Service Times
Worship Service
Sun. 9:30am – 10:30am
Sunday School
Sun. 10:45am – 11:20am
Prayer Meeting & Bible Study
Wed. 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Crusaders Club (Seasonal)
Thurs. 3:00pm – 5:30pm
Crusaders Teens (Seasonal)
Thurs. 6:00pm – 8:00pm
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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 44:36 — 40.8MB) Subscribe: Matthew. 19:16-26
We invite you to worship with us each Sunday morning at 9:30. Our focal passage today is a rich resource for many sermons and lessons. I want to focus on verses 25 and 26 to see that the NT teaches very clearly that our salvation begins and ends with God. The power of salvation is the power of God. Since that is truth, why are so many who call themselves Christians not examples of that power? Let’s consider
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- THE POWER OF SALVATION TAUGHT BY ITS AUTHOR! When the disciples hear Jesus’ statement about salvation, they are stunned! Their response in verse 25 proves that. One writer says that Jesus gives us two major truths we must know as fundamental and conservative Christians. First, He teaches that there never has been, nor will there ever be any power given to man that allows man to save, justify, or make themselves righteous in God’s sight. Second, such power required to redeem a human being begins in the omnipotence of God and must always originate there to maintain salvation. Those two truths are clearly taught throughout the NT. Jesus’ illustration of a camel going through the eye of a needle is a literal illustration suggestion that it is easier for God, through His omnipotence, to make that happen than it is for a rich man to get into heaven on his own. God alone has the power to change a person’s heart from trusting in earthly works or materials for salvation, to trusting in the finished work of redemption of Jesus Christ. Notice also
- THE POWER OF SALVATION TAUGHT BY THE APOSTLES! Read Romans 8:1-8. Paul constantly verifies Jesus’ teachings. Focus on verse 7 and see that a sinful (unredeemed) mind is hostile toward God, therefore, doesn’t, can’t submit to the law of God. Notice also how Scripture teaches at least two reasons why this is true. If a person is hostile toward God they certainly are not going to submit to His laws. Check out 1Cor. 15:56. In this passage and the Romans passage Paul is teaching that keeping the Law doesn’t have the power to save because all the Law does is reveal how sinful a person is, and, how much they need a Savior. Rom. 7:7-13 and Gal. 4;19-25 teach the same principle. The Apostles learned that Jesus was God, therefore, He had the power to save. Paul makes that truth clear in Rom. 1:16 and 1Cor. 1:18. Finally, consider
- THE POWER OF SALVATION TOWARD THE AMBASSADORS. Read James 1:21. To all the Apostles Jesus word was much more than just teaching, or principles, or review of the Law, or parables. They understood, as must we, that when He spoke God was speaking; therefore, all that Jesus said was “thus saith the Lord!” James caught that truth and in this verse telling us the Word of God is the Power of God that provides salvation. Dear Christians reader – is that the way you see the Word of God? God’s Word gives us everything we need to share in God’s nature. Think about that for a moment!
If we can help you answer any of your spiritual questions call us at (574) 643-9419.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:49 — 50.2MB) Subscribe: John 4:19-24
We invite you to come worship with us on Sunday mornings at 9:30. We think you will find what you are looking for in a local church. On this communion Sunday when you got up did you get ready to come to church or to come to worship? Is worship a Christian act of love or a lifestyle? Like so many other doctrines of Scripture, the doctrine of worship is getting further and further from the life and lifestyle of Christians. Satan is very successful in separating Christians from true Biblical worship. Consider
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- SEPARATION TURNED DEADLY. When a person is arrested they are immediately read their rights. One of the first things they are told is “anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.” Satan works on a version of that same idea. His version is “I can and will reverse anything/everything in Scripture and use it to hurt and destroy you.” The Biblical doctrine of separation means that at the instant of our salvation we allow God to distance us from all that is ungodly/unrighteous and unholy. Satan’s version of the doctrine is that he works in our lives to move us from all that is godly/righteous/holy. One very significant difference is that God does not force His holiness and goodness on us, but waits for us to desire it in our hearts. Satan, on the other hand, does all he can to get us to sin. He is very patient and will harass you for as long as he needs to so you’ll give in. In this matter of worship, how did the idea get so far removed from Christian lifestyle? Reread the first question above then consider
- THE SCRIPTURAL TEACHING OF THE DOCTRINE. In truth church and worship can’t be separated. The NT teaches they are neatly packaged in the same body. Going to church and going to worship follow the OT practice that when a person wanted to worship they had to go to the tabernacle or Temple. From the giving of the Law until Pentecost to worship was to go to the Temple. The thought was apart from the Temple, apart from worship. Today it is apart from church, apart from worship. Read Ex. 20:2-6 for God’s definition of worship. Let’s consider five NT examples of worship. See Matt. 8:1-4 and Mark 1:40-42.
