Focus - Phillipians 3:1-10

HEY!!! FOCUS!!! This is what is being taught here by Paul. This dude was a maniac for God, he was on fire. I guarantee that is why God picked him for the ministry he was called to because he was a psycho for the things of God and in his heart just wanted to live for God. God just had to give Paul the wake up call, which he did on the road to Damascus. 

Are you crazy for the things of God? Does the desire overwhelm you? Is your passion for the Holy One the force that moves you? If not, then you havnt met my Jesus. I'm talking about the things of God, not the things of man. Man makes relegious rules " no drinking, smoking, dancing or having fun". God makes you Holy and changes your character. 

Pastor Patrick

The Agenda - Phillipians 2:19-30

Trust and honor is the theme here. Paul had a couple guys he knew he could trust and worked closely with them. Mentoring and discipleing these guys so that they would be a blessing to the ministry of the gospel. The priority here is to further the kingdom agenda not thier own.. I have to ask myself if I am working on my agenda or Gods agenda. The answer lies in the results. Are people drawing into a closer relationship with Jesus because of how I live my life? If not, it's not Gods agenda.

Pastor Patrick

Be United in Christ - Phillipians 2:14-18

Unity within the Christian church is important. Paul is stressing this here. To many times we put unbiblical rules on people because we are uncomfortable with something and are unable to deal with it in a Godly fashion. Look at alcohol for example. Abstinence from alcohol is best in ones life but not required and those that insist it is are only putting their man made burden on the body of Christ, not Gods. As usual there is always the other side of the coin in the kingdom where the Holy Spirit helps us to understand that if we can't live without something like alcohol then we have an idol in our life and that is not kosher with God. We should not argue and be divided on the semantics but be united in love that comes from the Father. Shake off your own ideals and misconceptions that you have developed through the world and its relegious institutions and renew your mind with the Word of Life.

Pastor Patrick

Action = Obedience - Phillipians 2:12-13

You have been given the desire by God to be obedient. Why do you struggle with worldly passions and desire? Obedience is the evidence of faith. You are to "work out" your salvation, in other words act on it. Not with your power but with Gods power he has given you to work out your salvation in obedience. 

Pastor Patrick

Even sinners have to shout! - Phillipians 2:9-11

You know, it dosnt matter what anyone says or what anyone thinks. There will come a day when even the unbelievers have to shout. JESUS!!! That's it!

Pastor Patrick

The Cross - Phillipians 2:8

While the cross was a symbol of power to the Romans back in the day, to the Jews it was a sign of Gods disapproval. But Christ to this Roman symbol of authority and turned it into a symbol of Gods liberation.. The Phillipians were Roman citizens and were not dealing with the different forms of punishment that other bodies were. As a roman citizen they didn't have to suffer the kinds of punishment that others did, even our Lord. 

Those of us here in America can relate to that privilege. While we are here all comfy in our homes and with full bellies our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world are being beaten and killed because they confess the name of Jesus. The Roman Empire fell, so don't get to cocky and prideful about this nation. It will only stand as long as God allows it to.

Pastor Patrick

No Chest Puffing - Phillipians 2:5-7

Why do you puff out your chest? What makes you glow with pride? When my son played basketball and made a basket I would glow with pride and puff out my chest. Jesus had every reason to puff out his chest right? He is God! But he didn't instead he took the place of a servant and this is the mind we should have.

Pastor Patrick

Unity of the Heart - Phillipians 2:1-4

Being like minded and putting others first before yourself is the instruction here. I don't find it difficult to put those first that are like minded with me. It's those that aren't that pose the problem. Right? You know my wife and I are like minded. We may not always agree with eachother but we have the same heart. Paul is addressing this here. Have the same heart as Jesus which is like minded. That is unity.

Pastor Patrick

Suffering is Sovereign - Phillipians 1:27-30

"Hey come and suffer for my name" is not exactly the best strategy for building a church. Yet, this is exactly what the church of Christ is built on. Paul encourages us to be united in our hearts as we will suffer for the gospel of Christ. You should not be fearful in the face of adversity either, that is where we must be united and working together so we don't become fearful to the point of inaction. 

Pastor Patrick

My Gospel Your Gospel - Phillipians 1:12-26

This blows my mind.. This missionary dude Paul is in prison and gives an update to his supporters. That's what this letter is in part, a newsletter. Sharing what God is doing through him despite the circumstances. I love how he shares that even people that are preaching the gospel of Jesus for selfish reasons, he just rejoices because the Gospel is being taught.. Wow! 

It's so easy today with our wide spread media to be so critical of others because their Gospel message does not line up with ours. Yet we are unable to see the biases in our Gospel version. The way we twist the message of Christ to conform to our personal desires and convictions. Shame on us for corrupting the holy and pure gospel of our Jesus and putting our burdens on others. Don't they have enough of their own burdens to carry before the Lord? 

This is where the Apostle simply states that he is not focused on these other people but the opportunity to continue with the work that has been appointed him to do..

Pastor Patrick

Who is Your Paul - Phillipians 1:3-11

Paul the Apostle has a great love for the people in Phillipi. This is because they were partnered up with him in the defense of the Gospel. The Phillipians provided support financially to Paul so he could continue the work of God.

