In this episode, Mark & Devin discuss the importance of joy for Christians, defining it as a state of being and a fruit of the Spirit rather than just an emotion. It's emphasized that joy is both a gift from God and a choice we make, rooted in our relationship with Jesus and the relationships He gives us. Mark encourages believers to cultivate joy intentionally, even in difficult circumstances, as it reflects our design as God's children.

#joy #advent #christmas #fruitofthespirit #akingiscoming

In this sermon, Pastor Mark explores the concept of joy during the Advent season. He explains that joy is more than just happiness; it's a state of being and a fruit of the Spirit. We are designed for joy by God, but sin has distorted our center. The Christmas story, as told in Luke 2, brings a message of great joy through the birth of Jesus as Savior, Messiah, and Lord.

Pastor Mark emphasizes that we find joy in Jesus and in relationships with others. He points out that Jesus came at just the right time and place, as stated in Galatians 4:4-5, to bring salvation to all people. This joy in Jesus is meant to overflow from us to others, creating joy-filled relationships.

The sermon concludes with an encouragement to experience joy by saying yes to Jesus, leaning into joyful relationships, and looking forward to the future joy of Christ's return. Pastor Mark reminds us that God has created us for a joy-filled relationship with Him, and through Jesus, we can have the joy of our salvation restored, as the Psalmist says.

#advent #christmas #joy #fruitofthespirit #akingiscoming

In this episode of Pause, Devin & Mark discuss Devin's latest message & explore Jesus as the Prince of Peace, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and bringing multiple dimensions of peace. They discuss how Jesus reconciles us to God, brings unity among believers, and offers inner peace amidst life's storms. They emphasize that while we experience peace now through Christ, we also await His return for the ultimate establishment of peace on earth.

#advent #princeofpeace #peace #jesus #christmas

In this sermon, Devin delves into the Advent theme of peace, centering on Jesus as the Prince of Peace foretold in Isaiah 9:6-7. He begins by sharing a personal Christmas memory from his childhood, highlighting an unexpected moment of peace during a difficult time. 

Calhoun then explores four aspects of peace that Jesus brings: 

1. Peace between us and God the Father: Jesus, as both God and man, bridges the gap between humanity and God, allowing us to have a restored relationship with Him. 

2. Peace in our relationships: Through Christ's work on the cross, He breaks down barriers between people, enabling unity among believers. 

3. Peace in our hearts: Jesus cares for us as an everlasting Father, bringing comfort and peace to our inner turmoil. 

4. Peace to the whole earth: This final aspect of peace is yet to come, when Jesus returns to establish His eternal kingdom. 

Calhoun concludes by challenging listeners to examine whether they have truly experienced the Prince of Peace in their lives, urging them to submit to Jesus as King to receive His peace. 

#peace #comfort #advent #christmas #princeofpeace #jesus

In this Advent episode on hope, Mark & Devin explores the Biblical concept of hope as a solid, concrete anticipation of God's promises being fulfilled. They contrast this with worldly hope, which is often just wishful thinking. It's emphasized that true hope is grounded in faith, citing Hebrews 11:1, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Mark & Devin discuss how this hope is demonstrated throughout Scripture, particularly in the lives of figures like Abraham and Sarah, who hoped against all odds. They connect this to Jesus' resurrection, presenting it as the ultimate foundation for Christian hope. Romans 15:13 is highlighted, which speaks of God as the source of hope, filling believers with joy and peace through the Holy Spirit.

The pastors encourage listeners to cultivate this hope by relying on the indwelling Holy Spirit, regularly engaging with Scripture, and maintaining an eternal perspective. They remind the congregation that because of Jesus, we have hope for a better tomorrow, and challenges believers to be "fire hydrants of hope" in a world that is often shaking and on fire.

#hope #bettertomorrow #advent #jesus #christmas

In this Advent sermon, Pastor Mark Trinkl explores the theme of hope, grounded in Jesus Christ. He begins by reciting the Apostles' Creed, highlighting our belief in Jesus' ascension and future return. Trinkl defines Biblical hope as a confident expectation in God's promises, citing examples from Scripture such as Abraham's faith (Romans 4:18-19) and the "hall of faith" in Hebrews 11. 

