Messages

Series:  "What Shall be the Signs of His Coming - Living in the Last Days"

10-22-23  "Laying God's Foundation" - Because of recent events in the Middle East, people’s curiosity is awakened toward the “last days.”  Television and radio preachers are talking about these events and often speculating as to what they mean.  Jesus warned the disciples in Matthew 24:4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you.”  The events cause people to want to know what these present events mean.  Without an understanding of God’s redemptive plan, a person cannot know what the days reveal.  In this series we will first set the foundation and then move to God’s redemptive plan.  The second coming has in it this essential truth – that there is one divine, far-off event, to which the whole of creation moves, and that event is not dissolution but the universal and eternal rule of God.

This Sunday we will cover God-the Creator, God-the Provision, God-the Covenant Maker, God-the Promise Keeper and God, the Provider.  Come join us on an incredible journey of God’s plan and purpose.

10-29-23 "The Abrahamic Covenant Blessing the Nations"The New Covenant flows from the Abrahamic covenant and becomes the Christian’s divine heritage as well through Abraham.  In Galatians 3:7-9  Paul writes, “Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.  And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, ‘In you shall all the nations be blessed.’  So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.”  The blessing of the New Covenant flows through Abraham and his seed.

11-5-23 - We will be involved with the International Day of Prayer and will be praying for the churches and Christians who are being persecuted.  I will then speak on part 1 of  "The Olivet Discourse."  Where do you go when you want to know the truth of God’s Word?  That is a relevant   question in these last times.  Who can you trust to tell you the truth and know that you are not being used as a pawn for the speaker.  One thing many people do not realize is that when you are born again Jesus gives you the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is the Author of Scripture and He also gives you understanding of His words.  Beware of who you listen to.  There are voices vying for your attention.  These voices include the noise of the world, the seduction of the enemy, the voices of the teachers you turn to and the voice of the Holy Spirit.  There is also one huge voice that constantly speaks to you.  Your inner voice demands your attention.  Here is a great quote: “Don’t believe everything you think.”

11-29-23 "What Are We to do in the Last Days?" - Did you ever imagine you would be living at the rapture of the church, and you would be caught up?   What do you think it will be like?  What can you expect?  How should you prepare.

1-7-24 "A Great Day!" - Our world in in chaos and turmoil.  I don’t need to tell you of wars and rumors of wars,   protests and crime.  We have just begun a new year with hope that it will be a better year, but we are finding it looks like the year we just finished.  We are hoping for a new day – A Great Day!  Such a day is coming. 

1-14-24 "The Mystery and the Promise of the Rapture" - The Word of God is a Living Book.  No human intelligence could present a systematic theology that the Scriptures present.  The presentation of progressive revelation through the Old Testament to the New Testament and from writers who are affirmed in later texts.  The Word of God is living because it is as viable today as it was in the days it was written.

1-21-24 "Who Are the Redeemed?" - There are multiple truths that need to be considered when looking at the last days.  A biblical foundation is important when considering God’s call and salvation of the redeemed or those who are His people.  God’s involvement in the last days is focused on those whom He has redeemed through the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ.  Over the next couple weeks, we will keep our attention on those to whom God has promised eternal life.

1-28-24 "The Saved and the Lost in the Last Days" - There is some confusion among Christians about those who are saved and those who are lost during the last days.  In this message we will see what the Scriptures tell us about this important topic.  We will study how the Scriptures tells us about last days salvation.  

2-4-24 "The Last Days Spiritual Temperature" - Because of the world events and local turmoil, there is much interest in the last days, in  anticipation of the return of Jesus Christ.  When we post a message from this series the views are much higher than regular messages on YouTube.  People ask the question, “Do you believe that we are living in the last days?”  Of course, that answer is always, “Yes.”  We have been living in the last days ever since Jesus went to heaven and promised to return.  In this message I will highlight two of the most prevalent signs of Christ’s return.

2-11-24 "The Bottom Line" - To understand God’s plan of salvation is an awe-inspiring endeavor.  From Genesis 1:1 through Revelation 22:21 God presents His divine plan in great detail.  There are no Cliff Notes or a simple way to understand. The only way to understand that plan requires the Holy Spirit making you alive and giving you faith and understanding.  When asked, “What’s the bottom line?” from someone about having a relationship with God through Jesus Christ what would you say?  That’s our message this Sunday. 

