http://www.greaterlc.com en Greater Life Church Greater Life Church Greater Life Church… Copyright 2026 Kenneth Baker Kenneth Baker kenneth.w.baker@gmail.com false Sun, 09 Aug 2026 21:22:14 +0000 Landon Long In a world flooded with bad news — where fear spreads instantly and conflict drives engagement — this message calls us back to the only response that truly works: prayer. Drawing from the story of Hezekiah and the threatening letters of the Assyrian king, we see how the enemy uses intimidation, whispered lies, and just enough truth to shake our faith. Jerusalem was surrounded, outnumbered, and facing certain destruction. But rather than panic or complain, Hezekiah took the threat directly to God. He didn't ignore the letter, and he didn't glorify it — he laid it before the Lord. One man's prayer moved God to send one angel, and 185,000 enemies fell overnight. The enemy's words were convincing, but they were no match for God's power. Whatever threatening letters life has handed you, this message reminds us — don't argue with the bad news, take it to God. In a world flooded with bad news — where fear spreads instantly and conflict drives engagement — this message calls us back to the only response that truly works: prayer. Drawing from the story of Hezekiah and the threatening letters of the Assyrian king, we see how the enemy uses intimidation, whispered lies, and just enough truth to shake our faith. Jerusalem was surrounded, outnumbered, and facing certain destruction. But rather than panic or complain, Hezekiah took the threat directly to God. He didn't ignore the letter, and he didn't glorify it — he laid it before the Lord. One man's prayer moved God to send one angel, and 185,000 enemies fell overnight. The enemy's words were convincing, but they were no match for God's power. Whatever threatening letters life has handed you, this message reminds us — don't argue with the bad news, take it to God. In a world flooded with bad news — where fear spreads instantly and conflict drives engagement — this message calls us back to the only response that truly works: prayer. Drawing from the story of Hezekiah and the threatening letters of the Assyrian ki… Landon Long 2547 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22548817/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_imspreadingthenews/id/1550050.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22548817 Scripture: Isaiah 37:14-37:20 Sun, 09 Aug 2026 21:22:14 +0000 Landon Long In a world flooded with bad news — where fear spreads instantly and conflict drives engagement — this message calls us back to the only response that truly works: prayer. Drawing from the story of Hezekiah and the threatening letters of the Assyrian king, we see how the enemy uses intimidation, whispered lies, and just enough truth to shake our faith. Jerusalem was surrounded, outnumbered, and facing certain destruction. But rather than panic or complain, Hezekiah took the threat directly to God. He didn't ignore the letter, and he didn't glorify it — he laid it before the Lord. One man's prayer moved God to send one angel, and 185,000 enemies fell overnight. The enemy's words were convincing, but they were no match for God's power. Whatever threatening letters life has handed you, this message reminds us — don't argue with the bad news, take it to God. In a world flooded with bad news — where fear spreads instantly and conflict drives engagement — this message calls us back to the only response that truly works: prayer. Drawing from the story of Hezekiah and the threatening letters of the Assyrian king, we see how the enemy uses intimidation, whispered lies, and just enough truth to shake our faith. Jerusalem was surrounded, outnumbered, and facing certain destruction. But rather than panic or complain, Hezekiah took the threat directly to God. He didn't ignore the letter, and he didn't glorify it — he laid it before the Lord. One man's prayer moved God to send one angel, and 185,000 enemies fell overnight. The enemy's words were convincing, but they were no match for God's power. Whatever threatening letters life has handed you, this message reminds us — don't argue with the bad news, take it to God. In a world flooded with bad news — where fear spreads instantly and conflict drives engagement — this message calls us back to the only response that truly works: prayer. Drawing from the story of Hezekiah and the threatening letters of the Assyrian ki… Landon Long 2547 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22548817/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_imspreadingthenews/id/4368543.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22548817 Scripture: Isaiah 37:14-37:20 Sun, 28 Jun 2026 21:21:56 +0000 Mark Hughes In this message, we discover that God's vision for our lives is far greater than we often allow ourselves to believe. Drawing from Moses' final blessing over his people, we see a God who doesn't define us by our past failures but by our future possibilities. He doesn't focus on our weaknesses; He sees our potential. Like Moses in his final moments, who chose to speak blessings on his people rather than rehearse their shortcomings, God is not keeping score. He is keeping record of who we can become. From the precious things of heaven to the fruits of the earth, God desires to lavish His people with blessings across every dimension of life. This message is a call to stop settling for the trivial and to rise to meet the love and purpose God has always had for us. In this message, we discover that God's vision for our lives is far greater than we often allow ourselves to believe. Drawing from Moses' final blessing over his people, we see a God who doesn't define us by our past failures but by our future possibilities. He doesn't focus on our weaknesses; He sees our potential. Like Moses in his final moments, who chose to speak blessings on his people rather than rehearse their shortcomings, God is not keeping score. He is keeping record of who we can become. From the precious things of heaven to the fruits of the earth, God desires to lavish His people with blessings across every dimension of life. This message is a call to stop settling for the trivial and to rise to meet the love and purpose God has always had for us. In this message, we discover that God's vision for our lives is far greater than we often allow ourselves to believe. Drawing from Moses' final blessing over his people, we see a God who doesn't define us by our past failures but by our future possibil… Mark Hughes 3500 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22536280/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thosepreciousthings/id/1542084.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22536280 Scripture: Deuteronomy 33:13-33:16 Sun, 28 Jun 2026 21:21:56 +0000 Mark Hughes In this message, we discover that God's vision for our lives is far greater than we often allow ourselves to believe. Drawing from Moses' final blessing over his people, we see a God who doesn't define us by our past failures but by our future possibilities. He doesn't focus on our weaknesses; He sees our potential. Like Moses in his final moments, who chose to speak blessings on his people rather than rehearse their shortcomings, God is not keeping score. He is keeping record of who we can become. From the precious things of heaven to the fruits of the earth, God desires to lavish His people with blessings across every dimension of life. This message is a call to stop settling for the trivial and to rise to meet the love and purpose God has always had for us. In this message, we discover that God's vision for our lives is far greater than we often allow ourselves to believe. Drawing from Moses' final blessing over his people, we see a God who doesn't define us by our past failures but by our future possibilities. He doesn't focus on our weaknesses; He sees our potential. Like Moses in his final moments, who chose to speak blessings on his people rather than rehearse their shortcomings, God is not keeping score. He is keeping record of who we can become. From the precious things of heaven to the fruits of the earth, God desires to lavish His people with blessings across every dimension of life. This message is a call to stop settling for the trivial and to rise to meet the love and purpose God has always had for us. In this message, we discover that God's vision for our lives is far greater than we often allow ourselves to believe. Drawing from Moses' final blessing over his people, we see a God who doesn't define us by our past failures but by our future possibil… Mark Hughes 3500 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22536280/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thosepreciousthings/id/4356409.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22536280 Scripture: Deuteronomy 33:13-33:16 Sun, 14 Jun 2026 20:41:46 +0000 Landon Long In this message, we explore the tragic image of Absalom — literally suspended "between heaven and earth," caught by his own hair. It's a powerful picture of a spiritual condition many of us know well: pursuing heavenly things while still clinging to the world. From the rich young ruler to Lot's wife to Israel longing for Egypt, Scripture shows us that we cannot serve two masters or chase two treasures. Eventually, the choice is made for us. Absalom's physical predicament mirrored a divided heart he'd carried for years. This message challenges us to examine what we're truly holding onto — and to remember that gaining the world while losing heaven is no gain at all. In this message, we explore the tragic image of Absalom — literally suspended "between heaven and earth," caught by his own hair. It's a powerful picture of a spiritual condition many of us know well: pursuing heavenly things while still clinging to the world. From the rich young ruler to Lot's wife to Israel longing for Egypt, Scripture shows us that we cannot serve two masters or chase two treasures. Eventually, the choice is made for us. Absalom's physical predicament mirrored a divided heart he'd carried for years. This message challenges us to examine what we're truly holding onto — and to remember that gaining the world while losing heaven is no gain at all. In this message, we explore the tragic image of Absalom — literally suspended "between heaven and earth," caught by his own hair. It's a powerful picture of a spiritual condition many of us know well: pursuing heavenly things while still clinging to th… Landon Long 2913 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22532197/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_caughtandbetweenheavenandearth/id/1539402.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22532197 Scripture: 2 Samuel 18:9 Sun, 14 Jun 2026 20:41:46 +0000 Landon Long In this message, we explore the tragic image of Absalom — literally suspended "between heaven and earth," caught by his own hair. It's a powerful picture of a spiritual condition many of us know well: pursuing heavenly things while still clinging to the world. From the rich young ruler to Lot's wife to Israel longing for Egypt, Scripture shows us that we cannot serve two masters or chase two treasures. Eventually, the choice is made for us. Absalom's physical predicament mirrored a divided heart he'd carried for years. This message challenges us to examine what we're truly holding onto — and to remember that gaining the world while losing heaven is no gain at all. In this message, we explore the tragic image of Absalom — literally suspended "between heaven and earth," caught by his own hair. It's a powerful picture of a spiritual condition many of us know well: pursuing heavenly things while still clinging to the world. From the rich young ruler to Lot's wife to Israel longing for Egypt, Scripture shows us that we cannot serve two masters or chase two treasures. Eventually, the choice is made for us. Absalom's physical predicament mirrored a divided heart he'd carried for years. This message challenges us to examine what we're truly holding onto — and to remember that gaining the world while losing heaven is no gain at all. In this message, we explore the tragic image of Absalom — literally suspended "between heaven and earth," caught by his own hair. It's a powerful picture of a spiritual condition many of us know well: pursuing heavenly things while still clinging to th… Landon Long 2913 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22532197/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_caughtandbetweenheavenandearth/id/4352352.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22532197 Scripture: 2 Samuel 18:9 Sun, 07 Jun 2026 20:16:40 +0000 Landon Long In this message, we examine our deep human desire for control — and what happens when we're willing to let go. From the cockpit to the operating room, there are moments in life when control simply isn't ours to hold. The same is true in our walk with God. Our text talks about a great harvest from a single grain of wheat. But we're reminded that a seed can only grow once it leaves our hands and is placed in the soil. Holding on prevents the miracle. Whether it's our plans, our fears, or our limitations, God is asking us to surrender what we're clutching so He can transform it. Just as a boy's small lunch became a feast for thousands, what seems insufficient in our hands becomes more than enough in His. In this message, we examine our deep human desire for control — and what happens when we're willing to let go. From the cockpit to the operating room, there are moments in life when control simply isn't ours to hold. The same is true in our walk with God. Our text talks about a great harvest from a single grain of wheat. But we're reminded that a seed can only grow once it leaves our hands and is placed in the soil. Holding on prevents the miracle. Whether it's our plans, our fears, or our limitations, God is asking us to surrender what we're clutching so He can transform it. Just as a boy's small lunch became a feast for thousands, what seems insufficient in our hands becomes more than enough in His. In this message, we examine our deep human desire for control — and what happens when we're willing to let go. From the cockpit to the operating room, there are moments in life when control simply isn't ours to hold. The same is true in our walk with G… Landon Long 3401 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22530065/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_itsoutofmyhands/id/1538053.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22530065 Scripture: John 12:23-12:25 Sun, 07 Jun 2026 20:16:40 +0000 Landon Long In this message, we examine our deep human desire for control — and what happens when we're willing to let go. From the cockpit to the operating room, there are moments in life when control simply isn't ours to hold. The same is true in our walk with God. Our text talks about a great harvest from a single grain of wheat. But we're reminded that a seed can only grow once it leaves our hands and is placed in the soil. Holding on prevents the miracle. Whether it's our plans, our fears, or our limitations, God is asking us to surrender what we're clutching so He can transform it. Just as a boy's small lunch became a feast for thousands, what seems insufficient in our hands becomes more than enough in His. In this message, we examine our deep human desire for control — and what happens when we're willing to let go. From the cockpit to the operating room, there are moments in life when control simply isn't ours to hold. The same is true in our walk with God. Our text talks about a great harvest from a single grain of wheat. But we're reminded that a seed can only grow once it leaves our hands and is placed in the soil. Holding on prevents the miracle. Whether it's our plans, our fears, or our limitations, God is asking us to surrender what we're clutching so He can transform it. Just as a boy's small lunch became a feast for thousands, what seems insufficient in our hands becomes more than enough in His. In this message, we examine our deep human desire for control — and what happens when we're willing to let go. From the cockpit to the operating room, there are moments in life when control simply isn't ours to hold. The same is true in our walk with G… Landon Long 3401 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22530065/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itsoutofmyhands/id/4350265.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22530065 Scripture: John 12:23-12:25 Sun, 31 May 2026 19:44:21 +0000 Mark Hughes In this message, we explore one of Scripture's most powerful invitations — seven words from Isaiah 1:18 spoken not by a prophet, but by God Himself: "Come now, and let us reason together." Though God addresses a people who had strayed far from Him, His response is not condemnation but compassion. This passage reminds us that no matter how far we've drifted, God actively pursues us with love and grace. The word "come" is a divine lifeline — the same word that called Peter out of the boat — and it's extended to anyone who feels broken, lost, or distant from God. If we respond, He is both able and eager to restore what's been lost. In this message, we explore one of Scripture's most powerful invitations — seven words from Isaiah 1:18 spoken not by a prophet, but by God Himself: "Come now, and let us reason together." Though God addresses a people who had strayed far from Him, His response is not condemnation but compassion. This passage reminds us that no matter how far we've drifted, God actively pursues us with love and grace. The word "come" is a divine lifeline — the same word that called Peter out of the boat — and it's extended to anyone who feels broken, lost, or distant from God. If we respond, He is both able and eager to restore what's been lost. In this message, we explore one of Scripture's most powerful invitations — seven words from Isaiah 1:18 spoken not by a prophet, but by God Himself: "Come now, and let us reason together." Though God addresses a people who had strayed far from Him, His… Mark Hughes 2301 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22527983/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whenopportunitycomesknocking/id/1536705.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22527983 Scripture: Isaiah 1:18-1:19 Sun, 31 May 2026 19:44:21 +0000 Mark Hughes In this message, we explore one of Scripture's most powerful invitations — seven words from Isaiah 1:18 spoken not by a prophet, but by God Himself: "Come now, and let us reason together." Though God addresses a people who had strayed far from Him, His response is not condemnation but compassion. This passage reminds us that no matter how far we've drifted, God actively pursues us with love and grace. The word "come" is a divine lifeline — the same word that called Peter out of the boat — and it's extended to anyone who feels broken, lost, or distant from God. If we respond, He is both able and eager to restore what's been lost. In this message, we explore one of Scripture's most powerful invitations — seven words from Isaiah 1:18 spoken not by a prophet, but by God Himself: "Come now, and let us reason together." Though God addresses a people who had strayed far from Him, His response is not condemnation but compassion. This passage reminds us that no matter how far we've drifted, God actively pursues us with love and grace. The word "come" is a divine lifeline — the same word that called Peter out of the boat — and it's extended to anyone who feels broken, lost, or distant from God. If we respond, He is both able and eager to restore what's been lost. In this message, we explore one of Scripture's most powerful invitations — seven words from Isaiah 1:18 spoken not by a prophet, but by God Himself: "Come now, and let us reason together." Though God addresses a people who had strayed far from Him, His… Mark Hughes 2301 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22527983/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenopportunitycomesknocking/id/4348238.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22527983 Scripture: Isaiah 1:18-1:19 Sun, 24 May 2026 21:16:03 +0000 Landon Long In this powerful message, Pastor Long explores what it truly means to be filled — and why so many of us still feel empty despite having so much. Drawing from the story of Creation and the Day of Pentecost, Brother Long challenges us to examine what we are filling their lives with. In a world that constantly pushes us toward more stuff, more approval, and more comfort, we are reminded that true fulfillment can only come from God. The enemy wants us to be full too, and he doesn't care what we're full of, as long as it isn't God, so he will push us to fill our lives with things, relationships an anything he can to keep us distracted — and if we're full of the wrong things, there's no room for what really matters. The message calls us to empty out what doesn't belong, wait on God with prayer and unity, and trust that when He moves, it's always right on time. Are we half full, running on empty, or overflowing with the Holy Spirit? This sermon challenges us to make room for a filling that truly satisfies. In this powerful message, Pastor Long explores what it truly means to be filled — and why so many of us still feel empty despite having so much. Drawing from the story of Creation and the Day of Pentecost, Brother Long challenges us to examine what we are filling their lives with. In a world that constantly pushes us toward more stuff, more approval, and more comfort, we are reminded that true fulfillment can only come from God. The enemy wants us to be full too, and he doesn't care what we're full of, as long as it isn't God, so he will push us to fill our lives with things, relationships an anything he can to keep us distracted — and if we're full of the wrong things, there's no room for what really matters. The message calls us to empty out what doesn't belong, wait on God with prayer and unity, and trust that when He moves, it's always right on time. Are we half full, running on empty, or overflowing with the Holy Spirit? This sermon challenges us to make room for a filling that truly satisfies. In this powerful message, Pastor Long explores what it truly means to be filled — and why so many of us still feel empty despite having so much. Drawing from the story of Creation and the Day of Pentecost, Brother Long challenges us to examine what we … Landon Long 3491 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22525813/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_pursuingthefullassurance/id/1535410.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22525813 Scripture: Acts 2:1-2:4, Acts 2:38-2:39, Hebrews 6:11 Sun, 24 May 2026 21:16:03 +0000 Landon Long In this powerful message, Pastor Long explores what it truly means to be filled — and why so many of us still feel empty despite having so much. Drawing from the story of Creation and the Day of Pentecost, Brother Long challenges us to examine what we are filling their lives with. In a world that constantly pushes us toward more stuff, more approval, and more comfort, we are reminded that true fulfillment can only come from God. The enemy wants us to be full too, and he doesn't care what we're full of, as long as it isn't God, so he will push us to fill our lives with things, relationships an anything he can to keep us distracted — and if we're full of the wrong things, there's no room for what really matters. The message calls us to empty out what doesn't belong, wait on God with prayer and unity, and trust that when He moves, it's always right on time. Are we half full, running on empty, or overflowing with the Holy Spirit? This sermon challenges us to make room for a filling that truly satisfies. In this powerful message, Pastor Long explores what it truly means to be filled — and why so many of us still feel empty despite having so much. Drawing from the story of Creation and the Day of Pentecost, Brother Long challenges us to examine what we are filling their lives with. In a world that constantly pushes us toward more stuff, more approval, and more comfort, we are reminded that true fulfillment can only come from God. The enemy wants us to be full too, and he doesn't care what we're full of, as long as it isn't God, so he will push us to fill our lives with things, relationships an anything he can to keep us distracted — and if we're full of the wrong things, there's no room for what really matters. The message calls us to empty out what doesn't belong, wait on God with prayer and unity, and trust that when He moves, it's always right on time. Are we half full, running on empty, or overflowing with the Holy Spirit? This sermon challenges us to make room for a filling that truly satisfies. In this powerful message, Pastor Long explores what it truly means to be filled — and why so many of us still feel empty despite having so much. Drawing from the story of Creation and the Day of Pentecost, Brother Long challenges us to examine what we … Landon Long 3491 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22525813/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_pursuingthefullassurance/id/4346141.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22525813 Scripture: Acts 2:1-2:4, Acts 2:38-2:39, Hebrews 6:11 Sun, 17 May 2026 19:50:19 +0000 Tyler Sullivan Many messages have been preached about Zacharias; often, they focus on how he was rendered mute because of his doubt. But few talk about the man's nature. Bro. Sullivan suggests that we can sum up his life in one word: Devoted. Zacharias and Elisabeth lived blamelessly before God — faithful in their duties despite carrying a quiet burden. In their culture, Elisabeth's barrenness was often whispered about as a sign of hidden sin. Yet they never wavered. They kept their spirits pure and continued serving, day after day. In our text, Zacharias is chosen to burn incense in the temple of the Lord. Due to the way the priestly duties were administered and chosen, this honor could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a priest. When you are devoted in your service to God, there will be moments when God will show up unexpectedly. On this day, for the first time in over 400 years, God spoke to mankind through the angel Gabriel. Zacharias received a word from God while doing what he knew how to do. The ones doing the daily work will see a miraculous work. God thrives in the repetition of the faithful. Unwavering devotion is never wasted. Zacharias didn't receive his breakthrough because he did something extraordinary — he received it in the middle of his ordinary, faithful service. When the weight of unanswered prayer feels heavy, keep serving. When silence makes you question, keep showing up. Your breakthrough may not come when you expect it, but it will come while you are devoted. Stay faithful. Stay committed. The same God who spoke after 400 years of silence is still speaking — and He is looking for those who never stopped serving. Many messages have been preached about Zacharias; often, they focus on how he was rendered mute because of his doubt. But few talk about the man's nature. Bro. Sullivan suggests that we can sum up his life in one word: Devoted. Zacharias and Elisabeth lived blamelessly before God — faithful in their duties despite carrying a quiet burden. In their culture, Elisabeth's barrenness was often whispered about as a sign of hidden sin. Yet they never wavered. They kept their spirits pure and continued serving, day after day. In our text, Zacharias is chosen to burn incense in the temple of the Lord. Due to the way the priestly duties were administered and chosen, this honor could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a priest. When you are devoted in your service to God, there will be moments when God will show up unexpectedly. On this day, for the first time in over 400 years, God spoke to mankind through the angel Gabriel. Zacharias received a word from God while doing what he knew how to do. The ones doing the daily work will see a miraculous work. God thrives in the repetition of the faithful. Unwavering devotion is never wasted. Zacharias didn't receive his breakthrough because he did something extraordinary — he received it in the middle of his ordinary, faithful service. When the weight of unanswered prayer feels heavy, keep serving. When silence makes you question, keep showing up. Your breakthrough may not come when you expect it, but it will come while you are devoted. Stay faithful. Stay committed. The same God who spoke after 400 years of silence is still speaking — and He is looking for those who never stopped serving. Many messages have been preached about Zacharias; often, they focus on how he was rendered mute because of his doubt. But few talk about the man's nature. Bro. Sullivan suggests that we can sum up his life in one word: Devoted. Zacharias and Elisabeth… Tyler Sullivan 3096 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22523691/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_themutedministryofthedevoted/id/1534056.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22523691 Scripture: Luke 1:5-1:13 Sun, 17 May 2026 19:50:19 +0000 Tyler Sullivan Many messages have been preached about Zacharias; often, they focus on how he was rendered mute because of his doubt. But few talk about the man's nature. Bro. Sullivan suggests that we can sum up his life in one word: Devoted. Zacharias and Elisabeth lived blamelessly before God — faithful in their duties despite carrying a quiet burden. In their culture, Elisabeth's barrenness was often whispered about as a sign of hidden sin. Yet they never wavered. They kept their spirits pure and continued serving, day after day. In our text, Zacharias is chosen to burn incense in the temple of the Lord. Due to the way the priestly duties were administered and chosen, this honor could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a priest. When you are devoted in your service to God, there will be moments when God will show up unexpectedly. On this day, for the first time in over 400 years, God spoke to mankind through the angel Gabriel. Zacharias received a word from God while doing what he knew how to do. The ones doing the daily work will see a miraculous work. God thrives in the repetition of the faithful. Unwavering devotion is never wasted. Zacharias didn't receive his breakthrough because he did something extraordinary — he received it in the middle of his ordinary, faithful service. When the weight of unanswered prayer feels heavy, keep serving. When silence makes you question, keep showing up. Your breakthrough may not come when you expect it, but it will come while you are devoted. Stay faithful. Stay committed. The same God who spoke after 400 years of silence is still speaking — and He is looking for those who never stopped serving. Many messages have been preached about Zacharias; often, they focus on how he was rendered mute because of his doubt. But few talk about the man's nature. Bro. Sullivan suggests that we can sum up his life in one word: Devoted. Zacharias and Elisabeth lived blamelessly before God — faithful in their duties despite carrying a quiet burden. In their culture, Elisabeth's barrenness was often whispered about as a sign of hidden sin. Yet they never wavered. They kept their spirits pure and continued serving, day after day. In our text, Zacharias is chosen to burn incense in the temple of the Lord. Due to the way the priestly duties were administered and chosen, this honor could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a priest. When you are devoted in your service to God, there will be moments when God will show up unexpectedly. On this day, for the first time in over 400 years, God spoke to mankind through the angel Gabriel. Zacharias received a word from God while doing what he knew how to do. The ones doing the daily work will see a miraculous work. God thrives in the repetition of the faithful. Unwavering devotion is never wasted. Zacharias didn't receive his breakthrough because he did something extraordinary — he received it in the middle of his ordinary, faithful service. When the weight of unanswered prayer feels heavy, keep serving. When silence makes you question, keep showing up. Your breakthrough may not come when you expect it, but it will come while you are devoted. Stay faithful. Stay committed. The same God who spoke after 400 years of silence is still speaking — and He is looking for those who never stopped serving. Many messages have been preached about Zacharias; often, they focus on how he was rendered mute because of his doubt. But few talk about the man's nature. Bro. Sullivan suggests that we can sum up his life in one word: Devoted. Zacharias and Elisabeth… Tyler Sullivan 3096 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22523691/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_themutedministryofthedevoted/id/4344137.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22523691 Scripture: Luke 1:5-1:13 Sun, 10 May 2026 23:28:55 +0000 Sarah Long What does a beloved children's book have to do with your destiny? Everything. Inspired by Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar, this powerful message explores the hidden truth woven into one of the world's most iconic stories — that you were created with a purpose, and God is not done with you yet. Just like the caterpillar, you may be crawling through something painful right now. But the plan, potential, and purpose of flight existed before you even began. Through the stories of Jesus, Lazarus, and real-life testimonies of transformation, this message reminds us that what looks like an ending is often just a chapter — and the best part is still ahead. What you'll discover: • Why the struggle is part of the process, not the end of the story • How God sees you in your pain — and what He's preparing you for • Why your current circumstances do not define you The power of the empty tomb, the unbound Lazarus, and the scars that don't have the final word What does a beloved children's book have to do with your destiny? Everything. Inspired by Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar, this powerful message explores the hidden truth woven into one of the world's most iconic stories — that you were created with a purpose, and God is not done with you yet. Just like the caterpillar, you may be crawling through something painful right now. But the plan, potential, and purpose of flight existed before you even began. Through the stories of Jesus, Lazarus, and real-life testimonies of transformation, this message reminds us that what looks like an ending is often just a chapter — and the best part is still ahead. What you'll discover: • Why the struggle is part of the process, not the end of the story • How God sees you in your pain — and what He's preparing you for • Why your current circumstances do not define you The power of the empty tomb, the unbound Lazarus, and the scars that don't have the final word What does a beloved children's book have to do with your destiny? Everything. Inspired by Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar, this powerful message explores the hidden truth woven into one of the world's most iconic stories — that you were creat… Sarah Long 3626 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22521751/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_hesstillwritingmystory/id/1532774.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22521751 Scripture: Philippians 3:13-3:14 Sun, 10 May 2026 23:28:55 +0000 Sarah Long What does a beloved children's book have to do with your destiny? Everything. Inspired by Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar, this powerful message explores the hidden truth woven into one of the world's most iconic stories — that you were created with a purpose, and God is not done with you yet. Just like the caterpillar, you may be crawling through something painful right now. But the plan, potential, and purpose of flight existed before you even began. Through the stories of Jesus, Lazarus, and real-life testimonies of transformation, this message reminds us that what looks like an ending is often just a chapter — and the best part is still ahead. What you'll discover: • Why the struggle is part of the process, not the end of the story • How God sees you in your pain — and what He's preparing you for • Why your current circumstances do not define you The power of the empty tomb, the unbound Lazarus, and the scars that don't have the final word What does a beloved children's book have to do with your destiny? Everything. Inspired by Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar, this powerful message explores the hidden truth woven into one of the world's most iconic stories — that you were created with a purpose, and God is not done with you yet. Just like the caterpillar, you may be crawling through something painful right now. But the plan, potential, and purpose of flight existed before you even began. Through the stories of Jesus, Lazarus, and real-life testimonies of transformation, this message reminds us that what looks like an ending is often just a chapter — and the best part is still ahead. What you'll discover: • Why the struggle is part of the process, not the end of the story • How God sees you in your pain — and what He's preparing you for • Why your current circumstances do not define you The power of the empty tomb, the unbound Lazarus, and the scars that don't have the final word What does a beloved children's book have to do with your destiny? Everything. Inspired by Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar, this powerful message explores the hidden truth woven into one of the world's most iconic stories — that you were creat… Sarah Long 3626 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22521751/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hesstillwritingmystory/id/4342178.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22521751 Scripture: Philippians 3:13-3:14 Sun, 26 Apr 2026 20:45:45 +0000 Mark Hughes Life doesn't always go the way we planned. Unexpected changes, new challenges, and unfamiliar seasons have a way of shaking our faith — turning our worship into worry and our praise into panic. But what if those strange, uncomfortable places are exactly where God needs us to be? In this message, Brother Hughes explores what it looks like to trust God when everything around us feels unfamiliar. Like Israel standing at the edge of the Promised Land, we are often unprepared for the new thing God is doing — not because He has forgotten us, but because He is getting us ready to receive it. God is never in a new place. We are. The Bible calls us to be strong and courageous — to take hold of the problem before it takes hold of us. Fear doesn't reduce the danger we face; it only increases the weight of it. But when we choose to follow God, even at a distance, even in patience, we position ourselves to witness what He alone can do. Whatever strange place you find yourself in today, God has already been there. Trust the journey, follow His lead, and praise Him on the way. Life doesn't always go the way we planned. Unexpected changes, new challenges, and unfamiliar seasons have a way of shaking our faith — turning our worship into worry and our praise into panic. But what if those strange, uncomfortable places are exactly where God needs us to be? In this message, Brother Hughes explores what it looks like to trust God when everything around us feels unfamiliar. Like Israel standing at the edge of the Promised Land, we are often unprepared for the new thing God is doing — not because He has forgotten us, but because He is getting us ready to receive it. God is never in a new place. We are. The Bible calls us to be strong and courageous — to take hold of the problem before it takes hold of us. Fear doesn't reduce the danger we face; it only increases the weight of it. But when we choose to follow God, even at a distance, even in patience, we position ourselves to witness what He alone can do. Whatever strange place you find yourself in today, God has already been there. Trust the journey, follow His lead, and praise Him on the way. Life doesn't always go the way we planned. Unexpected changes, new challenges, and unfamiliar seasons have a way of shaking our faith — turning our worship into worry and our praise into panic. But what if those strange, uncomfortable places are exactl… Mark Hughes 3162 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22517232/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theuntraveledroad/id/1529926.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22517232 Scripture: Joshua 3:1-3:5 Sun, 26 Apr 2026 20:45:45 +0000 Mark Hughes Life doesn't always go the way we planned. Unexpected changes, new challenges, and unfamiliar seasons have a way of shaking our faith — turning our worship into worry and our praise into panic. But what if those strange, uncomfortable places are exactly where God needs us to be? In this message, Brother Hughes explores what it looks like to trust God when everything around us feels unfamiliar. Like Israel standing at the edge of the Promised Land, we are often unprepared for the new thing God is doing — not because He has forgotten us, but because He is getting us ready to receive it. God is never in a new place. We are. The Bible calls us to be strong and courageous — to take hold of the problem before it takes hold of us. Fear doesn't reduce the danger we face; it only increases the weight of it. But when we choose to follow God, even at a distance, even in patience, we position ourselves to witness what He alone can do. Whatever strange place you find yourself in today, God has already been there. Trust the journey, follow His lead, and praise Him on the way. Life doesn't always go the way we planned. Unexpected changes, new challenges, and unfamiliar seasons have a way of shaking our faith — turning our worship into worry and our praise into panic. But what if those strange, uncomfortable places are exactly where God needs us to be? In this message, Brother Hughes explores what it looks like to trust God when everything around us feels unfamiliar. Like Israel standing at the edge of the Promised Land, we are often unprepared for the new thing God is doing — not because He has forgotten us, but because He is getting us ready to receive it. God is never in a new place. We are. The Bible calls us to be strong and courageous — to take hold of the problem before it takes hold of us. Fear doesn't reduce the danger we face; it only increases the weight of it. But when we choose to follow God, even at a distance, even in patience, we position ourselves to witness what He alone can do. Whatever strange place you find yourself in today, God has already been there. Trust the journey, follow His lead, and praise Him on the way. Life doesn't always go the way we planned. Unexpected changes, new challenges, and unfamiliar seasons have a way of shaking our faith — turning our worship into worry and our praise into panic. But what if those strange, uncomfortable places are exactl… Mark Hughes 3162 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22517232/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theuntraveledroad/id/4337736.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22517232 Scripture: Joshua 3:1-3:5 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 21:43:08 +0000 Landon Long When life gets hard, it's easy to assume God is unwilling to help — but the only limits on God are those He has placed on Himself. Through Scripture, we see a God who willingly took on human form, heals, saves, and forgives. Yet like a wise parent, He sometimes steps back, allowing trials to shape us. The fires we face are not accidents; they are designed to refine us, and endurance through them produces growth, maturity, and a deeper experience of God's love. In the feeding of the 5,000, the disciples felt they didn't have enough — only five loaves and two fish. But Jesus said, "Give it to me," and made it enough. Whatever your "except" is today, Jesus will accept it. God is not willing that any should be lost. He will not leave you hungry. When life gets hard, it's easy to assume God is unwilling to help — but the only limits on God are those He has placed on Himself. Through Scripture, we see a God who willingly took on human form, heals, saves, and forgives. Yet like a wise parent, He sometimes steps back, allowing trials to shape us. The fires we face are not accidents; they are designed to refine us, and endurance through them produces growth, maturity, and a deeper experience of God's love. In the feeding of the 5,000, the disciples felt they didn't have enough — only five loaves and two fish. But Jesus said, "Give it to me," and made it enough. Whatever your "except" is today, Jesus will accept it. God is not willing that any should be lost. He will not leave you hungry. When life gets hard, it's easy to assume God is unwilling to help — but the only limits on God are those He has placed on Himself. Through Scripture, we see a God who willingly took on human form, heals, saves, and forgives. Yet like a wise parent, He … Landon Long 3031 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22514417/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whatgodisunwillingtodo/id/1527899.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22514417 Scripture: Matthew 15:32-15:37 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 21:43:08 +0000 Landon Long When life gets hard, it's easy to assume God is unwilling to help — but the only limits on God are those He has placed on Himself. Through Scripture, we see a God who willingly took on human form, heals, saves, and forgives. Yet like a wise parent, He sometimes steps back, allowing trials to shape us. The fires we face are not accidents; they are designed to refine us, and endurance through them produces growth, maturity, and a deeper experience of God's love. In the feeding of the 5,000, the disciples felt they didn't have enough — only five loaves and two fish. But Jesus said, "Give it to me," and made it enough. Whatever your "except" is today, Jesus will accept it. God is not willing that any should be lost. He will not leave you hungry. When life gets hard, it's easy to assume God is unwilling to help — but the only limits on God are those He has placed on Himself. Through Scripture, we see a God who willingly took on human form, heals, saves, and forgives. Yet like a wise parent, He sometimes steps back, allowing trials to shape us. The fires we face are not accidents; they are designed to refine us, and endurance through them produces growth, maturity, and a deeper experience of God's love. In the feeding of the 5,000, the disciples felt they didn't have enough — only five loaves and two fish. But Jesus said, "Give it to me," and made it enough. Whatever your "except" is today, Jesus will accept it. God is not willing that any should be lost. He will not leave you hungry. When life gets hard, it's easy to assume God is unwilling to help — but the only limits on God are those He has placed on Himself. Through Scripture, we see a God who willingly took on human form, heals, saves, and forgives. Yet like a wise parent, He … Landon Long 3031 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22514417/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatgodisunwillingtodo/id/4334994.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22514417 Scripture: Matthew 15:32-15:37 Sun, 29 Mar 2026 19:02:00 +0000 Sammy Sherrill God doesn't force His way into our lives. He looks for an invitation. This message explores what it means to give God access: through our openness, our response in His presence, and our willingness to say yes when He speaks. God desires a relationship and wants to bless us, but He requires an invitation. He's not looking for perfection. He's looking for access. God doesn't force His way into our lives. He looks for an invitation. This message explores what it means to give God access: through our openness, our response in His presence, and our willingness to say yes when He speaks. God desires a relationship and wants to bless us, but He requires an invitation. He's not looking for perfection. He's looking for access. God doesn't force His way into our lives. He looks for an invitation. This message explores what it means to give God access: through our openness, our response in His presence, and our willingness to say yes when He speaks. God desires a relationshi… Sammy Sherrill 2611 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22507240/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_openthegates/id/1523021.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22507240 Scripture: Matthew 21:8-21:14 Sun, 29 Mar 2026 19:02:00 +0000 Sammy Sherrill God doesn't force His way into our lives. He looks for an invitation. This message explores what it means to give God access: through our openness, our response in His presence, and our willingness to say yes when He speaks. God desires a relationship and wants to bless us, but He requires an invitation. He's not looking for perfection. He's looking for access. God doesn't force His way into our lives. He looks for an invitation. This message explores what it means to give God access: through our openness, our response in His presence, and our willingness to say yes when He speaks. God desires a relationship and wants to bless us, but He requires an invitation. He's not looking for perfection. He's looking for access. God doesn't force His way into our lives. He looks for an invitation. This message explores what it means to give God access: through our openness, our response in His presence, and our willingness to say yes when He speaks. God desires a relationshi… Sammy Sherrill 2611 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22507240/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_openthegates/id/4327929.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22507240 Scripture: Matthew 21:8-21:14 Sun, 22 Mar 2026 20:54:17 +0000 Sammy Sherrill In this message, Bro. Sherril explores what happens when Jesus steps down from the Sermon on the Mount and meets a leper at the bottom of the hill. Jesus had just finished laying out the highest spiritual standard ever taught — be humble, love your enemies, don't judge — and the very first person to greet Him is someone who represents everything broken and far from that standard. Yet this man doesn't ask whether Jesus can heal him. He already knows the answer. His only question is will He. That single word — "Will you?" — cuts to the heart of how many of us approach God. We wonder if we're too far gone, too low on the mountain, too far from where we think we need to be before God will move on our behalf. This message reminds us that Jesus doesn't wait for us to climb high enough. He comes down to where we are — and His answer is always the same: I will. In this message, Bro. Sherril explores what happens when Jesus steps down from the Sermon on the Mount and meets a leper at the bottom of the hill. Jesus had just finished laying out the highest spiritual standard ever taught — be humble, love your enemies, don't judge — and the very first person to greet Him is someone who represents everything broken and far from that standard. Yet this man doesn't ask whether Jesus can heal him. He already knows the answer. His only question is will He. That single word — "Will you?" — cuts to the heart of how many of us approach God. We wonder if we're too far gone, too low on the mountain, too far from where we think we need to be before God will move on our behalf. This message reminds us that Jesus doesn't wait for us to climb high enough. He comes down to where we are — and His answer is always the same: I will. In this message, Bro. Sherril explores what happens when Jesus steps down from the Sermon on the Mount and meets a leper at the bottom of the hill. Jesus had just finished laying out the highest spiritual standard ever taught — be humble, love your ene… Sammy Sherrill 2649 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22505126/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thesermonoffthemount/id/1521662.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22505126 The Sermon Off The Mount Sun, 22 Mar 2026 20:54:17 +0000 Sammy Sherrill In this message, Bro. Sherril explores what happens when Jesus steps down from the Sermon on the Mount and meets a leper at the bottom of the hill. Jesus had just finished laying out the highest spiritual standard ever taught — be humble, love your enemies, don't judge — and the very first person to greet Him is someone who represents everything broken and far from that standard. Yet this man doesn't ask whether Jesus can heal him. He already knows the answer. His only question is will He. That single word — "Will you?" — cuts to the heart of how many of us approach God. We wonder if we're too far gone, too low on the mountain, too far from where we think we need to be before God will move on our behalf. This message reminds us that Jesus doesn't wait for us to climb high enough. He comes down to where we are — and His answer is always the same: I will. In this message, Bro. Sherril explores what happens when Jesus steps down from the Sermon on the Mount and meets a leper at the bottom of the hill. Jesus had just finished laying out the highest spiritual standard ever taught — be humble, love your enemies, don't judge — and the very first person to greet Him is someone who represents everything broken and far from that standard. Yet this man doesn't ask whether Jesus can heal him. He already knows the answer. His only question is will He. That single word — "Will you?" — cuts to the heart of how many of us approach God. We wonder if we're too far gone, too low on the mountain, too far from where we think we need to be before God will move on our behalf. This message reminds us that Jesus doesn't wait for us to climb high enough. He comes down to where we are — and His answer is always the same: I will. In this message, Bro. Sherril explores what happens when Jesus steps down from the Sermon on the Mount and meets a leper at the bottom of the hill. Jesus had just finished laying out the highest spiritual standard ever taught — be humble, love your ene… Sammy Sherrill 2649 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22505126/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thesermonoffthemount/id/4325870.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22505126 The Sermon Off The Mount Sun, 15 Mar 2026 20:25:24 +0000 Sammy Sherrill Just as Neil Armstrong's first step on the moon in 1969 changed the course of history in ways no one could have imagined, a single step of faith can lead to outcomes beyond our wildest dreams. This sermon explores how God turns our small steps into giant leaps. Drawing from the Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120–134) and the miraculous healing at the Pool of Bethesda, we are reminded that God always has a process — and that He is putting us together piece by piece. All He asks is that we take the step. He will handle the leap. Just as Neil Armstrong's first step on the moon in 1969 changed the course of history in ways no one could have imagined, a single step of faith can lead to outcomes beyond our wildest dreams. This sermon explores how God turns our small steps into giant leaps. Drawing from the Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120–134) and the miraculous healing at the Pool of Bethesda, we are reminded that God always has a process — and that He is putting us together piece by piece. All He asks is that we take the step. He will handle the leap. Just as Neil Armstrong's first step on the moon in 1969 changed the course of history in ways no one could have imagined, a single step of faith can lead to outcomes beyond our wildest dreams. This sermon explores how God turns our small steps into gia… Sammy Sherrill 3083 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22502779/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_onesmallstepforman/id/1520133.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22502779 One Small Step for Man Sun, 15 Mar 2026 20:25:24 +0000 Sammy Sherrill Just as Neil Armstrong's first step on the moon in 1969 changed the course of history in ways no one could have imagined, a single step of faith can lead to outcomes beyond our wildest dreams. This sermon explores how God turns our small steps into giant leaps. Drawing from the Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120–134) and the miraculous healing at the Pool of Bethesda, we are reminded that God always has a process — and that He is putting us together piece by piece. All He asks is that we take the step. He will handle the leap. Just as Neil Armstrong's first step on the moon in 1969 changed the course of history in ways no one could have imagined, a single step of faith can lead to outcomes beyond our wildest dreams. This sermon explores how God turns our small steps into giant leaps. Drawing from the Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120–134) and the miraculous healing at the Pool of Bethesda, we are reminded that God always has a process — and that He is putting us together piece by piece. All He asks is that we take the step. He will handle the leap. Just as Neil Armstrong's first step on the moon in 1969 changed the course of history in ways no one could have imagined, a single step of faith can lead to outcomes beyond our wildest dreams. This sermon explores how God turns our small steps into gia… Sammy Sherrill 3083 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22502779/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_onesmallstepforman/id/4323598.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22502779 One Small Step for Man Sun, 08 Mar 2026 20:47:12 +0000 Landon Long We all know the feeling — leaning on a friend, a family member, or a coworker when life gets hard. And just as Bill Withers sang in 1972, everybody needs somebody to lean on. But what happens when the people we depend on can't hold us up anymore? In this message, Pastor Long explores what it truly means to lean on God. A rickety chair is fine for a small task, but it fails you when you need to reach greater heights. The people and things we lean on in life have limits. Friends are a blessing, and community matters — but there will come a moment when your situation is too big for anyone around you to handle. God is different. He's the strongest foundation. He never leaves, never fails, and never walks away when things get too heavy. Whatever ladder you're climbing right now, He can hold it. Are you leaning on something that's already let you down? It's time to shift your weight — and lean completely on the Lord. We all know the feeling — leaning on a friend, a family member, or a coworker when life gets hard. And just as Bill Withers sang in 1972, everybody needs somebody to lean on. But what happens when the people we depend on can't hold us up anymore? In this message, Pastor Long explores what it truly means to lean on God. A rickety chair is fine for a small task, but it fails you when you need to reach greater heights. The people and things we lean on in life have limits. Friends are a blessing, and community matters — but there will come a moment when your situation is too big for anyone around you to handle. God is different. He's the strongest foundation. He never leaves, never fails, and never walks away when things get too heavy. Whatever ladder you're climbing right now, He can hold it. Are you leaning on something that's already let you down? It's time to shift your weight — and lean completely on the Lord. We all know the feeling — leaning on a friend, a family member, or a coworker when life gets hard. And just as Bill Withers sang in 1972, everybody needs somebody to lean on. But what happens when the people we depend on can't hold us up anymore? In th… Landon Long 2837 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22500612/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_leanonme/id/1518630.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22500612 Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-3:6, 1 Timothy 1:19 Sun, 08 Mar 2026 20:47:12 +0000 Landon Long We all know the feeling — leaning on a friend, a family member, or a coworker when life gets hard. And just as Bill Withers sang in 1972, everybody needs somebody to lean on. But what happens when the people we depend on can't hold us up anymore? In this message, Pastor Long explores what it truly means to lean on God. A rickety chair is fine for a small task, but it fails you when you need to reach greater heights. The people and things we lean on in life have limits. Friends are a blessing, and community matters — but there will come a moment when your situation is too big for anyone around you to handle. God is different. He's the strongest foundation. He never leaves, never fails, and never walks away when things get too heavy. Whatever ladder you're climbing right now, He can hold it. Are you leaning on something that's already let you down? It's time to shift your weight — and lean completely on the Lord. We all know the feeling — leaning on a friend, a family member, or a coworker when life gets hard. And just as Bill Withers sang in 1972, everybody needs somebody to lean on. But what happens when the people we depend on can't hold us up anymore? In this message, Pastor Long explores what it truly means to lean on God. A rickety chair is fine for a small task, but it fails you when you need to reach greater heights. The people and things we lean on in life have limits. Friends are a blessing, and community matters — but there will come a moment when your situation is too big for anyone around you to handle. God is different. He's the strongest foundation. He never leaves, never fails, and never walks away when things get too heavy. Whatever ladder you're climbing right now, He can hold it. Are you leaning on something that's already let you down? It's time to shift your weight — and lean completely on the Lord. We all know the feeling — leaning on a friend, a family member, or a coworker when life gets hard. And just as Bill Withers sang in 1972, everybody needs somebody to lean on. But what happens when the people we depend on can't hold us up anymore? In th… Landon Long 2837 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22500612/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_leanonme/id/4321532.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22500612 Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-3:6, 1 Timothy 1:19 Sun, 01 Mar 2026 20:21:14 +0000 Landon Long It is Rodeo season here in Houston. Soon, everyone will be wearing boots and hats and will try to look the part. Those attending the livestock show may notice a mark on the animals being shown. This brand identifies that animal as belonging to someone. Just as ranchers brand their cattle to show ownership, and companies use logos to identify themselves in the marketplace, our lives are meant to carry a mark that identifies us as God’s own. A branded cow belongs to someone who paid the price and protects it. In the same way, God has paid for us, claims us, and watches over us. His desire is to leave a recognizable imprint on our lives—the name of Jesus seen in who we are and how we live. In a world full of knock‑offs and imitations, we’re called to be the real thing, not just a form of godliness but a genuine reflection of the One we belong to. It is Rodeo season here in Houston. Soon, everyone will be wearing boots and hats and will try to look the part. Those attending the livestock show may notice a mark on the animals being shown. This brand identifies that animal as belonging to someone. Just as ranchers brand their cattle to show ownership, and companies use logos to identify themselves in the marketplace, our lives are meant to carry a mark that identifies us as God’s own. A branded cow belongs to someone who paid the price and protects it. In the same way, God has paid for us, claims us, and watches over us. His desire is to leave a recognizable imprint on our lives—the name of Jesus seen in who we are and how we live. In a world full of knock‑offs and imitations, we’re called to be the real thing, not just a form of godliness but a genuine reflection of the One we belong to. It is Rodeo season here in Houston. Soon, everyone will be wearing boots and hats and will try to look the part. Those attending the livestock show may notice a mark on the animals being shown. This brand identifies that animal as belonging to someo… Landon Long 2315 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22498204/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_namebrand/id/1516951.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22498204 Scripture: Numbers 6:22-6:27 Sun, 01 Mar 2026 20:21:14 +0000 Landon Long It is Rodeo season here in Houston. Soon, everyone will be wearing boots and hats and will try to look the part. Those attending the livestock show may notice a mark on the animals being shown. This brand identifies that animal as belonging to someone. Just as ranchers brand their cattle to show ownership, and companies use logos to identify themselves in the marketplace, our lives are meant to carry a mark that identifies us as God’s own. A branded cow belongs to someone who paid the price and protects it. In the same way, God has paid for us, claims us, and watches over us. His desire is to leave a recognizable imprint on our lives—the name of Jesus seen in who we are and how we live. In a world full of knock‑offs and imitations, we’re called to be the real thing, not just a form of godliness but a genuine reflection of the One we belong to. It is Rodeo season here in Houston. Soon, everyone will be wearing boots and hats and will try to look the part. Those attending the livestock show may notice a mark on the animals being shown. This brand identifies that animal as belonging to someone. Just as ranchers brand their cattle to show ownership, and companies use logos to identify themselves in the marketplace, our lives are meant to carry a mark that identifies us as God’s own. A branded cow belongs to someone who paid the price and protects it. In the same way, God has paid for us, claims us, and watches over us. His desire is to leave a recognizable imprint on our lives—the name of Jesus seen in who we are and how we live. In a world full of knock‑offs and imitations, we’re called to be the real thing, not just a form of godliness but a genuine reflection of the One we belong to. It is Rodeo season here in Houston. Soon, everyone will be wearing boots and hats and will try to look the part. Those attending the livestock show may notice a mark on the animals being shown. This brand identifies that animal as belonging to someo… Landon Long 2315 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22498204/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_namebrand/id/4319207.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22498204 Scripture: Numbers 6:22-6:27 Sun, 22 Feb 2026 21:05:12 +0000 Mark Hughes Brother Hughes delivers a powerful call to leave the shallow and step into the deep with God. This message explores how God pours out mercy and grace without limit—and how often we miss His work because we stay where we feel in control. When we let go, when we allow the waters of His presence to carry us, we discover a well that never runs dry. God’s grace is greater than all our sin, and He’s calling us out of comfort and into the deep places where transformation happens. Brother Hughes delivers a powerful call to leave the shallow and step into the deep with God. This message explores how God pours out mercy and grace without limit—and how often we miss His work because we stay where we feel in control. When we let go, when we allow the waters of His presence to carry us, we discover a well that never runs dry. God’s grace is greater than all our sin, and He’s calling us out of comfort and into the deep places where transformation happens. Brother Hughes delivers a powerful call to leave the shallow and step into the deep with God. This message explores how God pours out mercy and grace without limit—and how often we miss His work because we stay where we feel in control. When we let go… Mark Hughes 2987 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22495858/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_waterstoswimin/id/1515351.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22495858 Scripture: Ezekiel 47:1-47:6 Sun, 22 Feb 2026 21:05:12 +0000 Mark Hughes Brother Hughes delivers a powerful call to leave the shallow and step into the deep with God. This message explores how God pours out mercy and grace without limit—and how often we miss His work because we stay where we feel in control. When we let go, when we allow the waters of His presence to carry us, we discover a well that never runs dry. God’s grace is greater than all our sin, and He’s calling us out of comfort and into the deep places where transformation happens. Brother Hughes delivers a powerful call to leave the shallow and step into the deep with God. This message explores how God pours out mercy and grace without limit—and how often we miss His work because we stay where we feel in control. When we let go, when we allow the waters of His presence to carry us, we discover a well that never runs dry. God’s grace is greater than all our sin, and He’s calling us out of comfort and into the deep places where transformation happens. Brother Hughes delivers a powerful call to leave the shallow and step into the deep with God. This message explores how God pours out mercy and grace without limit—and how often we miss His work because we stay where we feel in control. When we let go… Mark Hughes 2987 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22495858/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_waterstoswimin/id/4316976.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22495858 Scripture: Ezekiel 47:1-47:6 Sun, 15 Feb 2026 21:03:58 +0000 Landon Long Many people carry a distorted vision of God—an abusive, vengeful figure waiting for us to fail so He can strike us down. When they stumble, they run from His presence, convinced judgment is coming. But nothing could be further from the truth. On the opposite extreme are those who believe grace excuses everything. Grace does cover all sin, but Scripture is clear: we are not to rely on grace as a license to continue in sin. “Shall we continue in sin so that grace may abound? Certainly not.” God hates sin because of what it does to us. None of us are perfect; all have fallen short. But God’s heart is always restoration, not destruction. When David sinned, he acknowledged his failure and chose to fall into the hands of God rather than the hands of men. He knew something we often forget: it is better to trust God’s mercy than man’s revenge. Given the choice between God and people, choose God every time. In our text, a woman caught in the very act of adultery is dragged before Jesus. This wasn’t about justice; it was a trap. If Jesus said, “Stone her,” they could accuse Him of being harsh and vengeful. If He let her go, they could accuse Him of being soft on sin. But Jesus did something entirely different. She expected to die. She braced for the first stone. But when she opened her eyes, the only one standing there was Jesus. If she had fallen into the hands of man, she would have been dead. But in the hands of mercy, she lived. Jesus extended grace, but He did not excuse the sin. He said, “Go, and sin no more.” Mercy and truth—together. So the question becomes: Who do you want judging you? We often think we want people to handle it, but people are quick to pick up stones. God, on the other hand, is quick to forgive, quick to restore, and slow to anger. Better to fall into the hands of God than the hands of man. Many people carry a distorted vision of God—an abusive, vengeful figure waiting for us to fail so He can strike us down. When they stumble, they run from His presence, convinced judgment is coming. But nothing could be further from the truth. On the opposite extreme are those who believe grace excuses everything. Grace does cover all sin, but Scripture is clear: we are not to rely on grace as a license to continue in sin. “Shall we continue in sin so that grace may abound? Certainly not.” God hates sin because of what it does to us. None of us are perfect; all have fallen short. But God’s heart is always restoration, not destruction. When David sinned, he acknowledged his failure and chose to fall into the hands of God rather than the hands of men. He knew something we often forget: it is better to trust God’s mercy than man’s revenge. Given the choice between God and people, choose God every time. In our text, a woman caught in the very act of adultery is dragged before Jesus. This wasn’t about justice; it was a trap. If Jesus said, “Stone her,” they could accuse Him of being harsh and vengeful. If He let her go, they could accuse Him of being soft on sin. But Jesus did something entirely different. She expected to die. She braced for the first stone. But when she opened her eyes, the only one standing there was Jesus. If she had fallen into the hands of man, she would have been dead. But in the hands of mercy, she lived. Jesus extended grace, but He did not excuse the sin. He said, “Go, and sin no more.” Mercy and truth—together. So the question becomes: Who do you want judging you? We often think we want people to handle it, but people are quick to pick up stones. God, on the other hand, is quick to forgive, quick to restore, and slow to anger. Better to fall into the hands of God than the hands of man. Many people carry a distorted vision of God—an abusive, vengeful figure waiting for us to fail so He can strike us down. When they stumble, they run from His presence, convinced judgment is coming. But nothing could be further from the truth. On the o… Landon Long 3059 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22493475/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_imsogladthatitwasyou/id/1513734.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22493475 Scripture: John 8:1-8:11, Psalms 103:14 Sun, 15 Feb 2026 21:03:58 +0000 Landon Long Many people carry a distorted vision of God—an abusive, vengeful figure waiting for us to fail so He can strike us down. When they stumble, they run from His presence, convinced judgment is coming. But nothing could be further from the truth. On the opposite extreme are those who believe grace excuses everything. Grace does cover all sin, but Scripture is clear: we are not to rely on grace as a license to continue in sin. “Shall we continue in sin so that grace may abound? Certainly not.” God hates sin because of what it does to us. None of us are perfect; all have fallen short. But God’s heart is always restoration, not destruction. When David sinned, he acknowledged his failure and chose to fall into the hands of God rather than the hands of men. He knew something we often forget: it is better to trust God’s mercy than man’s revenge. Given the choice between God and people, choose God every time. In our text, a woman caught in the very act of adultery is dragged before Jesus. This wasn’t about justice; it was a trap. If Jesus said, “Stone her,” they could accuse Him of being harsh and vengeful. If He let her go, they could accuse Him of being soft on sin. But Jesus did something entirely different. She expected to die. She braced for the first stone. But when she opened her eyes, the only one standing there was Jesus. If she had fallen into the hands of man, she would have been dead. But in the hands of mercy, she lived. Jesus extended grace, but He did not excuse the sin. He said, “Go, and sin no more.” Mercy and truth—together. So the question becomes: Who do you want judging you? We often think we want people to handle it, but people are quick to pick up stones. God, on the other hand, is quick to forgive, quick to restore, and slow to anger. Better to fall into the hands of God than the hands of man. Many people carry a distorted vision of God—an abusive, vengeful figure waiting for us to fail so He can strike us down. When they stumble, they run from His presence, convinced judgment is coming. But nothing could be further from the truth. On the opposite extreme are those who believe grace excuses everything. Grace does cover all sin, but Scripture is clear: we are not to rely on grace as a license to continue in sin. “Shall we continue in sin so that grace may abound? Certainly not.” God hates sin because of what it does to us. None of us are perfect; all have fallen short. But God’s heart is always restoration, not destruction. When David sinned, he acknowledged his failure and chose to fall into the hands of God rather than the hands of men. He knew something we often forget: it is better to trust God’s mercy than man’s revenge. Given the choice between God and people, choose God every time. In our text, a woman caught in the very act of adultery is dragged before Jesus. This wasn’t about justice; it was a trap. If Jesus said, “Stone her,” they could accuse Him of being harsh and vengeful. If He let her go, they could accuse Him of being soft on sin. But Jesus did something entirely different. She expected to die. She braced for the first stone. But when she opened her eyes, the only one standing there was Jesus. If she had fallen into the hands of man, she would have been dead. But in the hands of mercy, she lived. Jesus extended grace, but He did not excuse the sin. He said, “Go, and sin no more.” Mercy and truth—together. So the question becomes: Who do you want judging you? We often think we want people to handle it, but people are quick to pick up stones. God, on the other hand, is quick to forgive, quick to restore, and slow to anger. Better to fall into the hands of God than the hands of man. Many people carry a distorted vision of God—an abusive, vengeful figure waiting for us to fail so He can strike us down. When they stumble, they run from His presence, convinced judgment is coming. But nothing could be further from the truth. On the o… Landon Long 3059 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22493475/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_imsogladthatitwasyou/id/4314651.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22493475 Scripture: John 8:1-8:11, Psalms 103:14 Sun, 08 Feb 2026 21:10:43 +0000 Landon Long A popular Valentine's Day gift is a stuffed animal. Many of us can remember a special stuffed animal from our own childhoods. These toys provide comfort and companionship. In fact, many adults still hold on to a beloved stuffed friend from their youth. They symbolize a sense of security that we turn to when we need solace, highlighting our innate human desire for closeness and comfort. These treasured items often come worn and stained, showing their age. They're not perfect, but a brand new stuffed animal in pristine condition simply can't replace the love and memories tied to the original. Despite their dirty and shabby appearance, these stuffed animals remain cherished. The stains and wear from years of affection only add character. Just as these toys are loved in their imperfect state, God loves us with all our flaws and imperfections. The story of Jesus touching and healing the leper reinforces this truth. The leper, considered untouchable and required to live in isolation, approaches Jesus, only asking for healing. He believed he was unworthy of physical contact. Yet Jesus touches him anyway, demonstrating compassion, acceptance, and the healing power of touch. Touch conveys love, safety, and blessing. God never forces Himself on us. Instead, He meets us with love, refuses to abandon us, and sees our unique value even in our brokenness. A popular Valentine's Day gift is a stuffed animal. Many of us can remember a special stuffed animal from our own childhoods. These toys provide comfort and companionship. In fact, many adults still hold on to a beloved stuffed friend from their youth. They symbolize a sense of security that we turn to when we need solace, highlighting our innate human desire for closeness and comfort. These treasured items often come worn and stained, showing their age. They're not perfect, but a brand new stuffed animal in pristine condition simply can't replace the love and memories tied to the original. Despite their dirty and shabby appearance, these stuffed animals remain cherished. The stains and wear from years of affection only add character. Just as these toys are loved in their imperfect state, God loves us with all our flaws and imperfections. The story of Jesus touching and healing the leper reinforces this truth. The leper, considered untouchable and required to live in isolation, approaches Jesus, only asking for healing. He believed he was unworthy of physical contact. Yet Jesus touches him anyway, demonstrating compassion, acceptance, and the healing power of touch. Touch conveys love, safety, and blessing. God never forces Himself on us. Instead, He meets us with love, refuses to abandon us, and sees our unique value even in our brokenness. A popular Valentine's Day gift is a stuffed animal. Many of us can remember a special stuffed animal from our own childhoods. These toys provide comfort and companionship. In fact, many adults still hold on to a beloved stuffed friend from their youth.… Landon Long 3023 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22491216/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_soloved/id/1512275.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22491216 Scripture: Matthew 8:1-8:4, John 3:16 Sun, 08 Feb 2026 21:10:43 +0000 Landon Long A popular Valentine's Day gift is a stuffed animal. Many of us can remember a special stuffed animal from our own childhoods. These toys provide comfort and companionship. In fact, many adults still hold on to a beloved stuffed friend from their youth. They symbolize a sense of security that we turn to when we need solace, highlighting our innate human desire for closeness and comfort. These treasured items often come worn and stained, showing their age. They're not perfect, but a brand new stuffed animal in pristine condition simply can't replace the love and memories tied to the original. Despite their dirty and shabby appearance, these stuffed animals remain cherished. The stains and wear from years of affection only add character. Just as these toys are loved in their imperfect state, God loves us with all our flaws and imperfections. The story of Jesus touching and healing the leper reinforces this truth. The leper, considered untouchable and required to live in isolation, approaches Jesus, only asking for healing. He believed he was unworthy of physical contact. Yet Jesus touches him anyway, demonstrating compassion, acceptance, and the healing power of touch. Touch conveys love, safety, and blessing. God never forces Himself on us. Instead, He meets us with love, refuses to abandon us, and sees our unique value even in our brokenness. A popular Valentine's Day gift is a stuffed animal. Many of us can remember a special stuffed animal from our own childhoods. These toys provide comfort and companionship. In fact, many adults still hold on to a beloved stuffed friend from their youth. They symbolize a sense of security that we turn to when we need solace, highlighting our innate human desire for closeness and comfort. These treasured items often come worn and stained, showing their age. They're not perfect, but a brand new stuffed animal in pristine condition simply can't replace the love and memories tied to the original. Despite their dirty and shabby appearance, these stuffed animals remain cherished. The stains and wear from years of affection only add character. Just as these toys are loved in their imperfect state, God loves us with all our flaws and imperfections. The story of Jesus touching and healing the leper reinforces this truth. The leper, considered untouchable and required to live in isolation, approaches Jesus, only asking for healing. He believed he was unworthy of physical contact. Yet Jesus touches him anyway, demonstrating compassion, acceptance, and the healing power of touch. Touch conveys love, safety, and blessing. God never forces Himself on us. Instead, He meets us with love, refuses to abandon us, and sees our unique value even in our brokenness. A popular Valentine's Day gift is a stuffed animal. Many of us can remember a special stuffed animal from our own childhoods. These toys provide comfort and companionship. In fact, many adults still hold on to a beloved stuffed friend from their youth.… Landon Long 3023 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22491216/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_soloved/id/4312392.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22491216 Scripture: Matthew 8:1-8:4, John 3:16 Sun, 01 Feb 2026 20:39:57 +0000 Landon Long Construction sites can be messy. Building something often involves creating disarray. A work in progress is inherently chaotic, making it difficult to distinguish whether something is being built or torn down. The answer is: it can be both! It is indeed a work in progress. Things may appear disorganized, but God is not finished yet. Calvary, for example, was not a beautiful sight, but it marked a beginning rather than an end. Each of us is a work in progress. From those newly converted to those who have embraced their faith for a lifetime, we are all works that are not yet complete. It’s perfectly okay to be a work in progress; we all need God in our lives. The enemy will try to convince you that you are not enough and will criticize your new beginnings. So, lay that first stone and continue working on it. Embrace being a work in progress, no matter how messy the process may seem. Small beginnings can lead to great outcomes, so don’t allow the enemy to make you feel ashamed of your initial steps. Opposition will arise during your building journey. The devil will attempt to persuade you that your situation cannot be fixed, claiming that the project will never be completed. He will try to intimidate you when you are near completion. The enemy will attack and attempt to undermine you at every stage of your work. He will seek to shame you in any way possible. Remember, God is still working on you, and the process isn’t over until He says it is done. Repentance is not the end; it is just part of the journey. Construction sites can be messy. Building something often involves creating disarray. A work in progress is inherently chaotic, making it difficult to distinguish whether something is being built or torn down. The answer is: it can be both! It is indeed a work in progress. Things may appear disorganized, but God is not finished yet. Calvary, for example, was not a beautiful sight, but it marked a beginning rather than an end. Each of us is a work in progress. From those newly converted to those who have embraced their faith for a lifetime, we are all works that are not yet complete. It’s perfectly okay to be a work in progress; we all need God in our lives. The enemy will try to convince you that you are not enough and will criticize your new beginnings. So, lay that first stone and continue working on it. Embrace being a work in progress, no matter how messy the process may seem. Small beginnings can lead to great outcomes, so don’t allow the enemy to make you feel ashamed of your initial steps. Opposition will arise during your building journey. The devil will attempt to persuade you that your situation cannot be fixed, claiming that the project will never be completed. He will try to intimidate you when you are near completion. The enemy will attack and attempt to undermine you at every stage of your work. He will seek to shame you in any way possible. Remember, God is still working on you, and the process isn’t over until He says it is done. Repentance is not the end; it is just part of the journey. Construction sites can be messy. Building something often involves creating disarray. A work in progress is inherently chaotic, making it difficult to distinguish whether something is being built or torn down. The answer is: it can be both! It is indee… Landon Long 3115 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22488899/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_aworkinprogress/id/1510729.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22488899 Scripture: Ezra 5:13-5:16 Sun, 01 Feb 2026 20:39:57 +0000 Landon Long Construction sites can be messy. Building something often involves creating disarray. A work in progress is inherently chaotic, making it difficult to distinguish whether something is being built or torn down. The answer is: it can be both! It is indeed a work in progress. Things may appear disorganized, but God is not finished yet. Calvary, for example, was not a beautiful sight, but it marked a beginning rather than an end. Each of us is a work in progress. From those newly converted to those who have embraced their faith for a lifetime, we are all works that are not yet complete. It’s perfectly okay to be a work in progress; we all need God in our lives. The enemy will try to convince you that you are not enough and will criticize your new beginnings. So, lay that first stone and continue working on it. Embrace being a work in progress, no matter how messy the process may seem. Small beginnings can lead to great outcomes, so don’t allow the enemy to make you feel ashamed of your initial steps. Opposition will arise during your building journey. The devil will attempt to persuade you that your situation cannot be fixed, claiming that the project will never be completed. He will try to intimidate you when you are near completion. The enemy will attack and attempt to undermine you at every stage of your work. He will seek to shame you in any way possible. Remember, God is still working on you, and the process isn’t over until He says it is done. Repentance is not the end; it is just part of the journey. Construction sites can be messy. Building something often involves creating disarray. A work in progress is inherently chaotic, making it difficult to distinguish whether something is being built or torn down. The answer is: it can be both! It is indeed a work in progress. Things may appear disorganized, but God is not finished yet. Calvary, for example, was not a beautiful sight, but it marked a beginning rather than an end. Each of us is a work in progress. From those newly converted to those who have embraced their faith for a lifetime, we are all works that are not yet complete. It’s perfectly okay to be a work in progress; we all need God in our lives. The enemy will try to convince you that you are not enough and will criticize your new beginnings. So, lay that first stone and continue working on it. Embrace being a work in progress, no matter how messy the process may seem. Small beginnings can lead to great outcomes, so don’t allow the enemy to make you feel ashamed of your initial steps. Opposition will arise during your building journey. The devil will attempt to persuade you that your situation cannot be fixed, claiming that the project will never be completed. He will try to intimidate you when you are near completion. The enemy will attack and attempt to undermine you at every stage of your work. He will seek to shame you in any way possible. Remember, God is still working on you, and the process isn’t over until He says it is done. Repentance is not the end; it is just part of the journey. Construction sites can be messy. Building something often involves creating disarray. A work in progress is inherently chaotic, making it difficult to distinguish whether something is being built or torn down. The answer is: it can be both! It is indee… Landon Long 3115 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22488899/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_aworkinprogress/id/4310108.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22488899 Scripture: Ezra 5:13-5:16 Sun, 11 Jan 2026 21:49:28 +0000 Landon Long In August 1492, Christopher Columbus embarked on a journey into the unknown. The logbook contained many entries, such as "Today, we sailed on." Nothing momentous happened, but they continued pursuing their journey. This pursuit serves as a metaphor for seeking God, which requires intentionality and a clear plan. Unlike casual wandering, pursuing Godliness, gentleness, goodness, faith, joy, and righteousness demands action, prayer, fasting, and stepping beyond our comfort zones. Everyone's spiritual journey is unique, and we must seek God from our current circumstances, whether in a desert, a valley, or in the midst of heartbreak. Just as sailors relied on an old-fashioned compass, we need guidance from old-fashioned things like prayer, fasting, and spiritual mentors. Knowing the direction is not enough; we must act and move towards it, overcoming our own limitations and earnestly pursuing God. In August 1492, Christopher Columbus embarked on a journey into the unknown. The logbook contained many entries, such as "Today, we sailed on." Nothing momentous happened, but they continued pursuing their journey. This pursuit serves as a metaphor for seeking God, which requires intentionality and a clear plan. Unlike casual wandering, pursuing Godliness, gentleness, goodness, faith, joy, and righteousness demands action, prayer, fasting, and stepping beyond our comfort zones. Everyone's spiritual journey is unique, and we must seek God from our current circumstances, whether in a desert, a valley, or in the midst of heartbreak. Just as sailors relied on an old-fashioned compass, we need guidance from old-fashioned things like prayer, fasting, and spiritual mentors. Knowing the direction is not enough; we must act and move towards it, overcoming our own limitations and earnestly pursuing God. In August 1492, Christopher Columbus embarked on a journey into the unknown. The logbook contained many entries, such as "Today, we sailed on." Nothing momentous happened, but they continued pursuing their journey. This pursuit serves as a metaphor… Landon Long 4023 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22482894/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_pursue/id/1506881.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22482894 Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11-29:14 Sun, 11 Jan 2026 21:49:28 +0000 Landon Long In August 1492, Christopher Columbus embarked on a journey into the unknown. The logbook contained many entries, such as "Today, we sailed on." Nothing momentous happened, but they continued pursuing their journey. This pursuit serves as a metaphor for seeking God, which requires intentionality and a clear plan. Unlike casual wandering, pursuing Godliness, gentleness, goodness, faith, joy, and righteousness demands action, prayer, fasting, and stepping beyond our comfort zones. Everyone's spiritual journey is unique, and we must seek God from our current circumstances, whether in a desert, a valley, or in the midst of heartbreak. Just as sailors relied on an old-fashioned compass, we need guidance from old-fashioned things like prayer, fasting, and spiritual mentors. Knowing the direction is not enough; we must act and move towards it, overcoming our own limitations and earnestly pursuing God. In August 1492, Christopher Columbus embarked on a journey into the unknown. The logbook contained many entries, such as "Today, we sailed on." Nothing momentous happened, but they continued pursuing their journey. This pursuit serves as a metaphor for seeking God, which requires intentionality and a clear plan. Unlike casual wandering, pursuing Godliness, gentleness, goodness, faith, joy, and righteousness demands action, prayer, fasting, and stepping beyond our comfort zones. Everyone's spiritual journey is unique, and we must seek God from our current circumstances, whether in a desert, a valley, or in the midst of heartbreak. Just as sailors relied on an old-fashioned compass, we need guidance from old-fashioned things like prayer, fasting, and spiritual mentors. Knowing the direction is not enough; we must act and move towards it, overcoming our own limitations and earnestly pursuing God. In August 1492, Christopher Columbus embarked on a journey into the unknown. The logbook contained many entries, such as "Today, we sailed on." Nothing momentous happened, but they continued pursuing their journey. This pursuit serves as a metaphor… Landon Long 4023 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22482894/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_pursue/id/4304252.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22482894 Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11-29:14 Sun, 04 Jan 2026 21:44:19 +0000 Mark Hughes Humans have selective attention and tend to find what they focus on, whether it is positive or negative. To improve life, it is essential to focus on solutions and goodness rather than doom and gloom. God desires to lead us to a better place, breaking us out of negative thought patterns. In our text from Proverbs, the Bible highlights three states: going, sleeping, and waking. In our going, God's word will guide and provide for us, as we are not wise enough to navigate life alone. While we are asleep (both physically and spiritually), God promises to keep us safe. Upon waking, God is there to talk with us, offering mercy, grace, encouragement, and reminders of His plans and blessings, looking to comfort and sustain us rather than judge us. Humans have selective attention and tend to find what they focus on, whether it is positive or negative. To improve life, it is essential to focus on solutions and goodness rather than doom and gloom. God desires to lead us to a better place, breaking us out of negative thought patterns. In our text from Proverbs, the Bible highlights three states: going, sleeping, and waking. In our going, God's word will guide and provide for us, as we are not wise enough to navigate life alone. While we are asleep (both physically and spiritually), God promises to keep us safe. Upon waking, God is there to talk with us, offering mercy, grace, encouragement, and reminders of His plans and blessings, looking to comfort and sustain us rather than judge us. Humans have selective attention and tend to find what they focus on, whether it is positive or negative. To improve life, it is essential to focus on solutions and goodness rather than doom and gloom. God desires to lead us to a better place, breaking … Mark Hughes 3058 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22480618/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_equippedfortheourney/id/1505468.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22480618 Scripture: Proverbs 6:20-6:22 Sun, 04 Jan 2026 21:44:19 +0000 Mark Hughes Humans have selective attention and tend to find what they focus on, whether it is positive or negative. To improve life, it is essential to focus on solutions and goodness rather than doom and gloom. God desires to lead us to a better place, breaking us out of negative thought patterns. In our text from Proverbs, the Bible highlights three states: going, sleeping, and waking. In our going, God's word will guide and provide for us, as we are not wise enough to navigate life alone. While we are asleep (both physically and spiritually), God promises to keep us safe. Upon waking, God is there to talk with us, offering mercy, grace, encouragement, and reminders of His plans and blessings, looking to comfort and sustain us rather than judge us. Humans have selective attention and tend to find what they focus on, whether it is positive or negative. To improve life, it is essential to focus on solutions and goodness rather than doom and gloom. God desires to lead us to a better place, breaking us out of negative thought patterns. In our text from Proverbs, the Bible highlights three states: going, sleeping, and waking. In our going, God's word will guide and provide for us, as we are not wise enough to navigate life alone. While we are asleep (both physically and spiritually), God promises to keep us safe. Upon waking, God is there to talk with us, offering mercy, grace, encouragement, and reminders of His plans and blessings, looking to comfort and sustain us rather than judge us. Humans have selective attention and tend to find what they focus on, whether it is positive or negative. To improve life, it is essential to focus on solutions and goodness rather than doom and gloom. God desires to lead us to a better place, breaking … Mark Hughes 3058 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22480618/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_equippedfortheourney/id/4302044.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22480618 Scripture: Proverbs 6:20-6:22 Sun, 14 Dec 2025 21:33:04 +0000 Mark Hughes Christmas carries a profound message that transcends the commercialized version often presented by the world. It celebrates the incarnation of the Word, who came to save humanity, making Christmas a timeless truth relevant throughout the year. This truth is more than the birth of a baby; it signifies a divine presence in our lives. We must not let earthly distractions obscure the spiritual significance of this season. John’s gospel emphasizes the Word's eternal existence and the tragedy of humanity's ignorance and indifference. People often miss the true meaning of Christmas because they are too preoccupied with their own lives. Mary and Joseph were turned away from the inn because there was no room. We too often have no room to allow Jesus into our lives. To truly embrace Christmas, we must prioritize what is important, recognize the divine in our lives, and engage in heartfelt worship. Worship, unlike mere praise, involves the heart and leads to transformative encounters with God. Despite our shortcomings, God’s grace surpasses our self-condemnation, offering us a path to bridge the gap and connect with Him. Christmas carries a profound message that transcends the commercialized version often presented by the world. It celebrates the incarnation of the Word, who came to save humanity, making Christmas a timeless truth relevant throughout the year. This truth is more than the birth of a baby; it signifies a divine presence in our lives. We must not let earthly distractions obscure the spiritual significance of this season. John’s gospel emphasizes the Word's eternal existence and the tragedy of humanity's ignorance and indifference. People often miss the true meaning of Christmas because they are too preoccupied with their own lives. Mary and Joseph were turned away from the inn because there was no room. We too often have no room to allow Jesus into our lives. To truly embrace Christmas, we must prioritize what is important, recognize the divine in our lives, and engage in heartfelt worship. Worship, unlike mere praise, involves the heart and leads to transformative encounters with God. Despite our shortcomings, God’s grace surpasses our self-condemnation, offering us a path to bridge the gap and connect with Him. Christmas carries a profound message that transcends the commercialized version often presented by the world. It celebrates the incarnation of the Word, who came to save humanity, making Christmas a timeless truth relevant throughout the year. This tru… Mark Hughes 2485 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22473984/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thegreatestpoverty/id/1500920.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22473984 Scripture: John 1:10-1:11 Sun, 14 Dec 2025 21:33:04 +0000 Mark Hughes Christmas carries a profound message that transcends the commercialized version often presented by the world. It celebrates the incarnation of the Word, who came to save humanity, making Christmas a timeless truth relevant throughout the year. This truth is more than the birth of a baby; it signifies a divine presence in our lives. We must not let earthly distractions obscure the spiritual significance of this season. John’s gospel emphasizes the Word's eternal existence and the tragedy of humanity's ignorance and indifference. People often miss the true meaning of Christmas because they are too preoccupied with their own lives. Mary and Joseph were turned away from the inn because there was no room. We too often have no room to allow Jesus into our lives. To truly embrace Christmas, we must prioritize what is important, recognize the divine in our lives, and engage in heartfelt worship. Worship, unlike mere praise, involves the heart and leads to transformative encounters with God. Despite our shortcomings, God’s grace surpasses our self-condemnation, offering us a path to bridge the gap and connect with Him. Christmas carries a profound message that transcends the commercialized version often presented by the world. It celebrates the incarnation of the Word, who came to save humanity, making Christmas a timeless truth relevant throughout the year. This truth is more than the birth of a baby; it signifies a divine presence in our lives. We must not let earthly distractions obscure the spiritual significance of this season. John’s gospel emphasizes the Word's eternal existence and the tragedy of humanity's ignorance and indifference. People often miss the true meaning of Christmas because they are too preoccupied with their own lives. Mary and Joseph were turned away from the inn because there was no room. We too often have no room to allow Jesus into our lives. To truly embrace Christmas, we must prioritize what is important, recognize the divine in our lives, and engage in heartfelt worship. Worship, unlike mere praise, involves the heart and leads to transformative encounters with God. Despite our shortcomings, God’s grace surpasses our self-condemnation, offering us a path to bridge the gap and connect with Him. Christmas carries a profound message that transcends the commercialized version often presented by the world. It celebrates the incarnation of the Word, who came to save humanity, making Christmas a timeless truth relevant throughout the year. This tru… Mark Hughes 2485 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22473984/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegreatestpoverty/id/4295525.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22473984 Scripture: John 1:10-1:11 Sun, 16 Nov 2025 21:43:13 +0000 Mark Hughes Paul's life, as documented in scripture, is remarkable. His journey to Rome to appeal his case to Caesar was filled with challenges, including shipwrecks, storms, and hostile encounters. Despite losing the ships and cargo, all crew members survived. After a shipwreck, they ended up on an island, cold and lost, but protected. After three months on the island, they find another ship and set out again, and finally reach Rome. Paul, weary and fearful, was encouraged by groups of believers who came to meet him. Their presence alleviated his fear, and he thanked God, gaining the courage to face what lay ahead. This story emphasizes the importance of recognizing blessings and expressing gratitude, which can uplift and unlock God's blessings. Paul's journey shows that life is never too difficult for God to be present, and a spirit of thanksgiving is essential for peace, contentment, and joy. Life's imperfections and challenges do not prevent us from giving thanks. Paul's life, as documented in scripture, is remarkable. His journey to Rome to appeal his case to Caesar was filled with challenges, including shipwrecks, storms, and hostile encounters. Despite losing the ships and cargo, all crew members survived. After a shipwreck, they ended up on an island, cold and lost, but protected. After three months on the island, they find another ship and set out again, and finally reach Rome. Paul, weary and fearful, was encouraged by groups of believers who came to meet him. Their presence alleviated his fear, and he thanked God, gaining the courage to face what lay ahead. This story emphasizes the importance of recognizing blessings and expressing gratitude, which can uplift and unlock God's blessings. Paul's journey shows that life is never too difficult for God to be present, and a spirit of thanksgiving is essential for peace, contentment, and joy. Life's imperfections and challenges do not prevent us from giving thanks. Paul's life, as documented in scripture, is remarkable. His journey to Rome to appeal his case to Caesar was filled with challenges, including shipwrecks, storms, and hostile encounters. Despite losing the ships and cargo, all crew members survived. Af… Mark Hughes 3197 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22465343/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thesecretthatunlockstheseason/id/1495388.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22465343 Scripture: Acts 28:11-28:15 Sun, 16 Nov 2025 21:43:13 +0000 Mark Hughes Paul's life, as documented in scripture, is remarkable. His journey to Rome to appeal his case to Caesar was filled with challenges, including shipwrecks, storms, and hostile encounters. Despite losing the ships and cargo, all crew members survived. After a shipwreck, they ended up on an island, cold and lost, but protected. After three months on the island, they find another ship and set out again, and finally reach Rome. Paul, weary and fearful, was encouraged by groups of believers who came to meet him. Their presence alleviated his fear, and he thanked God, gaining the courage to face what lay ahead. This story emphasizes the importance of recognizing blessings and expressing gratitude, which can uplift and unlock God's blessings. Paul's journey shows that life is never too difficult for God to be present, and a spirit of thanksgiving is essential for peace, contentment, and joy. Life's imperfections and challenges do not prevent us from giving thanks. Paul's life, as documented in scripture, is remarkable. His journey to Rome to appeal his case to Caesar was filled with challenges, including shipwrecks, storms, and hostile encounters. Despite losing the ships and cargo, all crew members survived. After a shipwreck, they ended up on an island, cold and lost, but protected. After three months on the island, they find another ship and set out again, and finally reach Rome. Paul, weary and fearful, was encouraged by groups of believers who came to meet him. Their presence alleviated his fear, and he thanked God, gaining the courage to face what lay ahead. This story emphasizes the importance of recognizing blessings and expressing gratitude, which can uplift and unlock God's blessings. Paul's journey shows that life is never too difficult for God to be present, and a spirit of thanksgiving is essential for peace, contentment, and joy. Life's imperfections and challenges do not prevent us from giving thanks. Paul's life, as documented in scripture, is remarkable. His journey to Rome to appeal his case to Caesar was filled with challenges, including shipwrecks, storms, and hostile encounters. Despite losing the ships and cargo, all crew members survived. Af… Mark Hughes 3197 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22465343/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thesecretthatunlockstheseason/id/4287320.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22465343 Scripture: Acts 28:11-28:15 Sun, 09 Nov 2025 23:27:12 +0000 Landon Long In the United States, we are preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving. We are reminded to be grateful, even during challenging times. Gratitude is easy when life is good, but it is essential to remain thankful during hardships, as these experiences prepare us for future blessings. In our text, Jesus heals a man who has been blind since birth. The mud, though messy and symbolic of despair, was a transformative tool Jesus used to bring about healing. The man's obedience and cleansing, not the mud itself, led to his sight being restored. The mess is part of the message, and while we may not choose our trials, they are orchestrated for our benefit. Ultimately, God does not want us to remain in our struggles but to be cleansed and transformed through them. In the United States, we are preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving. We are reminded to be grateful, even during challenging times. Gratitude is easy when life is good, but it is essential to remain thankful during hardships, as these experiences prepare us for future blessings. In our text, Jesus heals a man who has been blind since birth. The mud, though messy and symbolic of despair, was a transformative tool Jesus used to bring about healing. The man's obedience and cleansing, not the mud itself, led to his sight being restored. The mess is part of the message, and while we may not choose our trials, they are orchestrated for our benefit. Ultimately, God does not want us to remain in our struggles but to be cleansed and transformed through them. In the United States, we are preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving. We are reminded to be grateful, even during challenging times. Gratitude is easy when life is good, but it is essential to remain thankful during hardships, as these experiences prepare… Landon Long 2800 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22463044/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thankfulforthemud/id/1493801.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22463044 Scripture: John 9:1-9:11 Sun, 09 Nov 2025 23:27:12 +0000 Landon Long In the United States, we are preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving. We are reminded to be grateful, even during challenging times. Gratitude is easy when life is good, but it is essential to remain thankful during hardships, as these experiences prepare us for future blessings. In our text, Jesus heals a man who has been blind since birth. The mud, though messy and symbolic of despair, was a transformative tool Jesus used to bring about healing. The man's obedience and cleansing, not the mud itself, led to his sight being restored. The mess is part of the message, and while we may not choose our trials, they are orchestrated for our benefit. Ultimately, God does not want us to remain in our struggles but to be cleansed and transformed through them. In the United States, we are preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving. We are reminded to be grateful, even during challenging times. Gratitude is easy when life is good, but it is essential to remain thankful during hardships, as these experiences prepare us for future blessings. In our text, Jesus heals a man who has been blind since birth. The mud, though messy and symbolic of despair, was a transformative tool Jesus used to bring about healing. The man's obedience and cleansing, not the mud itself, led to his sight being restored. The mess is part of the message, and while we may not choose our trials, they are orchestrated for our benefit. Ultimately, God does not want us to remain in our struggles but to be cleansed and transformed through them. In the United States, we are preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving. We are reminded to be grateful, even during challenging times. Gratitude is easy when life is good, but it is essential to remain thankful during hardships, as these experiences prepare… Landon Long 2800 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22463044/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thankfulforthemud/id/4284952.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22463044 Scripture: John 9:1-9:11 Sun, 26 Oct 2025 20:11:02 +0000 Mark Hughes There is a difference between feeling like a failure and being a failure. The men in our text were professional fishermen. They knew this lake and its peculiarities for fishing. They were skilled, trained, and experienced. But on that night, they were unsuccessful. Despite the work and effort, the nets are empty. Jesus boards the boat and begins to teach people on the shore. After ministering to the people, Jesus tells Simon to launch out into the deep. Simon responds: We have worked all night and caught nothing, but we will do as you say. Something shifted in Simon during his response, and he decided to trust Jesus. The net-breaking catch was not the miracle of this story. Jesus did all that to get Simon to the place where he called James and John to be disciples. They were tired, having fished all night. They were disappointed because their work had not yielded any results. Let the nets down one more time. God knows how to deal with our failures, our emptiness. He knows how to turn things around. He can answer our deepest needs and insecurities. Allow Him to reposition us to a place where He can work in our lives. There is a difference between feeling like a failure and being a failure. The men in our text were professional fishermen. They knew this lake and its peculiarities for fishing. They were skilled, trained, and experienced. But on that night, they were unsuccessful. Despite the work and effort, the nets are empty. Jesus boards the boat and begins to teach people on the shore. After ministering to the people, Jesus tells Simon to launch out into the deep. Simon responds: We have worked all night and caught nothing, but we will do as you say. Something shifted in Simon during his response, and he decided to trust Jesus. The net-breaking catch was not the miracle of this story. Jesus did all that to get Simon to the place where he called James and John to be disciples. They were tired, having fished all night. They were disappointed because their work had not yielded any results. Let the nets down one more time. God knows how to deal with our failures, our emptiness. He knows how to turn things around. He can answer our deepest needs and insecurities. Allow Him to reposition us to a place where He can work in our lives. There is a difference between feeling like a failure and being a failure. The men in our text were professional fishermen. They knew this lake and its peculiarities for fishing. They were skilled, trained, and experienced. But on that night, they wer… Mark Hughes 3449 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22458269/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whengodgetsinyourbusiness/id/1490892.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22458269 Scripture: Luke 5:3-5:10 Sun, 26 Oct 2025 20:11:02 +0000 Mark Hughes There is a difference between feeling like a failure and being a failure. The men in our text were professional fishermen. They knew this lake and its peculiarities for fishing. They were skilled, trained, and experienced. But on that night, they were unsuccessful. Despite the work and effort, the nets are empty. Jesus boards the boat and begins to teach people on the shore. After ministering to the people, Jesus tells Simon to launch out into the deep. Simon responds: We have worked all night and caught nothing, but we will do as you say. Something shifted in Simon during his response, and he decided to trust Jesus. The net-breaking catch was not the miracle of this story. Jesus did all that to get Simon to the place where he called James and John to be disciples. They were tired, having fished all night. They were disappointed because their work had not yielded any results. Let the nets down one more time. God knows how to deal with our failures, our emptiness. He knows how to turn things around. He can answer our deepest needs and insecurities. Allow Him to reposition us to a place where He can work in our lives. There is a difference between feeling like a failure and being a failure. The men in our text were professional fishermen. They knew this lake and its peculiarities for fishing. They were skilled, trained, and experienced. But on that night, they were unsuccessful. Despite the work and effort, the nets are empty. Jesus boards the boat and begins to teach people on the shore. After ministering to the people, Jesus tells Simon to launch out into the deep. Simon responds: We have worked all night and caught nothing, but we will do as you say. Something shifted in Simon during his response, and he decided to trust Jesus. The net-breaking catch was not the miracle of this story. Jesus did all that to get Simon to the place where he called James and John to be disciples. They were tired, having fished all night. They were disappointed because their work had not yielded any results. Let the nets down one more time. God knows how to deal with our failures, our emptiness. He knows how to turn things around. He can answer our deepest needs and insecurities. Allow Him to reposition us to a place where He can work in our lives. There is a difference between feeling like a failure and being a failure. The men in our text were professional fishermen. They knew this lake and its peculiarities for fishing. They were skilled, trained, and experienced. But on that night, they wer… Mark Hughes 3449 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22458269/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whengodgetsinyourbusiness/id/4280440.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22458269 Scripture: Luke 5:3-5:10 Sun, 19 Oct 2025 20:15:02 +0000 Kenneth Baker Love will make you do some crazy things. Love can change us. It can soften our hearts and change our priorities. Love is selfless. Love starts with a relationship and friendship. The hardships didn't matter because you love each other. Love will cause you to do things others would not understand. Jesus demonstrated His love by laying down. His life, while we were still sinners. In our text, Jacob is with Leben. He loved Rachel and submitted himself to the work for seven years because of his love. We like our payment up front, but Jacob agreed to work for 7 years before receiving Rachel as his wife, AND THEN to work for seven more after Laban tricked him. The bible says it only seemed like a few days because he loved Rachel so much. He was willing to do anything because he loved her. Is our relationship with Jesus like that? Do we view our relationship as a burden or a chore? Can we go back to the moment when we knew we loved Jesus? Can we remember what it felt like when we came up out of the water? Can we go back to when we received the Holy Ghost? Can we remember how we felt then? Does it still feel like that? When we serve, it is not an obligation or a duty; it is done out of love. Don't forget that feeling from the beginning when our love for Jesus was not a chore, but a privilege. Love will make you do some crazy things. Love can change us. It can soften our hearts and change our priorities. Love is selfless. Love starts with a relationship and friendship. The hardships didn't matter because you love each other. Love will cause you to do things others would not understand. Jesus demonstrated His love by laying down. His life, while we were still sinners. In our text, Jacob is with Leben. He loved Rachel and submitted himself to the work for seven years because of his love. We like our payment up front, but Jacob agreed to work for 7 years before receiving Rachel as his wife, AND THEN to work for seven more after Laban tricked him. The bible says it only seemed like a few days because he loved Rachel so much. He was willing to do anything because he loved her. Is our relationship with Jesus like that? Do we view our relationship as a burden or a chore? Can we go back to the moment when we knew we loved Jesus? Can we remember what it felt like when we came up out of the water? Can we go back to when we received the Holy Ghost? Can we remember how we felt then? Does it still feel like that? When we serve, it is not an obligation or a duty; it is done out of love. Don't forget that feeling from the beginning when our love for Jesus was not a chore, but a privilege. Love will make you do some crazy things. Love can change us. It can soften our hearts and change our priorities. Love is selfless. Love starts with a relationship and friendship. The hardships didn't matter because you love each other. Love will c… Kenneth Baker 2864 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22455833/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thatswhatlovewilldotoyou/id/1489297.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22455833 Scripture: Genesis 29:13-29:20 Sun, 19 Oct 2025 20:15:02 +0000 Kenneth Baker Love will make you do some crazy things. Love can change us. It can soften our hearts and change our priorities. Love is selfless. Love starts with a relationship and friendship. The hardships didn't matter because you love each other. Love will cause you to do things others would not understand. Jesus demonstrated His love by laying down. His life, while we were still sinners. In our text, Jacob is with Leben. He loved Rachel and submitted himself to the work for seven years because of his love. We like our payment up front, but Jacob agreed to work for 7 years before receiving Rachel as his wife, AND THEN to work for seven more after Laban tricked him. The bible says it only seemed like a few days because he loved Rachel so much. He was willing to do anything because he loved her. Is our relationship with Jesus like that? Do we view our relationship as a burden or a chore? Can we go back to the moment when we knew we loved Jesus? Can we remember what it felt like when we came up out of the water? Can we go back to when we received the Holy Ghost? Can we remember how we felt then? Does it still feel like that? When we serve, it is not an obligation or a duty; it is done out of love. Don't forget that feeling from the beginning when our love for Jesus was not a chore, but a privilege. Love will make you do some crazy things. Love can change us. It can soften our hearts and change our priorities. Love is selfless. Love starts with a relationship and friendship. The hardships didn't matter because you love each other. Love will cause you to do things others would not understand. Jesus demonstrated His love by laying down. His life, while we were still sinners. In our text, Jacob is with Leben. He loved Rachel and submitted himself to the work for seven years because of his love. We like our payment up front, but Jacob agreed to work for 7 years before receiving Rachel as his wife, AND THEN to work for seven more after Laban tricked him. The bible says it only seemed like a few days because he loved Rachel so much. He was willing to do anything because he loved her. Is our relationship with Jesus like that? Do we view our relationship as a burden or a chore? Can we go back to the moment when we knew we loved Jesus? Can we remember what it felt like when we came up out of the water? Can we go back to when we received the Holy Ghost? Can we remember how we felt then? Does it still feel like that? When we serve, it is not an obligation or a duty; it is done out of love. Don't forget that feeling from the beginning when our love for Jesus was not a chore, but a privilege. Love will make you do some crazy things. Love can change us. It can soften our hearts and change our priorities. Love is selfless. Love starts with a relationship and friendship. The hardships didn't matter because you love each other. Love will c… Kenneth Baker 2864 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22455833/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thatswhatlovewilldotoyou/id/4277860.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22455833 Scripture: Genesis 29:13-29:20 Sun, 12 Oct 2025 20:25:38 +0000 Landon Long We all have specific ways and beliefs ingrained deep in us that we do without thinking. This is how deep Daniel's faith was. The enemy tried to trap him or find some fault to discredit him, but they could find none. Since they couldn't find anything, they began to plot a way to trap him using his faithfulness They devised a law that would prohibit people from praying to God rather than the King. They knew that Daniel would continue praying to Gad and therefore break the law. They were confident that he would be faithful. The King also knew that Daniel was faithful. He knew he had been tricked, but he had to go through the with the punishment. He encouraged Daniel, saying God would protect him. The real story here is not Daniel's faithfulness or that Darius recognized it. The real story is God's faithfulness. The message here is to be confident in our continual What do others see in us? Do they see a continual faith? We all have specific ways and beliefs ingrained deep in us that we do without thinking. This is how deep Daniel's faith was. The enemy tried to trap him or find some fault to discredit him, but they could find none. Since they couldn't find anything, they began to plot a way to trap him using his faithfulness They devised a law that would prohibit people from praying to God rather than the King. They knew that Daniel would continue praying to Gad and therefore break the law. They were confident that he would be faithful. The King also knew that Daniel was faithful. He knew he had been tricked, but he had to go through the with the punishment. He encouraged Daniel, saying God would protect him. The real story here is not Daniel's faithfulness or that Darius recognized it. The real story is God's faithfulness. The message here is to be confident in our continual What do others see in us? Do they see a continual faith? We all have specific ways and beliefs ingrained deep in us that we do without thinking. This is how deep Daniel's faith was. The enemy tried to trap him or find some fault to discredit him, but they could find none. Since they couldn't find anything, … Landon Long 2872 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22453421/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_confidentinmycontinual/id/1487752.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22453421 Scripture: Daniel 1:16-1:23 Sun, 12 Oct 2025 20:25:38 +0000 Landon Long We all have specific ways and beliefs ingrained deep in us that we do without thinking. This is how deep Daniel's faith was. The enemy tried to trap him or find some fault to discredit him, but they could find none. Since they couldn't find anything, they began to plot a way to trap him using his faithfulness They devised a law that would prohibit people from praying to God rather than the King. They knew that Daniel would continue praying to Gad and therefore break the law. They were confident that he would be faithful. The King also knew that Daniel was faithful. He knew he had been tricked, but he had to go through the with the punishment. He encouraged Daniel, saying God would protect him. The real story here is not Daniel's faithfulness or that Darius recognized it. The real story is God's faithfulness. The message here is to be confident in our continual What do others see in us? Do they see a continual faith? We all have specific ways and beliefs ingrained deep in us that we do without thinking. This is how deep Daniel's faith was. The enemy tried to trap him or find some fault to discredit him, but they could find none. Since they couldn't find anything, they began to plot a way to trap him using his faithfulness They devised a law that would prohibit people from praying to God rather than the King. They knew that Daniel would continue praying to Gad and therefore break the law. They were confident that he would be faithful. The King also knew that Daniel was faithful. He knew he had been tricked, but he had to go through the with the punishment. He encouraged Daniel, saying God would protect him. The real story here is not Daniel's faithfulness or that Darius recognized it. The real story is God's faithfulness. The message here is to be confident in our continual What do others see in us? Do they see a continual faith? We all have specific ways and beliefs ingrained deep in us that we do without thinking. This is how deep Daniel's faith was. The enemy tried to trap him or find some fault to discredit him, but they could find none. Since they couldn't find anything, … Landon Long 2872 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22453421/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_confidentinmycontinual/id/4275505.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22453421 Scripture: Daniel 1:16-1:23 Sun, 28 Sep 2025 20:51:25 +0000 Mark Hughes In scripture, the word therefore should cause us to stop and take notice. There is always a reason for the therefore. We need to hear whatever he says next. In this specific text, God's people were in captivity in Babylon. They found it too difficult to praise God. They were in a strange place and scattered across the land. They were in a place of little strength. Our text talks about little. However, this little is not insufficient. This little was more than enough. They were in a strange place and felt all alone. They wanted deliverance, but God promised them a little Sanctuary to get them through. He was going to be enough. They wanted more, but God was enough. We must learn how to praise God when we don't have enough. We must praise God in the times of trial and suffering. We may not have all we want, but we can praise Gad with what we have. We may not be as close to God as we should be, but we can praise Him where we are. We may not have what we used to have, but we can make it what we have left. We must praise God in our poverty to let the devil know he did not win. There is a biblical truth in scripture that if we do not use what God gives us, we will lose it. We must praise with what little hope we have, or we may lose what little hope we have. Our text gives us a promise amid the pain. He promised them He would be a little sanctuary right where they were. He was there and was all they needed. In scripture, the word therefore should cause us to stop and take notice. There is always a reason for the therefore. We need to hear whatever he says next. In this specific text, God's people were in captivity in Babylon. They found it too difficult to praise God. They were in a strange place and scattered across the land. They were in a place of little strength. Our text talks about little. However, this little is not insufficient. This little was more than enough. They were in a strange place and felt all alone. They wanted deliverance, but God promised them a little Sanctuary to get them through. He was going to be enough. They wanted more, but God was enough. We must learn how to praise God when we don't have enough. We must praise God in the times of trial and suffering. We may not have all we want, but we can praise Gad with what we have. We may not be as close to God as we should be, but we can praise Him where we are. We may not have what we used to have, but we can make it what we have left. We must praise God in our poverty to let the devil know he did not win. There is a biblical truth in scripture that if we do not use what God gives us, we will lose it. We must praise with what little hope we have, or we may lose what little hope we have. Our text gives us a promise amid the pain. He promised them He would be a little sanctuary right where they were. He was there and was all they needed. In scripture, the word therefore should cause us to stop and take notice. There is always a reason for the therefore. We need to hear whatever he says next. In this specific text, God's people were in captivity in Babylon. They found it too difficult … Mark Hughes 2856 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22448800/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_apromisebiggerthanyourproblem/id/1484741.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22448800 Scripture: Ezekiel 11:16 Sun, 28 Sep 2025 20:51:25 +0000 Mark Hughes In scripture, the word therefore should cause us to stop and take notice. There is always a reason for the therefore. We need to hear whatever he says next. In this specific text, God's people were in captivity in Babylon. They found it too difficult to praise God. They were in a strange place and scattered across the land. They were in a place of little strength. Our text talks about little. However, this little is not insufficient. This little was more than enough. They were in a strange place and felt all alone. They wanted deliverance, but God promised them a little Sanctuary to get them through. He was going to be enough. They wanted more, but God was enough. We must learn how to praise God when we don't have enough. We must praise God in the times of trial and suffering. We may not have all we want, but we can praise Gad with what we have. We may not be as close to God as we should be, but we can praise Him where we are. We may not have what we used to have, but we can make it what we have left. We must praise God in our poverty to let the devil know he did not win. There is a biblical truth in scripture that if we do not use what God gives us, we will lose it. We must praise with what little hope we have, or we may lose what little hope we have. Our text gives us a promise amid the pain. He promised them He would be a little sanctuary right where they were. He was there and was all they needed. In scripture, the word therefore should cause us to stop and take notice. There is always a reason for the therefore. We need to hear whatever he says next. In this specific text, God's people were in captivity in Babylon. They found it too difficult to praise God. They were in a strange place and scattered across the land. They were in a place of little strength. Our text talks about little. However, this little is not insufficient. This little was more than enough. They were in a strange place and felt all alone. They wanted deliverance, but God promised them a little Sanctuary to get them through. He was going to be enough. They wanted more, but God was enough. We must learn how to praise God when we don't have enough. We must praise God in the times of trial and suffering. We may not have all we want, but we can praise Gad with what we have. We may not be as close to God as we should be, but we can praise Him where we are. We may not have what we used to have, but we can make it what we have left. We must praise God in our poverty to let the devil know he did not win. There is a biblical truth in scripture that if we do not use what God gives us, we will lose it. We must praise with what little hope we have, or we may lose what little hope we have. Our text gives us a promise amid the pain. He promised them He would be a little sanctuary right where they were. He was there and was all they needed. In scripture, the word therefore should cause us to stop and take notice. There is always a reason for the therefore. We need to hear whatever he says next. In this specific text, God's people were in captivity in Babylon. They found it too difficult … Mark Hughes 2856 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22448800/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_apromisebiggerthanyourproblem/id/4271006.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22448800 Scripture: Ezekiel 11:16 Sun, 21 Sep 2025 20:37:47 +0000 Landon Long We do not like being separated from the ones we love. However, sometimes it is necessary to allow for growth or development. Dad didn't let go of the bicycle to watch us fall. He let go so we could learn to ride on our own. God sometimes puts distance between Himself and us to push us toward something better or that is more than we think we can do. The psalmist bemoans his separation from God. But later, he realized that God was with him the whole time. Job felt that separation, but never lost faith. The distance is often real. But why is it there? Sin is one answer. God hates sin, and the bible says our sin separates us from God and causes Him to hide his face. The enemy uses this against us, telling us that our actions are too bad to be forgiven. But the Bible says NOTHING can separate us from the love of God. Given that, why does God put distance between us? He is trying to get us to grow. He has gone ahead to lead us to a higher place. He is leading; we must follow. His walking away is not leaving; it is leading. The divide is not a rejection. It is an invitation. There are times He shows up to where we are, but there are times we must move to where He is. In Matthew 14 the disciples are in a storm fighting against the wind. Jesus comes walking to them on the water. Peter says if it is you, bid me to come to you on the water. He wanted to overcome the divide. Jesus said Come.- That invitation was to all of them not just Peter. All we have to do is step out of the boat. Each step was a reward for believing in faith. God led Israel out of Egypt and gave them a pillar of cloud and fire by night to follow. They had to move with him, or be left behind. If we stay where He was, we will miss out on where He is taking us. We must get out of our comfort zone and close the divide. He cannot be the only one pursuing. We must close the gap and run Him. Our actions can create a divide, but so can our inaction. What feels like distance from God is His invitation to draw closer. We do not like being separated from the ones we love. However, sometimes it is necessary to allow for growth or development. Dad didn't let go of the bicycle to watch us fall. He let go so we could learn to ride on our own. God sometimes puts distance between Himself and us to push us toward something better or that is more than we think we can do. The psalmist bemoans his separation from God. But later, he realized that God was with him the whole time. Job felt that separation, but never lost faith. The distance is often real. But why is it there? Sin is one answer. God hates sin, and the bible says our sin separates us from God and causes Him to hide his face. The enemy uses this against us, telling us that our actions are too bad to be forgiven. But the Bible says NOTHING can separate us from the love of God. Given that, why does God put distance between us? He is trying to get us to grow. He has gone ahead to lead us to a higher place. He is leading; we must follow. His walking away is not leaving; it is leading. The divide is not a rejection. It is an invitation. There are times He shows up to where we are, but there are times we must move to where He is. In Matthew 14 the disciples are in a storm fighting against the wind. Jesus comes walking to them on the water. Peter says if it is you, bid me to come to you on the water. He wanted to overcome the divide. Jesus said Come.- That invitation was to all of them not just Peter. All we have to do is step out of the boat. Each step was a reward for believing in faith. God led Israel out of Egypt and gave them a pillar of cloud and fire by night to follow. They had to move with him, or be left behind. If we stay where He was, we will miss out on where He is taking us. We must get out of our comfort zone and close the divide. He cannot be the only one pursuing. We must close the gap and run Him. Our actions can create a divide, but so can our inaction. What feels like distance from God is His invitation to draw closer. We do not like being separated from the ones we love. However, sometimes it is necessary to allow for growth or development. Dad didn't let go of the bicycle to watch us fall. He let go so we could learn to ride on our own. God sometimes puts distan… Landon Long 3433 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22446488/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thedivinedivide/id/1483235.