The pastor emphasizes that Christians have a unique perspective on hope, able to look back at Jesus' first coming and forward to His return. He reminds us of Jesus' words in John 14:1-3, promising a place in the Father's house. Trinkl also addresses the hope we have for today, rooted in the presence of the Holy Spirit within believers. He concludes by challenging the congregation to become "golden fire hydrants of hope" in a world that is shaking and on fire, overflowing with the hope found in Jesus. 

#christmas #advent #hope #jesus

In his sermon "Wake Up and Give Thanks," Eric Peacock challenges the congregation to remain vigilant in their gratitude towards God. He begins by sharing personal experiences of loss and disappointment, explaining how these events led him to withdraw and enter a state of "stupor." Peacock uses this analogy to describe how believers can become unresponsive or indifferent to God's blessings.

The speaker draws from several Biblical accounts, including Elijah's victory over the prophets of Baal and subsequent despair (1 Kings 18-19), the healing of ten lepers (Luke 17), and Samson's defeat of the Philistines (Judges 15). These stories illustrate how easy it is to forget God's goodness and neglect to give thanks, even after experiencing miraculous interventions.

Peacock emphasizes the importance of speaking life and gratitude, referencing Proverbs 18:21: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who love it will eat the fruit thereof." He encourages the audience to thank God not only for what He has provided but also for what He has prevented, reminding them that there is always a reason to give praise. The sermon concludes with a call to wake up from spiritual slumber and cultivate an attitude of continuous thankfulness, regardless of circumstances.

#givethanks #praise #thankful #gratitude #joycomesinthemorning #praisegod

In this episode, Mark & Devin discuss Mark's message, "Breaking Barriers & Transforming Live." Acts 10 recounts the transformative encounter between Peter, a Jewish apostle, and Cornelius, a Roman centurion. Through divine visions, God challenges Peter's cultural prejudices and sends him to Cornelius's home. This event, sometimes referred to as the "Gentile Pentecost," marks a significant shift in the early church's understanding of God's plan for all nations.

The podcast emphasizes how this story illustrates God's heart for inclusivity and breaking down cultural barriers. It highlights the tension between maintaining one's convictions and avoiding unnecessary obstacles to sharing the gospel. Mark draws parallels to contemporary Christian experiences, encouraging listeners to examine their own cultural biases and trust the Holy Spirit's work in others' lives.

The episode concludes with a challenge to believers to adopt Peter's humble attitude, asking "Who am I to stand in God's way?" when witnessing the Holy Spirit's work in unexpected places or people. It emphasizes the importance of pointing others to Jesus while trusting in God's sanctifying work, rather than imposing cultural expectations on new believers.

#breakingbarriers #inclusivity #diversity #multiethnic #transformedbyjesus 

In this sermon, Mark Trinkl delves into Acts 10, focusing on the encounter between Peter and Cornelius. He emphasizes that God's plan has always been to include all nations and peoples in His salvation, not just the Jews. The story of Peter and Cornelius represents a watershed moment in the early church, breaking down cultural and ethnic barriers between Jews and Gentiles.

Mark challenges listeners to consider how they might respond to God working outside their theological understanding or comfort zones. He suggests that, like Peter, we may need a "second conversion" to overcome our ethnocentrism and fully embrace God's work among all peoples. The sermon encourages us to examine what cultural barriers we might be holding onto that could be hindering the spread of the Gospel, and to be willing to let God transform our understanding and practices.

#breakingbarriers #transformedbyjesus #jesusforallpeople

The Thailand mission team, led by Natalie, the missions pastor, shared powerful testimonies from their recent trip. They partnered with Envision, a Christian Missionary Alliance organization, focusing on relational ministry with university students and outreach in red light districts. 

Team members described spiritual battles they faced. But despite the darkness, they saw God at work, even in unexpected ways. 

The team emphasized several key lessons:
1. The importance of intentional prayer and outreach
2. God's presence even in spiritually dark places
3. The value of building relationships and showing genuine care
4. The need for wisdom in making choices, as illustrated by Proverbs

Natalie encouraged the church to participate in missions through four main avenues: praying, giving, going on trips, and sending others. She reminded the congregation that while Thailand has its unique spiritual challenges, there are also strongholds to address in their own communities. Jesus is for our neighborhoods & the nations.

#sharejesus #showjesus #fromtheneighborhoodstothenations #transformedbyjesus #empoweredbyhisholyspirit #launchedonmission #weareenvision #weareenvisionbangkok