*The leper knelt and begged on his knees before Jesus. When was the last time you knelt before Jesus as Lord rather than a friend? See Matt. 9:18-19; Mark 5:21-23. *Notice that Jairus (a ruler in the synagogue) knelt before Jesus. Mark says “fell at His feet and pled earnestly.” Notice again how bended knee and earnest desire of heart comes into focus. Is that how you meet your Savior on His day – every day? See Matt. 14:22, then verse 33. *The disciples worshipped Jesus because He saved them from the storm. How many crises has Jesus brought you through this week? Read Matt. 15:25; Mark 7:25-26. *Can you feel this mother’s earnest worship and pleading with Jesus? Her faith is enormous even though she asked for only a crumb. Is your faith as consuming as hers? See Matt. 20:20; Mark 10:35. *Even though these three made a naive and wrong request, notice they were as sincere as anyone could be. They worshipped, but in a wrong attitude. Notice that each of these situations involved a crisis situation. Each person falls on their knees in sincere recognition of Who Jesus is in an attitude of reverent submission and awe. Notice also that none of these events occurred at the Temple, but in the course of daily life. As Christians we live everyday in a crisis situation (Eph. 6:10-18) desperately in need of the Savior’s help. He best helps those who meet Him on their knees.
If we can offer you further help in this or any other spiritual matter, call us at (574) 643-9419.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:09 — 46.8MB) Subscribe: John 3:1-8
We invite you to join us on Sunday morning for 9:30 to worship with us. Our study is centered in Eph. 6:10 where we are commanded to “be strong in the Lord and His mighty power.” Last week we learned the OT explains the power of God is seen as directs the events of history revealing His plans/purposes/and will. We also learned God demonstrates His power by delivering His people out of bondage and forever destroying their enemies. As we turn to the New Testament close examination reveals all the principles of the OT are still in effect, but the personal relationship is even more personal.
I THE FOCUS ON CHRIST THROUGH THE PROPHETS. The concept of the power of God began and ended with God the Father. The people met with Him at the temple, and the priests were mediators who sacrificed offerings for sin. When a person wanted to meet God they went to the temple and sacrificed an offering. Worship and a relationship with God was centered in the temple or tabernacle through the priests and sacrifice. In the NT all that focus shifts to Jesus as Christ who Himself is God, Mediator, Priest and Sacrifice. In the NT Christ becomes the only way to God (John 14:6). God spoke through the OT prophets to help people understand that when Messiah came, He would come as the Person of God with the power of God. Read Ps. 2; 110:2; Micah 5:5 Isa. 9:5; 11:2 and many other passages. Of course when Christ came the religious leaders had the wrong idea about Him and completely missed His power!
II. THE FOCUS ON CHRIST THROUGH POWER! When Jesus introduced miracles as part of His ministry, the purpose was to verify that Jesus was God’s Son with God’s power. Unfortunately, the “preachers” of the day were outward focused legalists who saw Jesus as no more than a prophet on a par with Moses, Elijah, or Isaiah. The closest the religious leaders came to seeing Jesus as the Deliverer was thinking He was going to free them from Roman oppression as Moses freed Israel from Egyptian slavery. The reality is that when Jesus spoke – God spoke. One of the most visible evidences was the power Jesus displayed over the demonic kingdom of sickness, sin, and death. The power of God resided in Him because He was God. Finally notice
III. THE FOCUS ON CHRIST THROUGH PARTNERSHIP! The first three verses of our focal passage today reveals that all Jesus did/does He did/does by God’s power. John’s theme throughout his Gospel is that all Jesus does He does in fellowship with God the Father. Fellowship with God includes God’s own power. The straw that broke the Pharisees’ back was when Jesus revealed His partnership with God was because He was God Himself. There are still many “Christians” today who don’t get it. When Jesus told us “all authority is given to me…” He was telling us He is God, because only God has allauthority! It is God that keeps our partnership with Him through our salvation intact. The command is to “be strong in the Lord’s mighty power.” This week think/meditate on that command. Get hold of the idea it is GOD’S power, not yours (in any form) that is to drive your life. When you try to infuse power into your life, you create a short circuit! Pray this week that God will open your heart to this mighty power and how God works it.