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22446488 Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:3-31:8 Sun, 21 Sep 2025 20:37:47 +0000 Landon Long We do not like being separated from the ones we love. However, sometimes it is necessary to allow for growth or development. Dad didn't let go of the bicycle to watch us fall. He let go so we could learn to ride on our own. God sometimes puts distance between Himself and us to push us toward something better or that is more than we think we can do. The psalmist bemoans his separation from God. But later, he realized that God was with him the whole time. Job felt that separation, but never lost faith. The distance is often real. But why is it there? Sin is one answer. God hates sin, and the bible says our sin separates us from God and causes Him to hide his face. The enemy uses this against us, telling us that our actions are too bad to be forgiven. But the Bible says NOTHING can separate us from the love of God. Given that, why does God put distance between us? He is trying to get us to grow. He has gone ahead to lead us to a higher place. He is leading; we must follow. His walking away is not leaving; it is leading. The divide is not a rejection. It is an invitation. There are times He shows up to where we are, but there are times we must move to where He is. In Matthew 14 the disciples are in a storm fighting against the wind. Jesus comes walking to them on the water. Peter says if it is you, bid me to come to you on the water. He wanted to overcome the divide. Jesus said Come.- That invitation was to all of them not just Peter. All we have to do is step out of the boat. Each step was a reward for believing in faith. God led Israel out of Egypt and gave them a pillar of cloud and fire by night to follow. They had to move with him, or be left behind. If we stay where He was, we will miss out on where He is taking us. We must get out of our comfort zone and close the divide. He cannot be the only one pursuing. We must close the gap and run Him. Our actions can create a divide, but so can our inaction. What feels like distance from God is His invitation to draw closer. We do not like being separated from the ones we love. However, sometimes it is necessary to allow for growth or development. Dad didn't let go of the bicycle to watch us fall. He let go so we could learn to ride on our own. God sometimes puts distance between Himself and us to push us toward something better or that is more than we think we can do. The psalmist bemoans his separation from God. But later, he realized that God was with him the whole time. Job felt that separation, but never lost faith. The distance is often real. But why is it there? Sin is one answer. God hates sin, and the bible says our sin separates us from God and causes Him to hide his face. The enemy uses this against us, telling us that our actions are too bad to be forgiven. But the Bible says NOTHING can separate us from the love of God. Given that, why does God put distance between us? He is trying to get us to grow. He has gone ahead to lead us to a higher place. He is leading; we must follow. His walking away is not leaving; it is leading. The divide is not a rejection. It is an invitation. There are times He shows up to where we are, but there are times we must move to where He is. In Matthew 14 the disciples are in a storm fighting against the wind. Jesus comes walking to them on the water. Peter says if it is you, bid me to come to you on the water. He wanted to overcome the divide. Jesus said Come.- That invitation was to all of them not just Peter. All we have to do is step out of the boat. Each step was a reward for believing in faith. God led Israel out of Egypt and gave them a pillar of cloud and fire by night to follow. They had to move with him, or be left behind. If we stay where He was, we will miss out on where He is taking us. We must get out of our comfort zone and close the divide. He cannot be the only one pursuing. We must close the gap and run Him. Our actions can create a divide, but so can our inaction. What feels like distance from God is His invitation to draw closer. We do not like being separated from the ones we love. However, sometimes it is necessary to allow for growth or development. Dad didn't let go of the bicycle to watch us fall. He let go so we could learn to ride on our own. God sometimes puts distan… Landon Long 3433 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22446488/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thedivinedivide/id/4268736.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22446488 Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:3-31:8 Sun, 14 Sep 2025 21:37:48 +0000 Landon Long Deep down, all of us want to please God. To do that, we often give of ourselves: our time, our efforts, or our money. We can give all we have and more, but if what we give is not what God wants, what have we accomplished? Is it possible to give too much? When we try to impress God or outdo our neighbors, we may have given too much. The Old Testament is particular about sacrifices. It defines certain animals, in an exact condition, for each type of offering. The law also had allowances for those who could not afford a bull or a ram, to use a dove or a pigeon in place of the more expensive animal. God provided a way for each person to offer and accept an acceptable sacrifice for their sins. Sometimes we try to bargain with God by giving something else in place of the sacrifice He asks of us. It is not about the quantity. It is about the quality. God has no need for our wealth; He is asking a sacrifice from us to demonstrate our reliance on Him. God knows what we can bring. He is not asking us to outdo our neighbor; He is asking us to outdo ourselves. Whatever God is asking of us is what we should give. We should not question what He wants, or how He wants it. God is not trying to trick us. All we have to do is be pleasing to the Lord. Are we pleasing God when we do what he didn't ask us to do? What about the opposite situation? What if we won't give God what He asks? We offer too little when we only offer some. To obey is better than sacrifice. When we only obey part of what God asks, we have rejected all of God. God has shown what He wants from us. If we give more, it is not pleasing to Him, and if we give less, it is a sin. We must find a balance between giving too much and withholding what is required. Deep down, all of us want to please God. To do that, we often give of ourselves: our time, our efforts, or our money. We can give all we have and more, but if what we give is not what God wants, what have we accomplished? Is it possible to give too much? When we try to impress God or outdo our neighbors, we may have given too much. The Old Testament is particular about sacrifices. It defines certain animals, in an exact condition, for each type of offering. The law also had allowances for those who could not afford a bull or a ram, to use a dove or a pigeon in place of the more expensive animal. God provided a way for each person to offer and accept an acceptable sacrifice for their sins. Sometimes we try to bargain with God by giving something else in place of the sacrifice He asks of us. It is not about the quantity. It is about the quality. God has no need for our wealth; He is asking a sacrifice from us to demonstrate our reliance on Him. God knows what we can bring. He is not asking us to outdo our neighbor; He is asking us to outdo ourselves. Whatever God is asking of us is what we should give. We should not question what He wants, or how He wants it. God is not trying to trick us. All we have to do is be pleasing to the Lord. Are we pleasing God when we do what he didn't ask us to do? What about the opposite situation? What if we won't give God what He asks? We offer too little when we only offer some. To obey is better than sacrifice. When we only obey part of what God asks, we have rejected all of God. God has shown what He wants from us. If we give more, it is not pleasing to Him, and if we give less, it is a sin. We must find a balance between giving too much and withholding what is required. Deep down, all of us want to please God. To do that, we often give of ourselves: our time, our efforts, or our money. We can give all we have and more, but if what we give is not what God wants, what have we accomplished? Is it possible to give too… Landon Long 3423 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22444170/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_toomuchornotenough/id/1481684.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22444170 Scripture: Micah 6:8-6:8 Sun, 14 Sep 2025 21:37:48 +0000 Landon Long Deep down, all of us want to please God. To do that, we often give of ourselves: our time, our efforts, or our money. We can give all we have and more, but if what we give is not what God wants, what have we accomplished? Is it possible to give too much? When we try to impress God or outdo our neighbors, we may have given too much. The Old Testament is particular about sacrifices. It defines certain animals, in an exact condition, for each type of offering. The law also had allowances for those who could not afford a bull or a ram, to use a dove or a pigeon in place of the more expensive animal. God provided a way for each person to offer and accept an acceptable sacrifice for their sins. Sometimes we try to bargain with God by giving something else in place of the sacrifice He asks of us. It is not about the quantity. It is about the quality. God has no need for our wealth; He is asking a sacrifice from us to demonstrate our reliance on Him. God knows what we can bring. He is not asking us to outdo our neighbor; He is asking us to outdo ourselves. Whatever God is asking of us is what we should give. We should not question what He wants, or how He wants it. God is not trying to trick us. All we have to do is be pleasing to the Lord. Are we pleasing God when we do what he didn't ask us to do? What about the opposite situation? What if we won't give God what He asks? We offer too little when we only offer some. To obey is better than sacrifice. When we only obey part of what God asks, we have rejected all of God. God has shown what He wants from us. If we give more, it is not pleasing to Him, and if we give less, it is a sin. We must find a balance between giving too much and withholding what is required. Deep down, all of us want to please God. To do that, we often give of ourselves: our time, our efforts, or our money. We can give all we have and more, but if what we give is not what God wants, what have we accomplished? Is it possible to give too much? When we try to impress God or outdo our neighbors, we may have given too much. The Old Testament is particular about sacrifices. It defines certain animals, in an exact condition, for each type of offering. The law also had allowances for those who could not afford a bull or a ram, to use a dove or a pigeon in place of the more expensive animal. God provided a way for each person to offer and accept an acceptable sacrifice for their sins. Sometimes we try to bargain with God by giving something else in place of the sacrifice He asks of us. It is not about the quantity. It is about the quality. God has no need for our wealth; He is asking a sacrifice from us to demonstrate our reliance on Him. God knows what we can bring. He is not asking us to outdo our neighbor; He is asking us to outdo ourselves. Whatever God is asking of us is what we should give. We should not question what He wants, or how He wants it. God is not trying to trick us. All we have to do is be pleasing to the Lord. Are we pleasing God when we do what he didn't ask us to do? What about the opposite situation? What if we won't give God what He asks? We offer too little when we only offer some. To obey is better than sacrifice. When we only obey part of what God asks, we have rejected all of God. God has shown what He wants from us. If we give more, it is not pleasing to Him, and if we give less, it is a sin. We must find a balance between giving too much and withholding what is required. Deep down, all of us want to please God. To do that, we often give of ourselves: our time, our efforts, or our money. We can give all we have and more, but if what we give is not what God wants, what have we accomplished? Is it possible to give too… Landon Long 3423 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22444170/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_toomuchornotenough/id/4266440.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22444170 Scripture: Micah 6:8-6:8 Sun, 24 Aug 2025 20:33:44 +0000 Mark Hughes Life comes with troubles. In the midst of these troubles, it is all too easy to not be able to see anything but the immediate situation. In these times, we must remember that what we see right then is not the end state. God has other plans. God can change our perspective. This change in perspective can change our perception of our future. Getting to see this new perception releases us to praise. The Psalmist encourages us to lift our hands in the sanctuary. To do this, we must let go of all the negative things we are carrying and open our hands to praise. The sanctuary is a place God gives us to come and leave our problems, our hurts, and our disappointments. Let God change our perspective and open the bridge to our possibilities. Life comes with troubles. In the midst of these troubles, it is all too easy to not be able to see anything but the immediate situation. In these times, we must remember that what we see right then is not the end state. God has other plans. God can change our perspective. This change in perspective can change our perception of our future. Getting to see this new perception releases us to praise. The Psalmist encourages us to lift our hands in the sanctuary. To do this, we must let go of all the negative things we are carrying and open our hands to praise. The sanctuary is a place God gives us to come and leave our problems, our hurts, and our disappointments. Let God change our perspective and open the bridge to our possibilities. Life comes with troubles. In the midst of these troubles, it is all too easy to not be able to see anything but the immediate situation. In these times, we must remember that what we see right then is not the end state. God has other plans. God can… Mark Hughes 3177 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22437321/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thebridgetoyourpossibility/id/1477258.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22437321 Scripture: Luke 22:21-31:32 Sun, 24 Aug 2025 20:33:44 +0000 Mark Hughes Life comes with troubles. In the midst of these troubles, it is all too easy to not be able to see anything but the immediate situation. In these times, we must remember that what we see right then is not the end state. God has other plans. God can change our perspective. This change in perspective can change our perception of our future. Getting to see this new perception releases us to praise. The Psalmist encourages us to lift our hands in the sanctuary. To do this, we must let go of all the negative things we are carrying and open our hands to praise. The sanctuary is a place God gives us to come and leave our problems, our hurts, and our disappointments. Let God change our perspective and open the bridge to our possibilities. Life comes with troubles. In the midst of these troubles, it is all too easy to not be able to see anything but the immediate situation. In these times, we must remember that what we see right then is not the end state. God has other plans. God can change our perspective. This change in perspective can change our perception of our future. Getting to see this new perception releases us to praise. The Psalmist encourages us to lift our hands in the sanctuary. To do this, we must let go of all the negative things we are carrying and open our hands to praise. The sanctuary is a place God gives us to come and leave our problems, our hurts, and our disappointments. Let God change our perspective and open the bridge to our possibilities. Life comes with troubles. In the midst of these troubles, it is all too easy to not be able to see anything but the immediate situation. In these times, we must remember that what we see right then is not the end state. God has other plans. God can… Mark Hughes 3177 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22437321/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thebridgetoyourpossibility/id/4259796.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22437321 Scripture: Luke 22:21-31:32 Sun, 17 Aug 2025 21:15:09 +0000 Landon Long Our God is a giving God. While He gives, He also takes away. We read many accounts in the Bible where God took something away. However, we also read that after taking away, He eventually gives again, often much better than before. God will not leave us with nothingness. After the storm, God restores the sunshine. God also removes hardships. We like it when he does that. Is it unreasonable to expect that if God gives, He may also take away? Job's wife wrestled with this concept. She enjoyed the increase God provided, but when all was removed, she urged Job to curse God and die. Hearing this, Job rebuked his wife and reminded her that the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Takeaway is also an expression we use to describe a lesson learned from something. We might ask someone for their takeaway from a lesson or lecture, but this principle also applies to situations in life. If we are not careful, we can focus on what we have lost (what has been taken away) and not the lesson learned from the experience (the takeaway). Sometimes God has to take some things from us so He can do more for us. We cannot sing a new song if the old song is still on our lips. Often, the end of something makes way for something better. Do not focus on what was lost, but look expectantly for what God has in the future. Our God is a giving God. While He gives, He also takes away. We read many accounts in the Bible where God took something away. However, we also read that after taking away, He eventually gives again, often much better than before. God will not leave us with nothingness. After the storm, God restores the sunshine. God also removes hardships. We like it when he does that. Is it unreasonable to expect that if God gives, He may also take away? Job's wife wrestled with this concept. She enjoyed the increase God provided, but when all was removed, she urged Job to curse God and die. Hearing this, Job rebuked his wife and reminded her that the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Takeaway is also an expression we use to describe a lesson learned from something. We might ask someone for their takeaway from a lesson or lecture, but this principle also applies to situations in life. If we are not careful, we can focus on what we have lost (what has been taken away) and not the lesson learned from the experience (the takeaway). Sometimes God has to take some things from us so He can do more for us. We cannot sing a new song if the old song is still on our lips. Often, the end of something makes way for something better. Do not focus on what was lost, but look expectantly for what God has in the future. Our God is a giving God. While He gives, He also takes away. We read many accounts in the Bible where God took something away. However, we also read that after taking away, He eventually gives again, often much better than before. God will not leav… Landon Long 2988 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22435009/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thetakeaway/id/1475784.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22435009 Scripture: Job 1:21 Sun, 17 Aug 2025 21:15:09 +0000 Landon Long Our God is a giving God. While He gives, He also takes away. We read many accounts in the Bible where God took something away. However, we also read that after taking away, He eventually gives again, often much better than before. God will not leave us with nothingness. After the storm, God restores the sunshine. God also removes hardships. We like it when he does that. Is it unreasonable to expect that if God gives, He may also take away? Job's wife wrestled with this concept. She enjoyed the increase God provided, but when all was removed, she urged Job to curse God and die. Hearing this, Job rebuked his wife and reminded her that the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Takeaway is also an expression we use to describe a lesson learned from something. We might ask someone for their takeaway from a lesson or lecture, but this principle also applies to situations in life. If we are not careful, we can focus on what we have lost (what has been taken away) and not the lesson learned from the experience (the takeaway). Sometimes God has to take some things from us so He can do more for us. We cannot sing a new song if the old song is still on our lips. Often, the end of something makes way for something better. Do not focus on what was lost, but look expectantly for what God has in the future. Our God is a giving God. While He gives, He also takes away. We read many accounts in the Bible where God took something away. However, we also read that after taking away, He eventually gives again, often much better than before. God will not leave us with nothingness. After the storm, God restores the sunshine. God also removes hardships. We like it when he does that. Is it unreasonable to expect that if God gives, He may also take away? Job's wife wrestled with this concept. She enjoyed the increase God provided, but when all was removed, she urged Job to curse God and die. Hearing this, Job rebuked his wife and reminded her that the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Takeaway is also an expression we use to describe a lesson learned from something. We might ask someone for their takeaway from a lesson or lecture, but this principle also applies to situations in life. If we are not careful, we can focus on what we have lost (what has been taken away) and not the lesson learned from the experience (the takeaway). Sometimes God has to take some things from us so He can do more for us. We cannot sing a new song if the old song is still on our lips. Often, the end of something makes way for something better. Do not focus on what was lost, but look expectantly for what God has in the future. Our God is a giving God. While He gives, He also takes away. We read many accounts in the Bible where God took something away. However, we also read that after taking away, He eventually gives again, often much better than before. God will not leav… Landon Long 2988 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22435009/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thetakeaway/id/4257521.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22435009 Scripture: Job 1:21 Sun, 10 Aug 2025 20:06:58 +0000 Landon Long Sometimes we find ourselves needing something from God. Sometimes he responds quickly, and other times he is silent. We struggle with those times when we do not hear from Him. In these quiet times, it is easy to miss the blessings that God has provided as we long for the answer to our need. He does the big things, but He also does the small things that sustain us. God can work immediately, or it may take 20 years to get the answer we want. For Abraham and Sarah, it was 100 years before they saw their miracle. No matter the timing, God is always on time. But when God speaks, things happen. When He speaks, worlds come into existence, people rise from the dead, or the Red Sea parts. The first chapter of Genesis has "God said…and it was so" ten times. Sometimes God speaks to us, other times he speaks through things around us, like a burning bush or a donkey. In Mark 4, Jesus is asleep in the rear of the ship during a great storm. The disciples woke Him in a panic. Jesus did not speak to them at first; He spoke to the great storm, and what followed was a great peace. Just because He is not speaking directly to you does not mean that he is not speaking for you. After running from God, Jonah finds himself in the belly of a great fish. God had a plan. As bad as being in the fish's belly was, it was better than drowning after being thrown overboard. The situation we are in may be bad, but it might be part of something bigger God is doing. If there was ever a time Jonah needed a word from God, it was in this situation, but God did not speak to him. He spoke to the fish. In the time of our most desperate need, God may be speaking to someone else on our behalf. At our worst time, God may be talking to the storm. God has appointed something great. Sometimes we find ourselves needing something from God. Sometimes he responds quickly, and other times he is silent. We struggle with those times when we do not hear from Him. In these quiet times, it is easy to miss the blessings that God has provided as we long for the answer to our need. He does the big things, but He also does the small things that sustain us. God can work immediately, or it may take 20 years to get the answer we want. For Abraham and Sarah, it was 100 years before they saw their miracle. No matter the timing, God is always on time. But when God speaks, things happen. When He speaks, worlds come into existence, people rise from the dead, or the Red Sea parts. The first chapter of Genesis has "God said…and it was so" ten times. Sometimes God speaks to us, other times he speaks through things around us, like a burning bush or a donkey. In Mark 4, Jesus is asleep in the rear of the ship during a great storm. The disciples woke Him in a panic. Jesus did not speak to them at first; He spoke to the great storm, and what followed was a great peace. Just because He is not speaking directly to you does not mean that he is not speaking for you. After running from God, Jonah finds himself in the belly of a great fish. God had a plan. As bad as being in the fish's belly was, it was better than drowning after being thrown overboard. The situation we are in may be bad, but it might be part of something bigger God is doing. If there was ever a time Jonah needed a word from God, it was in this situation, but God did not speak to him. He spoke to the fish. In the time of our most desperate need, God may be speaking to someone else on our behalf. At our worst time, God may be talking to the storm. God has appointed something great. Sometimes we find ourselves needing something from God. Sometimes he responds quickly, and other times he is silent. We struggle with those times when we do not hear from Him. In these quiet times, it is easy to miss the blessings that God has provide… Landon Long 2716 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22432585/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_godhasappointedsomethinggreat/id/1474301.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22432585 Scripture: Jonah 1:17, Jonah 2 Sun, 10 Aug 2025 20:06:58 +0000 Landon Long Sometimes we find ourselves needing something from God. Sometimes he responds quickly, and other times he is silent. We struggle with those times when we do not hear from Him. In these quiet times, it is easy to miss the blessings that God has provided as we long for the answer to our need. He does the big things, but He also does the small things that sustain us. God can work immediately, or it may take 20 years to get the answer we want. For Abraham and Sarah, it was 100 years before they saw their miracle. No matter the timing, God is always on time. But when God speaks, things happen. When He speaks, worlds come into existence, people rise from the dead, or the Red Sea parts. The first chapter of Genesis has "God said…and it was so" ten times. Sometimes God speaks to us, other times he speaks through things around us, like a burning bush or a donkey. In Mark 4, Jesus is asleep in the rear of the ship during a great storm. The disciples woke Him in a panic. Jesus did not speak to them at first; He spoke to the great storm, and what followed was a great peace. Just because He is not speaking directly to you does not mean that he is not speaking for you. After running from God, Jonah finds himself in the belly of a great fish. God had a plan. As bad as being in the fish's belly was, it was better than drowning after being thrown overboard. The situation we are in may be bad, but it might be part of something bigger God is doing. If there was ever a time Jonah needed a word from God, it was in this situation, but God did not speak to him. He spoke to the fish. In the time of our most desperate need, God may be speaking to someone else on our behalf. At our worst time, God may be talking to the storm. God has appointed something great. Sometimes we find ourselves needing something from God. Sometimes he responds quickly, and other times he is silent. We struggle with those times when we do not hear from Him. In these quiet times, it is easy to miss the blessings that God has provided as we long for the answer to our need. He does the big things, but He also does the small things that sustain us. God can work immediately, or it may take 20 years to get the answer we want. For Abraham and Sarah, it was 100 years before they saw their miracle. No matter the timing, God is always on time. But when God speaks, things happen. When He speaks, worlds come into existence, people rise from the dead, or the Red Sea parts. The first chapter of Genesis has "God said…and it was so" ten times. Sometimes God speaks to us, other times he speaks through things around us, like a burning bush or a donkey. In Mark 4, Jesus is asleep in the rear of the ship during a great storm. The disciples woke Him in a panic. Jesus did not speak to them at first; He spoke to the great storm, and what followed was a great peace. Just because He is not speaking directly to you does not mean that he is not speaking for you. After running from God, Jonah finds himself in the belly of a great fish. God had a plan. As bad as being in the fish's belly was, it was better than drowning after being thrown overboard. The situation we are in may be bad, but it might be part of something bigger God is doing. If there was ever a time Jonah needed a word from God, it was in this situation, but God did not speak to him. He spoke to the fish. In the time of our most desperate need, God may be speaking to someone else on our behalf. At our worst time, God may be talking to the storm. God has appointed something great. Sometimes we find ourselves needing something from God. Sometimes he responds quickly, and other times he is silent. We struggle with those times when we do not hear from Him. In these quiet times, it is easy to miss the blessings that God has provide… Landon Long 2716 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22432585/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godhasappointedsomethinggreat/id/4255186.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22432585 Scripture: Jonah 1:17, Jonah 2 Sun, 03 Aug 2025 21:13:27 +0000 Brian Labat Construction projects all begin with some destruction and messiness. Before there can be any reconstruction, some demolition must occur. Before there can be healing, there must be sickness. Before restoration, there must be some loss. Miracles can be messy. Lazarus came out of the tomb still wrapped in the burial clothes and smelling like death. Your messy situation may look bad now, but it is part of a miracle in the making. God will restore what the enemy tried to destroy. Jesus raised Lazarus after four days of being dead. God is not constrained by time. Be it four days or forty years, God will move when His timing is right. God is not finished. If you are still breathing, there is still hope. The mess does not repel God; it attracts him. It is not over. He is not done. We are in the middle of a miracle. Construction projects all begin with some destruction and messiness. Before there can be any reconstruction, some demolition must occur. Before there can be healing, there must be sickness. Before restoration, there must be some loss. Miracles can be messy. Lazarus came out of the tomb still wrapped in the burial clothes and smelling like death. Your messy situation may look bad now, but it is part of a miracle in the making. God will restore what the enemy tried to destroy. Jesus raised Lazarus after four days of being dead. God is not constrained by time. Be it four days or forty years, God will move when His timing is right. God is not finished. If you are still breathing, there is still hope. The mess does not repel God; it attracts him. It is not over. He is not done. We are in the middle of a miracle. Construction projects all begin with some destruction and messiness. Before there can be any reconstruction, some demolition must occur. Before there can be healing, there must be sickness. Before restoration, there must be some loss. Miracles can … Brian Labat 2149 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22430375/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_themiddleofamiracle/id/1472881.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22430375 Scripture: John 11:38-11:44 Sun, 03 Aug 2025 21:13:27 +0000 Brian Labat Construction projects all begin with some destruction and messiness. Before there can be any reconstruction, some demolition must occur. Before there can be healing, there must be sickness. Before restoration, there must be some loss. Miracles can be messy. Lazarus came out of the tomb still wrapped in the burial clothes and smelling like death. Your messy situation may look bad now, but it is part of a miracle in the making. God will restore what the enemy tried to destroy. Jesus raised Lazarus after four days of being dead. God is not constrained by time. Be it four days or forty years, God will move when His timing is right. God is not finished. If you are still breathing, there is still hope. The mess does not repel God; it attracts him. It is not over. He is not done. We are in the middle of a miracle. Construction projects all begin with some destruction and messiness. Before there can be any reconstruction, some demolition must occur. Before there can be healing, there must be sickness. Before restoration, there must be some loss. Miracles can be messy. Lazarus came out of the tomb still wrapped in the burial clothes and smelling like death. Your messy situation may look bad now, but it is part of a miracle in the making. God will restore what the enemy tried to destroy. Jesus raised Lazarus after four days of being dead. God is not constrained by time. Be it four days or forty years, God will move when His timing is right. God is not finished. If you are still breathing, there is still hope. The mess does not repel God; it attracts him. It is not over. He is not done. We are in the middle of a miracle. Construction projects all begin with some destruction and messiness. Before there can be any reconstruction, some demolition must occur. Before there can be healing, there must be sickness. Before restoration, there must be some loss. Miracles can … Brian Labat 2149 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22430375/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_themiddleofamiracle/id/4252987.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22430375 Scripture: John 11:38-11:44 Sun, 27 Jul 2025 22:46:00 +0000 Ryan Kelley It is easy to draw a crowd when you are giving away free food. Jesus routinely had a multitude of people following Him. Most of them were focused on what He would do for them. When He was giving out healing or providing loaves and fish, people clamored to see Him. But when He began to require hard choices or sacrifice from people who followed, many fell away, unwilling to pay the price. The rich young ruler, who didn't want to sell all he had, went away sad. Our text describes another encounter with someone who wanted to follow Jesus, but first asked to bury his recently deceased father. Jesus responds with: "Let the dead bury the dead." Brother Kelley unpacks this curious, seemingly uncompassionate statement and its deeper meaning that has application to our lives today. It is easy to draw a crowd when you are giving away free food. Jesus routinely had a multitude of people following Him. Most of them were focused on what He would do for them. When He was giving out healing or providing loaves and fish, people clamored to see Him. But when He began to require hard choices or sacrifice from people who followed, many fell away, unwilling to pay the price. The rich young ruler, who didn't want to sell all he had, went away sad. Our text describes another encounter with someone who wanted to follow Jesus, but first asked to bury his recently deceased father. Jesus responds with: "Let the dead bury the dead." Brother Kelley unpacks this curious, seemingly uncompassionate statement and its deeper meaning that has application to our lives today. It is easy to draw a crowd when you are giving away free food. Jesus routinely had a multitude of people following Him. Most of them were focused on what He would do for them. When He was giving out healing or providing loaves and fish, people clamo… Ryan Kelley 3472 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22428507/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_letthedeadburythedead/id/1471662.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22428507 Scripture: Matthew 8:21-8:22 Sun, 27 Jul 2025 22:46:00 +0000 Ryan Kelley It is easy to draw a crowd when you are giving away free food. Jesus routinely had a multitude of people following Him. Most of them were focused on what He would do for them. When He was giving out healing or providing loaves and fish, people clamored to see Him. But when He began to require hard choices or sacrifice from people who followed, many fell away, unwilling to pay the price. The rich young ruler, who didn't want to sell all he had, went away sad. Our text describes another encounter with someone who wanted to follow Jesus, but first asked to bury his recently deceased father. Jesus responds with: "Let the dead bury the dead." Brother Kelley unpacks this curious, seemingly uncompassionate statement and its deeper meaning that has application to our lives today. It is easy to draw a crowd when you are giving away free food. Jesus routinely had a multitude of people following Him. Most of them were focused on what He would do for them. When He was giving out healing or providing loaves and fish, people clamored to see Him. But when He began to require hard choices or sacrifice from people who followed, many fell away, unwilling to pay the price. The rich young ruler, who didn't want to sell all he had, went away sad. Our text describes another encounter with someone who wanted to follow Jesus, but first asked to bury his recently deceased father. Jesus responds with: "Let the dead bury the dead." Brother Kelley unpacks this curious, seemingly uncompassionate statement and its deeper meaning that has application to our lives today. It is easy to draw a crowd when you are giving away free food. Jesus routinely had a multitude of people following Him. Most of them were focused on what He would do for them. When He was giving out healing or providing loaves and fish, people clamo… Ryan Kelley 3472 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22428507/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_letthedeadburythedead/id/4251193.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22428507 Scripture: Matthew 8:21-8:22 Sun, 27 Jul 2025 20:46:37 +0000 Ryan Kelley Nothing God does is by accident. Nothing catches God off guard. He had it all planned from the beginning. We often think of the New Testament as modern and the Old Testament as the former. In some respects, that is true; however, today, Brother Kelley shows us that the Old Testament is a collection of pointers, types, and shadows of the prophecies fulfilled in the New Testament. God has had a plan from the beginning. We are not stumbling through life; we are on a journey of faith. Nothing God does is by accident. Nothing catches God off guard. He had it all planned from the beginning. We often think of the New Testament as modern and the Old Testament as the former. In some respects, that is true; however, today, Brother Kelley shows us that the Old Testament is a collection of pointers, types, and shadows of the prophecies fulfilled in the New Testament. God has had a plan from the beginning. We are not stumbling through life; we are on a journey of faith. Nothing God does is by accident. Nothing catches God off guard. He had it all planned from the beginning. We often think of the New Testament as modern and the Old Testament as the former. In some respects, that is true; however, today, Brother Kel… Ryan Kelley 3199 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22428095/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_fatherabrahamhadmanysons/id/1471451.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22428095 Scripture: Isaiah 46:9-46:10 Sun, 27 Jul 2025 20:46:37 +0000 Ryan Kelley Nothing God does is by accident. Nothing catches God off guard. He had it all planned from the beginning. We often think of the New Testament as modern and the Old Testament as the former. In some respects, that is true; however, today, Brother Kelley shows us that the Old Testament is a collection of pointers, types, and shadows of the prophecies fulfilled in the New Testament. God has had a plan from the beginning. We are not stumbling through life; we are on a journey of faith. Nothing God does is by accident. Nothing catches God off guard. He had it all planned from the beginning. We often think of the New Testament as modern and the Old Testament as the former. In some respects, that is true; however, today, Brother Kelley shows us that the Old Testament is a collection of pointers, types, and shadows of the prophecies fulfilled in the New Testament. God has had a plan from the beginning. We are not stumbling through life; we are on a journey of faith. Nothing God does is by accident. Nothing catches God off guard. He had it all planned from the beginning. We often think of the New Testament as modern and the Old Testament as the former. In some respects, that is true; however, today, Brother Kel… Ryan Kelley 3199 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22428095/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_fatherabrahamhadmanysons/id/4250787.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22428095 Scripture: Isaiah 46:9-46:10 Sun, 20 Jul 2025 21:50:10 +0000 Landon Long What are we pursuing? What are we after? Would your answer to this question match the answer of your spouse or your children? The world prioritizes wealth, power, and fame. The Declaration of Independence states that all men are created equal and are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Often, we twist that last part to mean that we can do what makes us happy. To the founding fathers who penned those words, happiness was family, opportunity, and freedom to govern themselves in a way that had not been known under colonial rule. If we pursue happiness in the way the world defines it, we are governed by emotions that will eventually disappoint and leave us wanting. The things the world defines as happiness are temporal. We award trophies for accomplishments. Sports, The Art, cook-offs, and many other activities present awards, certificates, plaques, and trophies for being the best or coming in first in a competition. Awards are fine, and the temporary recognition for an accomplishment is nice, but if that becomes the goal in life, what have we accomplished? If you win the county fair apple pie contest, you have the blue ribbon to commemorate that, but what will that mean many years later? The blue ribbon mattered in the moment, but over time, that will be forgotten, and someone else will win the prize. Trophies do not last forever. We must chase after things that are worth it. Some will ask, "Don't I deserve to be happy? Can't I pursue winning the prize?" Sure, you can, but at what cost? The Bible has many stories of people who pursued what made them happy, but at a high price: Eve, Lot, Saul, David, Esau, and Judas all traded much for a very temporary reward. Our text asks, "What does it profit a man to win if it costs him his soul?" If we win awards, but neglect Jesus, it is all for naught. Trophies are temporal, but crowns are eternal. Trophies represent moments, but crowns represent a lifetime. What are we pursuing? What are we after? Would your answer to this question match the answer of your spouse or your children? The world prioritizes wealth, power, and fame. The Declaration of Independence states that all men are created equal and are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Often, we twist that last part to mean that we can do what makes us happy. To the founding fathers who penned those words, happiness was family, opportunity, and freedom to govern themselves in a way that had not been known under colonial rule. If we pursue happiness in the way the world defines it, we are governed by emotions that will eventually disappoint and leave us wanting. The things the world defines as happiness are temporal. We award trophies for accomplishments. Sports, The Art, cook-offs, and many other activities present awards, certificates, plaques, and trophies for being the best or coming in first in a competition. Awards are fine, and the temporary recognition for an accomplishment is nice, but if that becomes the goal in life, what have we accomplished? If you win the county fair apple pie contest, you have the blue ribbon to commemorate that, but what will that mean many years later? The blue ribbon mattered in the moment, but over time, that will be forgotten, and someone else will win the prize. Trophies do not last forever. We must chase after things that are worth it. Some will ask, "Don't I deserve to be happy? Can't I pursue winning the prize?" Sure, you can, but at what cost? The Bible has many stories of people who pursued what made them happy, but at a high price: Eve, Lot, Saul, David, Esau, and Judas all traded much for a very temporary reward. Our text asks, "What does it profit a man to win if it costs him his soul?" If we win awards, but neglect Jesus, it is all for naught. Trophies are temporal, but crowns are eternal. Trophies represent moments, but crowns represent a lifetime. What are we pursuing? What are we after? Would your answer to this question match the answer of your spouse or your children? The world prioritizes wealth, power, and fame. The Declaration of Independence states that all men are created equal and a… Landon Long 2805 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22425597/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_trophiesorcrowns/id/1469725.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22425597 Scripture: Matthew 6:19-6:21, Matthew 16:24-16:27 Sun, 20 Jul 2025 21:50:10 +0000 Landon Long What are we pursuing? What are we after? Would your answer to this question match the answer of your spouse or your children? The world prioritizes wealth, power, and fame. The Declaration of Independence states that all men are created equal and are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Often, we twist that last part to mean that we can do what makes us happy. To the founding fathers who penned those words, happiness was family, opportunity, and freedom to govern themselves in a way that had not been known under colonial rule. If we pursue happiness in the way the world defines it, we are governed by emotions that will eventually disappoint and leave us wanting. The things the world defines as happiness are temporal. We award trophies for accomplishments. Sports, The Art, cook-offs, and many other activities present awards, certificates, plaques, and trophies for being the best or coming in first in a competition. Awards are fine, and the temporary recognition for an accomplishment is nice, but if that becomes the goal in life, what have we accomplished? If you win the county fair apple pie contest, you have the blue ribbon to commemorate that, but what will that mean many years later? The blue ribbon mattered in the moment, but over time, that will be forgotten, and someone else will win the prize. Trophies do not last forever. We must chase after things that are worth it. Some will ask, "Don't I deserve to be happy? Can't I pursue winning the prize?" Sure, you can, but at what cost? The Bible has many stories of people who pursued what made them happy, but at a high price: Eve, Lot, Saul, David, Esau, and Judas all traded much for a very temporary reward. Our text asks, "What does it profit a man to win if it costs him his soul?" If we win awards, but neglect Jesus, it is all for naught. Trophies are temporal, but crowns are eternal. Trophies represent moments, but crowns represent a lifetime. What are we pursuing? What are we after? Would your answer to this question match the answer of your spouse or your children? The world prioritizes wealth, power, and fame. The Declaration of Independence states that all men are created equal and are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Often, we twist that last part to mean that we can do what makes us happy. To the founding fathers who penned those words, happiness was family, opportunity, and freedom to govern themselves in a way that had not been known under colonial rule. If we pursue happiness in the way the world defines it, we are governed by emotions that will eventually disappoint and leave us wanting. The things the world defines as happiness are temporal. We award trophies for accomplishments. Sports, The Art, cook-offs, and many other activities present awards, certificates, plaques, and trophies for being the best or coming in first in a competition. Awards are fine, and the temporary recognition for an accomplishment is nice, but if that becomes the goal in life, what have we accomplished? If you win the county fair apple pie contest, you have the blue ribbon to commemorate that, but what will that mean many years later? The blue ribbon mattered in the moment, but over time, that will be forgotten, and someone else will win the prize. Trophies do not last forever. We must chase after things that are worth it. Some will ask, "Don't I deserve to be happy? Can't I pursue winning the prize?" Sure, you can, but at what cost? The Bible has many stories of people who pursued what made them happy, but at a high price: Eve, Lot, Saul, David, Esau, and Judas all traded much for a very temporary reward. Our text asks, "What does it profit a man to win if it costs him his soul?" If we win awards, but neglect Jesus, it is all for naught. Trophies are temporal, but crowns are eternal. Trophies represent moments, but crowns represent a lifetime. What are we pursuing? What are we after? Would your answer to this question match the answer of your spouse or your children? The world prioritizes wealth, power, and fame. The Declaration of Independence states that all men are created equal and a… Landon Long 2805 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22425597/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_trophiesorcrowns/id/4248403.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22425597 Scripture: Matthew 6:19-6:21, Matthew 16:24-16:27 Sun, 06 Jul 2025 20:53:47 +0000 Landon Long God will equip us to face the challenges in life. He may not eliminate these challenges, but he will provide us with what we need to overcome them. He told the disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until they received power from on high. That work power has an impact on us. When we hear power, we think of strength, energy, and the ability to overcome what we are facing. It is important to remember that his power is not of human origin; it comes from God. We are not talking about a slight boost of energy. It is a great, overwhelming force. In the United States, we recently celebrated Independence Day. This is traditionally done with fireworks. Whether it's a string of firecrackers or a multimedia aerial display, Americans enjoy celebrating with fireworks. As much as we ooh and aah about these celebrations, they are not life-changing. The next day, life is back to normal. Fireworks are a pretty flash and a bit of noise, but then it is over. That is not the power God has given us. The power He provides is much more explosive. Dynamite is used to clear out rocks and create a path through the mountain for a new road. Or it might be used to destroy a building that has outlived its usefulness to make way for something new. In these situations, cute firecrackers are insufficient to do the job. We too often try to throw firecrackers at our problems instead of using the dynamic power that God makes available to us. Firecrackers and dynamite are similar in that they both have fuses that lead to an explosion. But dynamite is designed for work and to make significant changes. Firecrackers are designed for entertainment. God has not called us for entertainment value. He does not want us to be firecrackers; he wants us to be dynamite. God will equip us to face the challenges in life. He may not eliminate these challenges, but he will provide us with what we need to overcome them. He told the disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until they received power from on high. That work power has an impact on us. When we hear power, we think of strength, energy, and the ability to overcome what we are facing. It is important to remember that his power is not of human origin; it comes from God. We are not talking about a slight boost of energy. It is a great, overwhelming force. In the United States, we recently celebrated Independence Day. This is traditionally done with fireworks. Whether it's a string of firecrackers or a multimedia aerial display, Americans enjoy celebrating with fireworks. As much as we ooh and aah about these celebrations, they are not life-changing. The next day, life is back to normal. Fireworks are a pretty flash and a bit of noise, but then it is over. That is not the power God has given us. The power He provides is much more explosive. Dynamite is used to clear out rocks and create a path through the mountain for a new road. Or it might be used to destroy a building that has outlived its usefulness to make way for something new. In these situations, cute firecrackers are insufficient to do the job. We too often try to throw firecrackers at our problems instead of using the dynamic power that God makes available to us. Firecrackers and dynamite are similar in that they both have fuses that lead to an explosion. But dynamite is designed for work and to make significant changes. Firecrackers are designed for entertainment. God has not called us for entertainment value. He does not want us to be firecrackers; he wants us to be dynamite. God will equip us to face the challenges in life. He may not eliminate these challenges, but he will provide us with what we need to overcome them. He told the disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until they received power from on high. That work power h… Landon Long 3548 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22421247/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_firecrackersordynamite/id/1466993.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22421247 Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-3:5 Sun, 06 Jul 2025 20:53:47 +0000 Landon Long God will equip us to face the challenges in life. He may not eliminate these challenges, but he will provide us with what we need to overcome them. He told the disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until they received power from on high. That work power has an impact on us. When we hear power, we think of strength, energy, and the ability to overcome what we are facing. It is important to remember that his power is not of human origin; it comes from God. We are not talking about a slight boost of energy. It is a great, overwhelming force. In the United States, we recently celebrated Independence Day. This is traditionally done with fireworks. Whether it's a string of firecrackers or a multimedia aerial display, Americans enjoy celebrating with fireworks. As much as we ooh and aah about these celebrations, they are not life-changing. The next day, life is back to normal. Fireworks are a pretty flash and a bit of noise, but then it is over. That is not the power God has given us. The power He provides is much more explosive. Dynamite is used to clear out rocks and create a path through the mountain for a new road. Or it might be used to destroy a building that has outlived its usefulness to make way for something new. In these situations, cute firecrackers are insufficient to do the job. We too often try to throw firecrackers at our problems instead of using the dynamic power that God makes available to us. Firecrackers and dynamite are similar in that they both have fuses that lead to an explosion. But dynamite is designed for work and to make significant changes. Firecrackers are designed for entertainment. God has not called us for entertainment value. He does not want us to be firecrackers; he wants us to be dynamite. God will equip us to face the challenges in life. He may not eliminate these challenges, but he will provide us with what we need to overcome them. He told the disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until they received power from on high. That work power has an impact on us. When we hear power, we think of strength, energy, and the ability to overcome what we are facing. It is important to remember that his power is not of human origin; it comes from God. We are not talking about a slight boost of energy. It is a great, overwhelming force. In the United States, we recently celebrated Independence Day. This is traditionally done with fireworks. Whether it's a string of firecrackers or a multimedia aerial display, Americans enjoy celebrating with fireworks. As much as we ooh and aah about these celebrations, they are not life-changing. The next day, life is back to normal. Fireworks are a pretty flash and a bit of noise, but then it is over. That is not the power God has given us. The power He provides is much more explosive. Dynamite is used to clear out rocks and create a path through the mountain for a new road. Or it might be used to destroy a building that has outlived its usefulness to make way for something new. In these situations, cute firecrackers are insufficient to do the job. We too often try to throw firecrackers at our problems instead of using the dynamic power that God makes available to us. Firecrackers and dynamite are similar in that they both have fuses that lead to an explosion. But dynamite is designed for work and to make significant changes. Firecrackers are designed for entertainment. God has not called us for entertainment value. He does not want us to be firecrackers; he wants us to be dynamite. God will equip us to face the challenges in life. He may not eliminate these challenges, but he will provide us with what we need to overcome them. He told the disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until they received power from on high. That work power h… Landon Long 3548 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22421247/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_firecrackersordynamite/id/4244204.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22421247 Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-3:5 Sun, 22 Jun 2025 18:55:16 +0000 Landon Long In John 4, Jesus meets the woman at the well. She talks about her past and looks forward to a future when the Messiah comes, but she is reluctant to discuss her present. For many of us, right now is chaotic, and we are just trying to survive and make it to the bright future we are imagining. This woman had a past. She was looking forward to a better future, but her present was a mess. As she looked to the future of seeing the Messiah, she missed that He was standing right in front of her. She had no idea that day would change her entire life. No one knows what the day will bring. Today is special, because it is the day the Lord has made. Anything is possible today. Tomorrow is not promised, so seize the opportunity the Lord provides today. The promises of the Lord are renewed every day. Now is the day to take hold of that promise. In John 4, Jesus meets the woman at the well. She talks about her past and looks forward to a future when the Messiah comes, but she is reluctant to discuss her present. For many of us, right now is chaotic, and we are just trying to survive and make it to the bright future we are imagining. This woman had a past. She was looking forward to a better future, but her present was a mess. As she looked to the future of seeing the Messiah, she missed that He was standing right in front of her. She had no idea that day would change her entire life. No one knows what the day will bring. Today is special, because it is the day the Lord has made. Anything is possible today. Tomorrow is not promised, so seize the opportunity the Lord provides today. The promises of the Lord are renewed every day. Now is the day to take hold of that promise. In John 4, Jesus meets the woman at the well. She talks about her past and looks forward to a future when the Messiah comes, but she is reluctant to discuss her present. For many of us, right now is chaotic, and we are just trying to survive and make… Landon Long 3548 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22416415/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_nowistheday/id/1464072.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22416415 Scripture: Romans 13:11-13:12 Sun, 22 Jun 2025 18:55:16 +0000 Landon Long In John 4, Jesus meets the woman at the well. She talks about her past and looks forward to a future when the Messiah comes, but she is reluctant to discuss her present. For many of us, right now is chaotic, and we are just trying to survive and make it to the bright future we are imagining. This woman had a past. She was looking forward to a better future, but her present was a mess. As she looked to the future of seeing the Messiah, she missed that He was standing right in front of her. She had no idea that day would change her entire life. No one knows what the day will bring. Today is special, because it is the day the Lord has made. Anything is possible today. Tomorrow is not promised, so seize the opportunity the Lord provides today. The promises of the Lord are renewed every day. Now is the day to take hold of that promise. In John 4, Jesus meets the woman at the well. She talks about her past and looks forward to a future when the Messiah comes, but she is reluctant to discuss her present. For many of us, right now is chaotic, and we are just trying to survive and make it to the bright future we are imagining. This woman had a past. She was looking forward to a better future, but her present was a mess. As she looked to the future of seeing the Messiah, she missed that He was standing right in front of her. She had no idea that day would change her entire life. No one knows what the day will bring. Today is special, because it is the day the Lord has made. Anything is possible today. Tomorrow is not promised, so seize the opportunity the Lord provides today. The promises of the Lord are renewed every day. Now is the day to take hold of that promise. In John 4, Jesus meets the woman at the well. She talks about her past and looks forward to a future when the Messiah comes, but she is reluctant to discuss her present. For many of us, right now is chaotic, and we are just trying to survive and make… Landon Long 3548 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22416415/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_nowistheday/id/4239501.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22416415 Scripture: Romans 13:11-13:12 Sun, 15 Jun 2025 22:21:19 +0000 Landon Long Our text says a Just man walks in his integrity. There is a distinction between a "Just Man" and "Just a Man." Our world tends to define being a man in a negative light. To them, men are abusers, manipulators, inept, or dumb. While some men may exhibit some of these traits, most do not. Most men provide for their families and try to be a good example to their children. Bro. Long exhorts us to "Don't stop acting like men". Be a good man and set a good example for those who are coming up to follow. The bible says there arose a generation that did not know the Lord. As the elders died, the next generation did not learn to follow after God. It is easy to play the blame game with the generations of God's people after Moses and David. Did the elders not teach the young, or did the young not listen to the message? We must not fall into that same pattern. Our young people need more than war stores from times gone by. They need to see us living the life we profess to believe in, and doing that consistently, at church, at home, and on the job. Children mimic their fathers. The world tries to downplay a man's role in the family, but statistics and research overwhelmingly prove that view to be wrong. If dad is a good man, there is a high probability that his children will be good too. It is critically important for fathers to live a life that inspires their children to follow in their footsteps. Our text says a Just man walks in his integrity. There is a distinction between a "Just Man" and "Just a Man." Our world tends to define being a man in a negative light. To them, men are abusers, manipulators, inept, or dumb. While some men may exhibit some of these traits, most do not. Most men provide for their families and try to be a good example to their children. Bro. Long exhorts us to "Don't stop acting like men". Be a good man and set a good example for those who are coming up to follow. The bible says there arose a generation that did not know the Lord. As the elders died, the next generation did not learn to follow after God. It is easy to play the blame game with the generations of God's people after Moses and David. Did the elders not teach the young, or did the young not listen to the message? We must not fall into that same pattern. Our young people need more than war stores from times gone by. They need to see us living the life we profess to believe in, and doing that consistently, at church, at home, and on the job. Children mimic their fathers. The world tries to downplay a man's role in the family, but statistics and research overwhelmingly prove that view to be wrong. If dad is a good man, there is a high probability that his children will be good too. It is critically important for fathers to live a life that inspires their children to follow in their footsteps. Our text says a Just man walks in his integrity. There is a distinction between a "Just Man" and "Just a Man." Our world tends to define being a man in a negative light. To them, men are abusers, manipulators, inept, or dumb. While some men may exh… Landon Long 3432 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22412712/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_walklikedad/id/1462061.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22412712 Scripture: Proverbs 20:7 Sun, 15 Jun 2025 22:21:19 +0000 Landon Long Our text says a Just man walks in his integrity. There is a distinction between a "Just Man" and "Just a Man." Our world tends to define being a man in a negative light. To them, men are abusers, manipulators, inept, or dumb. While some men may exhibit some of these traits, most do not. Most men provide for their families and try to be a good example to their children. Bro. Long exhorts us to "Don't stop acting like men". Be a good man and set a good example for those who are coming up to follow. The bible says there arose a generation that did not know the Lord. As the elders died, the next generation did not learn to follow after God. It is easy to play the blame game with the generations of God's people after Moses and David. Did the elders not teach the young, or did the young not listen to the message? We must not fall into that same pattern. Our young people need more than war stores from times gone by. They need to see us living the life we profess to believe in, and doing that consistently, at church, at home, and on the job. Children mimic their fathers. The world tries to downplay a man's role in the family, but statistics and research overwhelmingly prove that view to be wrong. If dad is a good man, there is a high probability that his children will be good too. It is critically important for fathers to live a life that inspires their children to follow in their footsteps. Our text says a Just man walks in his integrity. There is a distinction between a "Just Man" and "Just a Man." Our world tends to define being a man in a negative light. To them, men are abusers, manipulators, inept, or dumb. While some men may exhibit some of these traits, most do not. Most men provide for their families and try to be a good example to their children. Bro. Long exhorts us to "Don't stop acting like men". Be a good man and set a good example for those who are coming up to follow. The bible says there arose a generation that did not know the Lord. As the elders died, the next generation did not learn to follow after God. It is easy to play the blame game with the generations of God's people after Moses and David. Did the elders not teach the young, or did the young not listen to the message? We must not fall into that same pattern. Our young people need more than war stores from times gone by. They need to see us living the life we profess to believe in, and doing that consistently, at church, at home, and on the job. Children mimic their fathers. The world tries to downplay a man's role in the family, but statistics and research overwhelmingly prove that view to be wrong. If dad is a good man, there is a high probability that his children will be good too. It is critically important for fathers to live a life that inspires their children to follow in their footsteps. Our text says a Just man walks in his integrity. There is a distinction between a "Just Man" and "Just a Man." Our world tends to define being a man in a negative light. To them, men are abusers, manipulators, inept, or dumb. While some men may exh… Landon Long 3432 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22412712/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_walklikedad/id/4235925.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22412712 Scripture: Proverbs 20:7 Sun, 08 Jun 2025 20:28:50 +0000 Landon Long The day of Pentecost was spectacular. But it was not a one-time event. The bible tells us that God added to the church daily. It was the beginning, and the church experienced steady growth. We often have good church, but that too is not a one-time event. What kind of church do we want to be? More importantly, what kind of church does God want us to be? The great commission was to preach the gospel to the world. We cannot do that if we are a hidden gem that no one knows about. We must be a city on a hill, shining our light for all to see. This cannot happen if we do not prepare. Those in the upper room that day didn't just show up when things started happening. The bible says they were all of one accord and were focused on prayer. They were determined to stay in that upper room until God poured out His blessing on them. The wind blowing in the upper room that day was not for them to experience a feeling; it was to fill them with God's spirit. We want what they had, but are we willing to do what they did to receive it? In our text, Jacob wrestles with the Angel of the Lord. After wrestling all night, Jacob refused to let him go until he received a blessing. The mindset of those in the upper room and Jacob is the same. They would do whatever it took to receive a blessing from God. They were determined to leave with something. The day of Pentecost was spectacular. But it was not a one-time event. The bible tells us that God added to the church daily. It was the beginning, and the church experienced steady growth. We often have good church, but that too is not a one-time event. What kind of church do we want to be? More importantly, what kind of church does God want us to be? The great commission was to preach the gospel to the world. We cannot do that if we are a hidden gem that no one knows about. We must be a city on a hill, shining our light for all to see. This cannot happen if we do not prepare. Those in the upper room that day didn't just show up when things started happening. The bible says they were all of one accord and were focused on prayer. They were determined to stay in that upper room until God poured out His blessing on them. The wind blowing in the upper room that day was not for them to experience a feeling; it was to fill them with God's spirit. We want what they had, but are we willing to do what they did to receive it? In our text, Jacob wrestles with the Angel of the Lord. After wrestling all night, Jacob refused to let him go until he received a blessing. The mindset of those in the upper room and Jacob is the same. They would do whatever it took to receive a blessing from God. They were determined to leave with something. The day of Pentecost was spectacular. But it was not a one-time event. The bible tells us that God added to the church daily. It was the beginning, and the church experienced steady growth. We often have good church, but that too is not a one-time … Landon Long 3544 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22410075/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_determinedtoleavewithsomething/id/1460478.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22410075 Scripture: Genesis 32:22-32:32 Sun, 08 Jun 2025 20:28:50 +0000 Landon Long The day of Pentecost was spectacular. But it was not a one-time event. The bible tells us that God added to the church daily. It was the beginning, and the church experienced steady growth. We often have good church, but that too is not a one-time event. What kind of church do we want to be? More importantly, what kind of church does God want us to be? The great commission was to preach the gospel to the world. We cannot do that if we are a hidden gem that no one knows about. We must be a city on a hill, shining our light for all to see. This cannot happen if we do not prepare. Those in the upper room that day didn't just show up when things started happening. The bible says they were all of one accord and were focused on prayer. They were determined to stay in that upper room until God poured out His blessing on them. The wind blowing in the upper room that day was not for them to experience a feeling; it was to fill them with God's spirit. We want what they had, but are we willing to do what they did to receive it? In our text, Jacob wrestles with the Angel of the Lord. After wrestling all night, Jacob refused to let him go until he received a blessing. The mindset of those in the upper room and Jacob is the same. They would do whatever it took to receive a blessing from God. They were determined to leave with something. The day of Pentecost was spectacular. But it was not a one-time event. The bible tells us that God added to the church daily. It was the beginning, and the church experienced steady growth. We often have good church, but that too is not a one-time event. What kind of church do we want to be? More importantly, what kind of church does God want us to be? The great commission was to preach the gospel to the world. We cannot do that if we are a hidden gem that no one knows about. We must be a city on a hill, shining our light for all to see. This cannot happen if we do not prepare. Those in the upper room that day didn't just show up when things started happening. The bible says they were all of one accord and were focused on prayer. They were determined to stay in that upper room until God poured out His blessing on them. The wind blowing in the upper room that day was not for them to experience a feeling; it was to fill them with God's spirit. We want what they had, but are we willing to do what they did to receive it? In our text, Jacob wrestles with the Angel of the Lord. After wrestling all night, Jacob refused to let him go until he received a blessing. The mindset of those in the upper room and Jacob is the same. They would do whatever it took to receive a blessing from God. They were determined to leave with something. The day of Pentecost was spectacular. But it was not a one-time event. The bible tells us that God added to the church daily. It was the beginning, and the church experienced steady growth. We often have good church, but that too is not a one-time … Landon Long 3544 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22410075/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_determinedtoleavewithsomething/id/4233302.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22410075 Scripture: Genesis 32:22-32:32 Sun, 01 Jun 2025 20:44:51 +0000 Jonathan Neely The Bible has many descriptions of the nature of God. He is a just God, He is a Holy God. He judges sin and purges evil. Satan knew all of this. When he rebelled and attempted to place himself on par with God, his punishment was swift and divine. Such was Satan's perception and experience when he approached Adam and Eve in the garden. Satan had devised a plan to entice these humans into sinning, which would result in swift punishment. He was plotting murder from the beginning by spinning a web of lies. However, there was something Satan did not anticipate because he did not know the whole nature of God. Instead of judgment, God gave humanity a path to salvation through His mercy. Before He executes judgment, God will extend mercy to cover the sin. Not learning from his failure in the garden, Satan tries to kill Jesus to thwart God's plan. Again, he failed because he didn't know the nature of God. Satan's blind spot is that he cannot stop the mercy of God. No matter how broken we are, God's mercy will cover it all. His mercy puts us in the devil's blind spot. The Bible has many descriptions of the nature of God. He is a just God, He is a Holy God. He judges sin and purges evil. Satan knew all of this. When he rebelled and attempted to place himself on par with God, his punishment was swift and divine. Such was Satan's perception and experience when he approached Adam and Eve in the garden. Satan had devised a plan to entice these humans into sinning, which would result in swift punishment. He was plotting murder from the beginning by spinning a web of lies. However, there was something Satan did not anticipate because he did not know the whole nature of God. Instead of judgment, God gave humanity a path to salvation through His mercy. Before He executes judgment, God will extend mercy to cover the sin. Not learning from his failure in the garden, Satan tries to kill Jesus to thwart God's plan. Again, he failed because he didn't know the nature of God. Satan's blind spot is that he cannot stop the mercy of God. No matter how broken we are, God's mercy will cover it all. His mercy puts us in the devil's blind spot. The Bible has many descriptions of the nature of God. He is a just God, He is a Holy God. He judges sin and purges evil. Satan knew all of this. When he rebelled and attempted to place himself on par with God, his punishment was swift and divine. … Jonathan Neely 3695 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22407508/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thedevilsblindspot/id/1459036.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22407508 Scripture: John 8:44, Genesis 3:15 Sun, 01 Jun 2025 20:44:51 +0000 Jonathan Neely The Bible has many descriptions of the nature of God. He is a just God, He is a Holy God. He judges sin and purges evil. Satan knew all of this. When he rebelled and attempted to place himself on par with God, his punishment was swift and divine. Such was Satan's perception and experience when he approached Adam and Eve in the garden. Satan had devised a plan to entice these humans into sinning, which would result in swift punishment. He was plotting murder from the beginning by spinning a web of lies. However, there was something Satan did not anticipate because he did not know the whole nature of God. Instead of judgment, God gave humanity a path to salvation through His mercy. Before He executes judgment, God will extend mercy to cover the sin. Not learning from his failure in the garden, Satan tries to kill Jesus to thwart God's plan. Again, he failed because he didn't know the nature of God. Satan's blind spot is that he cannot stop the mercy of God. No matter how broken we are, God's mercy will cover it all. His mercy puts us in the devil's blind spot. The Bible has many descriptions of the nature of God. He is a just God, He is a Holy God. He judges sin and purges evil. Satan knew all of this. When he rebelled and attempted to place himself on par with God, his punishment was swift and divine. Such was Satan's perception and experience when he approached Adam and Eve in the garden. Satan had devised a plan to entice these humans into sinning, which would result in swift punishment. He was plotting murder from the beginning by spinning a web of lies. However, there was something Satan did not anticipate because he did not know the whole nature of God. Instead of judgment, God gave humanity a path to salvation through His mercy. Before He executes judgment, God will extend mercy to cover the sin. Not learning from his failure in the garden, Satan tries to kill Jesus to thwart God's plan. Again, he failed because he didn't know the nature of God. Satan's blind spot is that he cannot stop the mercy of God. No matter how broken we are, God's mercy will cover it all. His mercy puts us in the devil's blind spot. The Bible has many descriptions of the nature of God. He is a just God, He is a Holy God. He judges sin and purges evil. Satan knew all of this. When he rebelled and attempted to place himself on par with God, his punishment was swift and divine. … Jonathan Neely 3695 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22407508/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thedevilsblindspot/id/4230664.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22407508 Scripture: John 8:44, Genesis 3:15 Sun, 25 May 2025 20:17:26 +0000 Landon Long When we encounter a problem in life, we often try to deal with it ourselves. We struggle with that until we turn it over to God. The truth is, God should be our first option, not our last. How much trouble would we save ourselves if we went to Him first rather than later? Stop turning to doctors, friends, and YouTube for help with our problems; let God be God. We cannot stop the enemy from taking his turn. We cannot stop the weapon from being formed, but the fight is over once God has His turn. The bible has many stories where God moves in to confuse the enemy and turn them against themselves, or wins the battle before it begins. The people of God could not have won the battle despite all their energy and effort, but God was more than enough to prevail. Time and time again, God will do what we cannot do. When we think we are at our end, God is just getting started. Surrendering to God is not weakness. He will not look at us in shame for turning to Him. In our text, the woman with the issue of blood had spent many frustrating years, exhausted her savings, but still suffered. Then she heard about Jesus. In a moment, her years of suffering were over. The bible says she knew in that moment that God had healed her. When you've tried everything you can do, let God have His turn. When we encounter a problem in life, we often try to deal with it ourselves. We struggle with that until we turn it over to God. The truth is, God should be our first option, not our last. How much trouble would we save ourselves if we went to Him first rather than later? Stop turning to doctors, friends, and YouTube for help with our problems; let God be God. We cannot stop the enemy from taking his turn. We cannot stop the weapon from being formed, but the fight is over once God has His turn. The bible has many stories where God moves in to confuse the enemy and turn them against themselves, or wins the battle before it begins. The people of God could not have won the battle despite all their energy and effort, but God was more than enough to prevail. Time and time again, God will do what we cannot do. When we think we are at our end, God is just getting started. Surrendering to God is not weakness. He will not look at us in shame for turning to Him. In our text, the woman with the issue of blood had spent many frustrating years, exhausted her savings, but still suffered. Then she heard about Jesus. In a moment, her years of suffering were over. The bible says she knew in that moment that God had healed her. When you've tried everything you can do, let God have His turn. When we encounter a problem in life, we often try to deal with it ourselves. We struggle with that until we turn it over to God. The truth is, God should be our first option, not our last. How much trouble would we save ourselves if we went to Him f… Landon Long 3059 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22405175/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_itsgodsturn/id/1457530.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22405175 Scripture: Mark 5:25-5:29 Sun, 25 May 2025 20:17:26 +0000 Landon Long When we encounter a problem in life, we often try to deal with it ourselves. We struggle with that until we turn it over to God. The truth is, God should be our first option, not our last. How much trouble would we save ourselves if we went to Him first rather than later? Stop turning to doctors, friends, and YouTube for help with our problems; let God be God. We cannot stop the enemy from taking his turn. We cannot stop the weapon from being formed, but the fight is over once God has His turn. The bible has many stories where God moves in to confuse the enemy and turn them against themselves, or wins the battle before it begins. The people of God could not have won the battle despite all their energy and effort, but God was more than enough to prevail. Time and time again, God will do what we cannot do. When we think we are at our end, God is just getting started. Surrendering to God is not weakness. He will not look at us in shame for turning to Him. In our text, the woman with the issue of blood had spent many frustrating years, exhausted her savings, but still suffered. Then she heard about Jesus. In a moment, her years of suffering were over. The bible says she knew in that moment that God had healed her. When you've tried everything you can do, let God have His turn. When we encounter a problem in life, we often try to deal with it ourselves. We struggle with that until we turn it over to God. The truth is, God should be our first option, not our last. How much trouble would we save ourselves if we went to Him first rather than later? Stop turning to doctors, friends, and YouTube for help with our problems; let God be God. We cannot stop the enemy from taking his turn. We cannot stop the weapon from being formed, but the fight is over once God has His turn. The bible has many stories where God moves in to confuse the enemy and turn them against themselves, or wins the battle before it begins. The people of God could not have won the battle despite all their energy and effort, but God was more than enough to prevail. Time and time again, God will do what we cannot do. When we think we are at our end, God is just getting started. Surrendering to God is not weakness. He will not look at us in shame for turning to Him. In our text, the woman with the issue of blood had spent many frustrating years, exhausted her savings, but still suffered. Then she heard about Jesus. In a moment, her years of suffering were over. The bible says she knew in that moment that God had healed her. When you've tried everything you can do, let God have His turn. When we encounter a problem in life, we often try to deal with it ourselves. We struggle with that until we turn it over to God. The truth is, God should be our first option, not our last. How much trouble would we save ourselves if we went to Him f… Landon Long 3059 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22405175/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itsgodsturn/id/4228385.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22405175 Scripture: Mark 5:25-5:29 Sun, 18 May 2025 20:45:53 +0000 Mark Hughes Sympathetic resonance is an acoustic phenomenon in which the vibrations in one object produce vibrations in another. For instance, if a chord is played on a piano, the harmonic vibrations can be transferred to another piano nearby. For this to occur, both pianos must be tuned correctly so that the resonant frequency of one matches the resonant frequency of the other. In a spiritual sense, when the word of God is spoken, it should resonate through the church and touch each of us. Similar to the physical phenomenon, for this to occur, we must be in tune with God for His word to resonate with us. How do we get out of tune with God? One way is just life. Life has a way of pilfering little things from us. Over time, these little things add up to be a significant loss. The disappointments and disillusionments rob us of our happiness and joy. We become content with just getting by or making do with what we have left. Life has stolen things from us. We must say, "Give it back!" Let us be in tune with God so that every cord struck will resonate with us. Sympathetic resonance is an acoustic phenomenon in which the vibrations in one object produce vibrations in another. For instance, if a chord is played on a piano, the harmonic vibrations can be transferred to another piano nearby. For this to occur, both pianos must be tuned correctly so that the resonant frequency of one matches the resonant frequency of the other. In a spiritual sense, when the word of God is spoken, it should resonate through the church and touch each of us. Similar to the physical phenomenon, for this to occur, we must be in tune with God for His word to resonate with us. How do we get out of tune with God? One way is just life. Life has a way of pilfering little things from us. Over time, these little things add up to be a significant loss. The disappointments and disillusionments rob us of our happiness and joy. We become content with just getting by or making do with what we have left. Life has stolen things from us. We must say, "Give it back!" Let us be in tune with God so that every cord struck will resonate with us. Sympathetic resonance is an acoustic phenomenon in which the vibrations in one object produce vibrations in another. For instance, if a chord is played on a piano, the harmonic vibrations can be transferred to another piano nearby. For this to occur,… Mark Hughes 3551 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22402864/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_amissingsound/id/1455993.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22402864 Scripture: Isaiah 42 Sun, 18 May 2025 20:45:53 +0000 Mark Hughes Sympathetic resonance is an acoustic phenomenon in which the vibrations in one object produce vibrations in another. For instance, if a chord is played on a piano, the harmonic vibrations can be transferred to another piano nearby. For this to occur, both pianos must be tuned correctly so that the resonant frequency of one matches the resonant frequency of the other. In a spiritual sense, when the word of God is spoken, it should resonate through the church and touch each of us. Similar to the physical phenomenon, for this to occur, we must be in tune with God for His word to resonate with us. How do we get out of tune with God? One way is just life. Life has a way of pilfering little things from us. Over time, these little things add up to be a significant loss. The disappointments and disillusionments rob us of our happiness and joy. We become content with just getting by or making do with what we have left. Life has stolen things from us. We must say, "Give it back!" Let us be in tune with God so that every cord struck will resonate with us. Sympathetic resonance is an acoustic phenomenon in which the vibrations in one object produce vibrations in another. For instance, if a chord is played on a piano, the harmonic vibrations can be transferred to another piano nearby. For this to occur, both pianos must be tuned correctly so that the resonant frequency of one matches the resonant frequency of the other. In a spiritual sense, when the word of God is spoken, it should resonate through the church and touch each of us. Similar to the physical phenomenon, for this to occur, we must be in tune with God for His word to resonate with us. How do we get out of tune with God? One way is just life. Life has a way of pilfering little things from us. Over time, these little things add up to be a significant loss. The disappointments and disillusionments rob us of our happiness and joy. We become content with just getting by or making do with what we have left. Life has stolen things from us. We must say, "Give it back!" Let us be in tune with God so that every cord struck will resonate with us. Sympathetic resonance is an acoustic phenomenon in which the vibrations in one object produce vibrations in another. For instance, if a chord is played on a piano, the harmonic vibrations can be transferred to another piano nearby. For this to occur,… Mark Hughes 3551 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22402864/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_amissingsound/id/4226171.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22402864 Scripture: Isaiah 42 Sun, 11 May 2025 22:40:00 +0000 Sarah Long An heirloom is a cherished possession passed down through generations, often holding sentimental value rather than monetary worth. Its significance lies in the memories it evokes and the meaning attributed to it by the recipient. In today's Mother's Day message, Sis. Sarah uses a red sweater and a quilt, both steeped in history, to illustrate the enduring power of prayers from generations past. An heirloom is a cherished possession passed down through generations, often holding sentimental value rather than monetary worth. Its significance lies in the memories it evokes and the meaning attributed to it by the recipient. In today's Mother's Day message, Sis. Sarah uses a red sweater and a quilt, both steeped in history, to illustrate the enduring power of prayers from generations past. An heirloom is a cherished possession passed down through generations, often holding sentimental value rather than monetary worth. Its significance lies in the memories it evokes and the meaning attributed to it by the recipient. In today's Mother's Da… Sarah Long 3372 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22400763/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_anheirloomthatcovers/id/1454701.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22400763 Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:5 Sun, 11 May 2025 22:40:00 +0000 Sarah Long An heirloom is a cherished possession passed down through generations, often holding sentimental value rather than monetary worth. Its significance lies in the memories it evokes and the meaning attributed to it by the recipient. In today's Mother's Day message, Sis. Sarah uses a red sweater and a quilt, both steeped in history, to illustrate the enduring power of prayers from generations past. An heirloom is a cherished possession passed down through generations, often holding sentimental value rather than monetary worth. Its significance lies in the memories it evokes and the meaning attributed to it by the recipient. In today's Mother's Day message, Sis. Sarah uses a red sweater and a quilt, both steeped in history, to illustrate the enduring power of prayers from generations past. An heirloom is a cherished possession passed down through generations, often holding sentimental value rather than monetary worth. Its significance lies in the memories it evokes and the meaning attributed to it by the recipient. In today's Mother's Da… Sarah Long 3372 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22400763/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_anheirloomthatcovers/id/4224280.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22400763 Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:5 Mon, 05 May 2025 02:29:24 +0000 Mark Hughes We like to live in the overflow of life, enjoying God's blessings and favor. However, there are times when we experience the opposite, and life seems to be pulling us under. In those times of unexpected setbacks, we put on our best smiles and try to lift our hands in praise. Job was a blessed man. He had wealth and standing in his community. He was at the pinnacle, and life was going well for him until the bottom fell out. Bad news followed more bad news until he had lost everything. Job's friends assumed he had done something to deserve God's punishment. Maybe he wasn't praying enough. Perhaps he was hiding sins that were the cause of his misfortune. The book of Job shows us how to face the questions, accusations, and sideways glances and not be destroyed by them. It is a manual for living by faith. Job's life teaches us that the rain falls on the just and the unjust. No one is exempt from troubles and pain. The book of Job also teaches us that God works even when we cannot see or feel it. Life's unexpected experiences can reveal unexpected views of God working on our behalf. Job learned that God was there in the awkward places of life. God is just as real and just as close in times of trouble as he is in good times. We like to live in the overflow of life, enjoying God's blessings and favor. However, there are times when we experience the opposite, and life seems to be pulling us under. In those times of unexpected setbacks, we put on our best smiles and try to lift our hands in praise. Job was a blessed man. He had wealth and standing in his community. He was at the pinnacle, and life was going well for him until the bottom fell out. Bad news followed more bad news until he had lost everything. Job's friends assumed he had done something to deserve God's punishment. Maybe he wasn't praying enough. Perhaps he was hiding sins that were the cause of his misfortune. The book of Job shows us how to face the questions, accusations, and sideways glances and not be destroyed by them. It is a manual for living by faith. Job's life teaches us that the rain falls on the just and the unjust. No one is exempt from troubles and pain. The book of Job also teaches us that God works even when we cannot see or feel it. Life's unexpected experiences can reveal unexpected views of God working on our behalf. Job learned that God was there in the awkward places of life. God is just as real and just as close in times of trouble as he is in good times. We like to live in the overflow of life, enjoying God's blessings and favor. However, there are times when we experience the opposite, and life seems to be pulling us under. In those times of unexpected setbacks, we put on our best smiles and try to l… Mark Hughes 3036 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22398123/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theunexpectedplaceofblessing/id/1453102.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22398123 The Unexpected Place of Blessing Mon, 05 May 2025 02:29:24 +0000 Mark Hughes We like to live in the overflow of life, enjoying God's blessings and favor. However, there are times when we experience the opposite, and life seems to be pulling us under. In those times of unexpected setbacks, we put on our best smiles and try to lift our hands in praise. Job was a blessed man. He had wealth and standing in his community. He was at the pinnacle, and life was going well for him until the bottom fell out. Bad news followed more bad news until he had lost everything. Job's friends assumed he had done something to deserve God's punishment. Maybe he wasn't praying enough. Perhaps he was hiding sins that were the cause of his misfortune. The book of Job shows us how to face the questions, accusations, and sideways glances and not be destroyed by them. It is a manual for living by faith. Job's life teaches us that the rain falls on the just and the unjust. No one is exempt from troubles and pain. The book of Job also teaches us that God works even when we cannot see or feel it. Life's unexpected experiences can reveal unexpected views of God working on our behalf. Job learned that God was there in the awkward places of life. God is just as real and just as close in times of trouble as he is in good times. We like to live in the overflow of life, enjoying God's blessings and favor. However, there are times when we experience the opposite, and life seems to be pulling us under. In those times of unexpected setbacks, we put on our best smiles and try to lift our hands in praise. Job was a blessed man. He had wealth and standing in his community. He was at the pinnacle, and life was going well for him until the bottom fell out. Bad news followed more bad news until he had lost everything. Job's friends assumed he had done something to deserve God's punishment. Maybe he wasn't praying enough. Perhaps he was hiding sins that were the cause of his misfortune. The book of Job shows us how to face the questions, accusations, and sideways glances and not be destroyed by them. It is a manual for living by faith. Job's life teaches us that the rain falls on the just and the unjust. No one is exempt from troubles and pain. The book of Job also teaches us that God works even when we cannot see or feel it. Life's unexpected experiences can reveal unexpected views of God working on our behalf. Job learned that God was there in the awkward places of life. God is just as real and just as close in times of trouble as he is in good times. We like to live in the overflow of life, enjoying God's blessings and favor. However, there are times when we experience the opposite, and life seems to be pulling us under. In those times of unexpected setbacks, we put on our best smiles and try to l… Mark Hughes 3036 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22398123/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theunexpectedplaceofblessing/id/4221659.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22398123 The Unexpected Place of Blessing Sun, 04 May 2025 20:48:23 +0000 Landon Long We have all described ourselves as being out of breath. It is a common figure of speech to describe the feeling after physical exertion, perhaps due to strong fumes or smoke. The truth is that saying we are out of breath is an exaggeration because if we were truly unable to breathe, we would quickly die from lack of oxygen. In Genesis, God formed man from dust and breathed life into him. Man was the only of God's creations to have life breathed into them. All the others were spoken into existence. By doing this, God imparted Himself into his creation. In our text, Ezekiel has a vision of being taken into a valley of death. There, God asks him if the dead bones could live again. He describes the bones as dry, meaning they had been dead for a long time. God tells Ezekiel to prophesy over the bones, and he does. There was noise and a shaking, and the bones began to move and reconnect. The bones appeared like a body when it was over, but there was still no life. There are a lot of places in life with noise and movement, but it is still dead and lifeless. God tells Ezekiel to prophesy again. When he did, breath returned to the bodies, and they stood again as a great army. Without the breath of God, we have nothing. Can these dry bones live? Is there hope for our situation? We must have more than noise and shaking; we must pursue the breath of God. We have all described ourselves as being out of breath. It is a common figure of speech to describe the feeling after physical exertion, perhaps due to strong fumes or smoke. The truth is that saying we are out of breath is an exaggeration because if we were truly unable to breathe, we would quickly die from lack of oxygen. In Genesis, God formed man from dust and breathed life into him. Man was the only of God's creations to have life breathed into them. All the others were spoken into existence. By doing this, God imparted Himself into his creation. In our text, Ezekiel has a vision of being taken into a valley of death. There, God asks him if the dead bones could live again. He describes the bones as dry, meaning they had been dead for a long time. God tells Ezekiel to prophesy over the bones, and he does. There was noise and a shaking, and the bones began to move and reconnect. The bones appeared like a body when it was over, but there was still no life. There are a lot of places in life with noise and movement, but it is still dead and lifeless. God tells Ezekiel to prophesy again. When he did, breath returned to the bodies, and they stood again as a great army. Without the breath of God, we have nothing. Can these dry bones live? Is there hope for our situation? We must have more than noise and shaking; we must pursue the breath of God. We have all described ourselves as being out of breath. It is a common figure of speech to describe the feeling after physical exertion, perhaps due to strong fumes or smoke. The truth is that saying we are out of breath is an exaggeration because if… Landon Long 3992 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22397947/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_outofbreath/id/1452999.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22397947 Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-37:10 Sun, 04 May 2025 20:48:23 +0000 Landon Long We have all described ourselves as being out of breath. It is a common figure of speech to describe the feeling after physical exertion, perhaps due to strong fumes or smoke. The truth is that saying we are out of breath is an exaggeration because if we were truly unable to breathe, we would quickly die from lack of oxygen. In Genesis, God formed man from dust and breathed life into him. Man was the only of God's creations to have life breathed into them. All the others were spoken into existence. By doing this, God imparted Himself into his creation. In our text, Ezekiel has a vision of being taken into a valley of death. There, God asks him if the dead bones could live again. He describes the bones as dry, meaning they had been dead for a long time. God tells Ezekiel to prophesy over the bones, and he does. There was noise and a shaking, and the bones began to move and reconnect. The bones appeared like a body when it was over, but there was still no life. There are a lot of places in life with noise and movement, but it is still dead and lifeless. God tells Ezekiel to prophesy again. When he did, breath returned to the bodies, and they stood again as a great army. Without the breath of God, we have nothing. Can these dry bones live? Is there hope for our situation? We must have more than noise and shaking; we must pursue the breath of God. We have all described ourselves as being out of breath. It is a common figure of speech to describe the feeling after physical exertion, perhaps due to strong fumes or smoke. The truth is that saying we are out of breath is an exaggeration because if we were truly unable to breathe, we would quickly die from lack of oxygen. In Genesis, God formed man from dust and breathed life into him. Man was the only of God's creations to have life breathed into them. All the others were spoken into existence. By doing this, God imparted Himself into his creation. In our text, Ezekiel has a vision of being taken into a valley of death. There, God asks him if the dead bones could live again. He describes the bones as dry, meaning they had been dead for a long time. God tells Ezekiel to prophesy over the bones, and he does. There was noise and a shaking, and the bones began to move and reconnect. The bones appeared like a body when it was over, but there was still no life. There are a lot of places in life with noise and movement, but it is still dead and lifeless. God tells Ezekiel to prophesy again. When he did, breath returned to the bodies, and they stood again as a great army. Without the breath of God, we have nothing. Can these dry bones live? Is there hope for our situation? We must have more than noise and shaking; we must pursue the breath of God. We have all described ourselves as being out of breath. It is a common figure of speech to describe the feeling after physical exertion, perhaps due to strong fumes or smoke. The truth is that saying we are out of breath is an exaggeration because if… Landon Long 3992 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22397947/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_outofbreath/id/4221510.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22397947 Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-37:10 Sun, 27 Apr 2025 20:10:57 +0000 Seth Williams The parable of the prodigal son is one of three found in Luke 15. These parables are not an indictment of those who fall short, but an illustration of God's great love for his creation. Each parable ends with a celebration when what was lost is found. The message for us is that no matter if we are the lost sheep, the lost coin, or the wayward son, there is a path back to God's love and forgiveness. Too often, we forget that we were once lost. At some point, we were all that lost sheep, lost coin, or child who left home and got into trouble. Just as the Father received us back, we must also welcome those who have become lost. When someone comes to our service, we should welcome them just as the father welcomed home his lost son. The Bible says the prodigal son came to himself and realized the servants in his father's house were better off than he. Recognition without action is just information. He would not have improved his situation if he had not gotten up and acted. The son overcame his pride and resolved to return home. No matter what our situation or how far we have wandered, there is still a path The parable of the prodigal son is one of three found in Luke 15. These parables are not an indictment of those who fall short, but an illustration of God's great love for his creation. Each parable ends with a celebration when what was lost is found. The message for us is that no matter if we are the lost sheep, the lost coin, or the wayward son, there is a path back to God's love and forgiveness. Too often, we forget that we were once lost. At some point, we were all that lost sheep, lost coin, or child who left home and got into trouble. Just as the Father received us back, we must also welcome those who have become lost. When someone comes to our service, we should welcome them just as the father welcomed home his lost son. The Bible says the prodigal son came to himself and realized the servants in his father's house were better off than he. Recognition without action is just information. He would not have improved his situation if he had not gotten up and acted. The son overcame his pride and resolved to return home. No matter what our situation or how far we have wandered, there is still a path The parable of the prodigal son is one of three found in Luke 15. These parables are not an indictment of those who fall short, but an illustration of God's great love for his creation. Each parable ends with a celebration when what was lost is found… Seth Williams 2748 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22395592/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thereisstillapath/id/1451496.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22395592 Scripture: Luke 15:11-15:21 Sun, 27 Apr 2025 20:10:57 +0000 Seth Williams The parable of the prodigal son is one of three found in Luke 15. These parables are not an indictment of those who fall short, but an illustration of God's great love for his creation. Each parable ends with a celebration when what was lost is found. The message for us is that no matter if we are the lost sheep, the lost coin, or the wayward son, there is a path back to God's love and forgiveness. Too often, we forget that we were once lost. At some point, we were all that lost sheep, lost coin, or child who left home and got into trouble. Just as the Father received us back, we must also welcome those who have become lost. When someone comes to our service, we should welcome them just as the father welcomed home his lost son. The Bible says the prodigal son came to himself and realized the servants in his father's house were better off than he. Recognition without action is just information. He would not have improved his situation if he had not gotten up and acted. The son overcame his pride and resolved to return home. No matter what our situation or how far we have wandered, there is still a path The parable of the prodigal son is one of three found in Luke 15. These parables are not an indictment of those who fall short, but an illustration of God's great love for his creation. Each parable ends with a celebration when what was lost is found. The message for us is that no matter if we are the lost sheep, the lost coin, or the wayward son, there is a path back to God's love and forgiveness. Too often, we forget that we were once lost. At some point, we were all that lost sheep, lost coin, or child who left home and got into trouble. Just as the Father received us back, we must also welcome those who have become lost. When someone comes to our service, we should welcome them just as the father welcomed home his lost son. The Bible says the prodigal son came to himself and realized the servants in his father's house were better off than he. Recognition without action is just information. He would not have improved his situation if he had not gotten up and acted. The son overcame his pride and resolved to return home. No matter what our situation or how far we have wandered, there is still a path The parable of the prodigal son is one of three found in Luke 15. These parables are not an indictment of those who fall short, but an illustration of God's great love for his creation. Each parable ends with a celebration when what was lost is found… Seth Williams 2748 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22395592/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thereisstillapath/id/4219161.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22395592 Scripture: Luke 15:11-15:21 Sun, 20 Apr 2025 21:21:22 +0000 Landon Long Some people are planners who are intentional about mapping out all the details. Others are dreamers, with an idea about the outcome, but who will deal with details as they come to pass. Others are worriers, who stress about all the things that might happen. Matthew 6:34 says, "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. This passage speaks to all three groups of people. Jesus sometimes gave vague directions to the disciples: I must needs go through Samaria, or Let's us go to the other side. Other times He was very specific: "Go your way into the village over against you: and soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. It came to pass in all of these situations just as Jesus had said it would. He already knew and had the problem worked out. Jesus had told the disciples many times, both abstractly and bluntly, that he would die on the cross and then arise three days later. Even with all the prior history with Him, the disciples were confused, scared, and lost after the crucifixion. In our text, three women went to the tomb to anoint the body with spices. Historians believe this may have been a two-hour journey. They set out to do the best they could to honor Jesus, but without knowing how they would accomplish their goal. Somewhere along the journey, they realized that a large stone was sealing the sepulcher, and they quickly realized they didn't know how to move it. Like us, they asked, "How am I going to do this?" There is an enemy who knows how big the stone in our life is. He wants to make sure we cannot reach Jesus. But, like with these three women, Jesus has already made a way. Nothing will keep us from getting to Jesus. That thing that is too big or difficult for us is easy for God. The enemy thinks the stone blocks us from God, but when God is ready to move, nothing will stop Him. Some people are planners who are intentional about mapping out all the details. Others are dreamers, with an idea about the outcome, but who will deal with details as they come to pass. Others are worriers, who stress about all the things that might happen. Matthew 6:34 says, "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. This passage speaks to all three groups of people. Jesus sometimes gave vague directions to the disciples: I must needs go through Samaria, or Let's us go to the other side. Other times He was very specific: "Go your way into the village over against you: and soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. It came to pass in all of these situations just as Jesus had said it would. He already knew and had the problem worked out. Jesus had told the disciples many times, both abstractly and bluntly, that he would die on the cross and then arise three days later. Even with all the prior history with Him, the disciples were confused, scared, and lost after the crucifixion. In our text, three women went to the tomb to anoint the body with spices. Historians believe this may have been a two-hour journey. They set out to do the best they could to honor Jesus, but without knowing how they would accomplish their goal. Somewhere along the journey, they realized that a large stone was sealing the sepulcher, and they quickly realized they didn't know how to move it. Like us, they asked, "How am I going to do this?" There is an enemy who knows how big the stone in our life is. He wants to make sure we cannot reach Jesus. But, like with these three women, Jesus has already made a way. Nothing will keep us from getting to Jesus. That thing that is too big or difficult for us is easy for God. The enemy thinks the stone blocks us from God, but when God is ready to move, nothing will stop Him. Some people are planners who are intentional about mapping out all the details. Others are dreamers, with an idea about the outcome, but who will deal with details as they come to pass. Others are worriers, who stress about all the things that might ha… Landon Long 3310 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22393263/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_itsalreadydone/id/1449961.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22393263 Scripture: Mark 16:1-16:4, John 20:1 Sun, 20 Apr 2025 21:21:22 +0000 Landon Long Some people are planners who are intentional about mapping out all the details. Others are dreamers, with an idea about the outcome, but who will deal with details as they come to pass. Others are worriers, who stress about all the things that might happen. Matthew 6:34 says, "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. This passage speaks to all three groups of people. Jesus sometimes gave vague directions to the disciples: I must needs go through Samaria, or Let's us go to the other side. Other times He was very specific: "Go your way into the village over against you: and soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. It came to pass in all of these situations just as Jesus had said it would. He already knew and had the problem worked out. Jesus had told the disciples many times, both abstractly and bluntly, that he would die on the cross and then arise three days later. Even with all the prior history with Him, the disciples were confused, scared, and lost after the crucifixion. In our text, three women went to the tomb to anoint the body with spices. Historians believe this may have been a two-hour journey. They set out to do the best they could to honor Jesus, but without knowing how they would accomplish their goal. Somewhere along the journey, they realized that a large stone was sealing the sepulcher, and they quickly realized they didn't know how to move it. Like us, they asked, "How am I going to do this?" There is an enemy who knows how big the stone in our life is. He wants to make sure we cannot reach Jesus. But, like with these three women, Jesus has already made a way. Nothing will keep us from getting to Jesus. That thing that is too big or difficult for us is easy for God. The enemy thinks the stone blocks us from God, but when God is ready to move, nothing will stop Him. Some people are planners who are intentional about mapping out all the details. Others are dreamers, with an idea about the outcome, but who will deal with details as they come to pass. Others are worriers, who stress about all the things that might happen. Matthew 6:34 says, "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. This passage speaks to all three groups of people. Jesus sometimes gave vague directions to the disciples: I must needs go through Samaria, or Let's us go to the other side. Other times He was very specific: "Go your way into the village over against you: and soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. It came to pass in all of these situations just as Jesus had said it would. He already knew and had the problem worked out. Jesus had told the disciples many times, both abstractly and bluntly, that he would die on the cross and then arise three days later. Even with all the prior history with Him, the disciples were confused, scared, and lost after the crucifixion. In our text, three women went to the tomb to anoint the body with spices. Historians believe this may have been a two-hour journey. They set out to do the best they could to honor Jesus, but without knowing how they would accomplish their goal. Somewhere along the journey, they realized that a large stone was sealing the sepulcher, and they quickly realized they didn't know how to move it. Like us, they asked, "How am I going to do this?" There is an enemy who knows how big the stone in our life is. He wants to make sure we cannot reach Jesus. But, like with these three women, Jesus has already made a way. Nothing will keep us from getting to Jesus. That thing that is too big or difficult for us is easy for God. The enemy thinks the stone blocks us from God, but when God is ready to move, nothing will stop Him. Some people are planners who are intentional about mapping out all the details. Others are dreamers, with an idea about the outcome, but who will deal with details as they come to pass. Others are worriers, who stress about all the things that might ha… Landon Long 3310 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22393263/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itsalreadydone/id/4216876.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22393263 Scripture: Mark 16:1-16:4, John 20:1 Sun, 06 Apr 2025 21:49:42 +0000 Landon Long Greater Life Church Greater Life Church Greater Life Church… Landon Long 3188 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22388054/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_arewemakingscents/id/1446417.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22388054 Scripture: John 12:1-12:6, Luke 7:37-7:39 Sun, 06 Apr 2025 21:49:42 +0000 Landon Long Greater Life Church Greater Life Church Greater Life Church… Landon Long 3188 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22388054/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_arewemakingscents/id/4211787.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22388054 Scripture: John 12:1-12:6, Luke 7:37-7:39 Sun, 30 Mar 2025 22:11:53 +0000 Landon Long None of us have gotten to where we are on our own. Along the way, a friend, co-worker, family member, Sunday School Teacher, or parent has helped, encouraged, taught, or made a way for us. Humans are social creatures. When God said it was not good for man to be alone, He was referring to more than just a spouse to share life with. Everyone has a role to play in the body of Christ. No matter how small that role may appear, each role is vital to the mission. After a movie, the credits show all the people who worked on the film. From the director to the key grip to the makeup artist, each has a vital role in bringing the movie to the big screen. The same is true in the kingdom of God. God has given us specific talents and expects us to use them for His glory. Do not let anyone diminish your role. God placed us right where we are to accomplish a specific purpose. 1 Corinthians 12:22 says that even the parts of the body that seem the weakest are indispensable. None of us have gotten to where we are on our own. Along the way, a friend, co-worker, family member, Sunday School Teacher, or parent has helped, encouraged, taught, or made a way for us. Humans are social creatures. When God said it was not good for man to be alone, He was referring to more than just a spouse to share life with. Everyone has a role to play in the body of Christ. No matter how small that role may appear, each role is vital to the mission. After a movie, the credits show all the people who worked on the film. From the director to the key grip to the makeup artist, each has a vital role in bringing the movie to the big screen. The same is true in the kingdom of God. God has given us specific talents and expects us to use them for His glory. Do not let anyone diminish your role. God placed us right where we are to accomplish a specific purpose. 1 Corinthians 12:22 says that even the parts of the body that seem the weakest are indispensable. None of us have gotten to where we are on our own. Along the way, a friend, co-worker, family member, Sunday School Teacher, or parent has helped, encouraged, taught, or made a way for us. Humans are social creatures. When God said it was not good f… Landon Long 3444 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22385699/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_greaterbecauseofyou/id/1444864.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22385699 Scripture: Genesis 30:25-30:30, 1 Corinthians 12:13-12:23 Sun, 30 Mar 2025 22:11:53 +0000 Landon Long None of us have gotten to where we are on our own. Along the way, a friend, co-worker, family member, Sunday School Teacher, or parent has helped, encouraged, taught, or made a way for us. Humans are social creatures. When God said it was not good for man to be alone, He was referring to more than just a spouse to share life with. Everyone has a role to play in the body of Christ. No matter how small that role may appear, each role is vital to the mission. After a movie, the credits show all the people who worked on the film. From the director to the key grip to the makeup artist, each has a vital role in bringing the movie to the big screen. The same is true in the kingdom of God. God has given us specific talents and expects us to use them for His glory. Do not let anyone diminish your role. God placed us right where we are to accomplish a specific purpose. 1 Corinthians 12:22 says that even the parts of the body that seem the weakest are indispensable. None of us have gotten to where we are on our own. Along the way, a friend, co-worker, family member, Sunday School Teacher, or parent has helped, encouraged, taught, or made a way for us. Humans are social creatures. When God said it was not good for man to be alone, He was referring to more than just a spouse to share life with. Everyone has a role to play in the body of Christ. No matter how small that role may appear, each role is vital to the mission. After a movie, the credits show all the people who worked on the film. From the director to the key grip to the makeup artist, each has a vital role in bringing the movie to the big screen. The same is true in the kingdom of God. God has given us specific talents and expects us to use them for His glory. Do not let anyone diminish your role. God placed us right where we are to accomplish a specific purpose. 1 Corinthians 12:22 says that even the parts of the body that seem the weakest are indispensable. None of us have gotten to where we are on our own. Along the way, a friend, co-worker, family member, Sunday School Teacher, or parent has helped, encouraged, taught, or made a way for us. Humans are social creatures. When God said it was not good f… Landon Long 3444 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22385699/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_greaterbecauseofyou/id/4209487.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22385699 Scripture: Genesis 30:25-30:30, 1 Corinthians 12:13-12:23 Sun, 16 Mar 2025 20:02:40 +0000 Landon Long We have phrases we use to describe when someone or something is not working as expected. We say something is off the rails when things are going wrong, or if someone gets distracted, we say they got sidetracked. This phrase comes from the railroad industry. A train becoming derailed is a huge problem. A sidetrack is less of a problem. It is a section of tracks where cars are moved to rearrange the train or store them out of the way. The cars stored on the side track are not intended to stay there forever and will eventually need to be moved back onto the main tracks to become functional again. When applied to non-railroad situations, we can find ourselves sidetracked by people or things in life that are not important. Our world is full of distractions. The enemy knows this and will use every opportunity to put things in our way to sidetrack us. These distractions are not necessarily sinful in and of themselves, but they prevent us from fulfilling God's purpose. If we look around and see we are off course, we must change direction to get back on course. Our texts today were Jesus' first and last interactions with the disciples. They occurred in the same place, by the same body of water, and had similar events. In the first encounter, Jesus calls them from a career of fishing to make them fishers of men: to reach lost souls. In John 21, many things had occurred in the previous few days. The disciples have seen the last supper, the betrayal by Judas, Peter denying Jesus, the trial, crucifixion, death on the cross, the empty tomb, and Jesus manifesting himself to them after rising from the dead. The disciples are confused, scared, and unsure of what to do now. They decide to go fishing. They were exactly where they were when Jesus found them. Jesus had done all He said He would do, and now the disciples had to return to being fishers of men. Are you where you thought you would be? Are you where you want to be? What are you willing to do to get back on track? Are you ready to make a course correction? We have phrases we use to describe when someone or something is not working as expected. We say something is off the rails when things are going wrong, or if someone gets distracted, we say they got sidetracked. This phrase comes from the railroad industry. A train becoming derailed is a huge problem. A sidetrack is less of a problem. It is a section of tracks where cars are moved to rearrange the train or store them out of the way. The cars stored on the side track are not intended to stay there forever and will eventually need to be moved back onto the main tracks to become functional again. When applied to non-railroad situations, we can find ourselves sidetracked by people or things in life that are not important. Our world is full of distractions. The enemy knows this and will use every opportunity to put things in our way to sidetrack us. These distractions are not necessarily sinful in and of themselves, but they prevent us from fulfilling God's purpose. If we look around and see we are off course, we must change direction to get back on course. Our texts today were Jesus' first and last interactions with the disciples. They occurred in the same place, by the same body of water, and had similar events. In the first encounter, Jesus calls them from a career of fishing to make them fishers of men: to reach lost souls. In John 21, many things had occurred in the previous few days. The disciples have seen the last supper, the betrayal by Judas, Peter denying Jesus, the trial, crucifixion, death on the cross, the empty tomb, and Jesus manifesting himself to them after rising from the dead. The disciples are confused, scared, and unsure of what to do now. They decide to go fishing. They were exactly where they were when Jesus found them. Jesus had done all He said He would do, and now the disciples had to return to being fishers of men. Are you where you thought you would be? Are you where you want to be? What are you willing to do to get back on track? Are you ready to make a course correction? We have phrases we use to describe when someone or something is not working as expected. We say something is off the rails when things are going wrong, or if someone gets distracted, we say they got sidetracked. This phrase comes from the railroad in… Landon Long 3414 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22380844/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_coursecorrection/id/1441637.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22380844 Scripture: Luke 5:1-5:11, John 21:1-21:7 Sun, 16 Mar 2025 20:02:40 +0000 Landon Long We have phrases we use to describe when someone or something is not working as expected. We say something is off the rails when things are going wrong, or if someone gets distracted, we say they got sidetracked. This phrase comes from the railroad industry. A train becoming derailed is a huge problem. A sidetrack is less of a problem. It is a section of tracks where cars are moved to rearrange the train or store them out of the way. The cars stored on the side track are not intended to stay there forever and will eventually need to be moved back onto the main tracks to become functional again. When applied to non-railroad situations, we can find ourselves sidetracked by people or things in life that are not important. Our world is full of distractions. The enemy knows this and will use every opportunity to put things in our way to sidetrack us. These distractions are not necessarily sinful in and of themselves, but they prevent us from fulfilling God's purpose. If we look around and see we are off course, we must change direction to get back on course. Our texts today were Jesus' first and last interactions with the disciples. They occurred in the same place, by the same body of water, and had similar events. In the first encounter, Jesus calls them from a career of fishing to make them fishers of men: to reach lost souls. In John 21, many things had occurred in the previous few days. The disciples have seen the last supper, the betrayal by Judas, Peter denying Jesus, the trial, crucifixion, death on the cross, the empty tomb, and Jesus manifesting himself to them after rising from the dead. The disciples are confused, scared, and unsure of what to do now. They decide to go fishing. They were exactly where they were when Jesus found them. Jesus had done all He said He would do, and now the disciples had to return to being fishers of men. Are you where you thought you would be? Are you where you want to be? What are you willing to do to get back on track? Are you ready to make a course correction? We have phrases we use to describe when someone or something is not working as expected. We say something is off the rails when things are going wrong, or if someone gets distracted, we say they got sidetracked. This phrase comes from the railroad industry. A train becoming derailed is a huge problem. A sidetrack is less of a problem. It is a section of tracks where cars are moved to rearrange the train or store them out of the way. The cars stored on the side track are not intended to stay there forever and will eventually need to be moved back onto the main tracks to become functional again. When applied to non-railroad situations, we can find ourselves sidetracked by people or things in life that are not important. Our world is full of distractions. The enemy knows this and will use every opportunity to put things in our way to sidetrack us. These distractions are not necessarily sinful in and of themselves, but they prevent us from fulfilling God's purpose. If we look around and see we are off course, we must change direction to get back on course. Our texts today were Jesus' first and last interactions with the disciples. They occurred in the same place, by the same body of water, and had similar events. In the first encounter, Jesus calls them from a career of fishing to make them fishers of men: to reach lost souls. In John 21, many things had occurred in the previous few days. The disciples have seen the last supper, the betrayal by Judas, Peter denying Jesus, the trial, crucifixion, death on the cross, the empty tomb, and Jesus manifesting himself to them after rising from the dead. The disciples are confused, scared, and unsure of what to do now. They decide to go fishing. They were exactly where they were when Jesus found them. Jesus had done all He said He would do, and now the disciples had to return to being fishers of men. Are you where you thought you would be? Are you where you want to be? What are you willing to do to get back on track? Are you ready to make a course correction? We have phrases we use to describe when someone or something is not working as expected. We say something is off the rails when things are going wrong, or if someone gets distracted, we say they got sidetracked. This phrase comes from the railroad in… Landon Long 3414 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22380844/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_coursecorrection/id/4204684.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22380844 Scripture: Luke 5:1-5:11, John 21:1-21:7 Sun, 09 Mar 2025 20:28:27 +0000 Mark Hughes God created the heavens and the earth, and then He created man to rule over all He had made. God does not make mistakes or change His mind. Nothing surprises Him, even though we often fail to live up to His plans. The writer of Hebrews notes that God put everything under man's feet, but there are still some things not under man's control. The word "but" often trips us up. It interrupts and disrupts the conversation, reminding us that we are not as perfect as we think. It shouts of the impossibility or improbability of something, acting as an exception to the facts. It whispers that our situation differs from everyone else's, blocking our path and blinding us to God's promise. However, there is a counterbalance to this. Looking beyond verse 8 to verse 9, we see that Jesus is the counterbalance. No matter how we may have fallen short or failed to grasp all God has for us, we need only look to Jesus. Jesus has already won the battle against the devil. He is defeated. All we need to do is show up and worship Him. Don't stop at verse 8; press on to verse 9 to find Jesus. God created the heavens and the earth, and then He created man to rule over all He had made. God does not make mistakes or change His mind. Nothing surprises Him, even though we often fail to live up to His plans. The writer of Hebrews notes that God put everything under man's feet, but there are still some things not under man's control. The word "but" often trips us up. It interrupts and disrupts the conversation, reminding us that we are not as perfect as we think. It shouts of the impossibility or improbability of something, acting as an exception to the facts. It whispers that our situation differs from everyone else's, blocking our path and blinding us to God's promise. However, there is a counterbalance to this. Looking beyond verse 8 to verse 9, we see that Jesus is the counterbalance. No matter how we may have fallen short or failed to grasp all God has for us, we need only look to Jesus. Jesus has already won the battle against the devil. He is defeated. All we need to do is show up and worship Him. Don't stop at verse 8; press on to verse 9 to find Jesus. God created the heavens and the earth, and then He created man to rule over all He had made. God does not make mistakes or change His mind. Nothing surprises Him, even though we often fail to live up to His plans. The writer of Hebrews notes that God p… Mark Hughes 3502 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22378526/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_acounterbalancetolifescomplica/id/1440112.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22378526 Scripture: Hebrews 2:8-2:9, Psalms 8 Sun, 09 Mar 2025 20:28:27 +0000 Mark Hughes God created the heavens and the earth, and then He created man to rule over all He had made. God does not make mistakes or change His mind. Nothing surprises Him, even though we often fail to live up to His plans. The writer of Hebrews notes that God put everything under man's feet, but there are still some things not under man's control. The word "but" often trips us up. It interrupts and disrupts the conversation, reminding us that we are not as perfect as we think. It shouts of the impossibility or improbability of something, acting as an exception to the facts. It whispers that our situation differs from everyone else's, blocking our path and blinding us to God's promise. However, there is a counterbalance to this. Looking beyond verse 8 to verse 9, we see that Jesus is the counterbalance. No matter how we may have fallen short or failed to grasp all God has for us, we need only look to Jesus. Jesus has already won the battle against the devil. He is defeated. All we need to do is show up and worship Him. Don't stop at verse 8; press on to verse 9 to find Jesus. God created the heavens and the earth, and then He created man to rule over all He had made. God does not make mistakes or change His mind. Nothing surprises Him, even though we often fail to live up to His plans. The writer of Hebrews notes that God put everything under man's feet, but there are still some things not under man's control. The word "but" often trips us up. It interrupts and disrupts the conversation, reminding us that we are not as perfect as we think. It shouts of the impossibility or improbability of something, acting as an exception to the facts. It whispers that our situation differs from everyone else's, blocking our path and blinding us to God's promise. However, there is a counterbalance to this. Looking beyond verse 8 to verse 9, we see that Jesus is the counterbalance. No matter how we may have fallen short or failed to grasp all God has for us, we need only look to Jesus. Jesus has already won the battle against the devil. He is defeated. All we need to do is show up and worship Him. Don't stop at verse 8; press on to verse 9 to find Jesus. God created the heavens and the earth, and then He created man to rule over all He had made. God does not make mistakes or change His mind. Nothing surprises Him, even though we often fail to live up to His plans. The writer of Hebrews notes that God p… Mark Hughes 3502 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22378526/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_acounterbalancetolifescomplica/id/4202453.