Petra Podcast

This is the second installment of a two-part series called Edible Evidence. This short series can challenge your heart. Pastor Brian suggests that these two verses in the bible are arguable some of the most important verses in scripture.
Last week Pastor Lester walked us through chapter 5 of Galatians where the bible is so clear to communicate that if you are an authentic follower of Jesus then your life will display certain Jesus like characteristics. Galatians refers to them as the fruit of the spirit.

Today we are beginning a two-part series on the nine characteristics of a Spirit-filled Christian. These are listed in Galatians, chapter 5. The Apostle Paul, the author of Galatians, refers to these characteristics as the fruit of the Spirit. We have entitled the series “Edible Evidence”. In other words, the evidence or proof of being a Christian is in the type of fruit you exhibit. It should be good edible fruit that attracts people to you and gives honor to God.
Jesus said we should be recognized by the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. He said every good tree produces good fruit and a bad tree bears bad fruit. The Christians at Galatia were having a hard time lining up their walk with their talk. They kept struggling with inner heart issues. Paul explains to them and us what it means to walk and live in the Spirit.

Pastor Brian Coles brings us the fifth and final message in our Psalms Series.

Ever get a song stuck in your head? The Psalms are a collection of poems and songs, specifically written to be repeated by others. And in that sense, they are unique in the Bible. The psalms were both personal and corporate at the same time.
The Psalms are full of wisdom! What if the church was wise? What if our nation was wise?.... One of the greatest epidemics facing our world is FOOLISHNESS. Why?

Psalms of Lament or also referred to as the Pit Songs. They were written while the Psalmist was feeling discouraged and overwhelmed with life. While he was in the pit of discouragement and feeling like God had deserted him. A number of times the Psalmist describes himself as being in the pit of despair.
The Psalms are so encouraging because as we read them we realize we are not alone in what we are experiencing and they help put into words what we are feeling and sometimes what we are afraid to say to God. They show us how to live in a fallen world full of pain and disappointment. They show us how to hang onto God when we are in the pit.
David doesn’t hold back and God is ok with that. He dumps his doubts, fears, anger, feelings of God deserting him, wanting to get even with people. God gives us permission to lament. That’s why we have all these Psalms to help us get in touch with our emotions and express them. God doesn’t want us to pretend.

Dave Hess, Senior Pastor of Christ Community Church, brings us the message Psalms of Thanksgiving, Fully Enjoying Forgiveness.

This morning we are beginning a five-part message series on the book of Psalms. In this series, you will see yourself. You will connect with the emotions of the Psalmist and you will be strengthened by the faith of the Psalmist.
Life Empowering Truths:
There are a number of life empowering truths that are repeated through this book that will affect your life. Let me mention four to look for.
• God is on His Throne - Throughout this book the theme of God being on his throne is repeated again and again. At some points, the Psalmist is feeling defeated and overwhelmed but he always comes back to the realization that God is on his throne. No matter what is going on in your life right now and no matter what might happen in the future this one truth rings loud and clear. God is in control. God has the final word. God is working behind the scenes to accomplish his greater purposes. And in the end God’s people win!
• God is all powerful and God is always faithful and loving with his children. We not only serve a powerful God but one who is loving, faithful, compassionate and very patient with us. David had this revelation of God before Jesus came. He didn’t view God as an angry God toward his children.
• God invites us to share the good, bad and ugly parts of our heart with him. David doesn’t hold back and God is ok with that. He dumps his doubts, fears, anger, feelings of God deserting him, wanting to get even with people and all the ugly things he was feeling.
• Praise is both pleasing to God and healing for our soul. Something happens to us when we praise God. When we stop complaining and begin praising. Our perspective begins to change. Our heart is encouraged. Faith begins to flow into those hard places.
I trust God to stir and impart these truths into our hearts as we go through this study.

Bishop Titus Mbai from Destiny Network of Churches in Kenya, brings the message from Luke 15:14-18. How is our spiritual walk reflected in our everyday lives?

Today we take time to honor our Dads. Being a Dad is a special gift and privilege. We have a much greater impact on the lives of our children then what we realize. Their worth, value and identity is greatly impacted and shaped by their Dad.
This is true of both girls as well as boys. At a certain age, little girls look to their daddy to validate their femininity and boys their manhood.

Today is Student Ministry Sunday and Pastor Brian challenges us to take the next step. It takes the entire body to take a step forward. We are not only better together, we were built to be together.
Pastors Brian and Tracy Coles also share what God is doing in and through the Student Ministries along with some student testimonies.