Charis New Testament Church

Pastor Chad passionately discusses the kingdom of God as a central theme of Jesus' ministry, emphasizing its importance and the need for a clear understanding among believers. He defines the kingdom as God's heart and authority extended from heaven to earth through humanity, highlighting our role in promoting this kingdom through love and service. Pastor Chad urges the church to refocus on its purpose of influencing culture and living out kingdom principles, especially within families and communities. Ultimately, he reassures that the kingdom continues to grow and will one day fill the earth, with the call for believers to embody and reflect God’s love and governance in their lives.

In the sermon delivered by Pastors Chad and Tom, they tackled the topic of eschatology, focusing on several key questions regarding the end times and what the Bible says about them. They began by discussing Matthew 24, highlighting Jesus' prophecy about the destruction of the temple and its significance in the context of the end of the Old Covenant and the ushering in of the New Covenant. They emphasized that the prophecy was not just intended for a future audience but was relevant to the disciples who were present at the time. They expressed their understanding of Matthew 24 as more than a cryptic message about the distant future, suggesting it was a direct response to the immediate concerns of the disciples.The sermon transitioned into a discussion on 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17, which is commonly associated with the concept of the Rapture. The pastors explained that while the term "Rapture" does not appear in Scripture, it represents the act of believers being "caught up" to meet Jesus in the air. They presented two different interpretations of this event, one viewing it as a two-part second coming separated by seven years, and the other as a unified event. Throughout the sermon, the pastors encouraged listeners to approach these topics with an open mind and to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in understanding their beliefs. They concluded with an uplifting note, expressing a hopeful vision of the future where God's kingdom continues to grow and thrive, reminding congregants of their identity as children of light rather than fear.

Pastors Chad and Tom engaged in a discussion about the Antichrist, responding to questions from their audience regarding biblical teachings. They highlighted the significance of understanding the historical context of scripture, particularly the influence of Gnosticism during John's time, which shaped interpretations of Jesus' nature. Challenging common fears about the Antichrist as a singular future figure, they emphasized that many of the original teachings focused on the spirit of Antichrist present among false prophets denying Jesus' incarnation. Ultimately, they encouraged a hopeful perspective, stating that the Kingdom of God is expanding and that believers should live fearlessly with an understanding of their victorious future in Christ.

In today's sermon, Pastors Chad and Tom addressed questions involving prayer, God’s involvement in outcomes, and discerning His voice. They emphasized that prayer is not a mere wish list but a means of communing with God, who desires an intimate relationship with His children and appreciates our requests and desires. Understanding God as a loving Father rather than a distant figure is crucial, as it shapes our faith and expectations in prayer. Lastly, they highlighted that unanswered prayers can often stem from a misunderstanding of God's nature and involvement, urging listeners to engage with Him sincerely for guidance and clarity.

In this message we will see that the Bible has much to say about the importance of our words. We will also see that one of the best things we can do with our words is to set ourselves in agreement with the words of life our loving Heavenly Father has already spoken over us.

God’s desire is Heaven on earth. According to Colossians 3:2-4, He invites us to fill our thoughts with Heavenly realities. To think like Heaven is to think like God, and to think like God is to think big!

In the sermon, Pastor Chad & Tom addresses the topic of prosperity gospel, emphasizing the biblical perspective of prosperity versus the misconceptions surrounding it. They elaborate on the meaning of prosperity through scriptural references, explaining that it encompasses not only financial well-being but also peace, health, and overall wholeness. Drawing from various verses, including Psalm 35:27 and 3 John 1:2, Pastor Chad & Tom illustrate that God delights in the prosperity of His servants and seeks to bless them. They critique the negative connotations associated with prosperity preachers, asserting that the term often stems from a misunderstanding of God's nature and purpose for His people. Pastor Chad & Tom emphasize that the core issue is not money itself but the attitude and heart behind it. They distinguishes between greed, which leads to spiritual bondage, and a healthy perspective of prosperity that includes generosity and stewardship. The sermon encourages listeners to reevaluate their relationship with money and to embrace a mindset of abundance rooted in the goodness of God. Ultimately, Pastor Chad & Tom inspires God's Children to become cheerful givers and stewards of their resources, reminding them that prosperity in God’s kingdom is about living a life filled with purpose, generosity, and a commitment to helping others.

Heaven & Hell Questions Asked:

1) Do believers go straight to heaven, or do they wait for Judgment Day?

2) When we die, are we immediately with the Lord if our hearts are right with God or do we stay in the ground until Christ’s return? What about our soul? What would be our physical form?

3) When we get to heaven are we still going have the Holy Spirit living inside of us? Or from the seed of the Holy Spirit, we will have our new bodies that are just like our Lord Jesus’ body?

4) Can people see each other between the 2 gulfs? Is that heaven and hell? Can people in heaven see people on earth?

5) Do you believe there are different levels in Heaven? In hell?

Questions Submitted:

1. One of the most significant discussions revolves around the concept of once saved, always saved. What are your thoughts on this matter?

2. We frequently encounter the term “backslidden Christian.” What precisely does it entail? Does the Holy Spirit always lead to conviction, regardless of the extent or duration of one’s backsliding?

3. Philippians 2:12 - What exactly does it mean to “work out your own salvation”? I’ve come across the idea that what may be right for one person might not be suitable for another. However, this concept doesn’t make sense to me.

4. Ezekiel 3:17-21 and 33:8-9 have been frequently cited, suggesting that if we fail to inform people about Jesus and they subsequently die as sinners, we will be held accountable for their fate. However, I am curious to know if this notion is accurate and if these O.T. verses can be used to support that idea.

Time is a universal resource that everyone possesses. Are you wisely managing your time or letting it slip away, creating negative days? As children of God, we possess supernatural empowerment to redeem these days and usher in the Kingdom of God. Discover how in this thought-provoking teaching.