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22378526 Scripture: Hebrews 2:8-2:9, Psalms 8 Mon, 03 Mar 2025 02:01:00 +0000 Landon Long All of us have left something behind at some point. Leaving our wallet, phone, or other important item behind disrupts our routine, and we feel at a loss to function normally. In our text, Issac saw the fire, the wood, and the knife, but he knew something was missing. He had no doubt participated with his father many times in sacrificing an animal to the Lord, but the lamb was missing this time. Without the lamb, there could be no sacrifice. The altar is essential. We should have an altar in our lives. However, if we do not have a sacrifice for the altar, it is for naught. Most churches have pews, music, and the things we expect to see in a church. Many churches have an altar. But if Jesus is not there, it is just a fire pit. God gave them instructions for the Passover when Israel was still in Egypt. Each family was to have a lamb. They had specific instructions on how to prepare and eat the lamb. But it was not enough to have the lamb in their homes; they also had to put the blood of that lamb on the doorpost. Not only did they have to have the lamb in their home, but they also had to have an outward demonstration of that lamb in their homes. Do people see a sign that we have the lamb in our homes? All of us have left something behind at some point. Leaving our wallet, phone, or other important item behind disrupts our routine, and we feel at a loss to function normally. In our text, Issac saw the fire, the wood, and the knife, but he knew something was missing. He had no doubt participated with his father many times in sacrificing an animal to the Lord, but the lamb was missing this time. Without the lamb, there could be no sacrifice. The altar is essential. We should have an altar in our lives. However, if we do not have a sacrifice for the altar, it is for naught. Most churches have pews, music, and the things we expect to see in a church. Many churches have an altar. But if Jesus is not there, it is just a fire pit. God gave them instructions for the Passover when Israel was still in Egypt. Each family was to have a lamb. They had specific instructions on how to prepare and eat the lamb. But it was not enough to have the lamb in their homes; they also had to put the blood of that lamb on the doorpost. Not only did they have to have the lamb in their home, but they also had to have an outward demonstration of that lamb in their homes. Do people see a sign that we have the lamb in our homes? All of us have left something behind at some point. Leaving our wallet, phone, or other important item behind disrupts our routine, and we feel at a loss to function normally. In our text, Issac saw the fire, the wood, and the knife, but he knew some… Landon Long 2944 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22376478/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whereisthelamb/id/1438576.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22376478 Scripture: Genesis 22:1-22:15 Mon, 03 Mar 2025 02:01:00 +0000 Landon Long All of us have left something behind at some point. Leaving our wallet, phone, or other important item behind disrupts our routine, and we feel at a loss to function normally. In our text, Issac saw the fire, the wood, and the knife, but he knew something was missing. He had no doubt participated with his father many times in sacrificing an animal to the Lord, but the lamb was missing this time. Without the lamb, there could be no sacrifice. The altar is essential. We should have an altar in our lives. However, if we do not have a sacrifice for the altar, it is for naught. Most churches have pews, music, and the things we expect to see in a church. Many churches have an altar. But if Jesus is not there, it is just a fire pit. God gave them instructions for the Passover when Israel was still in Egypt. Each family was to have a lamb. They had specific instructions on how to prepare and eat the lamb. But it was not enough to have the lamb in their homes; they also had to put the blood of that lamb on the doorpost. Not only did they have to have the lamb in their home, but they also had to have an outward demonstration of that lamb in their homes. Do people see a sign that we have the lamb in our homes? All of us have left something behind at some point. Leaving our wallet, phone, or other important item behind disrupts our routine, and we feel at a loss to function normally. In our text, Issac saw the fire, the wood, and the knife, but he knew something was missing. He had no doubt participated with his father many times in sacrificing an animal to the Lord, but the lamb was missing this time. Without the lamb, there could be no sacrifice. The altar is essential. We should have an altar in our lives. However, if we do not have a sacrifice for the altar, it is for naught. Most churches have pews, music, and the things we expect to see in a church. Many churches have an altar. But if Jesus is not there, it is just a fire pit. God gave them instructions for the Passover when Israel was still in Egypt. Each family was to have a lamb. They had specific instructions on how to prepare and eat the lamb. But it was not enough to have the lamb in their homes; they also had to put the blood of that lamb on the doorpost. Not only did they have to have the lamb in their home, but they also had to have an outward demonstration of that lamb in their homes. Do people see a sign that we have the lamb in our homes? All of us have left something behind at some point. Leaving our wallet, phone, or other important item behind disrupts our routine, and we feel at a loss to function normally. In our text, Issac saw the fire, the wood, and the knife, but he knew some… Landon Long 2944 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22376478/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whereisthelamb/id/4200420.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22376478 Scripture: Genesis 22:1-22:15 Sun, 02 Mar 2025 21:49:31 +0000 Ron Wofford Every life is defined by two movements of time, but often, we only consider one of them. The first is the chronological timeline from birth to death. The other time is eternity. What we do in our life on Earth has echoes and impacts to eternity. The Greeks had two words for time: Chrono and Kairos. Kairos differs from the more general concept of Chronos, which refers to chronological time. Kairos is a qualitative concept that involves understanding a situation and recognizing its unique opportunity. Kairos is what shapes our destiny. Man tends to live without sensing the importance of time. God provides Kairos moments but does not force us into them. How much do we miss because we do not recognize Kairos moments? Within each of us is the opportunity to embrace what God presents. God gives us choices. We make the choice, and the choice makes us. We must remain vigilant and watchful for the opportunities God places before us and be quick to accept the direction that He provides. Every life is defined by two movements of time, but often, we only consider one of them. The first is the chronological timeline from birth to death. The other time is eternity. What we do in our life on Earth has echoes and impacts to eternity. The Greeks had two words for time: Chrono and Kairos. Kairos differs from the more general concept of Chronos, which refers to chronological time. Kairos is a qualitative concept that involves understanding a situation and recognizing its unique opportunity. Kairos is what shapes our destiny. Man tends to live without sensing the importance of time. God provides Kairos moments but does not force us into them. How much do we miss because we do not recognize Kairos moments? Within each of us is the opportunity to embrace what God presents. God gives us choices. We make the choice, and the choice makes us. We must remain vigilant and watchful for the opportunities God places before us and be quick to accept the direction that He provides. Every life is defined by two movements of time, but often, we only consider one of them. The first is the chronological timeline from birth to death. The other time is eternity. What we do in our life on Earth has echoes and impacts to eternity. Th… Ron Wofford 2619 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22376032/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_anunderstandingofourtime/id/1438377.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22376032 Scripture: 1 Chronicles 12:32, Acts 13:36, Esther 4:14 Sun, 02 Mar 2025 21:49:31 +0000 Ron Wofford Every life is defined by two movements of time, but often, we only consider one of them. The first is the chronological timeline from birth to death. The other time is eternity. What we do in our life on Earth has echoes and impacts to eternity. The Greeks had two words for time: Chrono and Kairos. Kairos differs from the more general concept of Chronos, which refers to chronological time. Kairos is a qualitative concept that involves understanding a situation and recognizing its unique opportunity. Kairos is what shapes our destiny. Man tends to live without sensing the importance of time. God provides Kairos moments but does not force us into them. How much do we miss because we do not recognize Kairos moments? Within each of us is the opportunity to embrace what God presents. God gives us choices. We make the choice, and the choice makes us. We must remain vigilant and watchful for the opportunities God places before us and be quick to accept the direction that He provides. Every life is defined by two movements of time, but often, we only consider one of them. The first is the chronological timeline from birth to death. The other time is eternity. What we do in our life on Earth has echoes and impacts to eternity. The Greeks had two words for time: Chrono and Kairos. Kairos differs from the more general concept of Chronos, which refers to chronological time. Kairos is a qualitative concept that involves understanding a situation and recognizing its unique opportunity. Kairos is what shapes our destiny. Man tends to live without sensing the importance of time. God provides Kairos moments but does not force us into them. How much do we miss because we do not recognize Kairos moments? Within each of us is the opportunity to embrace what God presents. God gives us choices. We make the choice, and the choice makes us. We must remain vigilant and watchful for the opportunities God places before us and be quick to accept the direction that He provides. Every life is defined by two movements of time, but often, we only consider one of them. The first is the chronological timeline from birth to death. The other time is eternity. What we do in our life on Earth has echoes and impacts to eternity. Th… Ron Wofford 2619 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22376032/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_anunderstandingofourtime/id/4199987.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22376032 Scripture: 1 Chronicles 12:32, Acts 13:36, Esther 4:14 Sun, 23 Feb 2025 20:20:25 +0000 Landon Long Prior to our text, Abraham and Lot had decided to separate, as their families and flocks were too large for the land to accommodate both families. The Bible said their possessions had become so great. Growth is a blessing, but over time, growth can cause problems. The pressure had caused the families to fight with one another. They realized that fighting among themselves created a risk because of the enemies outside. Growth is not the problem. The problem arose when they had to choose who would go where. Abraham chose the valley, and Lot settled in the plains near the city. Where Lot chose to pitch his tent in a lush territory with good land. The place was not the problem for Lot; it was what he was facing. He chose to face the worldly draw of Sodom. The Bible says he faced his tent in that direction but continued moving closer. The men of Sodom were wicked. It was not long until Lot went from facing to being near to living in Sodom. The direction you look is essential. If you are looking somewhere other than where you want to be, you will not get to where you want to go. Lot made this choice not only for himself but also for all the people he was responsible for. It is never just about us. Our actions have consequences for our families and those for whom we are responsible. Lot started by having his tent near Sodom. By the time of our text, he is living in Sodom, and the city's men are trying to break down his door to get at the angels who came to visit. The place where we live will eventually infiltrate our home. The angels told him to leave because they were there to destroy the city, yet Lot did not want to go even then. We talk about Lot's wife looking back but do not discuss Lot lingering even in the face of impending destruction. God was waiting on Lot. He could have destroyed Sodom, but He waited on Lot. God is waiting for us today. Prior to our text, Abraham and Lot had decided to separate, as their families and flocks were too large for the land to accommodate both families. The Bible said their possessions had become so great. Growth is a blessing, but over time, growth can cause problems. The pressure had caused the families to fight with one another. They realized that fighting among themselves created a risk because of the enemies outside. Growth is not the problem. The problem arose when they had to choose who would go where. Abraham chose the valley, and Lot settled in the plains near the city. Where Lot chose to pitch his tent in a lush territory with good land. The place was not the problem for Lot; it was what he was facing. He chose to face the worldly draw of Sodom. The Bible says he faced his tent in that direction but continued moving closer. The men of Sodom were wicked. It was not long until Lot went from facing to being near to living in Sodom. The direction you look is essential. If you are looking somewhere other than where you want to be, you will not get to where you want to go. Lot made this choice not only for himself but also for all the people he was responsible for. It is never just about us. Our actions have consequences for our families and those for whom we are responsible. Lot started by having his tent near Sodom. By the time of our text, he is living in Sodom, and the city's men are trying to break down his door to get at the angels who came to visit. The place where we live will eventually infiltrate our home. The angels told him to leave because they were there to destroy the city, yet Lot did not want to go even then. We talk about Lot's wife looking back but do not discuss Lot lingering even in the face of impending destruction. God was waiting on Lot. He could have destroyed Sodom, but He waited on Lot. God is waiting for us today. Prior to our text, Abraham and Lot had decided to separate, as their families and flocks were too large for the land to accommodate both families. The Bible said their possessions had become so great. Growth is a blessing, but over time, growth can c… Landon Long 3184 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22373459/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_heiswaitingforyou/id/1436713.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22373459 Scripture: Genesis 19:15-19:22 Sun, 23 Feb 2025 20:20:25 +0000 Landon Long Prior to our text, Abraham and Lot had decided to separate, as their families and flocks were too large for the land to accommodate both families. The Bible said their possessions had become so great. Growth is a blessing, but over time, growth can cause problems. The pressure had caused the families to fight with one another. They realized that fighting among themselves created a risk because of the enemies outside. Growth is not the problem. The problem arose when they had to choose who would go where. Abraham chose the valley, and Lot settled in the plains near the city. Where Lot chose to pitch his tent in a lush territory with good land. The place was not the problem for Lot; it was what he was facing. He chose to face the worldly draw of Sodom. The Bible says he faced his tent in that direction but continued moving closer. The men of Sodom were wicked. It was not long until Lot went from facing to being near to living in Sodom. The direction you look is essential. If you are looking somewhere other than where you want to be, you will not get to where you want to go. Lot made this choice not only for himself but also for all the people he was responsible for. It is never just about us. Our actions have consequences for our families and those for whom we are responsible. Lot started by having his tent near Sodom. By the time of our text, he is living in Sodom, and the city's men are trying to break down his door to get at the angels who came to visit. The place where we live will eventually infiltrate our home. The angels told him to leave because they were there to destroy the city, yet Lot did not want to go even then. We talk about Lot's wife looking back but do not discuss Lot lingering even in the face of impending destruction. God was waiting on Lot. He could have destroyed Sodom, but He waited on Lot. God is waiting for us today. Prior to our text, Abraham and Lot had decided to separate, as their families and flocks were too large for the land to accommodate both families. The Bible said their possessions had become so great. Growth is a blessing, but over time, growth can cause problems. The pressure had caused the families to fight with one another. They realized that fighting among themselves created a risk because of the enemies outside. Growth is not the problem. The problem arose when they had to choose who would go where. Abraham chose the valley, and Lot settled in the plains near the city. Where Lot chose to pitch his tent in a lush territory with good land. The place was not the problem for Lot; it was what he was facing. He chose to face the worldly draw of Sodom. The Bible says he faced his tent in that direction but continued moving closer. The men of Sodom were wicked. It was not long until Lot went from facing to being near to living in Sodom. The direction you look is essential. If you are looking somewhere other than where you want to be, you will not get to where you want to go. Lot made this choice not only for himself but also for all the people he was responsible for. It is never just about us. Our actions have consequences for our families and those for whom we are responsible. Lot started by having his tent near Sodom. By the time of our text, he is living in Sodom, and the city's men are trying to break down his door to get at the angels who came to visit. The place where we live will eventually infiltrate our home. The angels told him to leave because they were there to destroy the city, yet Lot did not want to go even then. We talk about Lot's wife looking back but do not discuss Lot lingering even in the face of impending destruction. God was waiting on Lot. He could have destroyed Sodom, but He waited on Lot. God is waiting for us today. Prior to our text, Abraham and Lot had decided to separate, as their families and flocks were too large for the land to accommodate both families. The Bible said their possessions had become so great. Growth is a blessing, but over time, growth can c… Landon Long 3184 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22373459/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_heiswaitingforyou/id/4197468.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22373459 Scripture: Genesis 19:15-19:22 Sun, 16 Feb 2025 20:57:04 +0000 Landon Long Everyone has a past. God has brought each of us to the place we are today. People who search their ancestry find that they came from Europe, Asia, Africa, or a mix of all those places. Sometime in the past, people across the globe decided to move from where they were to somewhere else to make a better life. Although our family tree branches out from around the world, we no longer speak the same language or have the same culture as those who came before us. Where we come from does not determine the future God has for us. Photography has been around long enough for us to easily find photos of locations around the globe from decades or even a century ago. It is interesting to see a place that may have been devastated by a natural disaster or ravaged by war as it looks today. Seeing the same location rebuilt to a greater glory is inspiring. If we could have a picture of our life from when we were at our worst, we can easily see the glory that God has built from that ruin. Our past does not trap us. God can change all of that. The outcome of our life is going to look different. That doesn't necessarily mean it is bad right now, but it can be better with God. We know our past and our present. But can we imagine what God will have for us next? Everyone has a past. God has brought each of us to the place we are today. People who search their ancestry find that they came from Europe, Asia, Africa, or a mix of all those places. Sometime in the past, people across the globe decided to move from where they were to somewhere else to make a better life. Although our family tree branches out from around the world, we no longer speak the same language or have the same culture as those who came before us. Where we come from does not determine the future God has for us. Photography has been around long enough for us to easily find photos of locations around the globe from decades or even a century ago. It is interesting to see a place that may have been devastated by a natural disaster or ravaged by war as it looks today. Seeing the same location rebuilt to a greater glory is inspiring. If we could have a picture of our life from when we were at our worst, we can easily see the glory that God has built from that ruin. Our past does not trap us. God can change all of that. The outcome of our life is going to look different. That doesn't necessarily mean it is bad right now, but it can be better with God. We know our past and our present. But can we imagine what God will have for us next? Everyone has a past. God has brought each of us to the place we are today. People who search their ancestry find that they came from Europe, Asia, Africa, or a mix of all those places. Sometime in the past, people across the globe decided to move fr… Landon Long 3099 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22371070/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thennownext/id/1435146.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22371070 Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-2:13 Sun, 16 Feb 2025 20:57:04 +0000 Landon Long Everyone has a past. God has brought each of us to the place we are today. People who search their ancestry find that they came from Europe, Asia, Africa, or a mix of all those places. Sometime in the past, people across the globe decided to move from where they were to somewhere else to make a better life. Although our family tree branches out from around the world, we no longer speak the same language or have the same culture as those who came before us. Where we come from does not determine the future God has for us. Photography has been around long enough for us to easily find photos of locations around the globe from decades or even a century ago. It is interesting to see a place that may have been devastated by a natural disaster or ravaged by war as it looks today. Seeing the same location rebuilt to a greater glory is inspiring. If we could have a picture of our life from when we were at our worst, we can easily see the glory that God has built from that ruin. Our past does not trap us. God can change all of that. The outcome of our life is going to look different. That doesn't necessarily mean it is bad right now, but it can be better with God. We know our past and our present. But can we imagine what God will have for us next? Everyone has a past. God has brought each of us to the place we are today. People who search their ancestry find that they came from Europe, Asia, Africa, or a mix of all those places. Sometime in the past, people across the globe decided to move from where they were to somewhere else to make a better life. Although our family tree branches out from around the world, we no longer speak the same language or have the same culture as those who came before us. Where we come from does not determine the future God has for us. Photography has been around long enough for us to easily find photos of locations around the globe from decades or even a century ago. It is interesting to see a place that may have been devastated by a natural disaster or ravaged by war as it looks today. Seeing the same location rebuilt to a greater glory is inspiring. If we could have a picture of our life from when we were at our worst, we can easily see the glory that God has built from that ruin. Our past does not trap us. God can change all of that. The outcome of our life is going to look different. That doesn't necessarily mean it is bad right now, but it can be better with God. We know our past and our present. But can we imagine what God will have for us next? Everyone has a past. God has brought each of us to the place we are today. People who search their ancestry find that they came from Europe, Asia, Africa, or a mix of all those places. Sometime in the past, people across the globe decided to move fr… Landon Long 3099 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22371070/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thennownext/id/4195157.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22371070 Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-2:13 Sun, 02 Feb 2025 20:41:26 +0000 Mark Hughes Sardis was one of the wealthiest cities of the time. It sat up on a hill and was heavily fortified. Historians do not know who started the church there or how large it was. We only have reference to this church in the book of Revelation. What we do know is that the Holy Ghost worked there as it had in another first-century church. Also, like the other early churches, the church at Sardis began to be affected by the culture of their surrounding and began to slip from the vision they had in the beginning. John's letter was a call for them to get back on track. They were going through the motions, but God told them they were dead. This condition was not terminal. God speaks to them about how to recover. He tells them to be watchful. If we are not watchful, we cannot receive the message. Then He tells them to strengthen that which remains. They had not lost everything. Do not ruminate about the failures. Focus on what is remains and build from there. God will take those things left and equip us to make it with what we have. God is interested in what is left that He can use to bless us. Sardis was one of the wealthiest cities of the time. It sat up on a hill and was heavily fortified. Historians do not know who started the church there or how large it was. We only have reference to this church in the book of Revelation. What we do know is that the Holy Ghost worked there as it had in another first-century church. Also, like the other early churches, the church at Sardis began to be affected by the culture of their surrounding and began to slip from the vision they had in the beginning. John's letter was a call for them to get back on track. They were going through the motions, but God told them they were dead. This condition was not terminal. God speaks to them about how to recover. He tells them to be watchful. If we are not watchful, we cannot receive the message. Then He tells them to strengthen that which remains. They had not lost everything. Do not ruminate about the failures. Focus on what is remains and build from there. God will take those things left and equip us to make it with what we have. God is interested in what is left that He can use to bless us. Sardis was one of the wealthiest cities of the time. It sat up on a hill and was heavily fortified. Historians do not know who started the church there or how large it was. We only have reference to this church in the book of Revelation. What we do… Mark Hughes 3913 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22366395/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whatgodisinterestedin/id/1432017.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22366395 Scripture: Revelation 3:1-3:6 Sun, 02 Feb 2025 20:41:26 +0000 Mark Hughes Sardis was one of the wealthiest cities of the time. It sat up on a hill and was heavily fortified. Historians do not know who started the church there or how large it was. We only have reference to this church in the book of Revelation. What we do know is that the Holy Ghost worked there as it had in another first-century church. Also, like the other early churches, the church at Sardis began to be affected by the culture of their surrounding and began to slip from the vision they had in the beginning. John's letter was a call for them to get back on track. They were going through the motions, but God told them they were dead. This condition was not terminal. God speaks to them about how to recover. He tells them to be watchful. If we are not watchful, we cannot receive the message. Then He tells them to strengthen that which remains. They had not lost everything. Do not ruminate about the failures. Focus on what is remains and build from there. God will take those things left and equip us to make it with what we have. God is interested in what is left that He can use to bless us. Sardis was one of the wealthiest cities of the time. It sat up on a hill and was heavily fortified. Historians do not know who started the church there or how large it was. We only have reference to this church in the book of Revelation. What we do know is that the Holy Ghost worked there as it had in another first-century church. Also, like the other early churches, the church at Sardis began to be affected by the culture of their surrounding and began to slip from the vision they had in the beginning. John's letter was a call for them to get back on track. They were going through the motions, but God told them they were dead. This condition was not terminal. God speaks to them about how to recover. He tells them to be watchful. If we are not watchful, we cannot receive the message. Then He tells them to strengthen that which remains. They had not lost everything. Do not ruminate about the failures. Focus on what is remains and build from there. God will take those things left and equip us to make it with what we have. God is interested in what is left that He can use to bless us. Sardis was one of the wealthiest cities of the time. It sat up on a hill and was heavily fortified. Historians do not know who started the church there or how large it was. We only have reference to this church in the book of Revelation. What we do… Mark Hughes 3913 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22366395/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatgodisinterestedin/id/4190564.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22366395 Scripture: Revelation 3:1-3:6 Sun, 26 Jan 2025 19:40:36 +0000 Landon Long God blessed us in 2024, but we are looking forward to what God has for us in 2025. We want more of whatever God has for us this year. Today, Brother Long lays out a vision for Greater Life Church in 2025. We do not have a vision and a Vision Sunday message to simply have a catchy phrase. The Bible says that without a vision, the people perish. We need hope and something to look forward to. The enemy will try to prevent this vision. He wants us to believe that the best days are in the past and that there is no hope for the future. Going back is always tempting. We think it would be easier to stay with what we know or to return to a time when we believed life was better. We tend to remember that the past was better than it actually was. Moving forward with what God has is better than the past. In our text, Naomi told her daughters-in-law to return to their homes. She was bitter and ready to give up, too. Oprah returned home, but Ruth was determined to go with Naomi. When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined, she quit trying to dissuade her. Being determined is different from stubbornness. Determined is optimistic, and resolute. Stubborn is negative. It is bitterness. Are we determined or stubborn? Naomi needed Ruth's determination and encouragement. There will be Orpahs who walk away, but there will also be Ruths who are determined. God blessed us in 2024, but we are looking forward to what God has for us in 2025. We want more of whatever God has for us this year. Today, Brother Long lays out a vision for Greater Life Church in 2025. We do not have a vision and a Vision Sunday message to simply have a catchy phrase. The Bible says that without a vision, the people perish. We need hope and something to look forward to. The enemy will try to prevent this vision. He wants us to believe that the best days are in the past and that there is no hope for the future. Going back is always tempting. We think it would be easier to stay with what we know or to return to a time when we believed life was better. We tend to remember that the past was better than it actually was. Moving forward with what God has is better than the past. In our text, Naomi told her daughters-in-law to return to their homes. She was bitter and ready to give up, too. Oprah returned home, but Ruth was determined to go with Naomi. When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined, she quit trying to dissuade her. Being determined is different from stubbornness. Determined is optimistic, and resolute. Stubborn is negative. It is bitterness. Are we determined or stubborn? Naomi needed Ruth's determination and encouragement. There will be Orpahs who walk away, but there will also be Ruths who are determined. God blessed us in 2024, but we are looking forward to what God has for us in 2025. We want more of whatever God has for us this year. Today, Brother Long lays out a vision for Greater Life Church in 2025. We do not have a vision and a Vision Sunday mes… Landon Long 3464 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22363889/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_determined/id/1430378.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22363889 Scripture: Ruth 1:6-1:18 Sun, 26 Jan 2025 19:40:36 +0000 Landon Long God blessed us in 2024, but we are looking forward to what God has for us in 2025. We want more of whatever God has for us this year. Today, Brother Long lays out a vision for Greater Life Church in 2025. We do not have a vision and a Vision Sunday message to simply have a catchy phrase. The Bible says that without a vision, the people perish. We need hope and something to look forward to. The enemy will try to prevent this vision. He wants us to believe that the best days are in the past and that there is no hope for the future. Going back is always tempting. We think it would be easier to stay with what we know or to return to a time when we believed life was better. We tend to remember that the past was better than it actually was. Moving forward with what God has is better than the past. In our text, Naomi told her daughters-in-law to return to their homes. She was bitter and ready to give up, too. Oprah returned home, but Ruth was determined to go with Naomi. When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined, she quit trying to dissuade her. Being determined is different from stubbornness. Determined is optimistic, and resolute. Stubborn is negative. It is bitterness. Are we determined or stubborn? Naomi needed Ruth's determination and encouragement. There will be Orpahs who walk away, but there will also be Ruths who are determined. God blessed us in 2024, but we are looking forward to what God has for us in 2025. We want more of whatever God has for us this year. Today, Brother Long lays out a vision for Greater Life Church in 2025. We do not have a vision and a Vision Sunday message to simply have a catchy phrase. The Bible says that without a vision, the people perish. We need hope and something to look forward to. The enemy will try to prevent this vision. He wants us to believe that the best days are in the past and that there is no hope for the future. Going back is always tempting. We think it would be easier to stay with what we know or to return to a time when we believed life was better. We tend to remember that the past was better than it actually was. Moving forward with what God has is better than the past. In our text, Naomi told her daughters-in-law to return to their homes. She was bitter and ready to give up, too. Oprah returned home, but Ruth was determined to go with Naomi. When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined, she quit trying to dissuade her. Being determined is different from stubbornness. Determined is optimistic, and resolute. Stubborn is negative. It is bitterness. Are we determined or stubborn? Naomi needed Ruth's determination and encouragement. There will be Orpahs who walk away, but there will also be Ruths who are determined. God blessed us in 2024, but we are looking forward to what God has for us in 2025. We want more of whatever God has for us this year. Today, Brother Long lays out a vision for Greater Life Church in 2025. We do not have a vision and a Vision Sunday mes… Landon Long 3464 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22363889/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_determined/id/4188165.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22363889 Scripture: Ruth 1:6-1:18 Sun, 19 Jan 2025 23:40:00 +0000 James Hughes The Tabernacle didn't just happen. God gave Moses explicit instructions down to the last detail, and these details matter to God. Every part and piece of the Tabernacle had a specific purpose, use, and meaning. God designed it to serve His purpose and was a copy of the Tabernacle in heaven. Upon entering the Tabernacle, you would first come to the altar of sacrifice. Here, the sinner would offer a live sacrifice to atone for his sins. This altar was the only place to erase the sins of the past. Solomon's temple was different. It had three entrances, and one could get into it without passing the altar of sacrifice. In Moses' Tabernacle, you could not get to the second altar (in the holy of holies) without atoning for sins at the first altar. The second altar is where worship takes place. It is not possible to worship when burdened by sin. We must keep our altar in place to have a proper relationship with God through worship. The Tabernacle didn't just happen. God gave Moses explicit instructions down to the last detail, and these details matter to God. Every part and piece of the Tabernacle had a specific purpose, use, and meaning. God designed it to serve His purpose and was a copy of the Tabernacle in heaven. Upon entering the Tabernacle, you would first come to the altar of sacrifice. Here, the sinner would offer a live sacrifice to atone for his sins. This altar was the only place to erase the sins of the past. Solomon's temple was different. It had three entrances, and one could get into it without passing the altar of sacrifice. In Moses' Tabernacle, you could not get to the second altar (in the holy of holies) without atoning for sins at the first altar. The second altar is where worship takes place. It is not possible to worship when burdened by sin. We must keep our altar in place to have a proper relationship with God through worship. The Tabernacle didn't just happen. God gave Moses explicit instructions down to the last detail, and these details matter to God. Every part and piece of the Tabernacle had a specific purpose, use, and meaning. God designed it to serve His purpose and … James Hughes 3774 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22362251/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_wehaveanaltar/id/1429232.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22362251 Scripture: Acts 7:44, Hebrews 8:5, Hebrews 9:22-9:28, Hebrews 13:10 Sun, 19 Jan 2025 23:40:00 +0000 James Hughes The Tabernacle didn't just happen. God gave Moses explicit instructions down to the last detail, and these details matter to God. Every part and piece of the Tabernacle had a specific purpose, use, and meaning. God designed it to serve His purpose and was a copy of the Tabernacle in heaven. Upon entering the Tabernacle, you would first come to the altar of sacrifice. Here, the sinner would offer a live sacrifice to atone for his sins. This altar was the only place to erase the sins of the past. Solomon's temple was different. It had three entrances, and one could get into it without passing the altar of sacrifice. In Moses' Tabernacle, you could not get to the second altar (in the holy of holies) without atoning for sins at the first altar. The second altar is where worship takes place. It is not possible to worship when burdened by sin. We must keep our altar in place to have a proper relationship with God through worship. The Tabernacle didn't just happen. God gave Moses explicit instructions down to the last detail, and these details matter to God. Every part and piece of the Tabernacle had a specific purpose, use, and meaning. God designed it to serve His purpose and was a copy of the Tabernacle in heaven. Upon entering the Tabernacle, you would first come to the altar of sacrifice. Here, the sinner would offer a live sacrifice to atone for his sins. This altar was the only place to erase the sins of the past. Solomon's temple was different. It had three entrances, and one could get into it without passing the altar of sacrifice. In Moses' Tabernacle, you could not get to the second altar (in the holy of holies) without atoning for sins at the first altar. The second altar is where worship takes place. It is not possible to worship when burdened by sin. We must keep our altar in place to have a proper relationship with God through worship. The Tabernacle didn't just happen. God gave Moses explicit instructions down to the last detail, and these details matter to God. Every part and piece of the Tabernacle had a specific purpose, use, and meaning. God designed it to serve His purpose and … James Hughes 3774 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22362251/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wehaveanaltar/id/4186564.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22362251 Scripture: Acts 7:44, Hebrews 8:5, Hebrews 9:22-9:28, Hebrews 13:10 Sun, 19 Jan 2025 20:58:49 +0000 Landon Long Places often hold a special status in our lives. Perhaps you have visited Times Square, Disney World, or the Grand Canyon. The Bible lists multiple places that have significance to our faith: The path across the Red Sea, the burning bush, Calvary, and others. Jesus said He was going to prepare a place. We are blessed to have a place where we can gather to worship and convene with God. In our text, God tells Jeremiah to go to a specific place. We often focus on verse four of our text, seeing ourselves as the marred vessel. But do not be so quick to skip over the part where the potter was already working in the house before Jerimiah arrived. Before the remaking, we have to get to the house. There were no doubt other pieces in the potter's house, too. Some of them may have also been flawed. They were in the same house and the same atmosphere but were not changed. Only by being in the potter's hands can we be remade. There is power in those hands. There is healing in those hands. It is not enough to be in church, sitting on a pew. We must allow God to work on us. The right place is in God's hand Places often hold a special status in our lives. Perhaps you have visited Times Square, Disney World, or the Grand Canyon. The Bible lists multiple places that have significance to our faith: The path across the Red Sea, the burning bush, Calvary, and others. Jesus said He was going to prepare a place. We are blessed to have a place where we can gather to worship and convene with God. In our text, God tells Jeremiah to go to a specific place. We often focus on verse four of our text, seeing ourselves as the marred vessel. But do not be so quick to skip over the part where the potter was already working in the house before Jerimiah arrived. Before the remaking, we have to get to the house. There were no doubt other pieces in the potter's house, too. Some of them may have also been flawed. They were in the same house and the same atmosphere but were not changed. Only by being in the potter's hands can we be remade. There is power in those hands. There is healing in those hands. It is not enough to be in church, sitting on a pew. We must allow God to work on us. The right place is in God's hand Places often hold a special status in our lives. Perhaps you have visited Times Square, Disney World, or the Grand Canyon. The Bible lists multiple places that have significance to our faith: The path across the Red Sea, the burning bush, Calvary, a… Landon Long 2734 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22361697/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_youhavecometotherightplace/id/1428953.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22361697 Scripture: Jeremiah 18:1-18:6 Sun, 19 Jan 2025 20:58:49 +0000 Landon Long Places often hold a special status in our lives. Perhaps you have visited Times Square, Disney World, or the Grand Canyon. The Bible lists multiple places that have significance to our faith: The path across the Red Sea, the burning bush, Calvary, and others. Jesus said He was going to prepare a place. We are blessed to have a place where we can gather to worship and convene with God. In our text, God tells Jeremiah to go to a specific place. We often focus on verse four of our text, seeing ourselves as the marred vessel. But do not be so quick to skip over the part where the potter was already working in the house before Jerimiah arrived. Before the remaking, we have to get to the house. There were no doubt other pieces in the potter's house, too. Some of them may have also been flawed. They were in the same house and the same atmosphere but were not changed. Only by being in the potter's hands can we be remade. There is power in those hands. There is healing in those hands. It is not enough to be in church, sitting on a pew. We must allow God to work on us. The right place is in God's hand Places often hold a special status in our lives. Perhaps you have visited Times Square, Disney World, or the Grand Canyon. The Bible lists multiple places that have significance to our faith: The path across the Red Sea, the burning bush, Calvary, and others. Jesus said He was going to prepare a place. We are blessed to have a place where we can gather to worship and convene with God. In our text, God tells Jeremiah to go to a specific place. We often focus on verse four of our text, seeing ourselves as the marred vessel. But do not be so quick to skip over the part where the potter was already working in the house before Jerimiah arrived. Before the remaking, we have to get to the house. There were no doubt other pieces in the potter's house, too. Some of them may have also been flawed. They were in the same house and the same atmosphere but were not changed. Only by being in the potter's hands can we be remade. There is power in those hands. There is healing in those hands. It is not enough to be in church, sitting on a pew. We must allow God to work on us. The right place is in God's hand Places often hold a special status in our lives. Perhaps you have visited Times Square, Disney World, or the Grand Canyon. The Bible lists multiple places that have significance to our faith: The path across the Red Sea, the burning bush, Calvary, a… Landon Long 2734 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22361697/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_youhavecometotherightplace/id/4185974.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22361697 Scripture: Jeremiah 18:1-18:6 Tue, 14 Jan 2025 02:28:55 +0000 Landon Long Belief is a vital part of our faith walk. If we do not believe Jesus is who He says He is, everything else falls apart. Belief is important, but it is not enough. In our text, Paul speaks to John's followers, asking if they have received the holy ghost. They believed and had baptism, but there was more. As apostolics, we know that in addition to belief and baptism for the remission of sins, we must also experience an infilling of the Holy Ghost with evidence of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance. So now we have belief, baptism, and the Holy Ghost. What more do we need? Tonight, Pastor Long twists the question Paul asked John's followers: Have you believed since you received? Do we live a life that portrays a continued belief and faith in healing, deliverance, and miracles? Have we been in this so long that we fall into complacency and edge into doubt? If believing was sufficient to get us through tough times years ago, why do we doubt He can still do those things? Have unanswered prayers robbed us of our belief? Have you believed since you received? Belief is a vital part of our faith walk. If we do not believe Jesus is who He says He is, everything else falls apart. Belief is important, but it is not enough. In our text, Paul speaks to John's followers, asking if they have received the holy ghost. They believed and had baptism, but there was more. As apostolics, we know that in addition to belief and baptism for the remission of sins, we must also experience an infilling of the Holy Ghost with evidence of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance. So now we have belief, baptism, and the Holy Ghost. What more do we need? Tonight, Pastor Long twists the question Paul asked John's followers: Have you believed since you received? Do we live a life that portrays a continued belief and faith in healing, deliverance, and miracles? Have we been in this so long that we fall into complacency and edge into doubt? If believing was sufficient to get us through tough times years ago, why do we doubt He can still do those things? Have unanswered prayers robbed us of our belief? Have you believed since you received? Belief is a vital part of our faith walk. If we do not believe Jesus is who He says He is, everything else falls apart. Belief is important, but it is not enough. In our text, Paul speaks to John's followers, asking if they have received the holy ghos… Landon Long 3243 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22359813/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_haveyoubelievedsinceyoureceive/id/1427576.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22359813 Scripture: Acts 19:1-19:6 Tue, 14 Jan 2025 02:28:55 +0000 Landon Long Belief is a vital part of our faith walk. If we do not believe Jesus is who He says He is, everything else falls apart. Belief is important, but it is not enough. In our text, Paul speaks to John's followers, asking if they have received the holy ghost. They believed and had baptism, but there was more. As apostolics, we know that in addition to belief and baptism for the remission of sins, we must also experience an infilling of the Holy Ghost with evidence of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance. So now we have belief, baptism, and the Holy Ghost. What more do we need? Tonight, Pastor Long twists the question Paul asked John's followers: Have you believed since you received? Do we live a life that portrays a continued belief and faith in healing, deliverance, and miracles? Have we been in this so long that we fall into complacency and edge into doubt? If believing was sufficient to get us through tough times years ago, why do we doubt He can still do those things? Have unanswered prayers robbed us of our belief? Have you believed since you received? Belief is a vital part of our faith walk. If we do not believe Jesus is who He says He is, everything else falls apart. Belief is important, but it is not enough. In our text, Paul speaks to John's followers, asking if they have received the holy ghost. They believed and had baptism, but there was more. As apostolics, we know that in addition to belief and baptism for the remission of sins, we must also experience an infilling of the Holy Ghost with evidence of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance. So now we have belief, baptism, and the Holy Ghost. What more do we need? Tonight, Pastor Long twists the question Paul asked John's followers: Have you believed since you received? Do we live a life that portrays a continued belief and faith in healing, deliverance, and miracles? Have we been in this so long that we fall into complacency and edge into doubt? If believing was sufficient to get us through tough times years ago, why do we doubt He can still do those things? Have unanswered prayers robbed us of our belief? Have you believed since you received? Belief is a vital part of our faith walk. If we do not believe Jesus is who He says He is, everything else falls apart. Belief is important, but it is not enough. In our text, Paul speaks to John's followers, asking if they have received the holy ghos… Landon Long 3243 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22359813/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_haveyoubelievedsinceyoureceive/id/4184165.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22359813 Scripture: Acts 19:1-19:6 Sun, 12 Jan 2025 21:25:44 +0000 Mark Hughes David is one of the most beloved characters in the Bible. He was not perfect and made mistakes as a man, a father, and a king. What set David apart from others was that he knew how to humble himself when he failed. Our text says David grew greater and greater. This statement was not about a specific moment of brightness in his life but a description of how he lived his life. It describes a man who is not stuck or moving backward. He went through discouragement, opposition, and setbacks, but he did it in a way that allowed him to strengthen his relationship with God. As important as going on is, it is not the secret to a successful life. Often, we go on because we have no choice. The secret to victory is to carry on without letting life's challenges and trials affect our attitude. Too many people go through life complaining and angry about their circumstances. The secret is growing in these adversities and becoming better because of them. As we begin this new year, ask if we are closer to God than last year. Growth is intentional and requires effort. Growth takes time, and we must make the choice to learn from mistakes and setbacks life deals us. Are we any better because of the trials, pain, and adversity? If not, we will continue to experience these things until we learn and grow from them. There is opportunity in the opposition. Grow on! David is one of the most beloved characters in the Bible. He was not perfect and made mistakes as a man, a father, and a king. What set David apart from others was that he knew how to humble himself when he failed. Our text says David grew greater and greater. This statement was not about a specific moment of brightness in his life but a description of how he lived his life. It describes a man who is not stuck or moving backward. He went through discouragement, opposition, and setbacks, but he did it in a way that allowed him to strengthen his relationship with God. As important as going on is, it is not the secret to a successful life. Often, we go on because we have no choice. The secret to victory is to carry on without letting life's challenges and trials affect our attitude. Too many people go through life complaining and angry about their circumstances. The secret is growing in these adversities and becoming better because of them. As we begin this new year, ask if we are closer to God than last year. Growth is intentional and requires effort. Growth takes time, and we must make the choice to learn from mistakes and setbacks life deals us. Are we any better because of the trials, pain, and adversity? If not, we will continue to experience these things until we learn and grow from them. There is opportunity in the opposition. Grow on! David is one of the most beloved characters in the Bible. He was not perfect and made mistakes as a man, a father, and a king. What set David apart from others was that he knew how to humble himself when he failed. Our text says David grew greater and … Mark Hughes 3257 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22359269/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_growingon/id/1427349.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22359269 Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:10 Sun, 12 Jan 2025 21:25:44 +0000 Mark Hughes David is one of the most beloved characters in the Bible. He was not perfect and made mistakes as a man, a father, and a king. What set David apart from others was that he knew how to humble himself when he failed. Our text says David grew greater and greater. This statement was not about a specific moment of brightness in his life but a description of how he lived his life. It describes a man who is not stuck or moving backward. He went through discouragement, opposition, and setbacks, but he did it in a way that allowed him to strengthen his relationship with God. As important as going on is, it is not the secret to a successful life. Often, we go on because we have no choice. The secret to victory is to carry on without letting life's challenges and trials affect our attitude. Too many people go through life complaining and angry about their circumstances. The secret is growing in these adversities and becoming better because of them. As we begin this new year, ask if we are closer to God than last year. Growth is intentional and requires effort. Growth takes time, and we must make the choice to learn from mistakes and setbacks life deals us. Are we any better because of the trials, pain, and adversity? If not, we will continue to experience these things until we learn and grow from them. There is opportunity in the opposition. Grow on! David is one of the most beloved characters in the Bible. He was not perfect and made mistakes as a man, a father, and a king. What set David apart from others was that he knew how to humble himself when he failed. Our text says David grew greater and greater. This statement was not about a specific moment of brightness in his life but a description of how he lived his life. It describes a man who is not stuck or moving backward. He went through discouragement, opposition, and setbacks, but he did it in a way that allowed him to strengthen his relationship with God. As important as going on is, it is not the secret to a successful life. Often, we go on because we have no choice. The secret to victory is to carry on without letting life's challenges and trials affect our attitude. Too many people go through life complaining and angry about their circumstances. The secret is growing in these adversities and becoming better because of them. As we begin this new year, ask if we are closer to God than last year. Growth is intentional and requires effort. Growth takes time, and we must make the choice to learn from mistakes and setbacks life deals us. Are we any better because of the trials, pain, and adversity? If not, we will continue to experience these things until we learn and grow from them. There is opportunity in the opposition. Grow on! David is one of the most beloved characters in the Bible. He was not perfect and made mistakes as a man, a father, and a king. What set David apart from others was that he knew how to humble himself when he failed. Our text says David grew greater and … Mark Hughes 3257 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22359269/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_growingon/id/4183620.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22359269 Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:10 Sun, 08 Dec 2024 22:03:33 +0000 Landon Long We are in a season of lists and wishes. Some sit on Santa's lap, and others make wish lists online. With online shopping, we can know when we ordered it when it left the warehouse, and when it is out for delivery. We can also get a photo of it at our front door within minutes of delivery. Amazon, Walmart, Target, and other online retailers operate enormous warehouses called fulfillment centers, where workers fill boxes with every item on the order and send it to the trucks for delivery. Other aspects of life work differently. We can want and ask for things, but we do not know when we will see them. Depression, anxiety, and loneliness often increase during the Christmas Holiday season. Many question their life and why things happen to them during this time of year. The Bible is full of the phrase, "This happened so that prophecy would be fulfilled." We do not always understand why something happens, but everything that happens is to fulfill God's plan. The word fulfilled means to furnish or supply. In God's terms, this fulfillment is always more than expected. God does not lie and does not change His mind. If He said it, it will happen in its season. That last part is the tricky part for us. God's timing is perfect, but it is always longer than expected. God's promises will always be fulfilled. We are in a season of lists and wishes. Some sit on Santa's lap, and others make wish lists online. With online shopping, we can know when we ordered it when it left the warehouse, and when it is out for delivery. We can also get a photo of it at our front door within minutes of delivery. Amazon, Walmart, Target, and other online retailers operate enormous warehouses called fulfillment centers, where workers fill boxes with every item on the order and send it to the trucks for delivery. Other aspects of life work differently. We can want and ask for things, but we do not know when we will see them. Depression, anxiety, and loneliness often increase during the Christmas Holiday season. Many question their life and why things happen to them during this time of year. The Bible is full of the phrase, "This happened so that prophecy would be fulfilled." We do not always understand why something happens, but everything that happens is to fulfill God's plan. The word fulfilled means to furnish or supply. In God's terms, this fulfillment is always more than expected. God does not lie and does not change His mind. If He said it, it will happen in its season. That last part is the tricky part for us. God's timing is perfect, but it is always longer than expected. God's promises will always be fulfilled. We are in a season of lists and wishes. Some sit on Santa's lap, and others make wish lists online. With online shopping, we can know when we ordered it when it left the warehouse, and when it is out for delivery. We can also get a photo of it at our f… Landon Long 2998 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22347442/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_fulfilled/id/1419353.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22347442 Scripture: Luke 1:39-1:45 Sun, 08 Dec 2024 22:03:33 +0000 Landon Long We are in a season of lists and wishes. Some sit on Santa's lap, and others make wish lists online. With online shopping, we can know when we ordered it when it left the warehouse, and when it is out for delivery. We can also get a photo of it at our front door within minutes of delivery. Amazon, Walmart, Target, and other online retailers operate enormous warehouses called fulfillment centers, where workers fill boxes with every item on the order and send it to the trucks for delivery. Other aspects of life work differently. We can want and ask for things, but we do not know when we will see them. Depression, anxiety, and loneliness often increase during the Christmas Holiday season. Many question their life and why things happen to them during this time of year. The Bible is full of the phrase, "This happened so that prophecy would be fulfilled." We do not always understand why something happens, but everything that happens is to fulfill God's plan. The word fulfilled means to furnish or supply. In God's terms, this fulfillment is always more than expected. God does not lie and does not change His mind. If He said it, it will happen in its season. That last part is the tricky part for us. God's timing is perfect, but it is always longer than expected. God's promises will always be fulfilled. We are in a season of lists and wishes. Some sit on Santa's lap, and others make wish lists online. With online shopping, we can know when we ordered it when it left the warehouse, and when it is out for delivery. We can also get a photo of it at our front door within minutes of delivery. Amazon, Walmart, Target, and other online retailers operate enormous warehouses called fulfillment centers, where workers fill boxes with every item on the order and send it to the trucks for delivery. Other aspects of life work differently. We can want and ask for things, but we do not know when we will see them. Depression, anxiety, and loneliness often increase during the Christmas Holiday season. Many question their life and why things happen to them during this time of year. The Bible is full of the phrase, "This happened so that prophecy would be fulfilled." We do not always understand why something happens, but everything that happens is to fulfill God's plan. The word fulfilled means to furnish or supply. In God's terms, this fulfillment is always more than expected. God does not lie and does not change His mind. If He said it, it will happen in its season. That last part is the tricky part for us. God's timing is perfect, but it is always longer than expected. God's promises will always be fulfilled. We are in a season of lists and wishes. Some sit on Santa's lap, and others make wish lists online. With online shopping, we can know when we ordered it when it left the warehouse, and when it is out for delivery. We can also get a photo of it at our f… Landon Long 2998 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22347442/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_fulfilled/id/4172157.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22347442 Scripture: Luke 1:39-1:45 Sun, 03 Nov 2024 22:08:48 +0000 Landon Long Many people do not like leftovers. However, there are times when we have leftovers out of necessity. We may feel guilty leaving food on the table when we go out to eat. It feels wasteful. Sometimes, we may ask for the uneaten food to be boxed up to take home, only to forget it when we leave the table. The problem is that our bellies are full, and we are so caught up in our conversation that we forget. Our society is so blessed that we throw away almost 40% of the food supply in our market. Some of the food never even makes it to our table because it is misshapen or blemished somehow. There are people around the world who are so hungry that they would do anything to have what we throw away out of our surplus. This same concept applies in the spiritual realm. Some people live in conditions that keep them from openly worshiping, and who would do anything to have the opportunity we have. In times of famine, people will eat whatever they can. It is by God's blessing that we enjoy the bounty and life that we have. The old prayer we recite before meals as children says it is by His hands we are fed. In our plenty, it is all too easy to think that we are providing, but the reality is that ALL blessings and provisions come from God. Even in times of famine, God provides. When Joseph was in Egypt, there was a famine all across the land, but God provided bread in Egypt. Jesus fed the masses with loaves and fishes. He then instructed the disciples to gather the remnants. No matter how little we have, God can take what we have and do something with it. We may be satisfied, but someone needs what we have left. Even a crumb can be sufficient. In our text, the woman comes to Jesus and cries out. Jesus ignores her, and the disciples ask Jesus to send her away. In her desperation, this woman realizes that her crying may make her feel better in the moment, but she needs more; her daughter is still vexed. She moves past crying and begins to worship Him. Jesus told her that because she was a Canaanite woman, it was not proper for him to help her. He refers to her as a dog. Undeterred, she responds with, yes, but even the dogs get the crumbs from the master's table. Jesus tells her, "Great is your faith," and heals her daughter. We need whatever we can get from God. We must position ourselves where we can get something from God. Many people do not like leftovers. However, there are times when we have leftovers out of necessity. We may feel guilty leaving food on the table when we go out to eat. It feels wasteful. Sometimes, we may ask for the uneaten food to be boxed up to take home, only to forget it when we leave the table. The problem is that our bellies are full, and we are so caught up in our conversation that we forget. Our society is so blessed that we throw away almost 40% of the food supply in our market. Some of the food never even makes it to our table because it is misshapen or blemished somehow. There are people around the world who are so hungry that they would do anything to have what we throw away out of our surplus. This same concept applies in the spiritual realm. Some people live in conditions that keep them from openly worshiping, and who would do anything to have the opportunity we have. In times of famine, people will eat whatever they can. It is by God's blessing that we enjoy the bounty and life that we have. The old prayer we recite before meals as children says it is by His hands we are fed. In our plenty, it is all too easy to think that we are providing, but the reality is that ALL blessings and provisions come from God. Even in times of famine, God provides. When Joseph was in Egypt, there was a famine all across the land, but God provided bread in Egypt. Jesus fed the masses with loaves and fishes. He then instructed the disciples to gather the remnants. No matter how little we have, God can take what we have and do something with it. We may be satisfied, but someone needs what we have left. Even a crumb can be sufficient. In our text, the woman comes to Jesus and cries out. Jesus ignores her, and the disciples ask Jesus to send her away. In her desperation, this woman realizes that her crying may make her feel better in the moment, but she needs more; her daughter is still vexed. She moves past crying and begins to worship Him. Jesus told her that because she was a Canaanite woman, it was not proper for him to help her. He refers to her as a dog. Undeterred, she responds with, yes, but even the dogs get the crumbs from the master's table. Jesus tells her, "Great is your faith," and heals her daughter. We need whatever we can get from God. We must position ourselves where we can get something from God. Many people do not like leftovers. However, there are times when we have leftovers out of necessity. We may feel guilty leaving food on the table when we go out to eat. It feels wasteful. Sometimes, we may ask for the uneaten food to be boxed up to … Landon Long 2989 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22335407/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_dontleavetheleftovers/id/1411526.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22335407 Scripture: Matthew 15:21-15:28 Sun, 03 Nov 2024 22:08:48 +0000 Landon Long Many people do not like leftovers. However, there are times when we have leftovers out of necessity. We may feel guilty leaving food on the table when we go out to eat. It feels wasteful. Sometimes, we may ask for the uneaten food to be boxed up to take home, only to forget it when we leave the table. The problem is that our bellies are full, and we are so caught up in our conversation that we forget. Our society is so blessed that we throw away almost 40% of the food supply in our market. Some of the food never even makes it to our table because it is misshapen or blemished somehow. There are people around the world who are so hungry that they would do anything to have what we throw away out of our surplus. This same concept applies in the spiritual realm. Some people live in conditions that keep them from openly worshiping, and who would do anything to have the opportunity we have. In times of famine, people will eat whatever they can. It is by God's blessing that we enjoy the bounty and life that we have. The old prayer we recite before meals as children says it is by His hands we are fed. In our plenty, it is all too easy to think that we are providing, but the reality is that ALL blessings and provisions come from God. Even in times of famine, God provides. When Joseph was in Egypt, there was a famine all across the land, but God provided bread in Egypt. Jesus fed the masses with loaves and fishes. He then instructed the disciples to gather the remnants. No matter how little we have, God can take what we have and do something with it. We may be satisfied, but someone needs what we have left. Even a crumb can be sufficient. In our text, the woman comes to Jesus and cries out. Jesus ignores her, and the disciples ask Jesus to send her away. In her desperation, this woman realizes that her crying may make her feel better in the moment, but she needs more; her daughter is still vexed. She moves past crying and begins to worship Him. Jesus told her that because she was a Canaanite woman, it was not proper for him to help her. He refers to her as a dog. Undeterred, she responds with, yes, but even the dogs get the crumbs from the master's table. Jesus tells her, "Great is your faith," and heals her daughter. We need whatever we can get from God. We must position ourselves where we can get something from God. Many people do not like leftovers. However, there are times when we have leftovers out of necessity. We may feel guilty leaving food on the table when we go out to eat. It feels wasteful. Sometimes, we may ask for the uneaten food to be boxed up to take home, only to forget it when we leave the table. The problem is that our bellies are full, and we are so caught up in our conversation that we forget. Our society is so blessed that we throw away almost 40% of the food supply in our market. Some of the food never even makes it to our table because it is misshapen or blemished somehow. There are people around the world who are so hungry that they would do anything to have what we throw away out of our surplus. This same concept applies in the spiritual realm. Some people live in conditions that keep them from openly worshiping, and who would do anything to have the opportunity we have. In times of famine, people will eat whatever they can. It is by God's blessing that we enjoy the bounty and life that we have. The old prayer we recite before meals as children says it is by His hands we are fed. In our plenty, it is all too easy to think that we are providing, but the reality is that ALL blessings and provisions come from God. Even in times of famine, God provides. When Joseph was in Egypt, there was a famine all across the land, but God provided bread in Egypt. Jesus fed the masses with loaves and fishes. He then instructed the disciples to gather the remnants. No matter how little we have, God can take what we have and do something with it. We may be satisfied, but someone needs what we have left. Even a crumb can be sufficient. In our text, the woman comes to Jesus and cries out. Jesus ignores her, and the disciples ask Jesus to send her away. In her desperation, this woman realizes that her crying may make her feel better in the moment, but she needs more; her daughter is still vexed. She moves past crying and begins to worship Him. Jesus told her that because she was a Canaanite woman, it was not proper for him to help her. He refers to her as a dog. Undeterred, she responds with, yes, but even the dogs get the crumbs from the master's table. Jesus tells her, "Great is your faith," and heals her daughter. We need whatever we can get from God. We must position ourselves where we can get something from God. Many people do not like leftovers. However, there are times when we have leftovers out of necessity. We may feel guilty leaving food on the table when we go out to eat. It feels wasteful. Sometimes, we may ask for the uneaten food to be boxed up to … Landon Long 2989 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22335407/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dontleavetheleftovers/id/4160577.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22335407 Scripture: Matthew 15:21-15:28 Mon, 28 Oct 2024 02:45:09 +0000 Landon Long When visiting friends and family or attending a party, we sometimes have a notion of how much time we want to spend there. We may even arrange a signal with our spouse to avoid staying too long. In our text, Israel had been at Mt. Horeb for some time. They had become comfortable, but God told them it was time to move. There are wilderness times and times of waiting, but these are temporary. God is taking us somewhere that is better than where we are now. God tells them to leave Horeb and to possess the promised land. In other chapters, God goes on to tell them to destroy all the inhabitants of the land and to drive them out entirely. Failing to do this would result in ruin. God warned them about intermarrying and taking on the Canaanite culture. Unfortunately, Israel did not drive the Canaanites out, and as God said, Israel was influenced by their culture. In time, it was hard to differentiate between God's people and the people of Canaan. We cannot live too close to the world without it affecting our thoughts and attitudes. We cannot be complacent. We cannot become comfortable with where we are. It is not that we have left the truth, but we cannot stay when God continues to move. We can't stay long. When visiting friends and family or attending a party, we sometimes have a notion of how much time we want to spend there. We may even arrange a signal with our spouse to avoid staying too long. In our text, Israel had been at Mt. Horeb for some time. They had become comfortable, but God told them it was time to move. There are wilderness times and times of waiting, but these are temporary. God is taking us somewhere that is better than where we are now. God tells them to leave Horeb and to possess the promised land. In other chapters, God goes on to tell them to destroy all the inhabitants of the land and to drive them out entirely. Failing to do this would result in ruin. God warned them about intermarrying and taking on the Canaanite culture. Unfortunately, Israel did not drive the Canaanites out, and as God said, Israel was influenced by their culture. In time, it was hard to differentiate between God's people and the people of Canaan. We cannot live too close to the world without it affecting our thoughts and attitudes. We cannot be complacent. We cannot become comfortable with where we are. It is not that we have left the truth, but we cannot stay when God continues to move. We can't stay long. When visiting friends and family or attending a party, we sometimes have a notion of how much time we want to spend there. We may even arrange a signal with our spouse to avoid staying too long. In our text, Israel had been at Mt. Horeb for some time. … Landon Long 4146 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22333120/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_wecantstaylong/id/1410097.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22333120 Scripture: Deuteronomy 1:6-1:8 Mon, 28 Oct 2024 02:45:09 +0000 Landon Long When visiting friends and family or attending a party, we sometimes have a notion of how much time we want to spend there. We may even arrange a signal with our spouse to avoid staying too long. In our text, Israel had been at Mt. Horeb for some time. They had become comfortable, but God told them it was time to move. There are wilderness times and times of waiting, but these are temporary. God is taking us somewhere that is better than where we are now. God tells them to leave Horeb and to possess the promised land. In other chapters, God goes on to tell them to destroy all the inhabitants of the land and to drive them out entirely. Failing to do this would result in ruin. God warned them about intermarrying and taking on the Canaanite culture. Unfortunately, Israel did not drive the Canaanites out, and as God said, Israel was influenced by their culture. In time, it was hard to differentiate between God's people and the people of Canaan. We cannot live too close to the world without it affecting our thoughts and attitudes. We cannot be complacent. We cannot become comfortable with where we are. It is not that we have left the truth, but we cannot stay when God continues to move. We can't stay long. When visiting friends and family or attending a party, we sometimes have a notion of how much time we want to spend there. We may even arrange a signal with our spouse to avoid staying too long. In our text, Israel had been at Mt. Horeb for some time. They had become comfortable, but God told them it was time to move. There are wilderness times and times of waiting, but these are temporary. God is taking us somewhere that is better than where we are now. God tells them to leave Horeb and to possess the promised land. In other chapters, God goes on to tell them to destroy all the inhabitants of the land and to drive them out entirely. Failing to do this would result in ruin. God warned them about intermarrying and taking on the Canaanite culture. Unfortunately, Israel did not drive the Canaanites out, and as God said, Israel was influenced by their culture. In time, it was hard to differentiate between God's people and the people of Canaan. We cannot live too close to the world without it affecting our thoughts and attitudes. We cannot be complacent. We cannot become comfortable with where we are. It is not that we have left the truth, but we cannot stay when God continues to move. We can't stay long. When visiting friends and family or attending a party, we sometimes have a notion of how much time we want to spend there. We may even arrange a signal with our spouse to avoid staying too long. In our text, Israel had been at Mt. Horeb for some time. … Landon Long 4146 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22333120/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wecantstaylong/id/4158334.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22333120 Scripture: Deuteronomy 1:6-1:8 Sun, 27 Oct 2024 19:55:11 +0000 Mark Hughes The Jews are God's chosen people, but it appeared that they had rejected God. It would be easy to conclude that because the Jews rejected Him, God would turn His back on them. Our text, however, dispels that thought. This is not about Jew or Gentile; it is about God's plan. God's plan is inclusive and meant for all humanity. The door may be closed at the moment, but it is not a permanent closure. Once made, God's promise is forever. That is true no matter what the current circumstance might be. We may feel that God has forsaken us, but it is not true. Feelings are not the thermostat of our life. Faith is. Feelings are about me; faith is about Him. Our relationship with God is about faith. God will not write us off as lost no matter where we are. He will try to communicate in some other way. We have made life about us. When we worship, we shift that focus to Him. God does not regret calling us. He does not regret Calvary. The Jews are God's chosen people, but it appeared that they had rejected God. It would be easy to conclude that because the Jews rejected Him, God would turn His back on them. Our text, however, dispels that thought. This is not about Jew or Gentile; it is about God's plan. God's plan is inclusive and meant for all humanity. The door may be closed at the moment, but it is not a permanent closure. Once made, God's promise is forever. That is true no matter what the current circumstance might be. We may feel that God has forsaken us, but it is not true. Feelings are not the thermostat of our life. Faith is. Feelings are about me; faith is about Him. Our relationship with God is about faith. God will not write us off as lost no matter where we are. He will try to communicate in some other way. We have made life about us. When we worship, we shift that focus to Him. God does not regret calling us. He does not regret Calvary. The Jews are God's chosen people, but it appeared that they had rejected God. It would be easy to conclude that because the Jews rejected Him, God would turn His back on them. Our text, however, dispels that thought. This is not about Jew or Gentile;… Mark Hughes 2722 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22332867/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_noregrets/id/1409954.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22332867 Scripture: Romans 11:25-11:29, Romans 11:33-11:36 Sun, 27 Oct 2024 19:55:11 +0000 Mark Hughes The Jews are God's chosen people, but it appeared that they had rejected God. It would be easy to conclude that because the Jews rejected Him, God would turn His back on them. Our text, however, dispels that thought. This is not about Jew or Gentile; it is about God's plan. God's plan is inclusive and meant for all humanity. The door may be closed at the moment, but it is not a permanent closure. Once made, God's promise is forever. That is true no matter what the current circumstance might be. We may feel that God has forsaken us, but it is not true. Feelings are not the thermostat of our life. Faith is. Feelings are about me; faith is about Him. Our relationship with God is about faith. God will not write us off as lost no matter where we are. He will try to communicate in some other way. We have made life about us. When we worship, we shift that focus to Him. God does not regret calling us. He does not regret Calvary. The Jews are God's chosen people, but it appeared that they had rejected God. It would be easy to conclude that because the Jews rejected Him, God would turn His back on them. Our text, however, dispels that thought. This is not about Jew or Gentile; it is about God's plan. God's plan is inclusive and meant for all humanity. The door may be closed at the moment, but it is not a permanent closure. Once made, God's promise is forever. That is true no matter what the current circumstance might be. We may feel that God has forsaken us, but it is not true. Feelings are not the thermostat of our life. Faith is. Feelings are about me; faith is about Him. Our relationship with God is about faith. God will not write us off as lost no matter where we are. He will try to communicate in some other way. We have made life about us. When we worship, we shift that focus to Him. God does not regret calling us. He does not regret Calvary. The Jews are God's chosen people, but it appeared that they had rejected God. It would be easy to conclude that because the Jews rejected Him, God would turn His back on them. Our text, however, dispels that thought. This is not about Jew or Gentile;… Mark Hughes 2722 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22332867/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_noregrets/id/4158080.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22332867 Scripture: Romans 11:25-11:29, Romans 11:33-11:36 Sun, 13 Oct 2024 22:22:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text from Psalms is an encouragement and coach on how to live life. The singer declares that blessed is someone who knows the joyful sound, for they will walk in the light. Life has a way of wearing on us. If we are not careful, we allow life's situations and challenges to set a dark tone over our lives. When we utter the joyful sound noted in this psalm, we rebuke the darkness the enemy wants to cast over us. Far too many people allow the challenges in life to sour their view of how blessed they are. Even amid the most challenging trials, we have hope in the love and faithfulness of God. Happiness is not determined by wealth or the things we possess. Solomon was the wisest and most wealthy man of his time. But even in that, he allowed a shift in his thinking to change his focus, which led to his undoing. We see evidence of this decline in the opening chapters of Ecclesiastics. Solomon mentions himself in the form of I or me forty-three times but only mentions God four times. When we make life about us, there is no room for God. When life is about us, we are miserable to be around. Solomon also began to compare himself to others. When we compare ourselves to others, we often find ourselves lacking or a disparity that we perceive to be not in our favor. Comparison leads to unthankfulness and unthankfulness to resentment. This psalm was written amid the darkest time in Hebrew history. Solomon's undoing had ended the house of David. Israel lay in ruins, and God's people were in captivity. Somehow, the writer looks through all that, turns his focus back to God, and declares a truism that will lift the spirit. God is a covenant-keeping God. Things might have looked bad, but God's promise was still intact. What is that joyful sound? It is praising during trouble with the knowledge that God will sustain and deliver. We must not let life take that joyful sound. Our text from Psalms is an encouragement and coach on how to live life. The singer declares that blessed is someone who knows the joyful sound, for they will walk in the light. Life has a way of wearing on us. If we are not careful, we allow life's situations and challenges to set a dark tone over our lives. When we utter the joyful sound noted in this psalm, we rebuke the darkness the enemy wants to cast over us. Far too many people allow the challenges in life to sour their view of how blessed they are. Even amid the most challenging trials, we have hope in the love and faithfulness of God. Happiness is not determined by wealth or the things we possess. Solomon was the wisest and most wealthy man of his time. But even in that, he allowed a shift in his thinking to change his focus, which led to his undoing. We see evidence of this decline in the opening chapters of Ecclesiastics. Solomon mentions himself in the form of I or me forty-three times but only mentions God four times. When we make life about us, there is no room for God. When life is about us, we are miserable to be around. Solomon also began to compare himself to others. When we compare ourselves to others, we often find ourselves lacking or a disparity that we perceive to be not in our favor. Comparison leads to unthankfulness and unthankfulness to resentment. This psalm was written amid the darkest time in Hebrew history. Solomon's undoing had ended the house of David. Israel lay in ruins, and God's people were in captivity. Somehow, the writer looks through all that, turns his focus back to God, and declares a truism that will lift the spirit. God is a covenant-keeping God. Things might have looked bad, but God's promise was still intact. What is that joyful sound? It is praising during trouble with the knowledge that God will sustain and deliver. We must not let life take that joyful sound. Our text from Psalms is an encouragement and coach on how to live life. The singer declares that blessed is someone who knows the joyful sound, for they will walk in the light. Life has a way of wearing on us. If we are not careful, we allow life… Mark Hughes 3067 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22328411/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theoyfulsound/id/1407025.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22328411 Scripture: Psalms 89:15 Sun, 13 Oct 2024 22:22:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text from Psalms is an encouragement and coach on how to live life. The singer declares that blessed is someone who knows the joyful sound, for they will walk in the light. Life has a way of wearing on us. If we are not careful, we allow life's situations and challenges to set a dark tone over our lives. When we utter the joyful sound noted in this psalm, we rebuke the darkness the enemy wants to cast over us. Far too many people allow the challenges in life to sour their view of how blessed they are. Even amid the most challenging trials, we have hope in the love and faithfulness of God. Happiness is not determined by wealth or the things we possess. Solomon was the wisest and most wealthy man of his time. But even in that, he allowed a shift in his thinking to change his focus, which led to his undoing. We see evidence of this decline in the opening chapters of Ecclesiastics. Solomon mentions himself in the form of I or me forty-three times but only mentions God four times. When we make life about us, there is no room for God. When life is about us, we are miserable to be around. Solomon also began to compare himself to others. When we compare ourselves to others, we often find ourselves lacking or a disparity that we perceive to be not in our favor. Comparison leads to unthankfulness and unthankfulness to resentment. This psalm was written amid the darkest time in Hebrew history. Solomon's undoing had ended the house of David. Israel lay in ruins, and God's people were in captivity. Somehow, the writer looks through all that, turns his focus back to God, and declares a truism that will lift the spirit. God is a covenant-keeping God. Things might have looked bad, but God's promise was still intact. What is that joyful sound? It is praising during trouble with the knowledge that God will sustain and deliver. We must not let life take that joyful sound. Our text from Psalms is an encouragement and coach on how to live life. The singer declares that blessed is someone who knows the joyful sound, for they will walk in the light. Life has a way of wearing on us. If we are not careful, we allow life's situations and challenges to set a dark tone over our lives. When we utter the joyful sound noted in this psalm, we rebuke the darkness the enemy wants to cast over us. Far too many people allow the challenges in life to sour their view of how blessed they are. Even amid the most challenging trials, we have hope in the love and faithfulness of God. Happiness is not determined by wealth or the things we possess. Solomon was the wisest and most wealthy man of his time. But even in that, he allowed a shift in his thinking to change his focus, which led to his undoing. We see evidence of this decline in the opening chapters of Ecclesiastics. Solomon mentions himself in the form of I or me forty-three times but only mentions God four times. When we make life about us, there is no room for God. When life is about us, we are miserable to be around. Solomon also began to compare himself to others. When we compare ourselves to others, we often find ourselves lacking or a disparity that we perceive to be not in our favor. Comparison leads to unthankfulness and unthankfulness to resentment. This psalm was written amid the darkest time in Hebrew history. Solomon's undoing had ended the house of David. Israel lay in ruins, and God's people were in captivity. Somehow, the writer looks through all that, turns his focus back to God, and declares a truism that will lift the spirit. God is a covenant-keeping God. Things might have looked bad, but God's promise was still intact. What is that joyful sound? It is praising during trouble with the knowledge that God will sustain and deliver. We must not let life take that joyful sound. Our text from Psalms is an encouragement and coach on how to live life. The singer declares that blessed is someone who knows the joyful sound, for they will walk in the light. Life has a way of wearing on us. If we are not careful, we allow life… Mark Hughes 3067 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22328411/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theoyfulsound/id/4153730.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22328411 Scripture: Psalms 89:15 Sun, 13 Oct 2024 21:20:39 +0000 Landon Long Many of us buy store-branded items to save money. These off-brand items are usually good, but sometimes, they do not measure up to the real product. Spiritually, there is no substitute for a genuine move of God. We can have moving experiences, but unless God is there, it is like those off-brand items: good, but they do not measure up. The enemy would like nothing more than for us to have these off-brand experiences and never achieve a genuine relationship with God. Children have vivid imaginations. Pastor Long shared a story about a toy tea set his sister had when she was a little girl. It was a cute table with a plastic teapot and tea cups. She could pretend to have tea parties, but there was never any tea because the settings were just toys. They looked cute; she could pretend to have tea but never have the real experience. Paul said, "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, but when I became a man, I put away childish things." The toy tea set may have given Pastor's sister practice at having tea parties, but to have the whole experience, she would have to put away the toys and get an actual tea set. God is calling us to real experiences and relationships. Our world does not need childhood tea-party faith. When we tell someone we will pray for them, They need genuine prayer and faith from a real relationship with God. We must be a real church. We cannot go through the motions of worship; it has to be real. When we come to church, we must come with expectancy and anticipation. Many of us buy store-branded items to save money. These off-brand items are usually good, but sometimes, they do not measure up to the real product. Spiritually, there is no substitute for a genuine move of God. We can have moving experiences, but unless God is there, it is like those off-brand items: good, but they do not measure up. The enemy would like nothing more than for us to have these off-brand experiences and never achieve a genuine relationship with God. Children have vivid imaginations. Pastor Long shared a story about a toy tea set his sister had when she was a little girl. It was a cute table with a plastic teapot and tea cups. She could pretend to have tea parties, but there was never any tea because the settings were just toys. They looked cute; she could pretend to have tea but never have the real experience. Paul said, "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, but when I became a man, I put away childish things." The toy tea set may have given Pastor's sister practice at having tea parties, but to have the whole experience, she would have to put away the toys and get an actual tea set. God is calling us to real experiences and relationships. Our world does not need childhood tea-party faith. When we tell someone we will pray for them, They need genuine prayer and faith from a real relationship with God. We must be a real church. We cannot go through the motions of worship; it has to be real. When we come to church, we must come with expectancy and anticipation. Many of us buy store-branded items to save money. These off-brand items are usually good, but sometimes, they do not measure up to the real product. Spiritually, there is no substitute for a genuine move of God. We can have moving experiences, but u… Landon Long 3398 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22327989/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_readyfortherealthing/id/1406850.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22327989 Scripture: Acts 19:1-19:7 Sun, 13 Oct 2024 21:20:39 +0000 Landon Long Many of us buy store-branded items to save money. These off-brand items are usually good, but sometimes, they do not measure up to the real product. Spiritually, there is no substitute for a genuine move of God. We can have moving experiences, but unless God is there, it is like those off-brand items: good, but they do not measure up. The enemy would like nothing more than for us to have these off-brand experiences and never achieve a genuine relationship with God. Children have vivid imaginations. Pastor Long shared a story about a toy tea set his sister had when she was a little girl. It was a cute table with a plastic teapot and tea cups. She could pretend to have tea parties, but there was never any tea because the settings were just toys. They looked cute; she could pretend to have tea but never have the real experience. Paul said, "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, but when I became a man, I put away childish things." The toy tea set may have given Pastor's sister practice at having tea parties, but to have the whole experience, she would have to put away the toys and get an actual tea set. God is calling us to real experiences and relationships. Our world does not need childhood tea-party faith. When we tell someone we will pray for them, They need genuine prayer and faith from a real relationship with God. We must be a real church. We cannot go through the motions of worship; it has to be real. When we come to church, we must come with expectancy and anticipation. Many of us buy store-branded items to save money. These off-brand items are usually good, but sometimes, they do not measure up to the real product. Spiritually, there is no substitute for a genuine move of God. We can have moving experiences, but unless God is there, it is like those off-brand items: good, but they do not measure up. The enemy would like nothing more than for us to have these off-brand experiences and never achieve a genuine relationship with God. Children have vivid imaginations. Pastor Long shared a story about a toy tea set his sister had when she was a little girl. It was a cute table with a plastic teapot and tea cups. She could pretend to have tea parties, but there was never any tea because the settings were just toys. They looked cute; she could pretend to have tea but never have the real experience. Paul said, "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, but when I became a man, I put away childish things." The toy tea set may have given Pastor's sister practice at having tea parties, but to have the whole experience, she would have to put away the toys and get an actual tea set. God is calling us to real experiences and relationships. Our world does not need childhood tea-party faith. When we tell someone we will pray for them, They need genuine prayer and faith from a real relationship with God. We must be a real church. We cannot go through the motions of worship; it has to be real. When we come to church, we must come with expectancy and anticipation. Many of us buy store-branded items to save money. These off-brand items are usually good, but sometimes, they do not measure up to the real product. Spiritually, there is no substitute for a genuine move of God. We can have moving experiences, but u… Landon Long 3398 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22327989/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_readyfortherealthing/id/4153303.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22327989 Scripture: Acts 19:1-19:7 Mon, 07 Oct 2024 02:25:00 +0000 James Hughes Decisions have consequences, some good some bad. Our text is the story of Abraham. God tells Abram to depart from his family and that he will be the seed of a great nation. Abram obeys and goes to the land of Canaan. There, God repeats the promise, and Abram builds an altar. For some reason, Abram moves again and builds a second altar between Bethel and Ai. Our text ends with the statement that Abram continued moving south. Dr. Hughes explained that we do not know the location of the first altar or why Abram had decided to move from there. We do know that this continued to move south. The altar location between Bethel and Ai is significant. Bethel means the house of God. Ai is translated as "a heap of ruin." The Bible tells us that Abraham built the altar on a mountain overlooking Bethel and close to Ai. The choice to build here was comfortable. It was close to the house of God but not too close, and it was far enough away from the pile of ruin. The pile of ruin too easily influenced Abraham, and the house of God did not have enough influence. If our altars are in the wrong place, we risk allowing the evil of the world to creep into the church. Our decisions on where to build our altar can affect us, our families, and generations to come. Decisions have consequences, some good some bad. Our text is the story of Abraham. God tells Abram to depart from his family and that he will be the seed of a great nation. Abram obeys and goes to the land of Canaan. There, God repeats the promise, and Abram builds an altar. For some reason, Abram moves again and builds a second altar between Bethel and Ai. Our text ends with the statement that Abram continued moving south. Dr. Hughes explained that we do not know the location of the first altar or why Abram had decided to move from there. We do know that this continued to move south. The altar location between Bethel and Ai is significant. Bethel means the house of God. Ai is translated as "a heap of ruin." The Bible tells us that Abraham built the altar on a mountain overlooking Bethel and close to Ai. The choice to build here was comfortable. It was close to the house of God but not too close, and it was far enough away from the pile of ruin. The pile of ruin too easily influenced Abraham, and the house of God did not have enough influence. If our altars are in the wrong place, we risk allowing the evil of the world to creep into the church. Our decisions on where to build our altar can affect us, our families, and generations to come. Decisions have consequences, some good some bad. Our text is the story of Abraham. God tells Abram to depart from his family and that he will be the seed of a great nation. Abram obeys and goes to the land of Canaan. There, God repeats the promise,… James Hughes 3337 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22325988/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theconsequencesofdecisions/id/1405497.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22325988 Scripture: Genesis 12:1-12:9 Mon, 07 Oct 2024 02:25:00 +0000 James Hughes Decisions have consequences, some good some bad. Our text is the story of Abraham. God tells Abram to depart from his family and that he will be the seed of a great nation. Abram obeys and goes to the land of Canaan. There, God repeats the promise, and Abram builds an altar. For some reason, Abram moves again and builds a second altar between Bethel and Ai. Our text ends with the statement that Abram continued moving south. Dr. Hughes explained that we do not know the location of the first altar or why Abram had decided to move from there. We do know that this continued to move south. The altar location between Bethel and Ai is significant. Bethel means the house of God. Ai is translated as "a heap of ruin." The Bible tells us that Abraham built the altar on a mountain overlooking Bethel and close to Ai. The choice to build here was comfortable. It was close to the house of God but not too close, and it was far enough away from the pile of ruin. The pile of ruin too easily influenced Abraham, and the house of God did not have enough influence. If our altars are in the wrong place, we risk allowing the evil of the world to creep into the church. Our decisions on where to build our altar can affect us, our families, and generations to come. Decisions have consequences, some good some bad. Our text is the story of Abraham. God tells Abram to depart from his family and that he will be the seed of a great nation. Abram obeys and goes to the land of Canaan. There, God repeats the promise, and Abram builds an altar. For some reason, Abram moves again and builds a second altar between Bethel and Ai. Our text ends with the statement that Abram continued moving south. Dr. Hughes explained that we do not know the location of the first altar or why Abram had decided to move from there. We do know that this continued to move south. The altar location between Bethel and Ai is significant. Bethel means the house of God. Ai is translated as "a heap of ruin." The Bible tells us that Abraham built the altar on a mountain overlooking Bethel and close to Ai. The choice to build here was comfortable. It was close to the house of God but not too close, and it was far enough away from the pile of ruin. The pile of ruin too easily influenced Abraham, and the house of God did not have enough influence. If our altars are in the wrong place, we risk allowing the evil of the world to creep into the church. Our decisions on where to build our altar can affect us, our families, and generations to come. Decisions have consequences, some good some bad. Our text is the story of Abraham. God tells Abram to depart from his family and that he will be the seed of a great nation. Abram obeys and goes to the land of Canaan. There, God repeats the promise,… James Hughes 3337 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22325988/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theconsequencesofdecisions/id/4151384.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22325988 Scripture: Genesis 12:1-12:9 Sun, 06 Oct 2024 20:43:45 +0000 Mark Hughes In our text, God urgently tells Abraham to come outside and look at the heavens, and his offspring will be as numerous as the stars above. God had made this promise to Abraham before. However, at this point, Abraham was close to 100 years old and had no children. Had Abraham looked at the sky inside the tent, he would not have seen the stars. God had to get Abraham outside so he could see the plan. Another translation of the passage says Abraham had to move into the starlight to see what God was showing him. Sometimes, God has to move us to a place where we can see beyond limitations and see what He has for us. God didn't move Abraham halfway around the world; he only had to go outside the flap door of his tent. For others, it is not a physical location but leaving behind past failures to see the future. We look at our past and assume that God cannot possibly want to bless us. Our assumptions on God limit what He can do in our lives. Abraham assumed that he had missed the blessing because of his age, but the Bible says he believed when he stepped outside the tent. What do we assume that is not true? What is limiting our view? In our text, God urgently tells Abraham to come outside and look at the heavens, and his offspring will be as numerous as the stars above. God had made this promise to Abraham before. However, at this point, Abraham was close to 100 years old and had no children. Had Abraham looked at the sky inside the tent, he would not have seen the stars. God had to get Abraham outside so he could see the plan. Another translation of the passage says Abraham had to move into the starlight to see what God was showing him. Sometimes, God has to move us to a place where we can see beyond limitations and see what He has for us. God didn't move Abraham halfway around the world; he only had to go outside the flap door of his tent. For others, it is not a physical location but leaving behind past failures to see the future. We look at our past and assume that God cannot possibly want to bless us. Our assumptions on God limit what He can do in our lives. Abraham assumed that he had missed the blessing because of his age, but the Bible says he believed when he stepped outside the tent. What do we assume that is not true? What is limiting our view? In our text, God urgently tells Abraham to come outside and look at the heavens, and his offspring will be as numerous as the stars above. God had made this promise to Abraham before. However, at this point, Abraham was close to 100 years old and had… Mark Hughes 2759 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22325507/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whatislimitingyourview/id/1405249.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22325507 Scripture: Genesis 15:5-15:6, Romans 4:18-4:21 Sun, 06 Oct 2024 20:43:45 +0000 Mark Hughes In our text, God urgently tells Abraham to come outside and look at the heavens, and his offspring will be as numerous as the stars above. God had made this promise to Abraham before. However, at this point, Abraham was close to 100 years old and had no children. Had Abraham looked at the sky inside the tent, he would not have seen the stars. God had to get Abraham outside so he could see the plan. Another translation of the passage says Abraham had to move into the starlight to see what God was showing him. Sometimes, God has to move us to a place where we can see beyond limitations and see what He has for us. God didn't move Abraham halfway around the world; he only had to go outside the flap door of his tent. For others, it is not a physical location but leaving behind past failures to see the future. We look at our past and assume that God cannot possibly want to bless us. Our assumptions on God limit what He can do in our lives. Abraham assumed that he had missed the blessing because of his age, but the Bible says he believed when he stepped outside the tent. What do we assume that is not true? What is limiting our view? In our text, God urgently tells Abraham to come outside and look at the heavens, and his offspring will be as numerous as the stars above. God had made this promise to Abraham before. However, at this point, Abraham was close to 100 years old and had no children. Had Abraham looked at the sky inside the tent, he would not have seen the stars. God had to get Abraham outside so he could see the plan. Another translation of the passage says Abraham had to move into the starlight to see what God was showing him. Sometimes, God has to move us to a place where we can see beyond limitations and see what He has for us. God didn't move Abraham halfway around the world; he only had to go outside the flap door of his tent. For others, it is not a physical location but leaving behind past failures to see the future. We look at our past and assume that God cannot possibly want to bless us. Our assumptions on God limit what He can do in our lives. Abraham assumed that he had missed the blessing because of his age, but the Bible says he believed when he stepped outside the tent. What do we assume that is not true? What is limiting our view? In our text, God urgently tells Abraham to come outside and look at the heavens, and his offspring will be as numerous as the stars above. God had made this promise to Abraham before. However, at this point, Abraham was close to 100 years old and had… Mark Hughes 2759 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22325507/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatislimitingyourview/id/4150906.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22325507 Scripture: Genesis 15:5-15:6, Romans 4:18-4:21 Sun, 29 Sep 2024 20:31:34 +0000 Landon Long Decisions are a part of life. Most of us will make a list, weigh the pros and cons, and decide how to proceed. For some, however, decision-making is paralyzing. They may go through the same pro and con analysis, but then they worry about making the wrong decision or disappointing themselves, someone else, or even God. Often, people who find it challenging to make a decision will make no decision, which can result in an even bigger mess. Too often, we see our relationship with God as too fragile to withstand disappointing Him. In some situations, our decisions can alter the course of our lives; however, our relationship with God is not a pass/fail. If we make a wrong choice, the path back to God is one simple step. That one step toward an alter can change the direction, but making that step can be difficult. The enemy wants us to believe everyone is watching and picking out our flaws. In our text, Jesus enters the synagogue. The Pharisees knew why Jesus was there and attempted to entrap Him by asking if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath. Jesus refutes their trap and asks the man to stretch out his hand. All there knew of his condition. This man may have been active in the church and doing his best with his good hand. Many of us in this situation may have extended the good hand because we are ashamed of the withered one, but Jesus wanted to heal the withered one. We may be doing good work with what we have. We may serve in many capacities, but Jesus wants to make us whole so we can do good works with both hands. We are all caught between the urge to hide our brokenness and the call to be healed. Will we keep holding back or respond to the master when He calls? Decisions are a part of life. Most of us will make a list, weigh the pros and cons, and decide how to proceed. For some, however, decision-making is paralyzing. They may go through the same pro and con analysis, but then they worry about making the wrong decision or disappointing themselves, someone else, or even God. Often, people who find it challenging to make a decision will make no decision, which can result in an even bigger mess. Too often, we see our relationship with God as too fragile to withstand disappointing Him. In some situations, our decisions can alter the course of our lives; however, our relationship with God is not a pass/fail. If we make a wrong choice, the path back to God is one simple step. That one step toward an alter can change the direction, but making that step can be difficult. The enemy wants us to believe everyone is watching and picking out our flaws. In our text, Jesus enters the synagogue. The Pharisees knew why Jesus was there and attempted to entrap Him by asking if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath. Jesus refutes their trap and asks the man to stretch out his hand. All there knew of his condition. This man may have been active in the church and doing his best with his good hand. Many of us in this situation may have extended the good hand because we are ashamed of the withered one, but Jesus wanted to heal the withered one. We may be doing good work with what we have. We may serve in many capacities, but Jesus wants to make us whole so we can do good works with both hands. We are all caught between the urge to hide our brokenness and the call to be healed. Will we keep holding back or respond to the master when He calls? Decisions are a part of life. Most of us will make a list, weigh the pros and cons, and decide how to proceed. For some, however, decision-making is paralyzing. They may go through the same pro and con analysis, but then they worry about making the wro… Landon Long 2955 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22321777/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_ontheotherhand/id/1403532.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22321777 On The Other Hand Sun, 29 Sep 2024 20:31:34 +0000 Landon Long Decisions are a part of life. Most of us will make a list, weigh the pros and cons, and decide how to proceed. For some, however, decision-making is paralyzing. They may go through the same pro and con analysis, but then they worry about making the wrong decision or disappointing themselves, someone else, or even God. Often, people who find it challenging to make a decision will make no decision, which can result in an even bigger mess. Too often, we see our relationship with God as too fragile to withstand disappointing Him. In some situations, our decisions can alter the course of our lives; however, our relationship with God is not a pass/fail. If we make a wrong choice, the path back to God is one simple step. That one step toward an alter can change the direction, but making that step can be difficult. The enemy wants us to believe everyone is watching and picking out our flaws. In our text, Jesus enters the synagogue. The Pharisees knew why Jesus was there and attempted to entrap Him by asking if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath. Jesus refutes their trap and asks the man to stretch out his hand. All there knew of his condition. This man may have been active in the church and doing his best with his good hand. Many of us in this situation may have extended the good hand because we are ashamed of the withered one, but Jesus wanted to heal the withered one. We may be doing good work with what we have. We may serve in many capacities, but Jesus wants to make us whole so we can do good works with both hands. We are all caught between the urge to hide our brokenness and the call to be healed. Will we keep holding back or respond to the master when He calls? Decisions are a part of life. Most of us will make a list, weigh the pros and cons, and decide how to proceed. For some, however, decision-making is paralyzing. They may go through the same pro and con analysis, but then they worry about making the wrong decision or disappointing themselves, someone else, or even God. Often, people who find it challenging to make a decision will make no decision, which can result in an even bigger mess. Too often, we see our relationship with God as too fragile to withstand disappointing Him. In some situations, our decisions can alter the course of our lives; however, our relationship with God is not a pass/fail. If we make a wrong choice, the path back to God is one simple step. That one step toward an alter can change the direction, but making that step can be difficult. The enemy wants us to believe everyone is watching and picking out our flaws. In our text, Jesus enters the synagogue. The Pharisees knew why Jesus was there and attempted to entrap Him by asking if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath. Jesus refutes their trap and asks the man to stretch out his hand. All there knew of his condition. This man may have been active in the church and doing his best with his good hand. Many of us in this situation may have extended the good hand because we are ashamed of the withered one, but Jesus wanted to heal the withered one. We may be doing good work with what we have. We may serve in many capacities, but Jesus wants to make us whole so we can do good works with both hands. We are all caught between the urge to hide our brokenness and the call to be healed. Will we keep holding back or respond to the master when He calls? Decisions are a part of life. Most of us will make a list, weigh the pros and cons, and decide how to proceed. For some, however, decision-making is paralyzing. They may go through the same pro and con analysis, but then they worry about making the wro… Landon Long 2955 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22321777/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ontheotherhand/id/4147302.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22321777 On The Other Hand Sun, 15 Sep 2024 21:04:34 +0000 Mark Hughes Life can come at us from many directions, and often all at the same time. The combination of things life throws at us can cause some to question their faith. In these times, we must remember that God wants us to live a victorious and overcoming life. It is easy to look at our current situation and conclude that it has never been as bad as it is now. Looking back over our lives, we can see multiple times when God has provided a way in the darkness, and we cand find comfort in if He did it then, He will do it now. God is concerned about who and where we are, and what we are going through. The phrase "I Shall Not" appears multiple times in the book of Psalms. It is a declaration of determination that no matter the trouble or challenge the writer was facing, they would not be beaten, stressed, or intimidated because they knew God was with them. God always provides a way out. God will not lead us into something He cannot get us out of. We must put our foot down and stay determined. The Shepard is with us, and we shall not want. The writers of Psalms faced struggles but found encouragement and confidence in knowing God was with them. Life can come at us from many directions, and often all at the same time. The combination of things life throws at us can cause some to question their faith. In these times, we must remember that God wants us to live a victorious and overcoming life. It is easy to look at our current situation and conclude that it has never been as bad as it is now. Looking back over our lives, we can see multiple times when God has provided a way in the darkness, and we cand find comfort in if He did it then, He will do it now. God is concerned about who and where we are, and what we are going through. The phrase "I Shall Not" appears multiple times in the book of Psalms. It is a declaration of determination that no matter the trouble or challenge the writer was facing, they would not be beaten, stressed, or intimidated because they knew God was with them. God always provides a way out. God will not lead us into something He cannot get us out of. We must put our foot down and stay determined. The Shepard is with us, and we shall not want. The writers of Psalms faced struggles but found encouragement and confidence in knowing God was with them. Life can come at us from many directions, and often all at the same time. The combination of things life throws at us can cause some to question their faith. In these times, we must remember that God wants us to live a victorious and overcoming life.… Mark Hughes 2879 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22315440/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_itistimetoputyourfootdown/id/1400441.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22315440 Scripture: Psalms 27:3, Psalms 16:8, Psalms 23:1, Psalms 118:17, Psalms 44:6 Sun, 15 Sep 2024 21:04:34 +0000 Mark Hughes Life can come at us from many directions, and often all at the same time. The combination of things life throws at us can cause some to question their faith. In these times, we must remember that God wants us to live a victorious and overcoming life. It is easy to look at our current situation and conclude that it has never been as bad as it is now. Looking back over our lives, we can see multiple times when God has provided a way in the darkness, and we cand find comfort in if He did it then, He will do it now. God is concerned about who and where we are, and what we are going through. The phrase "I Shall Not" appears multiple times in the book of Psalms. It is a declaration of determination that no matter the trouble or challenge the writer was facing, they would not be beaten, stressed, or intimidated because they knew God was with them. God always provides a way out. God will not lead us into something He cannot get us out of. We must put our foot down and stay determined. The Shepard is with us, and we shall not want. The writers of Psalms faced struggles but found encouragement and confidence in knowing God was with them. Life can come at us from many directions, and often all at the same time. The combination of things life throws at us can cause some to question their faith. In these times, we must remember that God wants us to live a victorious and overcoming life. It is easy to look at our current situation and conclude that it has never been as bad as it is now. Looking back over our lives, we can see multiple times when God has provided a way in the darkness, and we cand find comfort in if He did it then, He will do it now. God is concerned about who and where we are, and what we are going through. The phrase "I Shall Not" appears multiple times in the book of Psalms. It is a declaration of determination that no matter the trouble or challenge the writer was facing, they would not be beaten, stressed, or intimidated because they knew God was with them. God always provides a way out. God will not lead us into something He cannot get us out of. We must put our foot down and stay determined. The Shepard is with us, and we shall not want. The writers of Psalms faced struggles but found encouragement and confidence in knowing God was with them. Life can come at us from many directions, and often all at the same time. The combination of things life throws at us can cause some to question their faith. In these times, we must remember that God wants us to live a victorious and overcoming life.… Mark Hughes 2879 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22315440/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itistimetoputyourfootdown/id/4142598.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22315440 Scripture: Psalms 27:3, Psalms 16:8, Psalms 23:1, Psalms 118:17, Psalms 44:6 Sun, 08 Sep 2024 21:07:50 +0000 Landon Long In 1986, country music duo The Judds had a hit with the song Grandpa ( Tell Me 'Bout the Good Old Days). It is a nostalgic country song in which the singer feels overwhelmed by the rapid changes in modern life. The phrase Good Old Days is often used to evoke an unfavorable comparison of how it is now to some idyllic remembrance of times gone by. The truth is that while things may have seemed much simpler then, there were still difficulties and struggles to endure. Our forefathers endured economic hardships, active world wars, and unsanitary conditions, and very often had to engage in arduous labor to make a living. Living through and surviving these difficult times can produce an overcomer's testimony of God's provision and faithfulness. Our elders have experience and wisdom to share. If we only listened, we might avoid the mistakes and mishaps they endured. Rather than longing for the good old days, we should focus on how God kept and blessed our elders and continues to do so today. We need to hear about the victories, even those that happen after making poor decisions. Grandpa has not always been grandpa; along the way, he made mistakes. It is essential to learn that God kept and delivered him through those difficult times. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. If He saved and protected then, He will do it again. Our children need to hear about when Grandpa almost quit but stayed the course and how that turned out. We must not speak of God's goodness and saving grace in the past tense. Look not to the God of the good old days but to the God of all days. We must describe and show how wonderful God is so that current and future generations will see it. In 1986, country music duo The Judds had a hit with the song Grandpa ( Tell Me 'Bout the Good Old Days). It is a nostalgic country song in which the singer feels overwhelmed by the rapid changes in modern life. The phrase Good Old Days is often used to evoke an unfavorable comparison of how it is now to some idyllic remembrance of times gone by. The truth is that while things may have seemed much simpler then, there were still difficulties and struggles to endure. Our forefathers endured economic hardships, active world wars, and unsanitary conditions, and very often had to engage in arduous labor to make a living. Living through and surviving these difficult times can produce an overcomer's testimony of God's provision and faithfulness. Our elders have experience and wisdom to share. If we only listened, we might avoid the mistakes and mishaps they endured. Rather than longing for the good old days, we should focus on how God kept and blessed our elders and continues to do so today. We need to hear about the victories, even those that happen after making poor decisions. Grandpa has not always been grandpa; along the way, he made mistakes. It is essential to learn that God kept and delivered him through those difficult times. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. If He saved and protected then, He will do it again. Our children need to hear about when Grandpa almost quit but stayed the course and how that turned out. We must not speak of God's goodness and saving grace in the past tense. Look not to the God of the good old days but to the God of all days. We must describe and show how wonderful God is so that current and future generations will see it. In 1986, country music duo The Judds had a hit with the song Grandpa ( Tell Me 'Bout the Good Old Days). It is a nostalgic country song in which the singer feels overwhelmed by the rapid changes in modern life. The phrase Good Old Days is often used … Landon Long 2801 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22312976/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_grandpatellmeboutthegodofdays/id/1398857.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22312976 Scripture: Deuteronomy 4:9 Sun, 08 Sep 2024 21:07:50 +0000 Landon Long In 1986, country music duo The Judds had a hit with the song Grandpa ( Tell Me 'Bout the Good Old Days). It is a nostalgic country song in which the singer feels overwhelmed by the rapid changes in modern life. The phrase Good Old Days is often used to evoke an unfavorable comparison of how it is now to some idyllic remembrance of times gone by. The truth is that while things may have seemed much simpler then, there were still difficulties and struggles to endure. Our forefathers endured economic hardships, active world wars, and unsanitary conditions, and very often had to engage in arduous labor to make a living. Living through and surviving these difficult times can produce an overcomer's testimony of God's provision and faithfulness. Our elders have experience and wisdom to share. If we only listened, we might avoid the mistakes and mishaps they endured. Rather than longing for the good old days, we should focus on how God kept and blessed our elders and continues to do so today. We need to hear about the victories, even those that happen after making poor decisions. Grandpa has not always been grandpa; along the way, he made mistakes. It is essential to learn that God kept and delivered him through those difficult times. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. If He saved and protected then, He will do it again. Our children need to hear about when Grandpa almost quit but stayed the course and how that turned out. We must not speak of God's goodness and saving grace in the past tense. Look not to the God of the good old days but to the God of all days. We must describe and show how wonderful God is so that current and future generations will see it. In 1986, country music duo The Judds had a hit with the song Grandpa ( Tell Me 'Bout the Good Old Days). It is a nostalgic country song in which the singer feels overwhelmed by the rapid changes in modern life. The phrase Good Old Days is often used to evoke an unfavorable comparison of how it is now to some idyllic remembrance of times gone by. The truth is that while things may have seemed much simpler then, there were still difficulties and struggles to endure. Our forefathers endured economic hardships, active world wars, and unsanitary conditions, and very often had to engage in arduous labor to make a living. Living through and surviving these difficult times can produce an overcomer's testimony of God's provision and faithfulness. Our elders have experience and wisdom to share. If we only listened, we might avoid the mistakes and mishaps they endured. Rather than longing for the good old days, we should focus on how God kept and blessed our elders and continues to do so today. We need to hear about the victories, even those that happen after making poor decisions. Grandpa has not always been grandpa; along the way, he made mistakes. It is essential to learn that God kept and delivered him through those difficult times. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. If He saved and protected then, He will do it again. Our children need to hear about when Grandpa almost quit but stayed the course and how that turned out. We must not speak of God's goodness and saving grace in the past tense. Look not to the God of the good old days but to the God of all days. We must describe and show how wonderful God is so that current and future generations will see it. In 1986, country music duo The Judds had a hit with the song Grandpa ( Tell Me 'Bout the Good Old Days). It is a nostalgic country song in which the singer feels overwhelmed by the rapid changes in modern life. The phrase Good Old Days is often used … Landon Long 2801 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22312976/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_grandpatellmeboutthegodofdays/id/4140199.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22312976 Scripture: Deuteronomy 4:9 Sun, 01 Sep 2024 22:24:49 +0000 Jordan Grindle The first words of God establish Him in His position of power and authority. We do not need to look to the parting of the Red Sea or any other miraculous event; in the opening words of the Bible, God steps to the edge of existence and speaks all that we know into existence. When God speaks, anything is possible. God establishes principles in Genesis chapter 1 that are still in existence today. He said let each produce after their kind. If you plant corn, you will get corn. If you raise cattle, you will get cattle. God established rules and truths that are in effect today. God established light and separated it from the darkness. He said the light will be called day. He defines the light as day, and the darkness as night. By naming the darkness, he gave it significance and placed it under his dominion. There are days in our lives when everything will be perfect. There will also be times when we suffer in the darkness. Even in the darkness of night, God owns it. God made it clear from the beginning that he has dominion in the day and the dark. The purpose of our night is not to destroy us; The purpose of the dark is to reveal who God is. Most people sleep at night. Scientists have researched sleep and discovered that sleep is a regenerative, cleaning process. While we sleep at night, our brain renovates and restores. The night is a time to restore. Darkness has a purpose in our lives. God uses these dark times to prepare, restore, and reveal Himself to us. The first words of God establish Him in His position of power and authority. We do not need to look to the parting of the Red Sea or any other miraculous event; in the opening words of the Bible, God steps to the edge of existence and speaks all that we know into existence. When God speaks, anything is possible. God establishes principles in Genesis chapter 1 that are still in existence today. He said let each produce after their kind. If you plant corn, you will get corn. If you raise cattle, you will get cattle. God established rules and truths that are in effect today. God established light and separated it from the darkness. He said the light will be called day. He defines the light as day, and the darkness as night. By naming the darkness, he gave it significance and placed it under his dominion. There are days in our lives when everything will be perfect. There will also be times when we suffer in the darkness. Even in the darkness of night, God owns it. God made it clear from the beginning that he has dominion in the day and the dark. The purpose of our night is not to destroy us; The purpose of the dark is to reveal who God is. Most people sleep at night. Scientists have researched sleep and discovered that sleep is a regenerative, cleaning process. While we sleep at night, our brain renovates and restores. The night is a time to restore. Darkness has a purpose in our lives. God uses these dark times to prepare, restore, and reveal Himself to us. The first words of God establish Him in His position of power and authority. We do not need to look to the parting of the Red Sea or any other miraculous event; in the opening words of the Bible, God steps to the edge of existence and speaks all that w… Jordan Grindle 2385 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22309874/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_godnamesthenight/id/1396903.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22309874 Scripture: Genesis 1:1-1:5 Sun, 01 Sep 2024 22:24:49 +0000 Jordan Grindle The first words of God establish Him in His position of power and authority. We do not need to look to the parting of the Red Sea or any other miraculous event; in the opening words of the Bible, God steps to the edge of existence and speaks all that we know into existence. When God speaks, anything is possible. God establishes principles in Genesis chapter 1 that are still in existence today. He said let each produce after their kind. If you plant corn, you will get corn. If you raise cattle, you will get cattle. God established rules and truths that are in effect today. God established light and separated it from the darkness. He said the light will be called day. He defines the light as day, and the darkness as night. By naming the darkness, he gave it significance and placed it under his dominion. There are days in our lives when everything will be perfect. There will also be times when we suffer in the darkness. Even in the darkness of night, God owns it. God made it clear from the beginning that he has dominion in the day and the dark. The purpose of our night is not to destroy us; The purpose of the dark is to reveal who God is. Most people sleep at night. Scientists have researched sleep and discovered that sleep is a regenerative, cleaning process. While we sleep at night, our brain renovates and restores. The night is a time to restore. Darkness has a purpose in our lives. God uses these dark times to prepare, restore, and reveal Himself to us. The first words of God establish Him in His position of power and authority. We do not need to look to the parting of the Red Sea or any other miraculous event; in the opening words of the Bible, God steps to the edge of existence and speaks all that we know into existence. When God speaks, anything is possible. God establishes principles in Genesis chapter 1 that are still in existence today. He said let each produce after their kind. If you plant corn, you will get corn. If you raise cattle, you will get cattle. God established rules and truths that are in effect today. God established light and separated it from the darkness. He said the light will be called day. He defines the light as day, and the darkness as night. By naming the darkness, he gave it significance and placed it under his dominion. There are days in our lives when everything will be perfect. There will also be times when we suffer in the darkness. Even in the darkness of night, God owns it. God made it clear from the beginning that he has dominion in the day and the dark. The purpose of our night is not to destroy us; The purpose of the dark is to reveal who God is. Most people sleep at night. Scientists have researched sleep and discovered that sleep is a regenerative, cleaning process. While we sleep at night, our brain renovates and restores. The night is a time to restore. Darkness has a purpose in our lives. God uses these dark times to prepare, restore, and reveal Himself to us. The first words of God establish Him in His position of power and authority. We do not need to look to the parting of the Red Sea or any other miraculous event; in the opening words of the Bible, God steps to the edge of existence and speaks all that w… Jordan Grindle 2385 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22309874/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godnamesthenight/id/4137549.