Movement Church

“An enemy has done this.” Those words from Jesus reveal something many believers overlook. That is, something has been sown into the field that God never planted. In this week’s message, we look at the parable of the wheat and the tares and the three enemies every believer faces: the world, the flesh, and the devil. Pastor Marc walks us through Genesis 3 to see the enemy’s strategy: he questioned God’s Word, challenged God’s character, and presented disobedience as an opportunity. To overcome him, we have to fight from a place of victory through Jesus Christ! We were reminded to put on each piece of the armor of God and see how truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the Word, and prayer help us stand firm against his schemes. We don’t overcome the enemy by attacking one another. It’s time to stand together against the real enemy.

A thought can feel true without being true, and a belief can feel right without being right. In this message, we see that a renewed mind begins with a surrendered life. First, we give ourselves to God; then we let Him transform the way we think and live. Pr. Marc walks through four ways people respond to truth: deception, folly, rebellion, and wisdom. Throughout the Bible, we see how easy it is to trust our own opinions over God's Word, and what it looks like to seek truth and receive correction instead. Always answer each lie with what Scripture says. Come out of self-deception: recognize the lie, examine it against God's truth, repent where necessary, and realign your thinking with what is true!

What does it really mean to have a Kingdom mindset? In this message, we look at the difference between simply fearing hell and truly loving God and desiring His Kingdom. In the Word, we see that a mind set on the flesh leads to death, while a mind set on the Spirit brings life and peace. As believers, we have access to the mind of Christ through the word of God, and that changes how we think and how we live. We also talk about why it's so important to know God's truth so we aren't deceived, and why we can't let the culture shape our thinking. We see what happens when people continually reject God's truth: their lives begin to reflect that rejection. But for those who belong to Jesus, their transformed thinking leads to a transformed life! Let’s pray, “Father, give me the grace to seek and to live from a Biblical worldview!”

What is tithing? What is the difference between a tithe and an offering? And more importantly, is tithing still for today? And do I have to? This week, Pr. Marc answers all these questions and reminds us that tithing is an elementary aspect of giving. Tithing, put plainly, is giving God what belongs to God. The purpose is to teach us to fear the Lord and to revere him, and that moves us toward trusting God over money. He encourages us to remember that what we need more than finances is favor from the Lord! The Lord is saying, “Don’t rob me and I will bless you! Try me!”

Have you ever watched a movie trailer you were looking forward to? After watching it, there is a desire to see the movie. Scripture gives a trailer of eternity and the glory of God, which we cannot even fathom! The glimpses create a longing in us. Pastor Mark Thomas reminds us that the pursuit of God should be our greatest desire, and we cannot pursue deeply a God that we rarely behold. The more magnificent Christ becomes to us, the less magnificent competing things become. When we behold Jesus, we’re changed, and then we can anticipate his glory.

Behold His Glory!

Be Changed by His Glory!

Anticipate His Glory!

There is a difference between walking with Jesus and trying to earn something from Him. In this week’s sermon, Pastor Marc reminds us that the goal of our walk is LOVE, and that knowing God produces God's love in us. The Gospel is not “Try harder, and you will earn God’s love,” because you don’t have to earn what God has already given you! Christianity isn’t about doing things for the Lord. It’s about being with Jesus. We should give effort, but also stay connected to the One who gives you strength!

To God, yesterday doesn’t matter! God has presented us with today. This is our chance to hear and respond to His voice; leave behind all of our past actions and continue moving forward towards Jesus. The mistakes we made yesterday do not determine our walk. In this message, we are reminded to repent, remain in Christ, persevere in faith, and experience eternal life by knowing God. Do not look back at yesterday. Present your very best to God today and give glory to the Lord for His sufficient grace. If you can hear His voice today, do not harden your heart! Say goodbye to yesterday and press forward toward Him today.

Here's a dangerous thought that all believers should be leery of: “My master is not coming for a long time.”I have plenty of time.” This wrong belief about Jesus and His Return will influence your behavior. This week, Pastor Marc reminds us: We don't get to choose the culture around us….But we do get to choose whether the culture gets us. Jesus knows where you live and what you face. Difficult circumstances do not give you a pass on COMPLETE faithfulness. Jesus knows your situation, and He calls you to remain faithful where He has placed you!

You will sometimes hear people say, “We are saved by faith alone,” but James 2:24 says, “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” In this week's sermon, we are reminded that you cannot work your way into heaven. The Bible teaches process and journey. Pr. Marc also reminds us that it is possible to believe in Jesus and not be a follower of Jesus. He explains the difference between those outside the kingdom, great in the kingdom, and least in the kingdom, and the difference between entering and inheriting the kingdom. Have you taken the time to ask yourself: Am I a True disciple/follower of Jesus? Commit to love God and to love like God - No Matter What!