The Church PHX

Isaiah 54:2 says to, "strengthen your stakes"; this year-end-review message reminds you how we have been encouraging you all year to strengthen God's Word within you...

2 Kings 21 talks about the Northern Kingdom's (Judah) final demise. For years God's people had been called to live a consecrated life; but finally God had enough, and gave them up to their own vices. When a prophecy is foretold, many times it can be two-fold. God has asked us to stretch this year, but the flip side is if we don't stretch, God's judgement, like in this story, can be stretched over our lives.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says to, "Give THANKS in all things, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." It doesn't say to give thanks for the things you are going through; it says to give thanks while you are going through. And why? Because you know that He is with you, and He will help you, and He will walk with you, and He will if He has to, carry you at times. All in all, give thanks, because you are not going through THIS alone...

Matthew 6:19-20 says, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth... but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth nor rust destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal." A very special guest speaker from River City Church, Pastor Joe Tuttle, came to remind us that the world is trying to take our attention away from the real treasures God has in store for us, if we believe. As believers we must be determined in our minds, no matter how much more enticing the world's treasure may seem... don't settle for the cheap stuff!

Isaiah 43:19 declares, "See, I'm doing a new thing, do you not perceive it? I'm making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." It's time to let go of your past; stop wishing for the "good 'ol days"; stop trying to go back to old habits, patterns, addictions, and ways of thinking. Once you allow Jesus to grab a hold of your life, it's time to declare, "I'm Never Going Back!"

Matthew 7:24-27 tells the story of two people, one who built on the Rock, which is Jesus, and one who built on sand, or as referred to in this message, black ice. What kind of foundation will you build your life on? - One that will hold you, or one that will cause you to slip into darkness...

In this series finale we return to the verse that started it all, 2 Corinthians 5:14-21. Let's not leave stumbling blocks for the next generation; Hello Minister, let's leave them building blocks...

2 Corinthians 7:8-11 speaks of Paul's letter to the Church at Corinth; though he was initially regretful that the letter made them sorrowful, he came to not regret it because it brought the church to repentance which lead to their salvation. Until you are made sorrowful for the sin in your life, you will never be led to repentance which will lead to true salvation in your life!

The previous two installments of this series have focused on, "What is a minister?", "What is the job of a minister?" and "Who has been called to be a minister?" The third installment of this series now shifts focus on "How do I become a better minister?" Hello Minister.... how much do you want to be better for Jesus?

Jesus tells the parable of the Wedding Banquet in Matthew 22:1-14; we are living in a time where the King, our Father in heaven, is sending out a final invitation to join him at the table he has prepared for those who have accepted His Son, Jesus, into their lives. Hello Minister, it's your job to tell them that they are invited...