Own Your Faith

God has given each of us roles to play in the kingdom regardless of gender. God gifts us according to God's will for our lives. We take a look at Deborah, a prophetess and one of the Judges of Israel who played a critical role in leading Israel during a time of collective sinfulness and war into a time of peace. Deborah teaches us what we ought to do as "a person of God." Judges 4

Jesus did not try and protect his credibility or reputation when questioned by the Pharisees in Luke 7. Instead he defended the uninvited, unnamed woman's dignity. He forgave the woman who was called a sinner since she recognized him and loved/worship him greatly. Jesus welcomes women to the table, to the party too. Luke 7:36-50.

A foundational rule of biblical hermeneutics (interpretation of Scripture) is never build doctrine on a single verse of Scripture. In the case of whether women should preach or be in pastoral roles is generally built upon two verses, 1 Timothy 2:11,12 and 1 Corinthians 14:34,35. In this message we survey several women in Scripture (not all in this message) who God used in powerful, counter-cultural ways to advance the kingdom of God. Some may disagree, and that's their choice, but OYF will champion women's gifts, voices, and callings in ministry as much as would the men.

Sometimes we live a life of impurity and immorality because we are in rebellion. But sometimes we live an impure life because darkness chose us at a time when we were most vulnerable. To walk in the newness of who we truly are in Christ we need to get to the root of what causes us to keep living in particular ways. No matter what happened to you, you are not what happened. It is not your identity, and God can restore you to wholeness! Isaiah 38:14-17, 20 | 1 Peter 5:10

After looking at keeping the body pure in terms of sexually, this week we look at keeping the body pure in terms of health and fitness. It's not just about losing weight, but truly about stewardship, managing our bodies as gifts from God. If we do not take care of our bodies how can we expect to be about God's work? Listen as Pastor Byron Davis teaches on "A Clean Body."

One of the greatest temptations we know of is that of sexual temptation. Even many Christians struggle with remaining pure until marriage. Some don't even see the need or relevance of purity today. Here is a biblical perspective to consider...our bodies are reserved for Divine presence. Even if you aren't a Christian, God desires to dwell with(in) you and walk with you and fill you with his goodness. 1 Corinthians 6:15-19 | 1 Thessalonians 4:2-5

What does it mean when Scripture says a person had an unclean spirit? What does it mean for us to have an unclean spirit? Let's take a look at not only what this term means, but also how do we guard against it ourselves. Proverbs teaches us to guard our hearts with all vigilance so that we can stay oriented towards the kingdom of God.

It is the will of God that we live pure lives as defined by Scripture. A pure life is a life of holiness (set apart for a special or sacred purpose) and obedience. To be pure is to allow the Word of God and the Spirit of God to govern one's whole self; body, mind, and spirit. This message unpacks the idea of and significance of purity of mind. 1 Thess 4:7 | Titus 1:15-16

We often ask what is God's will for our lives. One of the first places we need to turn to is to the place where God has already spoken his perfect will - his Word. The will of God is found in the Word of God. With the leading of the Spirit, the confirmation of wise counsel in our lives, we ought to look to Scripture to capture the mind, heart, and desire of God for our lives.

Life can be challenging and may test our faith, our will, and our integrity. In spite of its difficulties all of life is a gift. When we understand this we are more likely to live with an attitude of thanksgiving. It is the will of God that we be people of gratitude. That thanksgiving is a mark of our identity.