3-3-24 "Closer Than It's Ever Been" - You are living in expectant days.  This entire series has been to strengthen your focus, not on possibilities, but on the reality of the rapture of those who belong to Jesus when He returns in the sky.  The incarnation was prophesied and came to pass.  The resurrection was foretold and came to pass.  The promise of Jesus’ return was given and will happen to the astonishment of the world and the joy of the believers.  We have good reason to believe some very amazing things.

3-10-24 "The Rapture" - Oh, the coming of Jesus Christ to gather His church has been talked about and preached for over 2000 years.  In our most recent times the coming of Jesus, the Rapture, has been anticipated due to the signs in our world.  We still do not know when, but we do know with certainty this event will happen.  God’s Word is true and the Apostle Paul revealed the mystery of His coming.  We will examine the event, the Rapture.

3-17-24 "The Judgment Seat of Christ" - One of the greatest joys for the follower of Jesus is that whether we live or die we have the hope of glory.  We know that when this life is over, life only changes to eternal life.  This life is just the beginning.  As we look at the Judgment Seat of Christ, we know that we have already received a great reward by just being present at this event.  The reward of being received into Jesus’ presence is the great beginning of reward.  Praise God! 

Annual Missions Conference:  We had our annual Missions Conference on Sunday, February 18 and Monday, February 19. We had Steve Evers, Director of In Touch Mission International, Piotr Zaremba, European Director of In Touch Mission International and Gary and Ruthjane Willow from Victorious Christian Living, Inc.   Gary and Ruthjane Willow shared book 1 of the S.A.L.T series “I Am Not God.”

Sunday, February 18:  Here is the YouTube link to the 10:45 a.m. message by Piotr Zaremba encouraging us through God's Word.

Sunday, February 18 (P.M.):  Here is the YouTube link to the Sunday evening service with Piotr Zaremba and Steve Evers sharing how S.A.L.T. has been taught worldwide.

Monday, February 19:  Here is the YouTube of Monday, February 19, as our Missions Conference continued with Gary and Ruthjane Willow sharing their ministry using S.A.L.T.  Then Piotr Zaremba spoke ministering to us and encouraging our hearts from God's Word closing out our conference. 


What Drives Spiritual Service

8-6-23  "The Individual Call to Service" -  Isaiah 6:1-5a - Why me Lord?  Have you ever asked that question?  It is not by chance that God called you into this relationship with Him.  Before God ever created, He chose you!  Before the universe knew anything of you, God knew you and had ordained you.  Why?  That is the purpose of the five message series. God doesn’t make mistakes.  Others may wonder, “Why you?” but God never has.

8-13-23  "Your Spiritual Call to Serve” - It is a great privilege to belong to the King of the universe. Along your way, God has revealed Himself to you and if you see Him in His Holiness and Glory, you will never be the same. God gave those whom He saved their physical life and the promise of eternal life in His Heavenly Kingdom. Paul calls the followers of Jesus to their "reasonable service" to be a living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1-2). 

8-20-23  "What Now?" - Along with Isaiah and his vision, we got to see the Lord, high and lifted up.  With Isaiah we are moved by the power, holiness and worship of the Lord.  Once we see the Lord, we also see ourselves in our sinfulness characterized by unclean lips.  We also see that those we dwell among are a people of unclean lips.  The Lord must cleanse Isaiah the same way He cleanses us and then He asked the question, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?”   We       acknowledge that the Lord has saved us for a purpose.  Our response should be that of Isaiah when he responds, “Then said I, Here am I; send me.”  If we have followed this response, now what?

9-3-23 "The Body of Christ" - Do you go to church or are you the church?  There is a difference in how you answer that question.  The Bible teaches that when a person comes to faith in Jesus Christ, they are added to the church, which is also called The Body of Christ.  Most of the work of the Body of Christ is done in tandem with the church.  The church has issues today.  Let’s examine those who make up the church, the Body of Christ.

10-15-23 "Spiritual Service Q & A."

