For the Philippians, Paul in prison was the worst that could happen; for Paul—and the Gospel—it was the best, and he told the Philippians so. He even told them to rejoice. But how do you do that…?
Tag: #early-church
‘The Cure for America’
Pastor Jay gives a Biblical response to political violence in a divided America…
‘The Art of Discipleship’ (Ruth 3)
Everyone needs a helping hand in the faith—and everyone has a part to play in discipleship…!
‘The Heart of the Matter is a Matter of the Heart’ (Acts 16:14)
As much as fertile ground is needed for physical growth, spiritual growth demands a fertile heart…
‘Introduction to Philippians: Who’s the Real Enemy?’ (Part 4)
In the final installment of his Philippians introduction, Pastor Jay tackles two baffling questions: why did Paul and Silas stay in prison when they could have escaped, and why didn’t they tell the men who beat and imprisoned them that they were Roman citizens? Hint—it saved and protected the Philippian church from disaster… (Acts 16:22-40)
‘Philippians Introduction: Confronting Demons and Superstitions’
In Part 3 of Pastor Jay’s introduction to Philippians, a powerful demon confronts Paul and his team—but when Paul casts it out of the fortune-teller, the real trouble began. Lots of lessons in this message that the devil will hate (and you may not like some of them either)… (Acts 16:16-19)
‘The moment of T-Ruth’ (Ruth 1:6-22)
Every life has a turning point—a moment of truth. Ruth had one, too—a big one…
‘Philippians Introduction: No Small Works’
The great Apostle Paul—Pharisee, missionary, evangelist, agitator—was tasked by God to preach the gospel to Europe. His first audience? Less than ten women praying by a river. But as you read this, if you’re a Christian today, it’s proof that no ministry to anyone is too small… (Introduction, Part 2)
“Philippians Introduction: A Step in the Right Direction”
Pastor Jay begins an intimate look into Paul’s great letter to the Philippian church. This week: how Paul got there was amazing; what happened next seemed so small—and it changed the course of history…
Nehemiah Finale: ‘When the Cat’s Away…’
When Nehemiah was out of town, his enemies took advantage. But when he discovered the treachery, he prayed, cleared out their houses and cleaned their clocks. A fitting conclusion to one of the most powerful missions in the Bible. (Neh. 13)
‘A Mutated Mentality of Ministry’ (‘Hey—Fugeddaboutit!’)
The disciples had just returned from a week of powerful ministry. Jesus, however, seemed to pour cold water on their rejoicing—and for a very, very good reason… (Luke 10:17-24)
‘GET. UP.’ (John 5″1-9)
God helps. God offers to help. But what about those who didn’t want His help and never asked Him for it? Does He still help against their wishes? What will He do?
‘Now—We Pray’ (Neh. 9, PART 2)
‘Now—We Pray!’ (Neh. 9, PART 1)
‘Nehemiah’s Word of the Day: “Understand”‘ (Neh. 8)
‘Just One More Thing…’ (The ‘Lasagna’ Sermon)
Jesus’ final words from the cross were ‘It is Finished’. But what was ‘finished’? What was still needed—and from whom? (A word of warning—you’ll never look at lasagna the same). (John 19:30)
‘Jesus is Alive—and Everything Depends on It’
Jesus is alive—despite any earthly, intellectual and theological opposition, His resurrection is no myth, and eternity with or without Him is inevitable…
‘C’mon!’ (Neh. 7)
Pastor Jeremy Grant continues his amazing series from the Book of Nehemiah!
‘Oh, no!’ (Neh. 6-7:4)
Not every brother is a brother—and Nehemiah 6 stands as a word to the wise…
‘I have the right (to be wrong)’ (Rev. 2:7)
We all have the right—and need—to be corrected by God, through His people, for our good. Seems God has a rather different view of our ‘rights’…
‘Jerusalem’s Golden Gate—Entrance for a King’ (Ch. 3:22-32)
‘Nehemiah Connects the Gates—and Ours’ (PART 1)
‘Nehemiah Gets to Work’ (Ch. 3:1-12)
‘Nehemiah Takes out the Trash’ (Ch. 2:9-20)
When Nehemiah got to Jerusalem, he also got to work—and the wall’s weakest spots came first—the Gates…
‘Book of Nehemiah—The Beginning’
Pastor Jeremy Grant introduces one of the great men in the Bible—powerful, popular, influential, smart—and God alone ruled his heart. (Chapter 1)
‘The Magi: Better Late than Ever’ (Pastor Jeremy Grant)
The Magi went to see Jesus late, but there were others who knew very well who He was—and never went to see Him at all… An insightful Christmas Eve message from Pastor Jeremy Grant.