Who is your Paul? Who are you supporting financially that is out there in the trenches of society, bringing the gospel message to a lost and dying people? Not only are we to carry the burden of the message but support others as well.. Take a moment and pray for that missionary or church planter and ask God to help you evaluate your commitment to support them.

Pastor Patrick

Humble Example - Philippians 1:1-2

I love the first two verses. There is so much here that sheds light on the heart of Paul and the maturing of the church. Paul being an apostle honors Timothy, his younger protege, with equal billing. This is a great example of how to give legitimacy to a disciples calling and ministry that you are mentoring. I also appreciate how Paul places his greeting to the church body, Saints, first before the deacons and leaders. The leadership never comes before the church body, they are there to serve this body. This is also a historical account of the fact that the church is developing some structure of leadership and accountability in its infancy. 

The message for me here is one of humility. Humility in leadership. Submitting ourselves to serve the body of Christ is an honor.

Pastor Patrick

I Will Wait - Micah 7

The prophet tells us not to look for anyone good or righteous because we will not find them. Wow, what a reality check when there are no good people in the whole country. So what does Micah do? Turns to prayer. 

We should follow this example and turn to the Lord in prayer and wait upon him to discipline and answer us.. 

Pastor Patrick

All God Ask's

I trip out on this stuff. God is reminding the people of all he has done for them and giving them the basics of what he is asking from them in verse 8. Then because of their refusal to listen to Him he brings the paddle out and gives them a spanking. 

It reminds me of when I was a kid and my parents would tell me "if you break the door, you will get a spanking" so what do I do? I break the door. The results were a red behind. I just wonder if God is using this today as a warning for us. You can tell it breaks Gods heart that we refuse his help and direction. Are you breaking Gods heart today? What area of your life have you held back from God even though you know he has asked you for submission in that area? 

Pastor Patrick

The Remnant - Micah 5

Note that the “child” was born in Bethlehem, but the “Son” was “from everlasting.” Christ was pre-existent, else He could not have by His atonement made propitiation for the sin of the world. Despite the rejection of the messiah God still has a remnant. Today, even now the Christ is rejected by this world. But, you can do your happy dance if you are a disciple of Jesus because he has a remnant on this earth right now. That could be you! 

Pastor Patrick

The Rejected Kingdom - Micah 4

A kingdom like nothing this world has ever experienced is what Micah is sharing here. A kingdom where Christ is the King over all, peace and prosperity truly has arrived, not a financial prosperity but one of peace and tranquility. A mountain in scripture refers to a great earthly kingdom. We are unable to even imagine what this will be like, but we can try. Israel's rejection of Christ blows my mind. This was what they had been waiting for but because they were looking for the kingdom to come in a way that was skewed by the day's political and social environment, they rejected it. God must really love this people because despit their rejection he is going to once and for all restore them to Himself. I look forward to this day, do you?

Pastor Patrick

Hypocrites - Micah 3

Just because you are recognized as religious does not mean you can expect God's favor on your life. Here in chapter 3 the prophet is rebuking these religious leaders for their pious attitude. I see it, it happens all the time. A person that has been walking with God for awhile and is more mature then those that are seeking or has just come to know God, will become critical and lay down burdens on these fragile young Christians. Most of the time it's some superficial, christianeze type of judgement that is impossible for the new believer to carry and overcome yet in thier walk. 

These pious leaders are guilty of politicizing the body of Christ and deceiving even our Pastors and leaders to fall away from the true mission of God. They are like a wolf pack that run around the outside edges of the body of Christ until a weak brother or sister gets to close to the edge and then they come in for the attack and devour the spiritually young Christian. 

You who are critical, you who eat the young, are without excuse. Jesus came and showed us the way to disciple people the right way. Jesus walked with his disciples. Are you walking with those you are being critical of?

Pastor Patrick

No Rest for the Wicked - Micah 2

No rest for the wicked. Some of us remember this song from Ozzy. 

There'll be no rest for the wicked

There's no song for the choir

There's no hope for the weary

If you let them win without a fight

I let my good one down

I let my true love die

I had his heart but I broke it every time

Sinners can not expect to rest in a land they have polluted with their sins. We can't expect to have a life of blessing when our lust for worldly pleasure has corrupted our hearts. This is what Micah was preaching against to Israel. Even Ozzy, the self proclaimed sinner of sinners, gets it with his words "I had his heart but I broke it every time". Our sin breaks Gods heart and forces his hand to discipline us. 

Pastor Patrick

The High Place in my Heart - Micah 1

Micah 1

Today will be in the book of Micah. I'm amazed at how familiar the sound of the study the background on the book of Micah is. I'm not saying that it is speaking of America but is it a coincidence? Have to remember that idol worship which is what is being addressed in this first chapter is not just dealing with the image carved of wood or stone but it is the condition of the heart and worshiping the actual spirit of the image which is a demon spirit. 

God has always desired our hearts. So let's examine ourselves this morning after reading the text to see if we have anything in our lives and our heart that may be getting in the way of Jesus truly being the king. Also take the time to study the meaning of each city Micah is prophesying against. Each one has a meaning that is extremely personal to you and addresses areas of compromise and sin. Who holds the high place in your heart?

Pastor Patrick

Critical Acclaim

Galations 6

If you have watched the news at all lately then you are aware that a small faction of Islam named ISIS is wreaking havoc in the Middle East. These people are evil and there is no question about that; however, the Muslim community refuses to stand against their evil actions and it brings shame upon their religion and all that have fought and died for what they believe in the past. This type of faction exists because they support ISIS by their silence. 