 

The Storms of Life

5-21-23 - "Jesus in the Storm" - One of the purposes of the written Word is for “instruction in righteousness.” That phrase implies that we need to be taught right thinking and living from God’s Word. That is never truer than when we encounter the storms of life. As we embark on this series let us learn from the disciples themselves in the midst of the storm.  

6-4-23 "Divorce" (Part 1) Matthew 19:1-9 - As I was preparing this message I was focusing on the storm of divorce.  I immediately came to a roadblock.  You can’t deal with divorce  without first defining marriage.  Today we will look at what God designed marriage to be.  Marriage is one of the greatest blessings of God, but the enemy has the ability to take good things and make them a source of great pain and sorrow.

6-11-23 "Divorce" (Part 2) Matthew 19:1-9 - No couple planning their marriage today is anticipating a divorce.  When they come to their vows, both the man and the woman are sincere in their love and commitment to the other.  But, for many something changes.  Getting married is stressful and two people become one.  Getting divorce is even more stressful as a one relationship is once again torn into two.  As the storms of life go, divorce can do much damage.  Marriage is in trouble. If you are in a good marriage know it is under attack. Marriage is one of God’s greatest gifts to man and draws the attention of the one who wants to destroy.  The best marriage you will ever be in is the one you are in now.

6-25-23 "The Valley of the Shadow of Death" (2 Corinthians 15:50-58) - We all learn at an early age that death is a reality of life.  If people die, then those I love will die and ultimately, I will die.  To be obsessed with death drains all the joy from life, but sometimes we must face its reality.  Death is not an end, but rather an experience we must go through – like a valley.  We will look at the storms that produce the shadow in the valley of death.

7-9-23 - "The Storm of Lost Faith" - We have a propensity to lose heart.  The longer we are required to trust, the less likely that we will continue.  God has placed a divine high value upon faith - our continuing trust in God.  Thousands, if not millions of Christians in our world today are not actively trusting God.  Something happened, whether in an instant or over time, that caused them to stop trusting God.  They couldn’t weather the storm of lost faith.

7-23-23  "The Storm of Uselessness" - The storms of life do not always come into our lives suddenly and with vengeance, some storms come quietly and over time.  It is possible to wake up one day and find that you have been the victim of such a storm.  In this message, I have defined these storms as storms of drought.  One day you wake up and look out to see only dryness and bareness.  Everyone goes through these types of dryness.  How you respond to them is of great importance.

7-30-23 "The Storm of Marriage" - Anything with a great potential for good and blessing also has the potential for great hurt and cursing.  Marriage was designed by God for   mankind to be joyful and fulfilling.  The institution of marriage has been under attack through the years and that attack has gotten even greater in this modern   culture.  Marriage has the potential for joy, companionship and intimacy if done right.  If not, marriage can start as a sunny day and end with   terrifying monsoons.

 

Easter Series: Made New

4-9-23 - "Faith in Jesus Christ Makes Us New" -  This is a four part series on "Made New."  The first message is the Easter message.  At the time of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the disciples had scattered in fear of their lives.  One exception was the disciple, John who remained with Jesus through the crucifixion and all that followed.  John’s relationship with Jesus was more than being a disciple, it was also being a friend.  And friends don’t leave friends.  Once the resurrection took place and Jesus appeared to the disciples, everything changed.  Everything was made new.  When a person experiences the power of the resurrection by trusting in Jesus, everything is made new.

4-16-23 - "Moving Past Your Past" - Often one of the greatest obstacles to growing in our relationship with Jesus Christ is to accept the forgiveness of God for our past sins.  God invites us to live with a future focus, rather than dwelling on the past and look forward with anticipation for what our new life has ahead.  My past does not define me.  God does. 

4-23-23 - "The Family of God" - And Jesus said, “… and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”  Matthew 16:18There are three things that Jesus tells us about the church in this one statement.  First, the church is built on the confession of Peter that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God.  Second, Jesus calls the church “My church.”  The church belongs to Jesus Christ.  Third, the church is powerful, because the gates of hell shall not stand against it.  The church was established for the family of God. 