‘A Million and One Reasons to Repent’ (Pastor Jeremy Grant)
In his electrifying prayer-series finale, Pastor Jeremy digs into Daniel 9—and unearths a tremendous prayer not only for Israel, but for America—and every Christian heart…
‘How Do You Pray…?’ (Pastor Jeremy Grant)
Jesus knew His audience—some loved what He said, others hated it—especially when His lessons portrayed ‘bad guys’ as good and ‘good guys’ as bad. This was glaring when He taught about praying—the righteous hated it while the hopeless found mercy. Here’s the story… (Luke 18:9-14)
‘Pray Like This…” (Pastor Jeremy Grant)
First, Jesus told His disciples not to pray like the hypocrites—then He told them to pray by keeping it real—to pray like saints… (Matt. 6:9-14)
‘How Not to Pray’ (Pastor Jeremy Grant)
Jesus taught us to pray, but He also warned us how not to pray—and the distinction is marvelous. Now go pray… (Matthew 6:5-7; includes an update by Pastor Jay)
‘My Rights or What’s Right?’ (Pastor Jeremy Grant)
Doing what’s right is rarely easy, but it’s not complicated. Yet what holds us back? What cripples God’s own people from doing the good for which He created them? Well, a long time ago there were these two women… (1 Kings 3:16-28)
‘Let This Mind Be in You’ (Ken Needham)
What did the Father give to Jesus? More than you may know—and it’s both baffling and glorious… Theologian Ken Needham gives tremendous insights into Jesus’ prayer for His disciples (John 17).
“Be a Wise Guy” (Pastor Jeremy Grant)
There’s a hidden gap between reality and the truth—between what we want when we’re strong and what we admit we need in our weakness. King Solomon discovered the difference when God offered him a blank check—to tell Him what he wanted or to receive from God what he lacked. The truth is found right there… (1 Kings 3)
‘Dangerous Rip Tides Ahead’ (Pastor Brit)
Like a rip tide, sin wants to pull us in—and down. Here’s how to win against the tide… (Gal. 3:26-4:31)
‘Beloved’ (Pastor Jeremy Grant)
God can take our messes and turn them into something good—it’s what He does, because He love us. You are definitely beloved… (2 Samuel 12:24–25)
‘What About America?’ (Pastor Jeremy Grant)
The Lord still offers hope and a second chance to a wayward nation—by way of Jonah…
‘Fate of The Resurrected’
Jesus rose from the dead, so we will, too—but to what end? Because of His resurrection, what will our resurrection bring? It will be glorious—and so much more. You will like this one…
‘The Griping of the Blessed’ (Pastor Jim Milne)
Alas, how quickly God’s people can gripe even when they’ve been blessed. A ‘reminder’ from Numbers 11 by Pastor Jim Milne.
‘Incarnation: The Descent of God”
If we could imagine eternity, we might begin to grasp the extent of God’s love for people. For now, Christmas paints a wondrous picture…
‘The Overwhelming Nature of Christmas’ (Christmas Eve 2022)
God didn’t approach the world with an offer to negotiate—only to give. The celebrations that surround Him are all about giving—and He’s always been the giver. Rejoice…!
‘Incident at Abraham’s Well’ (Ancient Beersheba)
This ancient well holds huge significance—especially for those who think they’re too small to serve God in a great way…
“The Africa Challenge” (Lane Wettengel, CRI)
When Jesus told His disciples to ‘go’, He meant ‘not stay’. Here is a man who ‘goes’, and when he does, Africa gets blessed. List to his message—he will bless you, too…
Ken Needham: “Terrible Twins”
What shocking thing did Moses and Paul have in common? The answer asks a startling question of all God’s people. An amazing message by theologian, Torchbearer and friend, Ken Needham.
Ken Needham: “The Essence of Church Leadership”
What is the essence of church leadership? Theologian and Torch-Bearer Ken Needham gives us a view of leadership from the Burning Bush (with brief biographical Q & A by Pastor Jay). [There are a few seconds of silence before the message begins]
“The Christian’s Freedom From Sin” (Bob Clark)
Recognizing our identity in Christ is a vital key to victory in a Christian’s life. A profound look at Romans 6 by Bob Clark. Blessings are in store…!
“Living in the Flesh by Faith?” (Pastor Brit)
A brilliant exposé on Galatians 2:20 by Pastor Brit—you will be blessed.