It's one of the more uncomfortable subjects to breach, but financial generosity in the context of the local church is supported by and described throughout the New Testament. Preaching from Acts 4, Pastor Robert Fonseca describes the precedent we have in giving, looks at what it means for each of us as believers, and gives us examples of this practice in Scripture.

Notes

Giving in the early church

1. They believed their possessions were not just for their own benefit
2. They believed God’s blessing were to be shared with those in financial need
3. They believed God’s blessings were to be used to support those in spiritual need 

Giving in the church today 

1. We give as a part of our worship 
2. We put money aside specifically for the Lord
3. We give what we have purposed in our hearts to give 
4. We give willingly 
5. We give cheerfully 

The results of giving in the church

1. The gospel will advance
2. God will continue to supply you with the ability to give 
3. God will be thanked
4. God will be glorified
5. God will reward you for your participation in the work of ministry 

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Sermon from March 14, 2021.

To learn more about Renaissance Christian Church and our service times, visit https://ren.church/.

Jesus gave the church two distinct sacraments to practice: baptism and communion. But what do they signify, and how are they to be practiced in the Christian life? Preaching from Matthew 26 and 28, Pastor Jared Saavedra explains the sacraments of the Christian life and offers some insights into how they help us grow.

Notes

What is baptism?

1. Baptism is a seal of those who have confessed Christ. 
2. Baptism is an identification with our Triune God.
3. Baptism is a display of our repentance, forgiveness, and our new life in Christ.

So what is communion?

1. Communion is a memorial of Jesus’s death.
2. Communion is a recurring part of our worship.
3. Communion is a special fellowship with Christ and with one another.

How do baptism and communion help us grow in the Christian life?

1. They confirm the promises of God’s Word.
2. They enhance our fellowship with the local church.
3. They help in our sanctification.
4. They ready 
5. us for the Lord’s return

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Sermon from March 7, 2021.

To learn more about Renaissance Christian Church and our service times, visit https://ren.church/.

In the Christian life, repentance isn't just a one-time action but something to which all believers should continually return. Preaching from 1 John 1–2, Pastor John Banman invites us to think about the powerful role of confession, forgiveness, and repentance in our spiritual lives.

Notes

1. Remain in the light of fellowship with God and one another.

2. When you sin, confess to the Lord.

3. Recieve his cleansing by faith.

4. Walk as Jesus walked.

Read King David's confession  (Psalm 51).

Reach out to your group or a trusted brother or sister in the Lord and share your confession and ask them to stand with you in prayer (James 5:16).

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Sermon from 28 February, 2021.

To learn more about Renaissance Christian Church and our service times, visit https://ren.church/.

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Fasting is a practice we see described several times through the Bible, but what good is it meant to work for the Christian? Pastor Robert Fonseca gives us Jesus' teaching on fasting as recording in Matthew 6 and explains how and why to fast for our spiritual benefit.

Notes

What is fasting?
The discipline of abstaining for a time from all or certain food

Why would a Christian fast?
To intensify our intercession for others 
To intensify our mourning 
To intensify our repentance 
To intensify our worship
To intensify our seeking direction  

How do we fast?
Fast for the right occasion                
Fast with a sincere heart

“Genuine fasting is a part of a concentrated, intense prayer and concern for the Lord, His will, and His work.” John MacArthur

Fast with the right focus
Focus on the reason you are fasting
Don’t focus on your suffering

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Sermon from 21 February, 2021.

To learn more about Renaissance Christian Church and our service times, visit https://ren.church/.

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Serving others is a fundamental part of the Christian life, and we have no better example of serving than Jesus Himself. In this message, Pastor Robert Fonseca preaches from John 13 and explains the meaning of service, the reason we serve, and practical ways we can begin to serve where we are.

Notes

What does the word serve mean?

“The only way you can serve God is by serving other people” —Rick Warren

Why do we serve others?

To bring glory to God
To edify others
To grow in our faith

How do we serve others?

Find a ministry in your church
Serve with your whole heart
Trust the Lord to work through you
Find ways to serve the needy in the world

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Sermon from 14 February, 2021.

