Exodus 14

. 

The children of Israel found themselves hemmed in at the edge of the Red Sea. With the enemy in pursuit it seemed to the people as though things were hopeless! What were they to do? The people cry it out in fear-go back! Moses called out-standstill! The Lord declared-Move On!  God-fearing people should remember that God is always faithful to his promises even when things seem hopeless! This message is a reminder that even when it requires a miracle, God will accomplish what he has promised when his people walk in faithfulness and obedience.

2 Thessalonians 1:3-10

.

The apostle Paul thanked God for the faith and love of the Thessalonian church which was thriving in the midst of persecution and tribulations. In this message Pastor Rick thanks God for how the Salem church family continues to exhibit Christ honoring growth as a congregation! The more the Lord calls Salem to do the more they rise to it! This message is most summed up by Charles Spurgeon’s explanation of how to keep a strong and growing faith: “by that means you are to grow. This is so with faith. Do all you can, and then do a little more; and when you can do that, then do a little more than you can. Always have something in hand that is greater than your present capacity. Grow up to it, and when you have grown up to it, grow more.”

As Christians, we are called to live with spiritual integrity and that can be accomplished by sacrificing personal freedom, nurturing ultimate respect for God, and by choosing servant-driven decision making.

Are you a team player? Do you make everyone around you better or do you drag them down? Listen as Pastor Scott discusses how to be a team player as found in Nehemiah 5:6-13.

2 Timothy 2:20-22

The apostle Paul writes to Timothy to help him understand that the Christian community contains both noble and ignoble vessels. In this text Paul distinguishes between true teachers of the word and false teachers. He also gives attention to God’s calling for true teachers to serve him. The true servant surrenders himself to the cleansing and sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit so that he might become a vessel of honor. Paul shares with Timothy four things that take place when Christ’s servant surrenders to Him. And then Paul transitions from how to become an honorable vessel, to how to maintain it by pursuing righteousness, faith, love and peace.