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22309874 Scripture: Genesis 1:1-1:5 Sun, 18 Aug 2024 20:13:50 +0000 Mark Hughes The message in the book of Revelation is relevant to far more than the seven churches in Asia. Though written for that time, the message is relevant all the time. The letters focused on trials, failures, and shortcomings, but they ultimately are messages of encouragement. To each church, God says, "I Know." He knows their situation. He knows their struggles. He knows their failures, wants, and desires. And He will provide that need, that want, that desire, and a way through that situation. To each of these churches, and indeed to each of us, God knows what we need and will be that for us. The church in Philadelphia had a problem. The Bible says they had little strength. We do not know why they were weary; only that they were tired. God came to them with a message that was key to their problem. Our limited strength does not disqualify us from God's purpose or blessing. Our text says, "He that hath the key of David." The key symbolizes control over who has access. It grants or denies access. God has the key to unlock His purpose in our lives. No matter the size or scope of the problem, God has the key to resolving it. God holds the key to every circumstance. The message in the book of Revelation is relevant to far more than the seven churches in Asia. Though written for that time, the message is relevant all the time. The letters focused on trials, failures, and shortcomings, but they ultimately are messages of encouragement. To each church, God says, "I Know." He knows their situation. He knows their struggles. He knows their failures, wants, and desires. And He will provide that need, that want, that desire, and a way through that situation. To each of these churches, and indeed to each of us, God knows what we need and will be that for us. The church in Philadelphia had a problem. The Bible says they had little strength. We do not know why they were weary; only that they were tired. God came to them with a message that was key to their problem. Our limited strength does not disqualify us from God's purpose or blessing. Our text says, "He that hath the key of David." The key symbolizes control over who has access. It grants or denies access. God has the key to unlock His purpose in our lives. No matter the size or scope of the problem, God has the key to resolving it. God holds the key to every circumstance. The message in the book of Revelation is relevant to far more than the seven churches in Asia. Though written for that time, the message is relevant all the time. The letters focused on trials, failures, and shortcomings, but they ultimately are mess… Mark Hughes 2450 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22303146/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thekeytoourconsequences/id/1393656.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22303146 Scripture: Revelation 3:7-3:8 Sun, 18 Aug 2024 20:13:50 +0000 Mark Hughes The message in the book of Revelation is relevant to far more than the seven churches in Asia. Though written for that time, the message is relevant all the time. The letters focused on trials, failures, and shortcomings, but they ultimately are messages of encouragement. To each church, God says, "I Know." He knows their situation. He knows their struggles. He knows their failures, wants, and desires. And He will provide that need, that want, that desire, and a way through that situation. To each of these churches, and indeed to each of us, God knows what we need and will be that for us. The church in Philadelphia had a problem. The Bible says they had little strength. We do not know why they were weary; only that they were tired. God came to them with a message that was key to their problem. Our limited strength does not disqualify us from God's purpose or blessing. Our text says, "He that hath the key of David." The key symbolizes control over who has access. It grants or denies access. God has the key to unlock His purpose in our lives. No matter the size or scope of the problem, God has the key to resolving it. God holds the key to every circumstance. The message in the book of Revelation is relevant to far more than the seven churches in Asia. Though written for that time, the message is relevant all the time. The letters focused on trials, failures, and shortcomings, but they ultimately are messages of encouragement. To each church, God says, "I Know." He knows their situation. He knows their struggles. He knows their failures, wants, and desires. And He will provide that need, that want, that desire, and a way through that situation. To each of these churches, and indeed to each of us, God knows what we need and will be that for us. The church in Philadelphia had a problem. The Bible says they had little strength. We do not know why they were weary; only that they were tired. God came to them with a message that was key to their problem. Our limited strength does not disqualify us from God's purpose or blessing. Our text says, "He that hath the key of David." The key symbolizes control over who has access. It grants or denies access. God has the key to unlock His purpose in our lives. No matter the size or scope of the problem, God has the key to resolving it. God holds the key to every circumstance. The message in the book of Revelation is relevant to far more than the seven churches in Asia. Though written for that time, the message is relevant all the time. The letters focused on trials, failures, and shortcomings, but they ultimately are mess… Mark Hughes 2450 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22303146/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thekeytoourconsequences/id/4131003.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22303146 Scripture: Revelation 3:7-3:8 Sun, 28 Jul 2024 20:17:27 +0000 Joel Williams In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. He did this with us in mind. At creation, He made sure that He created everything we would need. He did this before we were formed in our mother's womb. God has a plan for each of us and made provision for each and every one of us to fulfill that plan. God provided for Adam and Eve in the garden, and even then, knew they would sin and made a provision for that. What may seem like a punishment is actually the greatest act of mercy we can conceive. The Bible is full of stories of God's promise and provision. Most of the people we learn about in the bible had a singular promise, which was enough for them. In Jesus, we have a multifaceted promise. Like the characters in the old estimate, we have to act in faith on the promise we have. It is not enough to speak the promise; we must live it. It is not enough to quote it; we must step out in faith and live in obedience. Our text says the promises of God are yea and amen. Yea is eternal and from God. Amen has to come from us. Our amen must be some sort of action. We must stand on the promise God has given us. If we do, we will see God to the miraculous. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. He did this with us in mind. At creation, He made sure that He created everything we would need. He did this before we were formed in our mother's womb. God has a plan for each of us and made provision for each and every one of us to fulfill that plan. God provided for Adam and Eve in the garden, and even then, knew they would sin and made a provision for that. What may seem like a punishment is actually the greatest act of mercy we can conceive. The Bible is full of stories of God's promise and provision. Most of the people we learn about in the bible had a singular promise, which was enough for them. In Jesus, we have a multifaceted promise. Like the characters in the old estimate, we have to act in faith on the promise we have. It is not enough to speak the promise; we must live it. It is not enough to quote it; we must step out in faith and live in obedience. Our text says the promises of God are yea and amen. Yea is eternal and from God. Amen has to come from us. Our amen must be some sort of action. We must stand on the promise God has given us. If we do, we will see God to the miraculous. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. He did this with us in mind. At creation, He made sure that He created everything we would need. He did this before we were formed in our mother's womb. God has a plan for each of us and made… Joel Williams 3146 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22295598/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_promisestostandon/id/1388827.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22295598 Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:20 Sun, 28 Jul 2024 20:17:27 +0000 Joel Williams In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. He did this with us in mind. At creation, He made sure that He created everything we would need. He did this before we were formed in our mother's womb. God has a plan for each of us and made provision for each and every one of us to fulfill that plan. God provided for Adam and Eve in the garden, and even then, knew they would sin and made a provision for that. What may seem like a punishment is actually the greatest act of mercy we can conceive. The Bible is full of stories of God's promise and provision. Most of the people we learn about in the bible had a singular promise, which was enough for them. In Jesus, we have a multifaceted promise. Like the characters in the old estimate, we have to act in faith on the promise we have. It is not enough to speak the promise; we must live it. It is not enough to quote it; we must step out in faith and live in obedience. Our text says the promises of God are yea and amen. Yea is eternal and from God. Amen has to come from us. Our amen must be some sort of action. We must stand on the promise God has given us. If we do, we will see God to the miraculous. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. He did this with us in mind. At creation, He made sure that He created everything we would need. He did this before we were formed in our mother's womb. God has a plan for each of us and made provision for each and every one of us to fulfill that plan. God provided for Adam and Eve in the garden, and even then, knew they would sin and made a provision for that. What may seem like a punishment is actually the greatest act of mercy we can conceive. The Bible is full of stories of God's promise and provision. Most of the people we learn about in the bible had a singular promise, which was enough for them. In Jesus, we have a multifaceted promise. Like the characters in the old estimate, we have to act in faith on the promise we have. It is not enough to speak the promise; we must live it. It is not enough to quote it; we must step out in faith and live in obedience. Our text says the promises of God are yea and amen. Yea is eternal and from God. Amen has to come from us. Our amen must be some sort of action. We must stand on the promise God has given us. If we do, we will see God to the miraculous. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. He did this with us in mind. At creation, He made sure that He created everything we would need. He did this before we were formed in our mother's womb. God has a plan for each of us and made… Joel Williams 3146 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22295598/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_promisestostandon/id/4123680.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22295598 Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:20 Sun, 21 Jul 2024 21:16:53 +0000 Mark Hughes How we see God influences and shapes how we see everything else. If our problems seem too big, it is because we do not see how big our God is. The Bible recounts 37 miracles. Each speaks a specific message and conveys the power of the almighty God to those who observed them first-hand and to generations to come. These 37 miracles address every situation and obstacle we face. They speak to a divine presence and exercise of power. They announce the possibility, power, and compassion of God. Our text describes the first miracle at the marriage in Cana, where Jesus turns water into wine. It saved the wedding party from the embarrassment of not having enough for their guests. While not essential or life-changing, It conveys that nothing is too small or insignificant for our God to handle. He can do the impossible, but not every situation is opening blind eyes, healing the sick, or raising from the dead. This miracle teaches us that God cares about us and that nothing is too small or insignificant to bring to Him. He can do more than we expect or even deserve. We have all been in a place of not having enough. God can and will help in these situations. When no one else cares, God cares. This first miracle teaches us that big or small, simple or complex, God will supply our needs. How we see God influences and shapes how we see everything else. If our problems seem too big, it is because we do not see how big our God is. The Bible recounts 37 miracles. Each speaks a specific message and conveys the power of the almighty God to those who observed them first-hand and to generations to come. These 37 miracles address every situation and obstacle we face. They speak to a divine presence and exercise of power. They announce the possibility, power, and compassion of God. Our text describes the first miracle at the marriage in Cana, where Jesus turns water into wine. It saved the wedding party from the embarrassment of not having enough for their guests. While not essential or life-changing, It conveys that nothing is too small or insignificant for our God to handle. He can do the impossible, but not every situation is opening blind eyes, healing the sick, or raising from the dead. This miracle teaches us that God cares about us and that nothing is too small or insignificant to bring to Him. He can do more than we expect or even deserve. We have all been in a place of not having enough. God can and will help in these situations. When no one else cares, God cares. This first miracle teaches us that big or small, simple or complex, God will supply our needs. How we see God influences and shapes how we see everything else. If our problems seem too big, it is because we do not see how big our God is. The Bible recounts 37 miracles. Each speaks a specific message and conveys the power of the almighty God t… Mark Hughes 2574 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22293165/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thefirstmiracle/id/1387337.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22293165 Scripture: John 2:1-2:11 Sun, 21 Jul 2024 21:16:53 +0000 Mark Hughes How we see God influences and shapes how we see everything else. If our problems seem too big, it is because we do not see how big our God is. The Bible recounts 37 miracles. Each speaks a specific message and conveys the power of the almighty God to those who observed them first-hand and to generations to come. These 37 miracles address every situation and obstacle we face. They speak to a divine presence and exercise of power. They announce the possibility, power, and compassion of God. Our text describes the first miracle at the marriage in Cana, where Jesus turns water into wine. It saved the wedding party from the embarrassment of not having enough for their guests. While not essential or life-changing, It conveys that nothing is too small or insignificant for our God to handle. He can do the impossible, but not every situation is opening blind eyes, healing the sick, or raising from the dead. This miracle teaches us that God cares about us and that nothing is too small or insignificant to bring to Him. He can do more than we expect or even deserve. We have all been in a place of not having enough. God can and will help in these situations. When no one else cares, God cares. This first miracle teaches us that big or small, simple or complex, God will supply our needs. How we see God influences and shapes how we see everything else. If our problems seem too big, it is because we do not see how big our God is. The Bible recounts 37 miracles. Each speaks a specific message and conveys the power of the almighty God to those who observed them first-hand and to generations to come. These 37 miracles address every situation and obstacle we face. They speak to a divine presence and exercise of power. They announce the possibility, power, and compassion of God. Our text describes the first miracle at the marriage in Cana, where Jesus turns water into wine. It saved the wedding party from the embarrassment of not having enough for their guests. While not essential or life-changing, It conveys that nothing is too small or insignificant for our God to handle. He can do the impossible, but not every situation is opening blind eyes, healing the sick, or raising from the dead. This miracle teaches us that God cares about us and that nothing is too small or insignificant to bring to Him. He can do more than we expect or even deserve. We have all been in a place of not having enough. God can and will help in these situations. When no one else cares, God cares. This first miracle teaches us that big or small, simple or complex, God will supply our needs. How we see God influences and shapes how we see everything else. If our problems seem too big, it is because we do not see how big our God is. The Bible recounts 37 miracles. Each speaks a specific message and conveys the power of the almighty God t… Mark Hughes 2574 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22293165/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thefirstmiracle/id/4121350.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22293165 Scripture: John 2:1-2:11 Mon, 08 Jul 2024 00:34:57 +0000 Landon Long Put bluntly, there are things in life that we must get over. Something said or done many years ago is not worth carrying forward and fretting over now. We cannot dwell in the past at the expense of our future. It is said that time heals all wounds. That is sometimes true, but often, the wound does not heal because we keep picking at it. Consider, too, that our memories and recollections of events and situations can be flawed. Brain researchers look for reasons why we can remember vivid details of some things but cannot even remember other significant events from our past. One way to remember past significant events correctly is to rehearse them often. We must tell our kids and grandchildren about the times God has delivered us, or provided for us when there was no way, or protected us from harm. The children of Israel soon forgot the miracle of their escape from Egypt and the miraculous events described in Exodus. They grumbled against Moses and decried that they should go back to Egypt. In the face of their current circumstances, they forgot how bad the situation was in Egypt. This is not an Old Testament problem. In Matthew, the disciples fretted about not having enough bread for their journey not too long after twice witnessing miracles where 4 or 5 loaves of bread fed many thousands. We must not forget some things. We must remember the deliverances, when He called us from darkness, and the dream that God has given us. We must remember these and pass the telling of these to our children and grandchildren. The enemy will come against us to discredit the dream as soon as we receive it. There are more than two decades between Joseph's dream and his brothers bowing before him in Egypt. In those twenty years, he was sold into slavery, falsely imprisoned, and suffered many other challenges. The enemy's greatest nightmare is that we continue to remember and believe in the dream. Life has a way of suppressing our dreams, but once given, we must believe that God will fulfill his word. We must remember the dream. Put bluntly, there are things in life that we must get over. Something said or done many years ago is not worth carrying forward and fretting over now. We cannot dwell in the past at the expense of our future. It is said that time heals all wounds. That is sometimes true, but often, the wound does not heal because we keep picking at it. Consider, too, that our memories and recollections of events and situations can be flawed. Brain researchers look for reasons why we can remember vivid details of some things but cannot even remember other significant events from our past. One way to remember past significant events correctly is to rehearse them often. We must tell our kids and grandchildren about the times God has delivered us, or provided for us when there was no way, or protected us from harm. The children of Israel soon forgot the miracle of their escape from Egypt and the miraculous events described in Exodus. They grumbled against Moses and decried that they should go back to Egypt. In the face of their current circumstances, they forgot how bad the situation was in Egypt. This is not an Old Testament problem. In Matthew, the disciples fretted about not having enough bread for their journey not too long after twice witnessing miracles where 4 or 5 loaves of bread fed many thousands. We must not forget some things. We must remember the deliverances, when He called us from darkness, and the dream that God has given us. We must remember these and pass the telling of these to our children and grandchildren. The enemy will come against us to discredit the dream as soon as we receive it. There are more than two decades between Joseph's dream and his brothers bowing before him in Egypt. In those twenty years, he was sold into slavery, falsely imprisoned, and suffered many other challenges. The enemy's greatest nightmare is that we continue to remember and believe in the dream. Life has a way of suppressing our dreams, but once given, we must believe that God will fulfill his word. We must remember the dream. Put bluntly, there are things in life that we must get over. Something said or done many years ago is not worth carrying forward and fretting over now. We cannot dwell in the past at the expense of our future. It is said that time heals all wounds. … Landon Long 2834 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22288497/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_rememberthedream/id/1384485.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22288497 Remember The Dream Mon, 08 Jul 2024 00:34:57 +0000 Landon Long Put bluntly, there are things in life that we must get over. Something said or done many years ago is not worth carrying forward and fretting over now. We cannot dwell in the past at the expense of our future. It is said that time heals all wounds. That is sometimes true, but often, the wound does not heal because we keep picking at it. Consider, too, that our memories and recollections of events and situations can be flawed. Brain researchers look for reasons why we can remember vivid details of some things but cannot even remember other significant events from our past. One way to remember past significant events correctly is to rehearse them often. We must tell our kids and grandchildren about the times God has delivered us, or provided for us when there was no way, or protected us from harm. The children of Israel soon forgot the miracle of their escape from Egypt and the miraculous events described in Exodus. They grumbled against Moses and decried that they should go back to Egypt. In the face of their current circumstances, they forgot how bad the situation was in Egypt. This is not an Old Testament problem. In Matthew, the disciples fretted about not having enough bread for their journey not too long after twice witnessing miracles where 4 or 5 loaves of bread fed many thousands. We must not forget some things. We must remember the deliverances, when He called us from darkness, and the dream that God has given us. We must remember these and pass the telling of these to our children and grandchildren. The enemy will come against us to discredit the dream as soon as we receive it. There are more than two decades between Joseph's dream and his brothers bowing before him in Egypt. In those twenty years, he was sold into slavery, falsely imprisoned, and suffered many other challenges. The enemy's greatest nightmare is that we continue to remember and believe in the dream. Life has a way of suppressing our dreams, but once given, we must believe that God will fulfill his word. We must remember the dream. Put bluntly, there are things in life that we must get over. Something said or done many years ago is not worth carrying forward and fretting over now. We cannot dwell in the past at the expense of our future. It is said that time heals all wounds. That is sometimes true, but often, the wound does not heal because we keep picking at it. Consider, too, that our memories and recollections of events and situations can be flawed. Brain researchers look for reasons why we can remember vivid details of some things but cannot even remember other significant events from our past. One way to remember past significant events correctly is to rehearse them often. We must tell our kids and grandchildren about the times God has delivered us, or provided for us when there was no way, or protected us from harm. The children of Israel soon forgot the miracle of their escape from Egypt and the miraculous events described in Exodus. They grumbled against Moses and decried that they should go back to Egypt. In the face of their current circumstances, they forgot how bad the situation was in Egypt. This is not an Old Testament problem. In Matthew, the disciples fretted about not having enough bread for their journey not too long after twice witnessing miracles where 4 or 5 loaves of bread fed many thousands. We must not forget some things. We must remember the deliverances, when He called us from darkness, and the dream that God has given us. We must remember these and pass the telling of these to our children and grandchildren. The enemy will come against us to discredit the dream as soon as we receive it. There are more than two decades between Joseph's dream and his brothers bowing before him in Egypt. In those twenty years, he was sold into slavery, falsely imprisoned, and suffered many other challenges. The enemy's greatest nightmare is that we continue to remember and believe in the dream. Life has a way of suppressing our dreams, but once given, we must believe that God will fulfill his word. We must remember the dream. Put bluntly, there are things in life that we must get over. Something said or done many years ago is not worth carrying forward and fretting over now. We cannot dwell in the past at the expense of our future. It is said that time heals all wounds. … Landon Long 2834 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22288497/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_rememberthedream/id/4116906.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22288497 Remember The Dream Sun, 30 Jun 2024 18:56:14 +0000 Mark Hughes We find a word of encouragement in today's text. His word picks us up when we do not have the strength to stand on our own. No matter how weak we may be, God wants us to succeed. No matter our circumstances, God wants to lift us up to help us stand. Our weakness does not disqualify us from God's love and blessing. He will walk with us and carry us if need be, to allow us to make it. He lifts up those staggering under the weight of their failures. God does not view our past as a failure but an opportunity. Like the father of the prodigal son, God runs to meet us when we return home. We find a word of encouragement in today's text. His word picks us up when we do not have the strength to stand on our own. No matter how weak we may be, God wants us to succeed. No matter our circumstances, God wants to lift us up to help us stand. Our weakness does not disqualify us from God's love and blessing. He will walk with us and carry us if need be, to allow us to make it. He lifts up those staggering under the weight of their failures. God does not view our past as a failure but an opportunity. Like the father of the prodigal son, God runs to meet us when we return home. We find a word of encouragement in today's text. His word picks us up when we do not have the strength to stand on our own. No matter how weak we may be, God wants us to succeed. No matter our circumstances, God wants to lift us up to help us stand.… Mark Hughes 2145 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22285931/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_godisable/id/1382791.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22285931 Scripture: Romans 14:1-14:4 Sun, 30 Jun 2024 18:56:14 +0000 Mark Hughes We find a word of encouragement in today's text. His word picks us up when we do not have the strength to stand on our own. No matter how weak we may be, God wants us to succeed. No matter our circumstances, God wants to lift us up to help us stand. Our weakness does not disqualify us from God's love and blessing. He will walk with us and carry us if need be, to allow us to make it. He lifts up those staggering under the weight of their failures. God does not view our past as a failure but an opportunity. Like the father of the prodigal son, God runs to meet us when we return home. We find a word of encouragement in today's text. His word picks us up when we do not have the strength to stand on our own. No matter how weak we may be, God wants us to succeed. No matter our circumstances, God wants to lift us up to help us stand. Our weakness does not disqualify us from God's love and blessing. He will walk with us and carry us if need be, to allow us to make it. He lifts up those staggering under the weight of their failures. God does not view our past as a failure but an opportunity. Like the father of the prodigal son, God runs to meet us when we return home. We find a word of encouragement in today's text. His word picks us up when we do not have the strength to stand on our own. No matter how weak we may be, God wants us to succeed. No matter our circumstances, God wants to lift us up to help us stand.… Mark Hughes 2145 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22285931/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godisable/id/4114333.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22285931 Scripture: Romans 14:1-14:4 Mon, 24 Jun 2024 03:13:35 +0000 B J Mathis Children's evangelist B J Mathis teaches the plan of salvation to our kids. Children's evangelist B J Mathis teaches the plan of salvation to our kids. Children's evangelist B J Mathis teaches the plan of salvation to our kids.… B J Mathis 1447 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22283776/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theplanofsalvation/id/1381448.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22283776 The Plan of Salvation Mon, 24 Jun 2024 03:13:35 +0000 B J Mathis Children's evangelist B J Mathis teaches the plan of salvation to our kids. Children's evangelist B J Mathis teaches the plan of salvation to our kids. Children's evangelist B J Mathis teaches the plan of salvation to our kids.… B J Mathis 1447 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22283776/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theplanofsalvation/id/4112291.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22283776 The Plan of Salvation Sun, 23 Jun 2024 21:08:14 +0000 B J Mathis Today, we host B J Mathis for a children's revival service. Today, we host B J Mathis for a children's revival service. Today, we host B J Mathis for a children's revival service. … B J Mathis 3635 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22283582/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_makingaking/id/1381321.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22283582 Making A King Sun, 23 Jun 2024 21:08:14 +0000 B J Mathis Today, we host B J Mathis for a children's revival service. Today, we host B J Mathis for a children's revival service. Today, we host B J Mathis for a children's revival service. … B J Mathis 3635 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22283582/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_makingaking/id/4112098.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22283582 Making A King Sun, 16 Jun 2024 20:57:53 +0000 Landon Long God created the heavens and the earth. He created it to work together, and much of it functions independently. The food cycle, the water cycle, and the circle of life all work without any intervention from humanity. However, some things require our work. The Bible says God created man in His own image. When He did this, he gave man the job of maintaining and tending the garden. He desired that man participate in the maintenance of his creation. Our text tells us that the plants and herbs were not growing because there had been no rain on the earth. God would provide the rain, but man must provide the effort to tend and harvest those plants. God provides the materials, and man must put forth the effort to bring fruit. If something in our life is not growing, it is not because God did not provide the rain. We must put in the work to realize the fruit. Our world devalues what it means to be a man. It tries to confuse men and women's role in God's plan. The Bible is clear: man is to tend the garden, and woman is to be an equal partner-participant by helping the man to achieve God's plan together. If we are to achieve God's plan, we must focus our efforts on the garden and put in the work to reap the harvest. God created the heavens and the earth. He created it to work together, and much of it functions independently. The food cycle, the water cycle, and the circle of life all work without any intervention from humanity. However, some things require our work. The Bible says God created man in His own image. When He did this, he gave man the job of maintaining and tending the garden. He desired that man participate in the maintenance of his creation. Our text tells us that the plants and herbs were not growing because there had been no rain on the earth. God would provide the rain, but man must provide the effort to tend and harvest those plants. God provides the materials, and man must put forth the effort to bring fruit. If something in our life is not growing, it is not because God did not provide the rain. We must put in the work to realize the fruit. Our world devalues what it means to be a man. It tries to confuse men and women's role in God's plan. The Bible is clear: man is to tend the garden, and woman is to be an equal partner-participant by helping the man to achieve God's plan together. If we are to achieve God's plan, we must focus our efforts on the garden and put in the work to reap the harvest. God created the heavens and the earth. He created it to work together, and much of it functions independently. The food cycle, the water cycle, and the circle of life all work without any intervention from humanity. However, some things require our … Landon Long 3143 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22280777/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_betheman/id/1378992.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22280777 Scripture: Genesis 2:1-2:15 Sun, 16 Jun 2024 20:57:53 +0000 Landon Long God created the heavens and the earth. He created it to work together, and much of it functions independently. The food cycle, the water cycle, and the circle of life all work without any intervention from humanity. However, some things require our work. The Bible says God created man in His own image. When He did this, he gave man the job of maintaining and tending the garden. He desired that man participate in the maintenance of his creation. Our text tells us that the plants and herbs were not growing because there had been no rain on the earth. God would provide the rain, but man must provide the effort to tend and harvest those plants. God provides the materials, and man must put forth the effort to bring fruit. If something in our life is not growing, it is not because God did not provide the rain. We must put in the work to realize the fruit. Our world devalues what it means to be a man. It tries to confuse men and women's role in God's plan. The Bible is clear: man is to tend the garden, and woman is to be an equal partner-participant by helping the man to achieve God's plan together. If we are to achieve God's plan, we must focus our efforts on the garden and put in the work to reap the harvest. God created the heavens and the earth. He created it to work together, and much of it functions independently. The food cycle, the water cycle, and the circle of life all work without any intervention from humanity. However, some things require our work. The Bible says God created man in His own image. When He did this, he gave man the job of maintaining and tending the garden. He desired that man participate in the maintenance of his creation. Our text tells us that the plants and herbs were not growing because there had been no rain on the earth. God would provide the rain, but man must provide the effort to tend and harvest those plants. God provides the materials, and man must put forth the effort to bring fruit. If something in our life is not growing, it is not because God did not provide the rain. We must put in the work to realize the fruit. Our world devalues what it means to be a man. It tries to confuse men and women's role in God's plan. The Bible is clear: man is to tend the garden, and woman is to be an equal partner-participant by helping the man to achieve God's plan together. If we are to achieve God's plan, we must focus our efforts on the garden and put in the work to reap the harvest. God created the heavens and the earth. He created it to work together, and much of it functions independently. The food cycle, the water cycle, and the circle of life all work without any intervention from humanity. However, some things require our … Landon Long 3143 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22280777/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_betheman/id/4109389.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22280777 Scripture: Genesis 2:1-2:15 Mon, 10 Jun 2024 02:33:00 +0000 Eugene Wilson We talk a lot about spiritual warfare. We have songs that declare our weapons are not guns but prayer. We also talk about God fighting our battles. If God is going to fight our battles, why do we need weapons? Is the fight ours, or is it God's? God has it decided, but we still have to walk through it sometimes. Our praise is NOT a weapon. It is something that we should do because He is God. Paul and Silus were not singing to get out of jail; they were singing to praise. As a result, the jailer's family was saved. God will use some things we are going through to bless someone else. In our text, the man of God tells them to march out against the enemy, but they do not have to fight. There is a place for our involvement, but this is about something other than us. If we are not careful, we will take the fight to the enemy and think our effort makes a difference. There are times in our life we face things we don't have the strength or training to do. We must rely on God to see us through those times. God has to take care of it. The battle is not ours but God’s. When we praise, it is not a weapon; it is praise to God for the victory. We talk a lot about spiritual warfare. We have songs that declare our weapons are not guns but prayer. We also talk about God fighting our battles. If God is going to fight our battles, why do we need weapons? Is the fight ours, or is it God's? God has it decided, but we still have to walk through it sometimes. Our praise is NOT a weapon. It is something that we should do because He is God. Paul and Silus were not singing to get out of jail; they were singing to praise. As a result, the jailer's family was saved. God will use some things we are going through to bless someone else. In our text, the man of God tells them to march out against the enemy, but they do not have to fight. There is a place for our involvement, but this is about something other than us. If we are not careful, we will take the fight to the enemy and think our effort makes a difference. There are times in our life we face things we don't have the strength or training to do. We must rely on God to see us through those times. God has to take care of it. The battle is not ours but God’s. When we praise, it is not a weapon; it is praise to God for the victory. We talk a lot about spiritual warfare. We have songs that declare our weapons are not guns but prayer. We also talk about God fighting our battles. If God is going to fight our battles, why do we need weapons? Is the fight ours, or is it God's? Go… Eugene Wilson 2891 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22276776/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_layyourweaponsdown/id/1377348.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22276776 Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:15-20:17 Mon, 10 Jun 2024 02:33:00 +0000 Eugene Wilson We talk a lot about spiritual warfare. We have songs that declare our weapons are not guns but prayer. We also talk about God fighting our battles. If God is going to fight our battles, why do we need weapons? Is the fight ours, or is it God's? God has it decided, but we still have to walk through it sometimes. Our praise is NOT a weapon. It is something that we should do because He is God. Paul and Silus were not singing to get out of jail; they were singing to praise. As a result, the jailer's family was saved. God will use some things we are going through to bless someone else. In our text, the man of God tells them to march out against the enemy, but they do not have to fight. There is a place for our involvement, but this is about something other than us. If we are not careful, we will take the fight to the enemy and think our effort makes a difference. There are times in our life we face things we don't have the strength or training to do. We must rely on God to see us through those times. God has to take care of it. The battle is not ours but God’s. When we praise, it is not a weapon; it is praise to God for the victory. We talk a lot about spiritual warfare. We have songs that declare our weapons are not guns but prayer. We also talk about God fighting our battles. If God is going to fight our battles, why do we need weapons? Is the fight ours, or is it God's? God has it decided, but we still have to walk through it sometimes. Our praise is NOT a weapon. It is something that we should do because He is God. Paul and Silus were not singing to get out of jail; they were singing to praise. As a result, the jailer's family was saved. God will use some things we are going through to bless someone else. In our text, the man of God tells them to march out against the enemy, but they do not have to fight. There is a place for our involvement, but this is about something other than us. If we are not careful, we will take the fight to the enemy and think our effort makes a difference. There are times in our life we face things we don't have the strength or training to do. We must rely on God to see us through those times. God has to take care of it. The battle is not ours but God’s. When we praise, it is not a weapon; it is praise to God for the victory. We talk a lot about spiritual warfare. We have songs that declare our weapons are not guns but prayer. We also talk about God fighting our battles. If God is going to fight our battles, why do we need weapons? Is the fight ours, or is it God's? Go… Eugene Wilson 2891 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22276776/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_layyourweaponsdown/id/4107201.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22276776 Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:15-20:17 Sun, 09 Jun 2024 19:34:23 +0000 Eugene Wilson We must both be filled with the spirit and led by it. Acts 1 and 2 describe the initial infilling of the spirit, but the bible is clear that being filled with the spirit is more than a one-time event. Those observing the believers in the upper room that day supposed them to be drunk because of how they acted. Like being drunk, being filled with the spirit causes (or should cause) us to act differently. But being filled with the spirit is not enough. We must be led by it. The Bible has many references to God leading his people. To be led, they must be willing to move. This willingness, this openness to God's will, is what sets us on the path of spiritual growth. We moved from following our flesh to following what God wants for us. Our flesh wants pleasure and gratification. Dr. Wilson asks can we be moved? Can we be led by God when dealing with our problems, challenges, and setbacks? We must both be filled with the spirit and led by it. Acts 1 and 2 describe the initial infilling of the spirit, but the bible is clear that being filled with the spirit is more than a one-time event. Those observing the believers in the upper room that day supposed them to be drunk because of how they acted. Like being drunk, being filled with the spirit causes (or should cause) us to act differently. But being filled with the spirit is not enough. We must be led by it. The Bible has many references to God leading his people. To be led, they must be willing to move. This willingness, this openness to God's will, is what sets us on the path of spiritual growth. We moved from following our flesh to following what God wants for us. Our flesh wants pleasure and gratification. Dr. Wilson asks can we be moved? Can we be led by God when dealing with our problems, challenges, and setbacks? We must both be filled with the spirit and led by it. Acts 1 and 2 describe the initial infilling of the spirit, but the bible is clear that being filled with the spirit is more than a one-time event. Those observing the believers in the upper room t… Eugene Wilson 3528 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22276125/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whatitmeanstobeledbythespirit/id/1376983.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22276125 Scripture: Galatians 5:25 Sun, 09 Jun 2024 19:34:23 +0000 Eugene Wilson We must both be filled with the spirit and led by it. Acts 1 and 2 describe the initial infilling of the spirit, but the bible is clear that being filled with the spirit is more than a one-time event. Those observing the believers in the upper room that day supposed them to be drunk because of how they acted. Like being drunk, being filled with the spirit causes (or should cause) us to act differently. But being filled with the spirit is not enough. We must be led by it. The Bible has many references to God leading his people. To be led, they must be willing to move. This willingness, this openness to God's will, is what sets us on the path of spiritual growth. We moved from following our flesh to following what God wants for us. Our flesh wants pleasure and gratification. Dr. Wilson asks can we be moved? Can we be led by God when dealing with our problems, challenges, and setbacks? We must both be filled with the spirit and led by it. Acts 1 and 2 describe the initial infilling of the spirit, but the bible is clear that being filled with the spirit is more than a one-time event. Those observing the believers in the upper room that day supposed them to be drunk because of how they acted. Like being drunk, being filled with the spirit causes (or should cause) us to act differently. But being filled with the spirit is not enough. We must be led by it. The Bible has many references to God leading his people. To be led, they must be willing to move. This willingness, this openness to God's will, is what sets us on the path of spiritual growth. We moved from following our flesh to following what God wants for us. Our flesh wants pleasure and gratification. Dr. Wilson asks can we be moved? Can we be led by God when dealing with our problems, challenges, and setbacks? We must both be filled with the spirit and led by it. Acts 1 and 2 describe the initial infilling of the spirit, but the bible is clear that being filled with the spirit is more than a one-time event. Those observing the believers in the upper room t… Eugene Wilson 3528 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22276125/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatitmeanstobeledbythespirit/id/4106574.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22276125 Scripture: Galatians 5:25 Mon, 03 Jun 2024 01:17:00 +0000 Garrett Nance Waypoints are stopping points on a journey are markers that indicate a course change. Our graduates are at a waypoint in their life's journey. They are at the end of a chapter in their lives and must choose the next direction. The place we are in life has a divine purpose and order. Brother Nance advises these graduates to seek God's will and blessing in all they do and lean on God's plan to provide for whatever His purpose and calling is in their lives. Waypoints are stopping points on a journey are markers that indicate a course change. Our graduates are at a waypoint in their life's journey. They are at the end of a chapter in their lives and must choose the next direction. The place we are in life has a divine purpose and order. Brother Nance advises these graduates to seek God's will and blessing in all they do and lean on God's plan to provide for whatever His purpose and calling is in their lives. Waypoints are stopping points on a journey are markers that indicate a course change. Our graduates are at a waypoint in their life's journey. They are at the end of a chapter in their lives and must choose the next direction. The place we are in li… Garrett Nance 2234 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22274209/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_forthismomentintime/id/1375616.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22274209 Scripture: Esther 4:13-4:16 Mon, 03 Jun 2024 01:17:00 +0000 Garrett Nance Waypoints are stopping points on a journey are markers that indicate a course change. Our graduates are at a waypoint in their life's journey. They are at the end of a chapter in their lives and must choose the next direction. The place we are in life has a divine purpose and order. Brother Nance advises these graduates to seek God's will and blessing in all they do and lean on God's plan to provide for whatever His purpose and calling is in their lives. Waypoints are stopping points on a journey are markers that indicate a course change. Our graduates are at a waypoint in their life's journey. They are at the end of a chapter in their lives and must choose the next direction. The place we are in life has a divine purpose and order. Brother Nance advises these graduates to seek God's will and blessing in all they do and lean on God's plan to provide for whatever His purpose and calling is in their lives. Waypoints are stopping points on a journey are markers that indicate a course change. Our graduates are at a waypoint in their life's journey. They are at the end of a chapter in their lives and must choose the next direction. The place we are in li… Garrett Nance 2234 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22274209/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_forthismomentintime/id/4104705.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22274209 Scripture: Esther 4:13-4:16 Sun, 02 Jun 2024 20:23:39 +0000 Landon Long In the story of the tortoise and the hare, the tortoise wins the race because he just kept going. Progress is progress, no matter how slow. People who run know the importance of pacing themselves to keep from expending all their energy and having nothing left to continue on—every step we take counts. God notices and honors every step. The people around us also notice. They notice how we keep going, even in the face of adversity and setbacks. Progress is progress. In our text, David sets out to bring the Arc of God back from Oben-Edom's home. After only six steps, he offers sacrifice to God and dances in celebration. Those six steps were an accomplishment and represented a success compared to the previous attempt to return the Arc to its home. It was only six steps, but those six steps added to the following six steps, and the next six steps after that add up to miles and a successful completion of the journey. Celebrate and thank God for the progress. Each step we take counts. Every tiny, slow step toward the goal is essential. In the story of the tortoise and the hare, the tortoise wins the race because he just kept going. Progress is progress, no matter how slow. People who run know the importance of pacing themselves to keep from expending all their energy and having nothing left to continue on—every step we take counts. God notices and honors every step. The people around us also notice. They notice how we keep going, even in the face of adversity and setbacks. Progress is progress. In our text, David sets out to bring the Arc of God back from Oben-Edom's home. After only six steps, he offers sacrifice to God and dances in celebration. Those six steps were an accomplishment and represented a success compared to the previous attempt to return the Arc to its home. It was only six steps, but those six steps added to the following six steps, and the next six steps after that add up to miles and a successful completion of the journey. Celebrate and thank God for the progress. Each step we take counts. Every tiny, slow step toward the goal is essential. In the story of the tortoise and the hare, the tortoise wins the race because he just kept going. Progress is progress, no matter how slow. People who run know the importance of pacing themselves to keep from expending all their energy and having not… Landon Long 2685 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22273707/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_yourstepscount/id/1375356.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22273707 Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:12-6:15 Sun, 02 Jun 2024 20:23:39 +0000 Landon Long In the story of the tortoise and the hare, the tortoise wins the race because he just kept going. Progress is progress, no matter how slow. People who run know the importance of pacing themselves to keep from expending all their energy and having nothing left to continue on—every step we take counts. God notices and honors every step. The people around us also notice. They notice how we keep going, even in the face of adversity and setbacks. Progress is progress. In our text, David sets out to bring the Arc of God back from Oben-Edom's home. After only six steps, he offers sacrifice to God and dances in celebration. Those six steps were an accomplishment and represented a success compared to the previous attempt to return the Arc to its home. It was only six steps, but those six steps added to the following six steps, and the next six steps after that add up to miles and a successful completion of the journey. Celebrate and thank God for the progress. Each step we take counts. Every tiny, slow step toward the goal is essential. In the story of the tortoise and the hare, the tortoise wins the race because he just kept going. Progress is progress, no matter how slow. People who run know the importance of pacing themselves to keep from expending all their energy and having nothing left to continue on—every step we take counts. God notices and honors every step. The people around us also notice. They notice how we keep going, even in the face of adversity and setbacks. Progress is progress. In our text, David sets out to bring the Arc of God back from Oben-Edom's home. After only six steps, he offers sacrifice to God and dances in celebration. Those six steps were an accomplishment and represented a success compared to the previous attempt to return the Arc to its home. It was only six steps, but those six steps added to the following six steps, and the next six steps after that add up to miles and a successful completion of the journey. Celebrate and thank God for the progress. Each step we take counts. Every tiny, slow step toward the goal is essential. In the story of the tortoise and the hare, the tortoise wins the race because he just kept going. Progress is progress, no matter how slow. People who run know the importance of pacing themselves to keep from expending all their energy and having not… Landon Long 2685 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22273707/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_yourstepscount/id/4104202.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22273707 Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:12-6:15 Mon, 27 May 2024 02:23:17 +0000 Mark Hughes Today's text was written by a man struggling with contradictions he observed in life. On the one hand, he had learned of the goodness and love of God, but he also saw the wicked prospering while he struggled. He wondered if living for God was worth it when he said, "I have cleansed my heart in vain and washed my hands in innocency." This reflective psalm is written after his breakthrough, which comes in the final verse: "Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end." He went to church. The word from the original text isn’t just "attended" or "went in the door." The original wording suggests participation, engagement, and intentionality. God doesn't receive glory when we bring our body to church. He gets glory when we bring our minds and attention to church to engage Him. This man did not accidentally go to the house of God; he went there with a purpose. He was engaging, and receiving what God had to offer changed his perspective. If we go to church to encounter God, we must leave changed. It changed the way he looked at the world. The ministry of His spirit will make clear the path to take. Rather than looking at others and comparing their success to our progress, we set ourselves up for failure. Almost any act of comparison will leave us ungrateful for our blessing and success. Come to church with expectancy and hope for change. Today's text was written by a man struggling with contradictions he observed in life. On the one hand, he had learned of the goodness and love of God, but he also saw the wicked prospering while he struggled. He wondered if living for God was worth it when he said, "I have cleansed my heart in vain and washed my hands in innocency." This reflective psalm is written after his breakthrough, which comes in the final verse: "Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end." He went to church. The word from the original text isn’t just "attended" or "went in the door." The original wording suggests participation, engagement, and intentionality. God doesn't receive glory when we bring our body to church. He gets glory when we bring our minds and attention to church to engage Him. This man did not accidentally go to the house of God; he went there with a purpose. He was engaging, and receiving what God had to offer changed his perspective. If we go to church to encounter God, we must leave changed. It changed the way he looked at the world. The ministry of His spirit will make clear the path to take. Rather than looking at others and comparing their success to our progress, we set ourselves up for failure. Almost any act of comparison will leave us ungrateful for our blessing and success. Come to church with expectancy and hope for change. Today's text was written by a man struggling with contradictions he observed in life. On the one hand, he had learned of the goodness and love of God, but he also saw the wicked prospering while he struggled. He wondered if living for God was worth i… Mark Hughes 3261 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22270773/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_imgladicametochurch/id/1373089.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22270773 Scripture: Psalms 73:1-73:17 Mon, 27 May 2024 02:23:17 +0000 Mark Hughes Today's text was written by a man struggling with contradictions he observed in life. On the one hand, he had learned of the goodness and love of God, but he also saw the wicked prospering while he struggled. He wondered if living for God was worth it when he said, "I have cleansed my heart in vain and washed my hands in innocency." This reflective psalm is written after his breakthrough, which comes in the final verse: "Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end." He went to church. The word from the original text isn’t just "attended" or "went in the door." The original wording suggests participation, engagement, and intentionality. God doesn't receive glory when we bring our body to church. He gets glory when we bring our minds and attention to church to engage Him. This man did not accidentally go to the house of God; he went there with a purpose. He was engaging, and receiving what God had to offer changed his perspective. If we go to church to encounter God, we must leave changed. It changed the way he looked at the world. The ministry of His spirit will make clear the path to take. Rather than looking at others and comparing their success to our progress, we set ourselves up for failure. Almost any act of comparison will leave us ungrateful for our blessing and success. Come to church with expectancy and hope for change. Today's text was written by a man struggling with contradictions he observed in life. On the one hand, he had learned of the goodness and love of God, but he also saw the wicked prospering while he struggled. He wondered if living for God was worth it when he said, "I have cleansed my heart in vain and washed my hands in innocency." This reflective psalm is written after his breakthrough, which comes in the final verse: "Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end." He went to church. The word from the original text isn’t just "attended" or "went in the door." The original wording suggests participation, engagement, and intentionality. God doesn't receive glory when we bring our body to church. He gets glory when we bring our minds and attention to church to engage Him. This man did not accidentally go to the house of God; he went there with a purpose. He was engaging, and receiving what God had to offer changed his perspective. If we go to church to encounter God, we must leave changed. It changed the way he looked at the world. The ministry of His spirit will make clear the path to take. Rather than looking at others and comparing their success to our progress, we set ourselves up for failure. Almost any act of comparison will leave us ungrateful for our blessing and success. Come to church with expectancy and hope for change. Today's text was written by a man struggling with contradictions he observed in life. On the one hand, he had learned of the goodness and love of God, but he also saw the wicked prospering while he struggled. He wondered if living for God was worth i… Mark Hughes 3261 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22270773/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_imgladicametochurch/id/4101453.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22270773 Scripture: Psalms 73:1-73:17 Mon, 13 May 2024 02:14:33 +0000 Sarah Long The word full means to contain as much as possible, not lacking anything. It can also mean overflowing and overwhelming. Full can describe satisfaction or being uncomfortable. When Naomi left Bethlehem, she was full of expectation and promise. When she returned, she was empty of hope and future. The truth is that she was still full, but now she was full of disappointment and loss. We can all experience a season where we doubt we are enough. We may not be enough, but God is enough. In these moments, the enemy whispers that we cannot do it. That the very things that are our blessings are burdens and that we do not have enough to carry it all. All it takes is one tiny seed of doubt to disrupt our path. We must not doubt the blessing God has given us. Those blessings are not burdens. We must root out all those seeds and refocus our thoughts on how God loves us and equipped us to handle our load. The enemy wants us to think our hands are full of problems and trouble. We must open our eyes to how full our hands are with blessing. The word full means to contain as much as possible, not lacking anything. It can also mean overflowing and overwhelming. Full can describe satisfaction or being uncomfortable. When Naomi left Bethlehem, she was full of expectation and promise. When she returned, she was empty of hope and future. The truth is that she was still full, but now she was full of disappointment and loss. We can all experience a season where we doubt we are enough. We may not be enough, but God is enough. In these moments, the enemy whispers that we cannot do it. That the very things that are our blessings are burdens and that we do not have enough to carry it all. All it takes is one tiny seed of doubt to disrupt our path. We must not doubt the blessing God has given us. Those blessings are not burdens. We must root out all those seeds and refocus our thoughts on how God loves us and equipped us to handle our load. The enemy wants us to think our hands are full of problems and trouble. We must open our eyes to how full our hands are with blessing. The word full means to contain as much as possible, not lacking anything. It can also mean overflowing and overwhelming. Full can describe satisfaction or being uncomfortable. When Naomi left Bethlehem, she was full of expectation and promise. Wh… Sarah Long 2869 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22265018/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_mamayouvegotyourhandsfull/id/1369060.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22265018 Scripture: Ruth 1:19-1:21 Mon, 13 May 2024 02:14:33 +0000 Sarah Long The word full means to contain as much as possible, not lacking anything. It can also mean overflowing and overwhelming. Full can describe satisfaction or being uncomfortable. When Naomi left Bethlehem, she was full of expectation and promise. When she returned, she was empty of hope and future. The truth is that she was still full, but now she was full of disappointment and loss. We can all experience a season where we doubt we are enough. We may not be enough, but God is enough. In these moments, the enemy whispers that we cannot do it. That the very things that are our blessings are burdens and that we do not have enough to carry it all. All it takes is one tiny seed of doubt to disrupt our path. We must not doubt the blessing God has given us. Those blessings are not burdens. We must root out all those seeds and refocus our thoughts on how God loves us and equipped us to handle our load. The enemy wants us to think our hands are full of problems and trouble. We must open our eyes to how full our hands are with blessing. The word full means to contain as much as possible, not lacking anything. It can also mean overflowing and overwhelming. Full can describe satisfaction or being uncomfortable. When Naomi left Bethlehem, she was full of expectation and promise. When she returned, she was empty of hope and future. The truth is that she was still full, but now she was full of disappointment and loss. We can all experience a season where we doubt we are enough. We may not be enough, but God is enough. In these moments, the enemy whispers that we cannot do it. That the very things that are our blessings are burdens and that we do not have enough to carry it all. All it takes is one tiny seed of doubt to disrupt our path. We must not doubt the blessing God has given us. Those blessings are not burdens. We must root out all those seeds and refocus our thoughts on how God loves us and equipped us to handle our load. The enemy wants us to think our hands are full of problems and trouble. We must open our eyes to how full our hands are with blessing. The word full means to contain as much as possible, not lacking anything. It can also mean overflowing and overwhelming. Full can describe satisfaction or being uncomfortable. When Naomi left Bethlehem, she was full of expectation and promise. Wh… Sarah Long 2869 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22265018/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_mamayouvegotyourhandsfull/id/4095902.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22265018 Scripture: Ruth 1:19-1:21 Mon, 06 May 2024 02:20:38 +0000 Mark Hughes Historians believe Rebecca was barren for almost 20 years before God answered her and Issac's prayer for children. She was undoubtedly excited about the news of the baby, but as the pregnancy went on, she began to sense something was wrong. The Bible describes her as feeling like a war was going on inside her. Soon, the joyfulness of her pregnancy gave way to fear and uncertainty as she realized she was pregnant with twins. The worry became so bad that she began to question why she had even prayed for a child in the first place. The first question we ask when facing adversity is, "Why is this happening to me?'" That gives way to "what did I do that God is punishing me?" This is a slippery slope, and then we question if we are even worthy of God's answering our prayers and finally wonder if it is even worth it to serve God. This is dangerous thinking and a tool of the enemy. The truth is God can use any of us. However, sometimes, that involves some discomfort or struggle on our part. God answers prayers, but sometimes, that comes at the price of some chaos in our lives. Brother Hughes offers some things to remember to help us through these situations. Historians believe Rebecca was barren for almost 20 years before God answered her and Issac's prayer for children. She was undoubtedly excited about the news of the baby, but as the pregnancy went on, she began to sense something was wrong. The Bible describes her as feeling like a war was going on inside her. Soon, the joyfulness of her pregnancy gave way to fear and uncertainty as she realized she was pregnant with twins. The worry became so bad that she began to question why she had even prayed for a child in the first place. The first question we ask when facing adversity is, "Why is this happening to me?'" That gives way to "what did I do that God is punishing me?" This is a slippery slope, and then we question if we are even worthy of God's answering our prayers and finally wonder if it is even worth it to serve God. This is dangerous thinking and a tool of the enemy. The truth is God can use any of us. However, sometimes, that involves some discomfort or struggle on our part. God answers prayers, but sometimes, that comes at the price of some chaos in our lives. Brother Hughes offers some things to remember to help us through these situations. Historians believe Rebecca was barren for almost 20 years before God answered her and Issac's prayer for children. She was undoubtedly excited about the news of the baby, but as the pregnancy went on, she began to sense something was wrong. The Bible… Mark Hughes 3230 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22262528/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whyamithus/id/1367471.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22262528 Scripture: Genesis 25:21-25:22 Mon, 06 May 2024 02:20:38 +0000 Mark Hughes Historians believe Rebecca was barren for almost 20 years before God answered her and Issac's prayer for children. She was undoubtedly excited about the news of the baby, but as the pregnancy went on, she began to sense something was wrong. The Bible describes her as feeling like a war was going on inside her. Soon, the joyfulness of her pregnancy gave way to fear and uncertainty as she realized she was pregnant with twins. The worry became so bad that she began to question why she had even prayed for a child in the first place. The first question we ask when facing adversity is, "Why is this happening to me?'" That gives way to "what did I do that God is punishing me?" This is a slippery slope, and then we question if we are even worthy of God's answering our prayers and finally wonder if it is even worth it to serve God. This is dangerous thinking and a tool of the enemy. The truth is God can use any of us. However, sometimes, that involves some discomfort or struggle on our part. God answers prayers, but sometimes, that comes at the price of some chaos in our lives. Brother Hughes offers some things to remember to help us through these situations. Historians believe Rebecca was barren for almost 20 years before God answered her and Issac's prayer for children. She was undoubtedly excited about the news of the baby, but as the pregnancy went on, she began to sense something was wrong. The Bible describes her as feeling like a war was going on inside her. Soon, the joyfulness of her pregnancy gave way to fear and uncertainty as she realized she was pregnant with twins. The worry became so bad that she began to question why she had even prayed for a child in the first place. The first question we ask when facing adversity is, "Why is this happening to me?'" That gives way to "what did I do that God is punishing me?" This is a slippery slope, and then we question if we are even worthy of God's answering our prayers and finally wonder if it is even worth it to serve God. This is dangerous thinking and a tool of the enemy. The truth is God can use any of us. However, sometimes, that involves some discomfort or struggle on our part. God answers prayers, but sometimes, that comes at the price of some chaos in our lives. Brother Hughes offers some things to remember to help us through these situations. Historians believe Rebecca was barren for almost 20 years before God answered her and Issac's prayer for children. She was undoubtedly excited about the news of the baby, but as the pregnancy went on, she began to sense something was wrong. The Bible… Mark Hughes 3230 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22262528/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whyamithus/id/4093491.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22262528 Scripture: Genesis 25:21-25:22 Sun, 05 May 2024 20:10:49 +0000 Landon Long We've all experienced difficult times. These times of struggle can feel like we are lost in the wilderness. We feel as if we are wandering in circles and being pulled away from our dreams. There are no shortcuts through the wilderness. God takes us on these journeys to teach or prepare us for something; we must go through them to learn the lesson. This was the case with Israel. Because of their disobedience and lack of faith, God took them on a forty-year journey in the wilderness to prepare them to enter the promised land. However, even in this wandering, God made a way for His people to commune with Him. God established the Tabernacle as a place for his people to receive comfort and encouragement. The specifications and details of the tabernacle were exact, and each detail had a purpose. The tabernacle was a tent that the children of Israel had to set up each time they moved. It was a lot of effort, but it was all worth it because when they finished setting it up, the presence of God moved in. And this was not a one-time thing—the Tabernacle and the presence of God were with them as they wandered for those 40 years. God may take us through a wilderness, but he provides a safe place of refuge where we can commune with Him. We've all experienced difficult times. These times of struggle can feel like we are lost in the wilderness. We feel as if we are wandering in circles and being pulled away from our dreams. There are no shortcuts through the wilderness. God takes us on these journeys to teach or prepare us for something; we must go through them to learn the lesson. This was the case with Israel. Because of their disobedience and lack of faith, God took them on a forty-year journey in the wilderness to prepare them to enter the promised land. However, even in this wandering, God made a way for His people to commune with Him. God established the Tabernacle as a place for his people to receive comfort and encouragement. The specifications and details of the tabernacle were exact, and each detail had a purpose. The tabernacle was a tent that the children of Israel had to set up each time they moved. It was a lot of effort, but it was all worth it because when they finished setting it up, the presence of God moved in. And this was not a one-time thing—the Tabernacle and the presence of God were with them as they wandered for those 40 years. God may take us through a wilderness, but he provides a safe place of refuge where we can commune with Him. We've all experienced difficult times. These times of struggle can feel like we are lost in the wilderness. We feel as if we are wandering in circles and being pulled away from our dreams. There are no shortcuts through the wilderness. God takes us… Landon Long 2851 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22262287/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_atabernacleinmywilderness/id/1367351.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22262287 Scripture: Numbers 1:1-1:2 Sun, 05 May 2024 20:10:49 +0000 Landon Long We've all experienced difficult times. These times of struggle can feel like we are lost in the wilderness. We feel as if we are wandering in circles and being pulled away from our dreams. There are no shortcuts through the wilderness. God takes us on these journeys to teach or prepare us for something; we must go through them to learn the lesson. This was the case with Israel. Because of their disobedience and lack of faith, God took them on a forty-year journey in the wilderness to prepare them to enter the promised land. However, even in this wandering, God made a way for His people to commune with Him. God established the Tabernacle as a place for his people to receive comfort and encouragement. The specifications and details of the tabernacle were exact, and each detail had a purpose. The tabernacle was a tent that the children of Israel had to set up each time they moved. It was a lot of effort, but it was all worth it because when they finished setting it up, the presence of God moved in. And this was not a one-time thing—the Tabernacle and the presence of God were with them as they wandered for those 40 years. God may take us through a wilderness, but he provides a safe place of refuge where we can commune with Him. We've all experienced difficult times. These times of struggle can feel like we are lost in the wilderness. We feel as if we are wandering in circles and being pulled away from our dreams. There are no shortcuts through the wilderness. God takes us on these journeys to teach or prepare us for something; we must go through them to learn the lesson. This was the case with Israel. Because of their disobedience and lack of faith, God took them on a forty-year journey in the wilderness to prepare them to enter the promised land. However, even in this wandering, God made a way for His people to commune with Him. God established the Tabernacle as a place for his people to receive comfort and encouragement. The specifications and details of the tabernacle were exact, and each detail had a purpose. The tabernacle was a tent that the children of Israel had to set up each time they moved. It was a lot of effort, but it was all worth it because when they finished setting it up, the presence of God moved in. And this was not a one-time thing—the Tabernacle and the presence of God were with them as they wandered for those 40 years. God may take us through a wilderness, but he provides a safe place of refuge where we can commune with Him. We've all experienced difficult times. These times of struggle can feel like we are lost in the wilderness. We feel as if we are wandering in circles and being pulled away from our dreams. There are no shortcuts through the wilderness. God takes us… Landon Long 2851 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22262287/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_atabernacleinmywilderness/id/4093291.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22262287 Scripture: Numbers 1:1-1:2 Mon, 22 Apr 2024 01:45:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Some of us are incomplete works. Perhaps it is our own doing, or possibly God is not done with us. Men may drift into something without knowing the outcome, but God never does. Man acts on a whim, but God always has a purpose. He does not begin a work he does not intend to finish. However, often, His hand is interrupted by our choices and decisions. God is ready to finish what he started. God does not get distracted and does not forget. The artist may leave his work unfinished, but God never will Some of us are incomplete works. Perhaps it is our own doing, or possibly God is not done with us. Men may drift into something without knowing the outcome, but God never does. Man acts on a whim, but God always has a purpose. He does not begin a work he does not intend to finish. However, often, His hand is interrupted by our choices and decisions. God is ready to finish what he started. God does not get distracted and does not forget. The artist may leave his work unfinished, but God never will Some of us are incomplete works. Perhaps it is our own doing, or possibly God is not done with us. Men may drift into something without knowing the outcome, but God never does. Man acts on a whim, but God always has a purpose. He does not begin a wor… Mark Hughes 1989 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22257713/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_finishingtheunfinished/id/1364332.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22257713 Scripture: Luke 4:18 Mon, 22 Apr 2024 01:45:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Some of us are incomplete works. Perhaps it is our own doing, or possibly God is not done with us. Men may drift into something without knowing the outcome, but God never does. Man acts on a whim, but God always has a purpose. He does not begin a work he does not intend to finish. However, often, His hand is interrupted by our choices and decisions. God is ready to finish what he started. God does not get distracted and does not forget. The artist may leave his work unfinished, but God never will Some of us are incomplete works. Perhaps it is our own doing, or possibly God is not done with us. Men may drift into something without knowing the outcome, but God never does. Man acts on a whim, but God always has a purpose. He does not begin a work he does not intend to finish. However, often, His hand is interrupted by our choices and decisions. God is ready to finish what he started. God does not get distracted and does not forget. The artist may leave his work unfinished, but God never will Some of us are incomplete works. Perhaps it is our own doing, or possibly God is not done with us. Men may drift into something without knowing the outcome, but God never does. Man acts on a whim, but God always has a purpose. He does not begin a wor… Mark Hughes 1989 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22257713/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_finishingtheunfinished/id/4088835.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22257713 Scripture: Luke 4:18 Sun, 14 Apr 2024 19:42:06 +0000 Tyler Stevison In the beginning, the earth was dark, void, and without form. That all changed when the spirit of God moved. When the wind began to blow, things began to change. Spiritually, we can be void and without form. We need the spirit of God to move. We must allow God's wind to blow in our lives. In the beginning, the earth was dark, void, and without form. That all changed when the spirit of God moved. When the wind began to blow, things began to change. Spiritually, we can be void and without form. We need the spirit of God to move. We must allow God's wind to blow in our lives. In the beginning, the earth was dark, void, and without form. That all changed when the spirit of God moved. When the wind began to blow, things began to change. Spiritually, we can be void and without form. We need the spirit of God to move. We must a… Tyler Stevison 2904 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22254308/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whenthewindblows/id/1362310.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22254308 Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-37:10 Sun, 14 Apr 2024 19:42:06 +0000 Tyler Stevison In the beginning, the earth was dark, void, and without form. That all changed when the spirit of God moved. When the wind began to blow, things began to change. Spiritually, we can be void and without form. We need the spirit of God to move. We must allow God's wind to blow in our lives. In the beginning, the earth was dark, void, and without form. That all changed when the spirit of God moved. When the wind began to blow, things began to change. Spiritually, we can be void and without form. We need the spirit of God to move. We must allow God's wind to blow in our lives. In the beginning, the earth was dark, void, and without form. That all changed when the spirit of God moved. When the wind began to blow, things began to change. Spiritually, we can be void and without form. We need the spirit of God to move. We must a… Tyler Stevison 2904 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22254308/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenthewindblows/id/4085755.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22254308 Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-37:10 Sun, 07 Apr 2024 20:24:20 +0000 Landon Long Sometimes, we put deadlines on things, and when they don't happen, we are disappointed. Martha and Mary sent for Jesus because their brother was so sick. Faith was not their problem. They know where to turn in their time of need. However, Jesus did not move when they wanted Him to, and it was delayed until after Lazarus died. For some, that delay would have caused them to question their faith. On the way to see Lazarus, Jesus announces that he is dead. The Jews believed that the soul hovered over the body for three days. Jesus intentionally waited until the fourth day to arrive after the deadline. It is never too late when God shows up. We get so focused on deadlines that we fail to see what is in front of us. No doubt, Mary and Martha did not want to endure the days of suffering and sadness about their brother's death. However, sometimes, we have to go through things so someone else can believe. Sometimes, we put deadlines on things, and when they don't happen, we are disappointed. Martha and Mary sent for Jesus because their brother was so sick. Faith was not their problem. They know where to turn in their time of need. However, Jesus did not move when they wanted Him to, and it was delayed until after Lazarus died. For some, that delay would have caused them to question their faith. On the way to see Lazarus, Jesus announces that he is dead. The Jews believed that the soul hovered over the body for three days. Jesus intentionally waited until the fourth day to arrive after the deadline. It is never too late when God shows up. We get so focused on deadlines that we fail to see what is in front of us. No doubt, Mary and Martha did not want to endure the days of suffering and sadness about their brother's death. However, sometimes, we have to go through things so someone else can believe. Sometimes, we put deadlines on things, and when they don't happen, we are disappointed. Martha and Mary sent for Jesus because their brother was so sick. Faith was not their problem. They know where to turn in their time of need. However, Jesus did no… Landon Long 2925 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22251752/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_believingafterthedeadline/id/1360553.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22251752 Scripture: John 11 Sun, 07 Apr 2024 20:24:20 +0000 Landon Long Sometimes, we put deadlines on things, and when they don't happen, we are disappointed. Martha and Mary sent for Jesus because their brother was so sick. Faith was not their problem. They know where to turn in their time of need. However, Jesus did not move when they wanted Him to, and it was delayed until after Lazarus died. For some, that delay would have caused them to question their faith. On the way to see Lazarus, Jesus announces that he is dead. The Jews believed that the soul hovered over the body for three days. Jesus intentionally waited until the fourth day to arrive after the deadline. It is never too late when God shows up. We get so focused on deadlines that we fail to see what is in front of us. No doubt, Mary and Martha did not want to endure the days of suffering and sadness about their brother's death. However, sometimes, we have to go through things so someone else can believe. Sometimes, we put deadlines on things, and when they don't happen, we are disappointed. Martha and Mary sent for Jesus because their brother was so sick. Faith was not their problem. They know where to turn in their time of need. However, Jesus did not move when they wanted Him to, and it was delayed until after Lazarus died. For some, that delay would have caused them to question their faith. On the way to see Lazarus, Jesus announces that he is dead. The Jews believed that the soul hovered over the body for three days. Jesus intentionally waited until the fourth day to arrive after the deadline. It is never too late when God shows up. We get so focused on deadlines that we fail to see what is in front of us. No doubt, Mary and Martha did not want to endure the days of suffering and sadness about their brother's death. However, sometimes, we have to go through things so someone else can believe. Sometimes, we put deadlines on things, and when they don't happen, we are disappointed. Martha and Mary sent for Jesus because their brother was so sick. Faith was not their problem. They know where to turn in their time of need. However, Jesus did no… Landon Long 2925 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22251752/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_believingafterthedeadline/id/4083210.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22251752 Scripture: John 11 Sun, 31 Mar 2024 21:00:20 +0000 Landon Long The term canceled has taken a new meaning in this time of social media. It refers to publicly withdrawing support from celebrities or public figures who have done something that is not socially acceptable. Being canceled can have significant consequences on reputations and livelihood. It may result from a statement or action that occurred years ago, but the effect on people's lives is dramatic. In some cases, people are canceled due to racist ideology, child abuse, or other heinous acts in the past. Being canceled has taken on the air of vigilante justice and mob rule. However, it is not limited to exposing past wrongful acts. The crowd and the culture now have control of the mob and will turn on anyone they disagree with, or that challenges their beliefs. The crowd becomes the judge and jury. Increasingly, these efforts are directed toward Christians. Some will do all they can to cancel the cross and Christians. This is not new. Pontius Pilate wanted to let Jesus go, but the crowd wanted him to die. The chief priests persuaded the crowd to turn against Jesus when, just days before, they were southing hosanna as he entered Jerusalem. This Easter Sunday, we celebrate a Lord who willingly laid down His life to save ours. The thieves on either side of Jesus deserved their cross. Jesus did not. He died on the cross that should have been ours. They tried to cancel Jesus, but he died on the cross to cancel our sins that mar our lives. He took the sin in our lives and nailed it to the cross for us. Every one of our mistakes are under the blood. Jesus died so that our sins would be canceled. The term canceled has taken a new meaning in this time of social media. It refers to publicly withdrawing support from celebrities or public figures who have done something that is not socially acceptable. Being canceled can have significant consequences on reputations and livelihood. It may result from a statement or action that occurred years ago, but the effect on people's lives is dramatic. In some cases, people are canceled due to racist ideology, child abuse, or other heinous acts in the past. Being canceled has taken on the air of vigilante justice and mob rule. However, it is not limited to exposing past wrongful acts. The crowd and the culture now have control of the mob and will turn on anyone they disagree with, or that challenges their beliefs. The crowd becomes the judge and jury. Increasingly, these efforts are directed toward Christians. Some will do all they can to cancel the cross and Christians. This is not new. Pontius Pilate wanted to let Jesus go, but the crowd wanted him to die. The chief priests persuaded the crowd to turn against Jesus when, just days before, they were southing hosanna as he entered Jerusalem. This Easter Sunday, we celebrate a Lord who willingly laid down His life to save ours. The thieves on either side of Jesus deserved their cross. Jesus did not. He died on the cross that should have been ours. They tried to cancel Jesus, but he died on the cross to cancel our sins that mar our lives. He took the sin in our lives and nailed it to the cross for us. Every one of our mistakes are under the blood. Jesus died so that our sins would be canceled. The term canceled has taken a new meaning in this time of social media. It refers to publicly withdrawing support from celebrities or public figures who have done something that is not socially acceptable. Being canceled can have significant consequ… Landon Long 2888 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22249248/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_canceled/id/1358902.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22249248 Canceled Sun, 31 Mar 2024 21:00:20 +0000 Landon Long The term canceled has taken a new meaning in this time of social media. It refers to publicly withdrawing support from celebrities or public figures who have done something that is not socially acceptable. Being canceled can have significant consequences on reputations and livelihood. It may result from a statement or action that occurred years ago, but the effect on people's lives is dramatic. In some cases, people are canceled due to racist ideology, child abuse, or other heinous acts in the past. Being canceled has taken on the air of vigilante justice and mob rule. However, it is not limited to exposing past wrongful acts. The crowd and the culture now have control of the mob and will turn on anyone they disagree with, or that challenges their beliefs. The crowd becomes the judge and jury. Increasingly, these efforts are directed toward Christians. Some will do all they can to cancel the cross and Christians. This is not new. Pontius Pilate wanted to let Jesus go, but the crowd wanted him to die. The chief priests persuaded the crowd to turn against Jesus when, just days before, they were southing hosanna as he entered Jerusalem. This Easter Sunday, we celebrate a Lord who willingly laid down His life to save ours. The thieves on either side of Jesus deserved their cross. Jesus did not. He died on the cross that should have been ours. They tried to cancel Jesus, but he died on the cross to cancel our sins that mar our lives. He took the sin in our lives and nailed it to the cross for us. Every one of our mistakes are under the blood. Jesus died so that our sins would be canceled. The term canceled has taken a new meaning in this time of social media. It refers to publicly withdrawing support from celebrities or public figures who have done something that is not socially acceptable. Being canceled can have significant consequences on reputations and livelihood. It may result from a statement or action that occurred years ago, but the effect on people's lives is dramatic. In some cases, people are canceled due to racist ideology, child abuse, or other heinous acts in the past. Being canceled has taken on the air of vigilante justice and mob rule. However, it is not limited to exposing past wrongful acts. The crowd and the culture now have control of the mob and will turn on anyone they disagree with, or that challenges their beliefs. The crowd becomes the judge and jury. Increasingly, these efforts are directed toward Christians. Some will do all they can to cancel the cross and Christians. This is not new. Pontius Pilate wanted to let Jesus go, but the crowd wanted him to die. The chief priests persuaded the crowd to turn against Jesus when, just days before, they were southing hosanna as he entered Jerusalem. This Easter Sunday, we celebrate a Lord who willingly laid down His life to save ours. The thieves on either side of Jesus deserved their cross. Jesus did not. He died on the cross that should have been ours. They tried to cancel Jesus, but he died on the cross to cancel our sins that mar our lives. He took the sin in our lives and nailed it to the cross for us. Every one of our mistakes are under the blood. Jesus died so that our sins would be canceled. The term canceled has taken a new meaning in this time of social media. It refers to publicly withdrawing support from celebrities or public figures who have done something that is not socially acceptable. Being canceled can have significant consequ… Landon Long 2888 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22249248/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_canceled/id/4080789.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22249248 Canceled Mon, 18 Mar 2024 02:32:55 +0000 Mark Hughes The stories we tell of our lives can vary depending on the circumstances and experiences. How we chronicle the events of our lives says a lot about us. Faith often struggles in the face of unexpected and unexplained events that come our way. Sometimes, we interpret the unexplained incorrectly as we try to make sense of it. Often, faith turns to fear as we try to make sense of it. This was the case of Manoah in our text. Fortunately for him, his wife had a different perspective and asked, if God were pleased to destroy us, why would he have shown all that to us? As we look back over our lives, we can see the hand of God in situations that we did not understand at the time. That knowledge should be a comfort as we encounter new unexplained circumstances. If God blessed us, then why would he not do that now? We can trust God even when we cannot see where he is going. Would He have brought us all that He has brought us through to forsake us now? Every answered prayer and every unexpected blessing is a prophecy for the future. We need only look back over our lives at all the situations where God has made a way to have confidence that He will make a way in the future. The way we characterize our life, the stories we tell of God's goodness, and our witness to someone who desperately needs to hear it. The stories we tell of our lives can vary depending on the circumstances and experiences. How we chronicle the events of our lives says a lot about us. Faith often struggles in the face of unexpected and unexplained events that come our way. Sometimes, we interpret the unexplained incorrectly as we try to make sense of it. Often, faith turns to fear as we try to make sense of it. This was the case of Manoah in our text. Fortunately for him, his wife had a different perspective and asked, if God were pleased to destroy us, why would he have shown all that to us? As we look back over our lives, we can see the hand of God in situations that we did not understand at the time. That knowledge should be a comfort as we encounter new unexplained circumstances. If God blessed us, then why would he not do that now? We can trust God even when we cannot see where he is going. Would He have brought us all that He has brought us through to forsake us now? Every answered prayer and every unexpected blessing is a prophecy for the future. We need only look back over our lives at all the situations where God has made a way to have confidence that He will make a way in the future. The way we characterize our life, the stories we tell of God's goodness, and our witness to someone who desperately needs to hear it. The stories we tell of our lives can vary depending on the circumstances and experiences. How we chronicle the events of our lives says a lot about us. Faith often struggles in the face of unexpected and unexplained events that come our way. Sometimes… Mark Hughes 2623 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22243592/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_yourwitness/id/1355090.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22243592 Scripture: Judges 13:21-13:23 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 02:32:55 +0000 Mark Hughes The stories we tell of our lives can vary depending on the circumstances and experiences. How we chronicle the events of our lives says a lot about us. Faith often struggles in the face of unexpected and unexplained events that come our way. Sometimes, we interpret the unexplained incorrectly as we try to make sense of it. Often, faith turns to fear as we try to make sense of it. This was the case of Manoah in our text. Fortunately for him, his wife had a different perspective and asked, if God were pleased to destroy us, why would he have shown all that to us? As we look back over our lives, we can see the hand of God in situations that we did not understand at the time. That knowledge should be a comfort as we encounter new unexplained circumstances. If God blessed us, then why would he not do that now? We can trust God even when we cannot see where he is going. Would He have brought us all that He has brought us through to forsake us now? Every answered prayer and every unexpected blessing is a prophecy for the future. We need only look back over our lives at all the situations where God has made a way to have confidence that He will make a way in the future. The way we characterize our life, the stories we tell of God's goodness, and our witness to someone who desperately needs to hear it. The stories we tell of our lives can vary depending on the circumstances and experiences. How we chronicle the events of our lives says a lot about us. Faith often struggles in the face of unexpected and unexplained events that come our way. Sometimes, we interpret the unexplained incorrectly as we try to make sense of it. Often, faith turns to fear as we try to make sense of it. This was the case of Manoah in our text. Fortunately for him, his wife had a different perspective and asked, if God were pleased to destroy us, why would he have shown all that to us? As we look back over our lives, we can see the hand of God in situations that we did not understand at the time. That knowledge should be a comfort as we encounter new unexplained circumstances. If God blessed us, then why would he not do that now? We can trust God even when we cannot see where he is going. Would He have brought us all that He has brought us through to forsake us now? Every answered prayer and every unexpected blessing is a prophecy for the future. We need only look back over our lives at all the situations where God has made a way to have confidence that He will make a way in the future. The way we characterize our life, the stories we tell of God's goodness, and our witness to someone who desperately needs to hear it. The stories we tell of our lives can vary depending on the circumstances and experiences. How we chronicle the events of our lives says a lot about us. Faith often struggles in the face of unexpected and unexplained events that come our way. Sometimes… Mark Hughes 2623 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22243592/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_yourwitness/id/4075759.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22243592 Scripture: Judges 13:21-13:23 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 21:11:49 +0000 Landon Long Our text tells about Josiah destroying idols. An idol is not always a little statue that we worship. An idol is anything that replaces God's position. It is not the object that is the problem. The problem is in our heart. Anything that sets itself in place of God is an idol and must be destroyed. It is not enough to remove them; they must be destroyed. Manassas moved the idols outside the city, but his son remembered them from his youth and went to find them when he became king. When we purge the idols from our lives, we must deal with them completely. There are things we have entertained for far too long that we're passing down to our children that will be their downfall. It is not enough to set them aside; we must make them into dust. A young Josiah learned a lesson that we must all learn. The idols must be broken into dust Our text tells about Josiah destroying idols. An idol is not always a little statue that we worship. An idol is anything that replaces God's position. It is not the object that is the problem. The problem is in our heart. Anything that sets itself in place of God is an idol and must be destroyed. It is not enough to remove them; they must be destroyed. Manassas moved the idols outside the city, but his son remembered them from his youth and went to find them when he became king. When we purge the idols from our lives, we must deal with them completely. There are things we have entertained for far too long that we're passing down to our children that will be their downfall. It is not enough to set them aside; we must make them into dust. A young Josiah learned a lesson that we must all learn. The idols must be broken into dust Our text tells about Josiah destroying idols. An idol is not always a little statue that we worship. An idol is anything that replaces God's position. It is not the object that is the problem. The problem is in our heart. Anything that sets itself i… Landon Long 2822 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22243402/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_dustyidolsmadeintodust/id/1354825.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22243402 Scripture: 2 Chronicles 34:1-34:7 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 21:11:49 +0000 Landon Long Our text tells about Josiah destroying idols. An idol is not always a little statue that we worship. An idol is anything that replaces God's position. It is not the object that is the problem. The problem is in our heart. Anything that sets itself in place of God is an idol and must be destroyed. It is not enough to remove them; they must be destroyed. Manassas moved the idols outside the city, but his son remembered them from his youth and went to find them when he became king. When we purge the idols from our lives, we must deal with them completely. There are things we have entertained for far too long that we're passing down to our children that will be their downfall. It is not enough to set them aside; we must make them into dust. A young Josiah learned a lesson that we must all learn. The idols must be broken into dust Our text tells about Josiah destroying idols. An idol is not always a little statue that we worship. An idol is anything that replaces God's position. It is not the object that is the problem. The problem is in our heart. Anything that sets itself in place of God is an idol and must be destroyed. It is not enough to remove them; they must be destroyed. Manassas moved the idols outside the city, but his son remembered them from his youth and went to find them when he became king. When we purge the idols from our lives, we must deal with them completely. There are things we have entertained for far too long that we're passing down to our children that will be their downfall. It is not enough to set them aside; we must make them into dust. A young Josiah learned a lesson that we must all learn. The idols must be broken into dust Our text tells about Josiah destroying idols. An idol is not always a little statue that we worship. An idol is anything that replaces God's position. It is not the object that is the problem. The problem is in our heart. Anything that sets itself i… Landon Long 2822 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22243402/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dustyidolsmadeintodust/id/4075173.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22243402 Scripture: 2 Chronicles 34:1-34:7 Sun, 25 Feb 2024 22:11:55 +0000 Kenneth Baker Greater Life Church Greater Life Church Greater Life Church… Kenneth Baker 2998 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22235236/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thegoodwillofhimthatdweltinthe/id/1349478.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22235236 The Goodwill Of Him That Dwelt In The Bush Sun, 25 Feb 2024 22:11:55 +0000 Kenneth Baker Greater Life Church Greater Life Church Greater Life Church… Kenneth Baker 2998 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22235236/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegoodwillofhimthatdweltinthe/id/4067391.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22235236 The Goodwill Of Him That Dwelt In The Bush Mon, 12 Feb 2024 03:29:30 +0000 Landon Long We have all had things we did not know how to overcome. It is easy, while in the midst of difficult situations, to not be able to see an end. Those living during the 1920s thought the tough times would not end, but eventually, they did, and our nation saw prosperity like no one in the 20s could have imagined. Those present things become former things The inverse is five too. Some people long for the good old days. They feel that the good times are as good as it will ever be. That is not how God works. If He did it, then He can do greater in the future. Both the good and the bad fade from view as time goes on and greater things take their place. Too many people live on past blessings and success. They cannot let go of the past to embrace the future. We must let God do new things in our Ike, but we have to let go of past things Whatever our present is, we have to be open to the new things God has for us. What a great promise it is that God wants better no matter what we have now. If we are to receive what God has, we may have to lay some things down. Maybe it is a hurt or pain. Maybe it is a victory or success. Whatever it is, we must lay it down to receive what God is offering. We must let go of something to get to that next place. The former may have been great, but the latter will be better. No matter how good the great was, he is moving us to something better. We will not get through the door holding on to past pain and grudges. We also won’t get through the door holding on to trophies and past victories. In order to receive what god has for us, we must let the present things become the former things. We have all had things we did not know how to overcome. It is easy, while in the midst of difficult situations, to not be able to see an end. Those living during the 1920s thought the tough times would not end, but eventually, they did, and our nation saw prosperity like no one in the 20s could have imagined. Those present things become former things The inverse is five too. Some people long for the good old days. They feel that the good times are as good as it will ever be. That is not how God works. If He did it, then He can do greater in the future. Both the good and the bad fade from view as time goes on and greater things take their place. Too many people live on past blessings and success. They cannot let go of the past to embrace the future. We must let God do new things in our Ike, but we have to let go of past things Whatever our present is, we have to be open to the new things God has for us. What a great promise it is that God wants better no matter what we have now. If we are to receive what God has, we may have to lay some things down. Maybe it is a hurt or pain. Maybe it is a victory or success. Whatever it is, we must lay it down to receive what God is offering. We must let go of something to get to that next place. The former may have been great, but the latter will be better. No matter how good the great was, he is moving us to something better. We will not get through the door holding on to past pain and grudges. We also won’t get through the door holding on to trophies and past victories. In order to receive what god has for us, we must let the present things become the former things. We have all had things we did not know how to overcome. It is easy, while in the midst of difficult situations, to not be able to see an end. Those living during the 1920s thought the tough times would not end, but eventually, they did, and our natio… Landon Long 2991 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22229554/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whenthepresentthingsbecomeform/id/1346200.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22229554 Scripture: Revelation 21:1-21:7 Mon, 12 Feb 2024 03:29:30 +0000 Landon Long We have all had things we did not know how to overcome. It is easy, while in the midst of difficult situations, to not be able to see an end. Those living during the 1920s thought the tough times would not end, but eventually, they did, and our nation saw prosperity like no one in the 20s could have imagined. Those present things become former things The inverse is five too. Some people long for the good old days. They feel that the good times are as good as it will ever be. That is not how God works. If He did it, then He can do greater in the future. Both the good and the bad fade from view as time goes on and greater things take their place. Too many people live on past blessings and success. They cannot let go of the past to embrace the future. We must let God do new things in our Ike, but we have to let go of past things Whatever our present is, we have to be open to the new things God has for us. What a great promise it is that God wants better no matter what we have now. If we are to receive what God has, we may have to lay some things down. Maybe it is a hurt or pain. Maybe it is a victory or success. Whatever it is, we must lay it down to receive what God is offering. We must let go of something to get to that next place. The former may have been great, but the latter will be better. No matter how good the great was, he is moving us to something better. We will not get through the door holding on to past pain and grudges. We also won’t get through the door holding on to trophies and past victories. In order to receive what god has for us, we must let the present things become the former things. We have all had things we did not know how to overcome. It is easy, while in the midst of difficult situations, to not be able to see an end. Those living during the 1920s thought the tough times would not end, but eventually, they did, and our nation saw prosperity like no one in the 20s could have imagined. Those present things become former things The inverse is five too. Some people long for the good old days. They feel that the good times are as good as it will ever be. That is not how God works. If He did it, then He can do greater in the future. Both the good and the bad fade from view as time goes on and greater things take their place. Too many people live on past blessings and success. They cannot let go of the past to embrace the future. We must let God do new things in our Ike, but we have to let go of past things Whatever our present is, we have to be open to the new things God has for us. What a great promise it is that God wants better no matter what we have now. If we are to receive what God has, we may have to lay some things down. Maybe it is a hurt or pain. Maybe it is a victory or success. Whatever it is, we must lay it down to receive what God is offering. We must let go of something to get to that next place. The former may have been great, but the latter will be better. No matter how good the great was, he is moving us to something better. We will not get through the door holding on to past pain and grudges. We also won’t get through the door holding on to trophies and past victories. In order to receive what god has for us, we must let the present things become the former things. We have all had things we did not know how to overcome. It is easy, while in the midst of difficult situations, to not be able to see an end. Those living during the 1920s thought the tough times would not end, but eventually, they did, and our natio… Landon Long 2991 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22229554/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenthepresentthingsbecomeform/id/4062412.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22229554 Scripture: Revelation 21:1-21:7 Sun, 11 Feb 2024 21:54:04 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text comes from Jesus' answer to a question about the end times. It is a truth that can deliver us from any torment that might come into our life. Understanding this will calm most any situation. This is the greatest source of hope contained in scripture. Everyone of us is engaged in a battle within ourselves that can wear us down and can bring our demise. We have learned how to hide these private battles The simple words of our text is the secret to overcoming: In your patience possess ye your souls. Or as the NLT translates: By standing firm, you will win your souls. In what ever battle we find ourselves, simply enduring will lead to victory. We may get knocked down, but we can get back up. God has set something in motion in our life, and he will not fail or be dissuaded until that is fulfilled. This scripture does not promise that we will not have any more problems. It does not say we will know and more than we know now. We may not have any more insight about our issues, but it gives us an insight to who our God is. It says of we do it, we will win the most important thing: our soul. The Greek word used here for patience is combined of two root words that mean submission and waiting. The exercising of submissive waiting is where we will the war within. Three areas we must focus on Patience with ourselves Patience in our circumstances Patience with God. God's timing is not our timing, but it’s the right time. Our text comes from Jesus' answer to a question about the end times. It is a truth that can deliver us from any torment that might come into our life. Understanding this will calm most any situation. This is the greatest source of hope contained in scripture. Everyone of us is engaged in a battle within ourselves that can wear us down and can bring our demise. We have learned how to hide these private battles The simple words of our text is the secret to overcoming: In your patience possess ye your souls. Or as the NLT translates: By standing firm, you will win your souls. In what ever battle we find ourselves, simply enduring will lead to victory. We may get knocked down, but we can get back up. God has set something in motion in our life, and he will not fail or be dissuaded until that is fulfilled. This scripture does not promise that we will not have any more problems. It does not say we will know and more than we know now. We may not have any more insight about our issues, but it gives us an insight to who our God is. It says of we do it, we will win the most important thing: our soul. The Greek word used here for patience is combined of two root words that mean submission and waiting. The exercising of submissive waiting is where we will the war within. Three areas we must focus on Patience with ourselves Patience in our circumstances Patience with God. God's timing is not our timing, but it’s the right time. Our text comes from Jesus' answer to a question about the end times. It is a truth that can deliver us from any torment that might come into our life. Understanding this will calm most any situation. This is the greatest source of hope contained in … Mark Hughes 3467 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22229366/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_winningthewarwithin/id/1346014.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22229366 Scripture: Luke 21:19 Sun, 11 Feb 2024 21:54:04 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text comes from Jesus' answer to a question about the end times. It is a truth that can deliver us from any torment that might come into our life. Understanding this will calm most any situation. This is the greatest source of hope contained in scripture. Everyone of us is engaged in a battle within ourselves that can wear us down and can bring our demise. We have learned how to hide these private battles The simple words of our text is the secret to overcoming: In your patience possess ye your souls. Or as the NLT translates: By standing firm, you will win your souls. In what ever battle we find ourselves, simply enduring will lead to victory. We may get knocked down, but we can get back up. God has set something in motion in our life, and he will not fail or be dissuaded until that is fulfilled. This scripture does not promise that we will not have any more problems. It does not say we will know and more than we know now. We may not have any more insight about our issues, but it gives us an insight to who our God is. It says of we do it, we will win the most important thing: our soul. The Greek word used here for patience is combined of two root words that mean submission and waiting. The exercising of submissive waiting is where we will the war within. Three areas we must focus on Patience with ourselves Patience in our circumstances Patience with God. God's timing is not our timing, but it’s the right time. Our text comes from Jesus' answer to a question about the end times. It is a truth that can deliver us from any torment that might come into our life. Understanding this will calm most any situation. This is the greatest source of hope contained in scripture. Everyone of us is engaged in a battle within ourselves that can wear us down and can bring our demise. We have learned how to hide these private battles The simple words of our text is the secret to overcoming: In your patience possess ye your souls. Or as the NLT translates: By standing firm, you will win your souls. In what ever battle we find ourselves, simply enduring will lead to victory. We may get knocked down, but we can get back up. God has set something in motion in our life, and he will not fail or be dissuaded until that is fulfilled. This scripture does not promise that we will not have any more problems. It does not say we will know and more than we know now. We may not have any more insight about our issues, but it gives us an insight to who our God is. It says of we do it, we will win the most important thing: our soul. The Greek word used here for patience is combined of two root words that mean submission and waiting. The exercising of submissive waiting is where we will the war within. Three areas we must focus on Patience with ourselves Patience in our circumstances Patience with God. God's timing is not our timing, but it’s the right time. Our text comes from Jesus' answer to a question about the end times. It is a truth that can deliver us from any torment that might come into our life. Understanding this will calm most any situation. This is the greatest source of hope contained in … Mark Hughes 3467 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22229366/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_winningthewarwithin/id/4061936.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22229366 Scripture: Luke 21:19 Mon, 05 Feb 2024 03:28:08 +0000 Landon Long Jesus spoke often about the Kingdom of Heaven. All of us want to get to heaven, and we pray for all of our family and friends who are lost to make it, too. Anything less than all of our family making it to heaven is unacceptable. We must ensure that our children and grandchildren hear about and know how to reach the kingdom. In all that John saw in the book of Revelation, he did not mention anyone asking for explanations for what happened on Earth. He saw people bowing, singing, and worshiping! God denied people with a complaining spirit entry to the promised land. Why would he let people with that kind of spirit into heaven? We must focus our sights on the prize and not be distracted by the things of this world that will all fade away. It is not enough to get to heaven; we must do all we can to ensure that our family, friends, brothers, and sisters make it, too. We must look forward to a day when we all get to heaven. Jesus spoke often about the Kingdom of Heaven. All of us want to get to heaven, and we pray for all of our family and friends who are lost to make it, too. Anything less than all of our family making it to heaven is unacceptable. We must ensure that our children and grandchildren hear about and know how to reach the kingdom. In all that John saw in the book of Revelation, he did not mention anyone asking for explanations for what happened on Earth. He saw people bowing, singing, and worshiping! God denied people with a complaining spirit entry to the promised land. Why would he let people with that kind of spirit into heaven? We must focus our sights on the prize and not be distracted by the things of this world that will all fade away. It is not enough to get to heaven; we must do all we can to ensure that our family, friends, brothers, and sisters make it, too. We must look forward to a day when we all get to heaven. Jesus spoke often about the Kingdom of Heaven. All of us want to get to heaven, and we pray for all of our family and friends who are lost to make it, too. Anything less than all of our family making it to heaven is unacceptable. We must ensure that o… Landon Long 2825 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22226878/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whenweallgettoheaven/id/1344541.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22226878 Scripture: Matthew 6:19-6:21, 2 John 4, 3 John 4 Mon, 05 Feb 2024 03:28:08 +0000 Landon Long Jesus spoke often about the Kingdom of Heaven. All of us want to get to heaven, and we pray for all of our family and friends who are lost to make it, too. Anything less than all of our family making it to heaven is unacceptable. We must ensure that our children and grandchildren hear about and know how to reach the kingdom. In all that John saw in the book of Revelation, he did not mention anyone asking for explanations for what happened on Earth. He saw people bowing, singing, and worshiping! God denied people with a complaining spirit entry to the promised land. Why would he let people with that kind of spirit into heaven? We must focus our sights on the prize and not be distracted by the things of this world that will all fade away. It is not enough to get to heaven; we must do all we can to ensure that our family, friends, brothers, and sisters make it, too. We must look forward to a day when we all get to heaven. Jesus spoke often about the Kingdom of Heaven. All of us want to get to heaven, and we pray for all of our family and friends who are lost to make it, too. Anything less than all of our family making it to heaven is unacceptable. We must ensure that our children and grandchildren hear about and know how to reach the kingdom. In all that John saw in the book of Revelation, he did not mention anyone asking for explanations for what happened on Earth. He saw people bowing, singing, and worshiping! God denied people with a complaining spirit entry to the promised land. Why would he let people with that kind of spirit into heaven? We must focus our sights on the prize and not be distracted by the things of this world that will all fade away. It is not enough to get to heaven; we must do all we can to ensure that our family, friends, brothers, and sisters make it, too. We must look forward to a day when we all get to heaven. Jesus spoke often about the Kingdom of Heaven. All of us want to get to heaven, and we pray for all of our family and friends who are lost to make it, too. Anything less than all of our family making it to heaven is unacceptable. We must ensure that o… Landon Long 2825 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22226878/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenweallgettoheaven/id/4059854.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22226878 Scripture: Matthew 6:19-6:21, 2 John 4, 3 John 4 Sun, 04 Feb 2024 22:14:22 +0000 Mark Hughes We all say we want God's will to be fulfilled. Often, that comes in ways we do not understand or expect. Sometimes, God's will takes us down a path of tension and discomfort. Sometimes, that uncomfortable and painful path is to get our attention and move us toward decisions that we might be unwilling to make if we were not to move out of our comfort zone. Until we are willing to get out of our routine and comfort zone, we may not be able to hear what God is trying to tell us. God's will often involves change. Most people do not like change and even fear it. Change happens around us all the time; it is inevitable. Why do we fear change and try to resist it? Because change forces us to grow. Without change, our lives would devolve into an unhealthy, stagnant state. The greatest tragedy in life is not to change. There is a place God is trying to get us to, and we cannot get there if we remain unchanged. We must look at change as an opportunity, not a threat. In so doing, we open ourselves up to God's blessing. As we enter this season of change in our church, Brother Hughes encourages us to do three things. First, we must face our fears. Change is scary, but not changing is not any better. Second, focus on the purpose. The proper perspective is essential and will frame our attitude. Finally, we utilize our faith to encourage us for the future based on what God has seen us through in the past. We all say we want God's will to be fulfilled. Often, that comes in ways we do not understand or expect. Sometimes, God's will takes us down a path of tension and discomfort. Sometimes, that uncomfortable and painful path is to get our attention and move us toward decisions that we might be unwilling to make if we were not to move out of our comfort zone. Until we are willing to get out of our routine and comfort zone, we may not be able to hear what God is trying to tell us. God's will often involves change. Most people do not like change and even fear it. Change happens around us all the time; it is inevitable. Why do we fear change and try to resist it? Because change forces us to grow. Without change, our lives would devolve into an unhealthy, stagnant state. The greatest tragedy in life is not to change. There is a place God is trying to get us to, and we cannot get there if we remain unchanged. We must look at change as an opportunity, not a threat. In so doing, we open ourselves up to God's blessing. As we enter this season of change in our church, Brother Hughes encourages us to do three things. First, we must face our fears. Change is scary, but not changing is not any better. Second, focus on the purpose. The proper perspective is essential and will frame our attitude. Finally, we utilize our faith to encourage us for the future based on what God has seen us through in the past. We all say we want God's will to be fulfilled. Often, that comes in ways we do not understand or expect. Sometimes, God's will takes us down a path of tension and discomfort. Sometimes, that uncomfortable and painful path is to get our attention and… Mark Hughes 3947 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22226682/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theministryofchange/id/1344356.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22226682 Scripture: Job 10:17, Job 14:7, Psalms 55:19 Sun, 04 Feb 2024 22:14:22 +0000 Mark Hughes We all say we want God's will to be fulfilled. Often, that comes in ways we do not understand or expect. Sometimes, God's will takes us down a path of tension and discomfort. Sometimes, that uncomfortable and painful path is to get our attention and move us toward decisions that we might be unwilling to make if we were not to move out of our comfort zone. Until we are willing to get out of our routine and comfort zone, we may not be able to hear what God is trying to tell us. God's will often involves change. Most people do not like change and even fear it. Change happens around us all the time; it is inevitable. Why do we fear change and try to resist it? Because change forces us to grow. Without change, our lives would devolve into an unhealthy, stagnant state. The greatest tragedy in life is not to change. There is a place God is trying to get us to, and we cannot get there if we remain unchanged. We must look at change as an opportunity, not a threat. In so doing, we open ourselves up to God's blessing. As we enter this season of change in our church, Brother Hughes encourages us to do three things. First, we must face our fears. Change is scary, but not changing is not any better. Second, focus on the purpose. The proper perspective is essential and will frame our attitude. Finally, we utilize our faith to encourage us for the future based on what God has seen us through in the past. We all say we want God's will to be fulfilled. Often, that comes in ways we do not understand or expect. Sometimes, God's will takes us down a path of tension and discomfort. Sometimes, that uncomfortable and painful path is to get our attention and move us toward decisions that we might be unwilling to make if we were not to move out of our comfort zone. Until we are willing to get out of our routine and comfort zone, we may not be able to hear what God is trying to tell us. God's will often involves change. Most people do not like change and even fear it. Change happens around us all the time; it is inevitable. Why do we fear change and try to resist it? Because change forces us to grow. Without change, our lives would devolve into an unhealthy, stagnant state. The greatest tragedy in life is not to change. There is a place God is trying to get us to, and we cannot get there if we remain unchanged. We must look at change as an opportunity, not a threat. In so doing, we open ourselves up to God's blessing. As we enter this season of change in our church, Brother Hughes encourages us to do three things. First, we must face our fears. Change is scary, but not changing is not any better. Second, focus on the purpose. The proper perspective is essential and will frame our attitude. Finally, we utilize our faith to encourage us for the future based on what God has seen us through in the past. We all say we want God's will to be fulfilled. Often, that comes in ways we do not understand or expect. Sometimes, God's will takes us down a path of tension and discomfort. Sometimes, that uncomfortable and painful path is to get our attention and… Mark Hughes 3947 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22226682/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theministryofchange/id/4059409.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22226682 Scripture: Job 10:17, Job 14:7, Psalms 55:19 Mon, 29 Jan 2024 03:48:09 +0000 Landon Long We like it when we are at the right place at the right time. It is possible to be in the right place and at the right time but in the wrong position. The Bible tells us they came together that night to break bread and listen to Paul preach. They were there for the right reasons, but after breaking bread, Eutychus got comfortable and fell asleep. It is possible to find ourselves in that place spiritually. When we get comfortable, we risk falling asleep. We can be there in body but be asleep. Eutychus allowed himself to become comfortable and fell to this apparent demise. We must do all that we can to stay awake. We cannot become comfortable. Fortunately for him, Paul was there to revive him. We have all had someone who still saw life in us when we fell. We were not created to live in a lot of comfort. God wants us to follow the path he has for us. And that is not always a comfortable place. We cannot allow ourselves to become comfortable and complacent. We like it when we are at the right place at the right time. It is possible to be in the right place and at the right time but in the wrong position. The Bible tells us they came together that night to break bread and listen to Paul preach. They were there for the right reasons, but after breaking bread, Eutychus got comfortable and fell asleep. It is possible to find ourselves in that place spiritually. When we get comfortable, we risk falling asleep. We can be there in body but be asleep. Eutychus allowed himself to become comfortable and fell to this apparent demise. We must do all that we can to stay awake. We cannot become comfortable. Fortunately for him, Paul was there to revive him. We have all had someone who still saw life in us when we fell. We were not created to live in a lot of comfort. God wants us to follow the path he has for us. And that is not always a comfortable place. We cannot allow ourselves to become comfortable and complacent. We like it when we are at the right place at the right time. It is possible to be in the right place and at the right time but in the wrong position. The Bible tells us they came together that night to break bread and listen to Paul preach. They were … Landon Long 2958 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22224195/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_mywhereaboutsatthewindow/id/1342786.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22224195 Scripture: Acts 20:7-20:10, Daniel 6:10 Mon, 29 Jan 2024 03:48:09 +0000 Landon Long We like it when we are at the right place at the right time. It is possible to be in the right place and at the right time but in the wrong position. The Bible tells us they came together that night to break bread and listen to Paul preach. They were there for the right reasons, but after breaking bread, Eutychus got comfortable and fell asleep. It is possible to find ourselves in that place spiritually. When we get comfortable, we risk falling asleep. We can be there in body but be asleep. Eutychus allowed himself to become comfortable and fell to this apparent demise. We must do all that we can to stay awake. We cannot become comfortable. Fortunately for him, Paul was there to revive him. We have all had someone who still saw life in us when we fell. We were not created to live in a lot of comfort. God wants us to follow the path he has for us. And that is not always a comfortable place. We cannot allow ourselves to become comfortable and complacent. We like it when we are at the right place at the right time. It is possible to be in the right place and at the right time but in the wrong position. The Bible tells us they came together that night to break bread and listen to Paul preach. They were there for the right reasons, but after breaking bread, Eutychus got comfortable and fell asleep. It is possible to find ourselves in that place spiritually. When we get comfortable, we risk falling asleep. We can be there in body but be asleep. Eutychus allowed himself to become comfortable and fell to this apparent demise. We must do all that we can to stay awake. We cannot become comfortable. Fortunately for him, Paul was there to revive him. We have all had someone who still saw life in us when we fell. We were not created to live in a lot of comfort. God wants us to follow the path he has for us. And that is not always a comfortable place. We cannot allow ourselves to become comfortable and complacent. We like it when we are at the right place at the right time. It is possible to be in the right place and at the right time but in the wrong position. The Bible tells us they came together that night to break bread and listen to Paul preach. They were … Landon Long 2958 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22224195/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_mywhereaboutsatthewindow/id/4056972.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22224195 Scripture: Acts 20:7-20:10, Daniel 6:10 Sun, 28 Jan 2024 21:21:03 +0000 Mark Hughes The word "everything" in our text is all-inclusive. Every activity, experience, and occurrence is set and fixed by God. To everything, there is a season and a time for every purpose…. Season means an event or circumstance over which we have no control. God will bring things to us in His season. Time, however, is under our control. We choose how and when we respond to the seasons of life. Bible scholars believe Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes in the later years of his life as a reflection of his wisdom. From that vantage point, it is easy to see the changes and movements from what we once were to now. If we do not change, we risk getting out of sync with God's life plan. We receive blessings, knowledge, and understanding if we remain in sync with God. One of life's lessons is that we are better served by accepting what God is trying to do rather than trying to stop it. Our duty to our destiny is to follow God's direction and will. The word "everything" in our text is all-inclusive. Every activity, experience, and occurrence is set and fixed by God. To everything, there is a season and a time for every purpose…. Season means an event or circumstance over which we have no control. God will bring things to us in His season. Time, however, is under our control. We choose how and when we respond to the seasons of life. Bible scholars believe Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes in the later years of his life as a reflection of his wisdom. From that vantage point, it is easy to see the changes and movements from what we once were to now. If we do not change, we risk getting out of sync with God's life plan. We receive blessings, knowledge, and understanding if we remain in sync with God. One of life's lessons is that we are better served by accepting what God is trying to do rather than trying to stop it. Our duty to our destiny is to follow God's direction and will. The word "everything" in our text is all-inclusive. Every activity, experience, and occurrence is set and fixed by God. To everything, there is a season and a time for every purpose…. Season means an event or circumstance over which we have no contr… Mark Hughes 3415 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22223947/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_ourdutytoourdestiny/id/1342660.