There is a time to be silent and a time to speak up. Those silent conversations are what I want to address real quick. Are you quick to look at someone's weaknesses? Or do you first see thier gifts and strength they have. This is usually the conversation we have with ourselves or in a gossiping situation. This spirit of criticism. We are called to build up and encourage fellow believers and it starts in the heart. If you are giving lip service but in your heart saying this person dosnt belong or deserve this, then you are walking in the fruit of selfishness and jealousy. BAM. 

Let us build each other up in love. That might mean a rebuke or making a stand against anything the body has strayed into, like this ISIS group with the Muslims. The difference is that we have the truth of the risen Christ that separates us and removes the blinders to allow us to walk in true love.

Pastor Patrick

How Sweet it Is

Galations 5:16-26

19 It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; 20  trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; 21  the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on.This isn’t the first time I have warned you, you know. If you use your freedom this way, you will not inherit God’s kingdom

Do you notice any of these issues in your own lives? You don't have a choice here, one way or another you are producing fruit, be it rotten fruit or sweet fruit. 

Pastor Patrick

Rockstars

Galations 5:1-15

Way back in the day Paul was addressing the issue of law or grace for ones salvation. That's great, but how does that make a difference today? What does that legalism look like today and how is it arresting the believers in Christ today? Legalism tells me that in order for me to earn Gods favor I must keep this set of rules and regulations, right? Grace on the other hand tells me that by trusting in Gods gift of His Son Jesus I have been given the gift of Gods favor and there is no more need for me to try and earn it. 

So, do I need to care what you think of me if I cuss, drink and smoke? Nope, keep your legalistic curse and put it on yourself. Pull the log out of your own eye. Haha, kinda like saying that. I will not diminish the fact that through Gods grace our shortcomings and desires for sin and selfishness weaken as we are transformed into the image of the risen Christ, our Lord Jesus. We are rockstars in Gods eyes! 

Pastor Patrick

Slave or Free

Galations 4:21-31

Are you the son of a slave or the son of the free woman. More than likely you're the son of a slave but through Jesus and the adoption into his family we have been set free and that is what Paul is trying to point out here to the Galatians. He is telling the sweet folks that though they were slaves to the world now they've been set free so why are they wanting to go back to the world. 

Going back to the world and it's slavery will straight up disqualify you from the inheritance you already possess through faith in Christ Jesus so why would you want to go back to that?

Pastor Patrick

The Knowledge of Peace

Galations 4:8-20

The last thing we want to see happen is a person, once they have been given the truth of the gospel, is to go backwards, back to the world and its cultish ideals. This is Paul's concern here with the Galations. Do you ever find yourself going back to the worlds gods? You might ask "what are the worlds gods"? Money, American Dream, credit, selfish pleasure, live to party, and the philosophy of self. Everything in the world centers around how to make yourself happy. There is nothing wrong with being happy, but there is a difference between happiness and peace. 

Pastor Patrick

Religion of The World

Galations 4:1-7

Paul in combating the heretics that were trying to enslave the Galatian believers brings up an important fact. The Gentile believers were adopted into the family of God, and the proof is the Holy Spirit that was given to them as the seal of that inheritance. 

You were living in the world and following the wisdom of the worlds views and culture. God in His loving way opened a door for you to walk through that leads you to His presence. Now that you have His Holy Spirit living in you the philosophy of this generation isn't as attractive as it once was. The accepted practices of our culture, homosexuality, abortion, same sex marriage, just plain self centered living for what pleasures you is no longer the desire of your heart, but being in the Fathers presence. 

Some people have a hard time with accepting the truths established for us in Gods Word because it is in direct conflict with the accepted self centered practices and philosophical views of our culture. This division for a Christian is a spiritual battle that takes place when God reveals His truth to you. It's hard to shake off these worldly ideals that have been breeded into you since the day you were born. But, if you really are saved and have the Holy Spirit living in you then these practices and ideals of this world become repulsive to you. We acknowledge that His word, not ours, is what's most important. 

Pastor Patrick

Breaking the Law

Galations 3:15-29

If you think keeping a bunch of rules makes you holy and righteous with God, you have been deceived just as our Jewish brothers and sisters have been. This rule keeping theology is addressed here in this passage. Is there anything wrong with the rules? No, not when applied in the correct context. The rules are not to become an added burden in life but designed to wake us up to our sin. If you then recognize your sinfull actions before God and trust in His way of cleansing you, through His Son Jesus, then the rule has worked as the tool it was designed for. The rule was given to make us aware of our sin and keep us in the way of salvation until Christ came which fulfilled the promise given 400 years earlier. 

Pastor Patrick

Rule Keepers

Galations 3:1-14

Does keeping the rules of religious duty draw us closer to God, or make us perfect like God? The false teachers were putting a heavy burden on the Galations by teaching that they could not be saved without also observing the laws of Moses. Both Non Jew and Jew alike. Do you notice this kind of false religious expectation in the church you go to? Is there a obligation put upon you to raise your hands during worship or kneel when you pray. While these things are good and can, when led by the Holy Spirit, draw you into a place of intimacy with God, they are not in any way going to make a difference in the scope of your salvation or right standing with God. That has been taken care of by Jesus. 