4-30-23 - "Faith in Action" - The Gospel is often advertised as simply a way of going to heaven instead of going to hell.  The Gospel is so much more than that.  Matthew 28:20 reads, “…and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you   always, to the very end of the age.”  The Gospel is  accepted through faith and the Christian life is lived out in faith.  The Gospel is a “now” thing where those who have been Made New are made alive to walk with God. 

New Christmas Series"  "Why the Nativity?"

12-3-23 "Why Did Jesus Become a Man?" -  On this Sunday we begin singing our Christmas songs and enjoy our decorations to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  During this time, we focus on the true meaning of Christmas, but the world focuses on Black Fridays and Cyber Mondays.  Even as a follower of Jesus it is easy to get distracted.  This series, "Why the Nativity?" is designated to help us keep our thoughts and understanding on the fulfillment of God's promise to send His Son.

12-10-23 "Why Joseph?"  Joseph is sometimes referred to as “the forgotten man of Christmas.”  Joseph – the man who was chosen to be the adoptive father of our Lord, the one who would protect the infancy of the Savior of the world.  Howard Edington in his book “The Forgotten Man of Christmas” says, “In the Word of God, Joseph stands silent.  He is spoken to, he is spoken about, but not a single syllable crosses his lips.  He is viewed by many people as just a bit player, an   extra, in the Christmas drama.”

12-17-23 "Why Mary?"  Mary, the mother of Jesus, is know better than any other female character in the Bible. She has been the best-known woman in the world since the days in Bethlehem and after centuries, the statement still stands, "Blessed are you among women!"  Every person in the Bible has their story in the Bible not so that we could learn about them particularly, but to learn from their walk with God.  There is so much to be learned from Mary. 

12-24-23 "Why Call Him Savior?"  The name Jesus is the name of the Lord's personality.  The name Immanuel is the name of His proximity to us.  But Savior!  Oh that Name!  That is the name of the Lord's earthly ministry.  In the Bible there are more than three hundred names and titles to describe Jesus, but Jesus can no more be contained in these names and titles than we can contain in the ocean in a collection of beautiful bottles.  How do we describe the greatness of the Lord Jesus?  The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."  Luke 2:10-11.

Special PEARL:

12-11-22 "P stands for Pray" -  Our Small Groups, Inc. are embarking on a series of PEARL.  This is the first video in the PEARL series featuring the letter P which stands for Prayer. The acronym of PEARL is P-Prayer; E-Eat; A-Ask; R-Reveal; L-Love.  We will be presenting a video each month in our Sunday morning service.

1-29-23 "E" stand for Eat" - Our Small Groups, Inc. are embarking on a series of PEARL.  This is the second video in the PEARL series featuring the letter E which stands for Eat.   The acronym of PEARL is P-Prayer; E-Eat; A-Ask; R-Reveal; L-Love.  This month we are on "E" for Eat.

3-26-23 "A" stands for Ask" - Our Small Groups, Inc. are embarking on a series of PEARL.  This is the second video in the PEARL series featuring the letter E which stands for Eat.   The acronym of PEARL is P-Prayer; E-Eat; A-Ask; R-Reveal; L-Love.  This month we are on "A" for Ask.

5-28-23 "R" Stands for Reveal" Our Small Groups, Inc. are embarking on a series of PEARL.  This is the second video in the PEARL series featuring the letter E which stands for Eat.   The acronym of PEARL is P-Prayer; E-Eat; A-Ask; R-Reveal; L-Love.  This month we are on "R" for Reveal.

7-16-23 "L" Stands for Love" - This is the last video of the series of PEARL

Special Messages:

7-2-23 - "The Blessing of Giving to God" - We all deal with money.  The Bible has much to say about money.  Today, I need to talk with you about money.  Giving to God is not a burden, but a blessing.  God blesses those who honor Him with their money.

9-24-23 "Control/Alt/Delete" - There are certain Scriptures that helped those in the day which they were written and also helps us to understand the times in which we live.  The Bible is a Living Book and from its writings we can find truth for today.  The Scripture tells us that are some things that we see as impossible, but with God, “…all things are possible.”