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22223947 Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1 Sun, 28 Jan 2024 21:21:03 +0000 Mark Hughes The word "everything" in our text is all-inclusive. Every activity, experience, and occurrence is set and fixed by God. To everything, there is a season and a time for every purpose…. Season means an event or circumstance over which we have no control. God will bring things to us in His season. Time, however, is under our control. We choose how and when we respond to the seasons of life. Bible scholars believe Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes in the later years of his life as a reflection of his wisdom. From that vantage point, it is easy to see the changes and movements from what we once were to now. If we do not change, we risk getting out of sync with God's life plan. We receive blessings, knowledge, and understanding if we remain in sync with God. One of life's lessons is that we are better served by accepting what God is trying to do rather than trying to stop it. Our duty to our destiny is to follow God's direction and will. The word "everything" in our text is all-inclusive. Every activity, experience, and occurrence is set and fixed by God. To everything, there is a season and a time for every purpose…. Season means an event or circumstance over which we have no control. God will bring things to us in His season. Time, however, is under our control. We choose how and when we respond to the seasons of life. Bible scholars believe Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes in the later years of his life as a reflection of his wisdom. From that vantage point, it is easy to see the changes and movements from what we once were to now. If we do not change, we risk getting out of sync with God's life plan. We receive blessings, knowledge, and understanding if we remain in sync with God. One of life's lessons is that we are better served by accepting what God is trying to do rather than trying to stop it. Our duty to our destiny is to follow God's direction and will. The word "everything" in our text is all-inclusive. Every activity, experience, and occurrence is set and fixed by God. To everything, there is a season and a time for every purpose…. Season means an event or circumstance over which we have no contr… Mark Hughes 3415 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22223947/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ourdutytoourdestiny/id/4056766.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22223947 Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1 Sun, 21 Jan 2024 21:50:02 +0000 James Hughes Our world is full of distractions. All forms of electronic media and devices engineered to hold our attention all too often do just that, and we can waste hours scrolling away. However, distractions in life are not new; we are just observing the latest vehicle for it. Jesus came into a world divided by factions and nations that often hated each other simply because they were from different places. Our world (and theirs) makes it easy to feel like we are the center of our universe. The root of this is selfishness, and selfishness is the root sin of all other sins. One of the first casualties of selfishness is thankfulness, which leads to a sense of entitlement. We crave attention and recognition when we are the center of our universe. Some judge their success by how much attention or credit they receive and how well they are known. However, the attention and recognition given by the world is not important. True success is defined by how our children and grandchildren know us. Our words and opinions will not change the world; our lives will change the world. The distractions in life will keep us from having the relationship with God and our family that will truly define our success. Our world is full of distractions. All forms of electronic media and devices engineered to hold our attention all too often do just that, and we can waste hours scrolling away. However, distractions in life are not new; we are just observing the latest vehicle for it. Jesus came into a world divided by factions and nations that often hated each other simply because they were from different places. Our world (and theirs) makes it easy to feel like we are the center of our universe. The root of this is selfishness, and selfishness is the root sin of all other sins. One of the first casualties of selfishness is thankfulness, which leads to a sense of entitlement. We crave attention and recognition when we are the center of our universe. Some judge their success by how much attention or credit they receive and how well they are known. However, the attention and recognition given by the world is not important. True success is defined by how our children and grandchildren know us. Our words and opinions will not change the world; our lives will change the world. The distractions in life will keep us from having the relationship with God and our family that will truly define our success. Our world is full of distractions. All forms of electronic media and devices engineered to hold our attention all too often do just that, and we can waste hours scrolling away. However, distractions in life are not new; we are just observing the late… James Hughes 2997 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22221396/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_distractions/id/1341025.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22221396 Distractions Sun, 21 Jan 2024 21:50:02 +0000 James Hughes Our world is full of distractions. All forms of electronic media and devices engineered to hold our attention all too often do just that, and we can waste hours scrolling away. However, distractions in life are not new; we are just observing the latest vehicle for it. Jesus came into a world divided by factions and nations that often hated each other simply because they were from different places. Our world (and theirs) makes it easy to feel like we are the center of our universe. The root of this is selfishness, and selfishness is the root sin of all other sins. One of the first casualties of selfishness is thankfulness, which leads to a sense of entitlement. We crave attention and recognition when we are the center of our universe. Some judge their success by how much attention or credit they receive and how well they are known. However, the attention and recognition given by the world is not important. True success is defined by how our children and grandchildren know us. Our words and opinions will not change the world; our lives will change the world. The distractions in life will keep us from having the relationship with God and our family that will truly define our success. Our world is full of distractions. All forms of electronic media and devices engineered to hold our attention all too often do just that, and we can waste hours scrolling away. However, distractions in life are not new; we are just observing the latest vehicle for it. Jesus came into a world divided by factions and nations that often hated each other simply because they were from different places. Our world (and theirs) makes it easy to feel like we are the center of our universe. The root of this is selfishness, and selfishness is the root sin of all other sins. One of the first casualties of selfishness is thankfulness, which leads to a sense of entitlement. We crave attention and recognition when we are the center of our universe. Some judge their success by how much attention or credit they receive and how well they are known. However, the attention and recognition given by the world is not important. True success is defined by how our children and grandchildren know us. Our words and opinions will not change the world; our lives will change the world. The distractions in life will keep us from having the relationship with God and our family that will truly define our success. Our world is full of distractions. All forms of electronic media and devices engineered to hold our attention all too often do just that, and we can waste hours scrolling away. However, distractions in life are not new; we are just observing the late… James Hughes 2997 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22221396/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_distractions/id/4054247.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22221396 Distractions Mon, 15 Jan 2024 04:17:03 +0000 Landon Long Tonight's text is from a portion of scripture that contains details about the construction of Solomon's Tabernacle. We are often tempted to skip over such information, but tucked in the middle of these details of size, materials, and proportions is a lesson in how to fully experience God's goodness. King David had set out to build a place for God to dwell, but God stayed him from that because of his warrior past. Instead, David gathered the materials and left detailed instructions for his son, Solomon, to build. Our text says that the stones were made ready before getting to the building site. These stones were the literal building blocks of the church. The church is made up of people. Therefore, we can compare ourselves to those stones. Like those stones, we must be prepared before we get to the house of God. There is work to be done shaping and dressing the stones before they are ready to be used in the temple. If we wait to prepare ourselves until we get to church, we spend too much time being distracted (and distracting others) trying to focus on the purpose of being in the church: to worship God and receive what He has for us. How often do we limit what God can do for us because He has to spend so much time working on us when we should be focused on Him? What would happen if we showed up to church pre-assembled and ready to be used? If we do that, we can enjoy all God has for us. Tonight's text is from a portion of scripture that contains details about the construction of Solomon's Tabernacle. We are often tempted to skip over such information, but tucked in the middle of these details of size, materials, and proportions is a lesson in how to fully experience God's goodness. King David had set out to build a place for God to dwell, but God stayed him from that because of his warrior past. Instead, David gathered the materials and left detailed instructions for his son, Solomon, to build. Our text says that the stones were made ready before getting to the building site. These stones were the literal building blocks of the church. The church is made up of people. Therefore, we can compare ourselves to those stones. Like those stones, we must be prepared before we get to the house of God. There is work to be done shaping and dressing the stones before they are ready to be used in the temple. If we wait to prepare ourselves until we get to church, we spend too much time being distracted (and distracting others) trying to focus on the purpose of being in the church: to worship God and receive what He has for us. How often do we limit what God can do for us because He has to spend so much time working on us when we should be focused on Him? What would happen if we showed up to church pre-assembled and ready to be used? If we do that, we can enjoy all God has for us. Tonight's text is from a portion of scripture that contains details about the construction of Solomon's Tabernacle. We are often tempted to skip over such information, but tucked in the middle of these details of size, materials, and proportions is a l… Landon Long 2625 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22219136/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_preassembled/id/1339597.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22219136 Scripture: 1 Kings 6:7-6:14 Mon, 15 Jan 2024 04:17:03 +0000 Landon Long Tonight's text is from a portion of scripture that contains details about the construction of Solomon's Tabernacle. We are often tempted to skip over such information, but tucked in the middle of these details of size, materials, and proportions is a lesson in how to fully experience God's goodness. King David had set out to build a place for God to dwell, but God stayed him from that because of his warrior past. Instead, David gathered the materials and left detailed instructions for his son, Solomon, to build. Our text says that the stones were made ready before getting to the building site. These stones were the literal building blocks of the church. The church is made up of people. Therefore, we can compare ourselves to those stones. Like those stones, we must be prepared before we get to the house of God. There is work to be done shaping and dressing the stones before they are ready to be used in the temple. If we wait to prepare ourselves until we get to church, we spend too much time being distracted (and distracting others) trying to focus on the purpose of being in the church: to worship God and receive what He has for us. How often do we limit what God can do for us because He has to spend so much time working on us when we should be focused on Him? What would happen if we showed up to church pre-assembled and ready to be used? If we do that, we can enjoy all God has for us. Tonight's text is from a portion of scripture that contains details about the construction of Solomon's Tabernacle. We are often tempted to skip over such information, but tucked in the middle of these details of size, materials, and proportions is a lesson in how to fully experience God's goodness. King David had set out to build a place for God to dwell, but God stayed him from that because of his warrior past. Instead, David gathered the materials and left detailed instructions for his son, Solomon, to build. Our text says that the stones were made ready before getting to the building site. These stones were the literal building blocks of the church. The church is made up of people. Therefore, we can compare ourselves to those stones. Like those stones, we must be prepared before we get to the house of God. There is work to be done shaping and dressing the stones before they are ready to be used in the temple. If we wait to prepare ourselves until we get to church, we spend too much time being distracted (and distracting others) trying to focus on the purpose of being in the church: to worship God and receive what He has for us. How often do we limit what God can do for us because He has to spend so much time working on us when we should be focused on Him? What would happen if we showed up to church pre-assembled and ready to be used? If we do that, we can enjoy all God has for us. Tonight's text is from a portion of scripture that contains details about the construction of Solomon's Tabernacle. We are often tempted to skip over such information, but tucked in the middle of these details of size, materials, and proportions is a l… Landon Long 2625 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22219136/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_preassembled/id/4052092.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22219136 Scripture: 1 Kings 6:7-6:14 Sun, 14 Jan 2024 21:51:43 +0000 Mark Hughes None of us have arrived where we are in life by ourselves. Along the way, we have enjoyed help from others and blessings from God. God has a plan for all our lives, and if we take time to look, we can see that influence as we look back over the events of our lives. Even during times of trial and tears, God's hand has guided and directed us. God has not blessed and done all He has for us to waste it all on ourselves. We must share the goodness of God with others so that they, too, can witness that goodness. The Bible describes the scene in the upper room as the sound of a mighty rushing wind. The original word in the Greek can be translated as an echo. An echo is a sound reflected off of a surface. What are we reflecting? Do we transmit the goodness of God? Do others observe a life blessed by a loving, compassionate God? We must reflect a loving God and pass stories of His goodness, mercy, and love to subsequent generations. It is up to us to ensure the kingdom of God is generational. None of us have arrived where we are in life by ourselves. Along the way, we have enjoyed help from others and blessings from God. God has a plan for all our lives, and if we take time to look, we can see that influence as we look back over the events of our lives. Even during times of trial and tears, God's hand has guided and directed us. God has not blessed and done all He has for us to waste it all on ourselves. We must share the goodness of God with others so that they, too, can witness that goodness. The Bible describes the scene in the upper room as the sound of a mighty rushing wind. The original word in the Greek can be translated as an echo. An echo is a sound reflected off of a surface. What are we reflecting? Do we transmit the goodness of God? Do others observe a life blessed by a loving, compassionate God? We must reflect a loving God and pass stories of His goodness, mercy, and love to subsequent generations. It is up to us to ensure the kingdom of God is generational. None of us have arrived where we are in life by ourselves. Along the way, we have enjoyed help from others and blessings from God. God has a plan for all our lives, and if we take time to look, we can see that influence as we look back over the event… Mark Hughes 4051 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22218965/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_generational/id/1339515.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22218965 Scripture: Psalms 145:1-145:10, Acts 2:2 Sun, 14 Jan 2024 21:51:43 +0000 Mark Hughes None of us have arrived where we are in life by ourselves. Along the way, we have enjoyed help from others and blessings from God. God has a plan for all our lives, and if we take time to look, we can see that influence as we look back over the events of our lives. Even during times of trial and tears, God's hand has guided and directed us. God has not blessed and done all He has for us to waste it all on ourselves. We must share the goodness of God with others so that they, too, can witness that goodness. The Bible describes the scene in the upper room as the sound of a mighty rushing wind. The original word in the Greek can be translated as an echo. An echo is a sound reflected off of a surface. What are we reflecting? Do we transmit the goodness of God? Do others observe a life blessed by a loving, compassionate God? We must reflect a loving God and pass stories of His goodness, mercy, and love to subsequent generations. It is up to us to ensure the kingdom of God is generational. None of us have arrived where we are in life by ourselves. Along the way, we have enjoyed help from others and blessings from God. God has a plan for all our lives, and if we take time to look, we can see that influence as we look back over the events of our lives. Even during times of trial and tears, God's hand has guided and directed us. God has not blessed and done all He has for us to waste it all on ourselves. We must share the goodness of God with others so that they, too, can witness that goodness. The Bible describes the scene in the upper room as the sound of a mighty rushing wind. The original word in the Greek can be translated as an echo. An echo is a sound reflected off of a surface. What are we reflecting? Do we transmit the goodness of God? Do others observe a life blessed by a loving, compassionate God? We must reflect a loving God and pass stories of His goodness, mercy, and love to subsequent generations. It is up to us to ensure the kingdom of God is generational. None of us have arrived where we are in life by ourselves. Along the way, we have enjoyed help from others and blessings from God. God has a plan for all our lives, and if we take time to look, we can see that influence as we look back over the event… Mark Hughes 4051 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22218965/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_generational/id/4051963.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22218965 Scripture: Psalms 145:1-145:10, Acts 2:2 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 03:29:12 +0000 Mark Hughes Some people look across the ocean and wonder what is on the other side. They look to see what is beyond and what is to come. Most of us, however, could be more adventurous. We like the comfort and familiarity of our lives. For most of us, venturing on a journey to the unknown makes us uncomfortable. In our text, Jesus invites the disciples to go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. He did not force them to go. God is always inviting us to a better place. He does not force us but draws us there. God leads us on a journey to better things. The trip may have difficulty, but the result is always better than where we are now. Discomfort is the price of growth. We must go through some things to get to where God wants us to be. The disciples did not know they were sailing into a storm when they boarded the ship. When they began their trip, they were full of faith, but as the storm came on them, they shifted their focus from faith to themselves, and fear set in. Fear will cause us to question the promise of God. But, the promise of God is secure. Jesus said, "Let us go to the other side". The promise in that was that they would GET to the other side. Wherever God is taking us, it is worth the trip, and we must focus faith on Him and trust him on the journey. Some people look across the ocean and wonder what is on the other side. They look to see what is beyond and what is to come. Most of us, however, could be more adventurous. We like the comfort and familiarity of our lives. For most of us, venturing on a journey to the unknown makes us uncomfortable. In our text, Jesus invites the disciples to go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. He did not force them to go. God is always inviting us to a better place. He does not force us but draws us there. God leads us on a journey to better things. The trip may have difficulty, but the result is always better than where we are now. Discomfort is the price of growth. We must go through some things to get to where God wants us to be. The disciples did not know they were sailing into a storm when they boarded the ship. When they began their trip, they were full of faith, but as the storm came on them, they shifted their focus from faith to themselves, and fear set in. Fear will cause us to question the promise of God. But, the promise of God is secure. Jesus said, "Let us go to the other side". The promise in that was that they would GET to the other side. Wherever God is taking us, it is worth the trip, and we must focus faith on Him and trust him on the journey. Some people look across the ocean and wonder what is on the other side. They look to see what is beyond and what is to come. Most of us, however, could be more adventurous. We like the comfort and familiarity of our lives. For most of us, venturing… Mark Hughes 3569 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22216501/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thedirectionofdivinepurpose/id/1337971.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22216501 Scripture: Mark 4:35-4:41, Hebrews 11:8-11:13 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 03:29:12 +0000 Mark Hughes Some people look across the ocean and wonder what is on the other side. They look to see what is beyond and what is to come. Most of us, however, could be more adventurous. We like the comfort and familiarity of our lives. For most of us, venturing on a journey to the unknown makes us uncomfortable. In our text, Jesus invites the disciples to go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. He did not force them to go. God is always inviting us to a better place. He does not force us but draws us there. God leads us on a journey to better things. The trip may have difficulty, but the result is always better than where we are now. Discomfort is the price of growth. We must go through some things to get to where God wants us to be. The disciples did not know they were sailing into a storm when they boarded the ship. When they began their trip, they were full of faith, but as the storm came on them, they shifted their focus from faith to themselves, and fear set in. Fear will cause us to question the promise of God. But, the promise of God is secure. Jesus said, "Let us go to the other side". The promise in that was that they would GET to the other side. Wherever God is taking us, it is worth the trip, and we must focus faith on Him and trust him on the journey. Some people look across the ocean and wonder what is on the other side. They look to see what is beyond and what is to come. Most of us, however, could be more adventurous. We like the comfort and familiarity of our lives. For most of us, venturing on a journey to the unknown makes us uncomfortable. In our text, Jesus invites the disciples to go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. He did not force them to go. God is always inviting us to a better place. He does not force us but draws us there. God leads us on a journey to better things. The trip may have difficulty, but the result is always better than where we are now. Discomfort is the price of growth. We must go through some things to get to where God wants us to be. The disciples did not know they were sailing into a storm when they boarded the ship. When they began their trip, they were full of faith, but as the storm came on them, they shifted their focus from faith to themselves, and fear set in. Fear will cause us to question the promise of God. But, the promise of God is secure. Jesus said, "Let us go to the other side". The promise in that was that they would GET to the other side. Wherever God is taking us, it is worth the trip, and we must focus faith on Him and trust him on the journey. Some people look across the ocean and wonder what is on the other side. They look to see what is beyond and what is to come. Most of us, however, could be more adventurous. We like the comfort and familiarity of our lives. For most of us, venturing… Mark Hughes 3569 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22216501/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thedirectionofdivinepurpose/id/4049549.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22216501 Scripture: Mark 4:35-4:41, Hebrews 11:8-11:13 Sun, 07 Jan 2024 22:40:44 +0000 Landon Long Every new year brings a focus on changing habits, losing weight, and other efforts to build a "new year, new you." Historically, most of these efforts will fail because seeing results often takes time and dedication. Humanity does not like to wait. We have increasingly become a society that expects instant gratification and minimal waiting for results. We have become so impatient that many will accept mediocre results if they materialize faster. Unfortunately, this creeps into our spiritual lives as well. We come to church but wonder when the service will end because we have lunch reservations. Waiting on God is more important than anything else we can do. God is not limited by time and is not subject to our schedule. God moves when He needs to move. Hurrying is the death of prayer, a move of God, and our relationship with Him. We must slow down to walk at God's pace or risk running ahead and leaving Him behind. It is easy for us to wait if we know how long. We can then compare the reward and determine if it is worth the time. Going to a nice restaurant and facing a 45-minute wait for a table may be acceptable, but none of us would wait 45 minutes to be served at a fast food restaurant. The reward is not worth the time. We know the promise of God, and no matter how long we wait, it will be worth it. We cannot settle for less because we are not willing to wait. So how long do we have to wait? The Bible says UNTIL. We wait until God delivers. With God, the reward is always worth the wait. Every new year brings a focus on changing habits, losing weight, and other efforts to build a "new year, new you." Historically, most of these efforts will fail because seeing results often takes time and dedication. Humanity does not like to wait. We have increasingly become a society that expects instant gratification and minimal waiting for results. We have become so impatient that many will accept mediocre results if they materialize faster. Unfortunately, this creeps into our spiritual lives as well. We come to church but wonder when the service will end because we have lunch reservations. Waiting on God is more important than anything else we can do. God is not limited by time and is not subject to our schedule. God moves when He needs to move. Hurrying is the death of prayer, a move of God, and our relationship with Him. We must slow down to walk at God's pace or risk running ahead and leaving Him behind. It is easy for us to wait if we know how long. We can then compare the reward and determine if it is worth the time. Going to a nice restaurant and facing a 45-minute wait for a table may be acceptable, but none of us would wait 45 minutes to be served at a fast food restaurant. The reward is not worth the time. We know the promise of God, and no matter how long we wait, it will be worth it. We cannot settle for less because we are not willing to wait. So how long do we have to wait? The Bible says UNTIL. We wait until God delivers. With God, the reward is always worth the wait. Every new year brings a focus on changing habits, losing weight, and other efforts to build a "new year, new you." Historically, most of these efforts will fail because seeing results often takes time and dedication. Humanity does not like to wait. … Landon Long 2818 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22216334/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_dontloseyourwait/id/1337857.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22216334 Scripture: John 5:2-5:7 Sun, 07 Jan 2024 22:40:44 +0000 Landon Long Every new year brings a focus on changing habits, losing weight, and other efforts to build a "new year, new you." Historically, most of these efforts will fail because seeing results often takes time and dedication. Humanity does not like to wait. We have increasingly become a society that expects instant gratification and minimal waiting for results. We have become so impatient that many will accept mediocre results if they materialize faster. Unfortunately, this creeps into our spiritual lives as well. We come to church but wonder when the service will end because we have lunch reservations. Waiting on God is more important than anything else we can do. God is not limited by time and is not subject to our schedule. God moves when He needs to move. Hurrying is the death of prayer, a move of God, and our relationship with Him. We must slow down to walk at God's pace or risk running ahead and leaving Him behind. It is easy for us to wait if we know how long. We can then compare the reward and determine if it is worth the time. Going to a nice restaurant and facing a 45-minute wait for a table may be acceptable, but none of us would wait 45 minutes to be served at a fast food restaurant. The reward is not worth the time. We know the promise of God, and no matter how long we wait, it will be worth it. We cannot settle for less because we are not willing to wait. So how long do we have to wait? The Bible says UNTIL. We wait until God delivers. With God, the reward is always worth the wait. Every new year brings a focus on changing habits, losing weight, and other efforts to build a "new year, new you." Historically, most of these efforts will fail because seeing results often takes time and dedication. Humanity does not like to wait. We have increasingly become a society that expects instant gratification and minimal waiting for results. We have become so impatient that many will accept mediocre results if they materialize faster. Unfortunately, this creeps into our spiritual lives as well. We come to church but wonder when the service will end because we have lunch reservations. Waiting on God is more important than anything else we can do. God is not limited by time and is not subject to our schedule. God moves when He needs to move. Hurrying is the death of prayer, a move of God, and our relationship with Him. We must slow down to walk at God's pace or risk running ahead and leaving Him behind. It is easy for us to wait if we know how long. We can then compare the reward and determine if it is worth the time. Going to a nice restaurant and facing a 45-minute wait for a table may be acceptable, but none of us would wait 45 minutes to be served at a fast food restaurant. The reward is not worth the time. We know the promise of God, and no matter how long we wait, it will be worth it. We cannot settle for less because we are not willing to wait. So how long do we have to wait? The Bible says UNTIL. We wait until God delivers. With God, the reward is always worth the wait. Every new year brings a focus on changing habits, losing weight, and other efforts to build a "new year, new you." Historically, most of these efforts will fail because seeing results often takes time and dedication. Humanity does not like to wait. … Landon Long 2818 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22216334/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dontloseyourwait/id/4049367.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22216334 Scripture: John 5:2-5:7 Sun, 03 Dec 2023 23:56:11 +0000 Landon Long We receive notifications all the time. Our phones beep and buzz, indicating that someone has liked something we said or responded to a message we sent. We get warnings about severe weather, traffic congestion, and missing persons. Some people enjoy these notifications, but for many, they are annoying. This latter group often silences or turns off notifications so they will not be distracted. If your child were the Amber Alert's subject, you would want everyone to pay attention to the information. If your home is in the path of dangerous weather, you need to know to prepare. The Christmas story is full of notifications and warnings. The angel appeared to Joseph to let him know that Mary's pregnancy was divine and that he should have no reservations about marrying her. Harrod, upon learning about Jesus' birth, was so afraid for his power that he instructed the wise men to report back to him with the child's location so he could kill the baby. Later, after meeting Jesus, an angel appeared to them in a dream to tell them to go home differently. After the wise men leave, The angel tells Joseph to flee to Egypt to protect Mary and baby Jesus. These dreams, visitations, and warnings were not an accident. They were all part of God's plan to protect Jesus and fulfill His plan for salvation. What if Joseph had ignored the notification about the divine nature of Mary's pregnancy? What if the wise men had not listened to the angel and returned to Harrod and told him where the baby was? Like Joseph, we must pay attention to God's warnings, direction, and guidance. When God prompts us, we must listen and respond. Over time, we become accustomed to this obedience and can learn to recognize it when it happens. Are we sensitive to what God is trying to tell us? Our world is busy, and many things are vying for our attention. We must silence the world's noise so we can listen to the voice of God trying to notify us of things critical to our lives. We cannot miss what he has to say. We must not silence the notifications from God. We receive notifications all the time. Our phones beep and buzz, indicating that someone has liked something we said or responded to a message we sent. We get warnings about severe weather, traffic congestion, and missing persons. Some people enjoy these notifications, but for many, they are annoying. This latter group often silences or turns off notifications so they will not be distracted. If your child were the Amber Alert's subject, you would want everyone to pay attention to the information. If your home is in the path of dangerous weather, you need to know to prepare. The Christmas story is full of notifications and warnings. The angel appeared to Joseph to let him know that Mary's pregnancy was divine and that he should have no reservations about marrying her. Harrod, upon learning about Jesus' birth, was so afraid for his power that he instructed the wise men to report back to him with the child's location so he could kill the baby. Later, after meeting Jesus, an angel appeared to them in a dream to tell them to go home differently. After the wise men leave, The angel tells Joseph to flee to Egypt to protect Mary and baby Jesus. These dreams, visitations, and warnings were not an accident. They were all part of God's plan to protect Jesus and fulfill His plan for salvation. What if Joseph had ignored the notification about the divine nature of Mary's pregnancy? What if the wise men had not listened to the angel and returned to Harrod and told him where the baby was? Like Joseph, we must pay attention to God's warnings, direction, and guidance. When God prompts us, we must listen and respond. Over time, we become accustomed to this obedience and can learn to recognize it when it happens. Are we sensitive to what God is trying to tell us? Our world is busy, and many things are vying for our attention. We must silence the world's noise so we can listen to the voice of God trying to notify us of things critical to our lives. We cannot miss what he has to say. We must not silence the notifications from God. We receive notifications all the time. Our phones beep and buzz, indicating that someone has liked something we said or responded to a message we sent. We get warnings about severe weather, traffic congestion, and missing persons. Some people enjoy … Landon Long 2761 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22203488/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_makingroomforvisitation/id/1329885.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22203488 Scripture: John 1:10-1:14, Luke 19:41-19:44 Sun, 03 Dec 2023 23:56:11 +0000 Landon Long We receive notifications all the time. Our phones beep and buzz, indicating that someone has liked something we said or responded to a message we sent. We get warnings about severe weather, traffic congestion, and missing persons. Some people enjoy these notifications, but for many, they are annoying. This latter group often silences or turns off notifications so they will not be distracted. If your child were the Amber Alert's subject, you would want everyone to pay attention to the information. If your home is in the path of dangerous weather, you need to know to prepare. The Christmas story is full of notifications and warnings. The angel appeared to Joseph to let him know that Mary's pregnancy was divine and that he should have no reservations about marrying her. Harrod, upon learning about Jesus' birth, was so afraid for his power that he instructed the wise men to report back to him with the child's location so he could kill the baby. Later, after meeting Jesus, an angel appeared to them in a dream to tell them to go home differently. After the wise men leave, The angel tells Joseph to flee to Egypt to protect Mary and baby Jesus. These dreams, visitations, and warnings were not an accident. They were all part of God's plan to protect Jesus and fulfill His plan for salvation. What if Joseph had ignored the notification about the divine nature of Mary's pregnancy? What if the wise men had not listened to the angel and returned to Harrod and told him where the baby was? Like Joseph, we must pay attention to God's warnings, direction, and guidance. When God prompts us, we must listen and respond. Over time, we become accustomed to this obedience and can learn to recognize it when it happens. Are we sensitive to what God is trying to tell us? Our world is busy, and many things are vying for our attention. We must silence the world's noise so we can listen to the voice of God trying to notify us of things critical to our lives. We cannot miss what he has to say. We must not silence the notifications from God. We receive notifications all the time. Our phones beep and buzz, indicating that someone has liked something we said or responded to a message we sent. We get warnings about severe weather, traffic congestion, and missing persons. Some people enjoy these notifications, but for many, they are annoying. This latter group often silences or turns off notifications so they will not be distracted. If your child were the Amber Alert's subject, you would want everyone to pay attention to the information. If your home is in the path of dangerous weather, you need to know to prepare. The Christmas story is full of notifications and warnings. The angel appeared to Joseph to let him know that Mary's pregnancy was divine and that he should have no reservations about marrying her. Harrod, upon learning about Jesus' birth, was so afraid for his power that he instructed the wise men to report back to him with the child's location so he could kill the baby. Later, after meeting Jesus, an angel appeared to them in a dream to tell them to go home differently. After the wise men leave, The angel tells Joseph to flee to Egypt to protect Mary and baby Jesus. These dreams, visitations, and warnings were not an accident. They were all part of God's plan to protect Jesus and fulfill His plan for salvation. What if Joseph had ignored the notification about the divine nature of Mary's pregnancy? What if the wise men had not listened to the angel and returned to Harrod and told him where the baby was? Like Joseph, we must pay attention to God's warnings, direction, and guidance. When God prompts us, we must listen and respond. Over time, we become accustomed to this obedience and can learn to recognize it when it happens. Are we sensitive to what God is trying to tell us? Our world is busy, and many things are vying for our attention. We must silence the world's noise so we can listen to the voice of God trying to notify us of things critical to our lives. We cannot miss what he has to say. We must not silence the notifications from God. We receive notifications all the time. Our phones beep and buzz, indicating that someone has liked something we said or responded to a message we sent. We get warnings about severe weather, traffic congestion, and missing persons. Some people enjoy … Landon Long 2761 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22203488/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_makingroomforvisitation/id/4037482.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22203488 Scripture: John 1:10-1:14, Luke 19:41-19:44 Mon, 20 Nov 2023 02:47:08 +0000 Landon Long This week in the United States, we will celebrate Thanksgiving. In most households, there will be two tables—one for the adults and one for the kids. There is a right of passage when a young person graduates from the kid's table to sit with the adults. In our text, King David asks his staff to find one person left from the house of Saul so he can bless them. They find one man named Mephibosheth. However, Mephibosheth was lame and could not walk. Mephibosheth was not born lame. He was injured in an accident at the age of five while escaping Jezreel with his nursemaid. David's servants quickly pointed out that Mephibosheth was lame and not a man of courage like his father. None of that mattered to David. He wanted to bless his friend's son to honor that relationship. Like Mephibosheth, our past and circumstances are not relevant to God. David orders Mephibosheth to dine as one of the king's sons at his table. Mephibosheth could have felt entitled because of his royal heritage. However, he was humble and honored to be in the king's house. The Bible tells us that Mephibosheth was there every day. He knew his past and that he was not worthy, but the king decides who is worthy. Mephibosheth was thankful to be at the king's table. This week in the United States, we will celebrate Thanksgiving. In most households, there will be two tables—one for the adults and one for the kids. There is a right of passage when a young person graduates from the kid's table to sit with the adults. In our text, King David asks his staff to find one person left from the house of Saul so he can bless them. They find one man named Mephibosheth. However, Mephibosheth was lame and could not walk. Mephibosheth was not born lame. He was injured in an accident at the age of five while escaping Jezreel with his nursemaid. David's servants quickly pointed out that Mephibosheth was lame and not a man of courage like his father. None of that mattered to David. He wanted to bless his friend's son to honor that relationship. Like Mephibosheth, our past and circumstances are not relevant to God. David orders Mephibosheth to dine as one of the king's sons at his table. Mephibosheth could have felt entitled because of his royal heritage. However, he was humble and honored to be in the king's house. The Bible tells us that Mephibosheth was there every day. He knew his past and that he was not worthy, but the king decides who is worthy. Mephibosheth was thankful to be at the king's table. This week in the United States, we will celebrate Thanksgiving. In most households, there will be two tables—one for the adults and one for the kids. There is a right of passage when a young person graduates from the kid's table to sit with the adult… Landon Long 2777 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22198835/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thankfultobeatthekingstable/id/1326978.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22198835 Scripture: 2 Samuel 9:1-9:3, 2 Samuel 9:11 Mon, 20 Nov 2023 02:47:08 +0000 Landon Long This week in the United States, we will celebrate Thanksgiving. In most households, there will be two tables—one for the adults and one for the kids. There is a right of passage when a young person graduates from the kid's table to sit with the adults. In our text, King David asks his staff to find one person left from the house of Saul so he can bless them. They find one man named Mephibosheth. However, Mephibosheth was lame and could not walk. Mephibosheth was not born lame. He was injured in an accident at the age of five while escaping Jezreel with his nursemaid. David's servants quickly pointed out that Mephibosheth was lame and not a man of courage like his father. None of that mattered to David. He wanted to bless his friend's son to honor that relationship. Like Mephibosheth, our past and circumstances are not relevant to God. David orders Mephibosheth to dine as one of the king's sons at his table. Mephibosheth could have felt entitled because of his royal heritage. However, he was humble and honored to be in the king's house. The Bible tells us that Mephibosheth was there every day. He knew his past and that he was not worthy, but the king decides who is worthy. Mephibosheth was thankful to be at the king's table. This week in the United States, we will celebrate Thanksgiving. In most households, there will be two tables—one for the adults and one for the kids. There is a right of passage when a young person graduates from the kid's table to sit with the adults. In our text, King David asks his staff to find one person left from the house of Saul so he can bless them. They find one man named Mephibosheth. However, Mephibosheth was lame and could not walk. Mephibosheth was not born lame. He was injured in an accident at the age of five while escaping Jezreel with his nursemaid. David's servants quickly pointed out that Mephibosheth was lame and not a man of courage like his father. None of that mattered to David. He wanted to bless his friend's son to honor that relationship. Like Mephibosheth, our past and circumstances are not relevant to God. David orders Mephibosheth to dine as one of the king's sons at his table. Mephibosheth could have felt entitled because of his royal heritage. However, he was humble and honored to be in the king's house. The Bible tells us that Mephibosheth was there every day. He knew his past and that he was not worthy, but the king decides who is worthy. Mephibosheth was thankful to be at the king's table. This week in the United States, we will celebrate Thanksgiving. In most households, there will be two tables—one for the adults and one for the kids. There is a right of passage when a young person graduates from the kid's table to sit with the adult… Landon Long 2777 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22198835/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thankfultobeatthekingstable/id/4032910.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22198835 Scripture: 2 Samuel 9:1-9:3, 2 Samuel 9:11 Mon, 13 Nov 2023 03:38:44 +0000 Landon Long There are popular videos on the Internet of people crushing items with an industrial hydraulic press. Some items are more resilient than others. The ridged items will break, and the malleable things squish and change shape. Clay is moldable while being worked. However, when left alone, clay will become hard and brittle and no longer able to be changed. These physical examples have spiritual comparisons. The Bible refers to a marred piece of clay that the potter smashed down to start over. The often-taught lesson from this story is to stay on the potter's wheel to allow Him to mold us into something He wants. We experience pressing in life. Sometimes, this pressure comes from the world and sometimes from God. The pressing from God can produce something beautiful. We often do not see that until after the pressing is over. Are we receptive to the pressing and molding that God has for us? Do we push back against God's pressure? Pharo pushed back and did not respond to the pressure of the plagues. The Bible says God hardened his heart. The word in Hebrew indicates that God removed His hand. As we saw above, when the potter removes his hand, the clay becomes hard, brittle, and easily broken. The hydraulic press videos demonstrate another aspect of pressing things. If you press hard enough, whatever is inside will come out. Pressure and difficulty will show what we are made of. How we respond will make the difference. Is the pressure in our lives producing what we want? Are we happy with what comes out while we are under pressure? There are popular videos on the Internet of people crushing items with an industrial hydraulic press. Some items are more resilient than others. The ridged items will break, and the malleable things squish and change shape. Clay is moldable while being worked. However, when left alone, clay will become hard and brittle and no longer able to be changed. These physical examples have spiritual comparisons. The Bible refers to a marred piece of clay that the potter smashed down to start over. The often-taught lesson from this story is to stay on the potter's wheel to allow Him to mold us into something He wants. We experience pressing in life. Sometimes, this pressure comes from the world and sometimes from God. The pressing from God can produce something beautiful. We often do not see that until after the pressing is over. Are we receptive to the pressing and molding that God has for us? Do we push back against God's pressure? Pharo pushed back and did not respond to the pressure of the plagues. The Bible says God hardened his heart. The word in Hebrew indicates that God removed His hand. As we saw above, when the potter removes his hand, the clay becomes hard, brittle, and easily broken. The hydraulic press videos demonstrate another aspect of pressing things. If you press hard enough, whatever is inside will come out. Pressure and difficulty will show what we are made of. How we respond will make the difference. Is the pressure in our lives producing what we want? Are we happy with what comes out while we are under pressure? There are popular videos on the Internet of people crushing items with an industrial hydraulic press. Some items are more resilient than others. The ridged items will break, and the malleable things squish and change shape. Clay is moldable while be… Landon Long 2718 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22195833/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whatisthepressingproducing/id/1325439.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22195833 Scripture: Proverbs 30:33 Mon, 13 Nov 2023 03:38:44 +0000 Landon Long There are popular videos on the Internet of people crushing items with an industrial hydraulic press. Some items are more resilient than others. The ridged items will break, and the malleable things squish and change shape. Clay is moldable while being worked. However, when left alone, clay will become hard and brittle and no longer able to be changed. These physical examples have spiritual comparisons. The Bible refers to a marred piece of clay that the potter smashed down to start over. The often-taught lesson from this story is to stay on the potter's wheel to allow Him to mold us into something He wants. We experience pressing in life. Sometimes, this pressure comes from the world and sometimes from God. The pressing from God can produce something beautiful. We often do not see that until after the pressing is over. Are we receptive to the pressing and molding that God has for us? Do we push back against God's pressure? Pharo pushed back and did not respond to the pressure of the plagues. The Bible says God hardened his heart. The word in Hebrew indicates that God removed His hand. As we saw above, when the potter removes his hand, the clay becomes hard, brittle, and easily broken. The hydraulic press videos demonstrate another aspect of pressing things. If you press hard enough, whatever is inside will come out. Pressure and difficulty will show what we are made of. How we respond will make the difference. Is the pressure in our lives producing what we want? Are we happy with what comes out while we are under pressure? There are popular videos on the Internet of people crushing items with an industrial hydraulic press. Some items are more resilient than others. The ridged items will break, and the malleable things squish and change shape. Clay is moldable while being worked. However, when left alone, clay will become hard and brittle and no longer able to be changed. These physical examples have spiritual comparisons. The Bible refers to a marred piece of clay that the potter smashed down to start over. The often-taught lesson from this story is to stay on the potter's wheel to allow Him to mold us into something He wants. We experience pressing in life. Sometimes, this pressure comes from the world and sometimes from God. The pressing from God can produce something beautiful. We often do not see that until after the pressing is over. Are we receptive to the pressing and molding that God has for us? Do we push back against God's pressure? Pharo pushed back and did not respond to the pressure of the plagues. The Bible says God hardened his heart. The word in Hebrew indicates that God removed His hand. As we saw above, when the potter removes his hand, the clay becomes hard, brittle, and easily broken. The hydraulic press videos demonstrate another aspect of pressing things. If you press hard enough, whatever is inside will come out. Pressure and difficulty will show what we are made of. How we respond will make the difference. Is the pressure in our lives producing what we want? Are we happy with what comes out while we are under pressure? There are popular videos on the Internet of people crushing items with an industrial hydraulic press. Some items are more resilient than others. The ridged items will break, and the malleable things squish and change shape. Clay is moldable while be… Landon Long 2718 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22195833/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatisthepressingproducing/id/4029985.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22195833 Scripture: Proverbs 30:33 Sun, 12 Nov 2023 21:01:59 +0000 Mark Hughes As the Titanic sank and passengers were evacuated, one passenger grabbed three oranges from their stateroom. They left behind jewels, money, and fine clothes and chose to take these three oranges to help them, perhaps as they abandoned the doomed ship. What had been so valuable just hours earlier in the day was worth nothing because of the change in circumstances. This life-or-death situation changed what they valued. In our text, Paul is at the end of his life. He advises on how to deal with a changing situation. Like the passengers on the Titanic, Paul urges us to be aware of the situation and to choose what we need to survive. We must realize where we are and look at what we value. What are we holding onto that we think we cannot live without? Are those things precious in an eternal sense? The Bible tells us that all things of the world will melt away in a fervent heat. Paul proclaims that the night is over, and we must cast off the darkness and put on the garment of light. What we wear to bed is not appropriate to wear out in public. We must prepare ourselves for the coming dawn. As the Titanic sank and passengers were evacuated, one passenger grabbed three oranges from their stateroom. They left behind jewels, money, and fine clothes and chose to take these three oranges to help them, perhaps as they abandoned the doomed ship. What had been so valuable just hours earlier in the day was worth nothing because of the change in circumstances. This life-or-death situation changed what they valued. In our text, Paul is at the end of his life. He advises on how to deal with a changing situation. Like the passengers on the Titanic, Paul urges us to be aware of the situation and to choose what we need to survive. We must realize where we are and look at what we value. What are we holding onto that we think we cannot live without? Are those things precious in an eternal sense? The Bible tells us that all things of the world will melt away in a fervent heat. Paul proclaims that the night is over, and we must cast off the darkness and put on the garment of light. What we wear to bed is not appropriate to wear out in public. We must prepare ourselves for the coming dawn. As the Titanic sank and passengers were evacuated, one passenger grabbed three oranges from their stateroom. They left behind jewels, money, and fine clothes and chose to take these three oranges to help them, perhaps as they abandoned the doomed ship… Mark Hughes 2181 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22195606/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_prioritiesforthetimes/id/1325311.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22195606 Scripture: Romans 3:11-3:14 Sun, 12 Nov 2023 21:01:59 +0000 Mark Hughes As the Titanic sank and passengers were evacuated, one passenger grabbed three oranges from their stateroom. They left behind jewels, money, and fine clothes and chose to take these three oranges to help them, perhaps as they abandoned the doomed ship. What had been so valuable just hours earlier in the day was worth nothing because of the change in circumstances. This life-or-death situation changed what they valued. In our text, Paul is at the end of his life. He advises on how to deal with a changing situation. Like the passengers on the Titanic, Paul urges us to be aware of the situation and to choose what we need to survive. We must realize where we are and look at what we value. What are we holding onto that we think we cannot live without? Are those things precious in an eternal sense? The Bible tells us that all things of the world will melt away in a fervent heat. Paul proclaims that the night is over, and we must cast off the darkness and put on the garment of light. What we wear to bed is not appropriate to wear out in public. We must prepare ourselves for the coming dawn. As the Titanic sank and passengers were evacuated, one passenger grabbed three oranges from their stateroom. They left behind jewels, money, and fine clothes and chose to take these three oranges to help them, perhaps as they abandoned the doomed ship. What had been so valuable just hours earlier in the day was worth nothing because of the change in circumstances. This life-or-death situation changed what they valued. In our text, Paul is at the end of his life. He advises on how to deal with a changing situation. Like the passengers on the Titanic, Paul urges us to be aware of the situation and to choose what we need to survive. We must realize where we are and look at what we value. What are we holding onto that we think we cannot live without? Are those things precious in an eternal sense? The Bible tells us that all things of the world will melt away in a fervent heat. Paul proclaims that the night is over, and we must cast off the darkness and put on the garment of light. What we wear to bed is not appropriate to wear out in public. We must prepare ourselves for the coming dawn. As the Titanic sank and passengers were evacuated, one passenger grabbed three oranges from their stateroom. They left behind jewels, money, and fine clothes and chose to take these three oranges to help them, perhaps as they abandoned the doomed ship… Mark Hughes 2181 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22195606/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_prioritiesforthetimes/id/4029783.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22195606 Scripture: Romans 3:11-3:14 Sun, 05 Nov 2023 22:06:43 +0000 Mark Hughes Words are the powerful conveyance of ideas, thoughts, and intentions. Words can open our world and expand our horizons. Our texts today include the word uttermost. How far does that word reach? What is the fullness of its meaning? We have discovered, charted, and measured much of the earth and the heavens, but we cannot quantify things beyond what we have measured. We know there is more there, but we cannot discover it. What is beyond is the uttermost. The scripture writers used many different words to describe this beyond. It speaks to the edge of our understanding, the most significant degree of effort or power, or the fullness of understanding. Brother Hughes' texts today demonstrate four different ways the Bible describes a characteristic of God as uttermost. First, in John, Jesus describes his love for us. We cannot tell the limits of His love for us. We cannot find it because it does not exist. The love of God is always further on. Despite the failure, disappointment, slowness of understanding, or even turning our back on Him, God still loves us. People may give up on us, but God never will. Secondly, God's power is beyond measure. Nothing is too complicated for God. He spoke the world into existence, healed blind eyes, and raised the dead. Nothing is too much for Him to do. Not only can He save us, but He is willing, even to death on the cross, for our sins. Third, Psalms describes God's plan for us. It is larger and more expansive than we can comprehend. Finally, Matthew tells the peril of not accepting God. Jesus paid our debt of sin and expects that we will draw near to him because of what he gave us. His expectation is often greater than we acknowledge. The Bible contains the word All. He expects all because He gave all. Do we give our all, or are we holding some back? While we were yet sinners, Jesus paid it all for those who did not deserve it. Is He getting what he paid for? Words are the powerful conveyance of ideas, thoughts, and intentions. Words can open our world and expand our horizons. Our texts today include the word uttermost. How far does that word reach? What is the fullness of its meaning? We have discovered, charted, and measured much of the earth and the heavens, but we cannot quantify things beyond what we have measured. We know there is more there, but we cannot discover it. What is beyond is the uttermost. The scripture writers used many different words to describe this beyond. It speaks to the edge of our understanding, the most significant degree of effort or power, or the fullness of understanding. Brother Hughes' texts today demonstrate four different ways the Bible describes a characteristic of God as uttermost. First, in John, Jesus describes his love for us. We cannot tell the limits of His love for us. We cannot find it because it does not exist. The love of God is always further on. Despite the failure, disappointment, slowness of understanding, or even turning our back on Him, God still loves us. People may give up on us, but God never will. Secondly, God's power is beyond measure. Nothing is too complicated for God. He spoke the world into existence, healed blind eyes, and raised the dead. Nothing is too much for Him to do. Not only can He save us, but He is willing, even to death on the cross, for our sins. Third, Psalms describes God's plan for us. It is larger and more expansive than we can comprehend. Finally, Matthew tells the peril of not accepting God. Jesus paid our debt of sin and expects that we will draw near to him because of what he gave us. His expectation is often greater than we acknowledge. The Bible contains the word All. He expects all because He gave all. Do we give our all, or are we holding some back? While we were yet sinners, Jesus paid it all for those who did not deserve it. Is He getting what he paid for? Words are the powerful conveyance of ideas, thoughts, and intentions. Words can open our world and expand our horizons. Our texts today include the word uttermost. How far does that word reach? What is the fullness of its meaning? We have discovere… Mark Hughes 2639 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22192910/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theuttermost/id/1323624.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22192910 Scripture: John 13:1, Psalms 2:8, Matthew 5:25-5:26 Sun, 05 Nov 2023 22:06:43 +0000 Mark Hughes Words are the powerful conveyance of ideas, thoughts, and intentions. Words can open our world and expand our horizons. Our texts today include the word uttermost. How far does that word reach? What is the fullness of its meaning? We have discovered, charted, and measured much of the earth and the heavens, but we cannot quantify things beyond what we have measured. We know there is more there, but we cannot discover it. What is beyond is the uttermost. The scripture writers used many different words to describe this beyond. It speaks to the edge of our understanding, the most significant degree of effort or power, or the fullness of understanding. Brother Hughes' texts today demonstrate four different ways the Bible describes a characteristic of God as uttermost. First, in John, Jesus describes his love for us. We cannot tell the limits of His love for us. We cannot find it because it does not exist. The love of God is always further on. Despite the failure, disappointment, slowness of understanding, or even turning our back on Him, God still loves us. People may give up on us, but God never will. Secondly, God's power is beyond measure. Nothing is too complicated for God. He spoke the world into existence, healed blind eyes, and raised the dead. Nothing is too much for Him to do. Not only can He save us, but He is willing, even to death on the cross, for our sins. Third, Psalms describes God's plan for us. It is larger and more expansive than we can comprehend. Finally, Matthew tells the peril of not accepting God. Jesus paid our debt of sin and expects that we will draw near to him because of what he gave us. His expectation is often greater than we acknowledge. The Bible contains the word All. He expects all because He gave all. Do we give our all, or are we holding some back? While we were yet sinners, Jesus paid it all for those who did not deserve it. Is He getting what he paid for? Words are the powerful conveyance of ideas, thoughts, and intentions. Words can open our world and expand our horizons. Our texts today include the word uttermost. How far does that word reach? What is the fullness of its meaning? We have discovered, charted, and measured much of the earth and the heavens, but we cannot quantify things beyond what we have measured. We know there is more there, but we cannot discover it. What is beyond is the uttermost. The scripture writers used many different words to describe this beyond. It speaks to the edge of our understanding, the most significant degree of effort or power, or the fullness of understanding. Brother Hughes' texts today demonstrate four different ways the Bible describes a characteristic of God as uttermost. First, in John, Jesus describes his love for us. We cannot tell the limits of His love for us. We cannot find it because it does not exist. The love of God is always further on. Despite the failure, disappointment, slowness of understanding, or even turning our back on Him, God still loves us. People may give up on us, but God never will. Secondly, God's power is beyond measure. Nothing is too complicated for God. He spoke the world into existence, healed blind eyes, and raised the dead. Nothing is too much for Him to do. Not only can He save us, but He is willing, even to death on the cross, for our sins. Third, Psalms describes God's plan for us. It is larger and more expansive than we can comprehend. Finally, Matthew tells the peril of not accepting God. Jesus paid our debt of sin and expects that we will draw near to him because of what he gave us. His expectation is often greater than we acknowledge. The Bible contains the word All. He expects all because He gave all. Do we give our all, or are we holding some back? While we were yet sinners, Jesus paid it all for those who did not deserve it. Is He getting what he paid for? Words are the powerful conveyance of ideas, thoughts, and intentions. Words can open our world and expand our horizons. Our texts today include the word uttermost. How far does that word reach? What is the fullness of its meaning? We have discovere… Mark Hughes 2639 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22192910/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theuttermost/id/4027090.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22192910 Scripture: John 13:1, Psalms 2:8, Matthew 5:25-5:26 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 02:47:38 +0000 Landon Long Our title tonight does not refer to salvation. We need to stay ready. Brother Long comes tonight to talk about faith. Either we believe what we say, or we do not. We say we believe in prayer, but do our actions back that up? When we pray, do we expect God to answer that prayer? Is there doubt in our minds that we will ask, but we are not sure it will happen? God said that if we pray to the mountain to move, it will move if we do not doubt. But how many of us are talking to the mountain and not believing? In our text, Paul is writing from prison, and his situation looks bleak. He tells them that the church is praying for his release, so he tells them to prepare his room. He had no indication of being freed other than the church's prayers. When people pray together in unity, things happen. Pray like we are expecting God to respond. We must call out to god with expectation. Our title tonight does not refer to salvation. We need to stay ready. Brother Long comes tonight to talk about faith. Either we believe what we say, or we do not. We say we believe in prayer, but do our actions back that up? When we pray, do we expect God to answer that prayer? Is there doubt in our minds that we will ask, but we are not sure it will happen? God said that if we pray to the mountain to move, it will move if we do not doubt. But how many of us are talking to the mountain and not believing? In our text, Paul is writing from prison, and his situation looks bleak. He tells them that the church is praying for his release, so he tells them to prepare his room. He had no indication of being freed other than the church's prayers. When people pray together in unity, things happen. Pray like we are expecting God to respond. We must call out to god with expectation. Our title tonight does not refer to salvation. We need to stay ready. Brother Long comes tonight to talk about faith. Either we believe what we say, or we do not. We say we believe in prayer, but do our actions back that up? When we pray, do we ex… Landon Long 2454 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22190509/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_gettheroomready/id/1322034.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22190509 Scripture: Philemon 1:21-1:22, Mark 11:23-11:24, Mark 14:13-14:16 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 02:47:38 +0000 Landon Long Our title tonight does not refer to salvation. We need to stay ready. Brother Long comes tonight to talk about faith. Either we believe what we say, or we do not. We say we believe in prayer, but do our actions back that up? When we pray, do we expect God to answer that prayer? Is there doubt in our minds that we will ask, but we are not sure it will happen? God said that if we pray to the mountain to move, it will move if we do not doubt. But how many of us are talking to the mountain and not believing? In our text, Paul is writing from prison, and his situation looks bleak. He tells them that the church is praying for his release, so he tells them to prepare his room. He had no indication of being freed other than the church's prayers. When people pray together in unity, things happen. Pray like we are expecting God to respond. We must call out to god with expectation. Our title tonight does not refer to salvation. We need to stay ready. Brother Long comes tonight to talk about faith. Either we believe what we say, or we do not. We say we believe in prayer, but do our actions back that up? When we pray, do we expect God to answer that prayer? Is there doubt in our minds that we will ask, but we are not sure it will happen? God said that if we pray to the mountain to move, it will move if we do not doubt. But how many of us are talking to the mountain and not believing? In our text, Paul is writing from prison, and his situation looks bleak. He tells them that the church is praying for his release, so he tells them to prepare his room. He had no indication of being freed other than the church's prayers. When people pray together in unity, things happen. Pray like we are expecting God to respond. We must call out to god with expectation. Our title tonight does not refer to salvation. We need to stay ready. Brother Long comes tonight to talk about faith. Either we believe what we say, or we do not. We say we believe in prayer, but do our actions back that up? When we pray, do we ex… Landon Long 2454 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22190509/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_gettheroomready/id/4024740.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22190509 Scripture: Philemon 1:21-1:22, Mark 11:23-11:24, Mark 14:13-14:16 Sun, 29 Oct 2023 19:51:26 +0000 Landon Long Most of the time, we preach about not going back. Scripture encourages us to keep moving forward and putting our past behind us, striving for the reward ahead of us. Our minds are occupied with what we must do and how to do it. Many of us overschedule and pack life so full that it becomes hectic, and we rush to accomplish everything on our to-do lists. In this state, it is easy to make mistakes or to overlook essential things in our haste to do it all. If we are not careful, our rushing can cause us to leave things behind. Our text from Luke is an example of leaving something behind. Joseph and Mary begin a journey home from Jerusalem. They travel for a day before they realize a young Jesus is not with them. Joseph and Mary were not bad parents. They were not evil people. They got so caught up in the businesses of their life that they simply forgot to make sure Jesus was with them. Like Mary and Joseph, it is easy to let the rush of day-to-day life distract us from making sure Jesus is with us. The Bible says that they turned back immediately to find him when they realized their mistake. Going on without Him was not an option. Sometimes, we have to go back to find what we left behind. Most of the time, we preach about not going back. Scripture encourages us to keep moving forward and putting our past behind us, striving for the reward ahead of us. Our minds are occupied with what we must do and how to do it. Many of us overschedule and pack life so full that it becomes hectic, and we rush to accomplish everything on our to-do lists. In this state, it is easy to make mistakes or to overlook essential things in our haste to do it all. If we are not careful, our rushing can cause us to leave things behind. Our text from Luke is an example of leaving something behind. Joseph and Mary begin a journey home from Jerusalem. They travel for a day before they realize a young Jesus is not with them. Joseph and Mary were not bad parents. They were not evil people. They got so caught up in the businesses of their life that they simply forgot to make sure Jesus was with them. Like Mary and Joseph, it is easy to let the rush of day-to-day life distract us from making sure Jesus is with us. The Bible says that they turned back immediately to find him when they realized their mistake. Going on without Him was not an option. Sometimes, we have to go back to find what we left behind. Most of the time, we preach about not going back. Scripture encourages us to keep moving forward and putting our past behind us, striving for the reward ahead of us. Our minds are occupied with what we must do and how to do it. Many of us overschedul… Landon Long 2862 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22190211/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_agoodtimetogoback/id/1321914.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22190211 Scripture: Luke 2:40-2:52 Sun, 29 Oct 2023 19:51:26 +0000 Landon Long Most of the time, we preach about not going back. Scripture encourages us to keep moving forward and putting our past behind us, striving for the reward ahead of us. Our minds are occupied with what we must do and how to do it. Many of us overschedule and pack life so full that it becomes hectic, and we rush to accomplish everything on our to-do lists. In this state, it is easy to make mistakes or to overlook essential things in our haste to do it all. If we are not careful, our rushing can cause us to leave things behind. Our text from Luke is an example of leaving something behind. Joseph and Mary begin a journey home from Jerusalem. They travel for a day before they realize a young Jesus is not with them. Joseph and Mary were not bad parents. They were not evil people. They got so caught up in the businesses of their life that they simply forgot to make sure Jesus was with them. Like Mary and Joseph, it is easy to let the rush of day-to-day life distract us from making sure Jesus is with us. The Bible says that they turned back immediately to find him when they realized their mistake. Going on without Him was not an option. Sometimes, we have to go back to find what we left behind. Most of the time, we preach about not going back. Scripture encourages us to keep moving forward and putting our past behind us, striving for the reward ahead of us. Our minds are occupied with what we must do and how to do it. Many of us overschedule and pack life so full that it becomes hectic, and we rush to accomplish everything on our to-do lists. In this state, it is easy to make mistakes or to overlook essential things in our haste to do it all. If we are not careful, our rushing can cause us to leave things behind. Our text from Luke is an example of leaving something behind. Joseph and Mary begin a journey home from Jerusalem. They travel for a day before they realize a young Jesus is not with them. Joseph and Mary were not bad parents. They were not evil people. They got so caught up in the businesses of their life that they simply forgot to make sure Jesus was with them. Like Mary and Joseph, it is easy to let the rush of day-to-day life distract us from making sure Jesus is with us. The Bible says that they turned back immediately to find him when they realized their mistake. Going on without Him was not an option. Sometimes, we have to go back to find what we left behind. Most of the time, we preach about not going back. Scripture encourages us to keep moving forward and putting our past behind us, striving for the reward ahead of us. Our minds are occupied with what we must do and how to do it. Many of us overschedul… Landon Long 2862 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22190211/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_agoodtimetogoback/id/4024533.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22190211 Scripture: Luke 2:40-2:52 Mon, 23 Oct 2023 02:07:43 +0000 Landon Long No one likes to go hungry. Some of us have had some lean times, but most have not known famine as our text describes. Recently, we have had some bare grocery store shelves in our country, but nothing can compare to what the Bible tells us in Egypt. However, the famine in Egypt was more severe than most have ever experienced. Once their money ran out and they had sold their cattle, all that was left was to sell their land and themselves into servitude to survive. Sometimes, we find ourselves in a spiritual famine. And, like the Egyptians in our story, we rely on our finances and assets to carry us through the lean time. We come to church and offer what we have to be fed, but like the long famine, sometimes the lean times are longer than we expect, and we have to have more than being provided for a short time. The Bible says that after they traded their money and livestock for bread and were still in trouble, they came back again asking for seed. They knew that getting seed was the key to survival because, with seed, they could reap a harvest that would provide for their future. Our spiritual survival relies on seeds, too. The seed we plant will harvest souls that God will use to build His church. That harvest will come to us, our children, and our grandchildren. We may have famine now, but a time of increase is on the way, but to see that, we must have seed. No one likes to go hungry. Some of us have had some lean times, but most have not known famine as our text describes. Recently, we have had some bare grocery store shelves in our country, but nothing can compare to what the Bible tells us in Egypt. However, the famine in Egypt was more severe than most have ever experienced. Once their money ran out and they had sold their cattle, all that was left was to sell their land and themselves into servitude to survive. Sometimes, we find ourselves in a spiritual famine. And, like the Egyptians in our story, we rely on our finances and assets to carry us through the lean time. We come to church and offer what we have to be fed, but like the long famine, sometimes the lean times are longer than we expect, and we have to have more than being provided for a short time. The Bible says that after they traded their money and livestock for bread and were still in trouble, they came back again asking for seed. They knew that getting seed was the key to survival because, with seed, they could reap a harvest that would provide for their future. Our spiritual survival relies on seeds, too. The seed we plant will harvest souls that God will use to build His church. That harvest will come to us, our children, and our grandchildren. We may have famine now, but a time of increase is on the way, but to see that, we must have seed. No one likes to go hungry. Some of us have had some lean times, but most have not known famine as our text describes. Recently, we have had some bare grocery store shelves in our country, but nothing can compare to what the Bible tells us in Egypt. H… Landon Long 2762 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22187976/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_giveusseed/id/1320394.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22187976 Scripture: Genesis 47:13-47:15 Mon, 23 Oct 2023 02:07:43 +0000 Landon Long No one likes to go hungry. Some of us have had some lean times, but most have not known famine as our text describes. Recently, we have had some bare grocery store shelves in our country, but nothing can compare to what the Bible tells us in Egypt. However, the famine in Egypt was more severe than most have ever experienced. Once their money ran out and they had sold their cattle, all that was left was to sell their land and themselves into servitude to survive. Sometimes, we find ourselves in a spiritual famine. And, like the Egyptians in our story, we rely on our finances and assets to carry us through the lean time. We come to church and offer what we have to be fed, but like the long famine, sometimes the lean times are longer than we expect, and we have to have more than being provided for a short time. The Bible says that after they traded their money and livestock for bread and were still in trouble, they came back again asking for seed. They knew that getting seed was the key to survival because, with seed, they could reap a harvest that would provide for their future. Our spiritual survival relies on seeds, too. The seed we plant will harvest souls that God will use to build His church. That harvest will come to us, our children, and our grandchildren. We may have famine now, but a time of increase is on the way, but to see that, we must have seed. No one likes to go hungry. Some of us have had some lean times, but most have not known famine as our text describes. Recently, we have had some bare grocery store shelves in our country, but nothing can compare to what the Bible tells us in Egypt. However, the famine in Egypt was more severe than most have ever experienced. Once their money ran out and they had sold their cattle, all that was left was to sell their land and themselves into servitude to survive. Sometimes, we find ourselves in a spiritual famine. And, like the Egyptians in our story, we rely on our finances and assets to carry us through the lean time. We come to church and offer what we have to be fed, but like the long famine, sometimes the lean times are longer than we expect, and we have to have more than being provided for a short time. The Bible says that after they traded their money and livestock for bread and were still in trouble, they came back again asking for seed. They knew that getting seed was the key to survival because, with seed, they could reap a harvest that would provide for their future. Our spiritual survival relies on seeds, too. The seed we plant will harvest souls that God will use to build His church. That harvest will come to us, our children, and our grandchildren. We may have famine now, but a time of increase is on the way, but to see that, we must have seed. No one likes to go hungry. Some of us have had some lean times, but most have not known famine as our text describes. Recently, we have had some bare grocery store shelves in our country, but nothing can compare to what the Bible tells us in Egypt. H… Landon Long 2762 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22187976/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_giveusseed/id/4022230.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22187976 Scripture: Genesis 47:13-47:15 Sun, 22 Oct 2023 19:03:56 +0000 Mark Hughes In our text, God gives us a picture of how He views us and what He wants our relationship with Him to be. Prayer is a vehicle to connect with God, communicate with Him, and develop relationships. In the first part of His answer, Jesus gives a pattern and a model of how to make that connection in the form of the Lord's prayer. Jesus goes on in the second part of his answer to give the example of a man waking his neighbor up in the middle of the night. The story's point is that He responds to the persistence of our asking and to illustrate that if we in our humanity will react to a friend's need, how much more will God respond to ours? Finally, He gives several examples of children asking for food and asks which of us would give them something dangerous. All of this illustrates God's love for us through human examples. If we love our children as we do, how much more is God's capacity to love His creation? He was moving them from the lesser to the greater. In our text, God gives us a picture of how He views us and what He wants our relationship with Him to be. Prayer is a vehicle to connect with God, communicate with Him, and develop relationships. In the first part of His answer, Jesus gives a pattern and a model of how to make that connection in the form of the Lord's prayer. Jesus goes on in the second part of his answer to give the example of a man waking his neighbor up in the middle of the night. The story's point is that He responds to the persistence of our asking and to illustrate that if we in our humanity will react to a friend's need, how much more will God respond to ours? Finally, He gives several examples of children asking for food and asks which of us would give them something dangerous. All of this illustrates God's love for us through human examples. If we love our children as we do, how much more is God's capacity to love His creation? He was moving them from the lesser to the greater. In our text, God gives us a picture of how He views us and what He wants our relationship with Him to be. Prayer is a vehicle to connect with God, communicate with Him, and develop relationships. In the first part of His answer, Jesus gives a pattern… Mark Hughes 2611 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22187685/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_fromthelessertothegreater/id/1320237.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22187685 Scripture: Luke 11:1-11:13 Sun, 22 Oct 2023 19:03:56 +0000 Mark Hughes In our text, God gives us a picture of how He views us and what He wants our relationship with Him to be. Prayer is a vehicle to connect with God, communicate with Him, and develop relationships. In the first part of His answer, Jesus gives a pattern and a model of how to make that connection in the form of the Lord's prayer. Jesus goes on in the second part of his answer to give the example of a man waking his neighbor up in the middle of the night. The story's point is that He responds to the persistence of our asking and to illustrate that if we in our humanity will react to a friend's need, how much more will God respond to ours? Finally, He gives several examples of children asking for food and asks which of us would give them something dangerous. All of this illustrates God's love for us through human examples. If we love our children as we do, how much more is God's capacity to love His creation? He was moving them from the lesser to the greater. In our text, God gives us a picture of how He views us and what He wants our relationship with Him to be. Prayer is a vehicle to connect with God, communicate with Him, and develop relationships. In the first part of His answer, Jesus gives a pattern and a model of how to make that connection in the form of the Lord's prayer. Jesus goes on in the second part of his answer to give the example of a man waking his neighbor up in the middle of the night. The story's point is that He responds to the persistence of our asking and to illustrate that if we in our humanity will react to a friend's need, how much more will God respond to ours? Finally, He gives several examples of children asking for food and asks which of us would give them something dangerous. All of this illustrates God's love for us through human examples. If we love our children as we do, how much more is God's capacity to love His creation? He was moving them from the lesser to the greater. In our text, God gives us a picture of how He views us and what He wants our relationship with Him to be. Prayer is a vehicle to connect with God, communicate with Him, and develop relationships. In the first part of His answer, Jesus gives a pattern… Mark Hughes 2611 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22187685/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_fromthelessertothegreater/id/4021986.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22187685 Scripture: Luke 11:1-11:13 Mon, 16 Oct 2023 02:20:57 +0000 Joel Williams God Commanded Joshua to direct one man from each tribe of Israel to pick up a stone from the River Jordan where the Priest's feet had stood. This was to build a monument for future generations to remember God's leading them to the promised land. The Bible says that when your children ask, " What do you mean by these stones…. Not if, WHEN. Future generations must know the foundations of doctrine that make up our beliefs. These were not small rocks but large stones that took some effort to carry. These large stones are like the foundations of our faith. Our children and grandchildren cannot know the truth if we fail to carry the foundation stones of prayer, worship, stewardship, One God, Water baptism, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. When the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, the first temptation was to turn stones into bread. He wanted Jesus to trade eternal things for the immediate gratification of something to eat. The world wants us to change our foundational beliefs for temporal pleasures and comfort. Just as Jesus resisted, we must also push back against the enemy's attempt to destroy our faith by destroying the foundation. We must preserve and protect these stones. God Commanded Joshua to direct one man from each tribe of Israel to pick up a stone from the River Jordan where the Priest's feet had stood. This was to build a monument for future generations to remember God's leading them to the promised land. The Bible says that when your children ask, " What do you mean by these stones…. Not if, WHEN. Future generations must know the foundations of doctrine that make up our beliefs. These were not small rocks but large stones that took some effort to carry. These large stones are like the foundations of our faith. Our children and grandchildren cannot know the truth if we fail to carry the foundation stones of prayer, worship, stewardship, One God, Water baptism, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. When the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, the first temptation was to turn stones into bread. He wanted Jesus to trade eternal things for the immediate gratification of something to eat. The world wants us to change our foundational beliefs for temporal pleasures and comfort. Just as Jesus resisted, we must also push back against the enemy's attempt to destroy our faith by destroying the foundation. We must preserve and protect these stones. God Commanded Joshua to direct one man from each tribe of Israel to pick up a stone from the River Jordan where the Priest's feet had stood. This was to build a monument for future generations to remember God's leading them to the promised land. The… Joel Williams 4092 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22185393/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thesestones/id/1318776.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22185393 Scripture: Joshua 4:1-4:6, Matthew 4:1-4:4, Matthew 3:9 Mon, 16 Oct 2023 02:20:57 +0000 Joel Williams God Commanded Joshua to direct one man from each tribe of Israel to pick up a stone from the River Jordan where the Priest's feet had stood. This was to build a monument for future generations to remember God's leading them to the promised land. The Bible says that when your children ask, " What do you mean by these stones…. Not if, WHEN. Future generations must know the foundations of doctrine that make up our beliefs. These were not small rocks but large stones that took some effort to carry. These large stones are like the foundations of our faith. Our children and grandchildren cannot know the truth if we fail to carry the foundation stones of prayer, worship, stewardship, One God, Water baptism, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. When the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, the first temptation was to turn stones into bread. He wanted Jesus to trade eternal things for the immediate gratification of something to eat. The world wants us to change our foundational beliefs for temporal pleasures and comfort. Just as Jesus resisted, we must also push back against the enemy's attempt to destroy our faith by destroying the foundation. We must preserve and protect these stones. God Commanded Joshua to direct one man from each tribe of Israel to pick up a stone from the River Jordan where the Priest's feet had stood. This was to build a monument for future generations to remember God's leading them to the promised land. The Bible says that when your children ask, " What do you mean by these stones…. Not if, WHEN. Future generations must know the foundations of doctrine that make up our beliefs. These were not small rocks but large stones that took some effort to carry. These large stones are like the foundations of our faith. Our children and grandchildren cannot know the truth if we fail to carry the foundation stones of prayer, worship, stewardship, One God, Water baptism, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. When the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, the first temptation was to turn stones into bread. He wanted Jesus to trade eternal things for the immediate gratification of something to eat. The world wants us to change our foundational beliefs for temporal pleasures and comfort. Just as Jesus resisted, we must also push back against the enemy's attempt to destroy our faith by destroying the foundation. We must preserve and protect these stones. God Commanded Joshua to direct one man from each tribe of Israel to pick up a stone from the River Jordan where the Priest's feet had stood. This was to build a monument for future generations to remember God's leading them to the promised land. The… Joel Williams 4092 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22185393/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thesestones/id/4019706.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22185393 Scripture: Joshua 4:1-4:6, Matthew 4:1-4:4, Matthew 3:9 Sun, 15 Oct 2023 19:34:05 +0000 Landon Long Today's texts are Jesus' encounters with the Samarian woman at the well and the lame man by the pool at Bethesda. In both cases, Jesus engages them, knowing what He would do but needing them to allow Him to do it. God is trying to remind us who we are talking to. After He rose from the tomb, Jesus found the apostles fishing. He knew they had no fish when He asked, "Have you any meat?" He did not ask to embarrass them but to remind them who He was and who they were: fishers of men. We need to remember who He is and who He says we are. Don't let what we lack keep us from being what he wants us to be. Too many allow what they do not have to keep them from coming to God. Jesus asked Phillip where they would get bread to feed the multitude, but the bible says Jesus already knew what He would do. Jesus doesn't need what we have or what we don't have. He can work miracles with what little we have; all we have to do is let Him. Jesus tells the woman at the well to get her husband; He already knew she didn't have one. He knew she had been married five times and that the man she was with was not her husband. Even knowing all that about her, Jesus went to Samaria to meet her and reveal Himself to her. Jesus asked the man by the Bethesda pool if he would be healed. The man responded with excuses about what he didn't have. Jesus is more interested today in what we do have because he knows what he is going to do. He knows we have no bread. He knows we have no fish. He knows we have no man to help us. He knows we have no husband, but none of that matters because He knows what He wants to do. Jesus wants to work in our lives regardless of what we lack. We do not come with fear and worry because of what God lacks; we come with fear and worry because of what we don't have. It doesn't matter what we don't have because He has all we need. Today's texts are Jesus' encounters with the Samarian woman at the well and the lame man by the pool at Bethesda. In both cases, Jesus engages them, knowing what He would do but needing them to allow Him to do it. God is trying to remind us who we are talking to. After He rose from the tomb, Jesus found the apostles fishing. He knew they had no fish when He asked, "Have you any meat?" He did not ask to embarrass them but to remind them who He was and who they were: fishers of men. We need to remember who He is and who He says we are. Don't let what we lack keep us from being what he wants us to be. Too many allow what they do not have to keep them from coming to God. Jesus asked Phillip where they would get bread to feed the multitude, but the bible says Jesus already knew what He would do. Jesus doesn't need what we have or what we don't have. He can work miracles with what little we have; all we have to do is let Him. Jesus tells the woman at the well to get her husband; He already knew she didn't have one. He knew she had been married five times and that the man she was with was not her husband. Even knowing all that about her, Jesus went to Samaria to meet her and reveal Himself to her. Jesus asked the man by the Bethesda pool if he would be healed. The man responded with excuses about what he didn't have. Jesus is more interested today in what we do have because he knows what he is going to do. He knows we have no bread. He knows we have no fish. He knows we have no man to help us. He knows we have no husband, but none of that matters because He knows what He wants to do. Jesus wants to work in our lives regardless of what we lack. We do not come with fear and worry because of what God lacks; we come with fear and worry because of what we don't have. It doesn't matter what we don't have because He has all we need. Today's texts are Jesus' encounters with the Samarian woman at the well and the lame man by the pool at Bethesda. In both cases, Jesus engages them, knowing what He would do but needing them to allow Him to do it. God is trying to remind us who we ar… Landon Long 3155 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22185115/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_esusknows/id/1318604.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22185115 Jesus Knows Sun, 15 Oct 2023 19:34:05 +0000 Landon Long Today's texts are Jesus' encounters with the Samarian woman at the well and the lame man by the pool at Bethesda. In both cases, Jesus engages them, knowing what He would do but needing them to allow Him to do it. God is trying to remind us who we are talking to. After He rose from the tomb, Jesus found the apostles fishing. He knew they had no fish when He asked, "Have you any meat?" He did not ask to embarrass them but to remind them who He was and who they were: fishers of men. We need to remember who He is and who He says we are. Don't let what we lack keep us from being what he wants us to be. Too many allow what they do not have to keep them from coming to God. Jesus asked Phillip where they would get bread to feed the multitude, but the bible says Jesus already knew what He would do. Jesus doesn't need what we have or what we don't have. He can work miracles with what little we have; all we have to do is let Him. Jesus tells the woman at the well to get her husband; He already knew she didn't have one. He knew she had been married five times and that the man she was with was not her husband. Even knowing all that about her, Jesus went to Samaria to meet her and reveal Himself to her. Jesus asked the man by the Bethesda pool if he would be healed. The man responded with excuses about what he didn't have. Jesus is more interested today in what we do have because he knows what he is going to do. He knows we have no bread. He knows we have no fish. He knows we have no man to help us. He knows we have no husband, but none of that matters because He knows what He wants to do. Jesus wants to work in our lives regardless of what we lack. We do not come with fear and worry because of what God lacks; we come with fear and worry because of what we don't have. It doesn't matter what we don't have because He has all we need. Today's texts are Jesus' encounters with the Samarian woman at the well and the lame man by the pool at Bethesda. In both cases, Jesus engages them, knowing what He would do but needing them to allow Him to do it. God is trying to remind us who we are talking to. After He rose from the tomb, Jesus found the apostles fishing. He knew they had no fish when He asked, "Have you any meat?" He did not ask to embarrass them but to remind them who He was and who they were: fishers of men. We need to remember who He is and who He says we are. Don't let what we lack keep us from being what he wants us to be. Too many allow what they do not have to keep them from coming to God. Jesus asked Phillip where they would get bread to feed the multitude, but the bible says Jesus already knew what He would do. Jesus doesn't need what we have or what we don't have. He can work miracles with what little we have; all we have to do is let Him. Jesus tells the woman at the well to get her husband; He already knew she didn't have one. He knew she had been married five times and that the man she was with was not her husband. Even knowing all that about her, Jesus went to Samaria to meet her and reveal Himself to her. Jesus asked the man by the Bethesda pool if he would be healed. The man responded with excuses about what he didn't have. Jesus is more interested today in what we do have because he knows what he is going to do. He knows we have no bread. He knows we have no fish. He knows we have no man to help us. He knows we have no husband, but none of that matters because He knows what He wants to do. Jesus wants to work in our lives regardless of what we lack. We do not come with fear and worry because of what God lacks; we come with fear and worry because of what we don't have. It doesn't matter what we don't have because He has all we need. Today's texts are Jesus' encounters with the Samarian woman at the well and the lame man by the pool at Bethesda. In both cases, Jesus engages them, knowing what He would do but needing them to allow Him to do it. God is trying to remind us who we ar… Landon Long 3155 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22185115/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_esusknows/id/4019438.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22185115 Jesus Knows Sun, 08 Oct 2023 21:38:00 +0000 Landon Long We like to refer to America as the land of the free. It is all too easy to take those freedoms for granted and not recognize that those freedoms came at a cost. There is a spiritual parallel to this also. We have freedom in Christ that comes at a high price. Still, as with our freedom as Americans, we can become spiritually complacent and fail to take advantage of our freedom. We come to the house of God knowing that we need something and with the knowledge that God can and wants to meet that need, but we ask for something less because it is easier. God already knows what we want, yet we ask for something smaller that is not truly what we need. Another way this complacency shows up is by not taking advantage of God's presence. We have the attitude that "I can ask later. "While God can move then, why do we want to remain bound by whatever is holding us simply because we do not want to access God's blessing now? So, while we have freedom, we fail to take advantage of it and remain bound. In our text, the bible tells us that the demoniac broke chains and fetters placed on him. Chains did not bind him, but he was still not free because devils drove him. Jesus drove out the devils, and the demoniac knew a freedom he had never known. If we have access to true freedom, why do we remain bound? It is the Father's great pleasure to bless us. We must come boldly and ask for what we truly need. Why wait? Why continue living in freedom but still not be free? We like to refer to America as the land of the free. It is all too easy to take those freedoms for granted and not recognize that those freedoms came at a cost. There is a spiritual parallel to this also. We have freedom in Christ that comes at a high price. Still, as with our freedom as Americans, we can become spiritually complacent and fail to take advantage of our freedom. We come to the house of God knowing that we need something and with the knowledge that God can and wants to meet that need, but we ask for something less because it is easier. God already knows what we want, yet we ask for something smaller that is not truly what we need. Another way this complacency shows up is by not taking advantage of God's presence. We have the attitude that "I can ask later. "While God can move then, why do we want to remain bound by whatever is holding us simply because we do not want to access God's blessing now? So, while we have freedom, we fail to take advantage of it and remain bound. In our text, the bible tells us that the demoniac broke chains and fetters placed on him. Chains did not bind him, but he was still not free because devils drove him. Jesus drove out the devils, and the demoniac knew a freedom he had never known. If we have access to true freedom, why do we remain bound? It is the Father's great pleasure to bless us. We must come boldly and ask for what we truly need. Why wait? Why continue living in freedom but still not be free? We like to refer to America as the land of the free. It is all too easy to take those freedoms for granted and not recognize that those freedoms came at a cost. There is a spiritual parallel to this also. We have freedom in Christ that comes at a… Landon Long 2186 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22183014/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_livinginfreedombutstillnotfree/id/1317226.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22183014 Scripture: Luke 8:36-8:39 Sun, 08 Oct 2023 21:38:00 +0000 Landon Long We like to refer to America as the land of the free. It is all too easy to take those freedoms for granted and not recognize that those freedoms came at a cost. There is a spiritual parallel to this also. We have freedom in Christ that comes at a high price. Still, as with our freedom as Americans, we can become spiritually complacent and fail to take advantage of our freedom. We come to the house of God knowing that we need something and with the knowledge that God can and wants to meet that need, but we ask for something less because it is easier. God already knows what we want, yet we ask for something smaller that is not truly what we need. Another way this complacency shows up is by not taking advantage of God's presence. We have the attitude that "I can ask later. "While God can move then, why do we want to remain bound by whatever is holding us simply because we do not want to access God's blessing now? So, while we have freedom, we fail to take advantage of it and remain bound. In our text, the bible tells us that the demoniac broke chains and fetters placed on him. Chains did not bind him, but he was still not free because devils drove him. Jesus drove out the devils, and the demoniac knew a freedom he had never known. If we have access to true freedom, why do we remain bound? It is the Father's great pleasure to bless us. We must come boldly and ask for what we truly need. Why wait? Why continue living in freedom but still not be free? We like to refer to America as the land of the free. It is all too easy to take those freedoms for granted and not recognize that those freedoms came at a cost. There is a spiritual parallel to this also. We have freedom in Christ that comes at a high price. Still, as with our freedom as Americans, we can become spiritually complacent and fail to take advantage of our freedom. We come to the house of God knowing that we need something and with the knowledge that God can and wants to meet that need, but we ask for something less because it is easier. God already knows what we want, yet we ask for something smaller that is not truly what we need. Another way this complacency shows up is by not taking advantage of God's presence. We have the attitude that "I can ask later. "While God can move then, why do we want to remain bound by whatever is holding us simply because we do not want to access God's blessing now? So, while we have freedom, we fail to take advantage of it and remain bound. In our text, the bible tells us that the demoniac broke chains and fetters placed on him. Chains did not bind him, but he was still not free because devils drove him. Jesus drove out the devils, and the demoniac knew a freedom he had never known. If we have access to true freedom, why do we remain bound? It is the Father's great pleasure to bless us. We must come boldly and ask for what we truly need. Why wait? Why continue living in freedom but still not be free? We like to refer to America as the land of the free. It is all too easy to take those freedoms for granted and not recognize that those freedoms came at a cost. There is a spiritual parallel to this also. We have freedom in Christ that comes at a… Landon Long 2186 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22183014/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_livinginfreedombutstillnotfree/id/4017363.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22183014 Scripture: Luke 8:36-8:39 Sun, 08 Oct 2023 20:55:06 +0000 Landon Long Newton observed the apple and stated the law of gravity, which says what goes up must come down. Proverbs tells us that a haughty spirit comes before a fall. That concept is more than the law of gravity; it is God's word. We do not like to be down and know we cannot always be up. Many people try to stay in the middle, but we cannot live there. Some people do just enough good to get by but do not want to give up what they know is bad. Often, these people wind up smudging the line between good and evil. Once that line is blurred, it is easier and easier to be on the wrong side of it. We must abstain from the things we know are wrong. God does not want us to live on the low side of life. He wants us to be up. When we are down, God wants to pick us back up. The old song we used to sing as children says, "When you are only half-way up, you are neither up nor down." Newton observed the law of gravity with physical objects, but God has a different direction in a spiritual sense. Often, the things that bring us down in the spirit are the very things that God will use to lift us to a greater life. The enemy will try to bring us down. But we cannot stay there and be victorious. We may have come down but do not have to stay there. In God's economy, what goes down must come back up. Newton observed the apple and stated the law of gravity, which says what goes up must come down. Proverbs tells us that a haughty spirit comes before a fall. That concept is more than the law of gravity; it is God's word. We do not like to be down and know we cannot always be up. Many people try to stay in the middle, but we cannot live there. Some people do just enough good to get by but do not want to give up what they know is bad. Often, these people wind up smudging the line between good and evil. Once that line is blurred, it is easier and easier to be on the wrong side of it. We must abstain from the things we know are wrong. God does not want us to live on the low side of life. He wants us to be up. When we are down, God wants to pick us back up. The old song we used to sing as children says, "When you are only half-way up, you are neither up nor down." Newton observed the law of gravity with physical objects, but God has a different direction in a spiritual sense. Often, the things that bring us down in the spirit are the very things that God will use to lift us to a greater life. The enemy will try to bring us down. But we cannot stay there and be victorious. We may have come down but do not have to stay there. In God's economy, what goes down must come back up. Newton observed the apple and stated the law of gravity, which says what goes up must come down. Proverbs tells us that a haughty spirit comes before a fall. That concept is more than the law of gravity; it is God's word. We do not like to be down a… Landon Long 2338 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22182547/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whatgoesdownmustcomeup/id/1317020.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22182547 Scripture: Micah 7:8 Sun, 08 Oct 2023 20:55:06 +0000 Landon Long Newton observed the apple and stated the law of gravity, which says what goes up must come down. Proverbs tells us that a haughty spirit comes before a fall. That concept is more than the law of gravity; it is God's word. We do not like to be down and know we cannot always be up. Many people try to stay in the middle, but we cannot live there. Some people do just enough good to get by but do not want to give up what they know is bad. Often, these people wind up smudging the line between good and evil. Once that line is blurred, it is easier and easier to be on the wrong side of it. We must abstain from the things we know are wrong. God does not want us to live on the low side of life. He wants us to be up. When we are down, God wants to pick us back up. The old song we used to sing as children says, "When you are only half-way up, you are neither up nor down." Newton observed the law of gravity with physical objects, but God has a different direction in a spiritual sense. Often, the things that bring us down in the spirit are the very things that God will use to lift us to a greater life. The enemy will try to bring us down. But we cannot stay there and be victorious. We may have come down but do not have to stay there. In God's economy, what goes down must come back up. Newton observed the apple and stated the law of gravity, which says what goes up must come down. Proverbs tells us that a haughty spirit comes before a fall. That concept is more than the law of gravity; it is God's word. We do not like to be down and know we cannot always be up. Many people try to stay in the middle, but we cannot live there. Some people do just enough good to get by but do not want to give up what they know is bad. Often, these people wind up smudging the line between good and evil. Once that line is blurred, it is easier and easier to be on the wrong side of it. We must abstain from the things we know are wrong. God does not want us to live on the low side of life. He wants us to be up. When we are down, God wants to pick us back up. The old song we used to sing as children says, "When you are only half-way up, you are neither up nor down." Newton observed the law of gravity with physical objects, but God has a different direction in a spiritual sense. Often, the things that bring us down in the spirit are the very things that God will use to lift us to a greater life. The enemy will try to bring us down. But we cannot stay there and be victorious. We may have come down but do not have to stay there. In God's economy, what goes down must come back up. Newton observed the apple and stated the law of gravity, which says what goes up must come down. Proverbs tells us that a haughty spirit comes before a fall. That concept is more than the law of gravity; it is God's word. We do not like to be down a… Landon Long 2338 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22182547/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatgoesdownmustcomeup/id/4016909.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22182547 Scripture: Micah 7:8 Mon, 02 Oct 2023 03:37:00 +0000 Landon Long The Book of Numbers is just that: numbers and statistics. However, looking past the raw numbers, one detail illustrates how decisions can change lives. Some did right in the lord's sight, but some did not. They made choices that influenced not only their lives but the lives of the people who followed them. We get to determine much about our lives and futures. Some of these kings, their parents did right, but they chose to do differently. Others decided to do evil; it affected multiple generations. In the end, we are all responsible for pleasing God. We have to do what is right. It does not matter what the world thinks is right; it matters what God thinks is right. Some have lost their families and salvation while seeking the world's approval. In the end, the world's approval means nothing. All that matters is God's approval. The Kings that we skim past in numbers show a pattern. Some did right in the lord's sight but failed to remove the high places. Others also joined with those who did evil in the eye of the lord, or they did right in the sight of A lord, but they left the house of God. Many did right, but…. They all had a but… Finally, Hezekiah did right in the sight of the lord AND tore down the right places, but his son Manasseh built them back after his father's death. More than that, he built altars to Bale and brought graven images into the house of God. Manasseh's son Josiah, an 8-year-old king, reversed it and did right in the sight of the land. Josiah found the book of the law and realized how far they had fallen away. Josiah returned to the ward and wanted to return to what he had said. Thirty-three kings, but only 4 did right in the sight of God. The Book of Numbers is just that: numbers and statistics. However, looking past the raw numbers, one detail illustrates how decisions can change lives. Some did right in the lord's sight, but some did not. They made choices that influenced not only their lives but the lives of the people who followed them. We get to determine much about our lives and futures. Some of these kings, their parents did right, but they chose to do differently. Others decided to do evil; it affected multiple generations. In the end, we are all responsible for pleasing God. We have to do what is right. It does not matter what the world thinks is right; it matters what God thinks is right. Some have lost their families and salvation while seeking the world's approval. In the end, the world's approval means nothing. All that matters is God's approval. The Kings that we skim past in numbers show a pattern. Some did right in the lord's sight but failed to remove the high places. Others also joined with those who did evil in the eye of the lord, or they did right in the sight of A lord, but they left the house of God. Many did right, but…. They all had a but… Finally, Hezekiah did right in the sight of the lord AND tore down the right places, but his son Manasseh built them back after his father's death. More than that, he built altars to Bale and brought graven images into the house of God. Manasseh's son Josiah, an 8-year-old king, reversed it and did right in the sight of the land. Josiah found the book of the law and realized how far they had fallen away. Josiah returned to the ward and wanted to return to what he had said. Thirty-three kings, but only 4 did right in the sight of God. The Book of Numbers is just that: numbers and statistics. However, looking past the raw numbers, one detail illustrates how decisions can change lives. Some did right in the lord's sight, but some did not. They made choices that influenced not only … Landon Long 3350 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22180427/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_iwanttoberight/id/1315585.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22180427 Scripture: Psalms 51:10 Mon, 02 Oct 2023 03:37:00 +0000 Landon Long The Book of Numbers is just that: numbers and statistics. However, looking past the raw numbers, one detail illustrates how decisions can change lives. Some did right in the lord's sight, but some did not. They made choices that influenced not only their lives but the lives of the people who followed them. We get to determine much about our lives and futures. Some of these kings, their parents did right, but they chose to do differently. Others decided to do evil; it affected multiple generations. In the end, we are all responsible for pleasing God. We have to do what is right. It does not matter what the world thinks is right; it matters what God thinks is right. Some have lost their families and salvation while seeking the world's approval. In the end, the world's approval means nothing. All that matters is God's approval. The Kings that we skim past in numbers show a pattern. Some did right in the lord's sight but failed to remove the high places. Others also joined with those who did evil in the eye of the lord, or they did right in the sight of A lord, but they left the house of God. Many did right, but…. They all had a but… Finally, Hezekiah did right in the sight of the lord AND tore down the right places, but his son Manasseh built them back after his father's death. More than that, he built altars to Bale and brought graven images into the house of God. Manasseh's son Josiah, an 8-year-old king, reversed it and did right in the sight of the land. Josiah found the book of the law and realized how far they had fallen away. Josiah returned to the ward and wanted to return to what he had said. Thirty-three kings, but only 4 did right in the sight of God. The Book of Numbers is just that: numbers and statistics. However, looking past the raw numbers, one detail illustrates how decisions can change lives. Some did right in the lord's sight, but some did not. They made choices that influenced not only their lives but the lives of the people who followed them. We get to determine much about our lives and futures. Some of these kings, their parents did right, but they chose to do differently. Others decided to do evil; it affected multiple generations. In the end, we are all responsible for pleasing God. We have to do what is right. It does not matter what the world thinks is right; it matters what God thinks is right. Some have lost their families and salvation while seeking the world's approval. In the end, the world's approval means nothing. All that matters is God's approval. The Kings that we skim past in numbers show a pattern. Some did right in the lord's sight but failed to remove the high places. Others also joined with those who did evil in the eye of the lord, or they did right in the sight of A lord, but they left the house of God. Many did right, but…. They all had a but… Finally, Hezekiah did right in the sight of the lord AND tore down the right places, but his son Manasseh built them back after his father's death. More than that, he built altars to Bale and brought graven images into the house of God. Manasseh's son Josiah, an 8-year-old king, reversed it and did right in the sight of the land. Josiah found the book of the law and realized how far they had fallen away. Josiah returned to the ward and wanted to return to what he had said. Thirty-three kings, but only 4 did right in the sight of God. The Book of Numbers is just that: numbers and statistics. However, looking past the raw numbers, one detail illustrates how decisions can change lives. Some did right in the lord's sight, but some did not. They made choices that influenced not only … Landon Long 3350 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22180427/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_iwanttoberight/id/4014822.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22180427 Scripture: Psalms 51:10 Sun, 01 Oct 2023 19:42:29 +0000 Mark Hughes Many people view their life as a series of struggles. Some may feel that their defeats outnumber their victories. God's word has encouragement for those people. In our text, Israel speaks to his sons as he prepares to die. His comments to his son Gad were bleak. Israel prophesied his son would face battle after battle, most of which he would lose. But Israel did not stop there; he finished with a word that is an encouragement to all of us. Israel told Gad he would overcome at the last. Brother Hughes comes today to tell someone who may be down that it does not have to end that way. Before becoming Israel, Jacob had many failures, but that is not how we remember him. Jacob had a tattered past, and until the night of wrestling with the Angel, his life was very different. That night, God changed his name and began writing a different story. The last has yet to come. There is time to write another chapter of the story; the pen is in our hands to write the next chapter. The enemy wants to make us believe we have failed, but we do not have to consent to failure. Our greatest glory is in getting back up after falling. Nothing is final until God says it is finished. We all have the opportunity to get back up. We may be unable to undo our past failures, but God allows us to do it right. Many people view their life as a series of struggles. Some may feel that their defeats outnumber their victories. God's word has encouragement for those people. In our text, Israel speaks to his sons as he prepares to die. His comments to his son Gad were bleak. Israel prophesied his son would face battle after battle, most of which he would lose. But Israel did not stop there; he finished with a word that is an encouragement to all of us. Israel told Gad he would overcome at the last. Brother Hughes comes today to tell someone who may be down that it does not have to end that way. Before becoming Israel, Jacob had many failures, but that is not how we remember him. Jacob had a tattered past, and until the night of wrestling with the Angel, his life was very different. That night, God changed his name and began writing a different story. The last has yet to come. There is time to write another chapter of the story; the pen is in our hands to write the next chapter. The enemy wants to make us believe we have failed, but we do not have to consent to failure. Our greatest glory is in getting back up after falling. Nothing is final until God says it is finished. We all have the opportunity to get back up. We may be unable to undo our past failures, but God allows us to do it right. Many people view their life as a series of struggles. Some may feel that their defeats outnumber their victories. God's word has encouragement for those people. In our text, Israel speaks to his sons as he prepares to die. His comments to his son G… Mark Hughes 2539 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22179808/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_atthelast/id/1315275.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22179808 Scripture: Genesis 49:1-49:2, Genesis 19:19 Sun, 01 Oct 2023 19:42:29 +0000 Mark Hughes Many people view their life as a series of struggles. Some may feel that their defeats outnumber their victories. God's word has encouragement for those people. In our text, Israel speaks to his sons as he prepares to die. His comments to his son Gad were bleak. Israel prophesied his son would face battle after battle, most of which he would lose. But Israel did not stop there; he finished with a word that is an encouragement to all of us. Israel told Gad he would overcome at the last. Brother Hughes comes today to tell someone who may be down that it does not have to end that way. Before becoming Israel, Jacob had many failures, but that is not how we remember him. Jacob had a tattered past, and until the night of wrestling with the Angel, his life was very different. That night, God changed his name and began writing a different story. The last has yet to come. There is time to write another chapter of the story; the pen is in our hands to write the next chapter. The enemy wants to make us believe we have failed, but we do not have to consent to failure. Our greatest glory is in getting back up after falling. Nothing is final until God says it is finished. We all have the opportunity to get back up. We may be unable to undo our past failures, but God allows us to do it right. Many people view their life as a series of struggles. Some may feel that their defeats outnumber their victories. God's word has encouragement for those people. In our text, Israel speaks to his sons as he prepares to die. His comments to his son Gad were bleak. Israel prophesied his son would face battle after battle, most of which he would lose. But Israel did not stop there; he finished with a word that is an encouragement to all of us. Israel told Gad he would overcome at the last. Brother Hughes comes today to tell someone who may be down that it does not have to end that way. Before becoming Israel, Jacob had many failures, but that is not how we remember him. Jacob had a tattered past, and until the night of wrestling with the Angel, his life was very different. That night, God changed his name and began writing a different story. The last has yet to come. There is time to write another chapter of the story; the pen is in our hands to write the next chapter. The enemy wants to make us believe we have failed, but we do not have to consent to failure. Our greatest glory is in getting back up after falling. Nothing is final until God says it is finished. We all have the opportunity to get back up. We may be unable to undo our past failures, but God allows us to do it right. Many people view their life as a series of struggles. Some may feel that their defeats outnumber their victories. God's word has encouragement for those people. In our text, Israel speaks to his sons as he prepares to die. His comments to his son G… Mark Hughes 2539 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22179808/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_atthelast/id/4014207.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22179808 Scripture: Genesis 49:1-49:2, Genesis 19:19 Mon, 25 Sep 2023 02:09:28 +0000 Garrett Nance The Bible describes Rahab as a woman of ill repute. She was not a woman living for God, so why did she help the two spies sent to scout out her city? Whether she served Him or not, she recognized the power of God. Rahab and the other citizens of Jericho knew about God's mighty works and were afraid. The two spics made a deal with Rahab in exchange for her helping them escape. This protection would extend to her family, but only if they stayed in the security at her home. As a sign of protection, they told her to hang a crimson cord out of her windows as a sign of the convent between them. Historians think the walls of Jericho may have been 40 feet tall and up to six feet thick. The walls stood between Israel and the promised land, but to Rahab, the walls stood between her and freedom with a new life. For both, those walls had to fall. Israel had a promise, but Rahab needed a breakthrough. God is in the business of keeping promises. Israel had a promise, and so did Rahab. She staked her and her whole family's future on that promise. When she hung that scarlet rope out her window, it was a sign of faith She upheld her end of the bargain, and God came through. Too long has the enemy kept us trapped behind a wall of shame and fear. We all know the story about Israel marching around the city for seven days. On the last day, they marched around seven times. On the last lap, Joshua told the people to let out a shout and declared that the city was given over to them, and the walls fell. Brother Nance comes tonight to remind us with a piece of scarlet rope that God has made a promise to us and keeps his promises. The walls that have kept us trapped or that have kept us from realizing a promise made long ago WILL fall. The Bible describes Rahab as a woman of ill repute. She was not a woman living for God, so why did she help the two spies sent to scout out her city? Whether she served Him or not, she recognized the power of God. Rahab and the other citizens of Jericho knew about God's mighty works and were afraid. The two spics made a deal with Rahab in exchange for her helping them escape. This protection would extend to her family, but only if they stayed in the security at her home. As a sign of protection, they told her to hang a crimson cord out of her windows as a sign of the convent between them. Historians think the walls of Jericho may have been 40 feet tall and up to six feet thick. The walls stood between Israel and the promised land, but to Rahab, the walls stood between her and freedom with a new life. For both, those walls had to fall. Israel had a promise, but Rahab needed a breakthrough. God is in the business of keeping promises. Israel had a promise, and so did Rahab. She staked her and her whole family's future on that promise. When she hung that scarlet rope out her window, it was a sign of faith She upheld her end of the bargain, and God came through. Too long has the enemy kept us trapped behind a wall of shame and fear. We all know the story about Israel marching around the city for seven days. On the last day, they marched around seven times. On the last lap, Joshua told the people to let out a shout and declared that the city was given over to them, and the walls fell. Brother Nance comes tonight to remind us with a piece of scarlet rope that God has made a promise to us and keeps his promises. The walls that have kept us trapped or that have kept us from realizing a promise made long ago WILL fall. The Bible describes Rahab as a woman of ill repute. She was not a woman living for God, so why did she help the two spies sent to scout out her city? Whether she served Him or not, she recognized the power of God. Rahab and the other citizens of Je… Garrett Nance 2300 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22177309/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thesewallswillfall/id/1313581.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22177309 Scripture: Hebrews 11:30-11:31 Mon, 25 Sep 2023 02:09:28 +0000 Garrett Nance The Bible describes Rahab as a woman of ill repute. She was not a woman living for God, so why did she help the two spies sent to scout out her city? Whether she served Him or not, she recognized the power of God. Rahab and the other citizens of Jericho knew about God's mighty works and were afraid. The two spics made a deal with Rahab in exchange for her helping them escape. This protection would extend to her family, but only if they stayed in the security at her home. As a sign of protection, they told her to hang a crimson cord out of her windows as a sign of the convent between them. Historians think the walls of Jericho may have been 40 feet tall and up to six feet thick. The walls stood between Israel and the promised land, but to Rahab, the walls stood between her and freedom with a new life. For both, those walls had to fall. Israel had a promise, but Rahab needed a breakthrough. God is in the business of keeping promises. Israel had a promise, and so did Rahab. She staked her and her whole family's future on that promise. When she hung that scarlet rope out her window, it was a sign of faith She upheld her end of the bargain, and God came through. Too long has the enemy kept us trapped behind a wall of shame and fear. We all know the story about Israel marching around the city for seven days. On the last day, they marched around seven times. On the last lap, Joshua told the people to let out a shout and declared that the city was given over to them, and the walls fell. Brother Nance comes tonight to remind us with a piece of scarlet rope that God has made a promise to us and keeps his promises. The walls that have kept us trapped or that have kept us from realizing a promise made long ago WILL fall. The Bible describes Rahab as a woman of ill repute. She was not a woman living for God, so why did she help the two spies sent to scout out her city? Whether she served Him or not, she recognized the power of God. Rahab and the other citizens of Jericho knew about God's mighty works and were afraid. The two spics made a deal with Rahab in exchange for her helping them escape. This protection would extend to her family, but only if they stayed in the security at her home. As a sign of protection, they told her to hang a crimson cord out of her windows as a sign of the convent between them. Historians think the walls of Jericho may have been 40 feet tall and up to six feet thick. The walls stood between Israel and the promised land, but to Rahab, the walls stood between her and freedom with a new life. For both, those walls had to fall. Israel had a promise, but Rahab needed a breakthrough. God is in the business of keeping promises. Israel had a promise, and so did Rahab. She staked her and her whole family's future on that promise. When she hung that scarlet rope out her window, it was a sign of faith She upheld her end of the bargain, and God came through. Too long has the enemy kept us trapped behind a wall of shame and fear. We all know the story about Israel marching around the city for seven days. On the last day, they marched around seven times. On the last lap, Joshua told the people to let out a shout and declared that the city was given over to them, and the walls fell. Brother Nance comes tonight to remind us with a piece of scarlet rope that God has made a promise to us and keeps his promises. The walls that have kept us trapped or that have kept us from realizing a promise made long ago WILL fall. The Bible describes Rahab as a woman of ill repute. She was not a woman living for God, so why did she help the two spies sent to scout out her city? Whether she served Him or not, she recognized the power of God. Rahab and the other citizens of Je… Garrett Nance 2300 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22177309/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thesewallswillfall/id/4011796.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22177309 Scripture: Hebrews 11:30-11:31 Sun, 24 Sep 2023 21:01:56 +0000 Kenneth Baker We often make things more complicated than we need to. We all miss the mark and fall short and rely on the mercy of God. Too often, we try to do it on our own and rely on our own insufficient strength. When God turns to us, he saves us from our weakness. When we turn to God, he will give us His strength and wisdom. When we fall short, God does not condemn us; He is there to forgive and uplift us. When God turns to us, He doesn't just turn Himself; He will turn the righteous to us. God will bring good friends into our lives. We will never realize the will of God on our own; we need a network of believers to help and encourage. God brings people into our lives, but it is up to us to receive it. How do we turn to God? Humility, Faith, and repentance. Repentance is the most crucial concept to understand in the Kingdom of God and must be done daily. We often make things more complicated than we need to. We all miss the mark and fall short and rely on the mercy of God. Too often, we try to do it on our own and rely on our own insufficient strength. When God turns to us, he saves us from our weakness. When we turn to God, he will give us His strength and wisdom. When we fall short, God does not condemn us; He is there to forgive and uplift us. When God turns to us, He doesn't just turn Himself; He will turn the righteous to us. God will bring good friends into our lives. We will never realize the will of God on our own; we need a network of believers to help and encourage. God brings people into our lives, but it is up to us to receive it. How do we turn to God? Humility, Faith, and repentance. Repentance is the most crucial concept to understand in the Kingdom of God and must be done daily. We often make things more complicated than we need to. We all miss the mark and fall short and rely on the mercy of God. Too often, we try to do it on our own and rely on our own insufficient strength. When God turns to us, he saves us from our weakne… Kenneth Baker 2214 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22177116/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thewisdomoftheturnaround/id/1313453.