Your efforts to draw closer to God is foolishness. Do you think that through your own efforts God will work more miracles or heal more people? No! Does He do these things because of your amazing moral character? No! Your goodness is like going to the trash dump and digging through the rotten fruit for breakfast. Your moral character is like a dog infested with flees, it is worthless and selfish by nature. 

Doing things for God is different then embracing what God does for you and through you. Your life will change the path it has taken when you simply believe God. Purity and holiness flows from God above down to us. 

Pastor Patrick

Faith Alone

Galations 2:15-21

Well, here we go. What makes you and I good enough to stand before the uncreated creator of the universe? FAITH! It's called justification. You are justified by your faith in Christ. This is Gods plan and there is no other. No plan B people. This is a simple plan and concept based on belief. Do you believe God? Abraham was considered righteous because he believed God. 

An issue also addressed here is the added burden we put on ourselves and others once we are justified by our faith. We can never be justified by what we say or do because our justification was completed by Christ. Christ performed the justification process for you. You are unable to do it. If anyone was able to be made righteous with God it would have been the Jews. The Jews had the best system of rules the world has ever seen. Yet, no dice. 

Therefore, you don't have to impress me or your spiritual leader with your good works. When the good works flow from a faith in Christ we don't concern ourselves with the opinions of others. I don't need any mans approval nor do I seek it, but I seek Gods thumbs up. 

Pastor Patrick 

Fear No One

Galations 2:11-14

Peter and Paul have issues here and Peter is corrected by Paul. Peter was fearing man more then God. God had already shown Peter that the Gentiles were to be accepted into the church through a heavenly vision in Acts 10. Peter was even dragging other church leaders into sin with him.

We can get into the same type of hypocracy if we are not careful. Clicks form between members of the body all the time because we like to hang out and be around like minded people. But when we begin to do this and shune those within the church that don't have your gifting or upbringing or heritage, then we sin against the body of Christ. We bring division instead of unity.

Use this example to love one another and promote unity within our family. Expose division as the sin it is and don't fear any man if they are in sin. We need to honor God first. 

Pastor Patrick

Calling Confirmed

Galations 2:1-10

Paul recounts a time when he went to the leaders of the church to confirm the gospel message he had been taking to the Gentiles. Apparently all was good and they were an encouragement to Paul and his ministry. There were some who tried to come in and rob them of their freedom in Christ by demanding that Titus, one of Paul's companions on this trip, Be circumcised. 

How often do we do this same type of thing to new believers in the church today?  Back then, 2000 years ago, a Jew was not to even sit and eat a meal with a gentile. We tell new believers all the time to stop hanging out with your old friends. We are your family now, we say. Or if someone is not conforming to the way we believe they should posture themselves during prayer or not raising their hands during worship. We have all kinds of religious traditions that are nothing more then a added burden to one another and has nothing to do with living in a true relationship of intimacy with Jesus. 

Let us encourage one another to live a life of intimate relationship with God, through His Holy Spirit. In so doing we can shake of the bonds of religion and ceremony and be free to worship with our lives as a living sacrifice to God. You are called to God and your confirmation is sure. We don't need a pastor or great man of God to tell us this fact. God has called you!

Pastor Patrick

Here is Your Calling

Galations 1:11-24

The worlds culture preaches conformity and tollorance. We are to accept each other's philosophy as truth according to them, even when that philosophy is not theirs. Compromise is on the menu and we as Christians are expected by the world to keep our mouths shut and be tolerant of others beliefs and lifestyle. 

The false religions of Islam and Mormonism are prime examples of what Paul is addressing here in Galations. When someone speaks of God, are we talking about the same God? As far as God as the uncreated, creator of the universe is concerned.  But, that is about the only similarity. By the time of Mohamed the bible was canonized and he was more then aware of it, he rejected it. Nothing about these and other religions have a gospel. They reject Gods word and his Son. They reject the trinity, Mohamed called the angel Gabriel the Holy Spirit.

We should be praying and live in peace with those of differing beliefs. The key to helping those who have been deceived by the lord of this world is through relationship. So the next time you meet a person of a different faith don't try and get out of there. Make an effort to find some common ground and begin the relationship that could save their soul. This is your calling!

Pastor Patrick

Sacrifice of Self

Galatians 1:6-10

It happens all the time. A hurt and broken person comes to the alter and calls on the name of Jesus to rescue them from their sins and self. Then within a short period of time they begin to change and their life transforms. Before you know it they have learned a whole new language (christianeze) which they speak with their new friends. Life is looking better and joy and peace are the character displayed.

In time little things begin to irritate you about the new friends and leaders that are in your life. Their not doing things the way you think they should. They don't raise their hands when they worship. They are not posturing themselves the way they should when they pray. They don't pray before they eat every time. You begin to become critical and the grace that rescued you from the clutches of hell and death no longer is your hearts desire. The idolatrous religious spirit has come in and become your savior. 

When you take our eyes off of Jesus your heart naturally will divert its attention to the person in the mirror. This was the warning in Galations for you. Two founders of the two largest false religions in the world both said an angel appeared to them, Mohamed said the angel Gabriel appeared to him and Joseph Smith said the angel Moroni appeared to him. The problem is that the gospel that they are saying was given them is different then the one originally given us by God. They both deny the deity of Jesus Christ. 

