In this episode, Pastor and Biblical Counselor Marty Haas returns to continue a discussion about the impact of the eroding family on faith, church attendance, and the spiritual condition of our country.

In this episode, hear from Pastor and Biblical Counselor Marty Haas, as we continue a discussion about Faith and the Family!

Marty is in his 38th year as a family, marriage, and individual counselor at Grace Church St. Louis.

How Faith is impacted by the changing landscape of the family unit -- An interview with Community Groups Pastor Phil Eppard, Grace Church St. Louis. This is a two part series.

Life Beyond the Summit is proud to be sponsored by Ministry to Men St. Charles, Missouri.

The lines have been blurred, what was true yesterday is no longer. Standing on the side

No area of life seems to be off limits. Even the church, once considered sacred, is now experiencing persecution, false accusation, and sanction. If I am a considered intolerant for the cause of Christ, so be it, let the church (you and I) be the Best Bad Guy for Jesus we can be.

The bible reminds us that He (God) is the same yesterday, today, and forever! In James 1:17, it is written "Every good and perfect gift comes down from the father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

Where do we stand? Where am we complicit? Are we willing to STAND, to draw the line?

In Ephesians 6:13, Paul challenged Christ followers this way – “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.”

Every one needs a retreat, a break, a breather, a chance to relax and reflect! Andrew and I reflect on our time off, where we are in our faith and our circumstances. Life is challenging even in its best moments. Expectations both fulfilled and unfulfilled leave us longing for more! But leaning into the Lord brings refreshment and the assurance of HOPE!

Listen and be encouraged that God is faithful and will never leave us nor forsake us! Paul wrote these words in Romans 8:38-39 -- "For I am convinced..." that nothing can separate us from the Love of God!!! (paraphrased)

Selah

In Matthew 5:10-13, Jesus speaks to the persecution of the Faithful, His followers, those whom have accepted him wholeheartedly, saying those persecuted

There are many causes that one may take up that may result in some level of persecution. 

But NONE engage the meaning of life itself, NONE directly engage the source and essence of life.  NONE address Jesus Christ as the son of God, our need for a Redeemer, or the our acceptance of Him in order to be reconciled to back to God.

Scripture speaks to “having no greater love for another, that you would lay your life down for a friend.”  We show understanding, empathy, and love for

If you are a Christ follower, are you willing to accept persecution, even as He did for your sake, and the sake of all?

If you are not, consider what Jesus did all of Humanity (John 3:16)!

In Matthew 5:9, Jesus addresses “peacemakers” saying that they will be called “sons of God.”  This is the message of the cross to reconcile man to God. 

Jesus says those who are “peacemakers” shall be called “sons of God.”  Jesus’ very nature was to create peace between God and man.  God is Peace,

We are called to bring the message of peace making reconciliation to others – drawing others to the Cross and a relationship with God.   Jesus thought and did as the father did and he is calling us to the same.

Many wrestle with whether Biblical truth can be trusted and is reliable.  Do we believe some and not all of Biblical text?  Is the Bible truly

“We are to walk out the values and the morals that Jesus set before us – specifically, the Sermon on the Mount.  We are to simultaneously proclaim the truth

As Christians we are called to be “ALL IN.”  Not through mental assent and Human understanding but by and through His word and knowing him personally (Prov 3:5-6 – Paraphrased)

The heart is often thought of as the center, core, middle, or the most important part of something.  Regarding the human heart, it is the hardest working muscle in the body, providing a continuance stream of life giving oxygen and the nutrients necessary to sustain life.  

Just as the human heart sustains the human body, the core of our Spiritual heart, when connected to the heart of God, produces in us the fruit of God’s Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and the ability to know God intimately – through His word (the Bible) and personal prayer. "Blessed are Pure in Heart, for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8).

If our hearts are not pure, how can we attain the Godliness we may wish to experience?