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22177116 The Wisdom Of The Turnaround Sun, 24 Sep 2023 21:01:56 +0000 Kenneth Baker We often make things more complicated than we need to. We all miss the mark and fall short and rely on the mercy of God. Too often, we try to do it on our own and rely on our own insufficient strength. When God turns to us, he saves us from our weakness. When we turn to God, he will give us His strength and wisdom. When we fall short, God does not condemn us; He is there to forgive and uplift us. When God turns to us, He doesn't just turn Himself; He will turn the righteous to us. God will bring good friends into our lives. We will never realize the will of God on our own; we need a network of believers to help and encourage. God brings people into our lives, but it is up to us to receive it. How do we turn to God? Humility, Faith, and repentance. Repentance is the most crucial concept to understand in the Kingdom of God and must be done daily. We often make things more complicated than we need to. We all miss the mark and fall short and rely on the mercy of God. Too often, we try to do it on our own and rely on our own insufficient strength. When God turns to us, he saves us from our weakness. When we turn to God, he will give us His strength and wisdom. When we fall short, God does not condemn us; He is there to forgive and uplift us. When God turns to us, He doesn't just turn Himself; He will turn the righteous to us. God will bring good friends into our lives. We will never realize the will of God on our own; we need a network of believers to help and encourage. God brings people into our lives, but it is up to us to receive it. How do we turn to God? Humility, Faith, and repentance. Repentance is the most crucial concept to understand in the Kingdom of God and must be done daily. We often make things more complicated than we need to. We all miss the mark and fall short and rely on the mercy of God. Too often, we try to do it on our own and rely on our own insufficient strength. When God turns to us, he saves us from our weakne… Kenneth Baker 2214 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22177116/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thewisdomoftheturnaround/id/4011580.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22177116 The Wisdom Of The Turnaround Mon, 18 Sep 2023 03:12:16 +0000 Landon Long In our text, God says the people had committed two evils. They had turned away from the living water He provided and set up their cistern. A cistern is a hole dug by men in the hopes that it will fill up with water for them to use Too many people and churches are trying to manufacture a move of God instead of seeking the actual source. They may get some results in the short term, but it is not sustainable and will not last. Eventually, the artificial water source runs out, and there is nothing to refresh those who come for more. Tapping into the living water is essential to take it to a world that desperately needs it. We need to be filled so we will have some to pour into others, but sometimes we are so broken that we have nothing for others because it has leaked all out. God welcomes broken things, but it is not his will that they remain broken. We must allow ourselves to be mended by God to help others when they come. We cannot stay broken and let all the good water leak out. In our text, God says the people had committed two evils. They had turned away from the living water He provided and set up their cistern. A cistern is a hole dug by men in the hopes that it will fill up with water for them to use Too many people and churches are trying to manufacture a move of God instead of seeking the actual source. They may get some results in the short term, but it is not sustainable and will not last. Eventually, the artificial water source runs out, and there is nothing to refresh those who come for more. Tapping into the living water is essential to take it to a world that desperately needs it. We need to be filled so we will have some to pour into others, but sometimes we are so broken that we have nothing for others because it has leaked all out. God welcomes broken things, but it is not his will that they remain broken. We must allow ourselves to be mended by God to help others when they come. We cannot stay broken and let all the good water leak out. In our text, God says the people had committed two evils. They had turned away from the living water He provided and set up their cistern. A cistern is a hole dug by men in the hopes that it will fill up with water for them to use Too many people and … Landon Long 2912 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22174799/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_fixedforthefountain/id/1311974.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22174799 Scripture: Jeremiah 2:12-2:13 Mon, 18 Sep 2023 03:12:16 +0000 Landon Long In our text, God says the people had committed two evils. They had turned away from the living water He provided and set up their cistern. A cistern is a hole dug by men in the hopes that it will fill up with water for them to use Too many people and churches are trying to manufacture a move of God instead of seeking the actual source. They may get some results in the short term, but it is not sustainable and will not last. Eventually, the artificial water source runs out, and there is nothing to refresh those who come for more. Tapping into the living water is essential to take it to a world that desperately needs it. We need to be filled so we will have some to pour into others, but sometimes we are so broken that we have nothing for others because it has leaked all out. God welcomes broken things, but it is not his will that they remain broken. We must allow ourselves to be mended by God to help others when they come. We cannot stay broken and let all the good water leak out. In our text, God says the people had committed two evils. They had turned away from the living water He provided and set up their cistern. A cistern is a hole dug by men in the hopes that it will fill up with water for them to use Too many people and churches are trying to manufacture a move of God instead of seeking the actual source. They may get some results in the short term, but it is not sustainable and will not last. Eventually, the artificial water source runs out, and there is nothing to refresh those who come for more. Tapping into the living water is essential to take it to a world that desperately needs it. We need to be filled so we will have some to pour into others, but sometimes we are so broken that we have nothing for others because it has leaked all out. God welcomes broken things, but it is not his will that they remain broken. We must allow ourselves to be mended by God to help others when they come. We cannot stay broken and let all the good water leak out. In our text, God says the people had committed two evils. They had turned away from the living water He provided and set up their cistern. A cistern is a hole dug by men in the hopes that it will fill up with water for them to use Too many people and … Landon Long 2912 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22174799/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_fixedforthefountain/id/4009339.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22174799 Scripture: Jeremiah 2:12-2:13 Sun, 17 Sep 2023 19:36:55 +0000 Landon Long We are all thankful for the promises of God. His word said his promises are yes and Amen. However, a promise is only as good as the person making it. God is not a man that he could lie, but He knew the nature of humanity, so He needed something more substantial. A covenant is an agreement between two people, like a contract. But even a contract It is only a piece of paper, and men look for a way to get out of contact using loopholes or just breaking the contract. The Bible says that God made a covenant with Noah. It had to be a covenant because a promise can be broken. Our relationship and our covenants with God are more than a contract. In a covenant, both party's interests are at stake. It is binding for both parties. And with a covenant, there is a sign. That sign is a reminder of the relationship between the two. The Bible says the sign reminded men and Him about the covenant. God's bow appears after the storm. Physics tells us that the appearance of the rainbow depends on your location. To see it, you have to have the light behind you. God will always have our back. If you cannot see God's promise, you need to move. This was not the first covenant God made. God made many covenants with Israel, but they broke them. God created the ultimate covenant out of love by coming to earth in the flesh to die for our sins. It did not end with the rainbow. We can look to the cross to be reminded of God's extreme love for his creation. We are all thankful for the promises of God. His word said his promises are yes and Amen. However, a promise is only as good as the person making it. God is not a man that he could lie, but He knew the nature of humanity, so He needed something more substantial. A covenant is an agreement between two people, like a contract. But even a contract It is only a piece of paper, and men look for a way to get out of contact using loopholes or just breaking the contract. The Bible says that God made a covenant with Noah. It had to be a covenant because a promise can be broken. Our relationship and our covenants with God are more than a contract. In a covenant, both party's interests are at stake. It is binding for both parties. And with a covenant, there is a sign. That sign is a reminder of the relationship between the two. The Bible says the sign reminded men and Him about the covenant. God's bow appears after the storm. Physics tells us that the appearance of the rainbow depends on your location. To see it, you have to have the light behind you. God will always have our back. If you cannot see God's promise, you need to move. This was not the first covenant God made. God made many covenants with Israel, but they broke them. God created the ultimate covenant out of love by coming to earth in the flesh to die for our sins. It did not end with the rainbow. We can look to the cross to be reminded of God's extreme love for his creation. We are all thankful for the promises of God. His word said his promises are yes and Amen. However, a promise is only as good as the person making it. God is not a man that he could lie, but He knew the nature of humanity, so He needed something more s… Landon Long 2895 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22174524/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thebeautyofthebow/id/1311829.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22174524 Scripture: Genesis 9:8-9:17 Sun, 17 Sep 2023 19:36:55 +0000 Landon Long We are all thankful for the promises of God. His word said his promises are yes and Amen. However, a promise is only as good as the person making it. God is not a man that he could lie, but He knew the nature of humanity, so He needed something more substantial. A covenant is an agreement between two people, like a contract. But even a contract It is only a piece of paper, and men look for a way to get out of contact using loopholes or just breaking the contract. The Bible says that God made a covenant with Noah. It had to be a covenant because a promise can be broken. Our relationship and our covenants with God are more than a contract. In a covenant, both party's interests are at stake. It is binding for both parties. And with a covenant, there is a sign. That sign is a reminder of the relationship between the two. The Bible says the sign reminded men and Him about the covenant. God's bow appears after the storm. Physics tells us that the appearance of the rainbow depends on your location. To see it, you have to have the light behind you. God will always have our back. If you cannot see God's promise, you need to move. This was not the first covenant God made. God made many covenants with Israel, but they broke them. God created the ultimate covenant out of love by coming to earth in the flesh to die for our sins. It did not end with the rainbow. We can look to the cross to be reminded of God's extreme love for his creation. We are all thankful for the promises of God. His word said his promises are yes and Amen. However, a promise is only as good as the person making it. God is not a man that he could lie, but He knew the nature of humanity, so He needed something more substantial. A covenant is an agreement between two people, like a contract. But even a contract It is only a piece of paper, and men look for a way to get out of contact using loopholes or just breaking the contract. The Bible says that God made a covenant with Noah. It had to be a covenant because a promise can be broken. Our relationship and our covenants with God are more than a contract. In a covenant, both party's interests are at stake. It is binding for both parties. And with a covenant, there is a sign. That sign is a reminder of the relationship between the two. The Bible says the sign reminded men and Him about the covenant. God's bow appears after the storm. Physics tells us that the appearance of the rainbow depends on your location. To see it, you have to have the light behind you. God will always have our back. If you cannot see God's promise, you need to move. This was not the first covenant God made. God made many covenants with Israel, but they broke them. God created the ultimate covenant out of love by coming to earth in the flesh to die for our sins. It did not end with the rainbow. We can look to the cross to be reminded of God's extreme love for his creation. We are all thankful for the promises of God. His word said his promises are yes and Amen. However, a promise is only as good as the person making it. God is not a man that he could lie, but He knew the nature of humanity, so He needed something more s… Landon Long 2895 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22174524/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thebeautyofthebow/id/4009070.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22174524 Scripture: Genesis 9:8-9:17 Sun, 10 Sep 2023 21:43:00 +0000 Landon Long We read reviews online to decide the best place to eat, the best hotel, or what to buy. We take this advice from people we don't know without knowing if their values or tastes watch ours. We have known that Hell is bad all our lives, but do we really understand how bad it is? Society and media portray a little red man with horns, a tail, and a pitchfork. With this cartoonish depiction, we may be teaching our children the wrong thing. We have dumbed Hell down to the point where we don't fully realize what it is. Some may know that we do not want to go to hell, but we have candy-coated it so much that it does not have the gravity it deserves. Sometimes, when going through a trial or a bad time in life, we say we are going through hell. But even the worst days on earth are no comparison to the torment of hell. Imagine the worst situation in life, but it never ends. It is not enough to fear going To Hell; we must long for heaven. In our text, the young ruler lived his life as if there was no afterlife. He had great wealth but had no compassion for the people who begged at the gate. When he died, he begged for another chance. When that failed, he begged to warn his family so they would not suffer the same fate. It is too easy to rely on God's mercy being new daily. We know we can ask for forgiveness, and it will be granted, but there will come a time when the consequences will be final, and there will be no more forgiveness and grace. Our world is critical of our rules and values. They will say it is restrictive and abusive. The truth is our rules and values are out of love and concern to keep our families safe. We should be thankful for warnings and restrictions. We place warning signs on dangerous places or equipment to keep people safe. Upon seeing a DANGER sign on a piece of electrical equipment, none of us would say "Warn me all you want. I’ll touch it if I want to." But why do we ignore spiritual warnings? The warning signs and barriers on railroad tracks are not there to inconvenience us but to keep us safe from harm. We all take advice from strangers about where to eat, but we ignore warnings from people who love us and try to warn us about how bad hell is. Warnings and rules are not scare tactics. The rich man reviewed hell and said to tell them that it is terrible. Brother Long comes tonight with a similar warning. We must work NOT to go to Hell; that can only happen by working to go to Heaven. We read reviews online to decide the best place to eat, the best hotel, or what to buy. We take this advice from people we don't know without knowing if their values or tastes watch ours. We have known that Hell is bad all our lives, but do we really understand how bad it is? Society and media portray a little red man with horns, a tail, and a pitchfork. With this cartoonish depiction, we may be teaching our children the wrong thing. We have dumbed Hell down to the point where we don't fully realize what it is. Some may know that we do not want to go to hell, but we have candy-coated it so much that it does not have the gravity it deserves. Sometimes, when going through a trial or a bad time in life, we say we are going through hell. But even the worst days on earth are no comparison to the torment of hell. Imagine the worst situation in life, but it never ends. It is not enough to fear going To Hell; we must long for heaven. In our text, the young ruler lived his life as if there was no afterlife. He had great wealth but had no compassion for the people who begged at the gate. When he died, he begged for another chance. When that failed, he begged to warn his family so they would not suffer the same fate. It is too easy to rely on God's mercy being new daily. We know we can ask for forgiveness, and it will be granted, but there will come a time when the consequences will be final, and there will be no more forgiveness and grace. Our world is critical of our rules and values. They will say it is restrictive and abusive. The truth is our rules and values are out of love and concern to keep our families safe. We should be thankful for warnings and restrictions. We place warning signs on dangerous places or equipment to keep people safe. Upon seeing a DANGER sign on a piece of electrical equipment, none of us would say "Warn me all you want. I’ll touch it if I want to." But why do we ignore spiritual warnings? The warning signs and barriers on railroad tracks are not there to inconvenience us but to keep us safe from harm. We all take advice from strangers about where to eat, but we ignore warnings from people who love us and try to warn us about how bad hell is. Warnings and rules are not scare tactics. The rich man reviewed hell and said to tell them that it is terrible. Brother Long comes tonight with a similar warning. We must work NOT to go to Hell; that can only happen by working to go to Heaven. We read reviews online to decide the best place to eat, the best hotel, or what to buy. We take this advice from people we don't know without knowing if their values or tastes watch ours. We have known that Hell is bad all our lives, but do we reall… Landon Long 3053 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22172363/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_ifhellhadreviews/id/1310427.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22172363 Scripture: Luke 16:19-16:31 Sun, 10 Sep 2023 21:43:00 +0000 Landon Long We read reviews online to decide the best place to eat, the best hotel, or what to buy. We take this advice from people we don't know without knowing if their values or tastes watch ours. We have known that Hell is bad all our lives, but do we really understand how bad it is? Society and media portray a little red man with horns, a tail, and a pitchfork. With this cartoonish depiction, we may be teaching our children the wrong thing. We have dumbed Hell down to the point where we don't fully realize what it is. Some may know that we do not want to go to hell, but we have candy-coated it so much that it does not have the gravity it deserves. Sometimes, when going through a trial or a bad time in life, we say we are going through hell. But even the worst days on earth are no comparison to the torment of hell. Imagine the worst situation in life, but it never ends. It is not enough to fear going To Hell; we must long for heaven. In our text, the young ruler lived his life as if there was no afterlife. He had great wealth but had no compassion for the people who begged at the gate. When he died, he begged for another chance. When that failed, he begged to warn his family so they would not suffer the same fate. It is too easy to rely on God's mercy being new daily. We know we can ask for forgiveness, and it will be granted, but there will come a time when the consequences will be final, and there will be no more forgiveness and grace. Our world is critical of our rules and values. They will say it is restrictive and abusive. The truth is our rules and values are out of love and concern to keep our families safe. We should be thankful for warnings and restrictions. We place warning signs on dangerous places or equipment to keep people safe. Upon seeing a DANGER sign on a piece of electrical equipment, none of us would say "Warn me all you want. I’ll touch it if I want to." But why do we ignore spiritual warnings? The warning signs and barriers on railroad tracks are not there to inconvenience us but to keep us safe from harm. We all take advice from strangers about where to eat, but we ignore warnings from people who love us and try to warn us about how bad hell is. Warnings and rules are not scare tactics. The rich man reviewed hell and said to tell them that it is terrible. Brother Long comes tonight with a similar warning. We must work NOT to go to Hell; that can only happen by working to go to Heaven. We read reviews online to decide the best place to eat, the best hotel, or what to buy. We take this advice from people we don't know without knowing if their values or tastes watch ours. We have known that Hell is bad all our lives, but do we really understand how bad it is? Society and media portray a little red man with horns, a tail, and a pitchfork. With this cartoonish depiction, we may be teaching our children the wrong thing. We have dumbed Hell down to the point where we don't fully realize what it is. Some may know that we do not want to go to hell, but we have candy-coated it so much that it does not have the gravity it deserves. Sometimes, when going through a trial or a bad time in life, we say we are going through hell. But even the worst days on earth are no comparison to the torment of hell. Imagine the worst situation in life, but it never ends. It is not enough to fear going To Hell; we must long for heaven. In our text, the young ruler lived his life as if there was no afterlife. He had great wealth but had no compassion for the people who begged at the gate. When he died, he begged for another chance. When that failed, he begged to warn his family so they would not suffer the same fate. It is too easy to rely on God's mercy being new daily. We know we can ask for forgiveness, and it will be granted, but there will come a time when the consequences will be final, and there will be no more forgiveness and grace. Our world is critical of our rules and values. They will say it is restrictive and abusive. The truth is our rules and values are out of love and concern to keep our families safe. We should be thankful for warnings and restrictions. We place warning signs on dangerous places or equipment to keep people safe. Upon seeing a DANGER sign on a piece of electrical equipment, none of us would say "Warn me all you want. I’ll touch it if I want to." But why do we ignore spiritual warnings? The warning signs and barriers on railroad tracks are not there to inconvenience us but to keep us safe from harm. We all take advice from strangers about where to eat, but we ignore warnings from people who love us and try to warn us about how bad hell is. Warnings and rules are not scare tactics. The rich man reviewed hell and said to tell them that it is terrible. Brother Long comes tonight with a similar warning. We must work NOT to go to Hell; that can only happen by working to go to Heaven. We read reviews online to decide the best place to eat, the best hotel, or what to buy. We take this advice from people we don't know without knowing if their values or tastes watch ours. We have known that Hell is bad all our lives, but do we reall… Landon Long 3053 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22172363/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ifhellhadreviews/id/4006968.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22172363 Scripture: Luke 16:19-16:31 Sun, 10 Sep 2023 20:46:02 +0000 Mark Hughes The book of Jeremiah is up and down, highs and lows. Our text is one of the uplifting ones. Jeremiah had labored for years to uplift his nation with little success. In our text, God sends Jeremiah to a busy intersection to send a message to all who would hear. In verse 21, God says to take heed to yourselves. The word used means to take care of yourself at the cost of your soul. If we neglect the advice he gives, we do so at our soul's peril. The advice is simple: Today is the sabbath; let your burdens go. The Sabbath is a day to lay aside our burdens, fears, troubles, and concerns. It is a day to allow men to reset and reassess. Be careful what you carry out today. If you carry anything out, make it the peace of God. The concept of the Sabbath is an Old Testament one, but man's need has not changed. We still need a place of relief. There is a place where we come out of breath and weary, and God will comfort us. We cannot worship when carrying all the burdens we have. It is time to lay burdens down and leave them at the altar. The book of Jeremiah is up and down, highs and lows. Our text is one of the uplifting ones. Jeremiah had labored for years to uplift his nation with little success. In our text, God sends Jeremiah to a busy intersection to send a message to all who would hear. In verse 21, God says to take heed to yourselves. The word used means to take care of yourself at the cost of your soul. If we neglect the advice he gives, we do so at our soul's peril. The advice is simple: Today is the sabbath; let your burdens go. The Sabbath is a day to lay aside our burdens, fears, troubles, and concerns. It is a day to allow men to reset and reassess. Be careful what you carry out today. If you carry anything out, make it the peace of God. The concept of the Sabbath is an Old Testament one, but man's need has not changed. We still need a place of relief. There is a place where we come out of breath and weary, and God will comfort us. We cannot worship when carrying all the burdens we have. It is time to lay burdens down and leave them at the altar. The book of Jeremiah is up and down, highs and lows. Our text is one of the uplifting ones. Jeremiah had labored for years to uplift his nation with little success. In our text, God sends Jeremiah to a busy intersection to send a message to all who w… Mark Hughes 2942 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22171866/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_noburdenstoday/id/1310192.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22171866 Scripture: Jeremiah 17:19-17:21 Sun, 10 Sep 2023 20:46:02 +0000 Mark Hughes The book of Jeremiah is up and down, highs and lows. Our text is one of the uplifting ones. Jeremiah had labored for years to uplift his nation with little success. In our text, God sends Jeremiah to a busy intersection to send a message to all who would hear. In verse 21, God says to take heed to yourselves. The word used means to take care of yourself at the cost of your soul. If we neglect the advice he gives, we do so at our soul's peril. The advice is simple: Today is the sabbath; let your burdens go. The Sabbath is a day to lay aside our burdens, fears, troubles, and concerns. It is a day to allow men to reset and reassess. Be careful what you carry out today. If you carry anything out, make it the peace of God. The concept of the Sabbath is an Old Testament one, but man's need has not changed. We still need a place of relief. There is a place where we come out of breath and weary, and God will comfort us. We cannot worship when carrying all the burdens we have. It is time to lay burdens down and leave them at the altar. The book of Jeremiah is up and down, highs and lows. Our text is one of the uplifting ones. Jeremiah had labored for years to uplift his nation with little success. In our text, God sends Jeremiah to a busy intersection to send a message to all who would hear. In verse 21, God says to take heed to yourselves. The word used means to take care of yourself at the cost of your soul. If we neglect the advice he gives, we do so at our soul's peril. The advice is simple: Today is the sabbath; let your burdens go. The Sabbath is a day to lay aside our burdens, fears, troubles, and concerns. It is a day to allow men to reset and reassess. Be careful what you carry out today. If you carry anything out, make it the peace of God. The concept of the Sabbath is an Old Testament one, but man's need has not changed. We still need a place of relief. There is a place where we come out of breath and weary, and God will comfort us. We cannot worship when carrying all the burdens we have. It is time to lay burdens down and leave them at the altar. The book of Jeremiah is up and down, highs and lows. Our text is one of the uplifting ones. Jeremiah had labored for years to uplift his nation with little success. In our text, God sends Jeremiah to a busy intersection to send a message to all who w… Mark Hughes 2942 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22171866/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_noburdenstoday/id/4006476.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22171866 Scripture: Jeremiah 17:19-17:21 Sun, 03 Sep 2023 21:47:25 +0000 Mark Hughes Sometimes, we find ourselves in places we did not choose and do not know how to escape. In our text, Hezekiah finds himself in such a place. He was a man of faith and dedication, yet he was battling a sickness to the point of death. Often, we question why we are going through something. We cannot underside why until after we come out of it. God will allow things to come into our lives to take us to a place where we have no choice but to turn to Him. God wants us to have a better understanding of Him and to draw closer to Him. Brother Hughes finds three clues to dealing with life's difficult situations in this story. First, Hezekiah found the word of God is enough to sustain him in times of trouble. Secondly, Hezekiah discovered the power of God. While praying, he turned his face to the wall and began to truly seek God. God restored him to health. The word for healing in the original Hebrew means to recover the dream. God wants to restore our dreams. The final thing Hezekiah discovered is in verse 17: The love of God. There is no place that is too far or too deep for God's love to go. Sometimes, we have to go into a low place before we realize how much He loves us and how strong He is. Sometimes, we find ourselves in places we did not choose and do not know how to escape. In our text, Hezekiah finds himself in such a place. He was a man of faith and dedication, yet he was battling a sickness to the point of death. Often, we question why we are going through something. We cannot underside why until after we come out of it. God will allow things to come into our lives to take us to a place where we have no choice but to turn to Him. God wants us to have a better understanding of Him and to draw closer to Him. Brother Hughes finds three clues to dealing with life's difficult situations in this story. First, Hezekiah found the word of God is enough to sustain him in times of trouble. Secondly, Hezekiah discovered the power of God. While praying, he turned his face to the wall and began to truly seek God. God restored him to health. The word for healing in the original Hebrew means to recover the dream. God wants to restore our dreams. The final thing Hezekiah discovered is in verse 17: The love of God. There is no place that is too far or too deep for God's love to go. Sometimes, we have to go into a low place before we realize how much He loves us and how strong He is. Sometimes, we find ourselves in places we did not choose and do not know how to escape. In our text, Hezekiah finds himself in such a place. He was a man of faith and dedication, yet he was battling a sickness to the point of death. Often, we quest… Mark Hughes 3284 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22169370/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_threeindispensablethingsforlif/id/1308714.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22169370 Scripture: Isaiah 38:9-38:20 Sun, 03 Sep 2023 21:47:25 +0000 Mark Hughes Sometimes, we find ourselves in places we did not choose and do not know how to escape. In our text, Hezekiah finds himself in such a place. He was a man of faith and dedication, yet he was battling a sickness to the point of death. Often, we question why we are going through something. We cannot underside why until after we come out of it. God will allow things to come into our lives to take us to a place where we have no choice but to turn to Him. God wants us to have a better understanding of Him and to draw closer to Him. Brother Hughes finds three clues to dealing with life's difficult situations in this story. First, Hezekiah found the word of God is enough to sustain him in times of trouble. Secondly, Hezekiah discovered the power of God. While praying, he turned his face to the wall and began to truly seek God. God restored him to health. The word for healing in the original Hebrew means to recover the dream. God wants to restore our dreams. The final thing Hezekiah discovered is in verse 17: The love of God. There is no place that is too far or too deep for God's love to go. Sometimes, we have to go into a low place before we realize how much He loves us and how strong He is. Sometimes, we find ourselves in places we did not choose and do not know how to escape. In our text, Hezekiah finds himself in such a place. He was a man of faith and dedication, yet he was battling a sickness to the point of death. Often, we question why we are going through something. We cannot underside why until after we come out of it. God will allow things to come into our lives to take us to a place where we have no choice but to turn to Him. God wants us to have a better understanding of Him and to draw closer to Him. Brother Hughes finds three clues to dealing with life's difficult situations in this story. First, Hezekiah found the word of God is enough to sustain him in times of trouble. Secondly, Hezekiah discovered the power of God. While praying, he turned his face to the wall and began to truly seek God. God restored him to health. The word for healing in the original Hebrew means to recover the dream. God wants to restore our dreams. The final thing Hezekiah discovered is in verse 17: The love of God. There is no place that is too far or too deep for God's love to go. Sometimes, we have to go into a low place before we realize how much He loves us and how strong He is. Sometimes, we find ourselves in places we did not choose and do not know how to escape. In our text, Hezekiah finds himself in such a place. He was a man of faith and dedication, yet he was battling a sickness to the point of death. Often, we quest… Mark Hughes 3284 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22169370/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_threeindispensablethingsforlif/id/4004131.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22169370 Scripture: Isaiah 38:9-38:20 Sun, 27 Aug 2023 22:26:00 +0000 Landon Long When we think of sin, we often go to the extremes:  Drugs, Alcohol, Sexual Sins.  But God hates all sins, even the small ones. The Bible tells us in Romans that all have sinned and fallen short. We are all imperfect.  We often think of sin as an action, something we did. But the truth is that inaction is also a sin.   Ham found his father, Noah, drunk and uncovered in his tent.  He went out and told his brothers but did nothing to preserve his father's dignity. Ham and his sons were cursed because he didn't do anything. The parable of the servants and the talents also illustrates this concept.  Two servants took the talents their master gave them and made a profit.  The third servant hid the talents in the ground and was rebuked for doing nothing.  Doing nothing may start as a delay, but it can turn into rebellion if left unchecked.  Inaction is a sin.  Not contributing is a sin. What we are not doing is just as bad as what they are doing.  We cannot sit back when we see people hurting, hungry, or desperate and do nothing.  We come to the altar and ask God to forgive us for what we have done, but when was the last time we asked for forgiveness for what we didn't do? When we think of sin, we often go to the extremes:  Drugs, Alcohol, Sexual Sins.  But God hates all sins, even the small ones. The Bible tells us in Romans that all have sinned and fallen short. We are all imperfect.  We often think of sin as an action, something we did. But the truth is that inaction is also a sin.   Ham found his father, Noah, drunk and uncovered in his tent.  He went out and told his brothers but did nothing to preserve his father's dignity. Ham and his sons were cursed because he didn't do anything. The parable of the servants and the talents also illustrates this concept.  Two servants took the talents their master gave them and made a profit.  The third servant hid the talents in the ground and was rebuked for doing nothing.  Doing nothing may start as a delay, but it can turn into rebellion if left unchecked.  Inaction is a sin.  Not contributing is a sin. What we are not doing is just as bad as what they are doing.  We cannot sit back when we see people hurting, hungry, or desperate and do nothing.  We come to the altar and ask God to forgive us for what we have done, but when was the last time we asked for forgiveness for what we didn't do? When we think of sin, we often go to the extremes:  Drugs, Alcohol, Sexual Sins.  But God hates all sins, even the small ones. The Bible tells us in Romans that all have sinned and fallen short. We are all imperfect.  We often think of sin as an action… Landon Long 3345 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22167344/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thesinofdoingnothing/id/1307223.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22167344 Scripture: James 4:17 Sun, 27 Aug 2023 22:26:00 +0000 Landon Long When we think of sin, we often go to the extremes:  Drugs, Alcohol, Sexual Sins.  But God hates all sins, even the small ones. The Bible tells us in Romans that all have sinned and fallen short. We are all imperfect.  We often think of sin as an action, something we did. But the truth is that inaction is also a sin.   Ham found his father, Noah, drunk and uncovered in his tent.  He went out and told his brothers but did nothing to preserve his father's dignity. Ham and his sons were cursed because he didn't do anything. The parable of the servants and the talents also illustrates this concept.  Two servants took the talents their master gave them and made a profit.  The third servant hid the talents in the ground and was rebuked for doing nothing.  Doing nothing may start as a delay, but it can turn into rebellion if left unchecked.  Inaction is a sin.  Not contributing is a sin. What we are not doing is just as bad as what they are doing.  We cannot sit back when we see people hurting, hungry, or desperate and do nothing.  We come to the altar and ask God to forgive us for what we have done, but when was the last time we asked for forgiveness for what we didn't do? When we think of sin, we often go to the extremes:  Drugs, Alcohol, Sexual Sins.  But God hates all sins, even the small ones. The Bible tells us in Romans that all have sinned and fallen short. We are all imperfect.  We often think of sin as an action, something we did. But the truth is that inaction is also a sin.   Ham found his father, Noah, drunk and uncovered in his tent.  He went out and told his brothers but did nothing to preserve his father's dignity. Ham and his sons were cursed because he didn't do anything. The parable of the servants and the talents also illustrates this concept.  Two servants took the talents their master gave them and made a profit.  The third servant hid the talents in the ground and was rebuked for doing nothing.  Doing nothing may start as a delay, but it can turn into rebellion if left unchecked.  Inaction is a sin.  Not contributing is a sin. What we are not doing is just as bad as what they are doing.  We cannot sit back when we see people hurting, hungry, or desperate and do nothing.  We come to the altar and ask God to forgive us for what we have done, but when was the last time we asked for forgiveness for what we didn't do? When we think of sin, we often go to the extremes:  Drugs, Alcohol, Sexual Sins.  But God hates all sins, even the small ones. The Bible tells us in Romans that all have sinned and fallen short. We are all imperfect.  We often think of sin as an action… Landon Long 3345 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22167344/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thesinofdoingnothing/id/4002027.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22167344 Scripture: James 4:17 Sun, 27 Aug 2023 19:27:32 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text from Hebrews is Paul is wrapping up his writing to the believers in Jerusalem. Earlier in the chapter, he compares life to a race. It is essential to understand that this race is not against each other but with ourselves. God desires that all complete the race and are saved. Our job in living for God is to clear the path for people who are hindered. Paul extols us to "make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way." It is not our job to decide if people are worthy to come to the table. We have to make room for it lest we be the hindrance. We have to make room for mercy, not get in its way. Our text from Hebrews is Paul is wrapping up his writing to the believers in Jerusalem. Earlier in the chapter, he compares life to a race. It is essential to understand that this race is not against each other but with ourselves. God desires that all complete the race and are saved. Our job in living for God is to clear the path for people who are hindered. Paul extols us to "make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way." It is not our job to decide if people are worthy to come to the table. We have to make room for it lest we be the hindrance. We have to make room for mercy, not get in its way. Our text from Hebrews is Paul is wrapping up his writing to the believers in Jerusalem. Earlier in the chapter, he compares life to a race. It is essential to understand that this race is not against each other but with ourselves. God desires that … Mark Hughes 3042 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22166639/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_makingroomformercy/id/1306942.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22166639 Scripture: Hebrews 12:12-12:13 Sun, 27 Aug 2023 19:27:32 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text from Hebrews is Paul is wrapping up his writing to the believers in Jerusalem. Earlier in the chapter, he compares life to a race. It is essential to understand that this race is not against each other but with ourselves. God desires that all complete the race and are saved. Our job in living for God is to clear the path for people who are hindered. Paul extols us to "make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way." It is not our job to decide if people are worthy to come to the table. We have to make room for it lest we be the hindrance. We have to make room for mercy, not get in its way. Our text from Hebrews is Paul is wrapping up his writing to the believers in Jerusalem. Earlier in the chapter, he compares life to a race. It is essential to understand that this race is not against each other but with ourselves. God desires that all complete the race and are saved. Our job in living for God is to clear the path for people who are hindered. Paul extols us to "make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way." It is not our job to decide if people are worthy to come to the table. We have to make room for it lest we be the hindrance. We have to make room for mercy, not get in its way. Our text from Hebrews is Paul is wrapping up his writing to the believers in Jerusalem. Earlier in the chapter, he compares life to a race. It is essential to understand that this race is not against each other but with ourselves. God desires that … Mark Hughes 3042 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22166639/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_makingroomformercy/id/4001489.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22166639 Scripture: Hebrews 12:12-12:13 Mon, 17 Jul 2023 01:12:00 +0000 Landon Long Every game should begin with a plan. Sometimes the game plan doesn’t work, so the coach must make changes to win the game. Every coach works to win until the game is over. Success in the game has a sound associated. A home run, a long pass reception, or a goal scored in soccer generates a loud cheer from the crowd. How much more should the people of God lift a shout of victory for a God that helps us to triumph in His name? We need more than a sound. We need more than a goal or a point scored. We need a game plan to win. He stands undefeated. If we are losing, it is because we do not show up prepared. The Bible talks about the armor of God, but do we actually use it? The tools God gives us do not good if we do not pick them up and use them. It is not enough to want to win. We must have a plan and be skilled with the tools we have to be victorious. Every game should begin with a plan. Sometimes the game plan doesn’t work, so the coach must make changes to win the game. Every coach works to win until the game is over. Success in the game has a sound associated. A home run, a long pass reception, or a goal scored in soccer generates a loud cheer from the crowd. How much more should the people of God lift a shout of victory for a God that helps us to triumph in His name? We need more than a sound. We need more than a goal or a point scored. We need a game plan to win. He stands undefeated. If we are losing, it is because we do not show up prepared. The Bible talks about the armor of God, but do we actually use it? The tools God gives us do not good if we do not pick them up and use them. It is not enough to want to win. We must have a plan and be skilled with the tools we have to be victorious. Every game should begin with a plan. Sometimes the game plan doesn’t work, so the coach must make changes to win the game. Every coach works to win until the game is over. Success in the game has a sound associated. A home run, a long pass reception… Landon Long 2476 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22151849/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_ourgameplanisvictory/id/1297561.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22151849 Scripture: Psalms 78:9-78:11 Mon, 17 Jul 2023 01:12:00 +0000 Landon Long Every game should begin with a plan. Sometimes the game plan doesn’t work, so the coach must make changes to win the game. Every coach works to win until the game is over. Success in the game has a sound associated. A home run, a long pass reception, or a goal scored in soccer generates a loud cheer from the crowd. How much more should the people of God lift a shout of victory for a God that helps us to triumph in His name? We need more than a sound. We need more than a goal or a point scored. We need a game plan to win. He stands undefeated. If we are losing, it is because we do not show up prepared. The Bible talks about the armor of God, but do we actually use it? The tools God gives us do not good if we do not pick them up and use them. It is not enough to want to win. We must have a plan and be skilled with the tools we have to be victorious. Every game should begin with a plan. Sometimes the game plan doesn’t work, so the coach must make changes to win the game. Every coach works to win until the game is over. Success in the game has a sound associated. A home run, a long pass reception, or a goal scored in soccer generates a loud cheer from the crowd. How much more should the people of God lift a shout of victory for a God that helps us to triumph in His name? We need more than a sound. We need more than a goal or a point scored. We need a game plan to win. He stands undefeated. If we are losing, it is because we do not show up prepared. The Bible talks about the armor of God, but do we actually use it? The tools God gives us do not good if we do not pick them up and use them. It is not enough to want to win. We must have a plan and be skilled with the tools we have to be victorious. Every game should begin with a plan. Sometimes the game plan doesn’t work, so the coach must make changes to win the game. Every coach works to win until the game is over. Success in the game has a sound associated. A home run, a long pass reception… Landon Long 2476 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22151849/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ourgameplanisvictory/id/3986895.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22151849 Scripture: Psalms 78:9-78:11 Sun, 16 Jul 2023 21:06:14 +0000 Landon Long Brother Long teaches from the story of the Shunammite woman. After her child passed, this woman was on a mission to find the man of God. Both her husband and Elisha’s servant asked if she is well. She said it is well, but the truth was all was not well. She needed to get to the man of God who could help her. Too often, we find ourselves in situations like this. Like this woman, we must respond to It Is Well while striving to get to the one who can make it well. Brother Long teaches from the story of the Shunammite woman. After her child passed, this woman was on a mission to find the man of God. Both her husband and Elisha’s servant asked if she is well. She said it is well, but the truth was all was not well. She needed to get to the man of God who could help her. Too often, we find ourselves in situations like this. Like this woman, we must respond to It Is Well while striving to get to the one who can make it well. Brother Long teaches from the story of the Shunammite woman. After her child passed, this woman was on a mission to find the man of God. Both her husband and Elisha’s servant asked if she is well. She said it is well, but the truth was all was not w… Landon Long 2691 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22151330/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_itiswell/id/1297333.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22151330 Scripture: 2 Kings 4:8-4:37 Sun, 16 Jul 2023 21:06:14 +0000 Landon Long Brother Long teaches from the story of the Shunammite woman. After her child passed, this woman was on a mission to find the man of God. Both her husband and Elisha’s servant asked if she is well. She said it is well, but the truth was all was not well. She needed to get to the man of God who could help her. Too often, we find ourselves in situations like this. Like this woman, we must respond to It Is Well while striving to get to the one who can make it well. Brother Long teaches from the story of the Shunammite woman. After her child passed, this woman was on a mission to find the man of God. Both her husband and Elisha’s servant asked if she is well. She said it is well, but the truth was all was not well. She needed to get to the man of God who could help her. Too often, we find ourselves in situations like this. Like this woman, we must respond to It Is Well while striving to get to the one who can make it well. Brother Long teaches from the story of the Shunammite woman. After her child passed, this woman was on a mission to find the man of God. Both her husband and Elisha’s servant asked if she is well. She said it is well, but the truth was all was not w… Landon Long 2691 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22151330/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itiswell/id/3986378.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22151330 Scripture: 2 Kings 4:8-4:37 Thu, 13 Jul 2023 01:22:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The book of Peter was written for people living in desperate times and provided them with advice on how to survive those times. It is an epistle of hope. As children of God, we have hope in this life and, more importantly, in the next. All that happens to us is for a divine purpose. Our text begins by describing an audience that was scattered across the continent. Then, as now, we live in a time where people are scattered, not across a region, but across society and ideologies. Peter was writing to a suffering people. God’s people in this new testament church suffered great persecution at the hands of Emperor Nero. In this context, Peter does not try to pump them up with words of encouragement but focuses on what really matters. Instead of telling them what was wrong, he encouraged them with all that was right. He lifted their eyes from the problems on earth, directing them to heaven's joy and reward. Whatever the world does to us is not the final act. God has the last word. The book of Peter was written for people living in desperate times and provided them with advice on how to survive those times. It is an epistle of hope. As children of God, we have hope in this life and, more importantly, in the next. All that happens to us is for a divine purpose. Our text begins by describing an audience that was scattered across the continent. Then, as now, we live in a time where people are scattered, not across a region, but across society and ideologies. Peter was writing to a suffering people. God’s people in this new testament church suffered great persecution at the hands of Emperor Nero. In this context, Peter does not try to pump them up with words of encouragement but focuses on what really matters. Instead of telling them what was wrong, he encouraged them with all that was right. He lifted their eyes from the problems on earth, directing them to heaven's joy and reward. Whatever the world does to us is not the final act. God has the last word. The book of Peter was written for people living in desperate times and provided them with advice on how to survive those times. It is an epistle of hope. As children of God, we have hope in this life and, more importantly, in the next. All that happ… Mark Hughes 3436 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22149933/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_wordsforthewise/id/1296259.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22149933 Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-1:23 Thu, 13 Jul 2023 01:22:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The book of Peter was written for people living in desperate times and provided them with advice on how to survive those times. It is an epistle of hope. As children of God, we have hope in this life and, more importantly, in the next. All that happens to us is for a divine purpose. Our text begins by describing an audience that was scattered across the continent. Then, as now, we live in a time where people are scattered, not across a region, but across society and ideologies. Peter was writing to a suffering people. God’s people in this new testament church suffered great persecution at the hands of Emperor Nero. In this context, Peter does not try to pump them up with words of encouragement but focuses on what really matters. Instead of telling them what was wrong, he encouraged them with all that was right. He lifted their eyes from the problems on earth, directing them to heaven's joy and reward. Whatever the world does to us is not the final act. God has the last word. The book of Peter was written for people living in desperate times and provided them with advice on how to survive those times. It is an epistle of hope. As children of God, we have hope in this life and, more importantly, in the next. All that happens to us is for a divine purpose. Our text begins by describing an audience that was scattered across the continent. Then, as now, we live in a time where people are scattered, not across a region, but across society and ideologies. Peter was writing to a suffering people. God’s people in this new testament church suffered great persecution at the hands of Emperor Nero. In this context, Peter does not try to pump them up with words of encouragement but focuses on what really matters. Instead of telling them what was wrong, he encouraged them with all that was right. He lifted their eyes from the problems on earth, directing them to heaven's joy and reward. Whatever the world does to us is not the final act. God has the last word. The book of Peter was written for people living in desperate times and provided them with advice on how to survive those times. It is an epistle of hope. As children of God, we have hope in this life and, more importantly, in the next. All that happ… Mark Hughes 3436 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22149933/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wordsforthewise/id/3985017.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22149933 Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-1:23 Mon, 10 Jul 2023 02:27:00 +0000 Landon Long Life's circumstances and situations weigh on us. We know where to go when life gets complicated. Our text is about the healing of the ten lepers. We all remember the story that Jesus healed them and sent them on their way. Nine of the ten healed men walked away, and only one returned to give thanks. Looking closer at the text, we see that is not how it happened. The Bible says that these ten men called to Jesus from afar off. They were lepers, so they had to keep their distance. The Bible says they lifted their voice to ask for help. Jesus didn’t heal them. He told them to go show themselves to the priest. The healing didn’t happen until they obeyed and began to go on their way. Jesus did not heal them immediately. He told them to go to the priest, but nothing had changed as far as they could see. They asked for healing, and Jesus told them to leave. They had to have the faith to turn and walk away. Before the miracle, they had to obey. The Bible says, “And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.” Something happened as they went. There is a difference between walking away doubting and walking away in faith. The road of obedience and faith can often be lonely. Life's circumstances and situations weigh on us. We know where to go when life gets complicated. Our text is about the healing of the ten lepers. We all remember the story that Jesus healed them and sent them on their way. Nine of the ten healed men walked away, and only one returned to give thanks. Looking closer at the text, we see that is not how it happened. The Bible says that these ten men called to Jesus from afar off. They were lepers, so they had to keep their distance. The Bible says they lifted their voice to ask for help. Jesus didn’t heal them. He told them to go show themselves to the priest. The healing didn’t happen until they obeyed and began to go on their way. Jesus did not heal them immediately. He told them to go to the priest, but nothing had changed as far as they could see. They asked for healing, and Jesus told them to leave. They had to have the faith to turn and walk away. Before the miracle, they had to obey. The Bible says, “And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.” Something happened as they went. There is a difference between walking away doubting and walking away in faith. The road of obedience and faith can often be lonely. Life's circumstances and situations weigh on us. We know where to go when life gets complicated. Our text is about the healing of the ten lepers. We all remember the story that Jesus healed them and sent them on their way. Nine of the ten healed m… Landon Long 3003 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22149345/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whenfaithasksyoutowalkaway/id/1295969.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22149345 Scripture: Luke 17:11-17:19 Mon, 10 Jul 2023 02:27:00 +0000 Landon Long Life's circumstances and situations weigh on us. We know where to go when life gets complicated. Our text is about the healing of the ten lepers. We all remember the story that Jesus healed them and sent them on their way. Nine of the ten healed men walked away, and only one returned to give thanks. Looking closer at the text, we see that is not how it happened. The Bible says that these ten men called to Jesus from afar off. They were lepers, so they had to keep their distance. The Bible says they lifted their voice to ask for help. Jesus didn’t heal them. He told them to go show themselves to the priest. The healing didn’t happen until they obeyed and began to go on their way. Jesus did not heal them immediately. He told them to go to the priest, but nothing had changed as far as they could see. They asked for healing, and Jesus told them to leave. They had to have the faith to turn and walk away. Before the miracle, they had to obey. The Bible says, “And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.” Something happened as they went. There is a difference between walking away doubting and walking away in faith. The road of obedience and faith can often be lonely. Life's circumstances and situations weigh on us. We know where to go when life gets complicated. Our text is about the healing of the ten lepers. We all remember the story that Jesus healed them and sent them on their way. Nine of the ten healed men walked away, and only one returned to give thanks. Looking closer at the text, we see that is not how it happened. The Bible says that these ten men called to Jesus from afar off. They were lepers, so they had to keep their distance. The Bible says they lifted their voice to ask for help. Jesus didn’t heal them. He told them to go show themselves to the priest. The healing didn’t happen until they obeyed and began to go on their way. Jesus did not heal them immediately. He told them to go to the priest, but nothing had changed as far as they could see. They asked for healing, and Jesus told them to leave. They had to have the faith to turn and walk away. Before the miracle, they had to obey. The Bible says, “And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.” Something happened as they went. There is a difference between walking away doubting and walking away in faith. The road of obedience and faith can often be lonely. Life's circumstances and situations weigh on us. We know where to go when life gets complicated. Our text is about the healing of the ten lepers. We all remember the story that Jesus healed them and sent them on their way. Nine of the ten healed m… Landon Long 3003 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22149345/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenfaithasksyoutowalkaway/id/3984443.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22149345 Scripture: Luke 17:11-17:19 Sun, 09 Jul 2023 19:42:01 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is the familiar story of the ten virgins with the lamps. This chapter is known as the Coming of the Lord chapter. The custom of the day, the bridal party would wait with the party and her handmaidens until the groom arrived to take his place in the wedding party. Five of the virgins in the story are called wise, and they brought extra oil in case waiting for the groom takes a while. The other five were less careful and only brought enough oil to last a short time. The groom was late, and all the foolish virgins ran out of oil. The point of this story is that we must be ready for the coming of the Lord, no matter when that takes place. It also reminds us that we must all be prepared and cannot share what we have with someone else. All must be ready and have their own provision. This story also shows the danger of only having the minimum required to make it. We must have faith and walk with God, that will stand until the end, no matter when that is. Our text is the familiar story of the ten virgins with the lamps. This chapter is known as the Coming of the Lord chapter. The custom of the day, the bridal party would wait with the party and her handmaidens until the groom arrived to take his place in the wedding party. Five of the virgins in the story are called wise, and they brought extra oil in case waiting for the groom takes a while. The other five were less careful and only brought enough oil to last a short time. The groom was late, and all the foolish virgins ran out of oil. The point of this story is that we must be ready for the coming of the Lord, no matter when that takes place. It also reminds us that we must all be prepared and cannot share what we have with someone else. All must be ready and have their own provision. This story also shows the danger of only having the minimum required to make it. We must have faith and walk with God, that will stand until the end, no matter when that is. Our text is the familiar story of the ten virgins with the lamps. This chapter is known as the Coming of the Lord chapter. The custom of the day, the bridal party would wait with the party and her handmaidens until the groom arrived to take his place… Mark Hughes 2532 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22148750/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_preparedtowait/id/1295705.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22148750 Scripture: Mark 25:1-25:13 Sun, 09 Jul 2023 19:42:01 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is the familiar story of the ten virgins with the lamps. This chapter is known as the Coming of the Lord chapter. The custom of the day, the bridal party would wait with the party and her handmaidens until the groom arrived to take his place in the wedding party. Five of the virgins in the story are called wise, and they brought extra oil in case waiting for the groom takes a while. The other five were less careful and only brought enough oil to last a short time. The groom was late, and all the foolish virgins ran out of oil. The point of this story is that we must be ready for the coming of the Lord, no matter when that takes place. It also reminds us that we must all be prepared and cannot share what we have with someone else. All must be ready and have their own provision. This story also shows the danger of only having the minimum required to make it. We must have faith and walk with God, that will stand until the end, no matter when that is. Our text is the familiar story of the ten virgins with the lamps. This chapter is known as the Coming of the Lord chapter. The custom of the day, the bridal party would wait with the party and her handmaidens until the groom arrived to take his place in the wedding party. Five of the virgins in the story are called wise, and they brought extra oil in case waiting for the groom takes a while. The other five were less careful and only brought enough oil to last a short time. The groom was late, and all the foolish virgins ran out of oil. The point of this story is that we must be ready for the coming of the Lord, no matter when that takes place. It also reminds us that we must all be prepared and cannot share what we have with someone else. All must be ready and have their own provision. This story also shows the danger of only having the minimum required to make it. We must have faith and walk with God, that will stand until the end, no matter when that is. Our text is the familiar story of the ten virgins with the lamps. This chapter is known as the Coming of the Lord chapter. The custom of the day, the bridal party would wait with the party and her handmaidens until the groom arrived to take his place… Mark Hughes 2532 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22148750/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_preparedtowait/id/3983895.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22148750 Scripture: Mark 25:1-25:13 Mon, 03 Jul 2023 02:05:45 +0000 Mark Hughes Often people in bondage live in a state of denial about their situation. Some of us look free, but we are not truly free. The story of Lazarus illustrates this idea. When Jesus called Lazarus out of the grave, Lazarus had to be loosed from burial wrappings. He was alive but still bound. Lazarus was bound because he had died. We are bound because of things in our lives. Pride, hate, jealousy, and bad choices tie us up and restrict us from freedom. In the old testament, God provided for the year of Jubilee, where all debts would be forgiven. It was a fresh start where every man could return to his possessions. Isaiah speaks of the acceptable year of the lord that ties back to the concept of jubilee when he proclaims that we can have life and have it more abundantly. Jesus quoted this scripture from Isiah when he spoke in the temple as a young boy. The difference is that Jesus removed any time constraints when He said those words. The liberty and freedom of jubilee are available to us every day. Often people in bondage live in a state of denial about their situation. Some of us look free, but we are not truly free. The story of Lazarus illustrates this idea. When Jesus called Lazarus out of the grave, Lazarus had to be loosed from burial wrappings. He was alive but still bound. Lazarus was bound because he had died. We are bound because of things in our lives. Pride, hate, jealousy, and bad choices tie us up and restrict us from freedom. In the old testament, God provided for the year of Jubilee, where all debts would be forgiven. It was a fresh start where every man could return to his possessions. Isaiah speaks of the acceptable year of the lord that ties back to the concept of jubilee when he proclaims that we can have life and have it more abundantly. Jesus quoted this scripture from Isiah when he spoke in the temple as a young boy. The difference is that Jesus removed any time constraints when He said those words. The liberty and freedom of jubilee are available to us every day. Often people in bondage live in a state of denial about their situation. Some of us look free, but we are not truly free. The story of Lazarus illustrates this idea. When Jesus called Lazarus out of the grave, Lazarus had to be loosed from burial wr… Mark Hughes 2727 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22146514/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_somethingbetterthanlife/id/1294266.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22146514 Scripture: John 1:12, John 8:32-8:36, Galatians 5:1, John 10:10, James 1:25, James 2:12 Mon, 03 Jul 2023 02:05:45 +0000 Mark Hughes Often people in bondage live in a state of denial about their situation. Some of us look free, but we are not truly free. The story of Lazarus illustrates this idea. When Jesus called Lazarus out of the grave, Lazarus had to be loosed from burial wrappings. He was alive but still bound. Lazarus was bound because he had died. We are bound because of things in our lives. Pride, hate, jealousy, and bad choices tie us up and restrict us from freedom. In the old testament, God provided for the year of Jubilee, where all debts would be forgiven. It was a fresh start where every man could return to his possessions. Isaiah speaks of the acceptable year of the lord that ties back to the concept of jubilee when he proclaims that we can have life and have it more abundantly. Jesus quoted this scripture from Isiah when he spoke in the temple as a young boy. The difference is that Jesus removed any time constraints when He said those words. The liberty and freedom of jubilee are available to us every day. Often people in bondage live in a state of denial about their situation. Some of us look free, but we are not truly free. The story of Lazarus illustrates this idea. When Jesus called Lazarus out of the grave, Lazarus had to be loosed from burial wrappings. He was alive but still bound. Lazarus was bound because he had died. We are bound because of things in our lives. Pride, hate, jealousy, and bad choices tie us up and restrict us from freedom. In the old testament, God provided for the year of Jubilee, where all debts would be forgiven. It was a fresh start where every man could return to his possessions. Isaiah speaks of the acceptable year of the lord that ties back to the concept of jubilee when he proclaims that we can have life and have it more abundantly. Jesus quoted this scripture from Isiah when he spoke in the temple as a young boy. The difference is that Jesus removed any time constraints when He said those words. The liberty and freedom of jubilee are available to us every day. Often people in bondage live in a state of denial about their situation. Some of us look free, but we are not truly free. The story of Lazarus illustrates this idea. When Jesus called Lazarus out of the grave, Lazarus had to be loosed from burial wr… Mark Hughes 2727 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22146514/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_somethingbetterthanlife/id/3981666.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22146514 Scripture: John 1:12, John 8:32-8:36, Galatians 5:1, John 10:10, James 1:25, James 2:12 Mon, 26 Jun 2023 02:41:00 +0000 Landon Long We all have stories and testimonies, but faith is sometimes challenging to maintain in a difficult situation. Every man is given a measure of faith. Some have more; some have less. The heroes of the faith we read about in Hebrews are heroes simply because they stuck with their faith. We would not even know their name if Abraham, Noah, or Moses had not maintained their faith. Noah took everything that God said and trusted what He said was true. The world looked at Noah like he was a fool, but Noah knew that rain was coming. Abraham left his home, not knowing where he was going. Later, Abraham learns he will have a son, even though he and his wife are old. Finally, God calls Abraham to sacrifice that same son. Abraham did not waver and had faith in God. We study these men, but it was not the men; their faith led them and allowed them to do great things for God. You can move mountains with faith, but the mountain will not be moved without it. We all have stories and testimonies, but faith is sometimes challenging to maintain in a difficult situation. Every man is given a measure of faith. Some have more; some have less. The heroes of the faith we read about in Hebrews are heroes simply because they stuck with their faith. We would not even know their name if Abraham, Noah, or Moses had not maintained their faith. Noah took everything that God said and trusted what He said was true. The world looked at Noah like he was a fool, but Noah knew that rain was coming. Abraham left his home, not knowing where he was going. Later, Abraham learns he will have a son, even though he and his wife are old. Finally, God calls Abraham to sacrifice that same son. Abraham did not waver and had faith in God. We study these men, but it was not the men; their faith led them and allowed them to do great things for God. You can move mountains with faith, but the mountain will not be moved without it. We all have stories and testimonies, but faith is sometimes challenging to maintain in a difficult situation. Every man is given a measure of faith. Some have more; some have less. The heroes of the faith we read about in Hebrews are heroes simply b… Landon Long 2627 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22144409/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whatfaithcando/id/1292821.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22144409 Scripture: Hebrews 11:33-11:40 Mon, 26 Jun 2023 02:41:00 +0000 Landon Long We all have stories and testimonies, but faith is sometimes challenging to maintain in a difficult situation. Every man is given a measure of faith. Some have more; some have less. The heroes of the faith we read about in Hebrews are heroes simply because they stuck with their faith. We would not even know their name if Abraham, Noah, or Moses had not maintained their faith. Noah took everything that God said and trusted what He said was true. The world looked at Noah like he was a fool, but Noah knew that rain was coming. Abraham left his home, not knowing where he was going. Later, Abraham learns he will have a son, even though he and his wife are old. Finally, God calls Abraham to sacrifice that same son. Abraham did not waver and had faith in God. We study these men, but it was not the men; their faith led them and allowed them to do great things for God. You can move mountains with faith, but the mountain will not be moved without it. We all have stories and testimonies, but faith is sometimes challenging to maintain in a difficult situation. Every man is given a measure of faith. Some have more; some have less. The heroes of the faith we read about in Hebrews are heroes simply because they stuck with their faith. We would not even know their name if Abraham, Noah, or Moses had not maintained their faith. Noah took everything that God said and trusted what He said was true. The world looked at Noah like he was a fool, but Noah knew that rain was coming. Abraham left his home, not knowing where he was going. Later, Abraham learns he will have a son, even though he and his wife are old. Finally, God calls Abraham to sacrifice that same son. Abraham did not waver and had faith in God. We study these men, but it was not the men; their faith led them and allowed them to do great things for God. You can move mountains with faith, but the mountain will not be moved without it. We all have stories and testimonies, but faith is sometimes challenging to maintain in a difficult situation. Every man is given a measure of faith. Some have more; some have less. The heroes of the faith we read about in Hebrews are heroes simply b… Landon Long 2627 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22144409/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatfaithcando/id/3979588.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22144409 Scripture: Hebrews 11:33-11:40 Sun, 25 Jun 2023 22:05:18 +0000 Landon Long Ecclesiastes proclaims that finishing is better than beginning. Finishing a project is very satisfying. However, to finish, we must begin so that we can maintain what we stated. The Bible says that God rejoices to see the work begin, and so should we. Because if we begin the work, God will finish it. God wants to complete the work and not leave it unfinished. We have not come as far as we have to, only be where we are now. Ecclesiastes proclaims that finishing is better than beginning. Finishing a project is very satisfying. However, to finish, we must begin so that we can maintain what we stated. The Bible says that God rejoices to see the work begin, and so should we. Because if we begin the work, God will finish it. God wants to complete the work and not leave it unfinished. We have not come as far as we have to, only be where we are now. Ecclesiastes proclaims that finishing is better than beginning. Finishing a project is very satisfying. However, to finish, we must begin so that we can maintain what we stated. The Bible says that God rejoices to see the work begin, and so should we… Landon Long 3270 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22143912/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_ididntcomethisfartoonlycomethi/id/1292702.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22143912 Scripture: Joshua 14:6-14:13 Sun, 25 Jun 2023 22:05:18 +0000 Landon Long Ecclesiastes proclaims that finishing is better than beginning. Finishing a project is very satisfying. However, to finish, we must begin so that we can maintain what we stated. The Bible says that God rejoices to see the work begin, and so should we. Because if we begin the work, God will finish it. God wants to complete the work and not leave it unfinished. We have not come as far as we have to, only be where we are now. Ecclesiastes proclaims that finishing is better than beginning. Finishing a project is very satisfying. However, to finish, we must begin so that we can maintain what we stated. The Bible says that God rejoices to see the work begin, and so should we. Because if we begin the work, God will finish it. God wants to complete the work and not leave it unfinished. We have not come as far as we have to, only be where we are now. Ecclesiastes proclaims that finishing is better than beginning. Finishing a project is very satisfying. However, to finish, we must begin so that we can maintain what we stated. The Bible says that God rejoices to see the work begin, and so should we… Landon Long 3270 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22143912/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ididntcomethisfartoonlycomethi/id/3979261.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22143912 Scripture: Joshua 14:6-14:13 Mon, 19 Jun 2023 01:47:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We live in a world that devalues and diminishes the role of men. Our text describes men who came to help David during a difficult time. These men came to David in his wilderness stronghold. All that came were remarkable men of valor. These eleven men left the comfort of their homes to rally around David when he was regarded as an outcast. We must recognize that God brings men into our lives to serve as leaders in difficult times. The Bible describes these men as skilled and fit for the battle. They were brave veterans who stood by David and were an example of the kind of men needed in our world. On this Father’s Day, Brother Hughes uses these men of valor to illustrate the kind of man needed to lead our families today. We live in a world that devalues and diminishes the role of men. Our text describes men who came to help David during a difficult time. These men came to David in his wilderness stronghold. All that came were remarkable men of valor. These eleven men left the comfort of their homes to rally around David when he was regarded as an outcast. We must recognize that God brings men into our lives to serve as leaders in difficult times. The Bible describes these men as skilled and fit for the battle. They were brave veterans who stood by David and were an example of the kind of men needed in our world. On this Father’s Day, Brother Hughes uses these men of valor to illustrate the kind of man needed to lead our families today. We live in a world that devalues and diminishes the role of men. Our text describes men who came to help David during a difficult time. These men came to David in his wilderness stronghold. All that came were remarkable men of valor. These eleven m… Mark Hughes 3354 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22142047/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_fitforthebattle/id/1291300.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22142047 Scripture: 1 Chronicles 12:8-12:14 Mon, 19 Jun 2023 01:47:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We live in a world that devalues and diminishes the role of men. Our text describes men who came to help David during a difficult time. These men came to David in his wilderness stronghold. All that came were remarkable men of valor. These eleven men left the comfort of their homes to rally around David when he was regarded as an outcast. We must recognize that God brings men into our lives to serve as leaders in difficult times. The Bible describes these men as skilled and fit for the battle. They were brave veterans who stood by David and were an example of the kind of men needed in our world. On this Father’s Day, Brother Hughes uses these men of valor to illustrate the kind of man needed to lead our families today. We live in a world that devalues and diminishes the role of men. Our text describes men who came to help David during a difficult time. These men came to David in his wilderness stronghold. All that came were remarkable men of valor. These eleven men left the comfort of their homes to rally around David when he was regarded as an outcast. We must recognize that God brings men into our lives to serve as leaders in difficult times. The Bible describes these men as skilled and fit for the battle. They were brave veterans who stood by David and were an example of the kind of men needed in our world. On this Father’s Day, Brother Hughes uses these men of valor to illustrate the kind of man needed to lead our families today. We live in a world that devalues and diminishes the role of men. Our text describes men who came to help David during a difficult time. These men came to David in his wilderness stronghold. All that came were remarkable men of valor. These eleven m… Mark Hughes 3354 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22142047/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_fitforthebattle/id/3977275.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22142047 Scripture: 1 Chronicles 12:8-12:14 Sun, 11 Jun 2023 20:14:51 +0000 Landon Long Some feel they have made it, but most of us are a work in progress. We are all on a journey. Our text tells us God’s work in us continues until the day of Jesus Christ. That means that none of us are complete. Our text speaks about planning for a construction project. When someone builds something, they must first consider the cost and if they have the means to complete it. We look around at businesses and buildings that sit empty and incomplete. The project started with great promise, but something happened, and work stopped along the way. The partially complete projects sit as unfinished testaments to the limitation of men. We need God to help us complete. We must acknowledge that we cannot do it alone and need His help to finish the work He began. Some feel they have made it, but most of us are a work in progress. We are all on a journey. Our text tells us God’s work in us continues until the day of Jesus Christ. That means that none of us are complete. Our text speaks about planning for a construction project. When someone builds something, they must first consider the cost and if they have the means to complete it. We look around at businesses and buildings that sit empty and incomplete. The project started with great promise, but something happened, and work stopped along the way. The partially complete projects sit as unfinished testaments to the limitation of men. We need God to help us complete. We must acknowledge that we cannot do it alone and need His help to finish the work He began. Some feel they have made it, but most of us are a work in progress. We are all on a journey. Our text tells us God’s work in us continues until the day of Jesus Christ. That means that none of us are complete. Our text speaks about planning for a c… Landon Long 2723 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22138635/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_incomplete/id/1289262.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22138635 Scripture: Luke 14:28-14:30, Philippians 1:3-1:6 Sun, 11 Jun 2023 20:14:51 +0000 Landon Long Some feel they have made it, but most of us are a work in progress. We are all on a journey. Our text tells us God’s work in us continues until the day of Jesus Christ. That means that none of us are complete. Our text speaks about planning for a construction project. When someone builds something, they must first consider the cost and if they have the means to complete it. We look around at businesses and buildings that sit empty and incomplete. The project started with great promise, but something happened, and work stopped along the way. The partially complete projects sit as unfinished testaments to the limitation of men. We need God to help us complete. We must acknowledge that we cannot do it alone and need His help to finish the work He began. Some feel they have made it, but most of us are a work in progress. We are all on a journey. Our text tells us God’s work in us continues until the day of Jesus Christ. That means that none of us are complete. Our text speaks about planning for a construction project. When someone builds something, they must first consider the cost and if they have the means to complete it. We look around at businesses and buildings that sit empty and incomplete. The project started with great promise, but something happened, and work stopped along the way. The partially complete projects sit as unfinished testaments to the limitation of men. We need God to help us complete. We must acknowledge that we cannot do it alone and need His help to finish the work He began. Some feel they have made it, but most of us are a work in progress. We are all on a journey. Our text tells us God’s work in us continues until the day of Jesus Christ. That means that none of us are complete. Our text speaks about planning for a c… Landon Long 2723 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22138635/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_incomplete/id/3973928.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22138635 Scripture: Luke 14:28-14:30, Philippians 1:3-1:6 Thu, 08 Jun 2023 00:56:00 +0000 Greg Starks Brother Starks continues his study of lessons learned from the conquest of Cannan. Brother Starks continues his study of lessons learned from the conquest of Cannan. Brother Starks continues his study of lessons learned from the conquest of Cannan.… Greg Starks 2953 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22137103/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_lessonsfromtheconquestofcannan/id/1288142.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22137103 Scripture: Joshua 2 Thu, 08 Jun 2023 00:56:00 +0000 Greg Starks Brother Starks continues his study of lessons learned from the conquest of Cannan. Brother Starks continues his study of lessons learned from the conquest of Cannan. Brother Starks continues his study of lessons learned from the conquest of Cannan.… Greg Starks 2953 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22137103/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lessonsfromtheconquestofcannan/id/3972441.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22137103 Scripture: Joshua 2 Sun, 04 Jun 2023 22:20:00 +0000 Landon Long Things happen in life that seem not to have any bearing on our journey. But there is a reason that the rain falls and the sun shines. Many things in life do not make sense to us. All of us have asked, why did that have to happen? Our humanity wants to know why. In our text, the children of Israel find themselves between promise and fulfillment. They have wandered for 40 years, and God wanted them to know that wilderness time was not a waste of time. He was working in their lives to prepare them for the promised land. What we have been through was for a purpose. He reminded them that He had led them all along the way. Do not just rejoice that we made it, but remember the victories God gave us along the way. We may not understand why when we face difficulties, but once we get there, we will see the provision, protection, and preparation that God has. God is not caught off guard by what we are facing. Maybe the things we struggle with are part of God’s plan to refine and prepare us for a brighter future. Mary tells Jesus that Lazarus would not have died if He had been there, but Jesus delayed getting there for a reason. If he had been there to keep Lazarus from dying, no one would have known his power and glory. By waiting for several days, many looked on and believed in Him. Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well was intentional. He had gone out of his way to travel through Samaria specifically to meet with her so that He would be glorified. Paul and Silas were in prison for preaching, but God knew that there was a jailer whose family needed salvation. Joseph was in a pit because his brothers conspired against him, but God had a reason for Joseph’s suffering that reached hundreds of years into the future. There is a reason for our mountain. There is a reason for our pit and our suffering. There are seasons of life, and there is a reason for these seasons. Things happen in life that seem not to have any bearing on our journey. But there is a reason that the rain falls and the sun shines. Many things in life do not make sense to us. All of us have asked, why did that have to happen? Our humanity wants to know why. In our text, the children of Israel find themselves between promise and fulfillment. They have wandered for 40 years, and God wanted them to know that wilderness time was not a waste of time. He was working in their lives to prepare them for the promised land. What we have been through was for a purpose. He reminded them that He had led them all along the way. Do not just rejoice that we made it, but remember the victories God gave us along the way. We may not understand why when we face difficulties, but once we get there, we will see the provision, protection, and preparation that God has. God is not caught off guard by what we are facing. Maybe the things we struggle with are part of God’s plan to refine and prepare us for a brighter future. Mary tells Jesus that Lazarus would not have died if He had been there, but Jesus delayed getting there for a reason. If he had been there to keep Lazarus from dying, no one would have known his power and glory. By waiting for several days, many looked on and believed in Him. Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well was intentional. He had gone out of his way to travel through Samaria specifically to meet with her so that He would be glorified. Paul and Silas were in prison for preaching, but God knew that there was a jailer whose family needed salvation. Joseph was in a pit because his brothers conspired against him, but God had a reason for Joseph’s suffering that reached hundreds of years into the future. There is a reason for our mountain. There is a reason for our pit and our suffering. There are seasons of life, and there is a reason for these seasons. Things happen in life that seem not to have any bearing on our journey. But there is a reason that the rain falls and the sun shines. Many things in life do not make sense to us. All of us have asked, why did that have to happen? Our humanity wants … Landon Long 3187 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22136664/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_toeverythingthereisareason/id/1288068.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22136664 Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1, Deuteronomy 8:1-8:6 Sun, 04 Jun 2023 22:20:00 +0000 Landon Long Things happen in life that seem not to have any bearing on our journey. But there is a reason that the rain falls and the sun shines. Many things in life do not make sense to us. All of us have asked, why did that have to happen? Our humanity wants to know why. In our text, the children of Israel find themselves between promise and fulfillment. They have wandered for 40 years, and God wanted them to know that wilderness time was not a waste of time. He was working in their lives to prepare them for the promised land. What we have been through was for a purpose. He reminded them that He had led them all along the way. Do not just rejoice that we made it, but remember the victories God gave us along the way. We may not understand why when we face difficulties, but once we get there, we will see the provision, protection, and preparation that God has. God is not caught off guard by what we are facing. Maybe the things we struggle with are part of God’s plan to refine and prepare us for a brighter future. Mary tells Jesus that Lazarus would not have died if He had been there, but Jesus delayed getting there for a reason. If he had been there to keep Lazarus from dying, no one would have known his power and glory. By waiting for several days, many looked on and believed in Him. Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well was intentional. He had gone out of his way to travel through Samaria specifically to meet with her so that He would be glorified. Paul and Silas were in prison for preaching, but God knew that there was a jailer whose family needed salvation. Joseph was in a pit because his brothers conspired against him, but God had a reason for Joseph’s suffering that reached hundreds of years into the future. There is a reason for our mountain. There is a reason for our pit and our suffering. There are seasons of life, and there is a reason for these seasons. Things happen in life that seem not to have any bearing on our journey. But there is a reason that the rain falls and the sun shines. Many things in life do not make sense to us. All of us have asked, why did that have to happen? Our humanity wants to know why. In our text, the children of Israel find themselves between promise and fulfillment. They have wandered for 40 years, and God wanted them to know that wilderness time was not a waste of time. He was working in their lives to prepare them for the promised land. What we have been through was for a purpose. He reminded them that He had led them all along the way. Do not just rejoice that we made it, but remember the victories God gave us along the way. We may not understand why when we face difficulties, but once we get there, we will see the provision, protection, and preparation that God has. God is not caught off guard by what we are facing. Maybe the things we struggle with are part of God’s plan to refine and prepare us for a brighter future. Mary tells Jesus that Lazarus would not have died if He had been there, but Jesus delayed getting there for a reason. If he had been there to keep Lazarus from dying, no one would have known his power and glory. By waiting for several days, many looked on and believed in Him. Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well was intentional. He had gone out of his way to travel through Samaria specifically to meet with her so that He would be glorified. Paul and Silas were in prison for preaching, but God knew that there was a jailer whose family needed salvation. Joseph was in a pit because his brothers conspired against him, but God had a reason for Joseph’s suffering that reached hundreds of years into the future. There is a reason for our mountain. There is a reason for our pit and our suffering. There are seasons of life, and there is a reason for these seasons. Things happen in life that seem not to have any bearing on our journey. But there is a reason that the rain falls and the sun shines. Many things in life do not make sense to us. All of us have asked, why did that have to happen? Our humanity wants … Landon Long 3187 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22136664/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_toeverythingthereisareason/id/3972315.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22136664 Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1, Deuteronomy 8:1-8:6 Sun, 04 Jun 2023 21:16:57 +0000 Mark Hughes In 1973, world-renowned psychiatrist Karl Menninger predicted that the word sin would disappear from the human vocabulary and be replaced by syndrome or social dysfunction, or other words that removed the accountability of the individual for behaviors, choices, or conduct. Everyone would be innocent because they were a victim of something. Here fifty years later, we see that he may have been right. Has sin lost its appearance of sin in our lives? Have we found a way to excuse our behavior? The Bible is clear on what sin is and how to recognize it. Time does not change God, and if God called it a sin, then it is a sin now, no matter how we may try to redefine it. Our world has redefined sin, but God’s definition has not changed. No matter what society calls it, we must call what God calls sin, sin. When we change the language and characterization of a problem, we open ourselves to un-Godly solutions. We begin to use excuses and relativism to dismiss the sin that is in our lives. In 1973, world-renowned psychiatrist Karl Menninger predicted that the word sin would disappear from the human vocabulary and be replaced by syndrome or social dysfunction, or other words that removed the accountability of the individual for behaviors, choices, or conduct. Everyone would be innocent because they were a victim of something. Here fifty years later, we see that he may have been right. Has sin lost its appearance of sin in our lives? Have we found a way to excuse our behavior? The Bible is clear on what sin is and how to recognize it. Time does not change God, and if God called it a sin, then it is a sin now, no matter how we may try to redefine it. Our world has redefined sin, but God’s definition has not changed. No matter what society calls it, we must call what God calls sin, sin. When we change the language and characterization of a problem, we open ourselves to un-Godly solutions. We begin to use excuses and relativism to dismiss the sin that is in our lives. In 1973, world-renowned psychiatrist Karl Menninger predicted that the word sin would disappear from the human vocabulary and be replaced by syndrome or social dysfunction, or other words that removed the accountability of the individual for behaviors,… Mark Hughes 3810 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22135864/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_amonsterdraggedtolight/id/1287557.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22135864 Scripture: Romans 7:7-7:13 Sun, 04 Jun 2023 21:16:57 +0000 Mark Hughes In 1973, world-renowned psychiatrist Karl Menninger predicted that the word sin would disappear from the human vocabulary and be replaced by syndrome or social dysfunction, or other words that removed the accountability of the individual for behaviors, choices, or conduct. Everyone would be innocent because they were a victim of something. Here fifty years later, we see that he may have been right. Has sin lost its appearance of sin in our lives? Have we found a way to excuse our behavior? The Bible is clear on what sin is and how to recognize it. Time does not change God, and if God called it a sin, then it is a sin now, no matter how we may try to redefine it. Our world has redefined sin, but God’s definition has not changed. No matter what society calls it, we must call what God calls sin, sin. When we change the language and characterization of a problem, we open ourselves to un-Godly solutions. We begin to use excuses and relativism to dismiss the sin that is in our lives. In 1973, world-renowned psychiatrist Karl Menninger predicted that the word sin would disappear from the human vocabulary and be replaced by syndrome or social dysfunction, or other words that removed the accountability of the individual for behaviors, choices, or conduct. Everyone would be innocent because they were a victim of something. Here fifty years later, we see that he may have been right. Has sin lost its appearance of sin in our lives? Have we found a way to excuse our behavior? The Bible is clear on what sin is and how to recognize it. Time does not change God, and if God called it a sin, then it is a sin now, no matter how we may try to redefine it. Our world has redefined sin, but God’s definition has not changed. No matter what society calls it, we must call what God calls sin, sin. When we change the language and characterization of a problem, we open ourselves to un-Godly solutions. We begin to use excuses and relativism to dismiss the sin that is in our lives. In 1973, world-renowned psychiatrist Karl Menninger predicted that the word sin would disappear from the human vocabulary and be replaced by syndrome or social dysfunction, or other words that removed the accountability of the individual for behaviors,… Mark Hughes 3810 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22135864/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_amonsterdraggedtolight/id/3971246.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22135864 Scripture: Romans 7:7-7:13 Sun, 21 May 2023 19:43:37 +0000 Mark Hughes The new testament writers often closed the chapters by summarizing the practical points of their writing. Our text today does this by relating to the Old Testimate Palm. When he states, “I will not fear what man can do to me,” it reminds us that God is with us. Whatever life is doing, we cannot let it take away the joy of our salvation. With this perspective, we can weather life’s valleys with the assurance that God is with us. Man cannot undo what God had planned and purposed for our life. In this context, man is not an individual but refers collectively to the obstacles and obstructions of life that are not of God. The Bible says that no weapon formed against me will prosper. Not all of the trouble we encounter in life is to defeat us. Often we do not recognize that the pressures and troubles of life, allow God to improve us. The source of our trouble does not matter. What is important is the source of our faith. The new testament writers often closed the chapters by summarizing the practical points of their writing. Our text today does this by relating to the Old Testimate Palm. When he states, “I will not fear what man can do to me,” it reminds us that God is with us. Whatever life is doing, we cannot let it take away the joy of our salvation. With this perspective, we can weather life’s valleys with the assurance that God is with us. Man cannot undo what God had planned and purposed for our life. In this context, man is not an individual but refers collectively to the obstacles and obstructions of life that are not of God. The Bible says that no weapon formed against me will prosper. Not all of the trouble we encounter in life is to defeat us. Often we do not recognize that the pressures and troubles of life, allow God to improve us. The source of our trouble does not matter. What is important is the source of our faith. The new testament writers often closed the chapters by summarizing the practical points of their writing. Our text today does this by relating to the Old Testimate Palm. When he states, “I will not fear what man can do to me,” it reminds us that God … Mark Hughes 2423 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22130330/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_declaringwhatgoddecrees/id/1284008.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22130330 Scripture: Hebrews 13:1-13:6 Sun, 21 May 2023 19:43:37 +0000 Mark Hughes The new testament writers often closed the chapters by summarizing the practical points of their writing. Our text today does this by relating to the Old Testimate Palm. When he states, “I will not fear what man can do to me,” it reminds us that God is with us. Whatever life is doing, we cannot let it take away the joy of our salvation. With this perspective, we can weather life’s valleys with the assurance that God is with us. Man cannot undo what God had planned and purposed for our life. In this context, man is not an individual but refers collectively to the obstacles and obstructions of life that are not of God. The Bible says that no weapon formed against me will prosper. Not all of the trouble we encounter in life is to defeat us. Often we do not recognize that the pressures and troubles of life, allow God to improve us. The source of our trouble does not matter. What is important is the source of our faith. The new testament writers often closed the chapters by summarizing the practical points of their writing. Our text today does this by relating to the Old Testimate Palm. When he states, “I will not fear what man can do to me,” it reminds us that God is with us. Whatever life is doing, we cannot let it take away the joy of our salvation. With this perspective, we can weather life’s valleys with the assurance that God is with us. Man cannot undo what God had planned and purposed for our life. In this context, man is not an individual but refers collectively to the obstacles and obstructions of life that are not of God. The Bible says that no weapon formed against me will prosper. Not all of the trouble we encounter in life is to defeat us. Often we do not recognize that the pressures and troubles of life, allow God to improve us. The source of our trouble does not matter. What is important is the source of our faith. The new testament writers often closed the chapters by summarizing the practical points of their writing. Our text today does this by relating to the Old Testimate Palm. When he states, “I will not fear what man can do to me,” it reminds us that God … Mark Hughes 2423 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22130330/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_declaringwhatgoddecrees/id/3965820.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22130330 Scripture: Hebrews 13:1-13:6 Sun, 14 May 2023 21:02:11 +0000 Mark Hughes On this Mother’s Day, Brother Hughes uses the Old Testimate story of Deborah to exemplify the role God intended for women to be. On this Mother’s Day, Brother Hughes uses the Old Testimate story of Deborah to exemplify the role God intended for women to be. On this Mother’s Day, Brother Hughes uses the Old Testimate story of Deborah to exemplify the role God intended for women to be. … Mark Hughes 2488 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22127687/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_mothersarise/id/1282294.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22127687 Scripture: Judges 5:6-5:7 Sun, 14 May 2023 21:02:11 +0000 Mark Hughes On this Mother’s Day, Brother Hughes uses the Old Testimate story of Deborah to exemplify the role God intended for women to be. On this Mother’s Day, Brother Hughes uses the Old Testimate story of Deborah to exemplify the role God intended for women to be. On this Mother’s Day, Brother Hughes uses the Old Testimate story of Deborah to exemplify the role God intended for women to be. … Mark Hughes 2488 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22127687/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_mothersarise/id/3963209.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22127687 Scripture: Judges 5:6-5:7 Wed, 10 May 2023 19:11:00 +0000 Greg Starks Tonight Brother Starks continues his series on God’s deliverance. Tonight Brother Starks continues his series on God’s deliverance. Tonight Brother Starks continues his series on God’s deliverance.… Greg Starks 2686 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22127589/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_godsdeliverance/id/1282218.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22127589 Scripture: Joshua 3:1-3:6 Wed, 10 May 2023 19:11:00 +0000 Greg Starks Tonight Brother Starks continues his series on God’s deliverance. Tonight Brother Starks continues his series on God’s deliverance. Tonight Brother Starks continues his series on God’s deliverance.… Greg Starks 2686 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22127589/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godsdeliverance/id/3963112.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22127589 Scripture: Joshua 3:1-3:6 Mon, 24 Apr 2023 02:45:24 +0000 Landon Long Whatever IT is, you are well able to overcome it. Trouble will come into all lives. It might be an enemy, it might be a friend, and often it is our own thinking that is against us. We all have an IT that we must overcome to enter the promised land. Our text is the report of the spies sent to scout the land God had promised. They returned with a report confirming that the land was all God had said it would be. There is no denying the greatness that He had promised. However, the spies went on to describe strong cities and strong people, and they were detracted from walking into the promise that God had for them. Twelve went in, and only two were optimistic they could possess it. Ten of them had fears and doubts. These ten looked at reality and determined that they could not do it. They discounted God’s involvement in the situation. God had already determined the outcome; all they needed to do was step in and possess the land. Whatever IT is, you are well able to overcome it. Trouble will come into all lives. It might be an enemy, it might be a friend, and often it is our own thinking that is against us. We all have an IT that we must overcome to enter the promised land. Our text is the report of the spies sent to scout the land God had promised. They returned with a report confirming that the land was all God had said it would be. There is no denying the greatness that He had promised. However, the spies went on to describe strong cities and strong people, and they were detracted from walking into the promise that God had for them. Twelve went in, and only two were optimistic they could possess it. Ten of them had fears and doubts. These ten looked at reality and determined that they could not do it. They discounted God’s involvement in the situation. God had already determined the outcome; all they needed to do was step in and possess the land. Whatever IT is, you are well able to overcome it. Trouble will come into all lives. It might be an enemy, it might be a friend, and often it is our own thinking that is against us. We all have an IT that we must overcome to enter the promised land. … Landon Long 2650 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22119423/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_wearewellabletoovercomeit/id/1277031.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22119423 Scripture: Numbers 13:23-13:33 Mon, 24 Apr 2023 02:45:24 +0000 Landon Long Whatever IT is, you are well able to overcome it. Trouble will come into all lives. It might be an enemy, it might be a friend, and often it is our own thinking that is against us. We all have an IT that we must overcome to enter the promised land. Our text is the report of the spies sent to scout the land God had promised. They returned with a report confirming that the land was all God had said it would be. There is no denying the greatness that He had promised. However, the spies went on to describe strong cities and strong people, and they were detracted from walking into the promise that God had for them. Twelve went in, and only two were optimistic they could possess it. Ten of them had fears and doubts. These ten looked at reality and determined that they could not do it. They discounted God’s involvement in the situation. God had already determined the outcome; all they needed to do was step in and possess the land. Whatever IT is, you are well able to overcome it. Trouble will come into all lives. It might be an enemy, it might be a friend, and often it is our own thinking that is against us. We all have an IT that we must overcome to enter the promised land. Our text is the report of the spies sent to scout the land God had promised. They returned with a report confirming that the land was all God had said it would be. There is no denying the greatness that He had promised. However, the spies went on to describe strong cities and strong people, and they were detracted from walking into the promise that God had for them. Twelve went in, and only two were optimistic they could possess it. Ten of them had fears and doubts. These ten looked at reality and determined that they could not do it. They discounted God’s involvement in the situation. God had already determined the outcome; all they needed to do was step in and possess the land. Whatever IT is, you are well able to overcome it. Trouble will come into all lives. It might be an enemy, it might be a friend, and often it is our own thinking that is against us. We all have an IT that we must overcome to enter the promised land. … Landon Long 2650 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22119423/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wearewellabletoovercomeit/id/3955106.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22119423 Scripture: Numbers 13:23-13:33 Sun, 23 Apr 2023 19:16:36 +0000 Mark Hughes If you are stressed over the things you are facing in life or are overwhelmed by feelings that you are not enough, this message is a word to you. According to the word of God, you were made for this moment. Our text from three different scriptures sees the disciples facing a situation that was beyond their ability. In each case, the Lord responds that they lacked faith. He was not questioning the existence of their faith but that they failed to recognize the full potential of what was inside them. It is in us. We do not have to pray it down, God has already deposited it in our souls. We must wake up and recognize what we have and its potential. When we understand the potential of faith, we recognize our power to overcome whatever life brings our way. The Bible says that one grain of faith is all that it takes. Too often, we are overwhelmed by the voices that tell us that we are not enough and will never be enough. Those voices contradict the word of God. We must quit letting our past failures determine our future. We are trapped by our own thoughts that cannot leave our failures behind and look to God's future for us. Our text is clear that with only a small amount of faith, we can overcome our past and our dim view of ourselves. God’s word says we are forgiven. We were made for this moment. If you are stressed over the things you are facing in life or are overwhelmed by feelings that you are not enough, this message is a word to you. According to the word of God, you were made for this moment. Our text from three different scriptures sees the disciples facing a situation that was beyond their ability. In each case, the Lord responds that they lacked faith. He was not questioning the existence of their faith but that they failed to recognize the full potential of what was inside them. It is in us. We do not have to pray it down, God has already deposited it in our souls. We must wake up and recognize what we have and its potential. When we understand the potential of faith, we recognize our power to overcome whatever life brings our way. The Bible says that one grain of faith is all that it takes. Too often, we are overwhelmed by the voices that tell us that we are not enough and will never be enough. Those voices contradict the word of God. We must quit letting our past failures determine our future. We are trapped by our own thoughts that cannot leave our failures behind and look to God's future for us. Our text is clear that with only a small amount of faith, we can overcome our past and our dim view of ourselves. God’s word says we are forgiven. We were made for this moment. If you are stressed over the things you are facing in life or are overwhelmed by feelings that you are not enough, this message is a word to you. According to the word of God, you were made for this moment. Our text from three different scriptures se… Mark Hughes 1667 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22119086/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_madeforthismoment/id/1276810.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22119086 Scripture: Matthew 17:19-17:20, Matthew 21:19-21:20, Luke 17:5-17:6 Sun, 23 Apr 2023 19:16:36 +0000 Mark Hughes If you are stressed over the things you are facing in life or are overwhelmed by feelings that you are not enough, this message is a word to you. According to the word of God, you were made for this moment. Our text from three different scriptures sees the disciples facing a situation that was beyond their ability. In each case, the Lord responds that they lacked faith. He was not questioning the existence of their faith but that they failed to recognize the full potential of what was inside them. It is in us. We do not have to pray it down, God has already deposited it in our souls. We must wake up and recognize what we have and its potential. When we understand the potential of faith, we recognize our power to overcome whatever life brings our way. The Bible says that one grain of faith is all that it takes. Too often, we are overwhelmed by the voices that tell us that we are not enough and will never be enough. Those voices contradict the word of God. We must quit letting our past failures determine our future. We are trapped by our own thoughts that cannot leave our failures behind and look to God's future for us. Our text is clear that with only a small amount of faith, we can overcome our past and our dim view of ourselves. God’s word says we are forgiven. We were made for this moment. If you are stressed over the things you are facing in life or are overwhelmed by feelings that you are not enough, this message is a word to you. According to the word of God, you were made for this moment. Our text from three different scriptures sees the disciples facing a situation that was beyond their ability. In each case, the Lord responds that they lacked faith. He was not questioning the existence of their faith but that they failed to recognize the full potential of what was inside them. It is in us. We do not have to pray it down, God has already deposited it in our souls. We must wake up and recognize what we have and its potential. When we understand the potential of faith, we recognize our power to overcome whatever life brings our way. The Bible says that one grain of faith is all that it takes. Too often, we are overwhelmed by the voices that tell us that we are not enough and will never be enough. Those voices contradict the word of God. We must quit letting our past failures determine our future. We are trapped by our own thoughts that cannot leave our failures behind and look to God's future for us. Our text is clear that with only a small amount of faith, we can overcome our past and our dim view of ourselves. God’s word says we are forgiven. We were made for this moment. If you are stressed over the things you are facing in life or are overwhelmed by feelings that you are not enough, this message is a word to you. According to the word of God, you were made for this moment. Our text from three different scriptures se… Mark Hughes 1667 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22119086/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_madeforthismoment/id/3954737.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22119086 Scripture: Matthew 17:19-17:20, Matthew 21:19-21:20, Luke 17:5-17:6 Wed, 19 Apr 2023 20:45:00 +0000 Mark Hughes What indicators can you look for in a church that indicates they are true Christ followers? In chapter 14 of Romans, Paul dealt with the church about being mindful of others, especially those not as mature in their faith. We all desire to go to the same place, and our goal should be to go to heaven with as many people as possible. In Chapter 15, Paul lists a church's characteristics that align with God’s ideals. The first is to consider others. We must learn how to deal with the weaknesses of those less strong in their faith. What would happen if our thoughts were not about ourselves but each other? Surround everyone with an atmosphere of love so that they can grow spiritually. Secondly, a Godly fellowship would love the word of God. And third, is that a Christian fellowship would operate with fortitude. We as a people must understand that there is endurance and stamina required for living with God. The rain falls on the just and unjust. Life happens to everyone, and living for God does not exempt us from experiencing trials, pains, and troubles. God’s people must have resilience. What indicators can you look for in a church that indicates they are true Christ followers? In chapter 14 of Romans, Paul dealt with the church about being mindful of others, especially those not as mature in their faith. We all desire to go to the same place, and our goal should be to go to heaven with as many people as possible. In Chapter 15, Paul lists a church's characteristics that align with God’s ideals. The first is to consider others. We must learn how to deal with the weaknesses of those less strong in their faith. What would happen if our thoughts were not about ourselves but each other? Surround everyone with an atmosphere of love so that they can grow spiritually. Secondly, a Godly fellowship would love the word of God. And third, is that a Christian fellowship would operate with fortitude. We as a people must understand that there is endurance and stamina required for living with God. The rain falls on the just and unjust. Life happens to everyone, and living for God does not exempt us from experiencing trials, pains, and troubles. God’s people must have resilience. What indicators can you look for in a church that indicates they are true Christ followers? In chapter 14 of Romans, Paul dealt with the church about being mindful of others, especially those not as mature in their faith. We all desire to go to the s… Mark Hughes 3246 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22117773/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_indicatorsoftruechristianfello/id/1275813.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22117773 Scripture: Romans 15:1-15:6 Wed, 19 Apr 2023 20:45:00 +0000 Mark Hughes What indicators can you look for in a church that indicates they are true Christ followers? In chapter 14 of Romans, Paul dealt with the church about being mindful of others, especially those not as mature in their faith. We all desire to go to the same place, and our goal should be to go to heaven with as many people as possible. In Chapter 15, Paul lists a church's characteristics that align with God’s ideals. The first is to consider others. We must learn how to deal with the weaknesses of those less strong in their faith. What would happen if our thoughts were not about ourselves but each other? Surround everyone with an atmosphere of love so that they can grow spiritually. Secondly, a Godly fellowship would love the word of God. And third, is that a Christian fellowship would operate with fortitude. We as a people must understand that there is endurance and stamina required for living with God. The rain falls on the just and unjust. Life happens to everyone, and living for God does not exempt us from experiencing trials, pains, and troubles. God’s people must have resilience. What indicators can you look for in a church that indicates they are true Christ followers? In chapter 14 of Romans, Paul dealt with the church about being mindful of others, especially those not as mature in their faith. We all desire to go to the same place, and our goal should be to go to heaven with as many people as possible. In Chapter 15, Paul lists a church's characteristics that align with God’s ideals. The first is to consider others. We must learn how to deal with the weaknesses of those less strong in their faith. What would happen if our thoughts were not about ourselves but each other? Surround everyone with an atmosphere of love so that they can grow spiritually. Secondly, a Godly fellowship would love the word of God. And third, is that a Christian fellowship would operate with fortitude. We as a people must understand that there is endurance and stamina required for living with God. The rain falls on the just and unjust. Life happens to everyone, and living for God does not exempt us from experiencing trials, pains, and troubles. God’s people must have resilience. What indicators can you look for in a church that indicates they are true Christ followers? In chapter 14 of Romans, Paul dealt with the church about being mindful of others, especially those not as mature in their faith. We all desire to go to the s… Mark Hughes 3246 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22117773/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_indicatorsoftruechristianfello/id/3953497.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22117773 Scripture: Romans 15:1-15:6 Mon, 17 Apr 2023 02:03:00 +0000 Landon Long The word pit usually means an undesirable place or condition. A pit is not a place where we want to spend any time. The Psalmist says a pit is a place where God cannot hear your cry. Isolation is horrible, and we must remember that we are never truly alone because God is with us. Brother Long uses stories of people who found themselves in a pit to teach us how to survive life in the pits. The word pit usually means an undesirable place or condition. A pit is not a place where we want to spend any time. The Psalmist says a pit is a place where God cannot hear your cry. Isolation is horrible, and we must remember that we are never truly alone because God is with us. Brother Long uses stories of people who found themselves in a pit to teach us how to survive life in the pits. The word pit usually means an undesirable place or condition. A pit is not a place where we want to spend any time. The Psalmist says a pit is a place where God cannot hear your cry. Isolation is horrible, and we must remember that we are never trul… Landon Long 2840 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22116849/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_lifeinthepits/id/1275274.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22116849 Scripture: Jeremiah 38:6-38:13 Mon, 17 Apr 2023 02:03:00 +0000 Landon Long The word pit usually means an undesirable place or condition. A pit is not a place where we want to spend any time. The Psalmist says a pit is a place where God cannot hear your cry. Isolation is horrible, and we must remember that we are never truly alone because God is with us. Brother Long uses stories of people who found themselves in a pit to teach us how to survive life in the pits. The word pit usually means an undesirable place or condition. A pit is not a place where we want to spend any time. The Psalmist says a pit is a place where God cannot hear your cry. Isolation is horrible, and we must remember that we are never truly alone because God is with us. Brother Long uses stories of people who found themselves in a pit to teach us how to survive life in the pits. The word pit usually means an undesirable place or condition. A pit is not a place where we want to spend any time. The Psalmist says a pit is a place where God cannot hear your cry. Isolation is horrible, and we must remember that we are never trul… Landon Long 2840 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22116849/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lifeinthepits/id/3952590.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22116849 Scripture: Jeremiah 38:6-38:13 Thu, 13 Apr 2023 00:51:00 +0000 Landon Long Tonight Brother Long teaches from this subject: Disrupting Families. Tonight Brother Long teaches from this subject: Disrupting Families. Tonight Brother Long teaches from this subject: Disrupting Families.… Landon Long 2656 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22114983/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_disruptingfamilies/id/1274029.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22114983 Scripture: Titus 1:10-1:11 Thu, 13 Apr 2023 00:51:00 +0000 Landon Long Tonight Brother Long teaches from this subject: Disrupting Families. Tonight Brother Long teaches from this subject: Disrupting Families. Tonight Brother Long teaches from this subject: Disrupting Families.… Landon Long 2656 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22114983/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_disruptingfamilies/id/3950745.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22114983 Scripture: Titus 1:10-1:11 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 01:18:26 +0000 Mark Hughes The discovery of the Empty Tomb has meant more that mankind than any other discovery in history. After all the disciples had witnessed, the empty tomb was almost beyond their understanding. Jesus had told them what would happen, but seeing it in person baffled them. They believed in resurrection but could not comprehend that it would happen now. Jesus left four things in the grave that are notable. First, our text from Matthew describes the sealed tomb. The seal guaranteed that no one tampered with the grave under penalty of law. But that morning, Peter and John discovered that Jesus had risen despite the efforts and guarantees of the government. Jesus can break any seal or binding that life may have on us. The second thing to note is that Jesus left the tomb empty. The pyramids have bodies of deceased pharaohs and kings. Westminster Abby has the remains of many notable people. The Taj Mahal was built to hold the body of the ruler’s wife. But the tomb we recognize today was empty. He is not here, just like He said, He has risen. The third thing to note is that the grave clothes were there. The Bible describes how they were arranged and folded in detail and that they retained the body's shape. The only difference was that Jesus was not bound up inside them. The final thing left behind was the spices. The burial custom at the time was to wrap the body in linens and then would lay the spices (up to 100 lbs) on top of the body to help preserve the body and embalm the body as best they could at the time. These spices have a particular smell that reminds us that our lives should have a distinct aroma that separates us from the world. The discovery of the Empty Tomb has meant more that mankind than any other discovery in history. After all the disciples had witnessed, the empty tomb was almost beyond their understanding. Jesus had told them what would happen, but seeing it in person baffled them. They believed in resurrection but could not comprehend that it would happen now. Jesus left four things in the grave that are notable. First, our text from Matthew describes the sealed tomb. The seal guaranteed that no one tampered with the grave under penalty of law. But that morning, Peter and John discovered that Jesus had risen despite the efforts and guarantees of the government. Jesus can break any seal or binding that life may have on us. The second thing to note is that Jesus left the tomb empty. The pyramids have bodies of deceased pharaohs and kings. Westminster Abby has the remains of many notable people. The Taj Mahal was built to hold the body of the ruler’s wife. But the tomb we recognize today was empty. He is not here, just like He said, He has risen. The third thing to note is that the grave clothes were there. The Bible describes how they were arranged and folded in detail and that they retained the body's shape. The only difference was that Jesus was not bound up inside them. The final thing left behind was the spices. The burial custom at the time was to wrap the body in linens and then would lay the spices (up to 100 lbs) on top of the body to help preserve the body and embalm the body as best they could at the time. These spices have a particular smell that reminds us that our lives should have a distinct aroma that separates us from the world. The discovery of the Empty Tomb has meant more that mankind than any other discovery in history. After all the disciples had witnessed, the empty tomb was almost beyond their understanding. Jesus had told them what would happen, but seeing it in pers… Mark Hughes 2522 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22113541/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whatheleftbehind/id/1273280.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22113541 Scripture: Matthew 27:62-27:66, John 20:1-20:9 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 01:18:26 +0000 Mark Hughes The discovery of the Empty Tomb has meant more that mankind than any other discovery in history. After all the disciples had witnessed, the empty tomb was almost beyond their understanding. Jesus had told them what would happen, but seeing it in person baffled them. They believed in resurrection but could not comprehend that it would happen now. Jesus left four things in the grave that are notable. First, our text from Matthew describes the sealed tomb. The seal guaranteed that no one tampered with the grave under penalty of law. But that morning, Peter and John discovered that Jesus had risen despite the efforts and guarantees of the government. Jesus can break any seal or binding that life may have on us. The second thing to note is that Jesus left the tomb empty. The pyramids have bodies of deceased pharaohs and kings. Westminster Abby has the remains of many notable people. The Taj Mahal was built to hold the body of the ruler’s wife. But the tomb we recognize today was empty. He is not here, just like He said, He has risen. The third thing to note is that the grave clothes were there. The Bible describes how they were arranged and folded in detail and that they retained the body's shape. The only difference was that Jesus was not bound up inside them. The final thing left behind was the spices. The burial custom at the time was to wrap the body in linens and then would lay the spices (up to 100 lbs) on top of the body to help preserve the body and embalm the body as best they could at the time. These spices have a particular smell that reminds us that our lives should have a distinct aroma that separates us from the world. The discovery of the Empty Tomb has meant more that mankind than any other discovery in history. After all the disciples had witnessed, the empty tomb was almost beyond their understanding. Jesus had told them what would happen, but seeing it in person baffled them. They believed in resurrection but could not comprehend that it would happen now. Jesus left four things in the grave that are notable. First, our text from Matthew describes the sealed tomb. The seal guaranteed that no one tampered with the grave under penalty of law. But that morning, Peter and John discovered that Jesus had risen despite the efforts and guarantees of the government. Jesus can break any seal or binding that life may have on us. The second thing to note is that Jesus left the tomb empty. The pyramids have bodies of deceased pharaohs and kings. Westminster Abby has the remains of many notable people. The Taj Mahal was built to hold the body of the ruler’s wife. But the tomb we recognize today was empty. He is not here, just like He said, He has risen. The third thing to note is that the grave clothes were there. The Bible describes how they were arranged and folded in detail and that they retained the body's shape. The only difference was that Jesus was not bound up inside them. The final thing left behind was the spices. The burial custom at the time was to wrap the body in linens and then would lay the spices (up to 100 lbs) on top of the body to help preserve the body and embalm the body as best they could at the time. These spices have a particular smell that reminds us that our lives should have a distinct aroma that separates us from the world. The discovery of the Empty Tomb has meant more that mankind than any other discovery in history. After all the disciples had witnessed, the empty tomb was almost beyond their understanding. Jesus had told them what would happen, but seeing it in pers… Mark Hughes 2522 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22113541/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatheleftbehind/id/3949350.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22113541 Scripture: Matthew 27:62-27:66, John 20:1-20:9 Thu, 06 Apr 2023 02:22:00 +0000 James Hughes God’s people have a desire for spiritual things. They try to satisfy this in many ways, but one characteristic is missing from many people that will keep them from having true spirituality. 1 Corinthians 13 describes this one thing: Love. It is easy to love someone when they are lovable, but the real test of love is how we react when people are difficult to love. Our human nature does not want to turn the other cheek. Our world teaches us that we love people if they treat us with respect. That is contrary to the word of God. God says to love. No conditions. No prerequisite. Just love. Tonight, Dr. Hughes teaches on A More Excellent Way: Love. God’s people have a desire for spiritual things. They try to satisfy this in many ways, but one characteristic is missing from many people that will keep them from having true spirituality. 1 Corinthians 13 describes this one thing: Love. It is easy to love someone when they are lovable, but the real test of love is how we react when people are difficult to love. Our human nature does not want to turn the other cheek. Our world teaches us that we love people if they treat us with respect. That is contrary to the word of God. God says to love. No conditions. No prerequisite. Just love. Tonight, Dr. Hughes teaches on A More Excellent Way: Love. God’s people have a desire for spiritual things. They try to satisfy this in many ways, but one characteristic is missing from many people that will keep them from having true spirituality. 1 Corinthians 13 describes this one thing: Love. It is eas… James Hughes 3419 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22113407/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_amoreexcellentway/id/1273248.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22113407 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:1-12:4, 1 Corinthians 12:31 Thu, 06 Apr 2023 02:22:00 +0000 James Hughes God’s people have a desire for spiritual things. They try to satisfy this in many ways, but one characteristic is missing from many people that will keep them from having true spirituality. 1 Corinthians 13 describes this one thing: Love. It is easy to love someone when they are lovable, but the real test of love is how we react when people are difficult to love. Our human nature does not want to turn the other cheek. Our world teaches us that we love people if they treat us with respect. That is contrary to the word of God. God says to love. No conditions. No prerequisite. Just love. Tonight, Dr. Hughes teaches on A More Excellent Way: Love. God’s people have a desire for spiritual things. They try to satisfy this in many ways, but one characteristic is missing from many people that will keep them from having true spirituality. 1 Corinthians 13 describes this one thing: Love. It is easy to love someone when they are lovable, but the real test of love is how we react when people are difficult to love. Our human nature does not want to turn the other cheek. Our world teaches us that we love people if they treat us with respect. That is contrary to the word of God. God says to love. No conditions. No prerequisite. Just love. Tonight, Dr. Hughes teaches on A More Excellent Way: Love. God’s people have a desire for spiritual things. They try to satisfy this in many ways, but one characteristic is missing from many people that will keep them from having true spirituality. 1 Corinthians 13 describes this one thing: Love. It is eas… James Hughes 3419 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22113407/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_amoreexcellentway/id/3949280.