Keep your eyes and heart on Jesus. Life may not be without its trials and concerns but you will have a perfect peace and joy that only someone can have when you are in the best relationship of your life. A passionate and exciting, fulfilling life for all eternity. So, don't allow your ears to be tickled by the false teachers preaching a gospel different then the one given to you. Do not be lead astray by the gospel of comfort. There is no such gospel and its idolatrous and self seeking, putting yourself up on the cross as the sacrifice for your soul. That sacrifice is rejected by God. 

Pastor Patrick

Start with Jesus

Galatians 1:1-5

We get right into the nuts and bolts of the gospel message in verses 4. The true gospel results in changed lives. Jesus gave his life in order to rescue us from this world of evil. We understand that Jesus died for us, but the gospel is a deeper message of not just redemption but also of sanctification. This is a work of God in us to separate us from the world and purify us. This is evident in a person who has truly believed on Jesus for their salvation and accepted Gods plan. We call it fruit and will get into the details of this fruit later in the book. 

Pastor Patrick

Waging War

Ephesians 6:10-18

We are soldiers in the army of God! This means we are to fight. But I thought we were to be people of love and forgiveness? We are and these things go hand in hand. When we go to war there is a enemy and that is the first thing you need to do is identify the enemy so you know who you are fighting against. We see that we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 

Do you belive that there are evil rulers and spirits in an unseen world? If not, how do you wage war against something you don't see or believe in? This is why so many people are defeated in their Christian walk, they don't know who the enemy is and fight against the body of Christ instead of Satan and our evil worldly desires. God is faithful to give us the weapons we need to fight the good fight. 

Pastor Patrick

Honor

Ephesians 6:1-9

Cooperation is the central theme here. Honor is an important virtue and the reason is because it comes from the heart. Some of us just recognize the good in others and acknowledge it through our word and deeds. If you get around people and all you can think is how stupid they are or why do I need to be around this person, then your heart is selfish. I'm sure Jesus could easily think the same way about you, but He dosnt feel that way about you. You see, being selfish is not Cristlike and this what you are called to be is like Christ. 

Pastor Patrick

We Become One

Ephesians 5:22-33

This is an amazing passage from Gods word. It calls us to unity. It can be easy to get sidetracked here with the woman submit to your husband stuff, and while that is an important part of life in marriage we can not discount the remainder of the teaching that husbands need to be ready to die for their wife. This is the kind of love that has been given to us. However, while a submissive wife is counter-cultural today, she was not so in Paul’s time. Moreover, while a self-sacrificing and loving husband sounds quite appropriate in our culture, he was radically counter-cultural in Paul’s time. 

We are to be one with Christ. This is the primary teaching here. As the church we are the bride, the wife, and are instructed to submit to our Lord ( husband ). It is when we open our hearts and see the truth of Gods word and make it personal that transformation led by the Holy Spirit takes place. My prayer for you today is that you are transformed a little bit today into the image of our Lord Jesus. 

Pastor Patrick

Sinners are Going to Hell

Ephesians 5:3-20

There seems at times to be a lot of don't be like this or do that stuff going on. Well, we humans are a corrupt and sinfull people. Despite what you think, we are not good natured. We are self centered and focused on our own desires and pleasures. Paul is not saying that people who have practiced these evil things can't be saved. It's the people that do practice them that will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Look at what it says in 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 

We have a hope through Jesus. We can celebrate. 

Pastor Patrick

Ready to Die?

Ephesians 5:1-2

There is no question if you are a disciple of Christ that we are to love.  Love each other and our God. But, what does that really look like?  Paul shares that here in these verses. Love is sacrificial. Yes, Jesus shows the way of obedience to the Father as our greatest example. Jesus also shows us our greatest example of love in the fact that he sacrificed his life for you and me. The question is are you in a place to return that love? 

Here in America we have not had to deal with much persecution. I have a feeling that's about to change in this generation. Our very existence as a Christian will be put to the test and you must be at a place in your walk with God where your ready to give your life for the name of Jesus. If you are not in that place in your walk with God then you better get there. There is no reason to serve Jesus if you are not willing to die for Him other then just being religious. Once a gun is put to your head the real heart of a person is revealed. If you deny Jesus, he will deny you. People say, but he knows my heart and I love him but don't wanna die. Yes, Jesus knows your heart and that it is selfish if you deny Christ over death, you have no chance of redemption. This is a hard word but a true word. Love you and hope that you receive this word.

Patrick Burns

Separate Your Actions

Ephesians 4:17-32

Do not live as the Gentiles do? What does that mean? Look around at the culture we live in here in America. A culture where abortion ( the murder of babies ) is mostly being used as a form of birth control. Gay marriage and the homosexual lifestyle is an accepted norm. Society overall is self centered and driven by the selfish ambitions of all. Even in the body of Christ we see this philosophy creeping in, a philosophy of tollorance and compromise. God has called each person to a life of purity and holiness. That is what Paul means when he says not to live as the Gentiles do. The unbelievers in the world live in a willful disobedience to God. They refuse to acknowledge God through the hardness of their hearts. When they set their hearts upon the gratification of their lusts, what can be expected but the most abominable sensuality and lewdness, and that their horrid enormities will abound? This is the character of the worldly. 