If we can help you answer this or any other spiritual question call us at (574) 643-9419.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 53:25 — 48.9MB) Subscribe: Ephesians 6:10
Please accept our invitation to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You might find exactly what you have been looking for in worship! Our focal verse in this study is one of the most profound – and misunderstood – verses in Scripture. That Christians are gifted with the power of God is often widely accepted, but little practiced. Paul actually wrote “be empowered in the Lord, and in the mite of the strength of Him.” To understand that this verse is not redundant one must see how God intends for us to use this verse in relation to our position and our power. Since both are often neglected let’s turn our attention to some serious study of God’s power.
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- THE CONCEPT OF POWER IN THE OLD TESTAMENT. Everywhere in the OT the idea or concept of power is associated with the might and power of a personal God. Simply the concept of God is the concept of power. We must not think God has power, but we must think God IS power. One major difference between the pagan gods and Yahweh is that they are only gods of nature or forces of nature. Yahweh demonstrates His power by orchestrating and directing history, the events of the world, and of mankind. The OT never presents God as just muscle or strength. We must learn first that the OT reveals God’s plans, purposes, and will ass being carried out, happening, by, because of, and through His power. Exodus 15:6; 13:16-19 use the phrase “with great power and a mighty hand” to show that God is directing history. Psalm 77:1-20 reveals the same thing. We learn God is a personal God demonstrating His personal involvement and interest in mankind through the direction of history.
- THE CONCEPT OF RELATIONSHIP IN THE OT. Read Deut. 3:21-24. Moses uses the words “you have begun to show…” Whenever the true believers of the OT thought of or were reminded of the power of God – they thought of the Red Sea. One writer explains it this way. One of the lessons we learn from the Exodus is that if God had not delivered His people from the Egyptian army they would have been destroyed. Consequently, there would have never been worship to Yahweh. The historical fact/truth of Israel’s deliverance through the parted Red Sea was a demonstration of God’s power to deliver His people from destruction. From this statement you can see how relationship with God is established. What Israel comes to understand is that God has the power to (1) deliver people from slavery; and (2) destroy their enemy freeing them from oppression. Israel’s response to such power is to obey all God commands.
- THE CONCEPT OF RELIGION IN THE OT. One definition of religion is simply “belief in a supernatural Bing to be worshipped and obeyed.” Israel came to understand that pagan religions “worshipped” gods who were impersonal and uninterested in the peoples’ welfare. When religion is seen as a dynamic relationship between a personal God Who interacts with people both individually and corporately interaction between God and people becomes possible and desired. For us as 21st Century Christians these OT truths are magnified in salvation. Our relationship with God is personal and dynamic. He wants to be the Perfect Director of our life supplying us with all blessings in heavenly realms. If He can direct history and the universe, your personal life is not exhausting to Him.
If we can help you understand more about a personal relationship with God call us at (574) 643-9419.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:48 — 47.4MB) Subscribe: Eph. 6:10-18
We invite you to join us on Sunday morning at 9:30 for worship. We think you will be glad you did. Our current study focuses on being strong in the Lord. We learned we are at war with superhuman warlords whose only desire is to destroy our Christian testimony before a lost and dying world. This battle cry is to all Christians, but only God’s marines the few/the proud (to stand for Christ) will pay attention to it. We must understand exactly what “be strong” means in order to be strong!