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22113407 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:1-12:4, 1 Corinthians 12:31 Mon, 03 Apr 2023 22:43:22 +0000 Kenneth Baker We love the prosperity gospel. We readily receive messages about blessings and increase. Often we hear the preacher talking about blessing, but we look at our own circumstances and see storms and trials, not blessings. We can complain about our life and where we are, but even in dire circumstances, God wants us to increase. In our text, Israel was facing 70 years of Babylonian captivity. But even in that circumstance, God wanted them to increase. Even when it is dark, while waiting for prosperity to arrive, we need to praise and worship God for His goodness. The trial does not end because we choose to deny it. The storm does not end because we get our umbrellas. While we are in the storm, we must praise Him. We can increase, or we can diminish, and that outcome is totally our decision. Our circumstances should not change who we are and what we do. If we can praise in the good times, we must also praise in the down times. We love the prosperity gospel. We readily receive messages about blessings and increase. Often we hear the preacher talking about blessing, but we look at our own circumstances and see storms and trials, not blessings. We can complain about our life and where we are, but even in dire circumstances, God wants us to increase. In our text, Israel was facing 70 years of Babylonian captivity. But even in that circumstance, God wanted them to increase. Even when it is dark, while waiting for prosperity to arrive, we need to praise and worship God for His goodness. The trial does not end because we choose to deny it. The storm does not end because we get our umbrellas. While we are in the storm, we must praise Him. We can increase, or we can diminish, and that outcome is totally our decision. Our circumstances should not change who we are and what we do. If we can praise in the good times, we must also praise in the down times. We love the prosperity gospel. We readily receive messages about blessings and increase. Often we hear the preacher talking about blessing, but we look at our own circumstances and see storms and trials, not blessings. We can complain about our life… Kenneth Baker 2469 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22110689/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_increasedthere/id/1271215.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22110689 Scripture: Jeremiah 29:4-29:6, Jeremiah 29:10-29:11 Mon, 03 Apr 2023 22:43:22 +0000 Kenneth Baker We love the prosperity gospel. We readily receive messages about blessings and increase. Often we hear the preacher talking about blessing, but we look at our own circumstances and see storms and trials, not blessings. We can complain about our life and where we are, but even in dire circumstances, God wants us to increase. In our text, Israel was facing 70 years of Babylonian captivity. But even in that circumstance, God wanted them to increase. Even when it is dark, while waiting for prosperity to arrive, we need to praise and worship God for His goodness. The trial does not end because we choose to deny it. The storm does not end because we get our umbrellas. While we are in the storm, we must praise Him. We can increase, or we can diminish, and that outcome is totally our decision. Our circumstances should not change who we are and what we do. If we can praise in the good times, we must also praise in the down times. We love the prosperity gospel. We readily receive messages about blessings and increase. Often we hear the preacher talking about blessing, but we look at our own circumstances and see storms and trials, not blessings. We can complain about our life and where we are, but even in dire circumstances, God wants us to increase. In our text, Israel was facing 70 years of Babylonian captivity. But even in that circumstance, God wanted them to increase. Even when it is dark, while waiting for prosperity to arrive, we need to praise and worship God for His goodness. The trial does not end because we choose to deny it. The storm does not end because we get our umbrellas. While we are in the storm, we must praise Him. We can increase, or we can diminish, and that outcome is totally our decision. Our circumstances should not change who we are and what we do. If we can praise in the good times, we must also praise in the down times. We love the prosperity gospel. We readily receive messages about blessings and increase. Often we hear the preacher talking about blessing, but we look at our own circumstances and see storms and trials, not blessings. We can complain about our life… Kenneth Baker 2469 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22110689/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_increasedthere/id/3946558.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22110689 Scripture: Jeremiah 29:4-29:6, Jeremiah 29:10-29:11 Mon, 03 Apr 2023 22:12:56 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text says he was tempted in all ways like we are. He faced loss, disappointment, betrayal, and so much more. We can take all to Him, and He can encourage us from a place of understanding. He knows where we are and what we are going through. Jesus will meet us with grace, and his judgment will come from a place of mercy. He came to earth in fleshly form and experienced all that we do, so we can approach Him with all that confronts us, and He can respond from a place of understanding and compassion. Our text says he was tempted in all ways like we are. He faced loss, disappointment, betrayal, and so much more. We can take all to Him, and He can encourage us from a place of understanding. He knows where we are and what we are going through. Jesus will meet us with grace, and his judgment will come from a place of mercy. He came to earth in fleshly form and experienced all that we do, so we can approach Him with all that confronts us, and He can respond from a place of understanding and compassion. Our text says he was tempted in all ways like we are. He faced loss, disappointment, betrayal, and so much more. We can take all to Him, and He can encourage us from a place of understanding. He knows where we are and what we are going through. Jesus … Mark Hughes 2775 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22110683/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_gracesmessagetoourtroubledhear/id/1271207.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22110683 Scripture: Hebrews 4:12-4:15 Mon, 03 Apr 2023 22:12:56 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text says he was tempted in all ways like we are. He faced loss, disappointment, betrayal, and so much more. We can take all to Him, and He can encourage us from a place of understanding. He knows where we are and what we are going through. Jesus will meet us with grace, and his judgment will come from a place of mercy. He came to earth in fleshly form and experienced all that we do, so we can approach Him with all that confronts us, and He can respond from a place of understanding and compassion. Our text says he was tempted in all ways like we are. He faced loss, disappointment, betrayal, and so much more. We can take all to Him, and He can encourage us from a place of understanding. He knows where we are and what we are going through. Jesus will meet us with grace, and his judgment will come from a place of mercy. He came to earth in fleshly form and experienced all that we do, so we can approach Him with all that confronts us, and He can respond from a place of understanding and compassion. Our text says he was tempted in all ways like we are. He faced loss, disappointment, betrayal, and so much more. We can take all to Him, and He can encourage us from a place of understanding. He knows where we are and what we are going through. Jesus … Mark Hughes 2775 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22110683/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_gracesmessagetoourtroubledhear/id/3946545.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22110683 Scripture: Hebrews 4:12-4:15 Thu, 30 Mar 2023 02:34:51 +0000 Greg Starks On-demand is the expectation of the day. We have come to expect things we want immediately, and when there is a delay or interruption, we become irritated. That expectation leaks over into our spiritual life. God is capable of immediate. The Bible is full of stories of miraculous healings that happened instantaneously. But time is of no consequence to God. According to second Peter, one day is like a thousand years. We do not understand God’s timing. Israel was in Egyptian bondage for 400 years, and when He was ready to free them, He did it overnight. However, when the same people massed to occupy the promised land, God told them that he would deliver the land, but it would take some time. Sometimes what God has planned requires a process to fulfill. Tonight Brother Starks explores the instantaneous and that which takes time. On-demand is the expectation of the day. We have come to expect things we want immediately, and when there is a delay or interruption, we become irritated. That expectation leaks over into our spiritual life. God is capable of immediate. The Bible is full of stories of miraculous healings that happened instantaneously. But time is of no consequence to God. According to second Peter, one day is like a thousand years. We do not understand God’s timing. Israel was in Egyptian bondage for 400 years, and when He was ready to free them, He did it overnight. However, when the same people massed to occupy the promised land, God told them that he would deliver the land, but it would take some time. Sometimes what God has planned requires a process to fulfill. Tonight Brother Starks explores the instantaneous and that which takes time. On-demand is the expectation of the day. We have come to expect things we want immediately, and when there is a delay or interruption, we become irritated. That expectation leaks over into our spiritual life. God is capable of immediate. The Bible … Greg Starks 2773 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22108354/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_littlebylittleorrightnow/id/1269786.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22108354 Scripture: Exodus 23:20-23:30 Thu, 30 Mar 2023 02:34:51 +0000 Greg Starks On-demand is the expectation of the day. We have come to expect things we want immediately, and when there is a delay or interruption, we become irritated. That expectation leaks over into our spiritual life. God is capable of immediate. The Bible is full of stories of miraculous healings that happened instantaneously. But time is of no consequence to God. According to second Peter, one day is like a thousand years. We do not understand God’s timing. Israel was in Egyptian bondage for 400 years, and when He was ready to free them, He did it overnight. However, when the same people massed to occupy the promised land, God told them that he would deliver the land, but it would take some time. Sometimes what God has planned requires a process to fulfill. Tonight Brother Starks explores the instantaneous and that which takes time. On-demand is the expectation of the day. We have come to expect things we want immediately, and when there is a delay or interruption, we become irritated. That expectation leaks over into our spiritual life. God is capable of immediate. The Bible is full of stories of miraculous healings that happened instantaneously. But time is of no consequence to God. According to second Peter, one day is like a thousand years. We do not understand God’s timing. Israel was in Egyptian bondage for 400 years, and when He was ready to free them, He did it overnight. However, when the same people massed to occupy the promised land, God told them that he would deliver the land, but it would take some time. Sometimes what God has planned requires a process to fulfill. Tonight Brother Starks explores the instantaneous and that which takes time. On-demand is the expectation of the day. We have come to expect things we want immediately, and when there is a delay or interruption, we become irritated. That expectation leaks over into our spiritual life. God is capable of immediate. The Bible … Greg Starks 2773 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22108354/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_littlebylittleorrightnow/id/3944294.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22108354 Scripture: Exodus 23:20-23:30 Mon, 27 Mar 2023 01:20:24 +0000 Mark Hughes Jesus, speaking to those who were the keepers of the law, tells them that He speaks what he has seen from His father and that they repeat what their father had said. It matters who the father of our words, thoughts, and deeds is. Our relationships matter, and we will affect the character of those that influence us. Jesus, speaking to those who were the keepers of the law, tells them that He speaks what he has seen from His father and that they repeat what their father had said. It matters who the father of our words, thoughts, and deeds is. Our relationships matter, and we will affect the character of those that influence us. Jesus, speaking to those who were the keepers of the law, tells them that He speaks what he has seen from His father and that they repeat what their father had said. It matters who the father of our words, thoughts, and deeds is. Our relationships ma… Mark Hughes 3158 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22106905/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_itmatterswhoyourfatheris/id/1269295.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22106905 Scripture: John 8:36-8:38 Mon, 27 Mar 2023 01:20:24 +0000 Mark Hughes Jesus, speaking to those who were the keepers of the law, tells them that He speaks what he has seen from His father and that they repeat what their father had said. It matters who the father of our words, thoughts, and deeds is. Our relationships matter, and we will affect the character of those that influence us. Jesus, speaking to those who were the keepers of the law, tells them that He speaks what he has seen from His father and that they repeat what their father had said. It matters who the father of our words, thoughts, and deeds is. Our relationships matter, and we will affect the character of those that influence us. Jesus, speaking to those who were the keepers of the law, tells them that He speaks what he has seen from His father and that they repeat what their father had said. It matters who the father of our words, thoughts, and deeds is. Our relationships ma… Mark Hughes 3158 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22106905/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itmatterswhoyourfatheris/id/3942860.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22106905 Scripture: John 8:36-8:38 Sun, 26 Mar 2023 22:35:17 +0000 Kenneth Baker Our text is the story of Lazarus. Mary called for Jesus to come, but by the time he got ther, Lazarus had passed. She says, “if only you had been here.” Mary knew about the past and believed in the future, but she could not comprehend the importance of Jesus in the present. Jesus used the situation to demonstrate the glory of his power. We, too, can be guilty of that same mindset. We have seen what He has done and believe in His promises, but we struggle to have faith in the present. Jesus operates in the now. Our text is the story of Lazarus. Mary called for Jesus to come, but by the time he got ther, Lazarus had passed. She says, “if only you had been here.” Mary knew about the past and believed in the future, but she could not comprehend the importance of Jesus in the present. Jesus used the situation to demonstrate the glory of his power. We, too, can be guilty of that same mindset. We have seen what He has done and believe in His promises, but we struggle to have faith in the present. Jesus operates in the now. Our text is the story of Lazarus. Mary called for Jesus to come, but by the time he got ther, Lazarus had passed. She says, “if only you had been here.” Mary knew about the past and believed in the future, but she could not comprehend the importance… Kenneth Baker 2431 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22106679/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_embracingthenow/id/1269238.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22106679 Embracing The Now Sun, 26 Mar 2023 22:35:17 +0000 Kenneth Baker Our text is the story of Lazarus. Mary called for Jesus to come, but by the time he got ther, Lazarus had passed. She says, “if only you had been here.” Mary knew about the past and believed in the future, but she could not comprehend the importance of Jesus in the present. Jesus used the situation to demonstrate the glory of his power. We, too, can be guilty of that same mindset. We have seen what He has done and believe in His promises, but we struggle to have faith in the present. Jesus operates in the now. Our text is the story of Lazarus. Mary called for Jesus to come, but by the time he got ther, Lazarus had passed. She says, “if only you had been here.” Mary knew about the past and believed in the future, but she could not comprehend the importance of Jesus in the present. Jesus used the situation to demonstrate the glory of his power. We, too, can be guilty of that same mindset. We have seen what He has done and believe in His promises, but we struggle to have faith in the present. Jesus operates in the now. Our text is the story of Lazarus. Mary called for Jesus to come, but by the time he got ther, Lazarus had passed. She says, “if only you had been here.” Mary knew about the past and believed in the future, but she could not comprehend the importance… Kenneth Baker 2431 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22106679/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_embracingthenow/id/3942681.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22106679 Embracing The Now Mon, 20 Mar 2023 02:10:19 +0000 Landon Long Some scholars believe that God began dealing with Noah to build the arc when he was 480 years old. If this is true, Noah started building 20 years before his first son was born. God laid out a plan to save Noah, his wife, and his yet-unborn sons and their wives. It took Noah 120 years to build what God directed him to do. This arc was not a luxury vessel and had no means of steering or propulsion, but it was not for any of that. The arc was meant to be a place of salvation for Noah and his family. The bible says it rained for 40 days and nights, and the flood waters remained on the earth for 150 days. Everything on earth died or was destroyed. The ark was large but not large enough for everything. God was particular about what they were to bring. As they began to load the ark, they had to leave some things behind. As important as some of their possessions were, saving their family and the animals God directed them to believe was the most important thing. Spiritually there are things that God says are important. Jesus name baptism and the infilling of the Holy Ghost are required for our salvation; we must ensure that we have that on the ark. God gave Noah specific plans, and the bible says Noah did all that God asked. Our text says God was patient while the ark was prepared. This implies that Noah was diligent in his work. Had Noah faltered, God would not have been patient. God is long-suffering, and we must not mistake his patience for accommodating our not working to fulfill what He has asked. God waited for the eight, but Noah carried the weight for those eight. Some scholars believe that God began dealing with Noah to build the arc when he was 480 years old. If this is true, Noah started building 20 years before his first son was born. God laid out a plan to save Noah, his wife, and his yet-unborn sons and their wives. It took Noah 120 years to build what God directed him to do. This arc was not a luxury vessel and had no means of steering or propulsion, but it was not for any of that. The arc was meant to be a place of salvation for Noah and his family. The bible says it rained for 40 days and nights, and the flood waters remained on the earth for 150 days. Everything on earth died or was destroyed. The ark was large but not large enough for everything. God was particular about what they were to bring. As they began to load the ark, they had to leave some things behind. As important as some of their possessions were, saving their family and the animals God directed them to believe was the most important thing. Spiritually there are things that God says are important. Jesus name baptism and the infilling of the Holy Ghost are required for our salvation; we must ensure that we have that on the ark. God gave Noah specific plans, and the bible says Noah did all that God asked. Our text says God was patient while the ark was prepared. This implies that Noah was diligent in his work. Had Noah faltered, God would not have been patient. God is long-suffering, and we must not mistake his patience for accommodating our not working to fulfill what He has asked. God waited for the eight, but Noah carried the weight for those eight. Some scholars believe that God began dealing with Noah to build the arc when he was 480 years old. If this is true, Noah started building 20 years before his first son was born. God laid out a plan to save Noah, his wife, and his yet-unborn sons and … Landon Long 2946 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22103841/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thewaitfor8/id/1267478.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22103841 Scripture: 1 Peter 3:20 Mon, 20 Mar 2023 02:10:19 +0000 Landon Long Some scholars believe that God began dealing with Noah to build the arc when he was 480 years old. If this is true, Noah started building 20 years before his first son was born. God laid out a plan to save Noah, his wife, and his yet-unborn sons and their wives. It took Noah 120 years to build what God directed him to do. This arc was not a luxury vessel and had no means of steering or propulsion, but it was not for any of that. The arc was meant to be a place of salvation for Noah and his family. The bible says it rained for 40 days and nights, and the flood waters remained on the earth for 150 days. Everything on earth died or was destroyed. The ark was large but not large enough for everything. God was particular about what they were to bring. As they began to load the ark, they had to leave some things behind. As important as some of their possessions were, saving their family and the animals God directed them to believe was the most important thing. Spiritually there are things that God says are important. Jesus name baptism and the infilling of the Holy Ghost are required for our salvation; we must ensure that we have that on the ark. God gave Noah specific plans, and the bible says Noah did all that God asked. Our text says God was patient while the ark was prepared. This implies that Noah was diligent in his work. Had Noah faltered, God would not have been patient. God is long-suffering, and we must not mistake his patience for accommodating our not working to fulfill what He has asked. God waited for the eight, but Noah carried the weight for those eight. Some scholars believe that God began dealing with Noah to build the arc when he was 480 years old. If this is true, Noah started building 20 years before his first son was born. God laid out a plan to save Noah, his wife, and his yet-unborn sons and their wives. It took Noah 120 years to build what God directed him to do. This arc was not a luxury vessel and had no means of steering or propulsion, but it was not for any of that. The arc was meant to be a place of salvation for Noah and his family. The bible says it rained for 40 days and nights, and the flood waters remained on the earth for 150 days. Everything on earth died or was destroyed. The ark was large but not large enough for everything. God was particular about what they were to bring. As they began to load the ark, they had to leave some things behind. As important as some of their possessions were, saving their family and the animals God directed them to believe was the most important thing. Spiritually there are things that God says are important. Jesus name baptism and the infilling of the Holy Ghost are required for our salvation; we must ensure that we have that on the ark. God gave Noah specific plans, and the bible says Noah did all that God asked. Our text says God was patient while the ark was prepared. This implies that Noah was diligent in his work. Had Noah faltered, God would not have been patient. God is long-suffering, and we must not mistake his patience for accommodating our not working to fulfill what He has asked. God waited for the eight, but Noah carried the weight for those eight. Some scholars believe that God began dealing with Noah to build the arc when he was 480 years old. If this is true, Noah started building 20 years before his first son was born. God laid out a plan to save Noah, his wife, and his yet-unborn sons and … Landon Long 2946 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22103841/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thewaitfor8/id/3939869.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22103841 Scripture: 1 Peter 3:20 Sun, 19 Mar 2023 19:03:15 +0000 Landon Long Some people do not want to be noticed, but most want recognition for their efforts, love, and work. Social media is full of photos, selfies, and posts to attract attention. Social media is supposed to make us feel more connected, but often it has the opposite effect. The woman in our text was not looking for attention or being noticed; she simply wanted healing. She tried to get away unnoticed, but Jesus perceived that power had gone out from Him. She was desperate enough not to worry about the crowds or being seen; she just had to get to Jesus. He instantly knew and knew right where she was and what she needed. The enemy will try to discourage us by telling us that we do not matter, and that no one knows where we are, but God ALWAYS knows where we are and what we need. Some people do not want to be noticed, but most want recognition for their efforts, love, and work. Social media is full of photos, selfies, and posts to attract attention. Social media is supposed to make us feel more connected, but often it has the opposite effect. The woman in our text was not looking for attention or being noticed; she simply wanted healing. She tried to get away unnoticed, but Jesus perceived that power had gone out from Him. She was desperate enough not to worry about the crowds or being seen; she just had to get to Jesus. He instantly knew and knew right where she was and what she needed. The enemy will try to discourage us by telling us that we do not matter, and that no one knows where we are, but God ALWAYS knows where we are and what we need. Some people do not want to be noticed, but most want recognition for their efforts, love, and work. Social media is full of photos, selfies, and posts to attract attention. Social media is supposed to make us feel more connected, but often it has the o… Landon Long 2724 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22103484/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_notunnoticed/id/1267281.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22103484 Scripture: Luke 8:40-8:48 Sun, 19 Mar 2023 19:03:15 +0000 Landon Long Some people do not want to be noticed, but most want recognition for their efforts, love, and work. Social media is full of photos, selfies, and posts to attract attention. Social media is supposed to make us feel more connected, but often it has the opposite effect. The woman in our text was not looking for attention or being noticed; she simply wanted healing. She tried to get away unnoticed, but Jesus perceived that power had gone out from Him. She was desperate enough not to worry about the crowds or being seen; she just had to get to Jesus. He instantly knew and knew right where she was and what she needed. The enemy will try to discourage us by telling us that we do not matter, and that no one knows where we are, but God ALWAYS knows where we are and what we need. Some people do not want to be noticed, but most want recognition for their efforts, love, and work. Social media is full of photos, selfies, and posts to attract attention. Social media is supposed to make us feel more connected, but often it has the opposite effect. The woman in our text was not looking for attention or being noticed; she simply wanted healing. She tried to get away unnoticed, but Jesus perceived that power had gone out from Him. She was desperate enough not to worry about the crowds or being seen; she just had to get to Jesus. He instantly knew and knew right where she was and what she needed. The enemy will try to discourage us by telling us that we do not matter, and that no one knows where we are, but God ALWAYS knows where we are and what we need. Some people do not want to be noticed, but most want recognition for their efforts, love, and work. Social media is full of photos, selfies, and posts to attract attention. Social media is supposed to make us feel more connected, but often it has the o… Landon Long 2724 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22103484/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_notunnoticed/id/3939532.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22103484 Scripture: Luke 8:40-8:48 Thu, 16 Mar 2023 02:20:56 +0000 Mark Hughes It is said that a mill cannot turn on water that has passed. Once the water has passed the impeller, it can no longer push the wheel to turn. Similarly, we cannot continue to operate on yesterday's blessing. We need a fresh flow daily to maintain a relationship with God. Our text says the fire on the altar should never go out, but the fire will not be fueled by the ashes left over from the previous burn. Too many people come to church and survive on something God did for them years ago. God’s grace is sufficient, but He expects us to offer Him fresh praise, prayer, or worship. God started the fire on that altar, but He expected the Levites to tend to that fire and continue to feed it to keep it burning. We know a fire needs fuel, oxygen, and heat. In a spiritual sense, we need prayer, worship, and God’s love to maintain a spiritual fire in our souls. It is said that a mill cannot turn on water that has passed. Once the water has passed the impeller, it can no longer push the wheel to turn. Similarly, we cannot continue to operate on yesterday's blessing. We need a fresh flow daily to maintain a relationship with God. Our text says the fire on the altar should never go out, but the fire will not be fueled by the ashes left over from the previous burn. Too many people come to church and survive on something God did for them years ago. God’s grace is sufficient, but He expects us to offer Him fresh praise, prayer, or worship. God started the fire on that altar, but He expected the Levites to tend to that fire and continue to feed it to keep it burning. We know a fire needs fuel, oxygen, and heat. In a spiritual sense, we need prayer, worship, and God’s love to maintain a spiritual fire in our souls. It is said that a mill cannot turn on water that has passed. Once the water has passed the impeller, it can no longer push the wheel to turn. Similarly, we cannot continue to operate on yesterday's blessing. We need a fresh flow daily to maintain a … Mark Hughes 2929 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22101806/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_freshfire/id/1266042.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22101806 Scripture: Leviticus 6:8-6:13 Thu, 16 Mar 2023 02:20:56 +0000 Mark Hughes It is said that a mill cannot turn on water that has passed. Once the water has passed the impeller, it can no longer push the wheel to turn. Similarly, we cannot continue to operate on yesterday's blessing. We need a fresh flow daily to maintain a relationship with God. Our text says the fire on the altar should never go out, but the fire will not be fueled by the ashes left over from the previous burn. Too many people come to church and survive on something God did for them years ago. God’s grace is sufficient, but He expects us to offer Him fresh praise, prayer, or worship. God started the fire on that altar, but He expected the Levites to tend to that fire and continue to feed it to keep it burning. We know a fire needs fuel, oxygen, and heat. In a spiritual sense, we need prayer, worship, and God’s love to maintain a spiritual fire in our souls. It is said that a mill cannot turn on water that has passed. Once the water has passed the impeller, it can no longer push the wheel to turn. Similarly, we cannot continue to operate on yesterday's blessing. We need a fresh flow daily to maintain a relationship with God. Our text says the fire on the altar should never go out, but the fire will not be fueled by the ashes left over from the previous burn. Too many people come to church and survive on something God did for them years ago. God’s grace is sufficient, but He expects us to offer Him fresh praise, prayer, or worship. God started the fire on that altar, but He expected the Levites to tend to that fire and continue to feed it to keep it burning. We know a fire needs fuel, oxygen, and heat. In a spiritual sense, we need prayer, worship, and God’s love to maintain a spiritual fire in our souls. It is said that a mill cannot turn on water that has passed. Once the water has passed the impeller, it can no longer push the wheel to turn. Similarly, we cannot continue to operate on yesterday's blessing. We need a fresh flow daily to maintain a … Mark Hughes 2929 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22101806/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_freshfire/id/3937867.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22101806 Scripture: Leviticus 6:8-6:13 Mon, 13 Mar 2023 01:47:08 +0000 Landon Long All have experienced a time when life got tough Sickness, losing a job, or dealing with the results of a poor decision, difficult situations are part of life. Our text from the Passion Translation says, “If life gets difficult,” but other translations say when life gets difficult. The old saying is that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. You don’t overcome life’s difficulties by quitting. Continuing is difficult, but it is the only way to win. This idea is especially true in the spiritual realm. The key to an overcoming life is to keep going. Keep coming to the house of God and praising, even when we do not feel like it. All have experienced a time when life got tough Sickness, losing a job, or dealing with the results of a poor decision, difficult situations are part of life. Our text from the Passion Translation says, “If life gets difficult,” but other translations say when life gets difficult. The old saying is that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. You don’t overcome life’s difficulties by quitting. Continuing is difficult, but it is the only way to win. This idea is especially true in the spiritual realm. The key to an overcoming life is to keep going. Keep coming to the house of God and praising, even when we do not feel like it. All have experienced a time when life got tough Sickness, losing a job, or dealing with the results of a poor decision, difficult situations are part of life. Our text from the Passion Translation says, “If life gets difficult,” but other translations… Landon Long 2053 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22100849/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whattodowhenlifegetsextremelyd/id/1265548.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22100849 Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-4:13 Mon, 13 Mar 2023 01:47:08 +0000 Landon Long All have experienced a time when life got tough Sickness, losing a job, or dealing with the results of a poor decision, difficult situations are part of life. Our text from the Passion Translation says, “If life gets difficult,” but other translations say when life gets difficult. The old saying is that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. You don’t overcome life’s difficulties by quitting. Continuing is difficult, but it is the only way to win. This idea is especially true in the spiritual realm. The key to an overcoming life is to keep going. Keep coming to the house of God and praising, even when we do not feel like it. All have experienced a time when life got tough Sickness, losing a job, or dealing with the results of a poor decision, difficult situations are part of life. Our text from the Passion Translation says, “If life gets difficult,” but other translations say when life gets difficult. The old saying is that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. You don’t overcome life’s difficulties by quitting. Continuing is difficult, but it is the only way to win. This idea is especially true in the spiritual realm. The key to an overcoming life is to keep going. Keep coming to the house of God and praising, even when we do not feel like it. All have experienced a time when life got tough Sickness, losing a job, or dealing with the results of a poor decision, difficult situations are part of life. Our text from the Passion Translation says, “If life gets difficult,” but other translations… Landon Long 2053 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22100849/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whattodowhenlifegetsextremelyd/id/3936907.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22100849 Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-4:13 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 21:07:20 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text reminds us that nothing is more important than the word of God. It is often referred to as a law. It is a means of instruction to provide a blueprint for living life. It is given to be a source of joy and gladness. It is not a list of things we cannot do but an enlightening testament to what is possible. When properly understood, it forms a bond between God and us that draws us to a higher form of living. God’s word is the doorway to opportunity. Our text reminds us that nothing is more important than the word of God. It is often referred to as a law. It is a means of instruction to provide a blueprint for living life. It is given to be a source of joy and gladness. It is not a list of things we cannot do but an enlightening testament to what is possible. When properly understood, it forms a bond between God and us that draws us to a higher form of living. God’s word is the doorway to opportunity. Our text reminds us that nothing is more important than the word of God. It is often referred to as a law. It is a means of instruction to provide a blueprint for living life. It is given to be a source of joy and gladness. It is not a list of thin… Mark Hughes 2484 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22100669/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thedoorwaytoopportunity/id/1265436.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22100669 Scripture: Psalms 119:129-119:131 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 21:07:20 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text reminds us that nothing is more important than the word of God. It is often referred to as a law. It is a means of instruction to provide a blueprint for living life. It is given to be a source of joy and gladness. It is not a list of things we cannot do but an enlightening testament to what is possible. When properly understood, it forms a bond between God and us that draws us to a higher form of living. God’s word is the doorway to opportunity. Our text reminds us that nothing is more important than the word of God. It is often referred to as a law. It is a means of instruction to provide a blueprint for living life. It is given to be a source of joy and gladness. It is not a list of things we cannot do but an enlightening testament to what is possible. When properly understood, it forms a bond between God and us that draws us to a higher form of living. God’s word is the doorway to opportunity. Our text reminds us that nothing is more important than the word of God. It is often referred to as a law. It is a means of instruction to provide a blueprint for living life. It is given to be a source of joy and gladness. It is not a list of thin… Mark Hughes 2484 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22100669/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thedoorwaytoopportunity/id/3936718.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22100669 Scripture: Psalms 119:129-119:131 Mon, 27 Feb 2023 03:49:14 +0000 Mark Hughes In the story of Bartimaeus, we see a picture of the spirit and the attitude one must have to experience the gifts God has for us. As Jesus and his entourage passed through this city, people who wanted to glimpse the master lined the roadway. Bartimaeus was a blind man whose livelihood was begging by the roadside. As Bartimaeus heard the murmuring and commotion of Jesus’ passing, he asked what was happening, and someone told him it was Jesus. Bartimaeus began to call out for Jesus to have mercy on him. People around him hushed him and told him to be quiet. Instead of being offended, he cried out even more. The Bible says Jesus stopped. We are going to get Jesus’ attention when we get desperate. Brother Hughes draws several lessons we can learn from this story. First, Bartimaeus was waiting. He had positioned himself, and when the opportunity came, he took it. Secondly, Bartimaeus ignored the obstacles and hindrances and continued to call for his healing. Finally, he didn’t let what he could not do, keep him from getting what he needed. In the story of Bartimaeus, we see a picture of the spirit and the attitude one must have to experience the gifts God has for us. As Jesus and his entourage passed through this city, people who wanted to glimpse the master lined the roadway. Bartimaeus was a blind man whose livelihood was begging by the roadside. As Bartimaeus heard the murmuring and commotion of Jesus’ passing, he asked what was happening, and someone told him it was Jesus. Bartimaeus began to call out for Jesus to have mercy on him. People around him hushed him and told him to be quiet. Instead of being offended, he cried out even more. The Bible says Jesus stopped. We are going to get Jesus’ attention when we get desperate. Brother Hughes draws several lessons we can learn from this story. First, Bartimaeus was waiting. He had positioned himself, and when the opportunity came, he took it. Secondly, Bartimaeus ignored the obstacles and hindrances and continued to call for his healing. Finally, he didn’t let what he could not do, keep him from getting what he needed. In the story of Bartimaeus, we see a picture of the spirit and the attitude one must have to experience the gifts God has for us. As Jesus and his entourage passed through this city, people who wanted to glimpse the master lined the roadway. Bartimae… Mark Hughes 2431 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22094911/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whatablindmanknows/id/1261789.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22094911 Scripture: Mark 10:46-10:52 Mon, 27 Feb 2023 03:49:14 +0000 Mark Hughes In the story of Bartimaeus, we see a picture of the spirit and the attitude one must have to experience the gifts God has for us. As Jesus and his entourage passed through this city, people who wanted to glimpse the master lined the roadway. Bartimaeus was a blind man whose livelihood was begging by the roadside. As Bartimaeus heard the murmuring and commotion of Jesus’ passing, he asked what was happening, and someone told him it was Jesus. Bartimaeus began to call out for Jesus to have mercy on him. People around him hushed him and told him to be quiet. Instead of being offended, he cried out even more. The Bible says Jesus stopped. We are going to get Jesus’ attention when we get desperate. Brother Hughes draws several lessons we can learn from this story. First, Bartimaeus was waiting. He had positioned himself, and when the opportunity came, he took it. Secondly, Bartimaeus ignored the obstacles and hindrances and continued to call for his healing. Finally, he didn’t let what he could not do, keep him from getting what he needed. In the story of Bartimaeus, we see a picture of the spirit and the attitude one must have to experience the gifts God has for us. As Jesus and his entourage passed through this city, people who wanted to glimpse the master lined the roadway. Bartimaeus was a blind man whose livelihood was begging by the roadside. As Bartimaeus heard the murmuring and commotion of Jesus’ passing, he asked what was happening, and someone told him it was Jesus. Bartimaeus began to call out for Jesus to have mercy on him. People around him hushed him and told him to be quiet. Instead of being offended, he cried out even more. The Bible says Jesus stopped. We are going to get Jesus’ attention when we get desperate. Brother Hughes draws several lessons we can learn from this story. First, Bartimaeus was waiting. He had positioned himself, and when the opportunity came, he took it. Secondly, Bartimaeus ignored the obstacles and hindrances and continued to call for his healing. Finally, he didn’t let what he could not do, keep him from getting what he needed. In the story of Bartimaeus, we see a picture of the spirit and the attitude one must have to experience the gifts God has for us. As Jesus and his entourage passed through this city, people who wanted to glimpse the master lined the roadway. Bartimae… Mark Hughes 2431 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22094911/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatablindmanknows/id/3931107.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22094911 Scripture: Mark 10:46-10:52 Sun, 26 Feb 2023 23:43:00 +0000 Garrett Nance Brother Nance uses the story of the four men who lowered their friend through the roof to reach Jesus to illustrate that our faith cannot be bound by normal. Brother Nance uses the story of the four men who lowered their friend through the roof to reach Jesus to illustrate that our faith cannot be bound by normal. Brother Nance uses the story of the four men who lowered their friend through the roof to reach Jesus to illustrate that our faith cannot be bound by normal. … Garrett Nance 3009 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22095239/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whennormalisnotenough/id/1261919.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22095239 Scripture: Mark 2:1-2:12 Sun, 26 Feb 2023 23:43:00 +0000 Garrett Nance Brother Nance uses the story of the four men who lowered their friend through the roof to reach Jesus to illustrate that our faith cannot be bound by normal. Brother Nance uses the story of the four men who lowered their friend through the roof to reach Jesus to illustrate that our faith cannot be bound by normal. Brother Nance uses the story of the four men who lowered their friend through the roof to reach Jesus to illustrate that our faith cannot be bound by normal. … Garrett Nance 3009 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22095239/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whennormalisnotenough/id/3931436.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22095239 Scripture: Mark 2:1-2:12 Mon, 20 Feb 2023 03:42:51 +0000 Landon Long We have all seen the comic strip activity where there are two very similar pictures, and we are asked to find the difference. They are very similar, but some minor detail changes in the second picture. These games are relatively trivial, and we expect them to become easier as we gain wisdom and knowledge. However, the truth is that as life gets more complex, the differences become more complex. It should be easy to spot the differences between the world and the children of God, but the truth is that it is too often difficult to discern the subtle differences. Sheep and Goats are similar, but they are different. Goats are wanderers; they are mean, and they are hard-headed. The problem is that the goats influence the sheep to follow them into danger. Our world encourages us not to be sheep and says to do our own thing, contrary to God’s word. We cannot act independently and go our own way; We must go God’s way. Just because they are in the field doesn’t mean they are sheep. Our text tells us that Jesus will divide the sheep from the goats. Even though the goats lived with the sheep, only the sheep are valuable to God. We have all seen the comic strip activity where there are two very similar pictures, and we are asked to find the difference. They are very similar, but some minor detail changes in the second picture. These games are relatively trivial, and we expect them to become easier as we gain wisdom and knowledge. However, the truth is that as life gets more complex, the differences become more complex. It should be easy to spot the differences between the world and the children of God, but the truth is that it is too often difficult to discern the subtle differences. Sheep and Goats are similar, but they are different. Goats are wanderers; they are mean, and they are hard-headed. The problem is that the goats influence the sheep to follow them into danger. Our world encourages us not to be sheep and says to do our own thing, contrary to God’s word. We cannot act independently and go our own way; We must go God’s way. Just because they are in the field doesn’t mean they are sheep. Our text tells us that Jesus will divide the sheep from the goats. Even though the goats lived with the sheep, only the sheep are valuable to God. We have all seen the comic strip activity where there are two very similar pictures, and we are asked to find the difference. They are very similar, but some minor detail changes in the second picture. These games are relatively trivial, and we expec… Landon Long 2536 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22091703/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thereisadifference/id/1259700.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22091703 Scripture: Matthew 25:31-25:34 Mon, 20 Feb 2023 03:42:51 +0000 Landon Long We have all seen the comic strip activity where there are two very similar pictures, and we are asked to find the difference. They are very similar, but some minor detail changes in the second picture. These games are relatively trivial, and we expect them to become easier as we gain wisdom and knowledge. However, the truth is that as life gets more complex, the differences become more complex. It should be easy to spot the differences between the world and the children of God, but the truth is that it is too often difficult to discern the subtle differences. Sheep and Goats are similar, but they are different. Goats are wanderers; they are mean, and they are hard-headed. The problem is that the goats influence the sheep to follow them into danger. Our world encourages us not to be sheep and says to do our own thing, contrary to God’s word. We cannot act independently and go our own way; We must go God’s way. Just because they are in the field doesn’t mean they are sheep. Our text tells us that Jesus will divide the sheep from the goats. Even though the goats lived with the sheep, only the sheep are valuable to God. We have all seen the comic strip activity where there are two very similar pictures, and we are asked to find the difference. They are very similar, but some minor detail changes in the second picture. These games are relatively trivial, and we expect them to become easier as we gain wisdom and knowledge. However, the truth is that as life gets more complex, the differences become more complex. It should be easy to spot the differences between the world and the children of God, but the truth is that it is too often difficult to discern the subtle differences. Sheep and Goats are similar, but they are different. Goats are wanderers; they are mean, and they are hard-headed. The problem is that the goats influence the sheep to follow them into danger. Our world encourages us not to be sheep and says to do our own thing, contrary to God’s word. We cannot act independently and go our own way; We must go God’s way. Just because they are in the field doesn’t mean they are sheep. Our text tells us that Jesus will divide the sheep from the goats. Even though the goats lived with the sheep, only the sheep are valuable to God. We have all seen the comic strip activity where there are two very similar pictures, and we are asked to find the difference. They are very similar, but some minor detail changes in the second picture. These games are relatively trivial, and we expec… Landon Long 2536 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22091703/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thereisadifference/id/3927985.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22091703 Scripture: Matthew 25:31-25:34 Sun, 19 Feb 2023 20:50:41 +0000 Kenneth Baker Too many people give the Devil power he does not have. His only power is what we give him with our words and choices. Brother Hughes uses Psalm 118 to teach us that the devil has no power. Too many people give the Devil power he does not have. His only power is what we give him with our words and choices. Brother Hughes uses Psalm 118 to teach us that the devil has no power. Too many people give the Devil power he does not have. His only power is what we give him with our words and choices. Brother Hughes uses Psalm 118 to teach us that the devil has no power.… Kenneth Baker 3043 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22091399/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thedevilhasnopower/id/1259503.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22091399 The Devil Has No Power Sun, 19 Feb 2023 20:50:41 +0000 Kenneth Baker Too many people give the Devil power he does not have. His only power is what we give him with our words and choices. Brother Hughes uses Psalm 118 to teach us that the devil has no power. Too many people give the Devil power he does not have. His only power is what we give him with our words and choices. Brother Hughes uses Psalm 118 to teach us that the devil has no power. Too many people give the Devil power he does not have. His only power is what we give him with our words and choices. Brother Hughes uses Psalm 118 to teach us that the devil has no power.… Kenneth Baker 3043 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22091399/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thedevilhasnopower/id/3927655.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22091399 The Devil Has No Power Sun, 12 Feb 2023 20:45:13 +0000 Mark Hughes God operates differently than you and I. God looks at the outcome, works backward to our present, and orchestrates things to suit His purpose. God has the complete vision of every one of us. We struggle through the issues of life and try to make it one day at a time, but God has it already charted out. Thousands of things frustrate the plan between the beginning and the end. None of them is a surprise to God. There are two things God has given us to keep us on track to His purpose. The first is purpose. There is a plan and intent in us being here. God has a specific purpose for each one of us. The second thing God gives us to help us get to His plan is grace. Grace is forgiveness of our shortcomings and insufficiencies. God gives grace not because we deserve it, but because He loves us. It is more than just forgiving the dept; grace completely erases the record of the debt. The enemy will try to frustrate both purpose and grace to disrupt us from following God’s plan. God operates differently than you and I. God looks at the outcome, works backward to our present, and orchestrates things to suit His purpose. God has the complete vision of every one of us. We struggle through the issues of life and try to make it one day at a time, but God has it already charted out. Thousands of things frustrate the plan between the beginning and the end. None of them is a surprise to God. There are two things God has given us to keep us on track to His purpose. The first is purpose. There is a plan and intent in us being here. God has a specific purpose for each one of us. The second thing God gives us to help us get to His plan is grace. Grace is forgiveness of our shortcomings and insufficiencies. God gives grace not because we deserve it, but because He loves us. It is more than just forgiving the dept; grace completely erases the record of the debt. The enemy will try to frustrate both purpose and grace to disrupt us from following God’s plan. God operates differently than you and I. God looks at the outcome, works backward to our present, and orchestrates things to suit His purpose. God has the complete vision of every one of us. We struggle through the issues of life and try to make it … Mark Hughes 2849 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22088495/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_killingtwobirdswithonestone/id/1257822.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22088495 Scripture: Galatians 2:20-2:21, Ezra 4:1-4:5 Sun, 12 Feb 2023 20:45:13 +0000 Mark Hughes God operates differently than you and I. God looks at the outcome, works backward to our present, and orchestrates things to suit His purpose. God has the complete vision of every one of us. We struggle through the issues of life and try to make it one day at a time, but God has it already charted out. Thousands of things frustrate the plan between the beginning and the end. None of them is a surprise to God. There are two things God has given us to keep us on track to His purpose. The first is purpose. There is a plan and intent in us being here. God has a specific purpose for each one of us. The second thing God gives us to help us get to His plan is grace. Grace is forgiveness of our shortcomings and insufficiencies. God gives grace not because we deserve it, but because He loves us. It is more than just forgiving the dept; grace completely erases the record of the debt. The enemy will try to frustrate both purpose and grace to disrupt us from following God’s plan. God operates differently than you and I. God looks at the outcome, works backward to our present, and orchestrates things to suit His purpose. God has the complete vision of every one of us. We struggle through the issues of life and try to make it one day at a time, but God has it already charted out. Thousands of things frustrate the plan between the beginning and the end. None of them is a surprise to God. There are two things God has given us to keep us on track to His purpose. The first is purpose. There is a plan and intent in us being here. God has a specific purpose for each one of us. The second thing God gives us to help us get to His plan is grace. Grace is forgiveness of our shortcomings and insufficiencies. God gives grace not because we deserve it, but because He loves us. It is more than just forgiving the dept; grace completely erases the record of the debt. The enemy will try to frustrate both purpose and grace to disrupt us from following God’s plan. God operates differently than you and I. God looks at the outcome, works backward to our present, and orchestrates things to suit His purpose. God has the complete vision of every one of us. We struggle through the issues of life and try to make it … Mark Hughes 2849 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22088495/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_killingtwobirdswithonestone/id/3925170.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22088495 Scripture: Galatians 2:20-2:21, Ezra 4:1-4:5 Wed, 08 Feb 2023 19:43:00 +0000 Greg Starks The Pharisees in our text could not have cared less about taxes. Their goal was to entrap Jesus in his words. Jesus responds to render unto Ceaser what is Cesar’s and render unto God what is God’s. Jesus distinguished that there are things that belong to the earthly world and others that belong to God. The worldly things are temporal, and the Godly things are eternal. Jesus tells them that if Cesar’s image is on the coin, it is his, and they should return it when asked. The Bible says that we were made in God’s image and, using Jesus’ words, we belong to Him. The Pharisees in our text could not have cared less about taxes. Their goal was to entrap Jesus in his words. Jesus responds to render unto Ceaser what is Cesar’s and render unto God what is God’s. Jesus distinguished that there are things that belong to the earthly world and others that belong to God. The worldly things are temporal, and the Godly things are eternal. Jesus tells them that if Cesar’s image is on the coin, it is his, and they should return it when asked. The Bible says that we were made in God’s image and, using Jesus’ words, we belong to Him. The Pharisees in our text could not have cared less about taxes. Their goal was to entrap Jesus in his words. Jesus responds to render unto Ceaser what is Cesar’s and render unto God what is God’s. Jesus distinguished that there are things that belo… Greg Starks 2619 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22088396/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whoseimageisvisible/id/1257532.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22088396 Scripture: Matthew 22:15-22:22 Wed, 08 Feb 2023 19:43:00 +0000 Greg Starks The Pharisees in our text could not have cared less about taxes. Their goal was to entrap Jesus in his words. Jesus responds to render unto Ceaser what is Cesar’s and render unto God what is God’s. Jesus distinguished that there are things that belong to the earthly world and others that belong to God. The worldly things are temporal, and the Godly things are eternal. Jesus tells them that if Cesar’s image is on the coin, it is his, and they should return it when asked. The Bible says that we were made in God’s image and, using Jesus’ words, we belong to Him. The Pharisees in our text could not have cared less about taxes. Their goal was to entrap Jesus in his words. Jesus responds to render unto Ceaser what is Cesar’s and render unto God what is God’s. Jesus distinguished that there are things that belong to the earthly world and others that belong to God. The worldly things are temporal, and the Godly things are eternal. Jesus tells them that if Cesar’s image is on the coin, it is his, and they should return it when asked. The Bible says that we were made in God’s image and, using Jesus’ words, we belong to Him. The Pharisees in our text could not have cared less about taxes. Their goal was to entrap Jesus in his words. Jesus responds to render unto Ceaser what is Cesar’s and render unto God what is God’s. Jesus distinguished that there are things that belo… Greg Starks 2619 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22088396/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whoseimageisvisible/id/3924687.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22088396 Scripture: Matthew 22:15-22:22 Mon, 06 Feb 2023 03:45:35 +0000 Landon Long Our text depicts a weighty time. Jesus knew what he would face in the next few days. He tells the disciples what is about to happen, which must have sounded unbelievable to them. Jesus returns to a place where he had prayed many times in this heaviest time. He takes three of his closest disciples a little further into the garden to pray. It is essential to have close friends during times of trial, but this time, Jesus had to go even further by himself because he needed to distance himself from the distractions. Jesus asked them to pray with him, but these men who pledged to defend him to the death not long ago could not even stay awake for an hour of prayer. The garden is usually thought of as a place of life and growth, but Jesus went to the garden to die. The garden is not a place where we try to change God’s mind; A garden is a place where we go to change. The garden is about us. Our text depicts a weighty time. Jesus knew what he would face in the next few days. He tells the disciples what is about to happen, which must have sounded unbelievable to them. Jesus returns to a place where he had prayed many times in this heaviest time. He takes three of his closest disciples a little further into the garden to pray. It is essential to have close friends during times of trial, but this time, Jesus had to go even further by himself because he needed to distance himself from the distractions. Jesus asked them to pray with him, but these men who pledged to defend him to the death not long ago could not even stay awake for an hour of prayer. The garden is usually thought of as a place of life and growth, but Jesus went to the garden to die. The garden is not a place where we try to change God’s mind; A garden is a place where we go to change. The garden is about us. Our text depicts a weighty time. Jesus knew what he would face in the next few days. He tells the disciples what is about to happen, which must have sounded unbelievable to them. Jesus returns to a place where he had prayed many times in this heavie… Landon Long 2841 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22085802/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_ivegottohaveagarden/id/1256018.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22085802 Scripture: Mark 14:32-14:42 Mon, 06 Feb 2023 03:45:35 +0000 Landon Long Our text depicts a weighty time. Jesus knew what he would face in the next few days. He tells the disciples what is about to happen, which must have sounded unbelievable to them. Jesus returns to a place where he had prayed many times in this heaviest time. He takes three of his closest disciples a little further into the garden to pray. It is essential to have close friends during times of trial, but this time, Jesus had to go even further by himself because he needed to distance himself from the distractions. Jesus asked them to pray with him, but these men who pledged to defend him to the death not long ago could not even stay awake for an hour of prayer. The garden is usually thought of as a place of life and growth, but Jesus went to the garden to die. The garden is not a place where we try to change God’s mind; A garden is a place where we go to change. The garden is about us. Our text depicts a weighty time. Jesus knew what he would face in the next few days. He tells the disciples what is about to happen, which must have sounded unbelievable to them. Jesus returns to a place where he had prayed many times in this heaviest time. He takes three of his closest disciples a little further into the garden to pray. It is essential to have close friends during times of trial, but this time, Jesus had to go even further by himself because he needed to distance himself from the distractions. Jesus asked them to pray with him, but these men who pledged to defend him to the death not long ago could not even stay awake for an hour of prayer. The garden is usually thought of as a place of life and growth, but Jesus went to the garden to die. The garden is not a place where we try to change God’s mind; A garden is a place where we go to change. The garden is about us. Our text depicts a weighty time. Jesus knew what he would face in the next few days. He tells the disciples what is about to happen, which must have sounded unbelievable to them. Jesus returns to a place where he had prayed many times in this heavie… Landon Long 2841 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22085802/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ivegottohaveagarden/id/3922288.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22085802 Scripture: Mark 14:32-14:42 Sun, 05 Feb 2023 22:20:32 +0000 Mark Hughes Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record the story that is the subject of our text. Each has a slightly different point of view because each man was writing to a somewhat different audience. Matthew says the man worshiped. Mark tells us that Jesus was moved to compassion. Luke adds that the man was full of leprosy, which means he was covered from head to toe with a disease that made him an outcast to all. The only thing worse than touching someone with leprosy was touching a dead body. People with this disease were regarded as the lowest in society, and the belief was that their condition was due to some sin in their lives. They were isolated, outcasts, despised, and rejected. Even in his wretched condition, this man came and worshiped Jesus. Even in our weakest condition, our worship is worth something to Jesus. Jesus was so moved that he broke all societal norms, reached out, touched this man, and healed him. The Lord who spoke the world into existence reached out and touched this man to heal him. He could have just spoken it, but the man needed more than a word. It would have been easy for Jesus to touch him after he was healed, but Jesus touched him when he wasn’t worthy. He touches us when we are unworthy and tells us to come home. He will be better to us than our expectations. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record the story that is the subject of our text. Each has a slightly different point of view because each man was writing to a somewhat different audience. Matthew says the man worshiped. Mark tells us that Jesus was moved to compassion. Luke adds that the man was full of leprosy, which means he was covered from head to toe with a disease that made him an outcast to all. The only thing worse than touching someone with leprosy was touching a dead body. People with this disease were regarded as the lowest in society, and the belief was that their condition was due to some sin in their lives. They were isolated, outcasts, despised, and rejected. Even in his wretched condition, this man came and worshiped Jesus. Even in our weakest condition, our worship is worth something to Jesus. Jesus was so moved that he broke all societal norms, reached out, touched this man, and healed him. The Lord who spoke the world into existence reached out and touched this man to heal him. He could have just spoken it, but the man needed more than a word. It would have been easy for Jesus to touch him after he was healed, but Jesus touched him when he wasn’t worthy. He touches us when we are unworthy and tells us to come home. He will be better to us than our expectations. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record the story that is the subject of our text. Each has a slightly different point of view because each man was writing to a somewhat different audience. Matthew says the man worshiped. Mark tells us that Jesus was mov… Mark Hughes 1811 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22085549/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_agreatertouchoffaith/id/1255863.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22085549 A Greater Touch of Faith Sun, 05 Feb 2023 22:20:32 +0000 Mark Hughes Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record the story that is the subject of our text. Each has a slightly different point of view because each man was writing to a somewhat different audience. Matthew says the man worshiped. Mark tells us that Jesus was moved to compassion. Luke adds that the man was full of leprosy, which means he was covered from head to toe with a disease that made him an outcast to all. The only thing worse than touching someone with leprosy was touching a dead body. People with this disease were regarded as the lowest in society, and the belief was that their condition was due to some sin in their lives. They were isolated, outcasts, despised, and rejected. Even in his wretched condition, this man came and worshiped Jesus. Even in our weakest condition, our worship is worth something to Jesus. Jesus was so moved that he broke all societal norms, reached out, touched this man, and healed him. The Lord who spoke the world into existence reached out and touched this man to heal him. He could have just spoken it, but the man needed more than a word. It would have been easy for Jesus to touch him after he was healed, but Jesus touched him when he wasn’t worthy. He touches us when we are unworthy and tells us to come home. He will be better to us than our expectations. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record the story that is the subject of our text. Each has a slightly different point of view because each man was writing to a somewhat different audience. Matthew says the man worshiped. Mark tells us that Jesus was moved to compassion. Luke adds that the man was full of leprosy, which means he was covered from head to toe with a disease that made him an outcast to all. The only thing worse than touching someone with leprosy was touching a dead body. People with this disease were regarded as the lowest in society, and the belief was that their condition was due to some sin in their lives. They were isolated, outcasts, despised, and rejected. Even in his wretched condition, this man came and worshiped Jesus. Even in our weakest condition, our worship is worth something to Jesus. Jesus was so moved that he broke all societal norms, reached out, touched this man, and healed him. The Lord who spoke the world into existence reached out and touched this man to heal him. He could have just spoken it, but the man needed more than a word. It would have been easy for Jesus to touch him after he was healed, but Jesus touched him when he wasn’t worthy. He touches us when we are unworthy and tells us to come home. He will be better to us than our expectations. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record the story that is the subject of our text. Each has a slightly different point of view because each man was writing to a somewhat different audience. Matthew says the man worshiped. Mark tells us that Jesus was mov… Mark Hughes 1811 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22085549/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_agreatertouchoffaith/id/3921977.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22085549 A Greater Touch of Faith Mon, 30 Jan 2023 00:02:41 +0000 Kenneth Baker When Kings speak, things happen. How much more when the King of Kings speaks? Our king spoke, and the world came into existence. We experience the power because the word of God is still among us. John tells us that first, there was the word, and the word was God. Paul said to preach the word because where the word of a king is, there is power. Out of all the languages, locations, men, and diversity comes one lord, one plan of salvation, and one way. The power of the word of God transcends all. It transcends time, it transcends circumstances, transcends human understanding. Brother Willams takes us on a journey through scripture to reveal the power in the King's word. When Kings speak, things happen. How much more when the King of Kings speaks? Our king spoke, and the world came into existence. We experience the power because the word of God is still among us. John tells us that first, there was the word, and the word was God. Paul said to preach the word because where the word of a king is, there is power. Out of all the languages, locations, men, and diversity comes one lord, one plan of salvation, and one way. The power of the word of God transcends all. It transcends time, it transcends circumstances, transcends human understanding. Brother Willams takes us on a journey through scripture to reveal the power in the King's word. When Kings speak, things happen. How much more when the King of Kings speaks? Our king spoke, and the world came into existence. We experience the power because the word of God is still among us. John tells us that first, there was the word, and th… Kenneth Baker 3208 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22082744/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whereverthewordofakingistherei/id/1254146.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22082744 Wherever the Word of a King is, there is power Mon, 30 Jan 2023 00:02:41 +0000 Kenneth Baker When Kings speak, things happen. How much more when the King of Kings speaks? Our king spoke, and the world came into existence. We experience the power because the word of God is still among us. John tells us that first, there was the word, and the word was God. Paul said to preach the word because where the word of a king is, there is power. Out of all the languages, locations, men, and diversity comes one lord, one plan of salvation, and one way. The power of the word of God transcends all. It transcends time, it transcends circumstances, transcends human understanding. Brother Willams takes us on a journey through scripture to reveal the power in the King's word. When Kings speak, things happen. How much more when the King of Kings speaks? Our king spoke, and the world came into existence. We experience the power because the word of God is still among us. John tells us that first, there was the word, and the word was God. Paul said to preach the word because where the word of a king is, there is power. Out of all the languages, locations, men, and diversity comes one lord, one plan of salvation, and one way. The power of the word of God transcends all. It transcends time, it transcends circumstances, transcends human understanding. Brother Willams takes us on a journey through scripture to reveal the power in the King's word. When Kings speak, things happen. How much more when the King of Kings speaks? Our king spoke, and the world came into existence. We experience the power because the word of God is still among us. John tells us that first, there was the word, and th… Kenneth Baker 3208 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22082744/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whereverthewordofakingistherei/id/3919357.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22082744 Wherever the Word of a King is, there is power Mon, 23 Jan 2023 03:04:00 +0000 Landon Long Our text is our introduction to Sampson. The power of God comes on Sampson, who picks up a donkey's jawbone and proceeds to kill 1000 men. After this miraculous victory, the bible says Sampson needed water to quench his thirst. Even after a great deliverance, we must remain thirsty for more of what God has. Our text is our introduction to Sampson. The power of God comes on Sampson, who picks up a donkey's jawbone and proceeds to kill 1000 men. After this miraculous victory, the bible says Sampson needed water to quench his thirst. Even after a great deliverance, we must remain thirsty for more of what God has. Our text is our introduction to Sampson. The power of God comes on Sampson, who picks up a donkey's jawbone and proceeds to kill 1000 men. After this miraculous victory, the bible says Sampson needed water to quench his thirst. Even after a great de… Landon Long 2617 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22080211/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_deliveredyetthirsty/id/1252323.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22080211 Scripture: Judges 15:14-15:20 Mon, 23 Jan 2023 03:04:00 +0000 Landon Long Our text is our introduction to Sampson. The power of God comes on Sampson, who picks up a donkey's jawbone and proceeds to kill 1000 men. After this miraculous victory, the bible says Sampson needed water to quench his thirst. Even after a great deliverance, we must remain thirsty for more of what God has. Our text is our introduction to Sampson. The power of God comes on Sampson, who picks up a donkey's jawbone and proceeds to kill 1000 men. After this miraculous victory, the bible says Sampson needed water to quench his thirst. Even after a great deliverance, we must remain thirsty for more of what God has. Our text is our introduction to Sampson. The power of God comes on Sampson, who picks up a donkey's jawbone and proceeds to kill 1000 men. After this miraculous victory, the bible says Sampson needed water to quench his thirst. Even after a great de… Landon Long 2617 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22080211/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_deliveredyetthirsty/id/3916823.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22080211 Scripture: Judges 15:14-15:20 Sun, 22 Jan 2023 23:26:00 +0000 Mark Hughes God has a wonderful plan and purpose for our lives. The fulfillment of what God has planned for us cannot come to pass unless we completely surrender to Him and to fully follow and obey His word. God wants to bless His people, not just individuals, but every one of them. None of us are here by accident. He has prepared something bigger than any of us can imagine or comprehend. That is often a spiritual and heavenly expectation, but God wants to bless His people in this life on earth too. The evidence that God wants to bless His people is found over and over in the bible. It occurs twenty-seven times in the book which is the source of our scripture text today. It says ALL THE PEOPLE. God has plans and a purpose for everyone. As a people, we must be unified in spirit and purpose to align with God’s plan to receive these blessings. We will still have different views and approaches, but we must be united to serve God for HIs purpose. God has a wonderful plan and purpose for our lives. The fulfillment of what God has planned for us cannot come to pass unless we completely surrender to Him and to fully follow and obey His word. God wants to bless His people, not just individuals, but every one of them. None of us are here by accident. He has prepared something bigger than any of us can imagine or comprehend. That is often a spiritual and heavenly expectation, but God wants to bless His people in this life on earth too. The evidence that God wants to bless His people is found over and over in the bible. It occurs twenty-seven times in the book which is the source of our scripture text today. It says ALL THE PEOPLE. God has plans and a purpose for everyone. As a people, we must be unified in spirit and purpose to align with God’s plan to receive these blessings. We will still have different views and approaches, but we must be united to serve God for HIs purpose. God has a wonderful plan and purpose for our lives. The fulfillment of what God has planned for us cannot come to pass unless we completely surrender to Him and to fully follow and obey His word. God wants to bless His people, not just individuals, b… Mark Hughes 3078 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22080171/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_inpursuitofpromise/id/1252309.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22080171 Scripture: Joshua 5:8-5:9 Sun, 22 Jan 2023 23:26:00 +0000 Mark Hughes God has a wonderful plan and purpose for our lives. The fulfillment of what God has planned for us cannot come to pass unless we completely surrender to Him and to fully follow and obey His word. God wants to bless His people, not just individuals, but every one of them. None of us are here by accident. He has prepared something bigger than any of us can imagine or comprehend. That is often a spiritual and heavenly expectation, but God wants to bless His people in this life on earth too. The evidence that God wants to bless His people is found over and over in the bible. It occurs twenty-seven times in the book which is the source of our scripture text today. It says ALL THE PEOPLE. God has plans and a purpose for everyone. As a people, we must be unified in spirit and purpose to align with God’s plan to receive these blessings. We will still have different views and approaches, but we must be united to serve God for HIs purpose. God has a wonderful plan and purpose for our lives. The fulfillment of what God has planned for us cannot come to pass unless we completely surrender to Him and to fully follow and obey His word. God wants to bless His people, not just individuals, but every one of them. None of us are here by accident. He has prepared something bigger than any of us can imagine or comprehend. That is often a spiritual and heavenly expectation, but God wants to bless His people in this life on earth too. The evidence that God wants to bless His people is found over and over in the bible. It occurs twenty-seven times in the book which is the source of our scripture text today. It says ALL THE PEOPLE. God has plans and a purpose for everyone. As a people, we must be unified in spirit and purpose to align with God’s plan to receive these blessings. We will still have different views and approaches, but we must be united to serve God for HIs purpose. God has a wonderful plan and purpose for our lives. The fulfillment of what God has planned for us cannot come to pass unless we completely surrender to Him and to fully follow and obey His word. God wants to bless His people, not just individuals, b… Mark Hughes 3078 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22080171/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_inpursuitofpromise/id/3916780.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22080171 Scripture: Joshua 5:8-5:9 Thu, 19 Jan 2023 02:15:00 +0000 James Hughes God has a plan for our lives; that plan does not involve chaos. God’s plan is ordered and planned. If we read God’s word, we can discover that plan and receive the blessings God desires. God has prepared the most beautiful life for us, but sometimes, we allow the voices of our world to distract us. God has a plan for our lives; that plan does not involve chaos. God’s plan is ordered and planned. If we read God’s word, we can discover that plan and receive the blessings God desires. God has prepared the most beautiful life for us, but sometimes, we allow the voices of our world to distract us. God has a plan for our lives; that plan does not involve chaos. God’s plan is ordered and planned. If we read God’s word, we can discover that plan and receive the blessings God desires. God has prepared the most beautiful life for us, but sometimes… James Hughes 3358 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22078362/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_voices/id/1251104.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22078362 Scripture: Joshua 5:8-5:12 Thu, 19 Jan 2023 02:15:00 +0000 James Hughes God has a plan for our lives; that plan does not involve chaos. God’s plan is ordered and planned. If we read God’s word, we can discover that plan and receive the blessings God desires. God has prepared the most beautiful life for us, but sometimes, we allow the voices of our world to distract us. God has a plan for our lives; that plan does not involve chaos. God’s plan is ordered and planned. If we read God’s word, we can discover that plan and receive the blessings God desires. God has prepared the most beautiful life for us, but sometimes, we allow the voices of our world to distract us. God has a plan for our lives; that plan does not involve chaos. God’s plan is ordered and planned. If we read God’s word, we can discover that plan and receive the blessings God desires. God has prepared the most beautiful life for us, but sometimes… James Hughes 3358 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22078362/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_voices/id/3914999.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22078362 Scripture: Joshua 5:8-5:12 Sun, 15 Jan 2023 22:33:56 +0000 Mark Hughes Every instrument or machine created has to have some maintenance or recalibration from time to time. Everyone encounters a pothole or hits a curb that knocks a wheel out of alignment. Sometimes we need a spiritual recalibration, and we find that at an altar. That altar is a place of reference where we can return to remember the goodness of God and how He provides. In our text, God was about to bring a group of people who had been in bondage for many years. As He was about to begin, God tells them to make a reference point so that they would remember where they had come from once they had received what God had in store for them. God changed the calendar to establish this new starting point. We all have that same opportunity, and God continually provides a new beginning at an altar. When we recognize that God wants to do something remarkable in our life, we can set out from a new beginning. Every instrument or machine created has to have some maintenance or recalibration from time to time. Everyone encounters a pothole or hits a curb that knocks a wheel out of alignment. Sometimes we need a spiritual recalibration, and we find that at an altar. That altar is a place of reference where we can return to remember the goodness of God and how He provides. In our text, God was about to bring a group of people who had been in bondage for many years. As He was about to begin, God tells them to make a reference point so that they would remember where they had come from once they had received what God had in store for them. God changed the calendar to establish this new starting point. We all have that same opportunity, and God continually provides a new beginning at an altar. When we recognize that God wants to do something remarkable in our life, we can set out from a new beginning. Every instrument or machine created has to have some maintenance or recalibration from time to time. Everyone encounters a pothole or hits a curb that knocks a wheel out of alignment. Sometimes we need a spiritual recalibration, and we find that at a… Mark Hughes 3659 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22076855/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_beginhere/id/1250334.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22076855 Scripture: Exodus 12:1-12:2 Sun, 15 Jan 2023 22:33:56 +0000 Mark Hughes Every instrument or machine created has to have some maintenance or recalibration from time to time. Everyone encounters a pothole or hits a curb that knocks a wheel out of alignment. Sometimes we need a spiritual recalibration, and we find that at an altar. That altar is a place of reference where we can return to remember the goodness of God and how He provides. In our text, God was about to bring a group of people who had been in bondage for many years. As He was about to begin, God tells them to make a reference point so that they would remember where they had come from once they had received what God had in store for them. God changed the calendar to establish this new starting point. We all have that same opportunity, and God continually provides a new beginning at an altar. When we recognize that God wants to do something remarkable in our life, we can set out from a new beginning. Every instrument or machine created has to have some maintenance or recalibration from time to time. Everyone encounters a pothole or hits a curb that knocks a wheel out of alignment. Sometimes we need a spiritual recalibration, and we find that at an altar. That altar is a place of reference where we can return to remember the goodness of God and how He provides. In our text, God was about to bring a group of people who had been in bondage for many years. As He was about to begin, God tells them to make a reference point so that they would remember where they had come from once they had received what God had in store for them. God changed the calendar to establish this new starting point. We all have that same opportunity, and God continually provides a new beginning at an altar. When we recognize that God wants to do something remarkable in our life, we can set out from a new beginning. Every instrument or machine created has to have some maintenance or recalibration from time to time. Everyone encounters a pothole or hits a curb that knocks a wheel out of alignment. Sometimes we need a spiritual recalibration, and we find that at a… Mark Hughes 3659 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22076855/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_beginhere/id/3913528.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22076855 Scripture: Exodus 12:1-12:2 Sun, 11 Dec 2022 21:54:10 +0000 Mark Hughes Mary and the Shepherds both receive a word that changes their lives. They did not hesitate when they received their word and acted immediately. When God gives us a word, it is special just for us, and we must receive that word and act to fulfill the purpose God has for us. Mary and the Shepherds both receive a word that changes their lives. They did not hesitate when they received their word and acted immediately. When God gives us a word, it is special just for us, and we must receive that word and act to fulfill the purpose God has for us. Mary and the Shepherds both receive a word that changes their lives. They did not hesitate when they received their word and acted immediately. When God gives us a word, it is special just for us, and we must receive that word and act to fulfill the p… Mark Hughes 3398 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22063381/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thisthingcalledchristmas/id/1241522.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22063381 Scripture: Luke 1:26-1:38, Luke 1:65, Luke 2:8-2:19 Sun, 11 Dec 2022 21:54:10 +0000 Mark Hughes Mary and the Shepherds both receive a word that changes their lives. They did not hesitate when they received their word and acted immediately. When God gives us a word, it is special just for us, and we must receive that word and act to fulfill the purpose God has for us. Mary and the Shepherds both receive a word that changes their lives. They did not hesitate when they received their word and acted immediately. When God gives us a word, it is special just for us, and we must receive that word and act to fulfill the purpose God has for us. Mary and the Shepherds both receive a word that changes their lives. They did not hesitate when they received their word and acted immediately. When God gives us a word, it is special just for us, and we must receive that word and act to fulfill the p… Mark Hughes 3398 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22063381/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thisthingcalledchristmas/id/3900370.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22063381 Scripture: Luke 1:26-1:38, Luke 1:65, Luke 2:8-2:19 Wed, 07 Dec 2022 20:39:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Romans is an interesting book. Paul is writing to a church he has never been to. He begins with a compliment and, in so doing, begins to tear down the walls of resistance and distance. He had to establish a rapport with people with whom he had no relationship and who only knew him by reputation. We can learn from Paul’s approach to reach a world that only knows us by our reputation. Romans is an interesting book. Paul is writing to a church he has never been to. He begins with a compliment and, in so doing, begins to tear down the walls of resistance and distance. He had to establish a rapport with people with whom he had no relationship and who only knew him by reputation. We can learn from Paul’s approach to reach a world that only knows us by our reputation. Romans is an interesting book. Paul is writing to a church he has never been to. He begins with a compliment and, in so doing, begins to tear down the walls of resistance and distance. He had to establish a rapport with people with whom he had no re… Mark Hughes 3182 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22063308/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_overcomingresistance/id/1241486.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22063308 Scripture: Romans 8:1-8:12 Wed, 07 Dec 2022 20:39:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Romans is an interesting book. Paul is writing to a church he has never been to. He begins with a compliment and, in so doing, begins to tear down the walls of resistance and distance. He had to establish a rapport with people with whom he had no relationship and who only knew him by reputation. We can learn from Paul’s approach to reach a world that only knows us by our reputation. Romans is an interesting book. Paul is writing to a church he has never been to. He begins with a compliment and, in so doing, begins to tear down the walls of resistance and distance. He had to establish a rapport with people with whom he had no relationship and who only knew him by reputation. We can learn from Paul’s approach to reach a world that only knows us by our reputation. Romans is an interesting book. Paul is writing to a church he has never been to. He begins with a compliment and, in so doing, begins to tear down the walls of resistance and distance. He had to establish a rapport with people with whom he had no re… Mark Hughes 3182 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22063308/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_overcomingresistance/id/3900329.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22063308 Scripture: Romans 8:1-8:12 Sun, 04 Dec 2022 22:14:17 +0000 Landon Long We all have seen a maze. Twists and turns that, most of the time, lead to a dead end. Only one way leads to the exit. In life, we do not have the luxury of looking ahead to plan our route like we do with the maze on the coloring sheet. Our text is from the story of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. Herod instructed the wise men to return to him with word of Jesus’ location. God warned the wise men not to return to Herod, so the bible says they departed another way. God can see it all; if we listen to Him, He will direct us through the maze to where we need to be. If we obey the voice of God, it will keep us from dead ends and wrong turns. God directs us to a way to go that may be different from how we came. His way is better because He sees our future and the obstacles we cannot see. We are not going to find the right way accidentally, we have to be intentional about listing to God to hear his direction. There may be multiple paths, but there is a reason God is sending us a certain way. We all have seen a maze. Twists and turns that, most of the time, lead to a dead end. Only one way leads to the exit. In life, we do not have the luxury of looking ahead to plan our route like we do with the maze on the coloring sheet. Our text is from the story of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. Herod instructed the wise men to return to him with word of Jesus’ location. God warned the wise men not to return to Herod, so the bible says they departed another way. God can see it all; if we listen to Him, He will direct us through the maze to where we need to be. If we obey the voice of God, it will keep us from dead ends and wrong turns. God directs us to a way to go that may be different from how we came. His way is better because He sees our future and the obstacles we cannot see. We are not going to find the right way accidentally, we have to be intentional about listing to God to hear his direction. There may be multiple paths, but there is a reason God is sending us a certain way. We all have seen a maze. Twists and turns that, most of the time, lead to a dead end. Only one way leads to the exit. In life, we do not have the luxury of looking ahead to plan our route like we do with the maze on the coloring sheet. Our text is f… Landon Long 769 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22060562/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_departinganotherway/id/1239767.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22060562 Scripture: Matthew 2 Sun, 04 Dec 2022 22:14:17 +0000 Landon Long We all have seen a maze. Twists and turns that, most of the time, lead to a dead end. Only one way leads to the exit. In life, we do not have the luxury of looking ahead to plan our route like we do with the maze on the coloring sheet. Our text is from the story of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. Herod instructed the wise men to return to him with word of Jesus’ location. God warned the wise men not to return to Herod, so the bible says they departed another way. God can see it all; if we listen to Him, He will direct us through the maze to where we need to be. If we obey the voice of God, it will keep us from dead ends and wrong turns. God directs us to a way to go that may be different from how we came. His way is better because He sees our future and the obstacles we cannot see. We are not going to find the right way accidentally, we have to be intentional about listing to God to hear his direction. There may be multiple paths, but there is a reason God is sending us a certain way. We all have seen a maze. Twists and turns that, most of the time, lead to a dead end. Only one way leads to the exit. In life, we do not have the luxury of looking ahead to plan our route like we do with the maze on the coloring sheet. Our text is from the story of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. Herod instructed the wise men to return to him with word of Jesus’ location. God warned the wise men not to return to Herod, so the bible says they departed another way. God can see it all; if we listen to Him, He will direct us through the maze to where we need to be. If we obey the voice of God, it will keep us from dead ends and wrong turns. God directs us to a way to go that may be different from how we came. His way is better because He sees our future and the obstacles we cannot see. We are not going to find the right way accidentally, we have to be intentional about listing to God to hear his direction. There may be multiple paths, but there is a reason God is sending us a certain way. We all have seen a maze. Twists and turns that, most of the time, lead to a dead end. Only one way leads to the exit. In life, we do not have the luxury of looking ahead to plan our route like we do with the maze on the coloring sheet. Our text is f… Landon Long 769 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22060562/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_departinganotherway/id/3897654.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22060562 Scripture: Matthew 2 Sun, 13 Nov 2022 20:44:52 +0000 Mark Hughes The power of our thoughts is more significant than we understand. Thoughts shape our lives and our view of life. Often a stray thought can disrupt and destroy a beautiful moment. That creeping thought takes over our minds and pushes out the beauty before us. These invading throughs can deny us the beauty and peace of life. The power of our thoughts has a tremendous influence on our happiness. We are a thought away from defeat or a thought away from victory, depending on the direction of that thought. Our text says as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. Every thought is a doorway that leads us somewhere. What thoughts arise in our hearts that keep us from stepping through a door to a higher spiritual dimension? The power of our thoughts is more significant than we understand. Thoughts shape our lives and our view of life. Often a stray thought can disrupt and destroy a beautiful moment. That creeping thought takes over our minds and pushes out the beauty before us. These invading throughs can deny us the beauty and peace of life. The power of our thoughts has a tremendous influence on our happiness. We are a thought away from defeat or a thought away from victory, depending on the direction of that thought. Our text says as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. Every thought is a doorway that leads us somewhere. What thoughts arise in our hearts that keep us from stepping through a door to a higher spiritual dimension? The power of our thoughts is more significant than we understand. Thoughts shape our lives and our view of life. Often a stray thought can disrupt and destroy a beautiful moment. That creeping thought takes over our minds and pushes out the beauty b… Mark Hughes 2034 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22052068/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thetroublewiththoughts/id/1234242.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22052068 Scripture: Luke 24:36-24:39, Proverbs 23:7 Sun, 13 Nov 2022 20:44:52 +0000 Mark Hughes The power of our thoughts is more significant than we understand. Thoughts shape our lives and our view of life. Often a stray thought can disrupt and destroy a beautiful moment. That creeping thought takes over our minds and pushes out the beauty before us. These invading throughs can deny us the beauty and peace of life. The power of our thoughts has a tremendous influence on our happiness. We are a thought away from defeat or a thought away from victory, depending on the direction of that thought. Our text says as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. Every thought is a doorway that leads us somewhere. What thoughts arise in our hearts that keep us from stepping through a door to a higher spiritual dimension? The power of our thoughts is more significant than we understand. Thoughts shape our lives and our view of life. Often a stray thought can disrupt and destroy a beautiful moment. That creeping thought takes over our minds and pushes out the beauty before us. These invading throughs can deny us the beauty and peace of life. The power of our thoughts has a tremendous influence on our happiness. We are a thought away from defeat or a thought away from victory, depending on the direction of that thought. Our text says as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. Every thought is a doorway that leads us somewhere. What thoughts arise in our hearts that keep us from stepping through a door to a higher spiritual dimension? The power of our thoughts is more significant than we understand. Thoughts shape our lives and our view of life. Often a stray thought can disrupt and destroy a beautiful moment. That creeping thought takes over our minds and pushes out the beauty b… Mark Hughes 2034 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22052068/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thetroublewiththoughts/id/3889363.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22052068 Scripture: Luke 24:36-24:39, Proverbs 23:7 Sun, 13 Nov 2022 13:22:00 +0000 Landon Long We all have a wagon of things that we drag along with us. Burdens, heartaches, responsibilities, and hurts. Navigating the path of life is daunting and pulling our wagon of things along makes it even more difficult. Too often, our wagons carry much more than they were intended to. We live in an overwhelmed world. Everyone is trying to keep up. We come to God under heavy burdens just dealing with daily life. How often does God look at our wagon and see things there that he never intended for us to carry? If we are burdened with more than we can carry, we need to do some self-inventory and get rid of the things we do not need to carry. We must unload most of that stuff and let God have it. God can deal with our burdens, but we must let Him have them. We bring the wagon, but we leave with it full. We have to bring it all to Him and let him work. We all have a wagon of things that we drag along with us. Burdens, heartaches, responsibilities, and hurts. Navigating the path of life is daunting and pulling our wagon of things along makes it even more difficult. Too often, our wagons carry much more than they were intended to. We live in an overwhelmed world. Everyone is trying to keep up. We come to God under heavy burdens just dealing with daily life. How often does God look at our wagon and see things there that he never intended for us to carry? If we are burdened with more than we can carry, we need to do some self-inventory and get rid of the things we do not need to carry. We must unload most of that stuff and let God have it. God can deal with our burdens, but we must let Him have them. We bring the wagon, but we leave with it full. We have to bring it all to Him and let him work. We all have a wagon of things that we drag along with us. Burdens, heartaches, responsibilities, and hurts. Navigating the path of life is daunting and pulling our wagon of things along makes it even more difficult. Too often, our wagons carry much … Landon Long 3122 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22052440/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_bringitallandlethimwork/id/1234428.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22052440 Scripture: Psalms 55:22, 1 Peter 5:7, Leviticus 1:9-1:13 Sun, 13 Nov 2022 13:22:00 +0000 Landon Long We all have a wagon of things that we drag along with us. Burdens, heartaches, responsibilities, and hurts. Navigating the path of life is daunting and pulling our wagon of things along makes it even more difficult. Too often, our wagons carry much more than they were intended to. We live in an overwhelmed world. Everyone is trying to keep up. We come to God under heavy burdens just dealing with daily life. How often does God look at our wagon and see things there that he never intended for us to carry? If we are burdened with more than we can carry, we need to do some self-inventory and get rid of the things we do not need to carry. We must unload most of that stuff and let God have it. God can deal with our burdens, but we must let Him have them. We bring the wagon, but we leave with it full. We have to bring it all to Him and let him work. We all have a wagon of things that we drag along with us. Burdens, heartaches, responsibilities, and hurts. Navigating the path of life is daunting and pulling our wagon of things along makes it even more difficult. Too often, our wagons carry much more than they were intended to. We live in an overwhelmed world. Everyone is trying to keep up. We come to God under heavy burdens just dealing with daily life. How often does God look at our wagon and see things there that he never intended for us to carry? If we are burdened with more than we can carry, we need to do some self-inventory and get rid of the things we do not need to carry. We must unload most of that stuff and let God have it. God can deal with our burdens, but we must let Him have them. We bring the wagon, but we leave with it full. We have to bring it all to Him and let him work. We all have a wagon of things that we drag along with us. Burdens, heartaches, responsibilities, and hurts. Navigating the path of life is daunting and pulling our wagon of things along makes it even more difficult. Too often, our wagons carry much … Landon Long 3122 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22052440/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_bringitallandlethimwork/id/3889685.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22052440 Scripture: Psalms 55:22, 1 Peter 5:7, Leviticus 1:9-1:13 Thu, 10 Nov 2022 03:48:00 +0000 Greg Starks Brother Starks continues his study of the Beatitudes focusing tonight on being the salt of the earth. Brother Starks continues his study of the Beatitudes focusing tonight on being the salt of the earth. Brother Starks continues his study of the Beatitudes focusing tonight on being the salt of the earth.… Greg Starks 2693 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22050795/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thebeatitudessaltoftheearth/id/1233242.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22050795 Series: The Beatitudes Part#4 Thu, 10 Nov 2022 03:48:00 +0000 Greg Starks Brother Starks continues his study of the Beatitudes focusing tonight on being the salt of the earth. Brother Starks continues his study of the Beatitudes focusing tonight on being the salt of the earth. Brother Starks continues his study of the Beatitudes focusing tonight on being the salt of the earth.… Greg Starks 2693 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22050795/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thebeatitudessaltoftheearth/id/3888081.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22050795 Series: The Beatitudes Part#4 Mon, 07 Nov 2022 03:08:00 +0000 Landon Long From the beginning, God knew that man would fall, and that sin would separate Him from His creation. One could ask why God would even create man if He knew this would happen. The answer is that from the beginning, God had a plan. The cross was going to happen. God does not decide before we are born if we go to heaven or hell, but His desire is that we all go to heaven. Too many people live their life by predestination, but the reality is that we all have choices. God knows, but we are not pawns in his game. We make it to heaven because of the choices we make. God decided in advance; now, what do you decide? God’s grace is available to us all. We all have the opportunity, but it is up to us to choose it. From the beginning, God knew that man would fall, and that sin would separate Him from His creation. One could ask why God would even create man if He knew this would happen. The answer is that from the beginning, God had a plan. The cross was going to happen. God does not decide before we are born if we go to heaven or hell, but His desire is that we all go to heaven. Too many people live their life by predestination, but the reality is that we all have choices. God knows, but we are not pawns in his game. We make it to heaven because of the choices we make. God decided in advance; now, what do you decide? God’s grace is available to us all. We all have the opportunity, but it is up to us to choose it. From the beginning, God knew that man would fall, and that sin would separate Him from His creation. One could ask why God would even create man if He knew this would happen. The answer is that from the beginning, God had a plan. The cross was going … Landon Long 3181 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22050791/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_hedecidedinadvance/id/1233239.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22050791 Scripture: Ephesians 1:4-1:14 Mon, 07 Nov 2022 03:08:00 +0000 Landon Long From the beginning, God knew that man would fall, and that sin would separate Him from His creation. One could ask why God would even create man if He knew this would happen. The answer is that from the beginning, God had a plan. The cross was going to happen. God does not decide before we are born if we go to heaven or hell, but His desire is that we all go to heaven. Too many people live their life by predestination, but the reality is that we all have choices. God knows, but we are not pawns in his game. We make it to heaven because of the choices we make. God decided in advance; now, what do you decide? God’s grace is available to us all. We all have the opportunity, but it is up to us to choose it. From the beginning, God knew that man would fall, and that sin would separate Him from His creation. One could ask why God would even create man if He knew this would happen. The answer is that from the beginning, God had a plan. The cross was going to happen. God does not decide before we are born if we go to heaven or hell, but His desire is that we all go to heaven. Too many people live their life by predestination, but the reality is that we all have choices. God knows, but we are not pawns in his game. We make it to heaven because of the choices we make. God decided in advance; now, what do you decide? God’s grace is available to us all. We all have the opportunity, but it is up to us to choose it. From the beginning, God knew that man would fall, and that sin would separate Him from His creation. One could ask why God would even create man if He knew this would happen. The answer is that from the beginning, God had a plan. The cross was going … Landon Long 3181 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22050791/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hedecidedinadvance/id/3888076.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22050791 Scripture: Ephesians 1:4-1:14 Sun, 06 Nov 2022 22:28:28 +0000 Tyler Stevison It is human nature that makes us want to be in control. This goes back to the fall of man in the garden, where God removed dominion as punishment. We live in a society that preaches antiauthority, and too often this mirrors what happens in the spiritual world. To respond to God, we have to yield control. The enemy of our salvation is not the devil but our pride. That pride will get in the way of the blessing God wants to give us. There are a lot of prideful people that will go to Hell while sitting on a church pew. We must give over control to God. It is human nature that makes us want to be in control. This goes back to the fall of man in the garden, where God removed dominion as punishment. We live in a society that preaches antiauthority, and too often this mirrors what happens in the spiritual world. To respond to God, we have to yield control. The enemy of our salvation is not the devil but our pride. That pride will get in the way of the blessing God wants to give us. There are a lot of prideful people that will go to Hell while sitting on a church pew. We must give over control to God. It is human nature that makes us want to be in control. This goes back to the fall of man in the garden, where God removed dominion as punishment. We live in a society that preaches antiauthority, and too often this mirrors what happens in the spirit… Tyler Stevison 2412 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22049115/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_inthespiritonthelordsday/id/1232387.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22049115 Scripture: Galatians 3:3, Revelation 1:9-1:10 Sun, 06 Nov 2022 22:28:28 +0000 Tyler Stevison It is human nature that makes us want to be in control. This goes back to the fall of man in the garden, where God removed dominion as punishment. We live in a society that preaches antiauthority, and too often this mirrors what happens in the spiritual world. To respond to God, we have to yield control. The enemy of our salvation is not the devil but our pride. That pride will get in the way of the blessing God wants to give us. There are a lot of prideful people that will go to Hell while sitting on a church pew. We must give over control to God. It is human nature that makes us want to be in control. This goes back to the fall of man in the garden, where God removed dominion as punishment. We live in a society that preaches antiauthority, and too often this mirrors what happens in the spiritual world. To respond to God, we have to yield control. The enemy of our salvation is not the devil but our pride. That pride will get in the way of the blessing God wants to give us. There are a lot of prideful people that will go to Hell while sitting on a church pew. We must give over control to God. It is human nature that makes us want to be in control. This goes back to the fall of man in the garden, where God removed dominion as punishment. We live in a society that preaches antiauthority, and too often this mirrors what happens in the spirit… Tyler Stevison 2412 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22049115/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_inthespiritonthelordsday/id/3886454.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22049115 Scripture: Galatians 3:3, Revelation 1:9-1:10 Sun, 30 Oct 2022 21:37:25 +0000 Mark Morgan Some things God gives us are for that moment, and other things are timeless. God gives us grace to bridge the gap between what we have and need. None of us can do it on our own, and He is looking for us to surrender all that we have to Him so he can finish it. God knows enough about us to know that none of us have enough to finish it. The question is, do we want to finish it? God has the difference between our ability to finish and our desire to finish. God gives this grace a little at a time; it is just enough for what we need today. We cannot handle all of it at one time, so He parcels it out in just the right amount we need each day. Some things God gives us are for that moment, and other things are timeless. God gives us grace to bridge the gap between what we have and need. None of us can do it on our own, and He is looking for us to surrender all that we have to Him so he can finish it. God knows enough about us to know that none of us have enough to finish it. The question is, do we want to finish it? God has the difference between our ability to finish and our desire to finish. God gives this grace a little at a time; it is just enough for what we need today. We cannot handle all of it at one time, so He parcels it out in just the right amount we need each day. Some things God gives us are for that moment, and other things are timeless. God gives us grace to bridge the gap between what we have and need. None of us can do it on our own, and He is looking for us to surrender all that we have to Him so he can … Mark Morgan 4708 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22046106/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_grace/id/1230553.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22046106 Scripture: John 1:16 Sun, 30 Oct 2022 21:37:25 +0000 Mark Morgan Some things God gives us are for that moment, and other things are timeless. God gives us grace to bridge the gap between what we have and need. None of us can do it on our own, and He is looking for us to surrender all that we have to Him so he can finish it. God knows enough about us to know that none of us have enough to finish it. The question is, do we want to finish it? God has the difference between our ability to finish and our desire to finish. God gives this grace a little at a time; it is just enough for what we need today. We cannot handle all of it at one time, so He parcels it out in just the right amount we need each day. Some things God gives us are for that moment, and other things are timeless. God gives us grace to bridge the gap between what we have and need. None of us can do it on our own, and He is looking for us to surrender all that we have to Him so he can finish it. God knows enough about us to know that none of us have enough to finish it. The question is, do we want to finish it? God has the difference between our ability to finish and our desire to finish. God gives this grace a little at a time; it is just enough for what we need today. We cannot handle all of it at one time, so He parcels it out in just the right amount we need each day. Some things God gives us are for that moment, and other things are timeless. God gives us grace to bridge the gap between what we have and need. None of us can do it on our own, and He is looking for us to surrender all that we have to Him so he can … Mark Morgan 4708 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22046106/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_grace/id/3883513.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22046106 Scripture: John 1:16 Mon, 24 Oct 2022 03:29:19 +0000 Kenneth Baker We talk a lot about seasons: Baseball Season, Hunting Season, and the Holiday season. Seasons are temporary, and if it will happen again next year. We often describe portions of life as a season. Some are joyful and pleasant, but others are painful and difficult. Fall marks the change of time between Summer and Winter. Temperatures drop, days get shorter, and the leaves change colors and fall from the trees. By the calendar, the seasons only last about three months. The leafless trees of late fall and winter will bud next spring and put on new growth. Some of us find ourselves in the fall of life. Things seem to be in decline, and we have lost ground from where we once were. The enemy wants to tell us our season is permanent and that we will not recover. However, like baseball or hunting season, life’s seasons are only temporary, but if we are not careful, they can last for a long time. God does not want us to live in life’s fall seasons. He wants us to get back up and prosper again. We talk a lot about seasons: Baseball Season, Hunting Season, and the Holiday season. Seasons are temporary, and if it will happen again next year. We often describe portions of life as a season. Some are joyful and pleasant, but others are painful and difficult. Fall marks the change of time between Summer and Winter. Temperatures drop, days get shorter, and the leaves change colors and fall from the trees. By the calendar, the seasons only last about three months. The leafless trees of late fall and winter will bud next spring and put on new growth. Some of us find ourselves in the fall of life. Things seem to be in decline, and we have lost ground from where we once were. The enemy wants to tell us our season is permanent and that we will not recover. However, like baseball or hunting season, life’s seasons are only temporary, but if we are not careful, they can last for a long time. God does not want us to live in life’s fall seasons. He wants us to get back up and prosper again. We talk a lot about seasons: Baseball Season, Hunting Season, and the Holiday season. Seasons are temporary, and if it will happen again next year. We often describe portions of life as a season. Some are joyful and pleasant, but others are painful a… Kenneth Baker 2734 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22043082/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_fallseason/id/1228696.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22043082 Scripture: Genesis 1:14, Ecclesiastes 3:1 Mon, 24 Oct 2022 03:29:19 +0000 Kenneth Baker We talk a lot about seasons: Baseball Season, Hunting Season, and the Holiday season. Seasons are temporary, and if it will happen again next year. We often describe portions of life as a season. Some are joyful and pleasant, but others are painful and difficult. Fall marks the change of time between Summer and Winter. Temperatures drop, days get shorter, and the leaves change colors and fall from the trees. By the calendar, the seasons only last about three months. The leafless trees of late fall and winter will bud next spring and put on new growth. Some of us find ourselves in the fall of life. Things seem to be in decline, and we have lost ground from where we once were. The enemy wants to tell us our season is permanent and that we will not recover. However, like baseball or hunting season, life’s seasons are only temporary, but if we are not careful, they can last for a long time. God does not want us to live in life’s fall seasons. He wants us to get back up and prosper again. We talk a lot about seasons: Baseball Season, Hunting Season, and the Holiday season. Seasons are temporary, and if it will happen again next year. We often describe portions of life as a season. Some are joyful and pleasant, but others are painful and difficult. Fall marks the change of time between Summer and Winter. Temperatures drop, days get shorter, and the leaves change colors and fall from the trees. By the calendar, the seasons only last about three months. The leafless trees of late fall and winter will bud next spring and put on new growth. Some of us find ourselves in the fall of life. Things seem to be in decline, and we have lost ground from where we once were. The enemy wants to tell us our season is permanent and that we will not recover. However, like baseball or hunting season, life’s seasons are only temporary, but if we are not careful, they can last for a long time. God does not want us to live in life’s fall seasons. He wants us to get back up and prosper again. We talk a lot about seasons: Baseball Season, Hunting Season, and the Holiday season. Seasons are temporary, and if it will happen again next year. We often describe portions of life as a season. Some are joyful and pleasant, but others are painful a… Kenneth Baker 2734 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22043082/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_fallseason/id/3880650.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22043082 Scripture: Genesis 1:14, Ecclesiastes 3:1 Sun, 23 Oct 2022 20:01:15 +0000 Tyler Stevison Many people limit themselves with their own thoughts about their past, mistakes, and limitations. We’ve all done things that we shouldn't have done. God loves us no matter what. God can forgive anyone, but too many people cannot forgive themselves. Through the Bible, God uses flawed people to accomplish His will. Each of these people doubted themselves but allowed God to work through them to do perfect work. God uses these crooked sticks to draw straight lines. Many people limit themselves with their own thoughts about their past, mistakes, and limitations. We’ve all done things that we shouldn't have done. God loves us no matter what. God can forgive anyone, but too many people cannot forgive themselves. Through the Bible, God uses flawed people to accomplish His will. Each of these people doubted themselves but allowed God to work through them to do perfect work. God uses these crooked sticks to draw straight lines. Many people limit themselves with their own thoughts about their past, mistakes, and limitations. We’ve all done things that we shouldn't have done. God loves us no matter what. God can forgive anyone, but too many people cannot forgive themselves. … Tyler Stevison 1940 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22042818/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_crookedsticksdrawstraightlines/id/1228504.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22042818 Scripture: Ecclesiastes 7:13-7:14, 1 Peter 2:9-2:10 Sun, 23 Oct 2022 20:01:15 +0000 Tyler Stevison Many people limit themselves with their own thoughts about their past, mistakes, and limitations. We’ve all done things that we shouldn't have done. God loves us no matter what. God can forgive anyone, but too many people cannot forgive themselves. Through the Bible, God uses flawed people to accomplish His will. Each of these people doubted themselves but allowed God to work through them to do perfect work. God uses these crooked sticks to draw straight lines. Many people limit themselves with their own thoughts about their past, mistakes, and limitations. We’ve all done things that we shouldn't have done. God loves us no matter what. God can forgive anyone, but too many people cannot forgive themselves. Through the Bible, God uses flawed people to accomplish His will. Each of these people doubted themselves but allowed God to work through them to do perfect work. God uses these crooked sticks to draw straight lines. Many people limit themselves with their own thoughts about their past, mistakes, and limitations. We’ve all done things that we shouldn't have done. God loves us no matter what. God can forgive anyone, but too many people cannot forgive themselves. … Tyler Stevison 1940 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22042818/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_crookedsticksdrawstraightlines/id/3880329.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22042818 Scripture: Ecclesiastes 7:13-7:14, 1 Peter 2:9-2:10 Thu, 20 Oct 2022 02:04:00 +0000 Greg Starks Taking a look at the beatitudes in the present tense. Taking a look at the beatitudes in the present tense. Taking a look at the beatitudes in the present tense.… Greg Starks 3123 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22041508/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thebeatitudespart2/id/1227460.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22041508 Scripture: Mark 5:1-5:12, Series: The Beatitudes Part#2 Thu, 20 Oct 2022 02:04:00 +0000 Greg Starks Taking a look at the beatitudes in the present tense. Taking a look at the beatitudes in the present tense. Taking a look at the beatitudes in the present tense.… Greg Starks 3123 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22041508/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thebeatitudespart2/id/3879038.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22041508 Scripture: Mark 5:1-5:12, Series: The Beatitudes Part#2 Sun, 16 Oct 2022 23:51:00 +0000 Landon Long God has more for us than we even realize. We can have great church, worship, and moves of God, and there is still more God wants for us. The young man in our text was a good man. He had kept the law since his youth and had obtained great wealth. He was comfortable. We can be good people with great possessions and still lack the thing we need the most. It is not enough to be good. This young ruler was so close to the biggest opportunity of his life. He was speaking to Jesus and seeking more, but he was content with the goodness he already had, so he missed the greatness he wanted. To get the thing we need, we have to let go of the things we have. If we want what God has for us, we must set aside what we think is great and embrace the greatest that God has for us. God has more for us than we even realize. We can have great church, worship, and moves of God, and there is still more God wants for us. The young man in our text was a good man. He had kept the law since his youth and had obtained great wealth. He was comfortable. We can be good people with great possessions and still lack the thing we need the most. It is not enough to be good. This young ruler was so close to the biggest opportunity of his life. He was speaking to Jesus and seeking more, but he was content with the goodness he already had, so he missed the greatness he wanted. To get the thing we need, we have to let go of the things we have. If we want what God has for us, we must set aside what we think is great and embrace the greatest that God has for us. God has more for us than we even realize. We can have great church, worship, and moves of God, and there is still more God wants for us. The young man in our text was a good man. He had kept the law since his youth and had obtained great wealth. He… Landon Long 2953 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22041483/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_tradingwhatiloveforwhatilack/id/1227457.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22041483 Trading What I Love for What I Lack Sun, 16 Oct 2022 23:51:00 +0000 Landon Long God has more for us than we even realize. We can have great church, worship, and moves of God, and there is still more God wants for us. The young man in our text was a good man. He had kept the law since his youth and had obtained great wealth. He was comfortable. We can be good people with great possessions and still lack the thing we need the most. It is not enough to be good. This young ruler was so close to the biggest opportunity of his life. He was speaking to Jesus and seeking more, but he was content with the goodness he already had, so he missed the greatness he wanted. To get the thing we need, we have to let go of the things we have. If we want what God has for us, we must set aside what we think is great and embrace the greatest that God has for us. God has more for us than we even realize. We can have great church, worship, and moves of God, and there is still more God wants for us. The young man in our text was a good man. He had kept the law since his youth and had obtained great wealth. He was comfortable. We can be good people with great possessions and still lack the thing we need the most. It is not enough to be good. This young ruler was so close to the biggest opportunity of his life. He was speaking to Jesus and seeking more, but he was content with the goodness he already had, so he missed the greatness he wanted. To get the thing we need, we have to let go of the things we have. If we want what God has for us, we must set aside what we think is great and embrace the greatest that God has for us. God has more for us than we even realize. We can have great church, worship, and moves of God, and there is still more God wants for us. The young man in our text was a good man. He had kept the law since his youth and had obtained great wealth. He… Landon Long 2953 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22041483/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_tradingwhatiloveforwhatilack/id/3879035.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22041483 Trading What I Love for What I Lack Sat, 15 Oct 2022 23:26:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The story of Hosea is a sad one. God compelled him to marry a prostitute, resulting in a great deal of heartache and sadness in Josea to the point that he was ready to divorce her because he could not stand it anymore. Our text picks up in the middle of that lament, where Josea expresses another chance at the redemption of the relationship. Hosea’s story is, of course, a metaphor for God’s relationship with His people. Despite repeated heartbreak and despair, God wants to reconcile with his wayward people. God is willing to take a chance to offer us a way to start fresh because of His great love for us. The story of Hosea is a sad one. God compelled him to marry a prostitute, resulting in a great deal of heartache and sadness in Josea to the point that he was ready to divorce her because he could not stand it anymore. Our text picks up in the middle of that lament, where Josea expresses another chance at the redemption of the relationship. Hosea’s story is, of course, a metaphor for God’s relationship with His people. Despite repeated heartbreak and despair, God wants to reconcile with his wayward people. God is willing to take a chance to offer us a way to start fresh because of His great love for us. The story of Hosea is a sad one. God compelled him to marry a prostitute, resulting in a great deal of heartache and sadness in Josea to the point that he was ready to divorce her because he could not stand it anymore. Our text picks up in the middle… Mark Hughes 2170 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22041478/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thechancegodiswillingtotake/id/1227436.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22041478 Scripture: Joshua 2:14-2:21 Sat, 15 Oct 2022 23:26:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The story of Hosea is a sad one. God compelled him to marry a prostitute, resulting in a great deal of heartache and sadness in Josea to the point that he was ready to divorce her because he could not stand it anymore. Our text picks up in the middle of that lament, where Josea expresses another chance at the redemption of the relationship. Hosea’s story is, of course, a metaphor for God’s relationship with His people. Despite repeated heartbreak and despair, God wants to reconcile with his wayward people. God is willing to take a chance to offer us a way to start fresh because of His great love for us. The story of Hosea is a sad one. God compelled him to marry a prostitute, resulting in a great deal of heartache and sadness in Josea to the point that he was ready to divorce her because he could not stand it anymore. Our text picks up in the middle of that lament, where Josea expresses another chance at the redemption of the relationship. Hosea’s story is, of course, a metaphor for God’s relationship with His people. Despite repeated heartbreak and despair, God wants to reconcile with his wayward people. God is willing to take a chance to offer us a way to start fresh because of His great love for us. The story of Hosea is a sad one. God compelled him to marry a prostitute, resulting in a great deal of heartache and sadness in Josea to the point that he was ready to divorce her because he could not stand it anymore. Our text picks up in the middle… Mark Hughes 2170 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22041478/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thechancegodiswillingtotake/id/3879011.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22041478 Scripture: Joshua 2:14-2:21 Wed, 12 Oct 2022 23:02:00 +0000 Greg Starks Our text is commonly called the beatitudes. It is Jesus laying out the foundation for the kingdom of God. The word beatitude has its root in happiness, but not happiness as the world knows it. Often our worldly happiness is tied to circumstances, so the better definition of beatitude is joy. There is joy in living for God. The psalmist talks about the man who meditates on the word of the Lord is like a tree planted by a river. That tree does not worry about what is going on on the surface because it has roots that go down deep and tap into the moisture of the river. So Jesus is talking about blessing and joy available to one who has put down roots in the word of God. Our text is commonly called the beatitudes. It is Jesus laying out the foundation for the kingdom of God. The word beatitude has its root in happiness, but not happiness as the world knows it. Often our worldly happiness is tied to circumstances, so the better definition of beatitude is joy. There is joy in living for God. The psalmist talks about the man who meditates on the word of the Lord is like a tree planted by a river. That tree does not worry about what is going on on the surface because it has roots that go down deep and tap into the moisture of the river. So Jesus is talking about blessing and joy available to one who has put down roots in the word of God. Our text is commonly called the beatitudes. It is Jesus laying out the foundation for the kingdom of God. The word beatitude has its root in happiness, but not happiness as the world knows it. Often our worldly happiness is tied to circumstances, so… Greg Starks 3140 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22041471/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thebeatitudesblessed/id/1227430.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22041471 Scripture: Matthew 5:1-5:12 Wed, 12 Oct 2022 23:02:00 +0000 Greg Starks Our text is commonly called the beatitudes. It is Jesus laying out the foundation for the kingdom of God. The word beatitude has its root in happiness, but not happiness as the world knows it. Often our worldly happiness is tied to circumstances, so the better definition of beatitude is joy. There is joy in living for God. The psalmist talks about the man who meditates on the word of the Lord is like a tree planted by a river. That tree does not worry about what is going on on the surface because it has roots that go down deep and tap into the moisture of the river. So Jesus is talking about blessing and joy available to one who has put down roots in the word of God. Our text is commonly called the beatitudes. It is Jesus laying out the foundation for the kingdom of God. The word beatitude has its root in happiness, but not happiness as the world knows it. Often our worldly happiness is tied to circumstances, so the better definition of beatitude is joy. There is joy in living for God. The psalmist talks about the man who meditates on the word of the Lord is like a tree planted by a river. That tree does not worry about what is going on on the surface because it has roots that go down deep and tap into the moisture of the river. So Jesus is talking about blessing and joy available to one who has put down roots in the word of God. Our text is commonly called the beatitudes. It is Jesus laying out the foundation for the kingdom of God. The word beatitude has its root in happiness, but not happiness as the world knows it. Often our worldly happiness is tied to circumstances, so… Greg Starks 3140 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22041471/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thebeatitudesblessed/id/3879001.