We are not to live this way. In vs22 it says "throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception." You are set apart for holiness and purity. Your desires are to be the desires of God. What are the desires of God. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Pastor Patrick

Baby or Adult

Ephesians 4:7-16

Yes we are all given gifts for the carrying out of the ministry God has commissioned you with. You may not even be operating in that gift yet or even know what those gifts are yet.. Well if you read a little further you will see where the gifts are put to use are to build up those that are babies in Christ. You might be thinking, I'm not a baby in Christ. Well is your life looking like that of Jesus'? Or does it look like a mess, one day happy next day sad, very little joy and the joy you get is based on the worlds rewards? If you lost your house and job today would you rejoice each and everyday till it was restored to you? If not, then you are not leaning on JESUS for your joy and peace but are a baby in Christ and you are letting life's circumstances decide your life's journey. 

Pastor Patrick

Called to Maturity

Ephesians 4:1-6

Okay now we are going to look at how to apply and live the teachings from the last three chapters.  We, the church, are called to mature in Christ. That word called continues to come up. Most Christians don't like that word because with the word called comes responsibility and accountability. No matter who you are, you are called to serve, and God has gifted some to be the ones to equip you and I to do the work of the ministry. These gifts mentioned in verse 11 will be birthed in you through discipleship and then you will start equipping others. 

Pastor Patrick

Fullness of God

Ephesians 3:14-21

Paul prays that we not only have the knowledge of Christ's love but experience His love as well. An experience must include the five senses. I want to encourage you to experience God today and everyday through the knowledge He has given you. God is more then ready to accomplish this in you. How? You ask, get alone with Him in that secret place.

Pastor Patrick

Mystery Revealed

Ephesians 3:1-13

Right in the middle of his prayer, Paul goes of on a rabbit trail. He talks about a mystery. A mystery is something that once was concealed and now revealed in context with what Paul is communicating here. The fact that he was called to bring the gospel to the Gentiles. The church is the agency of the divine mission and includes us Gentiles now... 

Pastor Patrick

One

Ephesians 2:11-22

God wants to reconcile. His action is one of working to bring us into relationship with himself. Paul is sharing with his readers here under inspiration of the Holy Spirit how even though the rest of the world other then the Jews had no promise of reconciling with God, now through Jesus we do. All a part of Gods plan and it pleases him that we are to become one body in Him. 

Pastor Patrick

His Handiwork.

Ephesians 2:6-10

Not by anything you have done but what he has done in and through you... Don't know what else to say.. The church struggles with all this because it's to difficult to view the difficulties of others through the eyes and heart of God. It's easy to take a section of scripture like this one and create a whole new doctrine and religion for that matter, because that's what it would be and is, an idol. We must understand scripture in context to the whole of scripture.. 

Pastor Patrick

More Then I Love Myself

Ephesians 2:1-5

I just love that despite how horrible and unholy we were before we met Jesus, God in his foreknowledge made the way possible for you and I to have fellowship with Him. Father thank you for loving me more then I can love myself. 

Pastor Patrick,

The Peripheral World

Ephesians 1:15-23

"He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ’s body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence." Msg.

We, just as Paul was, should be thankful for the church body. Its members are an important part of what makes the world go around. As a member of that body you should see the church the way God does. The church, which JESUS is the head, is not on the sidelines in the world. The world is on the sidelines of the church. The body of Christ holds everything together with Jesus as the leader. So, the world takes a backseat to the church body..

Pastor Patrick

My Big God

Ephesians 1:1-14

To many times some read into this passage of scripture and twist it to accomidate their gospel. This word is the Gospel of Jesus and we are to conform to it not the other way around, that would be called idol worship. There is a sweet truth of balance to Gods word. He saves and judges, he blesses and curses. Here we are seeing his omnipotence displayed for us. This shows us how big our God is, beyond our understanding and comprehension. Yet, there is no question that in Jesus we are secure.

Pastor Patrick

Walking In Truth and Love

2 John

Our instruction is simple here folks. We are to love one another in the context of the truth revealed through the gospel. Okay, for those Bako boys I will dumb it down. Jesus is love and is the physical presence of God showing us His love through sacrifice. So, we are to sacrifice our self for everybody else. Get it?

Pastor Patrick

I Believe Right

1 John 5:6-21

We come upon one of the references to the Trinity in verse 7. What I get from this is that God testifies of Himself. If you really meditate on vs 6-12 it is so powerful. 

Today there are many people who profess to know God and have fellowship with Him but do not demonstrate such faith at all. To be sure that we know God, we must keep His commandment. If we lack love for others, it indicates we do not know the love of God in our hearts. Foundationally we must believe rightly about Jesus Christ. He is the Christ, the Son of God, who has come in the flesh. This important triad calls the contemporary church to a strong, balanced faith. We must grow stronger and stronger in all areas of our Christian life. (HCBC)

Pastor Patrick

Faith, Love and Obedience

1 John 5:1-5

So many times when we read through the word it's easy to pick out the key words and parts that tickle our ears and make being a disciple of Christ a cake walk. We have been really looking at love and what it means to be loved and love others the way God does. I found that it was easy to read through this and begin meditating on the love and acceptance part of the scripture. The key to love is OBEDIENCE.  Read it people, if you say you love God your actions will prove it. That's all!