 

Special Day Messages:

2-12-23  "The Grace of Giving" - One characteristic of spiritual growth and maturity is becoming and being active in the grace of giving.  To become faithful in your Christian stewardship, you need to understand what God expects and how to fulfill that expectation under grace.  Today’s message was a reminder of our Christian stewardship.

5-7-23 "Mission Possible" - Nothing happens by chance.  Years ago, God placed this church at 1010 E. Alice Avenue in Phoenix AZ.  Through time much activity has happened in this church at this location and at locations around the world.  Today, you are going to have an opportunity for home missions placed before you as we see the group of men that God has brought to this location, the Knights of the Round Table.  I hope that you will see three things in this message.  First, the men that God has brought to our church property.  Second, the calling God has given our church, our people, to minister to those men.  Third, your part in being used of God to reveal His glory, His Son. and His Gospel to these men.

5-14-23 "What Mothers Really Do" (MOTHER'S DAY) - God never does anything except by the counsel of His own will.  He spoke the universe and the world into existence as a part of a master plan of creation.  Mothers are a major part of God’s plan for procreation.  God ordained that every child should have a mother.  Though sin has created issues for this plan, God still has His purposes and plans that He accomplishes through mothers.  Solomon  admonished, “and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.”  Proverbs 1:8

6-18-23 "In Our Father's Image" (FATHER'S DAY) James16:18 - This Sunday is Father’s Day.  We will be honoring all fathers who are present.  My message this Sunday will be “In Our Father’s Image” from James 1:16-18.   Father’s Day is a day set aside to honor fathers.  A father is a man who with his wife bring forth children.  The term father is the defining term God has taken for Himself.  The Scripture tells us that God created man in His own image. “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”  Genesis 1:27.   Sunday we will explore God’s father characteristics which men need to duplicate as fathers to their children.

10-8-23  Crossing Missions Guatemala Trip Report by Greg Dozer & Rick Sparks 

12-31-23 (End of Year) "God's Love" - The older we get, the more we have to forget.  That’s a silly thought, but true.  As we look back on this past year, there is a lot to remember.  There are some good things and some not so good things that cling to our memory.  Today we want to remember something that is not divided simply by years but is realized as a part of our life now and into the future.  We need to remember the love of God.

3-24-24 (Palm Sunday) - This Sunday is Palm Sunday.  We will have a time for you to share praises in the 10:45 a.m. service.  I will bring a short message “An Encouragement of Joy” from Philippians 3:1, 4:4 and Galatians 5:22.  In his song, Don Henley of the Eagles sings the lines from The Heart of the Matter, “Ah these times are so uncertain, there’s a yearning undefined, and people filled with rage, we all need a little tenderness.  How can love survive in such a graceless age.”  The song writers are the poets of our age.  A graceless age is the day in which we live.  What is the Christian’s answer for such a time?  The answer is learning to live with joy.

 

Special Speakers:

10-9-22 Gary Howell, special Speaker - The Five Truths of Break Throughs"

1-1-23  Kenny Shadday, special speaker - "Fresh Start"  It's another day and another time and the Lord has made it new. Did you know our English word "new" appears 171 times in the Bible?  The word new is filled with promise, with hope, and with potential.  It signifies the ending of some things and the beginning of new things.  The word new is a word in the Bible that is synonymous with God's grace.  It is synonymous with God's power that can bring new life to those who He calls.  Think on the new things God has given you.  

9-10-23  Kenny Shadday, special speaker - "Real Saving Faith" (Part 1) - Salvation is only by a working faith. In short, good works are the fruit of saving faith. They are also the proof of saving faith in that which casts itself on God for life or death.

9-17-23 Kenny Shadday, special speaker - "Real Saving Faith" (Part 2)

10-1-23  Craig Clapper, special speaker - "Fighting the Good Fight."

11-12-23 Piotr Zaremba, European Director of In Touch Mission International will be speaking in the morning service at 10:45 a.m.

11-26-23 Kenny Shadday, special speaker - "Thankfulness and Remembrance"

2-25-24 Steve Evers, Director of In Touch Missions International - "What God Taught Me From Dealing with Edith."  This was a woman who he dealt with in Uganda who was possessed and how God led and used him in dealing with this lady.