CCW Podcast

This Sunday, the title of the message is "The Heart Of Real Christianity". Why is this important? Because as individuals, many among us have no idea what the Christian life is supposed to be about. As a church, we have often left the heart of our faith behind in an effort to be politically correct and pleasing in the sight of the world. This Sunday we will examine Matthew 16:21-24 and its call for believers to return to the heart of what it means to be a Christian. We will look at the simple steps Jesus gives us to live out this Christian life. If we will hear His voice and heed His words, then we can experience real Christianity and impact our world for His glory!

We continue a series of Bible messages entitled Working Out Our Salvation. Throughout this study we will see how Christianity is lived out practically in our everyday lives. This Sunday we will be looking at Christianity and Your Faith.

As we examine the message of Christianity, we are exhorted to rest our faith both in the Living Word of God and in the Written Word of God. The faith we employ is the same, but its object is different. As we choose to believe in Jesus as the Savior, our human faith is transformed into saving faith; natural faith into effectual faith. How do we know about Jesus? Through the testimony of those who have gone before us and most securely, from the Word of God. Saving faith "comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God," Romans 10:17. This Sunday we will look at Christianity and Your Faith. Each of us has to exercise faith continually, both for salvation and sanctification. The object of our faith always determines its quality and validity. The effectiveness of faith is always determined by the object in whom, or in which, that faith rests. If the object is worthy, then the faith is strong. On the other hand, if the object is unworthy, then the faith is weak. We can have strong faith when we place our faith in Jesus and the Word of God!

Last Sunday, on the first day of 2017, we began a new series of Bible messages entitled Working Out Our Salvation. Throughout this study we will see how Christianity is lived out practically in our everyday lives. We began with a look at our purpose. This Sunday we will examine the full significance of what God says about Christianity and our lives.

"For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, then vanishes away," James 4:14. These words are addressed to men and women who try to live without God. In James 4:13-17, the whole context is an exposure of the materialism and worldly mindset of every age. James reminds us that life is short. It's also significant. The danger we face is wasting our lives by living selfishly and sinfully. When God's purpose for our life is acknowledged and sought after, we are made able to accomplish His "good, and acceptable, and perfect will" (Romans 12:2). Start this New Year off right by being in church with your CCW family as we learn how to live out our salvation!

What is the purpose of the Christian Life? Why am I here? What is the meaning of my life? What is my purpose? Why was I born? These are questions asked by many, both young and old. For the Christian, there are answers to these questions. Every Christian has a definite purpose and meaning for life revealed to us in the Bible. So what is our life's purpose?

This Sunday, on the first day of 2017, we will begin a new series of Bible messages entitled Working Out Our Salvation. We will see how Christianity is lived out practically in our everyday lives. We begin with a look at our purpose. What is the Purpose of the Christian life? Often people spend some time reflecting on the year that has past and the potential of the year ahead. As you think about this, spend some time seeking God's plan for you in 2017.

In Isaiah 9:6, the prophet says, "For to us a child is born to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." The angels sang to the shepherds on the night of Jesus' birth, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men..." (Luke 2:14).

Of the four names given to Jesus in Isaiah’s prophecy, the Prince of Peace is the greatest, for it speaks to the deepest needs of the human heart. What was true of that prophetic age is equally true today in our war-ridden generation. Could anything be more welcome in this our of unrest, conflict, and bloodshed than the coming Prince of Peace? The fact of the matter is that there will be no peace personally, economically, politically until Christ is welcomed and enthroned in our lives and in our world. This Sunday we will examine this glorious title and learn what the Holy Spirit has to say to us from the great name.

In Isaiah 9:6, the Lord is called the Everlasting Father. This name is perhaps the most mysterious and puzzling of the four titles that are accorded our blessed Lord in this remarkable prophecy of Isaiah. As C.H. Spurgeon remarks, "How complex is the person of our Lord Jesus Christ! Almost in the same breath the prophet calls Him a Child, a Son, a Counselor, and a Father." The more we look into this title, the greater becomes the unfolding of divine truth concerning this glorious Savior of mankind. This title is designed to describe a glorious aspect of ministry of the Lord Jesus which is well supported throughout the rest of Scripture. This Sunday we will look into this wonderful name and how Jesus' ministry affects us personally!

In Isaiah 9:6, the Lord is called the Mighty God. As God, He will do things that no one else can conceivably do. As God, He is omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), and omnipresent (present everywhere). He is able to save any who cry out to Him for salvation. As Mighty God, He has the power and knowledge to rescue people from all trails and temptations. He has the power to deliver people from any bondage or oppression, whether due to some enemy or to a personal addiction. In the words of Matthew Henry, “He is the Mighty God, the mighty one. As he has wisdom, so he has strength, to go through with his undertaking; he is able to save to the uttermost; and such is the work of the mediator.” This Sunday we look at the power, strength, and victory this Mighty God provides for us.

As we look forward to the next chapter in Joshua, think about this…

Is it possible to go through life victoriously? To avoid discouragement and defeat? Are you caught up in the whirlwind of peaks and valleys, of being up and down? If so, there is the most wonderful news: a victorious life is possible! A person can conquer and triumph throughout life. All the enemies that seek to defeat and destroy mankind can be overcome. Victory is found in God, found in His love and care, in His presence and power that is available to us.

One lesson that we must learn: victory is in God and in God alone. This was the lesson that Joshua and the Israelites had to learn. There was a victorious life over all the enemies that sought to defeat and destroy them. But there was a price to pay for victory. The Israelites had to act, take certain steps to achieve victory over their enemies. They could not just sit back and let God fight their battles for them. God had promised to be with them and to empower them, but they had to actually march forth and fight the battle. This Sunday we will see the steps to take so we can march forward as conquerors over our enemies just like Joshua and the Israelites did.