Pastor Patrick

Perfected Love

1 John 4:17-21

The confidence of a true believer stems from the fact that their lives reflect Gods nature. Gods nature at its core is love of course. This love is a giving (agape) love and removes any and all fear of judgement. Think about this when you think about Gods nature. Jesus came and his whole focus was other people, not himself. Our culture breeds selfishness. As a Christian you give up those rights to be self focused. If you and I call Jesus LORD we gave up the right to decide our actions and will. Free will no longer applies in the sense that we have surrendered to God and welcomed his Holy Spirit to be our conscience and guide through the rest of this life. 

Pastor Patrick

Have No Fear! JESUS IS HERE!

1 John 4:13-17

We have no need to fear an eternal judgement when we have trusted in Jesus. We can have this confidence because His Spirit has been given to us and abides in us. Our obedience is the sign to the world that His Spirit abides in us. I love how John here says the he has seen and witnessed Jesus first hand. This dude walked with the King. Amazing!

Pastor Patrick

Showing love

1 John 4:8-12

God asks you and I to show love to one another. Love must be something that is tangible. It can be seen, touched and felt, it must be sacrificial in nature. The same as he has demonstrated for us as the example. God sacrificed his Son, Jesus as the replacement for our sin offering. We have been forgiven for so much. Therefore, our life is to reflect that grace and mercy we were shown in how we interact with others. Show some love today!

Pastor Patrick

Demonstration of Love

1 John 4:7-8

We are blessed to have God care enough about us to even acknowledge us in the first place. God is love! This scripture let's us know that we are to demonstrate that love. This love we are to demonstrate is impossible for us to demonstrate without God. Love is one of the attributes of Gods divine nature and unless we have experienced it, there is no apprehension. I challenge you to search your heart and ask yourself if you really are demonstrating the kind of love that God does. If I was to ask your co workers or your spouse or child, what would they say. If your love is not sacrificial it is worthless because that is the kind of love that God demonstrated for us. 

Pastor Patrick

Testing Time

1 John 4:1-6

Testing the spirits! Hmm, I never really liked tests when I was in school. The kind of testing the Apostle is talking about here is the kind of heresy that has been a plague to the Christian church since the Lord ascended and for them at that time it was Gnosticism. Christian Science is the modern day version of this ancient heresy and in today's world it's theories and thoughts permeate the society we live in. Some of its lies have even penetrated the true Church of God through the cultural mindset of the world. We are cautioned to be on guard and test the spirits. We are without excuse when we are drawn away by lying spirits today. We have something they didn't back then, the New Testament. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for the Apostles to combat such a heresy. 

We deal with minute amounts of that in today's church body.. Look at some of the teachers and preachers that come across the airwaves. #KennethCopeland, #CrefloDollar, #JoelOsteen, #JosephPrince just to name a few. I do not say these men are not saved, I say they do not give us the full gospel as commanded to every teacher of Gods word. Each one customizes and twists the word of God to meet the need of their message. This is criminal and leads true believers down a path of heresy mixed with truth. There will come a day when each will answer for his or her life and how they stewarded what God gave them. In the mean time use the word to recognize false teaching and heresy. It can save your life

Pastor Patrick

Evidence of Genuine Faith

1 John 3:11-24

Most of us have read about Cain and Abel (Gen 4). The question seems to be, why was Cains gift not accepted by God. What, God dosnt like his veggies? You mean to tell me God is not vegan? It wasn't the veggies that were the problem it was Cains heart. He was an evil man With selfish desires. Love has been shown to us by Jesus. He sacrificed everything for us. Isn't that how love is known by us? Not in word but in deeds is how we know love. God is telling us the same thing. " show me, don't snow me" Is what he is telling us here. Demonstrating a proper attitude, love, is evidence of genuine faith.

Pastor Patrick

Right Living

1 John 2:28-3:10

The encouragement continues to live right before God. We are to walk as his children as a demonstration of Christian commitment. John goes on to inform us that a Christian can not go on sinning. Not that a Christian never sins but that we will no longer practice sin as we once did. Because the nature of God has come in to dwell within us Gods Holy Spirit and sin do not get along very well at all. In fact sin and the Holy Spirit are at war with each other. 

Pastor Patrick

Stranger Danger

1 John 2:18-27

If the spirit of the antichrist was manifesting itself back then 2000 years ago, we are in serious trouble here in today's world. Where many oppose the person, doctrine, and kingdom of Christ. There is an antichrist coming who will be the long awaited enemy of the church. When he says many have come, it seems to me he is speaking of the iniquity of the culture and mindset of society. Our society here in America has an antichrist connotation to it. Matthew 24:24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 

If you are a Christian we are not to be deceived by the antichrist or it's spiritual influence. We have been anointed the scripture says and have the tools to overcome the world and it's antichrist spirit through his Word. 