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- THE BASIC MEANING(S) OF POWER. In its simplest form be strong means “being able, or being capable of” as in Ps. 40:8. It can mean “one who is powerful, or has ability,” as in speaking of kings or prophets who have the power to carry out their duties; Power also means “to have great ability” as in Ex. 30:30-35. Power is used in referring to God as “One Who can do something because of their power, mite, or dominion.” There are many other forms of the root word, but these meanings form the foundation of most all words that deal with power of some sort throughout Scripture. Why is it important for Christians to be aware of these words? All these forms of the word power apply to us in some way or another. As Christians we are capable of desiring, or not desiring; we are the ones with great ability, we have power, dominion, and are made strong with power that increases through the process of spiritual growth. In that light we must ask ourselves, does our life show the lost, and God that we live a life infused with that kind of power? If we have to answer “no” we are violating the command of Eph. 6:10.
- THE BIBLICAL MEASURE OF THE PRINCIPLE!. Notice that Paul says to “BE strong!” He telling Christians their state, or condition of existing is that of strength and power. Said another way a Christian is a person of power. Strength is who and what Christians are. Such a command dealing with our existence shouldn’t surprise us because we all teach our children “to be” from an early age. We teach them to be – masculine or feminine, polite, thankful, social, considerate and so on. What we teach our children to be is what they become, or who they are in character. Paul is teaching us that Christians are people who are characterized by their strength/power to be “Christ-like!”
- THE BIGGEST MISTAKES IN PRACTICE! Many, not all, but many who call themselves Christians view their salvation as nothing more than a ticket to heaven. The Bible is not their final authority in all matter of faith and living, because, it has been reduced to nothing more a collection of ancient fables written by people of questionable sanity. To many Christians it doesn’t matter what “religious” path you take to get to the top of the theological mountain and when you get their God is ready to let you into heaven just because you made the climb. Many more Christians today are MIA or POW’s being held captive by our enemy the Devil. Even though they say their hearts are washed in the blood, they have been brainwashed by the enemy to act like the world. To others Christianity means living in denial of the great doctrines of Scripture. Today Christianity means salvation without sanctification; redemption without repentance; outward happiness without inward holiness; pride and power without piety; honor without humility; success without surrender; responsibility without accountability, religion without righteousness. All this is a mockery to the Majesty and Mercy of the Almighty. Today many see salvation not as new life in Christ, but the old life demanding Christ’s blessings. The biggest mistake of all is thinking that these things aren’t mistakes. How do you think?
If we can help you with the answers to your spiritual questions call us at (574) 643-9419.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 52:51 — 48.4MB) Subscribe: Obadiah
We invite you to join us for worship on Sunday morning at 9:30. You will receive a warm welcome and hear the truth of God. As we celebrate the anniversary of America’s independence, many today think America is invincible. Some would say because we are One Nation Under God, both divine protection and blessing will usher us through this age of grace and the Great Tribulation into millennial bliss where America becomes part of the New Heaven. An interesting thought since our national philosophy seems to be God need only be invited into America during times of national crisis; absolute truth is whatever works for you; morality is whatever feels best for you; justice is whatever is most politically correct; murder is an acceptable way to settle disputes and family is just an historic artifact of how life use to be. Obadiah’s message to Edom is a message to America today. The only difference is time in history, the people, and geography. Notice first
- THE CERTAINTY OF JUDGMENT! Read verses 2-4. The prediction is absolutely authoritative because it is from The Sovereign Lord. This statement is also one of the strongest proofs of verbal inspiration! The spoken word of God is always a demonstration of His power. Read Heb. 1:3 then Gen. 1-2. Whenever God speaks, something always happens. Interestingly enough, we can hear God speak only if our heart desires to hear Him. Because we are redeemed by a God of certainty, our future is certainly secure.
- THE CAUSE OF JUDGMENT is found in verse 3. Perhaps of all sin, pride is the ultimate. To be proud (arrogant, self centered) is to be evil in character, nature, heart and essence. It’s that inner thought that aggrandizes one’s own self. Pride is Satan’s most effective way of causing people, even Christians, to compare themselves to other people rather than to Jesus Christ. Read 2 Cor. 10:12 for a Biblical definition of pride. The Edomites were much like most 21st Century Americans. Their prosperity had made them arrogant. They thought they were invincible because of their achievements, their armed forces, and weapons. They were deceived by a false sense of security that caused them to be spiritually blind.
