https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch en-us Podomatic RSS Generator Fri, 10 Jan 2025 17:30:24 +0000 open, ,arms, ,community, ,church, ,bradford, ,pa, Copyright 2025 open arms community church openarmsbradford.org open arms community church openarms@openarmsbradford.org episodic false no https://assets.podomatic.net/ts/58/f8/2f/openarmschurch/1400x1400_433177.gif https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch open arms community church The Open Arms Podcast is the Weekly services at Open Arms, recorded for your listening pleasure. https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-10-02T13_26_55-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-10-02T13_26_55-07_00 Tue, 02 Oct 2018 20:26:55 +0000 2018-10-02 2018-10-02 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-10-02T13_26_55-07_00 open arms community church 2448 CONTAGIOUS Part 5: Infected by Intentionally Giving Contagious Bumper Video Matthew 28:19-20 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Mark 16:15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Video1: https://vimeo.com/287501741/843b9a2809 (Bradford) https://vimeo.com/287511472/a6f15fc58a (Port) Matthew 13:45-46 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. The pearl is PEOPLE. 2Corinthians 9:10-11 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. Are you eating your SEED, or planting it? God enriches you to enable you to be GENEROUS. 2Corinthians 9:6-8 6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. Video2 : https://vimeo.com/220047327/bdb0318cba CONTAGIOUS Part 5: Infected by Intentionally Giving Contagious Bumper Video Matthew 28:19-2... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-09-26T11_27_36-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-09-26T11_27_36-07_00 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 18:27:36 +0000 2018-09-26 2018-09-26 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-09-26T11_27_36-07_00 open arms community church 2584 CONTAGIOUS Part 4: Infected by Authenticity Luke 12:1 Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. One of the interesting and uniquely refreshing attributes of the Bible (God’s story) and the lifestyle it teaches is that of AUTHENTICITY. The behavior of COVERING over weaknesses or wrongs is not Christian. Ephesians 5:8-10; John 3:19-21; Luke 11:35; James 5:16 HYPOCRISY (acting, pretending, wearing a mask) is directly condemned. 1. Because it is a form of LYING fueled by pride and is sin. 2. Because it does not HELP anyone, it only hurts. The lies become a PRISON that keeps us in and keeps others out. The power of God’s story is revealed most often in the areas of our life we want to HIDE. (2Corinthians 11:30-31; 12:10) 2Corinthians 11:30-31 30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying. 2Corinthians 12:10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. People need to SEE God’s story unfold in your life. Hebrews 4:15, 5:2 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. Titus 2:10 ...so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. CONTAGIOUS Part 4: Infected by Authenticity Luke 12:1 Jesus began to speak first to his discip... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-09-17T10_33_27-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-09-17T10_33_27-07_00 Mon, 17 Sep 2018 17:33:27 +0000 2018-09-17 2018-09-17 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-09-17T10_33_27-07_00 open arms community church 2729 CONTAGIOUS Part 3: Infected by Mouth Psalm 107:2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble Mark 16:15 Then he said, “Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all. (Message) This Good Infection is communicated by MOUTH. 1. By telling God’s STORY in your life and the lives of others. How to tell your story: Above all: NEVER exaggerate or embellish (aka: fibbing/lying). A) Answer the question: What was my life like before I became a follower of Jesus? B) Answer the question: Why did I choose Jesus? C) Answer the question: How has my life changed since I became a Christian? THIS WEEK: Record your story and put it on Facebook/Instagram/ Twitter. Tag Open Arms and/or friends! Use the #greaterthanstories and #openarmschurch. 2. By telling the MESSAGE; God’s work of salvation, invitation, and instructions for the new life. 3. By showing a positive attitude (peace, love, joy, etc) with a SMILE; aka being friendly. 4. By speaking LIFE, BLESSING, and PRAISE. Ephesians 4:15&29; 5:15-19; Colossians 3:16&4:5-6; Romans 12:14; Hebrews 2:12&13:15; 1Peter 2:9 5. By NOT speaking death, curses, and vulgar words (lies, cussing, crudeness, criticism, gossip, grumbling, complaining). Ephesians 4:20-5:4; Philippians 2:14; 1Corinthians 10:10 Romans 10:13-15 13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” If you (the Christian) do not go and tell, WHO will? To not go and tell is DISOBEDIENCE. To advance/build God’s Kingdom is the ONLY reason you remain on earth. Revelation 20:11-15 11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. CONTAGIOUS Part 3: Infected by Mouth Psalm 107:2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he ... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-09-10T11_42_52-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-09-10T11_42_52-07_00 Mon, 10 Sep 2018 18:42:52 +0000 2018-09-10 2018-09-10 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-09-10T11_42_52-07_00 open arms community church 2207 CONTAGIOUS Part 2: Infected by Touch A primary way of transmitting Contagions is by direct CONTACT. Matthew 5:13-16 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. This Good Infection is communicated by TOUCH. 1Peter 4:9-10 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. God blesses us to make us a blessing to show and infect the world with the goodness of GOD. Opportunities to serve seldom come CHEAP or at CONVENIENT times. Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. No one cares how much you KNOW, until they know how much you CARE. CONTAGIOUS Part 2: Infected by Touch A primary way of transmitting Contagions is by direct CON... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-09-07T10_12_24-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-09-07T10_12_24-07_00 Fri, 07 Sep 2018 17:12:24 +0000 2018-09-07 2018-09-07 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-09-07T10_12_24-07_00 open arms community church 2220 CONTAGIOUS Part 1: The Good Infection John 3:5-6 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. John 14:16-17 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth.The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. “Good things as well as bad, you know, are caught by a kind of infection. If you want to get warm you must stand near the fire. If you want to be wet you must get into the water. If you want joy, power, peace, eternal life, you must get close to, or even into, the thing that has them. They are not a sort of prize which God could, if he chose, just hand out to anyone. They are a great fountain of energy and beauty spurting up at the very center of reality. If you are close to it, the spray will wet you; if you are not, you will remain dry. Now the whole offer which Christianity makes is this: that we can, if we let God have His way, come to share in the life of Christ. He came to this world and became a man in order to spread to other men the kind of life He has — by what I call ‘good infection.’ Every Christian is to become a little Christ. The whole purpose of becoming a Christian is simply nothing else.” Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis If we’ve caught this “Good Infection” of the God-life, there should be SYMPTOMS. Romans 12:11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. No FEVER, no infection. Galatians 5:22-25 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Mark 12:30-31; John 14:15; 1Corinthians 13:4-7; 2Peter 1:5-11; Ephesians 4:20-24; Colossians 3:12-17) You can’t have the FRUIT in your life without the SEED in your heart. (1John 3:9) If you are infected with the God life, then you should be CONTAGIOUS. 1Peter 2:12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. Live it RIGHT and WELL. CONTAGIOUS Part 1: The Good Infection John 3:5-6 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no ... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-08-31T09_21_02-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-08-31T09_21_02-07_00 Fri, 31 Aug 2018 16:21:02 +0000 2018-08-31 2018-08-31 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-08-31T09_21_02-07_00 open arms community church 2733 R - REASONABLE I - INSPIRED S - STUPID K - KINGDOM Inspired, but not with results of personal victory, but rather results of personal sacrifice for a transcendent cause to achieve a long term victory (ie. martyrdom, asceticism). Mark 8:35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” - Jim Elliot Many gave up their life for the faith: Jesus was tortured and crucified Stephen was stoned James Zebedee was beheaded by sword Antipas was slowly burned alive in a brazen bull Matthew was killed by halberd Andrew was crucified Philip was scourged and crucified Matthias was stoned then beheaded Peter was crucified upside down James brother of Jesus was thrown from temple pinnacle then clubbed. Thaddeus (aka. Jude) was crucified Bartholomew beaten at length then crucified. Thomas was killed by spear Luke was hanged Paul spent years in prison and was beheaded Simon was crucified Polycarp was burned at the stake and when they didn’t kill him he was stabbed John Huss was burned at the stake William Tyndale was choked to death at the stake, then burned. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was hanged Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Ed McCully, Pete Fleming and Roger Youderian were speared Cassie Bernall and Rachel Joy Scott were shot There are many who gave up their lives by denying the pleasures and treasures of this world to serve the kingdom cause: Hudson Taylor, William Carey, David Livingstone, Eric Liddell, Amy Carmichael, Elisabeth Elliot, Rachel Saint, Mother Teresa Revelation 12:11-12 10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. 11 They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Hebrews 10:39 39 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved. R - REASONABLE I - INSPIRED S - STUPID K - KINGDOM Inspired, but not with results of pe... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-08-31T09_20_14-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-08-31T09_20_14-07_00 Fri, 31 Aug 2018 16:20:14 +0000 2018-08-31 2018-08-31 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-08-31T09_20_14-07_00 open arms community church 99 R.I.S.K. Part 3 R - REASONABLE I - INSPIRED S - STUPID Unreasonable, irrational, nonsensical, irresponsible, uninspired, just plain dumb. Judges 11:30 And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord: “If you give the Ammonites into my hands, 31 whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the Lord’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.” Stupid risks are more often motivated by PRIDE than anything else. Stupid risks usually bring LOSS. Sadly, many will blame GOD. Proverbs 19:3 A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord. Proverbs 19:3 A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord. R.I.S.K. Part 3 R - REASONABLE I - INSPIRED S - STUPID Unreasonable, irrational, nonsen... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-08-14T09_25_04-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-08-14T09_25_04-07_00 Tue, 14 Aug 2018 16:25:04 +0000 2018-08-14 2018-08-14 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-08-14T09_25_04-07_00 open arms community church 3035 R.I.S.K. Part 2 R - REASONABLE I - INSPIRED The risk is irrational, unreasonable, and doesn't make sense, but is inspired (directed by God) with the understanding of results of victory. Judges 7:2-8 2 The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me.’ 3 Now announce to the army, ‘Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained. 4 But the Lord said to Gideon, “There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will thin them out for you there. If I say, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go; but if I say, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.” 5 So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the Lord told him, “Separate those who lap the water with their tongues as a dog laps from those who kneel down to drink.” 6 Three hundred of them drank from cupped hands, lapping like dogs. All the rest got down on their knees to drink. 7 The Lord said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home.” 8 So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites home but kept the three hundred, who took over the provisions and trumpets of the others. Inspired risk doesn’t mean there will not be something to DO. Inspired risk doesn’t mean there will not be RESISTANCE. Inspired risk doesn’t mean there will be immediate SUCCESS. Inspired risk is motivated for the glory of GOD and the advancement of His cause. The person God uses today may ABANDON Him tomorrow. Always keep your FAITH in God and not the people He uses. R.I.S.K. Part 2 R - REASONABLE I - INSPIRED The risk is irrational, unreasonable, and does... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-08-14T09_24_13-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-08-14T09_24_13-07_00 Tue, 14 Aug 2018 16:24:13 +0000 2018-08-14 2018-08-14 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-08-14T09_24_13-07_00 open arms community church 948 R.I.S.K. Part 1 Life is full of RISK. Risk infers potential GAIN or LOSS. R - REASONABLE Sensible, appropriate, sound in judgment || the risk is reasonable in the ratio between gain and loss. Esther 4:15-16 15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” There is a healthy FEAR, but unhealthy fear will rob us. R.I.S.K. Part 1 Life is full of RISK. Risk infers potential GAIN or LOSS. R - REASONAB... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-08-03T07_21_36-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-08-03T07_21_36-07_00 Fri, 03 Aug 2018 14:21:36 +0000 2018-08-03 2018-08-03 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-08-03T07_21_36-07_00 open arms community church 1646 https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-08-03T07_20_10-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-08-03T07_20_10-07_00 Fri, 03 Aug 2018 14:20:10 +0000 2018-08-03 2018-08-03 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-08-03T07_20_10-07_00 open arms community church 2658 STORMS: Finding God In The Storms of Life Part 4 Jonah 1:4-16 4 Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. 5 All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep.6 The captain went to him and said, “How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us so that we will not perish.” 7 Then the sailors said to each other, “Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity.” They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. 8 So they asked him, “Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What kind of work do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?” 9 He answered, “I am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” 10 This terrified them and they asked, “What have you done?” (They knew he was running away from the Lord, because he had already told them so.) 11 The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, “What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?” 12 “Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” 13 Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. 14 Then they cried out to the Lord, “Please, Lord, do not let us die for taking this man’s life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, Lord, have done as you pleased.” 15 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. 16 At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him. Some storms are from GOD. Some storms from DISOBEDIENCE come as consequences and others as acts of judgment. God uses these storms to HUMBLE us and bring us to REPENTANCE and to discipline/train us. God will use the storm to REVEAL Himself to non-believers. Repentance CALMS the storm, but doesn’t necessarily undo the effects. Storms frequently affect MORE than just the individual. OBEDIENCE does matter. STORMS: Finding God In The Storms of Life Part 4 Jonah 1:4-16 4 Then the Lord sent a great win... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-07-16T10_05_41-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-07-16T10_05_41-07_00 Mon, 16 Jul 2018 17:05:41 +0000 2018-07-16 2018-07-16 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-07-16T10_05_41-07_00 open arms community church 2733 STORMS: Finding God In The Storms of Life Part 3 Acts 27:9-44 9 Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement. So Paul warned them, 10 “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.” 11 But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. 12 Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there. This was a harbor in Crete, facing both southwest and northwest. 13 When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. 14 Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island. 15 The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure, 17 so the men hoisted it aboard. Then they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Because they were afraid they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and let the ship be driven along. 18 We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. 19 On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved. 21 After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. 22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. 26 Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.” 27 On the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic Sea, when about midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land. 28 They took soundings and found that the water was a hundred and twenty feet deep. A short time later they took soundings again and found it was ninety feet deep. 29 Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight. 30 In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow. 31 Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it drift away. 33 Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. 34 Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” 35 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. 36 They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37 Altogether there were 276 of us on board. 38 When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea. 39 When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. 40 Cutting loose the anchors, they left them i(continued) STORMS: Finding God In The Storms of Life Part 3 Acts 27:9-44 9 Much time had been lost, and s... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-07-10T08_42_41-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-07-10T08_42_41-07_00 Tue, 10 Jul 2018 15:42:41 +0000 2018-07-10 2018-07-10 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-07-10T08_42_41-07_00 open arms community church 2883 STORMS: Finding God In The Storms of Life Part 2 Matthew 14:22-33 22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone,24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” 1. PRAYER is the launchpad of the supernatural. Vs 23 2. When obeying Jesus, we will often find ourselves BUFFETED by circumstances (note: this wasn’t God or the devil). Vs 24 3. Many times when the Lord works, we don’t RECOGNIZE it and even find ourselves AFRAID of what He is doing. Vs 26 4. COURAGE is faith (the belief and action of trust) in the midst of circumstances we can’t control or understand. Vs 27 5. At Jesus Word/command, the IMPOSSIBLE becomes POSSIBLE. Vs. 29 6. Sometimes Jesus calls us into the storm to GROW/ TEACH us. 7. Jesus’ command didn’t change the circumstance, it EMPOWERED the person. Vs 29-30 8. When our attention and confidence are removed from God’s Word onto our situation, when we allow circumstances to define us we start to be OVERCOME. Vs 30 9. God is FAITHFUL in our weakness and failure. Vs 31 10. Jesus wasn’t ANGRY. Vs 31 11. Fear, doubt, lack of/little faith, unbelief are synonymous and are faith in REVERSE. Vs. 30-31 12. Jesus taught Peter to walk with Him IN the storm. Vs 31-32 13. When the LESSON was over, the storm came to an END. Vs 32 STORMS: Finding God In The Storms of Life Part 2 Matthew 14:22-33 22 Immediately Jesus made th... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-07-06T13_19_55-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-07-06T13_19_55-07_00 Fri, 06 Jul 2018 20:19:55 +0000 2018-07-06 2018-07-06 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-07-06T13_19_55-07_00 open arms community church 2132 STORMS: Finding God In The Storms of Life Part 1 STORMS (both literally and figuratively) are a part of our world. Some are from God, some are from the devil, some are environmental, some are circumstantial, and some are of our own CHOICES. (Exodus 9:22-26; Job 1:12-19; Jonah 1:4-16; Matthew 8:23-27; Acts 27:13-26) Mark 4:35-41 35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” This is both a COMMAND and a PROMISE. 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Everyone wants the MIRACLE, but no one wants to be in the circumstance that REQUIRES a miracle. 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Fear is faith in REVERSE. 41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (Matthew 8:18-27; Luke 8:22-25) Storms reveal things about GOD and about US. God is clear that not every storm comes from Him, but He wants to use every storm we go through to GROW us. (Hebrews 12:7; James 1:2-4) STORMS: Finding God In The Storms of Life Part 1 STORMS (both literally and figuratively) are ... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-07-06T13_15_20-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-07-06T13_15_20-07_00 Fri, 06 Jul 2018 20:15:20 +0000 2018-07-06 2018-07-06 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-07-06T13_15_20-07_00 open arms community church 2468 Paradigm Shift: Renewing the Mind - Part 4 Living the Divine PARADIGM - an example serving as a model; pattern. || a framework containing the basic assumptions, ways of thinking, and methodology that are commonly accepted by members of any discipline or group. One of the great DERAILMENTS to the divine life is the transition of orientation from worldly to otherworldly, temporal to eternal. There is an INTENTIONAL daily decision of orientation and governance of the soul. (Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 5:16-25) Romans 8:5-8 5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. We are OTHERWORLDLY creatures, not creatures of this world. (1John 2:15-17) John 17:15-18 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. You are here on MISSION as Christ’s ambassadors to save the world. (1Corinthians 2:1-5) Romans 8:18-19 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. You are the ANSWER to someone’s PRAYER. Be advised: Not everyone will ACCEPT or VALUE you and what you represent. John 15:18-21 18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. Paradigm Shift: Renewing the Mind - Part 4 Living the Divine PARADIGM - an example serving as ... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-06-21T12_20_48-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-06-21T12_20_48-07_00 Thu, 21 Jun 2018 19:20:48 +0000 2018-06-21 2018-06-21 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-06-21T12_20_48-07_00 open arms community church 2702 Paradigm Shift: Renewing the Mind - Part 3 Life of Faith PARADIGM - an example serving as a model; pattern. || a framework containing the basic assumptions, ways of thinking, and methodology that are commonly accepted by members of any discipline or group. Romans 1:17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” FAITH - to have trust or confidence in something or someone. Faith is a LAW that governs our WORLD, not just spirituality. Faith is a belief that includes corresponding BEHAVIOR. James 2:17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. You can SEE and HEAR what a person really believers (has faith in). (James 1:6-8; 4:7-10) Hebrews 4:2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. (NKJV) For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed. (NIV) Faith in God is TRUSTING in His character and understanding of things. Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. The Paradigm called CHRISTIANITY processes information and experience with, through, and for God instead of against or without Him. (Romans 12:2) Having QUESTIONS is not a lack of faith, it is the attitude and posture of the question. Hebrews 10:23, 36-39 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37 For, “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.” 38 And, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” 39 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved. Paradigm Shift: Renewing the Mind - Part 3 Life of Faith PARADIGM - an example serving as a mo... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-06-14T05_50_24-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-06-14T05_50_24-07_00 Thu, 14 Jun 2018 12:50:24 +0000 2018-06-14 2018-06-14 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-06-14T05_50_24-07_00 open arms community church 2478 Paradigm Shift: Renewing the Mind - Part 2 God Defines PARADIGM - an example serving as a model; pattern. || a framework containing the basic assumptions, ways of thinking, and methodology that are commonly accepted by members of any discipline or group. Isaiah 45:5-12 9 “Woe to those who quarrel with their Maker, those who are nothing but potsherds among the potsherds on the ground. Does the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘The potter has no hands’? 10 Woe to the one who says to a father, ‘What have you begotten?’ or to a mother, ‘What have you brought to birth?’ God DEFINES and QUANTIFIES us, not the other way around. (Isaiah 29:15-16; Romans 9:20-21; Genesis 1:26-27; Matthew 10:30; Psalm 139:1, 13-16) There is a great MISUNDERSTANDING about God's intentions. They are not to make us a BETTER or RELIGIOUS versions of broken people. They are to make us a new SPECIES, a new KIND of people; a GOD-kind/ CHRISTlike people. (Psalm 82:6; John 10:33-36; Romans 8:29; Galatians 4:19; Ephesians 4:20-24) From Creature to CHILD; Created Thing to OFFSPRING. (John 3:3-8; Romans 8:19; 1John 3:1-3) 1John 3:9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. The “LESS THAN” life is replaced with a new paradigm. (Romans 8:1-39) Acts 17:24-31 24 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 28 ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ 29 “Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill.30 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. 31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.” Living out our new identity changes how we VIEW and ENGAGE life and the world. 1Peter 1:13-25 13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fa(continued) Paradigm Shift: Renewing the Mind - Part 2 God Defines PARADIGM - an example serving as a mode... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-06-04T08_12_43-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-06-04T08_12_43-07_00 Mon, 04 Jun 2018 15:12:43 +0000 2018-06-04 2018-06-04 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-06-04T08_12_43-07_00 open arms community church 2358 Paradigm Shift: Renewing the Mind - Part 1 God Doesn’t Fit PARADIGM - an example serving as a model; pattern. || a framework containing the basic assumptions, ways of thinking, and methodology that are commonly accepted by members of any discipline or group. We learn and understand our natural world through SENSE knowledge. (see, hear, smell, taste, touch) God is GREATER than what has been created. (Isaiah 40:10-28; 55:6-9) Isaiah 40:25-26, 28 25 “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. 28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. God does reveal himself through what has been CREATED (natural world). Romans 1:18-20 18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. (Psalm 19:1-4) Every natural example and analogy will have it's breaking point where it ceases to measure up to the INFINITE. There will be things you will NOT understand and may NEVER know this side of Heaven. Deuteronomy 29:29 The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those that are revealed belong to us and our descendants forever, so that we might obey all the words of this law. God has invited you into something much bigger than what you are able to make SENSE of. Our misunderstandings, criticisms, doubts, and resistance to God and His will and work come from trying to make sense of the INFINITE through a finite paradigm. (Isaiah 45:5-12) “Your problem is you live where your life looks better than your afterlife.” - General Dostum “Our desires are not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” - C. S. Lewis We are FIXATED on the finate and missing out on the infinite. Paradigm Shift: Renewing the Mind - Part 1 God Doesn’t Fit PARADIGM - an example serving as a ... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-05-30T16_30_00-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-05-30T16_30_00-07_00 Wed, 30 May 2018 23:30:00 +0000 2018-05-30 2018-05-30 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-05-30T16_30_00-07_00 open arms community church 2513 FRATRICIDE FRATRICIDE - The killing of one’s brother or sister. (aka: friendly fire; blue on blue) Galatians 5:14-15 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. Our greatest threat is from WITHIN; within the Church and within our self. Mark 3:24-25 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. UNITED we stand, DIVIDED we fall. Fratricide happens for 3 reasons: 1. IGNORANCE 2. MISCOMMUNICATION 3. PRIDE James 4:1-12 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. 4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. 11 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? God equates unresolved anger, hatred, evil speaking, and withholding wages to destroying/MURDER. (Proverbs 11:9; Matthew 5:21-22; James 5:4-6; 1John 3:11-15) The Church has a reputation of: 1) FRIENDLY fire / EATING our own 2) SHOOTING our wounded. John 13:34-35 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (1Corinthians 13:4-8a) Let's make sure our memories are of HONOR not REGRET. FRATRICIDE FRATRICIDE - The killing of one’s brother or sister. (aka: friendly fire; blue on b... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-05-22T12_29_13-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-05-22T12_29_13-07_00 Tue, 22 May 2018 19:29:13 +0000 2018-05-22 2018-05-22 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-05-22T12_29_13-07_00 open arms community church 2192 Ultimate OS Part 3: The Apps Jesus came to save the WHOLE person; Spirit, Soul, and Body. 1Thessalonians 5:23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. As the kernel represents the Spirit and the hardware represents the body, so the DRIVERS represent the Soul. We all have the same Divine Life OS, but it will be expressed DIFFERENTLY. We have different DRIVERS (Personality, Mental and Emotional composition, etc.) that enable the soft machine and Life OS to use the Apps. Ephesians 4:22-24 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. All drivers must be made NEW to be compatible with the new OS and engage the Apps properly. (Romans 12:1-2) 1Peter 1:14-16 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” How we engage life will be OTHERWORLDLY. The same God who said He is Holy, also said He is LOVE. (John 3:16; 1John 4:8) 1Corinthians 13:1-3 (NIV) 4-8a (AMPC) If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4 Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. 5 It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. 6 It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. 7 Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. 8 Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. Everything boils down to one issue: LOVE; Every thought, attitude, motive, word, and deed is measured by love. The OS of the Kingdom of God is LOVE. (John 13:35) Mark 12:30-31 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these. The more you do it, the more FLUENT you get. Ultimate OS Part 3: The Apps Jesus came to save the WHOLE person; Spirit, Soul, and Body. 1... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-05-15T07_01_21-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-05-15T07_01_21-07_00 Tue, 15 May 2018 14:01:21 +0000 2018-05-15 2018-05-15 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-05-15T07_01_21-07_00 open arms community church 2237 e OS Part 2: A New Code God is a Master builder and PROGRAMMER. Hebrews 10:16 “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” God’s code for the Life OS is TRUTH and LOVE. (John 14:6; 1John 4:8 & 3:18; 1Corinthians 13:6; Ephesians 4:15; 2Thessalonians 2:10; 1Peter 1:22) 2John 1:3 Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love. There are some common APPS to life, but they operate differently producing different results. The BEST experience in life is found in the Life OS. 2Peter 1:3-4 3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. CORRUPTION - to be spoiled, broken, damaged, ruined, destroyed. We PARTICIPATE in the divine nature through our KNOWLEDGE of Him and His Promises. There is a regular UPDATE that God wants to do to your OS, Apps, and Drivers through prayer, Bible reading, meditation, community learning, and serving. (Deuteronomy 31:12; Joshua 1:8; Matthew 4:4; 7:24-27; Colossians 4:2; 1Thessalonians 5:17; 1Timothy 4:13; Titus 3:14; Hebrews 10:23-25; James 1:21) Romans 12:2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 2Corinthians 3:16-18 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. Transformation comes through the COOPERATIVE work of the Spirit and you. e OS Part 2: A New Code God is a Master builder and PROGRAMMER. Hebrews 10:16 “This is the ... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-05-09T13_29_33-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-05-09T13_29_33-07_00 Wed, 09 May 2018 20:29:33 +0000 2018-05-09 2018-05-09 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-05-09T13_29_33-07_00 open arms community church 2252 Ultimate OS Part 1: A New Kernel There are only 2 Operating Systems in humanity, the SINFUL Nature and the DIVINE Nature; aka: Death and Life. They are not COMPATIBLE and conflict with each other. (Romans 8:5-9; Galatians 5:16-25) The HEART of an OS is called the KERNEL. Romans 5:12, 18-19 12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin,and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned— 18 Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. By natural birth we are offspring of MAN with the Death OS. Sin as a behavior is “less than BEST/PERFECT”. Sin as a nature is PRIDE/SELFISHNESS. Jesus wants to give you a new KERNEL. Ezekiel 36:26-27 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. John 3:5-8 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” By supernatural birth we are the offspring of GOD with the Life OS. (John 1:12-13; 3:3-18; 1Corinthians 15:21-22, 42-49; 1John 3:9) We are made divine (born of God) and righteous (RIGHT with God). You must go to the source page, hit download, and SAVE. Romans 10:9-10 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. God is making you into a new person from the INSIDE (kernel/heart) out. (Matthew 15:18-20; Luke 6:45; Mark 7:21) 2Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! FYI: The HARDWARE will be upgraded too. (1Corinthians 15:1-58) Ultimate OS Part 1: A New Kernel There are only 2 Operating Systems in humanity, the SINFUL Na... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-05-09T13_17_58-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-05-09T13_17_58-07_00 Wed, 09 May 2018 20:17:58 +0000 2018-05-09 2018-05-09 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-05-09T13_17_58-07_00 open arms community church 2439 IDENTITY THEFT Part 4: Your Family In the Abducted Life, relationships are SUPERFICIAL and SELF-SERVING. God made us interdependent, not independent; we NEED one another. Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. 1Corinthians 15:33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Relationships are of utmost SIGNIFICANCE and CONSEQUENCE in life. We are stronger and smarter and more successful TOGETHER than on our own. Romans 12:10-16 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. (Mark 12:30-31; Philippians 2:1-5; Hebrews 10:24-25) We mature by the instruction and example of both our Heavenly Father and the FAMILY. The revelation of Jesus should fill us with PASSION and COMPASSION toward those abducted and living the lie. The HEALING is in the HELPING. IDENTITY THEFT Part 4: Your Family In the Abducted Life, relationships are SUPERFICIAL and ... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-04-23T12_49_14-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-04-23T12_49_14-07_00 Mon, 23 Apr 2018 19:49:14 +0000 2018-04-23 2018-04-23 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-04-23T12_49_14-07_00 open arms community church 2358 IDENTITY THEFT Part 3: Living In Your Identity 1Peter 2:2-3 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. MATURITY (aka: growing up) is an expectation God has for ALL His children. Maturity implies CHANGE. Maturity is growing in both INFORMATION and APPLICATION. (Matthew 7:24-27) Ephesians 4:20-24 20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 1. We change what we KNOW. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 2. Change what and how we THINK. Learn a new PERSPECTIVE. Embrace a new ATTITUDE. Note: the old life brings “CORRUPTION” - to be spoiled, broken, damaged, ruined, destroyed. 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 3. Change what we DO. (1John 2:3-6; 1John 3:8-10) This is a responsive ACTION to God’s love and truth. This NEWNESS of life involves every areas of life. Jesus didn’t come to make you a good religious person, He came to make you a CHILD of God; not a nice person, but a NEW person. IDENTITY THEFT Part 3: Living In Your Identity 1Peter 2:2-3 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure ... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-04-17T05_47_41-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-04-17T05_47_41-07_00 Tue, 17 Apr 2018 12:47:41 +0000 2018-04-17 2018-04-17 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-04-17T05_47_41-07_00 open arms community church 2222 IDENTITY THEFT Part 2: Understanding The Real You 1Peter 2:2-3 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. MATURITY (aka: growing up) is an expectation God has for ALL His children. (John 10:10) Matthew 5:48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Jesus didn’t come to make you a good religious person, He came to make you a CHILD of God. Jesus didn’t come to make you a NICE person, He came to make you a NEW person. You can, and many do, KNOW and BELIEVE the truth, but continue living the false life. (Matthew 7:21; James 2:17-20; 1John 2:1-2; 2Peter 2:17-22) 1. We must EMBRACE (give in, surrender to) our new/real Identity. 2. We must LEARN and GROW in our new/real Identity, what it means to be a child of God in the family of God. (John 8:31-32) 3. This is a PROCESS that takes TIME and EFFORT. (Romans 12:1-2) IDENTITY THEFT Part 2: Understanding The Real You 1Peter 2:2-3 2 Like newborn babies, crave pu... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-04-09T13_16_30-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-04-09T13_16_30-07_00 Mon, 09 Apr 2018 20:16:30 +0000 2018-04-09 2018-04-09 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-04-09T13_16_30-07_00 open arms community church 1879 IDENTITY THEFT Part 1: A Redeemed Stolen Identity John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Mankind’s identity has been STOLEN and we have grown up believing satan’s lies about our self, life, people, and our Father! These lies and false identity have created a FALSE life full of false standards of value, success, happiness, fulfillment, beauty, and so on. Jesus came to RESCUE us, to reveal the TRUTH, and to FREE us to be who He made us to be. (Colossians 1:13-14; Mark 10:45; John 8:31-32) Jesus came to give us back our REAL life; to be BORN AGAIN. John 1:12-13 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The first step in being redeemed (born again) is to TRUST in the RESCUER. Romans 10:9-13 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Make no mistake, Jesus didn’t come to make you a good religious person; He came to make you a CHILD of God. IDENTITY THEFT Part 1: A Redeemed Stolen Identity John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-04-03T13_18_41-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-04-03T13_18_41-07_00 Tue, 03 Apr 2018 20:18:41 +0000 2018-04-03 2018-04-03 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-04-03T13_18_41-07_00 open arms community church 1967 IT’S NOT FAIR! Part 5 Luke 23:33, 44-46 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. Matthew 27:57-61 57 As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. 58 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb. Matthew 28:1-7 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” John 3:16-18 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned,but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. God loves EVERYONE and is the SAVIOR, not condemner or humanity. We are ALREADY self condemned by our own sins. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Sin earns DEATH, Eternal life is UNEARNED. Romans 4:25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. Jesus took our WRONGS and their punishment of our sin upon himself, so we could be made RIGHT. Romans 3:25-26 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. Jesus had to suffer and die to SPARE us from JUSTICE and to JUSTIFY those who put their trust in Him. 2Corinthians 5:17-21 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. IT’S NOT FAIR! Part 5 Luke 23:33, 44-46 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they ... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-04-02T13_16_50-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-04-02T13_16_50-07_00 Mon, 02 Apr 2018 20:16:50 +0000 2018-04-02 2018-04-02 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-04-02T13_16_50-07_00 open arms community church 2631 IT’S NOT FAIR! Part 4 Matthew 27:24-31 24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!” 25 All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!” 26 Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified. 27 Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. 30 They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. 31 After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him. Every part of the story of Jesus is important and achieves a divine PURPOSE in redeeming humanity. The twisted and broken inflicted PUNISHMENT upon the innocent and whole Jesus. Jesus was not subject to the mental and physical HEALTH corruption of this broken world. Isaiah 53:4-11 4 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. 8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away. Yet who of his generation protested? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was punished. 9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. 10 Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand. 11 After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. Jesus took the punishment for our SIN and its EFFECTS on our lives, including our bodies. 1Peter 2:24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” The work of SALVATION is a work of WHOLENESS. Jesus redeemed the WHOLE person; spirit, soul, and Body. Matthew 21:22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. IT’S NOT FAIR! Part 4 Matthew 27:24-31 24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but tha... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-03-20T12_00_43-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-03-20T12_00_43-07_00 Tue, 20 Mar 2018 19:00:43 +0000 2018-03-20 2018-03-20 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-03-20T12_00_43-07_00 open arms community church 2614 IT’S NOT FAIR! Part 3 Mark 15:6-15 6 Now it was the custom at the festival to release a prisoner whom the people requested. 7 A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising. 8 The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did. 9 “Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate,10 knowing it was out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead. 12 “What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them. 13 “Crucify him!” they shouted. 14 “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” 15 Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified. Jesus TOOK Barabbas’ PLACE. The truly innocent was PUNISHED and the true criminal went FREE. The truly innocent was CONDEMNED to death and the truly guilty was PARDONED. From this point on, Jesus lives out an undeserved CRIMINAL’S death. Colossians 2:13-15 13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Jesus took YOUR place that you may be FORGIVEN and FREED. IT’S NOT FAIR! Part 3 Mark 15:6-15 6 Now it was the custom at the festival to release a prison... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-03-12T10_13_59-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-03-12T10_13_59-07_00 Mon, 12 Mar 2018 17:13:59 +0000 2018-03-12 2018-03-12 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-03-12T10_13_59-07_00 open arms community church 1967 IT’S NOT FAIR! Part 2 Matthew 26:57-66 57 Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. 58 But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome. 59 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. 60 But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward 61 and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’” 62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” 63 But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” 64 “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. 66 What do you think?” “He is worthy of death,” they answered. Jesus should have been the one to CONDEMN, not be condemned. Caiaphas is US. Romans 3:10-24 10 As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. 12 All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” 13 “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The poison of vipers is on their lips.” 14 “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” 15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 ruin and misery mark their ways, 17 and the way of peace they do not know.” 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” 19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. 21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. We condemned Jesus by our own choice to SIN. Jesus’ condemnation is our JUSTIFICATION. All of this points to one truth: God LOVES you. IT’S NOT FAIR! Part 2 Matthew 26:57-66 57 Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas th... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-03-12T10_13_02-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-03-12T10_13_02-07_00 Mon, 12 Mar 2018 17:13:02 +0000 2018-03-12 2018-03-12 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-03-12T10_13_02-07_00 open arms community church 2783 IT’S NOT FAIR! Part 1 Not only did Jesus’ own family not believe or support Him, but His closest disciples BETRAYED and ABANDONED Him. Matthew 26:14-16, 14 Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests 15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver.16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. 47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. 55 In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. 56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. Jesus was betrayed and abandoned so we may experience His RANSOM and faithful RELATIONSHIP. 1Timothy 2:5-6 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 1Corinthians 6:19-20 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. As King, Spouse, Father, Sibling, and Friend God uses each of these relationship examples to communicate His love and unwavering FAITHFULNESS. (Psalm 74:12, 95:3; Revelation 19:11-16; Isaiah 54:5; Ephesians 5:31-32; Revelation 19:5-9; 2Corinthians 6:14-18; Romans 8:29; Hebrews 2:10-12; John 15:14-15; James 4:4) Hebrews 13:5-6 5 ...God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” 6 So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” IT’S NOT FAIR! Part 1 Not only did Jesus’ own family not believe or support Him, but His close... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-03-05T14_23_03-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-03-05T14_23_03-08_00 Mon, 05 Mar 2018 22:23:03 +0000 2018-03-05 2018-03-05 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-03-05T14_23_03-08_00 open arms community church 3056 Different - Making the most of our differences (Part 4) Every person is created different, ON purpose FOR a purpose. God intentionally created us different to fulfill a specific PURPOSE, ROLE, and FUNCTION in the home, society, and Kingdom of God. Romans 12:4-8 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. God wants us to VALUE who He made us and others to be. We are to COMPLEMENT not COMPETE with each other. Every gift has a unique function and CONTRIBUTION. Different implies VARIETY in how it performs and what it offers. 1Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. God made us INTERDEPENDENT. Every gift has its LIMITATIONS, its strengths and weaknesses, and we need every gift to cover and carry. We are to be FAITHFUL managers of the gift God made us. For life to go well and right, we must function within the parameters of God’s DESIGN and STRUCTURE in relationships; MARRIAGE (Genesis 2:23-25, 3:16; 1Corinthians 11:3, 11-12; Ephesians 5:22-33; Colossians 3:18-19; 1Peter 3:1-7), FAMILY (Matthew 15:3-6; Ephesians 6:1-4; Colossians 3:20-21), SOCIETY (Mark 12:31; Romans 12:13-18; 1Timothy 5:1-3; James 2:1, 8; 1Peter 3:9), EMPLOYMENT (Ephesians 6:5-9; Colossians 3:22-25; 1Peter 2:18-21), SPIRITUAL Leadership (1Timothy 5:17-20; Hebrews 13:17; 1Peter 5:1-5), government LEADERSHIP (Romans 13:1-5; 1Peter 2:13-17), Even our ENEMIES (Matthew 5:43-48; Romans 12:19-21). When you abandon or abdicate who God made you to be, you introduce CHAOS, BROKENNESS, and PAIN. With REPENTANCE, God is in the business of HEALING and RESTORING right relationships. Matthew 4:17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Different - Making the most of our differences (Part 4) Every person is created different, ON pur... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-02-26T11_05_54-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-02-26T11_05_54-08_00 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 19:05:54 +0000 2018-02-26 2018-02-26 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-02-26T11_05_54-08_00 open arms community church 6113 Different - Making the most of our differences (Part 4) Every person is created different, ON purpose FOR a purpose. God intentionally created us different to fulfill a specific PURPOSE, ROLE, and FUNCTION in the home, society, and Kingdom of God. Romans 12:4-8 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. God wants us to VALUE who He made us and others to be. We are to COMPLEMENT not COMPETE with each other. Every gift has a unique function and CONTRIBUTION. Different implies VARIETY in how it performs and what it offers. 1Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. God made us INTERDEPENDENT. Every gift has its LIMITATIONS, its strengths and weaknesses, and we need every gift to cover and carry. We are to be FAITHFUL managers of the gift God made us. For life to go well and right, we must function within the parameters of God’s DESIGN and STRUCTURE in relationships; MARRIAGE (Genesis 2:23-25, 3:16; 1Corinthians 11:3, 11-12; Ephesians 5:22-33; Colossians 3:18-19; 1Peter 3:1-7), FAMILY (Matthew 15:3-6; Ephesians 6:1-4; Colossians 3:20-21), SOCIETY (Mark 12:31; Romans 12:13-18; 1Timothy 5:1-3; James 2:1, 8; 1Peter 3:9), EMPLOYMENT (Ephesians 6:5-9; Colossians 3:22-25; 1Peter 2:18-21), SPIRITUAL Leadership (1Timothy 5:17-20; Hebrews 13:17; 1Peter 5:1-5), government LEADERSHIP (Romans 13:1-5; 1Peter 2:13-17), Even our ENEMIES (Matthew 5:43-48; Romans 12:19-21). When you abandon or abdicate who God made you to be, you introduce CHAOS, BROKENNESS, and PAIN. With REPENTANCE, God is in the business of HEALING and RESTORING right relationships. Matthew 4:17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Different - Making the most of our differences (Part 4) Every person is created different, ON ... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-02-22T06_49_03-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-02-22T06_49_03-08_00 Thu, 22 Feb 2018 14:49:03 +0000 2018-02-22 2018-02-22 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-02-22T06_49_03-08_00 open arms community church 5097 Different - Making the most of our differences (Part 3) Psalm 139:13-14 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. EVERYONE is uniquely, fearfully (awesomely), and wonderfully created by God. PERSONALITIES vary in expression, emotional wiring, perception, and cognitive process. Personalities provide lots of opportunity for MISUNDERSTANDING and TENSION. 3 Things to remember to live in HARMONY with different personalities: 1. Take the relationship seriously, find the value in their personality, and be a STUDENT of one another. 2. Keep a RIGHT perspective of your own personalities strengths, weaknesses, and uniqueness. (Romans 12:3) 3. God expects EVERY personality to be conformed to and controlled by the character of Christ. Galatians 5:22-26 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. 1Corinthians 13:4-8 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. The ultimate goal is for every personality to be a unique expression of GOD’S love and truth. (Romans 12:2; 8:29; Ephesians 4:20-24; Colossians 3:12-14; 1Peter 1:13-16) Different - Making the most of our differences (Part 3) Psalm 139:13-14 13 For you created m... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-02-12T10_34_36-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-02-12T10_34_36-08_00 Mon, 12 Feb 2018 18:34:36 +0000 2018-02-12 2018-02-12 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-02-12T10_34_36-08_00 open arms community church 2540 Different - Making the most of our differences (Part 2) Philippians 2:1-16 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Relationships, more than anything else are the refining fires that God uses to MATURE us to be more like Him. SELFISHNESS (preferring self) is hurtful and divisive. HUMILITY is the “making low” of one’s self. God wants us to VALUE and be valued by one another. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! LOVE is demonstrated when we lay aside our own wants and interests and serve others. Love is SACRIFICIAL. Love is MORE than WORDS. This is more about YOU than THEM. This is a CHOICE to value and honor or not. 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. When we humble ourselves, God EXALTS us. You must decide who is in CHARGE of your relationship. When Jesus is LORD over our relationships, we experience all the fullness and soundness that He brings. Different - Making the most of our differences (Part 2) Philippians 2:1-16 Therefore if you ha... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-02-05T10_31_06-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-02-05T10_31_06-08_00 Mon, 05 Feb 2018 18:31:06 +0000 2018-02-05 2018-02-05 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-02-05T10_31_06-08_00 open arms community church 3318 Different - Making the most of our differences (Part 1) Genesis 1:26-27, 31 26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. Different is a part of our WORLD and RELATIONSHIPS. Different is by God’s intentional DESIGN. Different is very GOOD! Sometimes our greatest STRENGTH is also our greatest WEAKNESS, but our differences balance each other out. Different can be very BAD. The area where difference will have the broadest and deepest negative impact is SPIRITUALITY. Another name for the human “spirit” is “HEART”. Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 27:19 As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. Spirituality is the SOURCE of your values, worldview, and the attitudes, words, and behaviors that flow from them. Spirituality defines your PARADIGM for life. Amos 3:3 Can two walk together except they be agreed? (GNV) Do two people walk hand in hand if they aren’t going to the same place? (MESSAGE) Division - TWO visions. 2Corinthians 6:14-17 14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” 17 Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” 18 And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” At best, spiritual division/difference will cultivate a SHALLOWNESS and a battle of INFLUENCE. We value the differences except when they are a difference in VALUES. That's what DIVIDES a team and DEFINES whether hero or bad guy. Different - Making the most of our differences (Part 1) Genesis 1:26-27, 31 26 Then God said, ... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-02-05T10_30_15-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-02-05T10_30_15-08_00 Mon, 05 Feb 2018 18:30:15 +0000 2018-02-05 2018-02-05 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-02-05T10_30_15-08_00 open arms community church 3709 UNLEASHED - Living The Spirit-Filled Life (Part 4) John 14:12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. The difference maker is the HOLY SPIRIT. John 14:15-18 15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Luke 24:49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Acts 1:4-5, 8 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The Holy Spirit is our new PARACLETOS (Helper, Counselor, Comforter, etc.). The Holy Spirit is both IN and ON us; He seals us INWARDLY and baptizes us OUTWARDLY. The Holy Spirit’s presence, ministry, and power are a PROMISED GIFT. The relationship and experience with the Holy Spirit is so serious that Jesus COMMANDED his followers to wait and not do anything until they received Him. 1Corinthians 12:31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. The relationship with the Holy Spirit is to be INTERACTIVE. These texts give us insights to the BARRIERS to the MOVE of the Holy Spirit. 1. Do we LOVE the Lord? 2. Who’s WILL are we trying to achieve? Are we trying to USE the Holy Spirit or allowing Him to use US? 3. Are we intentional about OBEDIENCE? Do we walk in TRUTH? You can GRIEVE the Spirit. (Ephesians 4). 4. Do we TRUST/BELIEVE God’s promise (aka: lack of FAITH)? The opposite of love and trust is FEAR. 5. Are we willing to step into OTHERWORLDLINESS? You can QUENCH or RESIST the Spirit. (Acts 7; 1Thessalonians 5) 6. Do we ACTIVELY WAIT on the Lord? 7. Are we intentional about GROWING? 8. Do we have a LIMITING doctrinal position? 9. Who are we trying to GLORIFY? The gift and power of the Holy Spirit is to be a WITNESS. Witness is the Greek word MARTYR (A person who dies to self and to the world for their faith). For most, the biggest issues are not… what they don’t KNOW, it is what they know, but don’t TRUST and therefore do not ACT on. that they do not want more OF God, it’s just that they want something else more THAN God. Isaiah 61:1-4 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. 4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. UNLEASHED - Living The Spirit-Filled Life (Part 4) John 14:12 Very truly I tell you, whoever b... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-01-22T13_25_08-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-01-22T13_25_08-08_00 Mon, 22 Jan 2018 21:25:08 +0000 2018-01-22 2018-01-22 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-01-22T13_25_08-08_00 open arms community church 2603 UNLEASHED - Living The Spirit-Filled Life (Part 3) John 14:12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. Many get stuck on the question of QUALITY or QUANTITY, but either way at a minimum we should be doing what Jesus did. Things to know regarding the SUPERNATURAL works of God: 1. God worked supernaturally with signs, wonders, and spiritual gifts through His people throughout the entire OLD Testament. 2. God worked supernaturally with signs, wonders, and spiritual gifts through His people throughout the entire NEW Testament. Through JESUS. Through the 12 apostles. (Matthew 10; Luke 9) Through the 72 disciples. (Luke 10) Through the first church ministry WORKERS; Phillip & Stephen. (Acts 6 & 8) Through other CHRISTIANS and Leaders; Paul, Barnabas, Agabus, Lucius, Manaen (Acts 11, 13, 14, 21) 3. God worked supernaturally with signs, wonders, and spiritual gifts through His people (individuals and groups) throughout church HISTORY; Justin Martyr, Tertullian, St. Francis of Assisi, Waldensian Community, Martin Luther, Quakers, John Wesley and the Methodists, Edward Irving, John G. Lake, Smith Wigglesworth, F.F. Bosworth, William Branham, A.A. Allen, Oral Roberts, Jack Coe, Gordon Lindsay, T.L. Osborne, Morris Cerullo, John Wimber, Reinhard Bonnke, Todd White, to name a few from each century. Jesus taught that all believers were to live SUPERNATURAL lives. Mark 16:15-18 15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” Note the CANDIDATES and the CONTEXT. 4. Signs, Wonders, and Spiritual Gifts are testimonies and CONFIRMATION of God’s truth and power. 1Corinthians 2:4-5 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. There’s always the potential of being argued out of an argument, but it’s hard to be argued out of an EXPERIENCE. Hebrews 2:1-4 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. Note: We don’t USE the Holy Spirit, He uses us; “as He wills” not as we will. We do not exalt experience over TRUTH. Experience must always be filtered through and contextualized with God’s Word, otherwise it can be misleading. We do not chase or worship WORKS or MESSENGERS, only the triune Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). The point is never a gift or experience; it is JESUS! 5. God WARNS about the dangers and deception of chasing and exalting works or messengers, and that satan will do supernatural things to lead astray even the sincere. Matthew 24:24-25 24 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you ahead of time. There are REAL and FALSE versions of everything God has made. Don’t allow the false and abuse to DISCREDIT the true and real, but be on guard. 2Thessalonians 2:9-10 9 The coming of (continued) UNLEASHED - Living The Spirit-Filled Life (Part 3) John 14:12 Very truly I tell you, whoever b... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-01-18T07_32_17-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-01-18T07_32_17-08_00 Thu, 18 Jan 2018 15:32:17 +0000 2018-01-18 2018-01-18 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-01-18T07_32_17-08_00 open arms community church 3350 UNLEASHED - Living The Spirit-Filled Life (Part 2) John 14:12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. John 3:3-8 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” 4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” 1. There is a SPIRIT component to Christianity. 2. There is a new BIRTH into a new person. 3. There is a MYSTERY to it; an unknown, an unsafeness, a scariness, an adventure. 2Timothy 1:9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. Leviticus 11:44 I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. 1Peter 1:14-15 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy. ” HOLY - different, abnormal, peculiar, separated, set apart, stands out, awesome (inciting awe), amazing, magnificent, mysterious, scary, feared, otherworldly || the word has no innate or inferred moral position. As we’ve lost sight of who and what GOD is, we’ve lost sight of who and what WE are. “Holy” is the new person/creature/life of the Christian IDENTITY. Ephesians 2:19 So then you are no longer foreigners and noncitizens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household (NET) The word “Saints” (AKA: God’s people/people of God) is literally the word HOLY. We are to be DIFFERENT than everyone else. There is to be an OTHERWORLDLINESS to our life. God is a “COME as you are” God, but not a “STAY as you are” God. He loves you too much to let you stay the SAME. Jesus/God isn’t an ADDITIVE to your life, He is your life (Deuteronomy 30:20; Colossians 3:3). Christian faith is a process of being CONFORMED to the likeness of God (Romans 12:1-2). 1Peter 2:2-11 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires,which wage war against your soul. 1. We are in a progression of MATURITY in conformity to being like JESUS as living stones. 2. We have a new IDENTITY to live out and live in, being in but not of the world. John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. Before we can walk in the POWER we must walk in the PERSON of the Holy Spirit. UNLEASHED - Living The Spirit-Filled Life (Part 2) John 14:12 Very truly I tell you, whoever bel... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-01-08T10_10_14-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-01-08T10_10_14-08_00 Mon, 08 Jan 2018 18:10:14 +0000 2018-01-08 2018-01-08 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-01-08T10_10_14-08_00 open arms community church 3353 UNLEASHED - Living The Spirit-Filled Life (Part 1) John 14:12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. “It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires, not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” - C. S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory Though God in the Flesh, everything Jesus did was done as a man empowered by the HOLY SPIRIT. Matthew 3:16-17 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Luke 4:14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to believers and taught He was the SOURCE of power, provision, wisdom, transformation, and life. (Zechariah 4:6; Luke 3:16; 24:49; John 14:15-18, 25-27; 16:7-15; Acts 1:1-8; Romans 8:9-16; Galatians 5:16-25; Ephesians 1:13-14; 3:14-19; 4:30; 5:15-20) There is a two-fold experience with the Holy Spirit for the Christian: 1) The TRANSFORMING infilling/deposit/sealing for the day of salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30; Galatians 5:16-25; Titus 3:4-6) and 2) the EMPOWERING baptism/clothing/coming on or upon. (Luke 3:16; 24:49; Acts 1:1-8) The baptism of the Holy Spirit was so essential that in spite of them believing in Jesus, the early church sent Peter and John to make sure the new believers in Samaria RECEIVED it (Acts 8:14-17). And the Apostle Paul CHALLENGED the profession of supposed disciples in Ephesus by asking if they received the Holy Spirit when they believed. (Acts 19:1-2) As Christians we are to walk in RELATIONSHIP with God the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-18, 25-27; 16:7-15; Romans 8:9-16; 2Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:30) MATURING will always challenge our comfort, ignorance, and prejudice. Mark 12:24, 27b 24 Jesus replied, “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? 27 ...You are badly mistaken!” Just the Word, you DRY up. Just the Spirit, you BLOW up. The Word and the Spirit, you GROW up. The great ERRORS in life, come from ignorance, prejudice, and pride (selfish ambition). UNLEASHED - Living The Spirit-Filled Life (Part 1) John 14:12 Very truly I tell you, whoever b... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-01-02T14_02_48-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-01-02T14_02_48-08_00 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 22:02:48 +0000 2018-01-02 2018-01-02 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-01-02T14_02_48-08_00 open arms community church 3287 Fake News Special Edition - The Core Of Evolution Chris Miller holds a BS in Petroleum Engineering from Penn State and an MBA from St. Bonaventure University. He gained extensive experience in oil and gas exploration with various oil companies, and is currently employed by New York State as a regulator of oil and gas wells. He was brought up in a Christian home, but became an agnostic, a firm believer in evolution, and was very avid in trying to persuade people that evolution was true. After several years of research he gave up on evolution and became a believer in creation. Since becoming a creationist he has given nearly 700 public lectures on creation and evolution in churches, on radio, and in schools (including twice at Harvard Medical School). Chris enjoys explaining the evidence that convinced him to switch his beliefs saying, “I like to say that evolution is man's version of what happened in the past, and the bible is God's version of what happened in the past. And since they contradict each other in so many ways, only one can be true.” Fake News Special Edition - The Core Of Evolution Chris Miller holds a BS in Petroleum Enginee... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2018-01-02T07_02_54-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-01-02T07_02_54-08_00 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 15:02:54 +0000 2018-01-02 2018-01-02 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2018-01-02T07_02_54-08_00 open arms community church 2744 Fake News Part 4 - Wisemen, King, & Massacre Matthew 2:1-23 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Magi are seen and testify publicly to a celestial message they received about the birth of the King/Messiah. 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” The Magi showed great FAITH, the king and “all Jerusalem” were DISTURBED, the Sanhedrin were DISINTERESTED. 7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The STAR that started their journey reappeared and “went ahead of them” to the Child. Time had passed and Joseph and family were now in a HOUSE. The Magi openly WORSHIPED and honored Jesus with treasure. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. 13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” 14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt,15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” 16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. The Magi and Joseph’s family were both divinely warned to FLEE. The TIMING of the visit is between Jesus’ first year and 3rd birthday. Note the very public REACTION of Herod to the threat of a born king. 17 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: 18 “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” 19 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” 21 So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene. It is repeated through the Gospels how Jesus FULFILLED the prophesies about the Messiah. Supernatural guidance is a REGULAR part of the story that othe(continued) Fake News Part 4 - Wisemen, King, & Massacre Matthew 2:1-23 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-12-19T05_48_39-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-12-19T05_48_39-08_00 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 13:48:39 +0000 2017-12-19 2017-12-19 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-12-19T05_48_39-08_00 open arms community church 1625 Fake News Part 3 - Angels, Shepherds, & Temple Luke 1:1-4 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. Luke 2:1-40 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Note the consistent references to REAL people, places, times, and events. There is debate regarding whether Joseph fully married Mary or went through some of the wedding ritual, but remained ENGAGED to Mary until after the birth of Jesus when the marriage could be consummated. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” The MASS witnessed event: Multiple shepherds ALL saw and heard the one and then the many angels proclaiming the birth of Jesus. The significance of God revealing to the shepherds and not the RELIGIOUS is that this message is for all people. Note the angel’s “good news” was the claim that Jesus is the Savior, Messiah, and LORD. While they encountered Angels, the shepherds understood the message to be from GOD (aka: Lord). Note the FAITH of the shepherds, “let us go see this thing that HAS happened.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. The shepherds found and enthusiastically testified publicly exactly what they had HEARD and SEEN about this child. People in the region were AMAZED at the testimony of these multiple WITNESSES. 21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived. 22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Ev(continued) Fake News Part 3 - Angels, Shepherds, & Temple Luke 1:1-4 Many have undertaken to draw up an a... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-12-11T12_57_09-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-12-11T12_57_09-08_00 Mon, 11 Dec 2017 20:57:09 +0000 2017-12-11 2017-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-12-11T12_57_09-08_00 open arms community church 2779 Fake News Part 2 - The Family & Angels Luke 1:1-4 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. Luke 1 continues to tell the story of two SEPARATE angelic encounters, prophetic declarations, and miraculous conceptions. 1. The parents of JOHN the Baptist. Zechariah the priest is told he will have a son in his old age and the child will be the forerunner of the Messiah (SAVIOR of the world). Zechariah is made SILENT by an angel until time to name the baby, at which point a crowd witnessed his healing and prophecy of John’s role. Elizabeth stays SECLUDED up to her 6th month of pregnancy. 2. The parents of JESUS. Mary, a betrothed virgin, is chosen to be the bearer of the incarnate GOD. Mary is told about her cousins, NOT yet public pregnancy. Elizabeth prophetically recognized Mary was pregnant with the LORD before Mary told her. Joseph (Mary’s fiance) also had an ANGELIC encounter after Mary was found to be pregnant. Matthew 1:18-25 18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. Things to make note of: 1. Zechariah’s disability was PUBLICLY verified from his angelic encounter in the temple to the day he named John. 2. The pregnancy of John was MIRACULOUS as both parents were “very old”. 3. Mary did NOT initially tell Joseph of her pregnancy and angelic encounter, but instead went to her cousin’s house for about 3 months. 4. John’s birth was celebrated by a CROWD of people who recognized and spread the news throughout the region regarding the miraculous birth and healing of Zechariah. 5. Zechariah PUBLICLY prophecies regarding his son and the Messiah to come. 6. Mary’s pregnancy while UNWED, became inconcealable and she was found out. 7. When Joseph found out about Mary’s pregnancy, he planned to DIVORCE her. 8. Due to an angelic encounter Joseph took Mary to be his wife, but did not have intercourse with her until AFTER Jesus’ birth. 9. JOSEPH named Jesus, demonstrating his faith and ownership in God’s plan in spite of public opinion about his unfaithful wife and bastard son. 10. Zechariah, indirectly, and directly Elizabeth, Mary, and Joseph all IDENTIFIED the unborn Jesus as the Lord, Messiah, God in the flesh. The Question: Why would any of these people make this up and put themselves through the public humiliation and personal PAIN? Fake News Part 2 - The Family & Angels Luke 1:1-4 Many have undertaken to draw up an account o... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-12-04T10_38_15-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-12-04T10_38_15-08_00 Mon, 04 Dec 2017 18:38:15 +0000 2017-12-04 2017-12-04 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-12-04T10_38_15-08_00 open arms community church 3218 Fake News Part 1 - What Is Truth? Jude 1:3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. 1. How do we identify and establish something as a TRUTH? Facts/realities are true, but not TRUTH. The DANGER of isolating facts/realities is that it can cause us to think something is a truth, when it really is just one small piece in the much larger picture of God and life. Truth is not RELATIVE, facts/realities are relative. Facts/realities are contextual; PARTIAL realities of truth, but not the Truth as a whole. Truth is superior and SUPREME over facts/realities. The rule of LAW is two or more witnesses verifies something as true. EYEWITNESSES carry greater weight than hearsay or physical evidence. MASS events are far more compelling than isolated events. REASON/Logic factor into the establishing of truth and reality. 2. FAITH is more than a fact or principle, it is a truth/law. Our world operates with and CANNOT operate without the law of faith. Our finite understanding will ALWAYS have unanswered questions regarding the infinite. Life in this world REQUIRES faith, a placement of trust and confidence in something or someone based on our best reasoning. Our inability to humble ourselves to the inescapable reality that mankind is LIMITED in what they know and how much they can discover is what robs us of the realities of God and all he has done and wants to do in our lives. What causes us to feel justified in saying there are contradictions, irrationalities, and illogical aspects of Christian faith are: A) the missing pieces of the puzzle, B) our ignorant isolation and arrogant dogmatic grip on isolated facts, and C) our proud defiance demanding that all truth must fit within the box of human reasoning. Trying to understand the infinite God with our finite mind is like trying to drink the oceans with a THIMBLE. 3. Once a truth is established, we will either humble ourselves in SUBMISSION to it or hardheartedly, irrationally, and hypocritically RESIST it. 4. The BIBLE is our MAIN and the authoritative source. God's Word (the Bible) is not written as a book of instructions, but a NARRATIVE. It's the story of real, messy people engaging a very REAL and PERFECT God. It’s the story of Love, Grace, and Mercy UNAFRAID and UNHINDERED by our distorted, broken, messy lives. God WANTS you! It’s the story of God transforming (GOD-CONFORMING) imperfect lives. It's the revealing of God and His will in a way that was VERIFIABLE and irrefutable. It wasn't done in secret, but publicly with WITNESSES from believers and nonbelievers alike. It’s a collection of CONFIRMED testimonies from people of every social, political, religious, and economic background. The story brings CONTEXT and EXAMPLES to the principles and truths taught. Luke 1:1-4 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. There is a CERTAINTY to the Christian Faith. Fake News Part 1 - What Is Truth? Jude 1:3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-11-27T13_02_55-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-11-27T13_02_55-08_00 Mon, 27 Nov 2017 21:02:55 +0000 2017-11-27 2017-11-27 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-11-27T13_02_55-08_00 open arms community church 3260 Body Building Part 4 - Rest Our vision is to produce transformed (GOD-CONFORMED) lives addressing spiritual needs, relationships, health, finances, education, and leadership. (Isaiah 61:1-4) Ephesians 4:11-16 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Review: 1. I am uniquely S.H.A.P.E.d to SERVE and contribute to the collective work of God. My goal is to be the best version of ME, not someone else. 2. I am responsible to do the WORK of getting in S.H.A.P.E. No one can bear my responsibility for ME. 3. I cannot reach my fullest potential ALONE. I work out with OTHERS (Team mates, partners, coaches/trainers). 4. REST is a part of workouts and life. Body Building requires both WORK and REST. In life it is known as the “STRESS and RELEASE” Principle. Exodus 20:8-11 8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. The 4th Commandment is to honor the SABBATH (rest). Rest is to cease my normal work (cease carrying my load) to 1) REFLECT, 2) rejoice, 3)reconnect, and 4) refresh/repair. There is a Sabbath rest we are to OBSERVE weekly and LIVE in daily. We are commanded to take one DAY a week to Sabbath and to walk in God’s Rest (Peace) DAILY. Matthew 11:28-30 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” We are called to SERVE and do the work/yoke of the Lord with all our heart and strength. We are also called to rest, be STILL, and WAIT upon the Lord. Psalm 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God…” Isaiah 40:28-31 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Wait - (ACTIVE tense)] to prepare and watch in hopeful, eager expectation. The Growth Process: Building/Developing requires BREAKING and HEALING. 1) Breaking down/ tearing happens in the hard WORKS. It’s the HARD stuff (the challenges/difficult things) that causes growth. 2) Healing (rebuilding/ GROWTH/ maturity) happens in the Rest. Body Building Part 4 - Rest Our vision is to produce transformed (GOD-CONFORMED) lives address... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-11-21T05_24_01-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-11-21T05_24_01-08_00 Tue, 21 Nov 2017 13:24:01 +0000 2017-11-21 2017-11-21 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-11-21T05_24_01-08_00 open arms community church 2955 Body Building Part 3 - The Community Our vision is to produce transformed (GOD-CONFORMED) lives addressing spiritual needs, relationships, health, finances, education, and leadership. (Isaiah 61:1-4) Ephesians 4:11-16 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Fact: No one else can bear the weight of your RESPONSIBILITY in becoming who you were created to be. There are certain things ONLY you can do. Fact: You can NOT reach your fullest potential ALONE. There are certain things you CAN’T or SHOULDN’T do alone. We were made for interdependent COMMUNITY, to share and do life together. We are INTERDEPENDENT not independent. We NEED one another to SHARE life together. We are not a PASTOR centered church, we’re a CHRIST centered church. We do not DO church we ARE the church. TOGETHER we are smarter, stronger, happier and can go farther and do more than we ever could alone. God blesses us with a community of coaches, trainers, workout partners, and friends as well as other RESOURCES for instruction and aid. Don’t AVOID or NEGLECT community. Resources never REPLACE community. Everyone needs a church family to BELONG to and CONTRIBUTE to. While we each have a unique S.H.A.P.E. to do a special work, each of our parts work with and for the collective WHOLE. Collectively they teach, challenge, correct, rebuke, encourage, call out (accountability), share our joys and sorrows, and HELP us in reaching our fullest potential. Community is MESSY. Romans 12:4-5, 9-18 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another.Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. My daily CHOICE to obey Jesus and my VALUE of people will determine my commitment and contribution to community. Community isn’t a good idea it’s a COMMAND of God; it’s a SPIRITUAL issue. Body Building Part 3 - The Community Our vision is to produce transformed (GOD-CONFORMED) live... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-11-13T10_50_11-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-11-13T10_50_11-08_00 Mon, 13 Nov 2017 18:50:11 +0000 2017-11-13 2017-11-13 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-11-13T10_50_11-08_00 open arms community church 2887 Body Building Part 2 - The Workout Our vision is to produce transformed (GOD-CONFORMED) lives addressing spiritual needs, relationships, health, finances, education, and leadership. (Isaiah 61:1-4) Ephesians 4:11-16 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. We were made for WORK, specifically contributing to the transcendent cause of eternity. God made man and gave him a JOB; the work of tending the Garden. To be in our best and most healthy S.H.A.P.E., we must understand and apply three truths: 1. Our beings were designed to MOVE, do HARD things, make stuff happen, and CONTRIBUTE. No one else can bear the weight of your RESPONSIBILITY in becoming who you were created to be. There are certain things ONLY you can do. 2. Our beings were designed to CONSUME. 3. Our beings were designed to ENJOY. Two ENEMIES of Health (being the best version of you): 1. Passivity (aka. Inactivity) KILLS (laziness, ease, complacency, status quo). PASSIVITY is not doing or saying what needs done or said. 2. Debauchery and EXCESS (unrestrained LUST/DESIRE). These two enemies produce an UNHEALTHY spirit, mind, and body. Work (aka MEANINGFUL activity and contribution) brings HEALTH (spirit, soul, and body). 4 Things to know about doing ANYTHING: A. Doing it when you’re tired and don’t feel like it is called DISCIPLINE. B. Doing it when it’s hard, hurts, and you want to quit is called PERSEVERANCE. There is a growth/maturing pain Vs INJURY pain and we deal with each differently. C. Doing it when you are afraid is called COURAGE. D. Doing it when you don’t know all the answers is called FAITH. We are all uniquely S.H.A.P.E.d to CONTRIBUTE in building up, growing, and maturing the body of Christ (the CHURCH). Romans 12:3-8 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. 1Peter 4:10-11 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. All that we are and have is God’s GIFT to us, what we do with it is our gift to Him. We all have a “SPECIAL work” to do in God’s Eternal Kingdom. Body Building Part 2 - The Workout Our vision is to produce transformed (GOD-CONFORMED) lives ... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-11-07T05_00_29-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-11-07T05_00_29-08_00 Tue, 07 Nov 2017 13:00:29 +0000 2017-11-07 2017-11-07 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-11-07T05_00_29-08_00 open arms community church 2860 Body Building Part 1 - Discovering My Shape Our vision is to produce transformed (GOD-CONFORMED) lives addressing spiritual needs, relationships, health, finances, education, and leadership. (Isaiah 61:1-4) We are NOT all the SAME, we all have a different S.H.A.P.E. 1Corinthians 12:27, 12 27Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 12Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. Romans 12:4-6 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. You are uniquely designed by God ON purpose FOR a purpose. You’ve been given a unique S.H.A.P.E. S - SPIRITUAL GIFTS H - HEART (passions, interests) A - ABILITIES (general, specialized [aka: talents]) P - PERSONALITY E - EXPERIENCES (good, bad, success, failure; what are the lessons?) Your S.H.A.P.E. can get in BETTER or WORSE shape. You must be INTENTIONAL about being in your best S.H.A.P.E. Don’t COMPARE yourself to others. Don’t let OTHERS compare you. God wants you to be the best version of YOU, not your best version of someone else. Ephesians 4:11-16 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. We ALL have a part to play in building up, growing, and maturing the body of Christ (the CHURCH). By SERVING others, as we each do our part, we all BENEFIT; personally and corporately. Body Building Part 1 - Discovering My Shape Our vision is to produce transformed (GOD-CONFORME... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-10-31T05_30_10-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-10-31T05_30_10-07_00 Tue, 31 Oct 2017 12:30:10 +0000 2017-10-31 2017-10-31 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-10-31T05_30_10-07_00 open arms community church 3934 Insidious Part 4 - Weapons For War Insidious - proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with HARMFUL effects. || treacherous; crafty. Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 2Corinthians 10:3-4 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. The WEAPONS of our warfare: 1. Our Free WILL. (Ephesians 6:17; 1Thessalonians 5:8; 1Peter 5:8) We NEVER have to say, “yes” or cooperate with the devil. However, saying “NO” to God is saying “YES” to the devil. James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. You are VICTOR not a VICTIM! Start living like one! (Luke 10:19; Romans 8:37; 1John 5:4) Submission starts in the spirit, then the MIND (thought life), then the body (behavior). We cannot overemphasize the importance of RENEWING your mind (Romans 12:2). 2Corinthians 10:3-5 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2. The authority of the WORD of God. (John 6:63; Ephesians 6:17; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 4:12; 1John 2:14) Word (rhema) - utterance, a thing said; a SPECIFIC word for specific moment; a revelatory spoken word. Hosea 4:6 my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Jesus is the living WORD; they are one. (John 1:1-3, 14; 1Peter 1:23; 1John 1:1; Revelation 19:13) 3. The authority of the NAME of Jesus. (Matthew 28:18; Philippians 2:9-11) Jesus delegated the AUTHORITY of His name to us for spiritual warfare. Jesus empowers the 12 to cast out demons (Luke 9:1-2; Matthew 10:1) Jesus empowers the 72 to cast out demons (Luke 10:1-7, 17-20) Jesus empowers ALL Christians to cast out demons (Mark 16:17-18; Acts 1:8) We are powerful because HE is powerful. (Ephesians 6:10) Even NON-Christians can use the name of Jesus to cast out demons (Luke 9:49) Word of warning, this can be DANGEROUS (Acts 19:13-16) 4. PRAYER (Ephesians 6:; 1Corinthians 14:2; Romans 8:26-27; 1Thessalonians 5:17; Colossians 4:2) James 5:16 The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. RIGHTEOUS - the state of being in right standing, of being all one ought to be. 5. The CHARACTER / NATURE of God. Delegated authority is only effective/powerful inasmuch as the individual is in alignment/ PROPERLY represents the authority. 1Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. Faith (co(continued) Insidious Part 4 - Weapons For War Insidious - proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with H... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-10-23T12_41_44-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-10-23T12_41_44-07_00 Mon, 23 Oct 2017 19:41:44 +0000 2017-10-31 2017-10-31 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-10-23T12_41_44-07_00 open arms community church 3378 Insidious Part 3 - Manifestations Insidious - proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with HARMFUL effects. || treacherous; crafty. Ephesians 6:10-12 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. There are SPIRITUAL forces that are EVIL at work against us. 4 levels of satanic/demonic activity: 1. INFESTATION - Hauntings; inhabiting certain geographies and objects. (Hosea 4:12; Matthew 12:43; 1Corinthians 10:18-22; Revelation 18:2) 2. OPPRESSION - External attacks; buffeting, tormenting. (2Corinthians 11:23-12:7) 3. OBSESSION - Strongholds (mentally or physically); fear, anxiety, depression, addictions, etc. (1Corinthians 10:5; 2Timothy 1:7; Romans 8:15; Mark 5:2-5; Luke 13:10-17) Ultimately we don’t have a food, drug, drink, sex, language, thought, or attitude issue; we have a LORDSHIP issue. 4. POSSESSION - taking control of a body (animal or human). (Mark 5:2-5; Matthew 12:22; Acts 19:11-20) The Bible describes this demonic activity manifesting in BOTH natural and supernatural circumstances and events. FALSE Spirituality/Religion - (Hosea 4:12; Acts 16:16-21; 1Corinthians 10:19-22; 1Timothy 4:1-5; Revelation 2:9, 24; 9:20) TEMPTATION (Genesis 3:1-7; Luke 4:1-13; Acts 5:3; 1Corinthians 7:5) Natural DISASTERS - (Job 1:12-19) PERSECUTION - (2Corinthians 12:7-10 ; 1Thessalonians 2:18; 1Peter 5:8-11; Revelations 2:9-10, 13; 11:7) PHYSICAL Attacks - including acts of violence, persecution, and killing. (1Samuel 19:9-10; Job 1:12-19; 2Corinthians 12:7-10; Acts 19:11-20; Revelation 2:9-10, 13; 9:1-11; 11:7) WAR (Job 1:12-19; Revelation 12:17; 13:1-7; 17:12-14; 19:19) Physical ILLNESS (Job 2:7 ; Matthew 9:32; 12:22; Luke 13:10-17; Mark 9:17-27) MENTAL illness (Mark 5:2-5; 1Samuel 16:14; 2Timothy 1:7) Supernatural STRENGTH (Mark 5:2-5; Acts 19:11-20) Supernatural KNOWLEDGE (Acts 16:16-21; Revelation 2:24) Resistance against God’s people and ANGELS. (Daniel 10:12-13; 1Thessalonians 2:18) Miraculous SIGNS and WONDERS (Acts 16:16-21; 2Thessalonians 2:9; Revelation 16:14) Satan will work through good, even CHRISTIAN people. (1Chronicles 21:1-8; Matthew 16:22-23; Acts 5:3; 2Timothy 2:23-26) Christians are warned not to give satan LEGAL place in their life through intentional or unintentional sin. (John 8:34; Isaiah 59:2; Ephesians 4:27) Neither ignorance nor unbelief are bliss, pardon, or PROTECTION from satan’s strategies. (Hosea 4:6; Leviticus 4:1-5:6; Job 1:5; 3:25; Matthew 12:43-45) While all of these are examples of demonic activity, scripture is clear that NOT every circumstance is of demonic origin. This will require prayerful and SCRIPTURAL discernment, knowing satan’s strategies and also contrasting the attitude and results of a situation with the nature of God. (Galatians 5:22-23; 1Corinthians 13:4-8; Mark 12:30-31; John 14:15; Romans 12:1; Matthew 28:18-20) Other sources: consequences of free WILL, circumstances of DEPRAVITY, and God’s JUDGMENT. (Proverbs 5:21-23; 19:3; Ephesians 5:6) Satan is an EXPLOITER of everything; strengths, weaknesses, good, ease, success, trial, failure, and tragedy. Satan’s STRATEGY: deceive, disappoint, disrupt (diversion), distract, disorient, divide, doubt, depress, deter (discourage), divert (not a detor, but he will settle with that if he can’t divert you), debilitate, dominate (enslave), despair (no confidence, not even hope), destroy. Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, aga(continued) Insidious Part 3 - Manifestations Insidious - proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with HA... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-10-16T13_56_20-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-10-16T13_56_20-07_00 Mon, 16 Oct 2017 20:56:20 +0000 2017-10-16 2017-10-16 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-10-16T13_56_20-07_00 open arms community church 2990 Insidious Part 2 - Demons Insidious - proceeding in a gradual, SUBTLE way, but with harmful effects. || treacherous; crafty. Ephesians 6:10-12 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. There are SPIRITUAL forces that are EVIL at work against us. When satan rebelled against God, the Bible describes a large number of ANGELS joining in the rebellion (about ⅓) and they were all cast down to earth. (Revelation 12:1-9) These FALLEN angels are referred to by various names and titles. 1. DEMONS (older translations “devils”) - to rip, split, or tear apart; one who devours. (Matthew 4:24; 7:22; 8:16, 31) In mythology THEOS was reserved for the central deity, while “daimon” was reserved for the minor, lesser deities. Demon also carries the sense of supernatural and SUPERHUMAN. 2. UNCLEAN/IMPURE Spirits - morally lewd, dirty (Matthew 10:1; 12:43; Mark 1:23) 3. EVIL Spirits (1Samuel 16:14) 4. SPIRITS - lit. breath, wind; celestial creatures/beings. (Luke 10:20) 5. Messengers/ ANGELS of satan (2Corinthians 12:7) 6. They are referred to symbolically as SNAKES and SCORPIONS. (Luke 10:19-20) 7. They are identified as those who manifest as the spirits of the DEAD or ascended masters/guides. (1Samuel 28:13; Deuteronomy 18:10-12) 8. They are identified as the celestial beings behind the worship of IDOLS/false gods. (1Corinthians 10:20; Revelation 9:20-21) 9. They are referred to by RANKS (ie. legion, principalities, rulers, authorities, etc.) seeming to indicate there is hierarchy. (Ephesians 3:10; 6:12; Colossians 2:15) 10. Apollyon/Abaddon is mentioned as being a KING over the demons imprisoned in the Abyss. (Revelation 9:11) Some fallen angels are IMPRISONED in dungeons in the lower depths of Hell (AKA: Tartarus). (2Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6) Demons have many FORMS; locust-like, frog-like, unearthly creatures (beautiful and frightening). (Revelation 9:7-10; 16:13-14; 2Corinthians 11:14) Like the devil, demons are LIMITED creatures that will face final judgment and eternal damnation. (Matthew 8:29; 25:41) Satan and demons operate in the SPIRIT realm that though unseen directly effects and engages our world. (Ephesians 2:2; Revelation 2:13) They are the RULING authorities and influences in nations and peoples that are not submitted to rule of Jesus. (Ephesians 2:2; 3:10) They are the SOURCE of evil enticement, suffering, and persecution. (1Chronicles 21:1; Ephesians 2:2; Revelation 2:13; 9:1-11; 12:17) They are FREQUENTLY the source of mental and physical illness. (Luke 13:16; Mark 5:2-5; 9:17-23) Mark 16:17-18 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” Insidious Part 2 - Demons Insidious - proceeding in a gradual, SUBTLE way, but with harmful ef... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-10-09T10_44_32-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-10-09T10_44_32-07_00 Mon, 09 Oct 2017 17:44:32 +0000 2017-10-09 2017-10-09 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-10-09T10_44_32-07_00 open arms community church 2823 Insidious Part 1 INSIDIOUS - proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects. || treacherous; crafty. Ephesians 6:10-12 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. There are SPIRITUAL forces that are EVIL at work against us. SCHEME - a large-scale systematic plan or arrangement for attaining some particular object or putting a particular idea into effect. || a secret or underhanded plan; a plot. (2Corinthains 2:11) The spiritual forces of evil are LED by the devil. “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight.” - C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters Jesus acknowledges the being of the devil as REAL and as an ENEMY. (Mark 4:15; Luke 13:16) Luke 10:18 He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. (Revelation 12:4, 7-9) The devil is known by different NAMES and tactics. 1. LUCIFER - Light Bearer (Isaiah 14:12) 2. Satan - ADVERSARY, enemy (Luke 10:18) 3. PRINCE of this world - (John 12:38; 14:30; 16:11) Prince - RULER, commander, chief, leader World - (cosmos) ORDER, arrangement, system, government 4. Prince of the POWER of the air (Ephesians 2:2) 5. Prince of DEMONS (Matthew 12:24) Beelzebul - master of the house; Chaldee = DUNG-god 6. Devil - SLANDERER, accuser (1John 3:8) 7. ACCUSER (Zechariah 3:1; Revelation 12:10) 8. Father of LIES (John 8:44) 9. DECEIVER (Revelation 12:9; 20:8,10) 10. TEMPTER (Matthew 4:3) 11. THIEF (John 10:10) 12. DRAGON / Serpent (Revelation 12:1-17; 20:2) 13. CUNNING - crafty, clever, skillful (2Corinthians 11:3) 14. MASQUERADER - pretender, faker (2Corinthians 11:14) Satan is a LIMITED being and is not omniscient, omnipotent, nor omnipresent. (Revelation 2:13; Job 1:6-7; Ezekiel 28:11-17) Satan is NEVER called an archangel, but is referred to as having been a guardian cherub in the garden of Eden. (Ezekiel 28:11-17) Satan was declared perfect in appearance and full of wisdom, but his beauty and intelligence became the source of his FALL. (Isaiah 14:12-15) There is no COMPARISON between the Uncreated Creator God and the created fallen angel satan. (Revelation 20:7-10) Christians are equipped and empowered to DEFEAT the devil by the power of God. 2Corinthians 10:3-4 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. Luke 10:19-20 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Insidious Part 1 INSIDIOUS - proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects. ||... