Face-to-face fellowship is very important, but Satan wants to keep us from gathering together, from growing, and from learning. We can take heart in knowing that Satan does not win in the end, even as we spend time with other Christians in the present.
You Should Be Willing to Share (Jeremiah 1:4,5) Pastor Fidel Gomez
Christians are supposed to be previews of heaven. God sends us like an envelope in which He has placed His message. Sharing the gospel is simply telling others what you know and sharing that hopeful message.
Suffering Persecutions (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16) Pastor Rich Chapman
Christian suffering and persecution are realities today. We should be aware of the plight of God's people throughout the world and pray for both them and their tormentors. The price of following Jesus is high--even your very life.
Reflections on the life and ministry of Chuck Smith (Matthew 25:21) Pastor Rich Chapman
Pastor Chuck Smith exemplified the good and faithful servant. He was a risk taker with men who "simply taught the Word simply." We are reminded that if we ant to hear, "Well Done" we must first do something!
The Word of God -- Part II (1 Thessalonians 2:13) Pastor Rich Chapman
Know it, believe it, and obey it. We must understand how powerful the word of God is. It changes the lives of even of the most hardened criminals and it is able to help us in our times of greatest need. By loving the author, we can love the Word.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 Pastor Rich Chapman
We cannot believe what we do not know. Nor can we live any higher than our beliefs. It is important then to hear the word, receive it by taking it into our spirit, and accept it as the word of God.
Like Mom and Like Dad (1 Thessalonians 2:6b-12) Pastor Rich Chapman
As we go about the business of doing the work God has called us to do, let us remember to show love to others (like Mom) and to encourage, comfort and urge them in their present situation (like Dad).
Why Do We Do What We Do? (1 Thessalonians 2:1-6a) Pastor Rich Chapman
The temptation is to not say anything to anyone about our faith, so why should we? The apostle Paul dared to tell the truth of Jesus despite strong opposition. We should also share the Gospel because God has commanded us and it pleases Him.
1 Thessalonians 1:9,10 Pastor Rich Chapman
Is anything more important to you than God? Success? Money? Beauty? If so, that thing is an idol. Christians often serve the created things rather than the creator. We must turn from idols, serve God, and wait for His Son.
Intro to 1 Thessalonians 1:9,10 Pastor Rich Chapman
It was obvious to Paul that God was doing a work in the lives of the Thessalonians. They had turned from idols to the true God, Jesus. We should be yearning for God to be working in our lives as we continuously turn back to Him.
1 Thessalonians 1:4-8 Pastor Rich Chapman
We love Him only because He first loved us. God is sovereign and He has chosen whom He will save and yet He holds us responsible for our decision to accept or reject Him. The best way to know if you are chosen is to choose Christ.
Faith, Love, and Hope (1 Thessalonians 1:1-3) Pastor Rich Chapman
Our faith in Jesus should bring about good work as we labor in love and are able to endure through the hope we have in His return. Be available to those God puts in your path and work hard at what He gives you to do.
Real People, Real Places: Paul's Real Journeys Pastor Rich Chapman
A church was established in Thessalonica in a very short time due to the obedience of Paul, Silas and Timothy. Like the three of them, we as members of the church family are to strengthen one another to the work.
Joel 3 Pastor Rich Chapman
God is faithful and will see to it that He does everything He has promised to do. He is not finished with Israel or with us. Yet we cannot wait to make a decision for Jesus. There will be a time after which it is too late.
Joel 2:28-32 Pastor Rich Chapman
Joel prophesied that God would pour our His spirit in the Last Days. The Holy Spirit is a person, not a power, and he has come to personally live within each of us as believers for the purpose of bringing glory to Jesus Christ.
Joel 2:1-27 Pastor Rich Chapman
In this chapter, Joel gives answers to the when, what, how, and why questions relating to his message of repentance. Now is the time to return to Him with weeping and mourning for the Lord does not despise a pure and contrite heart!
Joel 1 Pastor Rich Chapman
As a prophet, Joel was responsible to turn the people back to the Lord. When crisis strikes in our lives, it is time to examine our hearts and see if there is something that demands our attention. This applies to us as individuals and to our nation.
'Till the Final Bell (Nehemiah 6:1-14) Pastor Rich Chapman
We should not be surprised at the frequent distractions that arise; neither of the lies the enemy sends our way. But we must be deliberate in saying "no" to the things that would slow us or discourage us in our work for the Lord. Fight to the end!
Father's Day Pastor Rich Chapman
What makes a good father? Love, attention, protection, provision, wisdom, guidance, leadership? Although none of our earthly fathers are perfect, our father in heaven possesses all of these attributes. All who have received the Son are children of God.
Values Norm LeBlanc
Because we spend a lot of time and energy on our most valuable possessions, sometimes it seems that they own us. We must remember that the value of these things is temporary and arbitrary. In contrast, God's value is eternal and intrinsic.