- THE CREATOR OF JUDGMENT is met in verse 4. Pride not only causes spiritual and moral blindness – it also causes amnesia. Pride causes people to think that all they are and have is because of them. The truth is all that is solely because of God and His benevolence toward us. No enemy of America can touch her in any way without express consent from God. God tells Edom “all you have is nothing before Me!” The same is true of America! God made her, God can/will destroy her.
- JUDGMENT WILL BE COMPLETE. In verses 5-14 God’s message here is simply “you would sooner be robbed than judged. Even what you think can’t be taken from you – will be.” Americans tend to think we can’t lose our freedoms, rights, and possessions. The truth is that none of those things are as secure as we would like to believe. Remember just a couple years ago how our savings disappeared right before our eyes? We are not nationally secure enough we can’t be judged! Like all prophets of God, Obadiah ends by telling us that even after a severe judgment, God will find a faithful remnant that will come though the judgment and spend eternity with Him. As you celebrate our national independence, remember to thank God for all His gifts to us, and thank Him for your eternal spiritual freedom in Christ.
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions call us at (574) 643-9419.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:03 — 46.7MB) Subscribe: Ephesians 6:10
If you don’t have a church home, come worship with us on Sunday morning at 9:30. We think you will feel at home and know you will hear the truth of the Bible taught. No, I didn’t forget that we have not finished the book of Ephesians! We have laid some groundwork for the ministry of discipleship. Now we want to look at the conclusion of this mighty little letter and learn some principles that will guide us in discipling other Christians. When you read a verse like Eph. 6:10, what does it mean to you? What does it mean to your heart? It is a simple verse to learn but it is one of the deepest, richest, most profound verses in Scripture. Let’s work through this passage and this verse considering first
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- THE PREDICAMENT OF THE CHRISTIAN WARRIOR! In this passage the Holy Spirit is warning Christians they are engaged in a war they can’t win on their own! Whether or not we believe, accept, admit or deny the fact, there is a real war being fought right now between Satan and Christians. We can’t imagine how severe and lethal is the hatred of Satan for anything and anyone that is Godly. Satan is far more powerful, smarter, devious, and evil that people in general, and even Christians think. He has influenced preachers to teach that God is a nice old Grandfather Who just couldn’t send anyone to hell if they just try to be good. The Devil has lulled many Christians into thinking that because they are “saved” there is no concern for sin in their life because the blood of Christ covers those sins. Therefore, many Christians today have no concept or concern for living a sanctified life. In verse 12 Paul states clearly our predicament. We must fight and battle, but we are fighting a battle WE can’t win on our own strength. To help us understand that let’s consider
- THE PRINCIPLES INVOLVED IN CHRISTIAN WARFARE! Look closely at our enemies. They are rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world, and spiritual forces of evil. How long do you think they have been in those positions? Longer than we have been Christians is putting it lightly! When those angels fell from heaven, all that was good was taken from them and replaced with all that’s evil. There is not one atom of good, right, holiness or love left in them. These superhuman, super-intelligent, super-powered Beings have only one desire – to destroy Christians. Got the picture? Then there’s you! Fragile little thing you are created from the dust of the earth. If you put this in strictly human terms it would be like telling a toddler to go find Osama and put him in time-out because he’s been naughty! Consider
- THE PRECAUTION GIVEN TO CHRISTIAN WARRIORS. In case you are thinking “wait a minute preacher, this is God’s battle, not ours!” If that’s true why does Paul tell us (Christians) to “Put on the full armor of God?” If we are not the ones doing the fighting, why the armor? If there is no battle, why are we told to stand firm against the “schemes of the devil?” There is a war and we are in it. We are to stand in full battle armor and fight, not run and cower is draft dodgers. By the way these are commands, not suggestions for Christian living. If we are to dress in God’s armor and stand fast against an enemy that’s stronger than us, what in the world is going on? Isn’t this an impossible situation? No, but we must look closely at what exactly God is telling us. In the coming weeks we are going to examine this powerful paragraph and learn why and how we are to fight and stand against the Devil. In the meantime read it again carefully and see if you can see the source of power and certain victory!
If we can answer your spiritual questions call us at (574) 643-9419.
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