Pastor Patrick

True Love

1 John 2:7-17

Can't say it better so here it is from the message:

My dear friends, I’m not writing anything new here. This is the oldest commandment in the book, and you’ve known it from day one. It’s always been implicit in the Message you’ve heard. On the other hand, perhaps it is new, freshly minted as it is in both Christ and you—the darkness on its way out and the True Light already blazing! Anyone who claims to live in God’s light and hates a brother or sister is still in the dark. It’s the person who loves brother and sister who dwells in God’s light and doesn’t block the light from others. But whoever hates is still in the dark, stumbles around in the dark, doesn’t know which end is up, blinded by the darkness. I remind you, my dear children: Your sins are forgiven in Jesus’ name. You veterans were in on the ground floor, and know the One who started all this; you newcomers have won a big victory over the Evil One. And a second reminder, dear children: You know the Father from personal experience. You veterans know the One who started it all; and you newcomers—such vitality and strength! God’s word is so steady in you. Your fellowship with God enables you to gain a victory over the Evil One. Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity.

Pastor Patrick

Jesus vs Sin

1 John 2:1-6

In this corner the father of gluttony, selfishness and worldliness SIN. And in this corner the price of peace, JESUS. We should not sin but when we do Jesus is our advocate before the Father. Jesus is the one that defends us as the atoning sacrifice. His sinlessnes qualifies Him to be our atoning sacrifice or propitiation, the defender for you and I. Gods character demands a pure and sinless sacrifice in order to be in His presence and Jesus fulfilled that for us. Those who would enjoy fellowship with God must follow in the love, holiness, and service that characterized Christ.

Pastor Patrick

Not even a speck of darkness

1 John 1:5-10

The apostle says "God is light and there is no darkness in Him" that's right, God is holy and pure. There is not even a speck of darkness in him at all. That is why it is impossible for us to have any kind of relationship with the Father if we walk in darkness ( sin, worldliness,). You have a choice. You can choose the best the world has to offer and be a disciple of satan or you can choose the best that God has to offer and be a disciple of His son Jesus. Once you make this choice to follow one of these life paths it will be evident of your choice. 

Pastor Patrick

See, Touch, Feel

1 John 1:1-4

I love it when someone comes to me and shares an exciting experience that happened to them. Maybe they met the president or a famous movie star, maybe one of the Seahawks football players.  That's exciting, and it's first hand information. That person sharing with you was there seeing, touching and feeling the whole encounter. 

The apostle writing here is sharing with you and I what he experienced. This isn't some second or third hand information. This guy eat, slept, touched, prayed with, talked with Jesus. So pay close attention as we move through the book of 1 John. This dude knows what he is talking about because he was there. 

Pastor Patrick

PRAYER LIFE = INTIMACY Period!

Colossians 4:2-4

I am amazed at the number of people I meet with who share their desire to draw closer to God. With the exception of a few, each one has had some kind of life altering drama that has inspired this new found passion to "draw closer to God".  I really enjoy meeting with folks that are broken and hurting. Praying with them, hugging them. Watching them slowly draw closer to God. Then it comes to a screeching halt. People love to run to God when things aren't going very well. Even more so, they love to run to their Pastor and ask for guidance and support. Yet, when enlightened with the secret to success and happiness they turn tail and run. Why? Because the secret to life is revealed in prayer. It is impossible to obtain peace and joy that is permanent and never ending without a serious prayer life. People ask me all the time why I'm so happy and joyfull. It's prayer people. 

It breaks my heart when someone is crying and heartbroken because of some damaging life experience. I want to just wave a magic wand and make their life one of joy and peace. Without question my guidance and direction is to go to the throne of grace. Paul is encouraging this here in this passage. You want to know why you struggle emotionally, physically, financially, spiritually, relationally? It's because you know that you are to surrender all to Jesus and you continue to fool everyone with your lip service but your thoughts and actions are that of an unbeliever except on Sunday. I know this can seem to come across a little harsh but it's true and that was me 5 years ago. PRAYER LIFE = INTIMACY Period!

Pastor Patrick

Why the Heart?

Colossians 3:18-24

Why the heart? It always seems to come down to the heart. Heart issues are painfull because they are deep issues and change sucks. Changing our habits and deep rooted opinions are hard to do and take time usually. But, once we come to know Jesus our hearts are transformed and our lives are filled with the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This transformation runs deep within our hearts and the change becomes a desire. A desire to please the Father. Every Christian is to honor each other but more importantly honor God in our actions, especially to those who are not a part of the body of Christ. The scripture here says to do all things as unto God because he is the one who sees and rewards you for your actions. 

Pastor Patrick

Define Love: Self Seeking or Self Sacrificing?

Colossians 3:8-17

Okay so I need to put to death all the stuff I learned from the world. I get it! It's like a seed that has to be planted and it dies so that it can sprout into the new life. Once it sprouts into new life it must wether the seasons and grow in order to produce fruit, otherwise the plant is worthless. A fruitless apple tree is worthless and will not be able to feed anyone. The question I ask myself is, " am I a fruit bearing tree or just an ornamental tree in the kingdom of God". You might ask how do you know which kind of tree for God you are? Are sinners being brought into the kingdom because of you? Are lives being transformed by the power of God through your ministry? If the answer is "no" then maybe your relationship with God is not bearing fruit. 

Love is the thing that binds all together. Not the way the world says love is. The worlds definition of love is self seeking, not self sacrificing. When we start walking in love as the Father walked in love when he gave his Son up to take your place on the cross. Is your heart and everything you live for about you, your comfort, your needs, your wants, your desires? Well there is no fruit of love bearing on your tree if this is the case. It is not what you see when you look in the mirror that counts, it's what God and others see when they look at you. If they see Jesus, then your good to go.. 

Pastor Patrick