To learn more about Renaissance Christian Church and our service times, visit https://ren.church/.

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"Fellowship" is a term commonly used by Christians but often misunderstood. In truth, the whole Christian life should be shaped and affected by fellowship and the life of the church.  Preaching from Acts 2, Pastor Robert Fonseca reminds us what fellowship is and how God uses Christian fellowship to bring Himself glory.

Notes

Why is being in fellowship a key part of the Christian Life?

1. It is a testimony of our sanctification
2. It helps mature our faith
3. It keeps us accountable
4. It keeps us encouraged
5. It allows us to encourage others

Let’s commit to the following.

1. Make church attendance a priority
2. Be an active listener during the sermon
3. Be accountable to others
4. Encourage others

“It is both foolish and wicked to suppose that we will make much progress in sanctification if we isolate ourselves from the visible church.” —R. C. Sproul

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Sermon from 7 February, 2021.

To learn more about Renaissance Christian Church and our service times, visit https://ren.church/.

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Sanctification is a biblical word, but what does it mean? In this episode, Pastor John Banman takes us through the Book of Ephesians and preaches on all the blessings we receive in Christ, who sets believers apart. John identifies who we are in Christ and gives us ways to remind ourselves of this identity. 

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Sermon from 31 January, 2021.

To learn more about Renaissance Christian Church and our service times, visit https://ren.church/.

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Many of us have heard the phrase, "Prayer changes things." What exactly is prayer, and what is it supposed to do? In this message, Jared Saavedra preaches from Luke 18 on the nature and application of prayer in every Christian life and why we should approach the practice with persistence and humility.

Notes

“Prayer is the very life-breath of true Christianity.” --J. C. Ryle

The Christian life should be marked by persistent and humble prayer.

What Is Prayer?

“A personal, communicative response to the knowledge of God.” --Timothy Keller

1. Prayer Is Addressing God. 
2. Prayer Is Leaning on God’s Character.

What Happens When We Pray

1. God Listens to Our Prayers
2. God Works His Will in Our Lives
3. We Exercise Our Faith 
4. We Experience God’s Mercies
5. We Experience God’s Exaltation

Helps to a Persistent, Humble Prayer Life

1. Pray Privately and Regularly
2. Pray with the Bible
3. Pray with Other Christians
4. Expect Opposition

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Sermon from 24 January, 2021.

To learn more about Renaissance Christian Church and our service times, visit https://ren.church/.

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How should Christians approach the opening songs of a worship service? Are they a "warm up" to other elements of church, or should we be thinking about this time differently? Preaching from Psalm 150, Pastor Robert Fonseca shows how Christians ought to approach worship through singing. It's the latest message in our series, The Christian Life.

Notes

What is worship?

• Singing to God
• Singing about who God is
• Singing about God’s works

How should we worship?

• With voices
• With instruments
• With joy
• With a pure heart
• With reverence

What are the results of worship?

• We delight in God
• God ministers to us
• We minister to each other
• We are witnesses to unbelievers

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Sermon from 17 January, 2021.

To learn more about Renaissance Christian Church and our service times, visit https://ren.church/.

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Where can Christians get their inspiration, direction, and encouragement to live out their spiritual lives? Pastor Robert Fonseca says that we can find everything we need to know about God and ourselves in the Scriptures. From Psalm 19:7-11, he guides us through the importance of Bible study in every Christian's life. 

Notes

1. Why should we read God’s word?
   1. To learn about God
   2. To learn about ourselves
   
   
2. What are the benefits of reading God’s word?
   1. It restores our soul
   2. It gives us wisdom
   3. It rejoices our hearts
   4. It gives us understanding
   5. It warns us against ungodly living
   
   
3. How do we read God’s word?
   1. Read prayerfully
   2. Read daily
   3. Read to learn 
   4. Ask questions and record your findings (2 Tim 3:16-17)
   5. Apply what you learned  
   
   

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Sermon from 10 January, 2021.

To learn more about Renaissance Christian Church and our service times, visit https://ren.church/.

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