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-10-09T10_43_16-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-10-09T10_43_16-07_00 Mon, 09 Oct 2017 17:43:16 +0000 2017-10-09 2017-10-09 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-10-09T10_43_16-07_00 open arms community church 3027 RECALIBRATE Our VISION is to produce TRANSFORMED lives addressing spiritual needs, relationships, health, finances, education, and leadership. Isaiah 61:1-4 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. 4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Vs 1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me It starts with a SPIRIT FILLED life. (1Corinthians 2:4-5) The Spirit-Filled life is wild, untamed, uncivilized, and can be UNPREDICTABLE. (John 3:8) ANOINT - to smear, spread, rub on|| to mark as special and authoritative. Vs 1-2 to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. We are a SENT people. We are sent to PROCLAIM and DO the works of the Kingdom. Vs. 3 They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. OAKS - a strong tree, pillar, man, leader, or chief RIGHTEOUSNESS - to be in right standing/relationship || that which is all it ought to be. The CREDIT and GLORY of our strength, uprightness, and wholeness seen in our lives will go to the Lord. Vs. 4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. We will be a people who take back what has been lost and stolen and make it RIGHT again. RECALIBRATE Our VISION is to produce TRANSFORMED lives addressing spiritual needs, relationshi... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-09-25T13_10_10-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-09-25T13_10_10-07_00 Mon, 25 Sep 2017 20:10:10 +0000 2017-09-25 2017-09-25 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-09-25T13_10_10-07_00 open arms community church 2928 Real Life Heroes: Educators Part 4 Matthew 28:18-20 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Following Jesus’ example and command, EVERY Christian is called to TEACH. The intention is to make DISCIPLES whose lives CONFORM to the image of the Master. The point of teaching is TRANSFORMATION. Not to be INFORMED about God, but to be TRANSFORMED by God to be like God (fulfilling your Creation Purpose). Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” By embracing SIN we became LESS than the image of God. Salvation is the RESTORATION back to being who God made us to be; back to the IMAGE of God. Romans 12:1-2 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Ephesians 4:22-24 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. A Christian is a DOER of God’s word and a person CONFORMING their life to the pattern of Jesus. (Ref. James 1:22-25; Matthew 7:24-29) 1John 2:6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. Matthew 7:21-23 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven,but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ REAL disciples MAKE disciples. Am I a DISCIPLE? Am I making DISCIPLES or religious CONVERTS? Real Life Heroes: Educators Part 4 Matthew 28:18-20 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-09-20T05_00_46-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-09-20T05_00_46-07_00 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 12:00:46 +0000 2017-09-20 2017-09-20 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-09-20T05_00_46-07_00 open arms community church 3258 Real Life Heroes: Educators Part 3 Matthew 28:18-20 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Following Jesus’ example and command, EVERY Christian is called to TEACH. 1. In WORD and DEED. John 13:15 2. He taught through PRECEPT. Matthew 6:19-21 3. He taught through NARRATIVE story. Matthew 24:37-39 4. He taught through SCRIPTURE. John 6:45; John 8:17; Matthew 15:7-9 5. He taught through REAL life circumstances and stories. John 9:1-3; Luke 16:19-31 6. He taught through METAPHOR. Matthew 13:3-9 7. He taught through QUESTIONS. Matthew 22:21-25 8. He taught through community DISCUSSION. Luke 10:25-28 9. He taught through CONFRONTATION (correcting, rebuking). Matthew 23:23 10. He taught through direct STATEMENTS. John 14:6 11. He taught through ILLUSTRATION. Matthew 22:15-22 12. He taught through SUPERNATURAL DEMONSTRATION. Matthew 14:15-21; 1Corinthians 2:4-5 13. He taught through acts of KINDNESS (meeting NEEDS). There is not just ONE way to communicate God’s truth. There is not just one way to DEAL with people. Jude 1:22 22Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. We must TRUST and be LED by the Holy Spirit to know what to do and say at any given moment to speak into a person’s life. Matthew 10:19-20 Real Life Heroes: Educators Part 3 Matthew 28:18-20 18 Then Jesus came to them and said,... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-09-11T13_31_19-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-09-11T13_31_19-07_00 Mon, 11 Sep 2017 20:31:19 +0000 2017-09-11 2017-09-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-09-11T13_31_19-07_00 open arms community church 2980 Real Life Heroes: Educators Part 2 Matthew 28:18-20 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Following Jesus’ example and command, every Christian is called to TEACH. Fundamental Assumptions: 1. Truth is INDEPENDENT of humanity. Mankind did not create or INVENT it. It existed before people and was in effect in spite of their ignorance. Truth is not an OPINION. 2. Truth is BIGGER than humanity. No one person, nor all people combined, know EVERYTHING. SCIENCE is the discipline of observation not judgment drawing hypotheses, theories, and conclusions. Science should be UNBIASED and always open to new information that would change the conclusions until they land on an indisputable fact. The trouble comes when science changes its function from observer to AUTHORITY. SPIRITUALITY (God) is not a science, but a SUBMISSION to a higher source than man or nature as the authority on truth. Every human being is spiritual and will exercise FAITH in something/someone as the ultimate source of truth, because as humans we will never have all the answers. 1. To be a teacher one must take learning seriously and be TEACHABLE; we must be humble and correctable. 2. The official textbook and authoritative resource on truth is the BIBLE (God’s Word). [Ref. Psalm 33:4; 119:160; Isaiah 40:8; Isaiah 55:9-11; Jeremiah 1:12; John 6:68; 1Peter 1:23-25; 2Peter 1:16-21] Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Psalm 119:89 Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Psalm 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. 2Timothy 3:16-17 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. The Bible acts as that one ESSENTIAL, fundamental ingredient that if removed renders all the others vain, meaningless, and useless. 1 Corinthians 1:20 So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world's brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. The message is only as authoritative and powerful as it is ALIGNED with God’s standard of truth (right and wrong). Real Life Heroes: Educators Part 2 Matthew 28:18-20 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-09-11T13_30_28-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-09-11T13_30_28-07_00 Mon, 11 Sep 2017 20:30:28 +0000 2017-09-11 2017-09-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-09-11T13_30_28-07_00 open arms community church 2462 Real Life Heroes: Educators Part 1 Matthew 28:18-20 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Following Jesus’ example and command, every Christian is called to TEACH. Hebrews 5:11-14 11 There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. 12 You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. 13 For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. 14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. Don’t confuse the RESPONSIBILITY to teach with the specific calling and gifting to be a formal teacher. Teaching (generally speaking) is to instruct, MODEL, and INFLUENCE (lead). Titus 2:1-8 You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. 3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. 6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. 1Timothy 4:11-15 11 Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. 12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 13 Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Every person, old and young are responsible to instruct and model the truths and life of Jesus, understanding that EVERYONE is a living message and is influencing and impacting the world for good or evil for generations to come. Real Life Heroes: Educators Part 1 Matthew 28:18-20 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “Al... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-08-30T05_15_07-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-08-30T05_15_07-07_00 Wed, 30 Aug 2017 12:15:07 +0000 2017-08-30 2017-08-30 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-08-30T05_15_07-07_00 open arms community church 3525 G.P.S. (God’s Positioning System) Part 4 - Stay The Course No matter our emotional state, the weather, or circumstances the Voice and the Map are RELIABLE guides. (Ref. Numbers 23:19; Malachi 3:6; James 1:17; Isaiah 59:21; 1Peter 1:24-25; Proverbs 30:5; Psalm 119:89, 160) Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” Life is a journey of FAITH (trust, confidence). 2Corinthians 5:7 For we live by faith, not by sight. Romans 14:23 ...everything that does not come from faith is sin. Sometimes feelings and circumstances can cause us to DOUBT or question that we are on the right path. 1. Stay close to the GPS listening for His VOICE. 2. If you can’t hear any voice, always look to the MAP (God’s Word) as the ultimate AUTHORITY. Psalm 119:9, 11, 16, 105, 130 9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. 16 I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. 105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. 130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. Sometimes people can be a NEGATIVE example or influence. They can give ALTERNATIVE directions or model taking a different route. They can DISORIENT us when they Fail/Fall Short and disappoint us. Romans 3:3-4 3 What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? 4 Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. In spite of how we FEEL or what is going on in the world, stay the course. Stay committed, CONSISTENT, and confident in God’s word. Stay CHRISTIAN. Hebrews 10:36-39 36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37 For, “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.” 38 And, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” 39 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved. It’s not just how we START the journey, but how we FINISH. 2Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. G.P.S. (God’s Positioning System) Part 4 - Stay The Course No matter our emotional state, ... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-08-21T10_11_49-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-08-21T10_11_49-07_00 Mon, 21 Aug 2017 17:11:49 +0000 2017-08-21 2017-08-21 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-08-21T10_11_49-07_00 open arms community church 2918 G.P.S. (God’s Positioning System) Part 3 - Distractions 1Corinthians 14:10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world... On your trip, you may MISS the directions because the radio is too loud, texts and phone calls, people in the car are talking to you, there are distractions on the road. Some COMPETING voices in the world: (Ref. Luke 4:1; 1Corinthians 7:5; Revelation 20:8,10; Luke 1:11-21; Numbers 13:26-14:30; Acts 21:10-14; Proverbs 29:25; John 12:42; 2Peter 2:1-3; 2Timothy 4:1-5) 1. The DEVIL (temptation, fear, doubt, condemnation). 2. The DOUBTERS / naysayers. 3. Public OPINIONS (AKA: Fear of Men). 4. FALSE teaching. 5. The FLESH. Some DISTRACTIONS: (Ref. 1John 2:15-17; Matthew 13:18-23; Mark 4:13-20; Luke 8:11-15) 1. Lust of the EYE. 2. Lust of the FLESH. 3. PRIDE of life. 4. DOUBT. 5. Persecution, trouble, and DIFFICULTY for following Jesus. 6. WORRIES of this life. 7. PLEASURES of this life. 8. WEALTH. Our challenge is to FOCUS on, faithfully prioritize, and LISTEN to the voice of the Lord. John 10:2-5 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” This will require you to make CHANGES in your life. G.P.S. (God’s Positioning System) Part 3 - Distractions 1Corinthians 14:10 There are, it may b... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-08-15T11_28_56-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-08-15T11_28_56-07_00 Tue, 15 Aug 2017 18:28:56 +0000 2017-08-15 2017-08-15 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-08-15T11_28_56-07_00 open arms community church 3074 G.P.S. (God’s Positioning System) Part 2 - The Map & The Voice Proverbs 29:18 When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful. God guides us through the road map of SCRIPTURE (logos - written word) and the voice of the SPIRIT (Rhema - revealed word). 2Timothy 3:16-17 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. RIGHTEOUSNESS - normal, right, just; The state of being as one ought to be. The Road Map is the GENERAL guidance applicable to EVERYONE. The Voice of the Spirit is unique, SPECIFIC, personalized guidance applicable to YOU. (Ref. Ephesians 1:11-12, 2:10) Romans 8:12-14 12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. Galatians 5:25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Ref. John 10:2-5) 1. Your journey will be UNIQUE. (Ref. Ephesians 2:10; Psalm 139:16) It’s NOT always the fastest or shortest route. Others will share parts of your journey, but each have their own unique PLAN that will make things different. (Ref. Romans 14:1-23; 1Corinthians 2:9-16; 6:1-6) 2. If you are LOOKING and LISTENING, God will faithfully guide you. (Matthew 7:7-8; Colossians 4:2) 3. God’s knows more than you and His plan will be MORE than your plan, so be open to interruptions to your plan (ex. stopping to help those broke down, to see the sights, maintenance, avoiding roadwork and tolls, etc.). (Isaiah 55:1-11; 1Kings 8:39) 4. God RECALIBRATES and redirects us. There will be times where we intentionally or unintentionally SIN, by commission or omission. (Romans 1:21-31; James 4:17) Like a good GPS, God recalibrates the journey’s plan to lead us from where we ARE (not where we SHOULD be) to get where we need to go. God is a God of grace and MERCY; 2nd, 3rd, and 4th chances. 5. Doing things our OWN way (straying from God’s plan) takes us PLACES we were never meant to go EXPERIENCING things we were never meant to go through. 2John 1:9 Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. G.P.S. (God’s Positioning System) Part 2 - The Map & The Voice Proverbs 29:18 When people ... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-08-07T10_17_02-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-08-07T10_17_02-07_00 Mon, 07 Aug 2017 17:17:02 +0000 2017-08-15 2017-08-15 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-08-07T10_17_02-07_00 open arms community church 1748 false G.P.S. (God’s Positioning System) Part 1 - Turn It On Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. 1. You must TURN ON the G.P.S. The G.P.S. is powered by (starts with) FAITH (confidence/trust) and SURRENDER (submission) to God’s will and ways. Romans 10:9 So if you believe deep in your heart that God raised Jesus from the pit of death and if you voice your allegiance by confessing the truth that “Jesus is Lord,” then you will be saved! We must settle the question: Who’s in CHARGE. Matthew 6:9-10 9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. The FOUNDATION and FOCUS of prayer and life is the supreme authority of God and His will and ways being best. 2. You have to know your CURRENT location and your destination. Matthew 26:39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” We resist what we do not TRUST or BELIEVE in. Much of our disappointments in life and with God, come from our own SELFISH ambition (our will) being exalted over God’s will. Unanswered PRAYER. (Ref. James 4:1-4) Unfulfilled PLANS. (Ref. Proverbs 19:3) James 4:13-17 13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. REVELATION - God’s Vision The place of FULFILLMENT and PROVISION is found in making God’s will and ways first in our life. Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. RIGHTEOUSNESS - normal, right, just; The state of being as one ought to be. G.P.S. (God’s Positioning System) Part 1 - Turn It On Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that a... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-07-31T10_00_46-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-07-31T10_00_46-07_00 Mon, 31 Jul 2017 17:00:46 +0000 2017-07-31 2017-07-31 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-07-31T10_00_46-07_00 open arms community church 2933 I AM Part 4 - The Lord our Banner Exodus 17:8-16 8 The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. 9 Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.” 10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.12 When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword. 14 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven.” 15 Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. 16 He said, “Because hands were lifted up against the throne of the Lord, the Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation.” BANNER - a flag or signal as a rallying point; a sign or declaration of warning, judgment, and of VICTORY. Even though the Lord is their victory… 1. They still had OPPOSITION. 2. They still had to FIGHT. - It was HARD and involved PAIN. - They persevered through WEARINESS (Ref. Galatians 6:9) 3. They didn’t find victory ALONE, they won as a TEAM. 4. God will give unique DIRECTION for each unique SITUATION. Jesus is our VICTORY; He is the SOURCE. 1Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. As a Christian, we are no longer VICTIMS, but VICTORS. Victory is an attitude and action of FAITH, being confident in God (His promises and faithfulness to do them). 1John 5:3-5 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 4 For everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? Victory isn’t just a position it is a state of BEING; it directs how we think, speak, and act. Stockdale Principle/Paradox: “You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end—which you can never afford to lose—with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.” – Vice Admiral,. James Stockdale Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. “More than conquerors” - To gain a decisive and SURPASSING victory and to vanquish beyond. I AM Part 4 - The Lord our Banner Exodus 17:8-16 8 The Amalekites came and attacked the ... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-07-28T13_49_46-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-07-28T13_49_46-07_00 Fri, 28 Jul 2017 20:49:46 +0000 2017-07-28 2017-07-28 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-07-28T13_49_46-07_00 open arms community church 3360 I AM Part 3 - The Lord Our Provider Genesis 22:1-19 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. Satan tempts, God’s tests. The key difference is satan desires you to FAIL, God desires you to PASS. (Ref:James 1:13-18; Matthew 6:13; Luke 4:13; 1Corinthians 10:13) 2 Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” God is always at work in our life REVEALING those things that come between our relationship with Him and us becoming all He made us to be. God is not content to be 2ND place to anyone or anything. 3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. Abraham KNEW God (His character) so well, he didn’t hesitate, question, or despair in his obedience to God’s command. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.” Abraham had FAITH (trust, confidence) that God was faithful to keep His promises (Genesis 17:1-5; 21:12; Romans 4:13-17; Galatians 4:22-31). Romans 4:18-22 18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith, giving glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” Hebrews 11:17-19 17 By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, 18 even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” 19 Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death. Abraham held tightly to God’s promises and strengthened himself in his faith by reasoning FOR God instead of against him and by WORSHIPPING God. Christians live in a paradox; we should be the most REALISTIC and most BELIEVING (Ref. Mark 11:22-25). 6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together,7 Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” 8 Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together. 9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 12 “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” 13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On th(continued) I AM Part 3 - The Lord Our Provider Genesis 22:1-19 Some time later God tested Abraham. ... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-07-19T13_35_03-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-07-19T13_35_03-07_00 Wed, 19 Jul 2017 20:35:03 +0000 2017-07-19 2017-07-19 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-07-19T13_35_03-07_00 open arms community church 2764 I AM Part 2 - The Lord Our Healer Exodus 15:22-26 22 Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water. 23 When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah.) 24 So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” 25 Then Moses cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became fit to drink. There the Lord issued a ruling and instruction for them and put them to the test. 26 He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you.” YaHWeh (God the Father) revealed himself as HEALER and made healing a covenant PROMISE. RAPHA - To heal, mend, cure, repair, thoroughly make whole. Psalm 103:2-3 2 Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. 3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. FORGIVENESS of sin and HEALING are regularly connected as covenant promises. (Ref. James 5:13-16) God prophesied by Isaiah almost 700 years in advance, that God in the flesh (Yeshua; aka: JESUS) would be our healer (Rapha). Isaiah 53:3-5 He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. 4 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. SHALOM (Heb) - Wholeness, Completeness, Soundness, Stability, Wellness, Tranquility, Peace, Prosperity, Safety In the New Testament, Jesus is the EXACT representation of the Father. He models and reveals God’s WILL and WAYS perfectly in every way. Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. In the New Testament Jesus is the FULFILLMENT of God’s Covenant promise of being our Healer. EVERY person that approached Jesus for healing was healed. Not one was turned away, not one left unhealed. 1Peter 2:24 "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed." IAOMAI - Greek equivalent of Rapha; to heal, cure, make whole, free from error. Healing (spirit, soul [mental & emotional], body) is a covenant promise to ALL God’s people. I AM Part 2 - The Lord Our Healer Exodus 15:22-26 22 Then Moses led Israel from the Red Se... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-07-10T09_30_16-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-07-10T09_30_16-07_00 Mon, 10 Jul 2017 16:30:16 +0000 2017-08-15 2017-08-15 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-07-10T09_30_16-07_00 open arms community church 2763 I AM Part 1 Elohiym - OT Plural Noun Masculine. Translated “God”. Theos - NT Gk God YaHWaY - OT Singular masculine. (Verb) To exist, to be. Translated “LORD”.Proper name for God the Father. Only written. Father - NT designation for YaHWaY. El - OT shortened version of Elohim. El Shaddai:“God Almighty.” (Gen. 17:1; 28:3; 35:11; Ex. 6:1; Ps. 91:1, 2). El Elyon: “The Most High God.” (Gen. 14:19; Ps. 9:2; Dan. 7:18, 22, 25). El Olam: “The Everlasting God.” Emphasizes God’s unchangeableness and is connected with His inexhaustibleness (Gen. 16:13). YaHWaY Maccaddeshcem: “The Lord your Sanctifier.” Portrays the Lord as our means of sanctification or as the one who sets believers apart for His purposes (Ex. 31:13). YaHWaY Ro’i: “The Lord my Shepherd.” Portrays the Lord as the Shepherd who cares for His people as a shepherd cares for the sheep of his pasture (Ps. 23:1). YaHWaY Tsidkenu: “The Lord our Righteousness.” Portrays the Lord as the means of our righteousness (Jer. 23:6). YaHWaY Shammah: “The Lord is here.” Portrays the Lord’s personal presence in the millennial kingdom (Ezek. 48:35). YaHWaY Shalom:“The Lord is Peace.” Points to the Lord as the means of our peace and rest (Jud. 6:24). These compounds names are titles that REVEAL additional facts about God’s character. Exodus 3:1-14 13 Moses said to God, “If I go to the Israelites and tell them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’—what should I say to them?” 14 God said to Moses, “I AM that I AM.” And he said, “You must say this to the Israelites, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” 15 God also said to Moses, “You must say this to the Israelites, ‘The LORD—the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you. This is my name forever, and this is my memorial from generation to generation.’ I AM - (Heb. HaYaH) to be, to exist. Revelation 1:8 I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end! “I AM” is the set up (pre-fix) for many other Compound Names/Titles for God; “I AM ___________.” Jesus CLAIMED the name of GOD “I AM”. John 8:54-59 54 Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. 55 Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.” 57 “You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!” 58 “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” 59 At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds. The Jews wanted to KILL Jesus because they understood Him to be claiming to be GOD (I AM). Everything GOD is JESUS is to us and for us; they are ONE. (Ref. John 1:1-3; 10:30-33; 14:9; 17:11, 21; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:3) 2Corinthians 1:20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. (Ref. 2Peter 1:3-5) I AM Part 1 Elohiym - OT Plural Noun Masculine. Translated “God”. Theos - NT Gk God ... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-07-03T12_41_26-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-07-03T12_41_26-07_00 Mon, 03 Jul 2017 19:41:26 +0000 2017-07-03 2017-07-03 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-07-03T12_41_26-07_00 open arms community church 2343 OWN IT God teaches the principle of OWNERSHIP not EXCUSE making. (Ref. Matthew 5:23-24; Matthew 18:15-17) Matthew 5:43-45 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. When Jesus said to love our “enemies”, He took the EXCUSE card out of the deck. In every moment and situation we CHOOSE what we will be known as and known for, children of God or children of the devil. (Ref. John 8:44; 1John 3:7-15) God wants us to OWN our issues not ignore or shift blame. (Ref. James 1:13-15; 1John 1:9; James 5:16) FAILING FORWARD = learning from mistakes. When confronted with our wrongs, we have a choice to BLOW up or GROW up. Proverbs 28:13 Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. We are no longer hiding from who we used to be or our present struggles, but are able to FACE them, own them, and MOVE past them (grow from them). The peace, comfort, confidence, freedom, strength, and wholeness we seek is found in the LIGHT. 1John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. We become stronger, healthier, whole as God PURIFIES our life from SIN (less than best). OWN IT God teaches the principle of OWNERSHIP not EXCUSE making. (Ref. Matthew 5:23-24; ... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-07-03T10_49_13-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-07-03T10_49_13-07_00 Mon, 03 Jul 2017 17:49:13 +0000 2017-07-03 2017-07-03 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-07-03T10_49_13-07_00 open arms community church 2868 Invest Part 4 Isaiah 61:1-4 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. 4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. This is the prophetic commission of the ministry of Jesus and His PEOPLE. (Ref. Luke 4:18-19) We have a ministry to our city (COMMUNITY) to be a DISPLAY of God’s splendor. We are to be LEADERS of Righteousness (Heb. normal, right, just; the state of him/her who is as he/she ought to be). We are to be REBUILDERS, restorers, and RENEWERS. (John 3:16-17) Serving those in NEED. Matthew 25:34-36 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. As Christians we are to be CONTRIBUTORS not just CONSUMERS. Titus 3:8, 14 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good,in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives. “URGENT” (Gk) - what one cannot do without; necessary, indispensable, pressing. Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Our good deeds are to make God FAMOUS, by showing His dignity and excellence. Invest Part 4 Isaiah 61:1-4 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has a... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-06-20T07_47_41-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-06-20T07_47_41-07_00 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 14:47:41 +0000 2017-06-20 2017-06-20 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-06-20T07_47_41-07_00 open arms community church 3093 Invest Part 3 1Timothy 1:2 To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Titus 1:4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. Whether family or friends, God will bring people into your life for RELATIONSHIP. Your relationships (family and friends) are of highest PRIORITY in life, second only to your relationship with God. (Ref. 1Timothy 3:1-13) Deuteronomy 6:1-9 These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, 2 so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. 3 Hear, Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you. 4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. 1. What comes out in your relationships is birthed out of your SPIRITUALITY 2. This investment is to be something that is INTENTIONAL (on PURPOSE) and it COSTS. Luke 16:9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. 3. Your own EXAMPLE counts. (Ref. Titus 2:1-8) 2Timothy 2:10-11 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 4. Relationships and spiritual investment are built in EVERYDAY life. Romans 12:10, 15 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 5. There is a ripple effect as you invest in relationships for GENERATIONS to come. Matthew 16:26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? Invest Part 3 1Timothy 1:2 To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace ... https://openarmschurch.podomatic.com/entry/2017-06-13T06_19_40-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-06-13T06_19_40-07_00 Tue, 13 Jun 2017 13:19:40 +0000 2017-06-13 2017-06-13 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/openarmschurch/episodes/2017-06-13T06_19_40-07_00 open arms community church 3133 Invest Part 2 http://www.philosophicaleconomics.com/2013/10/margin-debt/ http://greenertrees.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/bridge7.jpg http://engineeringrome.wikispaces.com/file/view/Keystone.png/451697308/449x266/Keystone.png Luke 16:13-15 13 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” 14 The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus.15 He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight. As Christians, we have a different VALUE (priority) system in how and where we spend our lives. Matthew 6:19-21 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Jesus teaches us to invest our lives through the lens of ETERNITY and that there is an eternal REWARD to gain or lose. Matthew 19:16-29 16 Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” 17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” 18 “Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’” 20 “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. 23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” 26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 27 Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” 28 Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. Jesus teaches us to PRIORITIZE the use of our time, talents, and treasures on that which is ETERNAL. John 6:26-27 26 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” Jesus promises there is an eternal REWARD that He will give according to what each person has done. Matthew 16:26-27 26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person accor(continued) Invest Part 2 http://www.philosophicaleconomics.com/2013/10/margin-debt/ http://greenert...