Tag: joshua

News, Sermon Audio

A Taste of Sabbath

janagillham

Saturday, June 28, Our worship leaders Mark, Marissa, Lisa, Chip, Cora, Suzie and Jake guided us to sing, pray, and contemplate the goodness of God today. Many thanks to each one!

Lisa gave testimony about how she has watched the Lord faithfully and kindly answer prayers for her grandson Jake. “I have prayed over him since he was a baby.” She then led us in intercessory prayer.

In the children’s message, Suzie illustrated how the blood of Jesus washes away all our sins.  And that we all need to ask Him for forgiveness.

Marissa and Cora led us in song to praise and worship the Lord.

Jake brought the message, with encouragement to let your light shine for Jesus and live an active faith—the kind that results in doing good.  Good faith will move you to do good works

Key thoughts:

Prioritize God over everything, because that is the only thing with lasting value—our relationship with Him—seek first His Kingdom.

Whatever you do in this world – is a waste of time if the Kingdom is not part of it.  What will ultimately last is Kingdom work. So don’t store up treasures on earth—but in heaven, because where your treasure is, there your heart will be.

Love others, let your light shine (Matt. 5:16). We never know what others are going through. Shining light to others—even in small kind actions—shines the light of Jesus and can make a huge difference in others’ lives. 

God demonstrates His love for us by shutting down evil with justice and by showing mercy.

As Christians we should not be afraid to fight or assert authority.  We must fight against evil. James 4:17—anyone who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it sins. Elijah slaughtered the prophets of Baal in the Kishon valley because they were sacrificing children to worship false gods. God in his justice, used Elijah to destroy the evil.

God gives us His Word to light our way – Psalm 119: 105. It is His light for our feet.

It is so easy to fall into things you can see—”…and this is where I struggle.” God wants us to challenge our flesh everyday. Give up your way every day and follow Him. Everything we’re chasing after that is of our own desire (money or whatever) leads to the grave and then its gone.

We all need to be honest with others and with ourselves. We all need to humble ourselves before God. James 4:14 says that your life is just a vapor that vanishes quickly and melts away.  Look daily for God’s truth—shine for others, bring them along. Bring them to what separates Christians from others in the world: Hope in the Lord.

Amen.

Join us in person every Saturday for Sabbath School, and Worship, or if you’re far away, join us for Worship online via Facebook.

News, Sermon Audio

A Taste of Sabbath

janagillham

Saturday, June 22, Sabbath morning began by celebrating Fathers Day with breakfast at the church.

Afterwards, we sang and prayed and worshiped together.

Brother Chuck shared from Joshua 7  about the consequences of disobeying God.Joshua and his army followed God’s instructions and defeated Jericho. However, when a small contingent was sent to take the little town of Ai—they were routed and humiliated.

Joshua and the elders sought the Lord and learned that at Jericho someone had disobeyed God’s orders about plundering. All of Jericho’s treasures were dedicated entirely to God. A man named Achan was tempted by gold and beautiful robes and hid them below his tent. Identified by lot—he and his entire family and all their possessions were destroyed and thrown into the valley of Achor.

The Israelites learned a sobering lesson. Swaggering words, “no one can beat US,” were corrected to “no one can beat GOD.” Something we need to listen to. The strength of our own country is not in our military might—but in looking to God.

At a personal level, how often do we “charge into battle” without checking to make sure we’re prepared? We do not know better than God. Is there something we’re out of line about?

Put on the armor of God! 

God’s response to Achan’s disobedience was, “This is a cancer that must be cut out.” Just as Achan’s entire family was wiped out—sons, daughters, even animals, other people are impacted when we sin.  For example, viewing illicit material funds human trafficking and the enslavement of boys and girls. Achor—literally means the valley of trouble.

It’s a hard story—a reminder that one man Adam brought sin upon us all. Praise God that through the obedience of one man, Jesus, the many will be made righteous – Romans 5: 12-19.

No sin is too bad for the blood of Jesus. Because of His sacrifice, we are saved. He bridged the separation we made for ourselves.

Join us in person every Saturday for Sabbath School, and Worship, or if you’re far away, join us for Worship online via Facebook.

And–Vacation Bible School is coming soon! What a timely theme: Armor up!