"Renewing of The Mind Pt3" April 21st
So, last Sunday we got to the if part of Colossians 3, and we agree that:
1. we were raised with Christ
2. we should seek those things above
3. we should set our minds on
things above
And 4. that our life is hidden with Christ
Then, we need to follow with the other things that teach the rider (our conscious decision maker) what to do with the thoughts and resulting actions acquainted with those thoughts.
Following these affirmations we can begin to deal with the elephant ie, the subsequent emotions and mindset that has been pivotal in programming our nature. (the old man).
But, we have to remember that this process is going to take cooperation with the trainer (the Holy Spirit), which is a whole new level of un-comfortableness and learning new methods and purpose for our life.
What is the entire mission of the Holy Spirit? John 15:26 The Holy Spirit testifies of Jesus Christ. It’s the sole reason for Him being on the earth. And, as He testifies of Jesus Christ, if we listen, we can begin to retrain our elephant who know mostly or only of our own lives.
Let’s dive in to being led by the Spirit, and finding the path the Lord has laid our for us to walk.
Pastor Brent
"Renewing Our Minds Pt 2" April 14th
In the battle to renew our mind, we need to have the time to evaluate our next move. And, therefore allow the Holy Spirit the ability to communicate to us what our response should be.
In the continuance of this series let’s focus on the rebuilding after the tear down of our old self.
It only takes a few weeks to establish a new habit. Nobody says much about unestablishing an old habit.
I realize I have repeated routines in the morning, I can almost do them blind-folded. But if another factor interrupts the timing of my routine or breaks the order of things being done, there is a pause while I reflect on my path!
The Holy Spirit is that pause. He beckons you to the Savior who is our answer all the time.
Pastor Brent
"Renewing: Conformed or transformed? That is the question." April 7th
Is it our job to get along and accept the mores and fads happening in the span of our lives, or, is it our job to stand up and oppose everything going on?
What if I told you it was neither?
What if I said that the Lord was concerned with what you were doing much more than what everyone around you is doing?
Would that be okay with you? The verse containing the conform or transform words has to do with whether we will succumb to the plans and schemes of the world, or, walk in the newness which is in Christ. This, however, takes a transformation in thinking, in living, and in the immersion of oneself in the Word and Will of God.
There is washing and regeneration available for those who want the process of Christianity to take place. This is not a life that is simply inherited, but rather one that has to be recognized and absorbed into a new way to think and act.
Renewing is a process our body knows. We get new skin every seven years on average, but sometimes think the same thoughts (destructively so) for decades.
Let’s break these “conforming” habits and pick up transforming habits. What do you say?
Pastor Brent
What Have You Come To See or Do? March 31st
Mark 16:1 Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome brought spices that they might come and anoint Him.
Even Jesus’ mother couldn’t believe the ultimate about her Son...that He was going to be raised from the dead.
So, they came to make the situation smell better. They brought spices and ointments out of respect for who Jesus had been.
Let’s not kid ourselves, Jesus presents a problem in our life. Either we are all in, or we are on the way out.
There is no middle ground concerning the Son of God. Do you believe Him, or not! Are we serving a risen Savior or simply remembering a great memory of one?
God is alive, Jesus is alive, the Holy Spirit is quick and alive.
Our Lord is one who came to conquer death and hell and take the keys over them to show His mastery over the evil one.
Death came by one man, Jesus gave life to every man that comes to believe in Him.
What have you come today to do? Freshen up a stinky situation, or serve a living God who has given us the power to persevere until our time has come or He returns.
He’s Alive!
Pastor Brent
"The Last Month of Jesus Part 2" March 24th
The last week of Jesus’ life was so much of a roller coaster, that it is hard to be believed. Although much of His life was similar, nothing compares to being hunted, adored to the point of calls for His kingship, then brutally tortured and crucified.
The emotional toll alone would be enough to kill a person, but then to continue to mentor and teach these disciples with kindness and love is above and beyond what we expect.
If there ever was an example of laying down one’s life, it is Jesus’ days before His death, not even including when He went to the cross, it is those days before. We compartmentalize those things we need to take care of, but don’t allow God to lead us THROUGH the process of taking others along.
Jesus takes us on that journey and gives us lessons and examples to guide us when we experience the same (but mush less intense) things in our own lives.
Allow this season to touch you and the people around you in a most blessed way. See the disciples gathered around the table and accompanying Him to the garden. Be the witness to those who have questions because you do possess the Spirit of God.
May you have a most Holy, Holy week.
Pastor Brent
"The Last Mont of Jesus" March 17th
After Jesus raised Lazarus, He went into semi hiding as the Pharisees were seething about the miracle he performed.
He stayed in the area while the Sanhedrin was debating the fate of His future. They also had decided that they would kill Lazarus so he wouldn’t be any kind of proof of Jesus’ deity and Lord over even death.
After things cool down somewhat, Jesus returns to Bethany and the house of Mary, Martha and Lazarus to wait for the beginning of Passover. He was having dinner with His disciples and the family when Judas relived the moment that Mary had anointed Jesus with the expensive oil.
Judas was upset, not because he wanted to use the money for the poor (as he said) but to keep the money for himself.
Jesus was amazing for many things, but His patience for His disciples, even the one that was going to betray Him, is, in my opinion, the most amazing.
"Love Your What? " March 3rd
Neighbors, wives, and our enemies. What! Do you know what my neighbor, wife, husband (yes they’re included) has done to me?
Pretty sure God does even though I might not. In fact, God knows everything! Not just most things. And, yes, He understands all the circumstances surrounding the decisions you have to make concerning the crux of your (and my) salvation.
“Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees you will not enter into the kingdom of God” Jesus said. He said it because we need to know what He is made of not what we are made of.
His salvation is for amazing things, not for mundane, not ordinary things, but for Heavenly realms, which we have been made for.
And don’t even get me started on loving your enemies. We may not have a handle on that, but God has been loving His enemies from around 4,000 years B.C. and before that He loved with a pureness that He is willing to share with us.
Get on board! God will deal with people and no one will get away with anything or go unjustly punished.
Love your enemies, why, because it’s the only thing standing between them and the door to hell.
Lovingly,
Pastor Brent