The Open Word (Audio)

When we look at the early years of John the Apostle, he was known as one of the sons of thunder. He had a severe temper and was very proud. When the Samaritans didn’t welcome him he wanted to call down fire from heaven and torch them. It was John that had the pride and selfishness to ask Christ to allow him to sit at His right hand in the Kingdom. Even though John was a son of thunder, Christ transformed him into the Apostle of Love. Allow Jesus’ transforming power to work in you as well.

Those of you who think you’re strong, take heed lest you fall. Peter said that if everyone else would deny Christ, he would never deny Him. Yet Peter was the one who denied Christ three times. However, Peter was a man that learned from his mistakes and he became a mighty man of God. Just as Jesus Christ changed Peter from impetuous and impulsive to bold and faithful, the Lord wants to do the same in your life. What weaknesses do you have? Christ wants to transform your life.

As Pastor David begins his character study on the Apostle Peter, he will be showing us that his life should challenge us as well as comfort us. As you study his life you’ll see that even though he often fell very short he always learned from his mistakes. The difference between Peter and Judas was that when Peter denied Jesus he repented and ran to Christ but Judas killed himself. Run to Christ when you fail, don’t sit in guilt!

No matter where you come from, no matter what sins you’ve committed in the past, the Lord has an amazing plan for you that He wants you to complete. Pastor David is teaching through the list of names that have been honored by Paul in this last chapter of Romans. These faithful men and women have come from all different regions and all different castes of society, yet God used them all greatly. What are you currently doing for the furtherance of the Kingdom of God? Finish your race well.

Pastor David will be finishing his teaching through the book of Romans. The main question Pastor David is asking you is this; if your name had to be written on one of two walls, would it be written on the Wall of Fame or the Wall of Shame? The Apostle Paul is giving an account of believers that were faithful and glorified God. When you appear before God will you be commended or will you feel shame? You have time to change your life around and live for the glory of God and not for yourself.

For unto us a Child is born . . . .

Finding rich theology in Christmas hymns.

Finding rich theology in Christmas hymns.

Finding rich theology in Christmas hymns.

Finding rich theology in Christmas hymns.