In God's Presence, You Are More Than A Conqueror

Christians are not gladiators in an inch-by-inch battle of life and death to obtain acceptance in God's glorious Kingdom. Rather by grace through faith in Jesus victorious works, all Christians are justified, members of the family of God, seated at His table, and conferred with the Kingdom of God and Divine power.

This divine power involves blessing upon blessing, abounding in grace, enabling Christians to have all they need for life and godliness.

In light of all these great precious promises, Pastor Andrew encourages Christians to live in the now! The freedom to 'rest' in Christ and 'press forward' in heavenly calling, all of life's challenges, along the path of victory He blazed for us. The victory is already won. In Jesus his followers always win!

The Apostle Paul, who knew 'trouble', declared in JESUS, WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERS! Whether in death, or suffering, and in trouble of varying kinds. We always WIN! Glory to God in the highest heaven :)

What is left for us? The production of godly fruit, that is the works Christians do. The glorious fruit of sanctification, on route to eternal life. Following in the footsteps of Jesus, on the path He secured for all who look to Him.

It is in this understanding, Christians can 'rest' in the presence of God, which manifests in every believer through the reading of the Word, revelation through His Spirit, and grace to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. In Christ, we are more than conquerors. WE ALWAYS WIN!

How do we respond to all the terror and evil in the world?

At this point in history, the events in the Middle East, especially against Israel - the people of the LORD are at the forefront of the news. Yet, this is nothing new under the sun. In fact, Jesus informs all who will listen, as accounted for in the scripture, that this enmity will continue time and again until His return, because those who engage in such terror against the people of God are following their father, the ancient serpent, Lucifer the Devil.

In this message based in Luke 21, Pastor Andrew invites Christians to respond to terrorful events on the world stage and domestically, as Jesus would have us respond. Jesus instructs us to not be troubled. He is not saying Christians are to be impervious to terror and evil of many kinds. In fact, experiencing emotions is part of being human. Made in the image of God. Able to experience the power and presence of God.

However, Jesus' point is that Christians who place their hope in Him, do not dwell in the trouble and alarm of terror and evil, to the point we lose perspective of our hope in Him.

In v.28 of chapter 21, Jesus says when you see all the events of wars, famines, and great disasters, do not be troubled or alarmed. Instead, look up, and lift your head, because your redemption is near.

Jesus' return is closer than it was yesterday. He is not slow in His return (2 Peter 3:1-9). Rather, God's timetable is perfect. He knows when He has planned for Christ's return. His delay is not cruel, instead highlights God's kindness (Romans 2:8), so that all may turn from their sin against God and enjoy right relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ.

When You're Troubled or Alarmed, LOOK TO JESUS

Psalm 107:1 is a powerful poetic reminder of our how GOOD we truly have it in family of God!

Yet, as poetically profound as the Psalmist's statement is, it gets even better! Those who are in Christ have experienced this literal truth first-hand!

In this message on Psalm 107:1, Andrew invites us to take the opportunity to have an attitude of gratitude, taking stock of our relationship with God through Jesus. It is from this foundation, we overflow with thanksgiving and are poised to take next steps in the foot steps of Jesus.

But what are those next steps?

In all we do, do it to the glory and praise of God. It's that simple, but yet again the 'foe' of our lives desires to complicate things and damn up our spiritual celebration in Jesus.

| "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." |

This verse is a powerful reminder of God's unwavering love for us. It's not just a poetic expression but a literal truth that we see throughout the Bible. Invite the incredible life transforming presence of Jesus into your life, by starting with attitude of thankfulness in all things - to the glory of God.

Our 'faith journey' and relationship with Jesus is full of steps. Essential steps, in which the grace of God abounds to us every day. The favor of God teaching us and empowering us in every step in being conformed to the image of Jesus.

At times we can overthink these next steps, cutting off the growth that the Holy Spirit desires to manifest in our lives.

There is also the peer pressure effect. Galatians 2:11-21 is a good example of 'forces' that are for us and against us. From the moment of salvation and onward there will always be 'counter forces' to the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. Lines and allegiances will be called.

In Christ, believers are a new creation. New identity. Groups may have known you one way, but when they see the new you - they may insist on seeing you return to the form they remember or prefer.

Peter experienced this peer pressure firsthand from Jews from James (leader in the early church) neck of the woods who were strict adherents of the law and thought Peter should continue to live the same and insist such living on gentiles believers. Peter was stuck. He felt the pressure, to the point he gave in to appease the group. His hypocrisy even led other Jews to follow suit.

This has far-reaching implications because his actions of not dining with Gentiles, due to ceremonial dietary laws, he and others were declaring the Gentiles were not part of the family of God, let alone not included in the gospel.

Paul knew this was not true. He also had gotten to know Peter. This wasn't like Peter to act in this way. But he had bent to peer pressure for the sake of keeping the peace.

In this message, Pastor Andrew identified one of the greatest 'dams' to one's spiritual growth and walking in freedom of Christ is Peer Pressure.

That is why we need to speak the truth in love out of mutual respect for our brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Andrew insisted good leaders, those who are spiritual will exhort and encourage one another to keep on in the truth of the gospel and spiritual growth, no matter the pressure.

Paul's account of publically calling out Peter for being 'two-faced with the gospel message depending on who was in his presence, highlights that various forces will always look to impede or 'dam' up your spiritual growth. The key is to not worry about appearances, but rather follow the voice of Christ over any peer pressure.

