CCF Weekly Services Podcast

The Apostles are once again persecuted for sharing the Gospel. Despite the opposition, God took care of them. When they were physically kept from obeying God, angels were sent to open the prison. When they were emotionally kept from obeying God, The Holy Spirit did a work in their lives that made them men of courage where once they had fled. When they were even threatened in order to stop obeying God, they fell back on the reasons they had to trust and obey God rather than men.

1. In a world in rebellion against God, obedience to Him will be opposed.

2. God is the only One who can change our hearts and lives from their core.

3. The answer to fear and distraction is focusing on who God is and informed reasons to trust Him.

The early church wasn't perfect. A contrast is made between two people who did the same thing for different reasons. Barnabas and Ananias both gave generously to the church as they needed it. The only thing that made them exemplary and cautionary tales were the heart they brought to it. One was willing to represent God's love where and when he could. The other had no fear of God. Both of their lives, or lack thereof, show which attitude is the right one.

1. Giving Should be a “Get to” rather than a “Got to.”

2. Being available to encourage others and be used by God however and wherever He sees fit is the Christian life.

3. People who live their lives without considering the fact they'll answer to God for their actions do real damage.

Addressing an ancient feud between the sons of Esau and Jacob, the prophet Obadiah reminds both parties involved that God is the judge of them both. Jacob's descendants were being judged for idolatry, but Esau's descendants would answer for everything they were doing wrong as well. With the common perspective of who was really in charge, conflict produced from the past gets put into perspective through the future.

1. Pride is self-deception. It convinces you, more than anything, that your actions won't have consequences.

2. Without a proper view of future judgment, we won't exercise sound judgment in our past or present.

3. There is one judge of all the earth and you aren't Him.

Paul writes to Titus the same words we all need to begin our days with. He reminds him that ministry is an exercise of grace. God's been good to us and we are called to live in light of that in a way people notice and experience themselves. He reminds Him of the promise of Jesus' return that we're all called to live in light of daily. And he reminds him of who Jesus is to begin with.

1. Ministry is as much a demonstration of grace as it is an instruction of Godly living.

2. Live in light of the fact Jesus could come for us at any time.

3. Jesus has to be our God if He is going to be our Savior.

By focusing on the character of God, forsaking the distractions that lead us away from God, and follow a path that leads us to be like God in our character, we can achieve tangible growth on a daily/yearly basis.

1. Making the most of our time requires us to value what time we have been given.

2. Trials rarely come in quantities or intensities that we would prefer them to.

3. Commitment to God requires a constant perspective of Him as the worthwhile destination.

In troubled times the scriptures tell us to find our consolation in God. He has a plan. Some of the greatest moments of inspiration are during very trying times. Jesus is the great consolation of Israel, yet the times he lived in were dangerous. He promises to return yet during difficult times once again. Difficult times are not a sign of the absence of God, but quite the opposite, they point to a need we have in this world for salvation. And this salvation can only be had by faith.

1. We are lost and in need of light and revelation.

2. Humans works will never help us comprehend God, we must have faith.

3. Jesus is the ultimate consolation for Israel and the Gentiles in difficult times.