgment that was ours.

The primary purpose for the local church today is to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. We have 1. a ministry to God to be the praise of His glory 2. a ministry to believers & 3. a ministry to the world. Do you have a zeal for the House of God?

After the people received the Word of God through Peter, about 3000 were convicted to repent and be baptized. These members of the first church were in unity and continually devoted themselves to 1. the apostles' teaching 2. fellowship 3. communion and 4. prayer. As a result, there was a sense of awe and many signs and wonders took place. What would happen if we had the same devotion and unity?

Peter, a once coward fisherman who denied Jesus, now boldly proclaims the gospel to mockers by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gives us a great example of how to share our faith/testimony: 1. Proclamation 2. Explanation 3. Expiation (Change). 

The believers received the gift of tongues when the Holy Spirit fell upon them at Pentecost, and they began speaking of the mighty deeds of God in other languages. Some were amazed while others mocked. We too, will be mocked for our faith, but like Peter, we can respond in boldness by being filled with the knowledge of our forgiveness and the power of the Holy Spirit. 

"The Day of Epi" - God pours out His Holy Spirit upon the believers on the day of Pentecost (the Jewish feast of Shavuot) while they were waiting together in unity. God wants us to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit so we can live in power and freedom to love and proclaim Jesus boldly! 

FREEDOM!!! It's the whole purpose of Easter. God doesn't practice random senseless acts of suffering. He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on a cross & raise from the grave so He could set us free from our bondage to sin because He loves us. So let's celebrate Easter by surrendering our slavery and taking up our freedom in Jesus!

As the disciples waited in the Upper Room as Jesus instructed, they all had unity, prayerfulness & expectancy, but did not have a twelfth disciple. Both Peter and Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus, but Judas chose to hang himself instead of "hanging" around like Peter to receive Jesus' love & forgiveness.

Bob Cornuke challenges believers to test everything, including tradition, against the infallible Word of God as he shares his archaeological findings on the location of Mt. Sinai.

We, as believers, are blessed with the love of God and the power of His Holy Spirit. But it shouldn't be kept to ourselves. It should compel us to share the love of God with a world that desperately needs it. 

The main purpose of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is to know the love of God and to be filled to all fulness with Him so that we can be effective witnesses! The Holy Spirit is primarily concerned with character (inner holiness) first, so that we can then know how to properly use the gifts He gives to point others to Jesus, not us.

Part 2 of the second most important message of Christianity after salvation. Every Christian should know WHO & WHAT the baptism of the Holy Spirit if for, and HOW to be filled with Him. Evidence of the Holy Spirit is unconditional love & boldness...

Part 1 of the second most important sermon of Christianity after salvation...abundant life! We can't follow God's commandments in our own strength. We need help! Jesus is our first helper, but the Holy Spirit is our second. Let's make ourselves available for God to work through us by the power of the Holy Spirit!

The book of Acts is all about "action"! The divine order, modeled by Jesus, is to do first, then teach. He didn't just preach theory, He lived incarnationally. He also ordered those that were His, to wait for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, because that's where the power for action comes from!

The Salvation Army is much more than just Christmas collection boxes and thrift stores. They are about saving souls, growing saints, and serving suffering humanity. Their work is evident in the abundant fruit of their ministries around the world. They are being the church (in action)... Are you?

"The Birth of the Church"

The early church experienced rapid growth because they had 1) A divine person they were loyal to, 2) A divine program to follow, 3) A divine promise to sustain them and 4) Personnel (apostles/disciples).

The who, what, where, when, why & how of the book of Acts. 

God often "interrupts" our lives, bringing us to an intersection where we need to make a decision. He trusts us to take His ministry to the world (the poor, the blind, the captive). Will we trust Him? Let's choose to step into heaven's plan!

Colossians 3:15-17

No Recession on Intercession!!!

Our scripture and theme for 2016 comes from Colossians 3, which encourages us to seek the things above (not on earth), and be bonded in love. It's holiness that brings the happiness that lasts!