In this message, Pastor Andrew emphasizes that cultural peer pressure is one of those forces that is a constant vice especially when discernment is not exercised and one is not open to being told the truth in love.

Sometimes face-time with a fellow believer and friend can mean and make all the difference. Both to the sharer and the recipient.

Don’t shoot the messenger. Instead lean into the grace of God to grow

As with the journey, we have not yet arrived at the place of becoming like Christ. This will not occur until the Day of the Lord. Until that day, the future state may seem daunting or too far off. Instead of putting off the spirit, look to your next step, as the Spirit leads you. Don't focus on the future goals and milestones, focus on your next step. You'll get there in due time :)

As Christians, plenty of opportunities will present themselves to be unwavering and committed to the ‘true’ living gospel, exhibited by true-living faith in Jesus.

In week 2 of our new series 'Next Steps', we look to the Apostle Paul's letter to the churches in Galatia and his appeal to them to take the necessary next steps in their newfound faith in Christ.

In Galatia, they received the gospel message of Jesus, without a hitch. Now Paul has to speak in a serious tone as they have taken backward steps, due to the pressure of 'outsiders'. Religious folk insisted on Gentile believer's adherence to all the works of the law. Essentially, faith is not enough.

To help address this, Paul affirmed the 'gospel' they received was in fact 'genuine' revelation because Paul spoke to them what he received from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul took an important step in defense of the 'true' gospel message, by defending the divine nature and uniqueness of his Apostle

As Christians, we will be led by the Lord in the next steps, as such our commitment to the gospel will equally be 'tested'.

Stepping out to 'serve' in areas the Lord calls us to and areas of need is exciting to know you can make a difference in life.

Sometimes that decision to 'step' forward can be daunting because it's new territory, a place you have not gone before.

We have all faced similar moments where we are not sure of ourselves. Yet we can learn from Peter's encounter with Jesus walking on water, that when we just focus on our next step in faith in Jesus - he will not see us sink. The key is to be undeterred in taking that 'next step'.

PETER NEVER WALKED ON WATER BEFORE. No easy feat. In faith of Jesus the demonstration of the Lords power went before him!!!

Where are you in those ‘steps’?

Perhaps you’ve ventured out, but are now back in ‘a sort of boat’. What boat are you currently in?

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LOOK beyond that place, SEE Jesus, hear His voice, and STEP OUT

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When you don’t overthink it and ‘step out’, that’s when the experience of a lifetime can become a reality.

What Do You Do When You Want to Give Up? A lesson from 1 Kings 19 and the Prophet Elijah.

In this message on 1 Kings 19, we learn from Elijah's journey - to Mt Horeb. Elijah is in a place of desolation, exhausted on many accounts. It is in that place, out of the silence via a small whisper God speaks to Elijah.

God is always at work and desires to minister to us. Our part is to embrace the personal relationship God offers and let His voice be our guide, bringing comfort, direction, and hope in all aspects of our lives.

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TAKE AWAY:

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In our fast-paced, noisy lives, we must learn to slow down and listen for God's voice in the midst of chaos.

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He may not always come in grand displays but can be found in the stillness and quiet moments of our hearts.

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When we feel overwhelmed, desolate from a state of ‘fear’, the key is to remember that God is our refuge and strength, offering us His peace and guidance in the chaos.

In this message entitled, "Embracing the Refining Fire of God: Lessons from Elijah" Pastor Andrew exhorts believers to be bold in faith and embrace the refining fire of God, that is present, powerful, and superior to any 'man-made' idol.

Those who worship the true LORD, their petitions and faith are never misplaced.

The narrative of Elijah and his showdown with the Prophets of Baal highlight his trust in God's providence. In the end, Elijah is the messenger in true prophetic fashion calling upon the LORD, who shows himself to be the one true God!

As Christians, we are encouraged that although the enemy of our souls and their ministering 'agent's claim territory, it is always homecourt advantage for the LORD. Just the 'fire' of God fell revealing the LORD as the one true God, as believers embrace the Refining Fire of God we are transformed to the glory of God. All who call on the LORD, will experience God's presence in a powerful way.

Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

Christians are called to live faith out loud. Not ashamed of the gospel.

In this message Pastor Andrew, preaches on the narrative of 1 Kings 18 and the reverent servant of the LORD, Obadiah and how his obedient faith encourages us today.

All believers are essentially ministers of the gospel, called to serve in whatever sphere of influence and season they are.

Obadiah didn't wait to act in faith when his people were in need. He acted out of reverence for the LORD. Granted Elijah gave him reassurances. Nonetheless, he acted.

He didn’t wait until a new King ascended the throne in order to act. He didn't wait for a coming 'season' of life to serve, nor did he choose to live in isolation until that time. Rather, he chose then and there to serve.

This highlights how FAITH and RISK ARE NOT MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE!

Scripture informs us that our faith is to be lived out loud, here and now. Even when it’s ‘risky’ or ‘inconvenient’.

The truth is, our ‘faith’ and expression of it will not always be convenient. In fact, it becomes incredibly inconvenient because of the waywardness and idol worship of even our time.

Just as in the time of ancient Israel and even the early church when the epicenter of society was faithless and acted in rebellion against God, believers are not to follow suit. Instead in the midst of apostasy speak the truth and be the truth, to the glory of God.