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22041471 Scripture: Matthew 5:1-5:12 Mon, 03 Oct 2022 01:42:00 +0000 Landon Long In our text, we read about 26,000 men from the tribe of Benjamin, plus an additional 700 men who were left-handed and could use a sling with great accuracy. We know from one of the most famous stories in the bible that the sling could be deadly accurate against a giant. Still, the sling is often regarded as insufficient in the face of battle. A sling is not as intimidating as a sword, but as Goliath found out, it can be very dangerous in the hands of someone who knows how to use it. Too often, we look at the enemy coming toward us the same way that Goliath looked at David, and, like Goliath, we quickly find out that that small foe with an insignificant weapon can be our undoing. We must be on our guard against an enemy with a weapon that uses little things with great effectiveness. Being left-handed is not the interesting part of this story, nor is it the most significant thing they used a sling. The interesting thing is that the bible says they could not miss. They had perfected their skills to the point that they could not miss. Now Israel had to deal with advisories coming from a different direction, with a weapon that was effective from a distance AND that could not miss. Our enemy is accurate and cannot miss, and we cannot downplay the things he is using against us. Like Israel, we must be on guard against these unconventional attacks, and we cannot miss an opportunity to defend ourselves and prepare for battle. In our text, we read about 26,000 men from the tribe of Benjamin, plus an additional 700 men who were left-handed and could use a sling with great accuracy. We know from one of the most famous stories in the bible that the sling could be deadly accurate against a giant. Still, the sling is often regarded as insufficient in the face of battle. A sling is not as intimidating as a sword, but as Goliath found out, it can be very dangerous in the hands of someone who knows how to use it. Too often, we look at the enemy coming toward us the same way that Goliath looked at David, and, like Goliath, we quickly find out that that small foe with an insignificant weapon can be our undoing. We must be on our guard against an enemy with a weapon that uses little things with great effectiveness. Being left-handed is not the interesting part of this story, nor is it the most significant thing they used a sling. The interesting thing is that the bible says they could not miss. They had perfected their skills to the point that they could not miss. Now Israel had to deal with advisories coming from a different direction, with a weapon that was effective from a distance AND that could not miss. Our enemy is accurate and cannot miss, and we cannot downplay the things he is using against us. Like Israel, we must be on guard against these unconventional attacks, and we cannot miss an opportunity to defend ourselves and prepare for battle. In our text, we read about 26,000 men from the tribe of Benjamin, plus an additional 700 men who were left-handed and could use a sling with great accuracy. We know from one of the most famous stories in the bible that the sling could be deadly accura… Landon Long 2669 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22034286/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_wecantmiss/id/1222905.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22034286 Scripture: Judges 20:14-20:16 Mon, 03 Oct 2022 01:42:00 +0000 Landon Long In our text, we read about 26,000 men from the tribe of Benjamin, plus an additional 700 men who were left-handed and could use a sling with great accuracy. We know from one of the most famous stories in the bible that the sling could be deadly accurate against a giant. Still, the sling is often regarded as insufficient in the face of battle. A sling is not as intimidating as a sword, but as Goliath found out, it can be very dangerous in the hands of someone who knows how to use it. Too often, we look at the enemy coming toward us the same way that Goliath looked at David, and, like Goliath, we quickly find out that that small foe with an insignificant weapon can be our undoing. We must be on our guard against an enemy with a weapon that uses little things with great effectiveness. Being left-handed is not the interesting part of this story, nor is it the most significant thing they used a sling. The interesting thing is that the bible says they could not miss. They had perfected their skills to the point that they could not miss. Now Israel had to deal with advisories coming from a different direction, with a weapon that was effective from a distance AND that could not miss. Our enemy is accurate and cannot miss, and we cannot downplay the things he is using against us. Like Israel, we must be on guard against these unconventional attacks, and we cannot miss an opportunity to defend ourselves and prepare for battle. In our text, we read about 26,000 men from the tribe of Benjamin, plus an additional 700 men who were left-handed and could use a sling with great accuracy. We know from one of the most famous stories in the bible that the sling could be deadly accurate against a giant. Still, the sling is often regarded as insufficient in the face of battle. A sling is not as intimidating as a sword, but as Goliath found out, it can be very dangerous in the hands of someone who knows how to use it. Too often, we look at the enemy coming toward us the same way that Goliath looked at David, and, like Goliath, we quickly find out that that small foe with an insignificant weapon can be our undoing. We must be on our guard against an enemy with a weapon that uses little things with great effectiveness. Being left-handed is not the interesting part of this story, nor is it the most significant thing they used a sling. The interesting thing is that the bible says they could not miss. They had perfected their skills to the point that they could not miss. Now Israel had to deal with advisories coming from a different direction, with a weapon that was effective from a distance AND that could not miss. Our enemy is accurate and cannot miss, and we cannot downplay the things he is using against us. Like Israel, we must be on guard against these unconventional attacks, and we cannot miss an opportunity to defend ourselves and prepare for battle. In our text, we read about 26,000 men from the tribe of Benjamin, plus an additional 700 men who were left-handed and could use a sling with great accuracy. We know from one of the most famous stories in the bible that the sling could be deadly accura… Landon Long 2669 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22034286/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wecantmiss/id/3872006.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22034286 Scripture: Judges 20:14-20:16 Sun, 02 Oct 2022 20:33:43 +0000 Tyler Stevison From the time of Moses, God had appointed judges over his people to deal with disagreements. At various times the people had disputes with these judges and wanted new ones. Our text represents a change in that system because, this time, the dissatisfied people wanted a King to rule over them. There is a danger in dissatisfaction, and there is always a cost with it. Brother Stevision talks about these costs and their effect on our lives. From the time of Moses, God had appointed judges over his people to deal with disagreements. At various times the people had disputes with these judges and wanted new ones. Our text represents a change in that system because, this time, the dissatisfied people wanted a King to rule over them. There is a danger in dissatisfaction, and there is always a cost with it. Brother Stevision talks about these costs and their effect on our lives. From the time of Moses, God had appointed judges over his people to deal with disagreements. At various times the people had disputes with these judges and wanted new ones. Our text represents a change in that system because, this time, the dissatisf… Tyler Stevison 2783 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22033655/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thehighcostofafreeking/id/1222631.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22033655 Scripture: 1 Samuel 8 Sun, 02 Oct 2022 20:33:43 +0000 Tyler Stevison From the time of Moses, God had appointed judges over his people to deal with disagreements. At various times the people had disputes with these judges and wanted new ones. Our text represents a change in that system because, this time, the dissatisfied people wanted a King to rule over them. There is a danger in dissatisfaction, and there is always a cost with it. Brother Stevision talks about these costs and their effect on our lives. From the time of Moses, God had appointed judges over his people to deal with disagreements. At various times the people had disputes with these judges and wanted new ones. Our text represents a change in that system because, this time, the dissatisfied people wanted a King to rule over them. There is a danger in dissatisfaction, and there is always a cost with it. Brother Stevision talks about these costs and their effect on our lives. From the time of Moses, God had appointed judges over his people to deal with disagreements. At various times the people had disputes with these judges and wanted new ones. Our text represents a change in that system because, this time, the dissatisf… Tyler Stevison 2783 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22033655/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thehighcostofafreeking/id/3871399.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22033655 Scripture: 1 Samuel 8 Sun, 25 Sep 2022 21:35:06 +0000 Tyler Stevison Just as much as God wants us to advance and prosper, there is an enemy that wants to prevent all that God wants for us. Satan’s goal is to do whatever it takes to prevent us from getting to heaven. The enemy has a plan, and his first strategy is to convince people to question the power of God, that God is not who He says He is and cannot do what He promised. Many people can resist that strategy, and we believe God can and will. But Satan has a second strategy: get people to question God’s timing. God does not operate by time but by timing. Because we do not understand God’s timing, many people question if they are operating in His will. The absence of action does not indicate the lack of God. Just because God has not moved does not mean God has forsaken us. If we have a word from God, that word is true, but the time of fulfillment is long. Everything we see may contradict what we know, but that doesn’t change the truth. God has planted the answer to whatever we face long before we begin to experience it. God has a plan that is better than Satan’s second strategy. Just as much as God wants us to advance and prosper, there is an enemy that wants to prevent all that God wants for us. Satan’s goal is to do whatever it takes to prevent us from getting to heaven. The enemy has a plan, and his first strategy is to convince people to question the power of God, that God is not who He says He is and cannot do what He promised. Many people can resist that strategy, and we believe God can and will. But Satan has a second strategy: get people to question God’s timing. God does not operate by time but by timing. Because we do not understand God’s timing, many people question if they are operating in His will. The absence of action does not indicate the lack of God. Just because God has not moved does not mean God has forsaken us. If we have a word from God, that word is true, but the time of fulfillment is long. Everything we see may contradict what we know, but that doesn’t change the truth. God has planted the answer to whatever we face long before we begin to experience it. God has a plan that is better than Satan’s second strategy. Just as much as God wants us to advance and prosper, there is an enemy that wants to prevent all that God wants for us. Satan’s goal is to do whatever it takes to prevent us from getting to heaven. The enemy has a plan, and his first strategy is to c… Tyler Stevison 3399 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22030461/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_satanssecondstrategy/id/1220847.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22030461 Scripture: Daniel 10:1, John 11 Sun, 25 Sep 2022 21:35:06 +0000 Tyler Stevison Just as much as God wants us to advance and prosper, there is an enemy that wants to prevent all that God wants for us. Satan’s goal is to do whatever it takes to prevent us from getting to heaven. The enemy has a plan, and his first strategy is to convince people to question the power of God, that God is not who He says He is and cannot do what He promised. Many people can resist that strategy, and we believe God can and will. But Satan has a second strategy: get people to question God’s timing. God does not operate by time but by timing. Because we do not understand God’s timing, many people question if they are operating in His will. The absence of action does not indicate the lack of God. Just because God has not moved does not mean God has forsaken us. If we have a word from God, that word is true, but the time of fulfillment is long. Everything we see may contradict what we know, but that doesn’t change the truth. God has planted the answer to whatever we face long before we begin to experience it. God has a plan that is better than Satan’s second strategy. Just as much as God wants us to advance and prosper, there is an enemy that wants to prevent all that God wants for us. Satan’s goal is to do whatever it takes to prevent us from getting to heaven. The enemy has a plan, and his first strategy is to convince people to question the power of God, that God is not who He says He is and cannot do what He promised. Many people can resist that strategy, and we believe God can and will. But Satan has a second strategy: get people to question God’s timing. God does not operate by time but by timing. Because we do not understand God’s timing, many people question if they are operating in His will. The absence of action does not indicate the lack of God. Just because God has not moved does not mean God has forsaken us. If we have a word from God, that word is true, but the time of fulfillment is long. Everything we see may contradict what we know, but that doesn’t change the truth. God has planted the answer to whatever we face long before we begin to experience it. God has a plan that is better than Satan’s second strategy. Just as much as God wants us to advance and prosper, there is an enemy that wants to prevent all that God wants for us. Satan’s goal is to do whatever it takes to prevent us from getting to heaven. The enemy has a plan, and his first strategy is to c… Tyler Stevison 3399 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22030461/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_satanssecondstrategy/id/3868319.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22030461 Scripture: Daniel 10:1, John 11 Sun, 25 Sep 2022 21:03:00 +0000 Braden Reeves Missionary Braden Reeves talks about his work in Greece and give insight into why it is so important. Missionary Braden Reeves talks about his work in Greece and give insight into why it is so important. Missionary Braden Reeves talks about his work in Greece and give insight into why it is so important.… Braden Reeves 3874 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22031417/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_apeoplecryingforhelp/id/1221187.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22031417 A People Crying for Help Sun, 25 Sep 2022 21:03:00 +0000 Braden Reeves Missionary Braden Reeves talks about his work in Greece and give insight into why it is so important. Missionary Braden Reeves talks about his work in Greece and give insight into why it is so important. Missionary Braden Reeves talks about his work in Greece and give insight into why it is so important.… Braden Reeves 3874 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22031417/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_apeoplecryingforhelp/id/3869217.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22031417 A People Crying for Help Thu, 22 Sep 2022 03:24:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Continuing our series on Discipleship, Brother Hughes teaches on The way of the cross. Not way as in a path or direction, but way as in a mindset and methodology. Our text is counterintuitive to what we would expect would lead to a better way of life. The idea of bearing our cross is daunting. Bearing a cross may involve thorns. It will undoubtedly involve death. It will also involve love for others. Jesus tells the disciples that they must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. Those three things are connected. They are tied together with AND, not OR. Being a true disciple requires all three. God does not take pleasure in our stuffing or self-denial. We must do these things to condition our bodies and make them more prepared for service. Athlete works out and controls their diet to be at their peak performance. The way of the cross will lead to a different kind of life. Continuing our series on Discipleship, Brother Hughes teaches on The way of the cross. Not way as in a path or direction, but way as in a mindset and methodology. Our text is counterintuitive to what we would expect would lead to a better way of life. The idea of bearing our cross is daunting. Bearing a cross may involve thorns. It will undoubtedly involve death. It will also involve love for others. Jesus tells the disciples that they must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. Those three things are connected. They are tied together with AND, not OR. Being a true disciple requires all three. God does not take pleasure in our stuffing or self-denial. We must do these things to condition our bodies and make them more prepared for service. Athlete works out and controls their diet to be at their peak performance. The way of the cross will lead to a different kind of life. Continuing our series on Discipleship, Brother Hughes teaches on The way of the cross. Not way as in a path or direction, but way as in a mindset and methodology. Our text is counterintuitive to what we would expect would lead to a better way of life… Mark Hughes 2517 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22028804/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thewayofthecross/id/1219606.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22028804 Scripture: Luke 9:23-9:24, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13:8, Series: Discipleship Part#3 Thu, 22 Sep 2022 03:24:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Continuing our series on Discipleship, Brother Hughes teaches on The way of the cross. Not way as in a path or direction, but way as in a mindset and methodology. Our text is counterintuitive to what we would expect would lead to a better way of life. The idea of bearing our cross is daunting. Bearing a cross may involve thorns. It will undoubtedly involve death. It will also involve love for others. Jesus tells the disciples that they must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. Those three things are connected. They are tied together with AND, not OR. Being a true disciple requires all three. God does not take pleasure in our stuffing or self-denial. We must do these things to condition our bodies and make them more prepared for service. Athlete works out and controls their diet to be at their peak performance. The way of the cross will lead to a different kind of life. Continuing our series on Discipleship, Brother Hughes teaches on The way of the cross. Not way as in a path or direction, but way as in a mindset and methodology. Our text is counterintuitive to what we would expect would lead to a better way of life. The idea of bearing our cross is daunting. Bearing a cross may involve thorns. It will undoubtedly involve death. It will also involve love for others. Jesus tells the disciples that they must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. Those three things are connected. They are tied together with AND, not OR. Being a true disciple requires all three. God does not take pleasure in our stuffing or self-denial. We must do these things to condition our bodies and make them more prepared for service. Athlete works out and controls their diet to be at their peak performance. The way of the cross will lead to a different kind of life. Continuing our series on Discipleship, Brother Hughes teaches on The way of the cross. Not way as in a path or direction, but way as in a mindset and methodology. Our text is counterintuitive to what we would expect would lead to a better way of life… Mark Hughes 2517 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22028804/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thewayofthecross/id/3866699.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22028804 Scripture: Luke 9:23-9:24, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13:8, Series: Discipleship Part#3 Mon, 19 Sep 2022 01:44:00 +0000 Landon Long To be nigh means to be near. God is as close as the mention of his name. Often knowing that God is near is enough to sustain us and calm our storm. The closeness of God is a beautiful thing. Our text says God is nigh to the brokenhearted. While this is good, sometimes nigh is not enough. God’s intentions are not just to be near the brokenhearted but to do something about it. We can come into the presence of God heartbroken and leave brokenhearted. It is not enough to be near; He wants to heal the brokenhearted. It is not enough to be content with being close to God; we must be all in with God. To be nigh means to be near. God is as close as the mention of his name. Often knowing that God is near is enough to sustain us and calm our storm. The closeness of God is a beautiful thing. Our text says God is nigh to the brokenhearted. While this is good, sometimes nigh is not enough. God’s intentions are not just to be near the brokenhearted but to do something about it. We can come into the presence of God heartbroken and leave brokenhearted. It is not enough to be near; He wants to heal the brokenhearted. It is not enough to be content with being close to God; we must be all in with God. To be nigh means to be near. God is as close as the mention of his name. Often knowing that God is near is enough to sustain us and calm our storm. The closeness of God is a beautiful thing. Our text says God is nigh to the brokenhearted. While th… Landon Long 2212 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22027957/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_nighisnotenough/id/1219116.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22027957 Scripture: Psalms 34:18 Mon, 19 Sep 2022 01:44:00 +0000 Landon Long To be nigh means to be near. God is as close as the mention of his name. Often knowing that God is near is enough to sustain us and calm our storm. The closeness of God is a beautiful thing. Our text says God is nigh to the brokenhearted. While this is good, sometimes nigh is not enough. God’s intentions are not just to be near the brokenhearted but to do something about it. We can come into the presence of God heartbroken and leave brokenhearted. It is not enough to be near; He wants to heal the brokenhearted. It is not enough to be content with being close to God; we must be all in with God. To be nigh means to be near. God is as close as the mention of his name. Often knowing that God is near is enough to sustain us and calm our storm. The closeness of God is a beautiful thing. Our text says God is nigh to the brokenhearted. While this is good, sometimes nigh is not enough. God’s intentions are not just to be near the brokenhearted but to do something about it. We can come into the presence of God heartbroken and leave brokenhearted. It is not enough to be near; He wants to heal the brokenhearted. It is not enough to be content with being close to God; we must be all in with God. To be nigh means to be near. God is as close as the mention of his name. Often knowing that God is near is enough to sustain us and calm our storm. The closeness of God is a beautiful thing. Our text says God is nigh to the brokenhearted. While th… Landon Long 2212 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22027957/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_nighisnotenough/id/3865868.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22027957 Scripture: Psalms 34:18 Wed, 14 Sep 2022 21:58:00 +0000 Greg Starks Brother Starks continues our extended cruise series on Discipleship. Brother Starks continues our extended cruise series on Discipleship. Brother Starks continues our extended cruise series on Discipleship.… Greg Starks 2978 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22025651/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_takeupyourcross/id/1217600.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22025651 Series: Discipleship Part#2 Wed, 14 Sep 2022 21:58:00 +0000 Greg Starks Brother Starks continues our extended cruise series on Discipleship. Brother Starks continues our extended cruise series on Discipleship. Brother Starks continues our extended cruise series on Discipleship.… Greg Starks 2978 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22025651/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_takeupyourcross/id/3863639.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22025651 Series: Discipleship Part#2 Mon, 12 Sep 2022 02:49:11 +0000 Mark Hughes At first reading, Matthew’s recording of Jesus’ words sounds radical and extreme, almost militant. Using the word violence is jarring and stark, but the original word in Greek indicates taking something forcefully and not letting it go. The word Jesus uses is more accurately translated as enthusiasm and eagerness. The intent is to portray a letting go of the old law and taking hold of the new law and kingdom of God. This passage describes a transformational time that would take them past a sacrifice at an altar that would grant temporary rest and propel them to the cross, providing eternal life and forgiveness. He describes a transition from professing the old law and possessing a new life. This verse describes an attitude that we must possess. We must break out of old beliefs and habits that have held us in check. Beliefs of past failure, not measuring up, and being too far from God. We must lay that aside and take hold of God’s promise forcefully and not let it go. The law would allow them to get close to God, but not too close, and only through a priest on their behalf. There was always a distance. His gospel message gives us direct access to the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. At first reading, Matthew’s recording of Jesus’ words sounds radical and extreme, almost militant. Using the word violence is jarring and stark, but the original word in Greek indicates taking something forcefully and not letting it go. The word Jesus uses is more accurately translated as enthusiasm and eagerness. The intent is to portray a letting go of the old law and taking hold of the new law and kingdom of God. This passage describes a transformational time that would take them past a sacrifice at an altar that would grant temporary rest and propel them to the cross, providing eternal life and forgiveness. He describes a transition from professing the old law and possessing a new life. This verse describes an attitude that we must possess. We must break out of old beliefs and habits that have held us in check. Beliefs of past failure, not measuring up, and being too far from God. We must lay that aside and take hold of God’s promise forcefully and not let it go. The law would allow them to get close to God, but not too close, and only through a priest on their behalf. There was always a distance. His gospel message gives us direct access to the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. At first reading, Matthew’s recording of Jesus’ words sounds radical and extreme, almost militant. Using the word violence is jarring and stark, but the original word in Greek indicates taking something forcefully and not letting it go. The word Jesu… Mark Hughes 2173 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22024611/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theperilofprofessingwithoutpos/id/1217078.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22024611 The Peril of Professing Without Possessing Mon, 12 Sep 2022 02:49:11 +0000 Mark Hughes At first reading, Matthew’s recording of Jesus’ words sounds radical and extreme, almost militant. Using the word violence is jarring and stark, but the original word in Greek indicates taking something forcefully and not letting it go. The word Jesus uses is more accurately translated as enthusiasm and eagerness. The intent is to portray a letting go of the old law and taking hold of the new law and kingdom of God. This passage describes a transformational time that would take them past a sacrifice at an altar that would grant temporary rest and propel them to the cross, providing eternal life and forgiveness. He describes a transition from professing the old law and possessing a new life. This verse describes an attitude that we must possess. We must break out of old beliefs and habits that have held us in check. Beliefs of past failure, not measuring up, and being too far from God. We must lay that aside and take hold of God’s promise forcefully and not let it go. The law would allow them to get close to God, but not too close, and only through a priest on their behalf. There was always a distance. His gospel message gives us direct access to the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. At first reading, Matthew’s recording of Jesus’ words sounds radical and extreme, almost militant. Using the word violence is jarring and stark, but the original word in Greek indicates taking something forcefully and not letting it go. The word Jesus uses is more accurately translated as enthusiasm and eagerness. The intent is to portray a letting go of the old law and taking hold of the new law and kingdom of God. This passage describes a transformational time that would take them past a sacrifice at an altar that would grant temporary rest and propel them to the cross, providing eternal life and forgiveness. He describes a transition from professing the old law and possessing a new life. This verse describes an attitude that we must possess. We must break out of old beliefs and habits that have held us in check. Beliefs of past failure, not measuring up, and being too far from God. We must lay that aside and take hold of God’s promise forcefully and not let it go. The law would allow them to get close to God, but not too close, and only through a priest on their behalf. There was always a distance. His gospel message gives us direct access to the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. At first reading, Matthew’s recording of Jesus’ words sounds radical and extreme, almost militant. Using the word violence is jarring and stark, but the original word in Greek indicates taking something forcefully and not letting it go. The word Jesu… Mark Hughes 2173 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22024611/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theperilofprofessingwithoutpos/id/3862644.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22024611 The Peril of Professing Without Possessing Mon, 12 Sep 2022 00:28:00 +0000 Landon Long Everyone knows where they were on September 11, 2001. The events in New York, Washington DC, and the field in Pennsylvania have become part of our collective story. The devastation and ruin of that day brought every American together in a way that, sadly, only a great tragedy can. The 911 memorial on the former World Trade Center site contains mementos and items salvaged from the ruin of the fallen buildings. On that morning twenty-one years ago, thousands woke up not knowing the destruction that would come their way that day. There is an enemy who tries to bring devastation to God's people to shake their faith and turn them away. On that day, tragedy and ruin came very quickly. Often, tragedy in our lives comes much more slowly. The enemy picks away little by little, and over time the structure of our lives can crumble. In our text, Amos recounts the fallen tabernacle and vows to rebuild what was in ruin. God’s people had decided that it was time to clean away the rubble and build. The cleanup at Ground Zero took nine months, and the construction of the 911 memorial took five years. The clean-up began almost immediately to clear away the ruins and start the healing process. We had to pick up the pieces and remove the constant reminder of the tragedy that the ruins represented. God gives us a way to clean up our ruin and begin rebuilding. We have to raise up the ruins. Everyone knows where they were on September 11, 2001. The events in New York, Washington DC, and the field in Pennsylvania have become part of our collective story. The devastation and ruin of that day brought every American together in a way that, sadly, only a great tragedy can. The 911 memorial on the former World Trade Center site contains mementos and items salvaged from the ruin of the fallen buildings. On that morning twenty-one years ago, thousands woke up not knowing the destruction that would come their way that day. There is an enemy who tries to bring devastation to God's people to shake their faith and turn them away. On that day, tragedy and ruin came very quickly. Often, tragedy in our lives comes much more slowly. The enemy picks away little by little, and over time the structure of our lives can crumble. In our text, Amos recounts the fallen tabernacle and vows to rebuild what was in ruin. God’s people had decided that it was time to clean away the rubble and build. The cleanup at Ground Zero took nine months, and the construction of the 911 memorial took five years. The clean-up began almost immediately to clear away the ruins and start the healing process. We had to pick up the pieces and remove the constant reminder of the tragedy that the ruins represented. God gives us a way to clean up our ruin and begin rebuilding. We have to raise up the ruins. Everyone knows where they were on September 11, 2001. The events in New York, Washington DC, and the field in Pennsylvania have become part of our collective story. The devastation and ruin of that day brought every American together in a way that, … Landon Long 2902 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22024999/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_raiseuptheruins/id/1217231.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22024999 Scripture: Amos 9:11, Colossians 1:16-1:23 Mon, 12 Sep 2022 00:28:00 +0000 Landon Long Everyone knows where they were on September 11, 2001. The events in New York, Washington DC, and the field in Pennsylvania have become part of our collective story. The devastation and ruin of that day brought every American together in a way that, sadly, only a great tragedy can. The 911 memorial on the former World Trade Center site contains mementos and items salvaged from the ruin of the fallen buildings. On that morning twenty-one years ago, thousands woke up not knowing the destruction that would come their way that day. There is an enemy who tries to bring devastation to God's people to shake their faith and turn them away. On that day, tragedy and ruin came very quickly. Often, tragedy in our lives comes much more slowly. The enemy picks away little by little, and over time the structure of our lives can crumble. In our text, Amos recounts the fallen tabernacle and vows to rebuild what was in ruin. God’s people had decided that it was time to clean away the rubble and build. The cleanup at Ground Zero took nine months, and the construction of the 911 memorial took five years. The clean-up began almost immediately to clear away the ruins and start the healing process. We had to pick up the pieces and remove the constant reminder of the tragedy that the ruins represented. God gives us a way to clean up our ruin and begin rebuilding. We have to raise up the ruins. Everyone knows where they were on September 11, 2001. The events in New York, Washington DC, and the field in Pennsylvania have become part of our collective story. The devastation and ruin of that day brought every American together in a way that, sadly, only a great tragedy can. The 911 memorial on the former World Trade Center site contains mementos and items salvaged from the ruin of the fallen buildings. On that morning twenty-one years ago, thousands woke up not knowing the destruction that would come their way that day. There is an enemy who tries to bring devastation to God's people to shake their faith and turn them away. On that day, tragedy and ruin came very quickly. Often, tragedy in our lives comes much more slowly. The enemy picks away little by little, and over time the structure of our lives can crumble. In our text, Amos recounts the fallen tabernacle and vows to rebuild what was in ruin. God’s people had decided that it was time to clean away the rubble and build. The cleanup at Ground Zero took nine months, and the construction of the 911 memorial took five years. The clean-up began almost immediately to clear away the ruins and start the healing process. We had to pick up the pieces and remove the constant reminder of the tragedy that the ruins represented. God gives us a way to clean up our ruin and begin rebuilding. We have to raise up the ruins. Everyone knows where they were on September 11, 2001. The events in New York, Washington DC, and the field in Pennsylvania have become part of our collective story. The devastation and ruin of that day brought every American together in a way that, … Landon Long 2902 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22024999/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_raiseuptheruins/id/3863022.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22024999 Scripture: Amos 9:11, Colossians 1:16-1:23 Sun, 11 Sep 2022 01:23:37 +0000 Mark Hughes Brother Hughes extends our summer cruise series by exploring Discipleship. In tonight's message, he defines what it is to be a disciple. Post-modern thinking has all but eroded the true definition of the word disciple. At its base, a disciple is a pupil who applies what he has learned from a teacher to his own life. Jesus did not create the word disciple it was a common term for one who followed and learned from a master teacher. A disciple is one who takes up the way of another, laying down their own way, and chooses to follow the master. It is clear in reading the new testament that it is an instruction in a better, higher way of living. To experience that higher way, we have to lay down our lower ways. Social media has co-opted the definition of a follower to a simple interest in the subject of the following, but the biblical following is much more. Brother Hughes extends our summer cruise series by exploring Discipleship. In tonight's message, he defines what it is to be a disciple. Post-modern thinking has all but eroded the true definition of the word disciple. At its base, a disciple is a pupil who applies what he has learned from a teacher to his own life. Jesus did not create the word disciple it was a common term for one who followed and learned from a master teacher. A disciple is one who takes up the way of another, laying down their own way, and chooses to follow the master. It is clear in reading the new testament that it is an instruction in a better, higher way of living. To experience that higher way, we have to lay down our lower ways. Social media has co-opted the definition of a follower to a simple interest in the subject of the following, but the biblical following is much more. Brother Hughes extends our summer cruise series by exploring Discipleship. In tonight's message, he defines what it is to be a disciple. Post-modern thinking has all but eroded the true definition of the word disciple. At its base, a disciple is a p… Mark Hughes 2864 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22023049/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whatisadisciple/id/1215950.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22023049 Scripture: Matthew 4:14-4:22, John 1:35-1:49, Luke 9:23-9:24, Series: Discipleship Part#1 Sun, 11 Sep 2022 01:23:37 +0000 Mark Hughes Brother Hughes extends our summer cruise series by exploring Discipleship. In tonight's message, he defines what it is to be a disciple. Post-modern thinking has all but eroded the true definition of the word disciple. At its base, a disciple is a pupil who applies what he has learned from a teacher to his own life. Jesus did not create the word disciple it was a common term for one who followed and learned from a master teacher. A disciple is one who takes up the way of another, laying down their own way, and chooses to follow the master. It is clear in reading the new testament that it is an instruction in a better, higher way of living. To experience that higher way, we have to lay down our lower ways. Social media has co-opted the definition of a follower to a simple interest in the subject of the following, but the biblical following is much more. Brother Hughes extends our summer cruise series by exploring Discipleship. In tonight's message, he defines what it is to be a disciple. Post-modern thinking has all but eroded the true definition of the word disciple. At its base, a disciple is a pupil who applies what he has learned from a teacher to his own life. Jesus did not create the word disciple it was a common term for one who followed and learned from a master teacher. A disciple is one who takes up the way of another, laying down their own way, and chooses to follow the master. It is clear in reading the new testament that it is an instruction in a better, higher way of living. To experience that higher way, we have to lay down our lower ways. Social media has co-opted the definition of a follower to a simple interest in the subject of the following, but the biblical following is much more. Brother Hughes extends our summer cruise series by exploring Discipleship. In tonight's message, he defines what it is to be a disciple. Post-modern thinking has all but eroded the true definition of the word disciple. At its base, a disciple is a p… Mark Hughes 2864 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22023049/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatisadisciple/id/3861124.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22023049 Scripture: Matthew 4:14-4:22, John 1:35-1:49, Luke 9:23-9:24, Series: Discipleship Part#1 Sun, 04 Sep 2022 21:00:39 +0000 Mark Hughes There is a level of freedom and release that can only be attained in the presence of God. When we are in the presence of God, we can dance, shout, and praise the Lord in a way that we cannot do while living in our reserved shells. When we come into the presence of God, we can set down that burden that we could not carry and forgive, that wrong that we cannot forgive. The spirit's moving is designed to release us from life's fear, doubt, and troubles. His spirit frees us from those things. In Genesis, Moses’ face was radiant after being in the presence of God, so he wore a veil. We do not find in scripture that God commanded Moses to wear a veil. We have always been taught that Moses wore the veil to protect Israel. Brother Hughes suggests it is more likely that Moses was hiding the fading of that radiance as he was no longer in the presence of God. It is time to be comfortable in the presence of God, to come into worship expecting an encounter rather than just acknowledging His existence. There is a level of freedom and release that can only be attained in the presence of God. When we are in the presence of God, we can dance, shout, and praise the Lord in a way that we cannot do while living in our reserved shells. When we come into the presence of God, we can set down that burden that we could not carry and forgive, that wrong that we cannot forgive. The spirit's moving is designed to release us from life's fear, doubt, and troubles. His spirit frees us from those things. In Genesis, Moses’ face was radiant after being in the presence of God, so he wore a veil. We do not find in scripture that God commanded Moses to wear a veil. We have always been taught that Moses wore the veil to protect Israel. Brother Hughes suggests it is more likely that Moses was hiding the fading of that radiance as he was no longer in the presence of God. It is time to be comfortable in the presence of God, to come into worship expecting an encounter rather than just acknowledging His existence. There is a level of freedom and release that can only be attained in the presence of God. When we are in the presence of God, we can dance, shout, and praise the Lord in a way that we cannot do while living in our reserved shells. When we come into t… Mark Hughes 2851 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22021529/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_removingtheveil/id/1215189.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22021529 Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:12-3:18 Sun, 04 Sep 2022 21:00:39 +0000 Mark Hughes There is a level of freedom and release that can only be attained in the presence of God. When we are in the presence of God, we can dance, shout, and praise the Lord in a way that we cannot do while living in our reserved shells. When we come into the presence of God, we can set down that burden that we could not carry and forgive, that wrong that we cannot forgive. The spirit's moving is designed to release us from life's fear, doubt, and troubles. His spirit frees us from those things. In Genesis, Moses’ face was radiant after being in the presence of God, so he wore a veil. We do not find in scripture that God commanded Moses to wear a veil. We have always been taught that Moses wore the veil to protect Israel. Brother Hughes suggests it is more likely that Moses was hiding the fading of that radiance as he was no longer in the presence of God. It is time to be comfortable in the presence of God, to come into worship expecting an encounter rather than just acknowledging His existence. There is a level of freedom and release that can only be attained in the presence of God. When we are in the presence of God, we can dance, shout, and praise the Lord in a way that we cannot do while living in our reserved shells. When we come into the presence of God, we can set down that burden that we could not carry and forgive, that wrong that we cannot forgive. The spirit's moving is designed to release us from life's fear, doubt, and troubles. His spirit frees us from those things. In Genesis, Moses’ face was radiant after being in the presence of God, so he wore a veil. We do not find in scripture that God commanded Moses to wear a veil. We have always been taught that Moses wore the veil to protect Israel. Brother Hughes suggests it is more likely that Moses was hiding the fading of that radiance as he was no longer in the presence of God. It is time to be comfortable in the presence of God, to come into worship expecting an encounter rather than just acknowledging His existence. There is a level of freedom and release that can only be attained in the presence of God. When we are in the presence of God, we can dance, shout, and praise the Lord in a way that we cannot do while living in our reserved shells. When we come into t… Mark Hughes 2851 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22021529/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_removingtheveil/id/3859656.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22021529 Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:12-3:18 Mon, 29 Aug 2022 03:10:00 +0000 Stan Cook An evening of worship, song, and preaching with Bro. Stan Cook. An evening of worship, song, and preaching with Bro. Stan Cook. An evening of worship, song, and preaching with Bro. Stan Cook.… Stan Cook 5377 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22019316/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_aneveningwithbrostancook/id/1213669.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22019316 An evening with Bro. Stan Cook Mon, 29 Aug 2022 03:10:00 +0000 Stan Cook An evening of worship, song, and preaching with Bro. Stan Cook. An evening of worship, song, and preaching with Bro. Stan Cook. An evening of worship, song, and preaching with Bro. Stan Cook.… Stan Cook 5377 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22019316/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_aneveningwithbrostancook/id/3857524.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22019316 An evening with Bro. Stan Cook Sun, 28 Aug 2022 22:29:00 +0000 Landon Long The items and vessels used in the Temple and later in the tabernacle were special and only used in the house of God. In time, the Babylonians came and took the vessels out of God’s house as plunder. Nebuchadnezzar took them out of the house of God and placed them in a place to be used by his god. The enemy was not just interested in capturing the people but in turning them away from God. The devil is not content with removing us from the house of God, he also wants to redirect our lives to other purposes. In time, Israel came out of captivity. The house of God had been destroyed, and it would have been easy to say that things cannot go back to how they were, but Israel began to restore the tabernacle. Every one if the vessels taken by Nebuchadnezzar had a place and a purpose. God wanted to restore those things to their place. God has prepared a place for each of us, and He wants to return us to that place. The items and vessels used in the Temple and later in the tabernacle were special and only used in the house of God. In time, the Babylonians came and took the vessels out of God’s house as plunder. Nebuchadnezzar took them out of the house of God and placed them in a place to be used by his god. The enemy was not just interested in capturing the people but in turning them away from God. The devil is not content with removing us from the house of God, he also wants to redirect our lives to other purposes. In time, Israel came out of captivity. The house of God had been destroyed, and it would have been easy to say that things cannot go back to how they were, but Israel began to restore the tabernacle. Every one if the vessels taken by Nebuchadnezzar had a place and a purpose. God wanted to restore those things to their place. God has prepared a place for each of us, and He wants to return us to that place. The items and vessels used in the Temple and later in the tabernacle were special and only used in the house of God. In time, the Babylonians came and took the vessels out of God’s house as plunder. Nebuchadnezzar took them out of the house of God an… Landon Long 2530 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22019264/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_restoredtotherightplace/id/1213644.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22019264 Scripture: Ezra 1, Ezra 3:5-3:5, Ephesians 2:12-2:13 Sun, 28 Aug 2022 22:29:00 +0000 Landon Long The items and vessels used in the Temple and later in the tabernacle were special and only used in the house of God. In time, the Babylonians came and took the vessels out of God’s house as plunder. Nebuchadnezzar took them out of the house of God and placed them in a place to be used by his god. The enemy was not just interested in capturing the people but in turning them away from God. The devil is not content with removing us from the house of God, he also wants to redirect our lives to other purposes. In time, Israel came out of captivity. The house of God had been destroyed, and it would have been easy to say that things cannot go back to how they were, but Israel began to restore the tabernacle. Every one if the vessels taken by Nebuchadnezzar had a place and a purpose. God wanted to restore those things to their place. God has prepared a place for each of us, and He wants to return us to that place. The items and vessels used in the Temple and later in the tabernacle were special and only used in the house of God. In time, the Babylonians came and took the vessels out of God’s house as plunder. Nebuchadnezzar took them out of the house of God and placed them in a place to be used by his god. The enemy was not just interested in capturing the people but in turning them away from God. The devil is not content with removing us from the house of God, he also wants to redirect our lives to other purposes. In time, Israel came out of captivity. The house of God had been destroyed, and it would have been easy to say that things cannot go back to how they were, but Israel began to restore the tabernacle. Every one if the vessels taken by Nebuchadnezzar had a place and a purpose. God wanted to restore those things to their place. God has prepared a place for each of us, and He wants to return us to that place. The items and vessels used in the Temple and later in the tabernacle were special and only used in the house of God. In time, the Babylonians came and took the vessels out of God’s house as plunder. Nebuchadnezzar took them out of the house of God an… Landon Long 2530 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22019264/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_restoredtotherightplace/id/3857461.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22019264 Scripture: Ezra 1, Ezra 3:5-3:5, Ephesians 2:12-2:13 Thu, 25 Aug 2022 01:39:00 +0000 Greg Starks The idea of stewardship is that everything that we have access to in life are all finite resources. Those things we have access to are not ours; they are on loan from God. Our time, talent, finance, and even our very lives belong to God. The one area that is the most easily identifiable, and is one of the most uncomfortable to discuss, is money. More than half of the parables Jesus used were about money. Our text tonight is one of those. The treasure in the field is likened to the Kingdom of God. The wayfaring man was not sacrificial when he sold all he had to buy the field; the value of the treasure in the field was worth more than anything. No one takes their money with them when they die. The Bible says not to lay up our treasures on earth but to lay up treasure in heaven. We cannot take it with us, but we prepare for eternity. The scripture defines three kinds of giving: Tithes, Offering, and Alms. If we are going to participate in God’s plan, we must do some planning ourselves and treat tithing as a debt we owe. God has blessed us and caused the crop to grow, so we would bring the first part of the harvest to God as an acknowledgment that the blessing came from God. The idea of stewardship is that everything that we have access to in life are all finite resources. Those things we have access to are not ours; they are on loan from God. Our time, talent, finance, and even our very lives belong to God. The one area that is the most easily identifiable, and is one of the most uncomfortable to discuss, is money. More than half of the parables Jesus used were about money. Our text tonight is one of those. The treasure in the field is likened to the Kingdom of God. The wayfaring man was not sacrificial when he sold all he had to buy the field; the value of the treasure in the field was worth more than anything. No one takes their money with them when they die. The Bible says not to lay up our treasures on earth but to lay up treasure in heaven. We cannot take it with us, but we prepare for eternity. The scripture defines three kinds of giving: Tithes, Offering, and Alms. If we are going to participate in God’s plan, we must do some planning ourselves and treat tithing as a debt we owe. God has blessed us and caused the crop to grow, so we would bring the first part of the harvest to God as an acknowledgment that the blessing came from God. The idea of stewardship is that everything that we have access to in life are all finite resources. Those things we have access to are not ours; they are on loan from God. Our time, talent, finance, and even our very lives belong to God. The one are… Greg Starks 2711 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22017226/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_stewardshiptreasure/id/1212287.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22017226 Scripture: Matthew 13:44, Matthew 6:19-6:20, Malachi 3:8-3:10, Series: Summer Cruise Series Thu, 25 Aug 2022 01:39:00 +0000 Greg Starks The idea of stewardship is that everything that we have access to in life are all finite resources. Those things we have access to are not ours; they are on loan from God. Our time, talent, finance, and even our very lives belong to God. The one area that is the most easily identifiable, and is one of the most uncomfortable to discuss, is money. More than half of the parables Jesus used were about money. Our text tonight is one of those. The treasure in the field is likened to the Kingdom of God. The wayfaring man was not sacrificial when he sold all he had to buy the field; the value of the treasure in the field was worth more than anything. No one takes their money with them when they die. The Bible says not to lay up our treasures on earth but to lay up treasure in heaven. We cannot take it with us, but we prepare for eternity. The scripture defines three kinds of giving: Tithes, Offering, and Alms. If we are going to participate in God’s plan, we must do some planning ourselves and treat tithing as a debt we owe. God has blessed us and caused the crop to grow, so we would bring the first part of the harvest to God as an acknowledgment that the blessing came from God. The idea of stewardship is that everything that we have access to in life are all finite resources. Those things we have access to are not ours; they are on loan from God. Our time, talent, finance, and even our very lives belong to God. The one area that is the most easily identifiable, and is one of the most uncomfortable to discuss, is money. More than half of the parables Jesus used were about money. Our text tonight is one of those. The treasure in the field is likened to the Kingdom of God. The wayfaring man was not sacrificial when he sold all he had to buy the field; the value of the treasure in the field was worth more than anything. No one takes their money with them when they die. The Bible says not to lay up our treasures on earth but to lay up treasure in heaven. We cannot take it with us, but we prepare for eternity. The scripture defines three kinds of giving: Tithes, Offering, and Alms. If we are going to participate in God’s plan, we must do some planning ourselves and treat tithing as a debt we owe. God has blessed us and caused the crop to grow, so we would bring the first part of the harvest to God as an acknowledgment that the blessing came from God. The idea of stewardship is that everything that we have access to in life are all finite resources. Those things we have access to are not ours; they are on loan from God. Our time, talent, finance, and even our very lives belong to God. The one are… Greg Starks 2711 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22017226/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_stewardshiptreasure/id/3855489.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22017226 Scripture: Matthew 13:44, Matthew 6:19-6:20, Malachi 3:8-3:10, Series: Summer Cruise Series Sun, 21 Aug 2022 20:12:31 +0000 Landon Long Lies have been around since the beginning of time. The first lie came to Adam and Eve early in Genius. The serpent deceived Eve, and then she added to the story to compound the lie. Joseph’s brothers lied to their father about his fate and told it so much that they came to believe the untruth. No one had to tell Adam and Eve how to hide their sin. They instinctively knew how to try to deceive God. Children learn very early to lie to avoid getting into trouble. Recognizing a lie is difficult; it is even more difficult when we do not know the truth. We have to know the truth, or we will believe lies. How do we know the truth? The world tries to convince is that there are different truths that depend on the individual or the circumstance. The truth is that there is one truth that is not dependent on circumstances. The devil is a liar. The Bible tells us that he is incapable of telling the truth. He will try to confuse us with lies that will cause us to question the truth and believe his lies. This goes back to the first lie he told Eve, where he said just enough truth to convince her to believe the larger deception. The problem is that we fix our minds on the facts in front of us, not God's promise. It doesn't matter what the facts say; all that matters is what God says. Lies have been around since the beginning of time. The first lie came to Adam and Eve early in Genius. The serpent deceived Eve, and then she added to the story to compound the lie. Joseph’s brothers lied to their father about his fate and told it so much that they came to believe the untruth. No one had to tell Adam and Eve how to hide their sin. They instinctively knew how to try to deceive God. Children learn very early to lie to avoid getting into trouble. Recognizing a lie is difficult; it is even more difficult when we do not know the truth. We have to know the truth, or we will believe lies. How do we know the truth? The world tries to convince is that there are different truths that depend on the individual or the circumstance. The truth is that there is one truth that is not dependent on circumstances. The devil is a liar. The Bible tells us that he is incapable of telling the truth. He will try to confuse us with lies that will cause us to question the truth and believe his lies. This goes back to the first lie he told Eve, where he said just enough truth to convince her to believe the larger deception. The problem is that we fix our minds on the facts in front of us, not God's promise. It doesn't matter what the facts say; all that matters is what God says. Lies have been around since the beginning of time. The first lie came to Adam and Eve early in Genius. The serpent deceived Eve, and then she added to the story to compound the lie. Joseph’s brothers lied to their father about his fate and told it s… Landon Long 2744 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22015891/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_becauseoftheliersitsalie/id/1211548.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22015891 Scripture: Judges 20:28-20:43 Sun, 21 Aug 2022 20:12:31 +0000 Landon Long Lies have been around since the beginning of time. The first lie came to Adam and Eve early in Genius. The serpent deceived Eve, and then she added to the story to compound the lie. Joseph’s brothers lied to their father about his fate and told it so much that they came to believe the untruth. No one had to tell Adam and Eve how to hide their sin. They instinctively knew how to try to deceive God. Children learn very early to lie to avoid getting into trouble. Recognizing a lie is difficult; it is even more difficult when we do not know the truth. We have to know the truth, or we will believe lies. How do we know the truth? The world tries to convince is that there are different truths that depend on the individual or the circumstance. The truth is that there is one truth that is not dependent on circumstances. The devil is a liar. The Bible tells us that he is incapable of telling the truth. He will try to confuse us with lies that will cause us to question the truth and believe his lies. This goes back to the first lie he told Eve, where he said just enough truth to convince her to believe the larger deception. The problem is that we fix our minds on the facts in front of us, not God's promise. It doesn't matter what the facts say; all that matters is what God says. Lies have been around since the beginning of time. The first lie came to Adam and Eve early in Genius. The serpent deceived Eve, and then she added to the story to compound the lie. Joseph’s brothers lied to their father about his fate and told it so much that they came to believe the untruth. No one had to tell Adam and Eve how to hide their sin. They instinctively knew how to try to deceive God. Children learn very early to lie to avoid getting into trouble. Recognizing a lie is difficult; it is even more difficult when we do not know the truth. We have to know the truth, or we will believe lies. How do we know the truth? The world tries to convince is that there are different truths that depend on the individual or the circumstance. The truth is that there is one truth that is not dependent on circumstances. The devil is a liar. The Bible tells us that he is incapable of telling the truth. He will try to confuse us with lies that will cause us to question the truth and believe his lies. This goes back to the first lie he told Eve, where he said just enough truth to convince her to believe the larger deception. The problem is that we fix our minds on the facts in front of us, not God's promise. It doesn't matter what the facts say; all that matters is what God says. Lies have been around since the beginning of time. The first lie came to Adam and Eve early in Genius. The serpent deceived Eve, and then she added to the story to compound the lie. Joseph’s brothers lied to their father about his fate and told it s… Landon Long 2744 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22015891/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_becauseoftheliersitsalie/id/3854224.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22015891 Scripture: Judges 20:28-20:43 Wed, 17 Aug 2022 22:26:00 +0000 Greg Starks Church history records what we now know as the reformation, which led to the concept of the priesthood of the believer. For many years, denominal religion taught that a priest had to be an intermediary between the individual and God. With the reformation came a return to a reliance on biblical authority for the basis of theology and doctrine. The Bible tells us that Jesus is the great high priest. When Jesus died, the veil in the tabernacle was torn from top to bottom, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between the individual and the presence of the Lord. There is an additional implication of this access, and that is that there is a degree of sanctification available to us that was not available before Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. When we receive the Holy Spirit, we are sanctified, and that setting apart becomes part of us in all aspects of our life, not just when we are in church. In the old testament, the furniture and utensils of the tabernacle were the sanctified things used in service to God, but the new testament makes us set apart and used for a specific benefit to God. Our text lists men to whom He gave skills and abilities to use in the service to the tabernacle. Similarly, God entrusts skills and abilities to us to use in the service to the kingdom of God. Using these talents is a form of stewardship to further the kingdom of God. This applies to all aspects of our lives. Our life is our ministry, and the Bible is clear that the work we do, even that done outside the church, is part of our ministry and a reflection of God. Our talents and abilities are from God, and the idea of being good stewards of what God has given us extends to everything we do. Church history records what we now know as the reformation, which led to the concept of the priesthood of the believer. For many years, denominal religion taught that a priest had to be an intermediary between the individual and God. With the reformation came a return to a reliance on biblical authority for the basis of theology and doctrine. The Bible tells us that Jesus is the great high priest. When Jesus died, the veil in the tabernacle was torn from top to bottom, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between the individual and the presence of the Lord. There is an additional implication of this access, and that is that there is a degree of sanctification available to us that was not available before Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. When we receive the Holy Spirit, we are sanctified, and that setting apart becomes part of us in all aspects of our life, not just when we are in church. In the old testament, the furniture and utensils of the tabernacle were the sanctified things used in service to God, but the new testament makes us set apart and used for a specific benefit to God. Our text lists men to whom He gave skills and abilities to use in the service to the tabernacle. Similarly, God entrusts skills and abilities to us to use in the service to the kingdom of God. Using these talents is a form of stewardship to further the kingdom of God. This applies to all aspects of our lives. Our life is our ministry, and the Bible is clear that the work we do, even that done outside the church, is part of our ministry and a reflection of God. Our talents and abilities are from God, and the idea of being good stewards of what God has given us extends to everything we do. Church history records what we now know as the reformation, which led to the concept of the priesthood of the believer. For many years, denominal religion taught that a priest had to be an intermediary between the individual and God. With the reforma… Greg Starks 2800 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22014294/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_stewardshiptalentsandabilities/id/1210344.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22014294 Scripture: Exodus 31:1-31:11, Ephesians 6:5-6:9, Series: Summer Cruise Series Wed, 17 Aug 2022 22:26:00 +0000 Greg Starks Church history records what we now know as the reformation, which led to the concept of the priesthood of the believer. For many years, denominal religion taught that a priest had to be an intermediary between the individual and God. With the reformation came a return to a reliance on biblical authority for the basis of theology and doctrine. The Bible tells us that Jesus is the great high priest. When Jesus died, the veil in the tabernacle was torn from top to bottom, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between the individual and the presence of the Lord. There is an additional implication of this access, and that is that there is a degree of sanctification available to us that was not available before Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. When we receive the Holy Spirit, we are sanctified, and that setting apart becomes part of us in all aspects of our life, not just when we are in church. In the old testament, the furniture and utensils of the tabernacle were the sanctified things used in service to God, but the new testament makes us set apart and used for a specific benefit to God. Our text lists men to whom He gave skills and abilities to use in the service to the tabernacle. Similarly, God entrusts skills and abilities to us to use in the service to the kingdom of God. Using these talents is a form of stewardship to further the kingdom of God. This applies to all aspects of our lives. Our life is our ministry, and the Bible is clear that the work we do, even that done outside the church, is part of our ministry and a reflection of God. Our talents and abilities are from God, and the idea of being good stewards of what God has given us extends to everything we do. Church history records what we now know as the reformation, which led to the concept of the priesthood of the believer. For many years, denominal religion taught that a priest had to be an intermediary between the individual and God. With the reformation came a return to a reliance on biblical authority for the basis of theology and doctrine. The Bible tells us that Jesus is the great high priest. When Jesus died, the veil in the tabernacle was torn from top to bottom, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between the individual and the presence of the Lord. There is an additional implication of this access, and that is that there is a degree of sanctification available to us that was not available before Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. When we receive the Holy Spirit, we are sanctified, and that setting apart becomes part of us in all aspects of our life, not just when we are in church. In the old testament, the furniture and utensils of the tabernacle were the sanctified things used in service to God, but the new testament makes us set apart and used for a specific benefit to God. Our text lists men to whom He gave skills and abilities to use in the service to the tabernacle. Similarly, God entrusts skills and abilities to us to use in the service to the kingdom of God. Using these talents is a form of stewardship to further the kingdom of God. This applies to all aspects of our lives. Our life is our ministry, and the Bible is clear that the work we do, even that done outside the church, is part of our ministry and a reflection of God. Our talents and abilities are from God, and the idea of being good stewards of what God has given us extends to everything we do. Church history records what we now know as the reformation, which led to the concept of the priesthood of the believer. For many years, denominal religion taught that a priest had to be an intermediary between the individual and God. With the reforma… Greg Starks 2800 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22014294/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_stewardshiptalentsandabilities/id/3852666.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22014294 Scripture: Exodus 31:1-31:11, Ephesians 6:5-6:9, Series: Summer Cruise Series Sun, 14 Aug 2022 18:48:12 +0000 Mark Hughes When reading scripture, it is essential to understand the context. In our text today, Jesus had been invited to a feast provided by a religious leader of the day. The pharisee were the keepers of the law and the enforcers of the rules related to those laws. All eyes were on Jesus that day to see how He would respond or react to the situation. Jesus tells the story of a man who planned an elaborate feast and sent out invitations to attend. On the banquet day, various people offered excuses for why they could not attend. The host sends his servants out to pull in the poor and maimed. He then states that no one who was invited but declined would ever be asked again. This is a startling statement. What do we miss because of the excuses we make? We hide behind reasons that can hurt us significantly and cause us to miss so much. Most of our excuses are founded on someone or something else, but the reality is that they are self-limiting. Excuses become the ruts in which the mind becomes stuck. These ruts keep us from enjoying the banquet that God has prepared for us. Excuses can become a crutch that we use to limp through life. Excuses can cause us to miss an opportunity that, once gone, will be too late. When reading scripture, it is essential to understand the context. In our text today, Jesus had been invited to a feast provided by a religious leader of the day. The pharisee were the keepers of the law and the enforcers of the rules related to those laws. All eyes were on Jesus that day to see how He would respond or react to the situation. Jesus tells the story of a man who planned an elaborate feast and sent out invitations to attend. On the banquet day, various people offered excuses for why they could not attend. The host sends his servants out to pull in the poor and maimed. He then states that no one who was invited but declined would ever be asked again. This is a startling statement. What do we miss because of the excuses we make? We hide behind reasons that can hurt us significantly and cause us to miss so much. Most of our excuses are founded on someone or something else, but the reality is that they are self-limiting. Excuses become the ruts in which the mind becomes stuck. These ruts keep us from enjoying the banquet that God has prepared for us. Excuses can become a crutch that we use to limp through life. Excuses can cause us to miss an opportunity that, once gone, will be too late. When reading scripture, it is essential to understand the context. In our text today, Jesus had been invited to a feast provided by a religious leader of the day. The pharisee were the keepers of the law and the enforcers of the rules related to thos… Mark Hughes 3369 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22012849/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thelimpoftheloser/id/1209679.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22012849 Scripture: Luke 14:15-14:24 Sun, 14 Aug 2022 18:48:12 +0000 Mark Hughes When reading scripture, it is essential to understand the context. In our text today, Jesus had been invited to a feast provided by a religious leader of the day. The pharisee were the keepers of the law and the enforcers of the rules related to those laws. All eyes were on Jesus that day to see how He would respond or react to the situation. Jesus tells the story of a man who planned an elaborate feast and sent out invitations to attend. On the banquet day, various people offered excuses for why they could not attend. The host sends his servants out to pull in the poor and maimed. He then states that no one who was invited but declined would ever be asked again. This is a startling statement. What do we miss because of the excuses we make? We hide behind reasons that can hurt us significantly and cause us to miss so much. Most of our excuses are founded on someone or something else, but the reality is that they are self-limiting. Excuses become the ruts in which the mind becomes stuck. These ruts keep us from enjoying the banquet that God has prepared for us. Excuses can become a crutch that we use to limp through life. Excuses can cause us to miss an opportunity that, once gone, will be too late. When reading scripture, it is essential to understand the context. In our text today, Jesus had been invited to a feast provided by a religious leader of the day. The pharisee were the keepers of the law and the enforcers of the rules related to those laws. All eyes were on Jesus that day to see how He would respond or react to the situation. Jesus tells the story of a man who planned an elaborate feast and sent out invitations to attend. On the banquet day, various people offered excuses for why they could not attend. The host sends his servants out to pull in the poor and maimed. He then states that no one who was invited but declined would ever be asked again. This is a startling statement. What do we miss because of the excuses we make? We hide behind reasons that can hurt us significantly and cause us to miss so much. Most of our excuses are founded on someone or something else, but the reality is that they are self-limiting. Excuses become the ruts in which the mind becomes stuck. These ruts keep us from enjoying the banquet that God has prepared for us. Excuses can become a crutch that we use to limp through life. Excuses can cause us to miss an opportunity that, once gone, will be too late. When reading scripture, it is essential to understand the context. In our text today, Jesus had been invited to a feast provided by a religious leader of the day. The pharisee were the keepers of the law and the enforcers of the rules related to thos… Mark Hughes 3369 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22012849/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thelimpoftheloser/id/3851372.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22012849 Scripture: Luke 14:15-14:24 Mon, 08 Aug 2022 02:35:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text today is about the four men who are determined to get their friend into the presence of God. The man was lame and unable to move about on his own. The Bible says Jesus looked up and saw their faith. Their collective faith created an atmosphere for the miraculous. Jesus responds to this collective faith: "Be of Good Cheer.” The faith of these friends combined with the miraculous presence of Jesus is an unbeatable combination. Our text today is about the four men who are determined to get their friend into the presence of God. The man was lame and unable to move about on his own. The Bible says Jesus looked up and saw their faith. Their collective faith created an atmosphere for the miraculous. Jesus responds to this collective faith: "Be of Good Cheer.” The faith of these friends combined with the miraculous presence of Jesus is an unbeatable combination. Our text today is about the four men who are determined to get their friend into the presence of God. The man was lame and unable to move about on his own. The Bible says Jesus looked up and saw their faith. Their collective faith created an atmosph… Mark Hughes 1799 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22010937/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_anunbeatablecombination/id/1208262.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22010937 Scripture: Matthew 9:2-9:8 Mon, 08 Aug 2022 02:35:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text today is about the four men who are determined to get their friend into the presence of God. The man was lame and unable to move about on his own. The Bible says Jesus looked up and saw their faith. Their collective faith created an atmosphere for the miraculous. Jesus responds to this collective faith: "Be of Good Cheer.” The faith of these friends combined with the miraculous presence of Jesus is an unbeatable combination. Our text today is about the four men who are determined to get their friend into the presence of God. The man was lame and unable to move about on his own. The Bible says Jesus looked up and saw their faith. Their collective faith created an atmosphere for the miraculous. Jesus responds to this collective faith: "Be of Good Cheer.” The faith of these friends combined with the miraculous presence of Jesus is an unbeatable combination. Our text today is about the four men who are determined to get their friend into the presence of God. The man was lame and unable to move about on his own. The Bible says Jesus looked up and saw their faith. Their collective faith created an atmosph… Mark Hughes 1799 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22010937/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_anunbeatablecombination/id/3849442.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22010937 Scripture: Matthew 9:2-9:8 Sun, 31 Jul 2022 20:08:28 +0000 Mark Foster What if? These two words can change someone's life. What if this dream could change things from how they are to how they could be? What if can be scary. What if it doesn’t work? What if I fail? God knows our what ifs and wants to move us to action. One little if can change the destiny of our life. What if we start praying? What if we share our testimony? What if we volunteer to teach a bible study? What if we decide to be the most joy-filled person on our job? We must guard against the negative what if and focus on what God has in store for us. What if? These two words can change someone's life. What if this dream could change things from how they are to how they could be? What if can be scary. What if it doesn’t work? What if I fail? God knows our what ifs and wants to move us to action. One little if can change the destiny of our life. What if we start praying? What if we share our testimony? What if we volunteer to teach a bible study? What if we decide to be the most joy-filled person on our job? We must guard against the negative what if and focus on what God has in store for us. What if? These two words can change someone's life. What if this dream could change things from how they are to how they could be? What if can be scary. What if it doesn’t work? What if I fail? God knows our what ifs and wants to move us to actio… Mark Foster 2577 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22007212/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whatif/id/1206059.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22007212 Scripture: Romans 8:31 Sun, 31 Jul 2022 20:08:28 +0000 Mark Foster What if? These two words can change someone's life. What if this dream could change things from how they are to how they could be? What if can be scary. What if it doesn’t work? What if I fail? God knows our what ifs and wants to move us to action. One little if can change the destiny of our life. What if we start praying? What if we share our testimony? What if we volunteer to teach a bible study? What if we decide to be the most joy-filled person on our job? We must guard against the negative what if and focus on what God has in store for us. What if? These two words can change someone's life. What if this dream could change things from how they are to how they could be? What if can be scary. What if it doesn’t work? What if I fail? God knows our what ifs and wants to move us to action. One little if can change the destiny of our life. What if we start praying? What if we share our testimony? What if we volunteer to teach a bible study? What if we decide to be the most joy-filled person on our job? We must guard against the negative what if and focus on what God has in store for us. What if? These two words can change someone's life. What if this dream could change things from how they are to how they could be? What if can be scary. What if it doesn’t work? What if I fail? God knows our what ifs and wants to move us to actio… Mark Foster 2577 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22007212/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatif/id/3845824.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22007212 Scripture: Romans 8:31 Sun, 31 Jul 2022 13:38:00 +0000 Mark Foster Words are powerful. They can inspire, encourage, and even heal. Words can make a difference in our day. We must use our words to praise and worship God. Words create an atmosphere that can pull us through the worst of times. Studies have found that optimistic people are healthier than those that see the worst of every situation. Proverbs tells us a soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. What kind of world are our words creating? Words are powerful. They can inspire, encourage, and even heal. Words can make a difference in our day. We must use our words to praise and worship God. Words create an atmosphere that can pull us through the worst of times. Studies have found that optimistic people are healthier than those that see the worst of every situation. Proverbs tells us a soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. What kind of world are our words creating? Words are powerful. They can inspire, encourage, and even heal. Words can make a difference in our day. We must use our words to praise and worship God. Words create an atmosphere that can pull us through the worst of times. Studies have found tha… Mark Foster 2156 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22007552/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_wordscreateworlds/id/1206243.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22007552 Scripture: Proverbs 8:21 Sun, 31 Jul 2022 13:38:00 +0000 Mark Foster Words are powerful. They can inspire, encourage, and even heal. Words can make a difference in our day. We must use our words to praise and worship God. Words create an atmosphere that can pull us through the worst of times. Studies have found that optimistic people are healthier than those that see the worst of every situation. Proverbs tells us a soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. What kind of world are our words creating? Words are powerful. They can inspire, encourage, and even heal. Words can make a difference in our day. We must use our words to praise and worship God. Words create an atmosphere that can pull us through the worst of times. Studies have found that optimistic people are healthier than those that see the worst of every situation. Proverbs tells us a soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. What kind of world are our words creating? Words are powerful. They can inspire, encourage, and even heal. Words can make a difference in our day. We must use our words to praise and worship God. Words create an atmosphere that can pull us through the worst of times. Studies have found tha… Mark Foster 2156 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22007552/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wordscreateworlds/id/3846175.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22007552 Scripture: Proverbs 8:21 Wed, 27 Jul 2022 13:03:00 +0000 Mitch Gallagher God wants us to have Joy. This does not mean that there won’t be trials and sorrows. Living for God does not exempt us from the storms of life, but amid that storm, we can take comfort in the joy of the Lord. Brother Gallagher continues our summer cruise series to talk about worship and the Joy of the Lord. God wants us to have Joy. This does not mean that there won’t be trials and sorrows. Living for God does not exempt us from the storms of life, but amid that storm, we can take comfort in the joy of the Lord. Brother Gallagher continues our summer cruise series to talk about worship and the Joy of the Lord. God wants us to have Joy. This does not mean that there won’t be trials and sorrows. Living for God does not exempt us from the storms of life, but amid that storm, we can take comfort in the joy of the Lord. Brother Gallagher continues our summer c… Mitch Gallagher 2561 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22005800/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theoyofthelord/id/1205022.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22005800 Scripture: Zephaniah 3:16-3:17, Series: Summer Cruise Series Part#8 Wed, 27 Jul 2022 13:03:00 +0000 Mitch Gallagher God wants us to have Joy. This does not mean that there won’t be trials and sorrows. Living for God does not exempt us from the storms of life, but amid that storm, we can take comfort in the joy of the Lord. Brother Gallagher continues our summer cruise series to talk about worship and the Joy of the Lord. God wants us to have Joy. This does not mean that there won’t be trials and sorrows. Living for God does not exempt us from the storms of life, but amid that storm, we can take comfort in the joy of the Lord. Brother Gallagher continues our summer cruise series to talk about worship and the Joy of the Lord. God wants us to have Joy. This does not mean that there won’t be trials and sorrows. Living for God does not exempt us from the storms of life, but amid that storm, we can take comfort in the joy of the Lord. Brother Gallagher continues our summer c… Mitch Gallagher 2561 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22005800/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theoyofthelord/id/3844450.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22005800 Scripture: Zephaniah 3:16-3:17, Series: Summer Cruise Series Part#8 Sun, 24 Jul 2022 21:16:42 +0000 Kenneth Baker We celebrate Christmas in December but don't know the actual month or day Jesus was born. It doesn't matter when He was born; only that He WAS born. He came to fulfill a promise made in the garden after the fall that sin would not prevail. We celebrate Christmas in December but don't know the actual month or day Jesus was born. It doesn't matter when He was born; only that He WAS born. He came to fulfill a promise made in the garden after the fall that sin would not prevail. We celebrate Christmas in December but don't know the actual month or day Jesus was born. It doesn't matter when He was born; only that He WAS born. He came to fulfill a promise made in the garden after the fall that sin would not prevail. … Kenneth Baker 2132 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22004354/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theincomparableone/id/1204310.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22004354 The Incomparable One Sun, 24 Jul 2022 21:16:42 +0000 Kenneth Baker We celebrate Christmas in December but don't know the actual month or day Jesus was born. It doesn't matter when He was born; only that He WAS born. He came to fulfill a promise made in the garden after the fall that sin would not prevail. We celebrate Christmas in December but don't know the actual month or day Jesus was born. It doesn't matter when He was born; only that He WAS born. He came to fulfill a promise made in the garden after the fall that sin would not prevail. We celebrate Christmas in December but don't know the actual month or day Jesus was born. It doesn't matter when He was born; only that He WAS born. He came to fulfill a promise made in the garden after the fall that sin would not prevail. … Kenneth Baker 2132 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22004354/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theincomparableone/id/3843075.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22004354 The Incomparable One Sun, 24 Jul 2022 11:58:00 +0000 Landon Long Many tap into the spirit, but some live in the spirit. Some experience it every once and a while, but others experience the supernatural often. Some come to the house of God expecting a move of God and to experience a miracle. Simeon was a man who lived in the prayerful expectancy of help. He lived every day believing God would do what He said he would do. This man lived in expectation. God had been silent for 400 years. Multiple generations had come and gone without hearing the voice of God. Despite this long time, Simien came to the house of God every day with an expectation of a visitation. We also read of Anna, a widow who did not depart from the temple. When Simeon is holding Jesus, Anna comes in and begins to sing His praises. These two people had an expectancy that kept them through the long, quiet years. Many tap into the spirit, but some live in the spirit. Some experience it every once and a while, but others experience the supernatural often. Some come to the house of God expecting a move of God and to experience a miracle. Simeon was a man who lived in the prayerful expectancy of help. He lived every day believing God would do what He said he would do. This man lived in expectation. God had been silent for 400 years. Multiple generations had come and gone without hearing the voice of God. Despite this long time, Simien came to the house of God every day with an expectation of a visitation. We also read of Anna, a widow who did not depart from the temple. When Simeon is holding Jesus, Anna comes in and begins to sing His praises. These two people had an expectancy that kept them through the long, quiet years. Many tap into the spirit, but some live in the spirit. Some experience it every once and a while, but others experience the supernatural often. Some come to the house of God expecting a move of God and to experience a miracle. Simeon was a man who l… Landon Long 2837 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22004628/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_livinginexpectancy/id/1204470.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22004628 Scripture: Luke 2:25-2:38 Sun, 24 Jul 2022 11:58:00 +0000 Landon Long Many tap into the spirit, but some live in the spirit. Some experience it every once and a while, but others experience the supernatural often. Some come to the house of God expecting a move of God and to experience a miracle. Simeon was a man who lived in the prayerful expectancy of help. He lived every day believing God would do what He said he would do. This man lived in expectation. God had been silent for 400 years. Multiple generations had come and gone without hearing the voice of God. Despite this long time, Simien came to the house of God every day with an expectation of a visitation. We also read of Anna, a widow who did not depart from the temple. When Simeon is holding Jesus, Anna comes in and begins to sing His praises. These two people had an expectancy that kept them through the long, quiet years. Many tap into the spirit, but some live in the spirit. Some experience it every once and a while, but others experience the supernatural often. Some come to the house of God expecting a move of God and to experience a miracle. Simeon was a man who lived in the prayerful expectancy of help. He lived every day believing God would do what He said he would do. This man lived in expectation. God had been silent for 400 years. Multiple generations had come and gone without hearing the voice of God. Despite this long time, Simien came to the house of God every day with an expectation of a visitation. We also read of Anna, a widow who did not depart from the temple. When Simeon is holding Jesus, Anna comes in and begins to sing His praises. These two people had an expectancy that kept them through the long, quiet years. Many tap into the spirit, but some live in the spirit. Some experience it every once and a while, but others experience the supernatural often. Some come to the house of God expecting a move of God and to experience a miracle. Simeon was a man who l… Landon Long 2837 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22004628/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_livinginexpectancy/id/3843337.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22004628 Scripture: Luke 2:25-2:38 Wed, 20 Jul 2022 21:45:00 +0000 Greg Starks Bro Starks looks at places where praise is mentioned in scripture and draws some characteristics from how it is used. Bro Starks looks at places where praise is mentioned in scripture and draws some characteristics from how it is used. Bro Starks looks at places where praise is mentioned in scripture and draws some characteristics from how it is used. … Greg Starks 2756 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22002933/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theparticularsofpraisepart2/id/1203251.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22002933 Scripture: Psalms 100, Series: Summer Cruise Series Part#7 Wed, 20 Jul 2022 21:45:00 +0000 Greg Starks Bro Starks looks at places where praise is mentioned in scripture and draws some characteristics from how it is used. Bro Starks looks at places where praise is mentioned in scripture and draws some characteristics from how it is used. Bro Starks looks at places where praise is mentioned in scripture and draws some characteristics from how it is used. … Greg Starks 2756 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22002933/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theparticularsofpraisepart2/id/3841714.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22002933 Scripture: Psalms 100, Series: Summer Cruise Series Part#7 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 02:55:37 +0000 Landon Long Our text talks about a time for everything. The time to reach out to Jesus is now. We may not get another opportunity, so we must make the most of every time we experience Him. It’s time to respond to every move of God; it’s time to attend every prayer meeting we can. It’s time. We read multiple times in the bible where parents came to Jesus to heal their children. People crawled to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment or tore through the roof of the house to get to Him. Others called out to Jesus despite rebuke. All of these people were determined to receive their blessing. They all decided It’s Time. Our text talks about a time for everything. The time to reach out to Jesus is now. We may not get another opportunity, so we must make the most of every time we experience Him. It’s time to respond to every move of God; it’s time to attend every prayer meeting we can. It’s time. We read multiple times in the bible where parents came to Jesus to heal their children. People crawled to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment or tore through the roof of the house to get to Him. Others called out to Jesus despite rebuke. All of these people were determined to receive their blessing. They all decided It’s Time. Our text talks about a time for everything. The time to reach out to Jesus is now. We may not get another opportunity, so we must make the most of every time we experience Him. It’s time to respond to every move of God; it’s time to attend every pra… Landon Long 2247 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22001644/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_itstime/id/1202689.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22001644 Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-3:8, Psalms 33:1 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 02:55:37 +0000 Landon Long Our text talks about a time for everything. The time to reach out to Jesus is now. We may not get another opportunity, so we must make the most of every time we experience Him. It’s time to respond to every move of God; it’s time to attend every prayer meeting we can. It’s time. We read multiple times in the bible where parents came to Jesus to heal their children. People crawled to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment or tore through the roof of the house to get to Him. Others called out to Jesus despite rebuke. All of these people were determined to receive their blessing. They all decided It’s Time. Our text talks about a time for everything. The time to reach out to Jesus is now. We may not get another opportunity, so we must make the most of every time we experience Him. It’s time to respond to every move of God; it’s time to attend every prayer meeting we can. It’s time. We read multiple times in the bible where parents came to Jesus to heal their children. People crawled to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment or tore through the roof of the house to get to Him. Others called out to Jesus despite rebuke. All of these people were determined to receive their blessing. They all decided It’s Time. Our text talks about a time for everything. The time to reach out to Jesus is now. We may not get another opportunity, so we must make the most of every time we experience Him. It’s time to respond to every move of God; it’s time to attend every pra… Landon Long 2247 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22001644/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itstime/id/3840486.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22001644 Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-3:8, Psalms 33:1 Sun, 17 Jul 2022 19:49:12 +0000 Landon Long The bible tells us that we cannot outgive God, and he will return what we give pressed down and running over. We often think of that in terms of money, but the bible does not say anything about money. If we give of our time and efforts, God will honor that. The woman in our text gave everything she had to the offering. No one would have faulted this woman for holding back one of the coins, but she didn’t do that. Others gave some that day, but this woman gave all. Her want to serve God was worth everything she had. We may not have much to offer, but we must be willing to give what we have to God. The bible tells us that we cannot outgive God, and he will return what we give pressed down and running over. We often think of that in terms of money, but the bible does not say anything about money. If we give of our time and efforts, God will honor that. The woman in our text gave everything she had to the offering. No one would have faulted this woman for holding back one of the coins, but she didn’t do that. Others gave some that day, but this woman gave all. Her want to serve God was worth everything she had. We may not have much to offer, but we must be willing to give what we have to God. The bible tells us that we cannot outgive God, and he will return what we give pressed down and running over. We often think of that in terms of money, but the bible does not say anything about money. If we give of our time and efforts, God will hono… Landon Long 2662 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22001376/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whenyourwantisworthyourall/id/1202479.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22001376 Scripture: Mark 12:41-12:44 Sun, 17 Jul 2022 19:49:12 +0000 Landon Long The bible tells us that we cannot outgive God, and he will return what we give pressed down and running over. We often think of that in terms of money, but the bible does not say anything about money. If we give of our time and efforts, God will honor that. The woman in our text gave everything she had to the offering. No one would have faulted this woman for holding back one of the coins, but she didn’t do that. Others gave some that day, but this woman gave all. Her want to serve God was worth everything she had. We may not have much to offer, but we must be willing to give what we have to God. The bible tells us that we cannot outgive God, and he will return what we give pressed down and running over. We often think of that in terms of money, but the bible does not say anything about money. If we give of our time and efforts, God will honor that. The woman in our text gave everything she had to the offering. No one would have faulted this woman for holding back one of the coins, but she didn’t do that. Others gave some that day, but this woman gave all. Her want to serve God was worth everything she had. We may not have much to offer, but we must be willing to give what we have to God. The bible tells us that we cannot outgive God, and he will return what we give pressed down and running over. We often think of that in terms of money, but the bible does not say anything about money. If we give of our time and efforts, God will hono… Landon Long 2662 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22001376/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenyourwantisworthyourall/id/3840154.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22001376 Scripture: Mark 12:41-12:44 Wed, 13 Jul 2022 21:37:00 +0000 Greg Starks We use the terms praise and worship almost interchangeably. They are, however, different. You can praise without worship, but you cannot worship without praise. Worship involves a level of relationship. Praise is crucial, and it is important that we understand it. Tonight as we continue our summer cruise series, Brother Starks teaches the Particulars of Praise. We use the terms praise and worship almost interchangeably. They are, however, different. You can praise without worship, but you cannot worship without praise. Worship involves a level of relationship. Praise is crucial, and it is important that we understand it. Tonight as we continue our summer cruise series, Brother Starks teaches the Particulars of Praise. We use the terms praise and worship almost interchangeably. They are, however, different. You can praise without worship, but you cannot worship without praise. Worship involves a level of relationship. Praise is crucial, and it is important that w… Greg Starks 3016 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22000072/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theparticularsofpraise/id/1201491.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22000072 Scripture: Psalms 150, Series: Summer Cruise Series Part#6 Wed, 13 Jul 2022 21:37:00 +0000 Greg Starks We use the terms praise and worship almost interchangeably. They are, however, different. You can praise without worship, but you cannot worship without praise. Worship involves a level of relationship. Praise is crucial, and it is important that we understand it. Tonight as we continue our summer cruise series, Brother Starks teaches the Particulars of Praise. We use the terms praise and worship almost interchangeably. They are, however, different. You can praise without worship, but you cannot worship without praise. Worship involves a level of relationship. Praise is crucial, and it is important that we understand it. Tonight as we continue our summer cruise series, Brother Starks teaches the Particulars of Praise. We use the terms praise and worship almost interchangeably. They are, however, different. You can praise without worship, but you cannot worship without praise. Worship involves a level of relationship. Praise is crucial, and it is important that w… Greg Starks 3016 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22000072/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theparticularsofpraise/id/3838891.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/22000072 Scripture: Psalms 150, Series: Summer Cruise Series Part#6 Mon, 11 Jul 2022 02:39:55 +0000 Landon Long The south wind came and made the sailors believe they could make it. However, the wind turned after setting sail, and a strong storm came. During the storm, Paul stood up and spoke a word from God. By this time, they had lost all control and hope and were preparing to abandon ship. Paul spoke again and told them to stay with the ship. This time they trusted Paul and God he believed in. The bible says they committed themselves to the sea. To the world, that sounds like casting their lives to fate, but God controls those winds and those waves. Some of us find ourselves in this situation. We set out and encounter a storm and consider abandoning the ship. But our only chance of survival is staying with the boat and standing with the one who controls the storm. The south wind came and made the sailors believe they could make it. However, the wind turned after setting sail, and a strong storm came. During the storm, Paul stood up and spoke a word from God. By this time, they had lost all control and hope and were preparing to abandon ship. Paul spoke again and told them to stay with the ship. This time they trusted Paul and God he believed in. The bible says they committed themselves to the sea. To the world, that sounds like casting their lives to fate, but God controls those winds and those waves. Some of us find ourselves in this situation. We set out and encounter a storm and consider abandoning the ship. But our only chance of survival is staying with the boat and standing with the one who controls the storm. The south wind came and made the sailors believe they could make it. However, the wind turned after setting sail, and a strong storm came. During the storm, Paul stood up and spoke a word from God. By this time, they had lost all control and hope an… Landon Long 2495 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21998799/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_betweendoubtfulandimpossible/id/1200864.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21998799 Scripture: Acts 27 Mon, 11 Jul 2022 02:39:55 +0000 Landon Long The south wind came and made the sailors believe they could make it. However, the wind turned after setting sail, and a strong storm came. During the storm, Paul stood up and spoke a word from God. By this time, they had lost all control and hope and were preparing to abandon ship. Paul spoke again and told them to stay with the ship. This time they trusted Paul and God he believed in. The bible says they committed themselves to the sea. To the world, that sounds like casting their lives to fate, but God controls those winds and those waves. Some of us find ourselves in this situation. We set out and encounter a storm and consider abandoning the ship. But our only chance of survival is staying with the boat and standing with the one who controls the storm. The south wind came and made the sailors believe they could make it. However, the wind turned after setting sail, and a strong storm came. During the storm, Paul stood up and spoke a word from God. By this time, they had lost all control and hope and were preparing to abandon ship. Paul spoke again and told them to stay with the ship. This time they trusted Paul and God he believed in. The bible says they committed themselves to the sea. To the world, that sounds like casting their lives to fate, but God controls those winds and those waves. Some of us find ourselves in this situation. We set out and encounter a storm and consider abandoning the ship. But our only chance of survival is staying with the boat and standing with the one who controls the storm. The south wind came and made the sailors believe they could make it. However, the wind turned after setting sail, and a strong storm came. During the storm, Paul stood up and spoke a word from God. By this time, they had lost all control and hope an… Landon Long 2495 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21998799/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_betweendoubtfulandimpossible/id/3837750.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21998799 Scripture: Acts 27 Sun, 10 Jul 2022 19:59:13 +0000 Mark Hughes When we understand the context, the words of the 89th Psalm are more impactful. It is a Psalm of maskil - intended for instruction, and this type of Psalm was told and retold as a teaching method. Psalm 89 was written by Ethan, a wise man on par with Solomon. Ethan was a singer in the temple who lived long enough to observe the change in leadership between David and Soloman and how the inclusion of different thinking would result in the destruction of Israel. Amid this darkness, the writer begins with “this is my forever song” and describes God's greatness, faithfulness, and mercies. Ethan’s song in his time of darkness was a song of faith in a time of fear. Amid all the doom and gloom of our current situation, we must turn to faith and look to God for direction and deliverance. God is the author of our future, not our present circumstances. When we understand the context, the words of the 89th Psalm are more impactful. It is a Psalm of maskil - intended for instruction, and this type of Psalm was told and retold as a teaching method. Psalm 89 was written by Ethan, a wise man on par with Solomon. Ethan was a singer in the temple who lived long enough to observe the change in leadership between David and Soloman and how the inclusion of different thinking would result in the destruction of Israel. Amid this darkness, the writer begins with “this is my forever song” and describes God's greatness, faithfulness, and mercies. Ethan’s song in his time of darkness was a song of faith in a time of fear. Amid all the doom and gloom of our current situation, we must turn to faith and look to God for direction and deliverance. God is the author of our future, not our present circumstances. When we understand the context, the words of the 89th Psalm are more impactful. It is a Psalm of maskil - intended for instruction, and this type of Psalm was told and retold as a teaching method. Psalm 89 was written by Ethan, a wise man on par wit… Mark Hughes 2496 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21998554/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_asongforthepresentdarkness/id/1200702.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21998554 Scripture: Psalms 89:1-89:18 Sun, 10 Jul 2022 19:59:13 +0000 Mark Hughes When we understand the context, the words of the 89th Psalm are more impactful. It is a Psalm of maskil - intended for instruction, and this type of Psalm was told and retold as a teaching method. Psalm 89 was written by Ethan, a wise man on par with Solomon. Ethan was a singer in the temple who lived long enough to observe the change in leadership between David and Soloman and how the inclusion of different thinking would result in the destruction of Israel. Amid this darkness, the writer begins with “this is my forever song” and describes God's greatness, faithfulness, and mercies. Ethan’s song in his time of darkness was a song of faith in a time of fear. Amid all the doom and gloom of our current situation, we must turn to faith and look to God for direction and deliverance. God is the author of our future, not our present circumstances. When we understand the context, the words of the 89th Psalm are more impactful. It is a Psalm of maskil - intended for instruction, and this type of Psalm was told and retold as a teaching method. Psalm 89 was written by Ethan, a wise man on par with Solomon. Ethan was a singer in the temple who lived long enough to observe the change in leadership between David and Soloman and how the inclusion of different thinking would result in the destruction of Israel. Amid this darkness, the writer begins with “this is my forever song” and describes God's greatness, faithfulness, and mercies. Ethan’s song in his time of darkness was a song of faith in a time of fear. Amid all the doom and gloom of our current situation, we must turn to faith and look to God for direction and deliverance. God is the author of our future, not our present circumstances. When we understand the context, the words of the 89th Psalm are more impactful. It is a Psalm of maskil - intended for instruction, and this type of Psalm was told and retold as a teaching method. Psalm 89 was written by Ethan, a wise man on par wit… Mark Hughes 2496 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21998554/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_asongforthepresentdarkness/id/3837461.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21998554 Scripture: Psalms 89:1-89:18 Sun, 03 Jul 2022 21:09:46 +0000 Mark Hughes Pastor Hughes lifts the phrase Precious Clothes from our text today to illustrate how we should honor and cherish our freedoms as Americans, Christians, and Children of God. Pastor Hughes lifts the phrase Precious Clothes from our text today to illustrate how we should honor and cherish our freedoms as Americans, Christians, and Children of God. Pastor Hughes lifts the phrase Precious Clothes from our text today to illustrate how we should honor and cherish our freedoms as Americans, Christians, and Children of God.… Mark Hughes 3235 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21995752/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_preciousclothes/id/1198939.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21995752 Scripture: Ezekiel 27:20 Sun, 03 Jul 2022 21:09:46 +0000 Mark Hughes Pastor Hughes lifts the phrase Precious Clothes from our text today to illustrate how we should honor and cherish our freedoms as Americans, Christians, and Children of God. Pastor Hughes lifts the phrase Precious Clothes from our text today to illustrate how we should honor and cherish our freedoms as Americans, Christians, and Children of God. Pastor Hughes lifts the phrase Precious Clothes from our text today to illustrate how we should honor and cherish our freedoms as Americans, Christians, and Children of God.… Mark Hughes 3235 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21995752/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_preciousclothes/id/3834774.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21995752 Scripture: Ezekiel 27:20 Sun, 26 Jun 2022 20:16:32 +0000 Mark Hughes Brother Hughes gave each person a pencil today as a physical representation that each of us has a story to write. No one else can write our story; it is up to us. Too many of us allow others to write our story. The pencil to write our story is in our hand, and we must not allow comments on social media or gossip spread by others to shape our life story. God placed each of us in this time, during these circumstances, to write a story that is counter to the culture trying to erase God’s plan. What kind of story are we writing? Brother Hughes gave each person a pencil today as a physical representation that each of us has a story to write. No one else can write our story; it is up to us. Too many of us allow others to write our story. The pencil to write our story is in our hand, and we must not allow comments on social media or gossip spread by others to shape our life story. God placed each of us in this time, during these circumstances, to write a story that is counter to the culture trying to erase God’s plan. What kind of story are we writing? Brother Hughes gave each person a pencil today as a physical representation that each of us has a story to write. No one else can write our story; it is up to us. Too many of us allow others to write our story. The pencil to write our story is in ou… Mark Hughes 2711 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21992851/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theythathandlethepen/id/1197045.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21992851 Scripture: Judges 5:14 Sun, 26 Jun 2022 20:16:32 +0000 Mark Hughes Brother Hughes gave each person a pencil today as a physical representation that each of us has a story to write. No one else can write our story; it is up to us. Too many of us allow others to write our story. The pencil to write our story is in our hand, and we must not allow comments on social media or gossip spread by others to shape our life story. God placed each of us in this time, during these circumstances, to write a story that is counter to the culture trying to erase God’s plan. What kind of story are we writing? Brother Hughes gave each person a pencil today as a physical representation that each of us has a story to write. No one else can write our story; it is up to us. Too many of us allow others to write our story. The pencil to write our story is in our hand, and we must not allow comments on social media or gossip spread by others to shape our life story. God placed each of us in this time, during these circumstances, to write a story that is counter to the culture trying to erase God’s plan. What kind of story are we writing? Brother Hughes gave each person a pencil today as a physical representation that each of us has a story to write. No one else can write our story; it is up to us. Too many of us allow others to write our story. The pencil to write our story is in ou… Mark Hughes 2711 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21992851/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theythathandlethepen/id/3831905.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21992851 Scripture: Judges 5:14 Thu, 23 Jun 2022 02:42:00 +0000 Landon Long A community is a group living in one area. It is also a group of people sharing a common belief - not a common interest, but a common belief. On the day of Pentecost, they were all together in a spirit of unity and in one accord. The essence of fellowship and unity is one where our plans, purpose, and designs are aligned. More importantly, those plans and purposes align with what God wants. God designed each of us with different backgrounds, talents, and abilities. But we are to use those things to glorify God. Our text talks about the parts of the body and how one part is not more important than the others. Each part plays its role and is essential to the body's overall function. Great moments are the work of many. A community is a group living in one area. It is also a group of people sharing a common belief - not a common interest, but a common belief. On the day of Pentecost, they were all together in a spirit of unity and in one accord. The essence of fellowship and unity is one where our plans, purpose, and designs are aligned. More importantly, those plans and purposes align with what God wants. God designed each of us with different backgrounds, talents, and abilities. But we are to use those things to glorify God. Our text talks about the parts of the body and how one part is not more important than the others. Each part plays its role and is essential to the body's overall function. Great moments are the work of many. A community is a group living in one area. It is also a group of people sharing a common belief - not a common interest, but a common belief. On the day of Pentecost, they were all together in a spirit of unity and in one accord. The essence of fell… Landon Long 3066 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21991404/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_communitymanypartsonebody/id/1196999.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21991404 Series: Summer Cruise Series Part#4 Thu, 23 Jun 2022 02:42:00 +0000 Landon Long A community is a group living in one area. It is also a group of people sharing a common belief - not a common interest, but a common belief. On the day of Pentecost, they were all together in a spirit of unity and in one accord. The essence of fellowship and unity is one where our plans, purpose, and designs are aligned. More importantly, those plans and purposes align with what God wants. God designed each of us with different backgrounds, talents, and abilities. But we are to use those things to glorify God. Our text talks about the parts of the body and how one part is not more important than the others. Each part plays its role and is essential to the body's overall function. Great moments are the work of many. A community is a group living in one area. It is also a group of people sharing a common belief - not a common interest, but a common belief. On the day of Pentecost, they were all together in a spirit of unity and in one accord. The essence of fellowship and unity is one where our plans, purpose, and designs are aligned. More importantly, those plans and purposes align with what God wants. God designed each of us with different backgrounds, talents, and abilities. But we are to use those things to glorify God. Our text talks about the parts of the body and how one part is not more important than the others. Each part plays its role and is essential to the body's overall function. Great moments are the work of many. A community is a group living in one area. It is also a group of people sharing a common belief - not a common interest, but a common belief. On the day of Pentecost, they were all together in a spirit of unity and in one accord. The essence of fell… Landon Long 3066 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21991404/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_communitymanypartsonebody/id/3831847.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21991404 Series: Summer Cruise Series Part#4 Sun, 19 Jun 2022 21:29:38 +0000 Mark Hughes The world is full of beautiful works of art by the likes of Da Vinci and Michelangelo. As great as these artists are, there is perhaps no better work of art than the human hand designed by God. The skeletal and muscular make-up of the hand is a miracle in the perfectness of the way they work. Though they are relatively small, the hands contain more than a quarter of the bones in the body. The bible mentions hand or hands over 1800 times in physical and figurative terms. Job 17:9 says he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger. The pandemic has taught us that we must keep our hands clean to prevent the spread of the virus. In the spiritual sense, we must keep our hands clean to avoid picking up some small hurt or distraction that will harm us. The world is full of beautiful works of art by the likes of Da Vinci and Michelangelo. As great as these artists are, there is perhaps no better work of art than the human hand designed by God. The skeletal and muscular make-up of the hand is a miracle in the perfectness of the way they work. Though they are relatively small, the hands contain more than a quarter of the bones in the body. The bible mentions hand or hands over 1800 times in physical and figurative terms. Job 17:9 says he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger. The pandemic has taught us that we must keep our hands clean to prevent the spread of the virus. In the spiritual sense, we must keep our hands clean to avoid picking up some small hurt or distraction that will harm us. The world is full of beautiful works of art by the likes of Da Vinci and Michelangelo. As great as these artists are, there is perhaps no better work of art than the human hand designed by God. The skeletal and muscular make-up of the hand is a mirac… Mark Hughes 2694 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21990048/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_protectyourhands/id/1195257.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21990048 Scripture: Luke 6:6-6:10, 1 Timothy 2:8 Sun, 19 Jun 2022 21:29:38 +0000 Mark Hughes The world is full of beautiful works of art by the likes of Da Vinci and Michelangelo. As great as these artists are, there is perhaps no better work of art than the human hand designed by God. The skeletal and muscular make-up of the hand is a miracle in the perfectness of the way they work. Though they are relatively small, the hands contain more than a quarter of the bones in the body. The bible mentions hand or hands over 1800 times in physical and figurative terms. Job 17:9 says he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger. The pandemic has taught us that we must keep our hands clean to prevent the spread of the virus. In the spiritual sense, we must keep our hands clean to avoid picking up some small hurt or distraction that will harm us. The world is full of beautiful works of art by the likes of Da Vinci and Michelangelo. As great as these artists are, there is perhaps no better work of art than the human hand designed by God. The skeletal and muscular make-up of the hand is a miracle in the perfectness of the way they work. Though they are relatively small, the hands contain more than a quarter of the bones in the body. The bible mentions hand or hands over 1800 times in physical and figurative terms. Job 17:9 says he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger. The pandemic has taught us that we must keep our hands clean to prevent the spread of the virus. In the spiritual sense, we must keep our hands clean to avoid picking up some small hurt or distraction that will harm us. The world is full of beautiful works of art by the likes of Da Vinci and Michelangelo. As great as these artists are, there is perhaps no better work of art than the human hand designed by God. The skeletal and muscular make-up of the hand is a mirac… Mark Hughes 2694 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21990048/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_protectyourhands/id/3829190.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21990048 Scripture: Luke 6:6-6:10, 1 Timothy 2:8 Sat, 18 Jun 2022 18:20:30 +0000 Greg Starks Brother Starks explores the church at Ephesus in tonight’s excursion on our summer cruise series. Brother Starks explores the church at Ephesus in tonight’s excursion on our summer cruise series. Brother Starks explores the church at Ephesus in tonight’s excursion on our summer cruise series.… Greg Starks 2580 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21988671/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_rivercruisefellowship/id/1194208.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21988671 Series: Summer Cruise Series Part#3 Sat, 18 Jun 2022 18:20:30 +0000 Greg Starks Brother Starks explores the church at Ephesus in tonight’s excursion on our summer cruise series. Brother Starks explores the church at Ephesus in tonight’s excursion on our summer cruise series. Brother Starks explores the church at Ephesus in tonight’s excursion on our summer cruise series.… Greg Starks 2580 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21988671/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_rivercruisefellowship/id/3827822.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21988671 Series: Summer Cruise Series Part#3 Sun, 12 Jun 2022 20:07:40 +0000 Mark Hughes Everyone has a story. Stories that have guided and challenged us are what define us. The culmination of our past has brought us to this point. We tell stories to help make sense of our lives. Sometimes, those stories are wrong. Tragically many believe that the circumstances result in their current condition. The truth is that it isn’t the circumstances that shape us but how we react and respond to them. Too many people cannot get past their past and are stuck where they are. The woman in our text had a story but was determined to change the outcome—three of the four gospels record this woman’s story. Matthew’s account is limited, but Luke and Mark provide more levels of detail. We do not know her name, only her condition. The bible says she had an issue. We all have problems. They have a way of defining us, as they did for this woman. As with her, the answer to our issue is Jesus. For twelve years, this woman suffered from a constant loss of blood. More than just the immediate physical issue, she suffered the disappointment of so many hands trying to help but without success. Issues have a way of making victims out of us. The problem is that a victim mentality makes us blame others for our problems. This woman’s issue made her an outcast in Jewish society. By Jewish law, she was unclean, but Jesus didn’t care about her uncleanliness. She knew her story well, but she was not content to live out her story as it currently was. We do not have to be bound by our story. With Jesus, we can write a new story. Everyone has a story. Stories that have guided and challenged us are what define us. The culmination of our past has brought us to this point. We tell stories to help make sense of our lives. Sometimes, those stories are wrong. Tragically many believe that the circumstances result in their current condition. The truth is that it isn’t the circumstances that shape us but how we react and respond to them. Too many people cannot get past their past and are stuck where they are. The woman in our text had a story but was determined to change the outcome—three of the four gospels record this woman’s story. Matthew’s account is limited, but Luke and Mark provide more levels of detail. We do not know her name, only her condition. The bible says she had an issue. We all have problems. They have a way of defining us, as they did for this woman. As with her, the answer to our issue is Jesus. For twelve years, this woman suffered from a constant loss of blood. More than just the immediate physical issue, she suffered the disappointment of so many hands trying to help but without success. Issues have a way of making victims out of us. The problem is that a victim mentality makes us blame others for our problems. This woman’s issue made her an outcast in Jewish society. By Jewish law, she was unclean, but Jesus didn’t care about her uncleanliness. She knew her story well, but she was not content to live out her story as it currently was. We do not have to be bound by our story. With Jesus, we can write a new story. Everyone has a story. Stories that have guided and challenged us are what define us. The culmination of our past has brought us to this point. We tell stories to help make sense of our lives. Sometimes, those stories are wrong. Tragically many bel… Mark Hughes 2053 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21987031/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thatsmystorybutimnotstickingto/id/1193421.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21987031 Scripture: Mark 5:25-5:34 Sun, 12 Jun 2022 20:07:40 +0000 Mark Hughes Everyone has a story. Stories that have guided and challenged us are what define us. The culmination of our past has brought us to this point. We tell stories to help make sense of our lives. Sometimes, those stories are wrong. Tragically many believe that the circumstances result in their current condition. The truth is that it isn’t the circumstances that shape us but how we react and respond to them. Too many people cannot get past their past and are stuck where they are. The woman in our text had a story but was determined to change the outcome—three of the four gospels record this woman’s story. Matthew’s account is limited, but Luke and Mark provide more levels of detail. We do not know her name, only her condition. The bible says she had an issue. We all have problems. They have a way of defining us, as they did for this woman. As with her, the answer to our issue is Jesus. For twelve years, this woman suffered from a constant loss of blood. More than just the immediate physical issue, she suffered the disappointment of so many hands trying to help but without success. Issues have a way of making victims out of us. The problem is that a victim mentality makes us blame others for our problems. This woman’s issue made her an outcast in Jewish society. By Jewish law, she was unclean, but Jesus didn’t care about her uncleanliness. She knew her story well, but she was not content to live out her story as it currently was. We do not have to be bound by our story. With Jesus, we can write a new story. Everyone has a story. Stories that have guided and challenged us are what define us. The culmination of our past has brought us to this point. We tell stories to help make sense of our lives. Sometimes, those stories are wrong. Tragically many believe that the circumstances result in their current condition. The truth is that it isn’t the circumstances that shape us but how we react and respond to them. Too many people cannot get past their past and are stuck where they are. The woman in our text had a story but was determined to change the outcome—three of the four gospels record this woman’s story. Matthew’s account is limited, but Luke and Mark provide more levels of detail. We do not know her name, only her condition. The bible says she had an issue. We all have problems. They have a way of defining us, as they did for this woman. As with her, the answer to our issue is Jesus. For twelve years, this woman suffered from a constant loss of blood. More than just the immediate physical issue, she suffered the disappointment of so many hands trying to help but without success. Issues have a way of making victims out of us. The problem is that a victim mentality makes us blame others for our problems. This woman’s issue made her an outcast in Jewish society. By Jewish law, she was unclean, but Jesus didn’t care about her uncleanliness. She knew her story well, but she was not content to live out her story as it currently was. We do not have to be bound by our story. With Jesus, we can write a new story. Everyone has a story. Stories that have guided and challenged us are what define us. The culmination of our past has brought us to this point. We tell stories to help make sense of our lives. Sometimes, those stories are wrong. Tragically many bel… Mark Hughes 2053 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21987031/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thatsmystorybutimnotstickingto/id/3826253.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21987031 Scripture: Mark 5:25-5:34 Sun, 12 Jun 2022 16:30:00 +0000 Landon Long In our text tonight, Paul offers encouragement to his young friend Timothy. He says if I can do it, so can you. Toward the end of the text, we learn about one who did not persevere and fell away. Demas is not a member of the crowd or an errand boy; he worked alongside Paul, preaching the gospel. Somewhere along the way, Demas’ story takes a turn. Something shifted in Demas, and his focus turned toward the things of the world. The bible does not tell us why Demus fell away. Maybe it was one big thing that changed his direction, but more likely, it was a series of small decisions and events that extinguished the fire he once had. Somewhere along the way, Demas forgot to buy the truth and sell it not. If we become too wrapped up in the work rather than the purpose of the work, we risk losing focus of the prize and falling away. In our text tonight, Paul offers encouragement to his young friend Timothy. He says if I can do it, so can you. Toward the end of the text, we learn about one who did not persevere and fell away. Demas is not a member of the crowd or an errand boy; he worked alongside Paul, preaching the gospel. Somewhere along the way, Demas’ story takes a turn. Something shifted in Demas, and his focus turned toward the things of the world. The bible does not tell us why Demus fell away. Maybe it was one big thing that changed his direction, but more likely, it was a series of small decisions and events that extinguished the fire he once had. Somewhere along the way, Demas forgot to buy the truth and sell it not. If we become too wrapped up in the work rather than the purpose of the work, we risk losing focus of the prize and falling away. In our text tonight, Paul offers encouragement to his young friend Timothy. He says if I can do it, so can you. Toward the end of the text, we learn about one who did not persevere and fell away. Demas is not a member of the crowd or an errand boy; … Landon Long 2914 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21988651/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thedemiseofdemas/id/1194196.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21988651 Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:6-4:10 Sun, 12 Jun 2022 16:30:00 +0000 Landon Long In our text tonight, Paul offers encouragement to his young friend Timothy. He says if I can do it, so can you. Toward the end of the text, we learn about one who did not persevere and fell away. Demas is not a member of the crowd or an errand boy; he worked alongside Paul, preaching the gospel. Somewhere along the way, Demas’ story takes a turn. Something shifted in Demas, and his focus turned toward the things of the world. The bible does not tell us why Demus fell away. Maybe it was one big thing that changed his direction, but more likely, it was a series of small decisions and events that extinguished the fire he once had. Somewhere along the way, Demas forgot to buy the truth and sell it not. If we become too wrapped up in the work rather than the purpose of the work, we risk losing focus of the prize and falling away. In our text tonight, Paul offers encouragement to his young friend Timothy. He says if I can do it, so can you. Toward the end of the text, we learn about one who did not persevere and fell away. Demas is not a member of the crowd or an errand boy; he worked alongside Paul, preaching the gospel. Somewhere along the way, Demas’ story takes a turn. Something shifted in Demas, and his focus turned toward the things of the world. The bible does not tell us why Demus fell away. Maybe it was one big thing that changed his direction, but more likely, it was a series of small decisions and events that extinguished the fire he once had. Somewhere along the way, Demas forgot to buy the truth and sell it not. If we become too wrapped up in the work rather than the purpose of the work, we risk losing focus of the prize and falling away. In our text tonight, Paul offers encouragement to his young friend Timothy. He says if I can do it, so can you. Toward the end of the text, we learn about one who did not persevere and fell away. Demas is not a member of the crowd or an errand boy; … Landon Long 2914 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21988651/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thedemiseofdemas/id/3827805.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21988651 Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:6-4:10 Wed, 08 Jun 2022 22:41:00 +0000 James Hughes Pastor Mark Hughes and Dr. James Hughes teach about the importance of fellowship. Pastor Mark Hughes and Dr. James Hughes teach about the importance of fellowship. Pastor Mark Hughes and Dr. James Hughes teach about the importance of fellowship.… James Hughes 1559 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21985461/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theimportanceoffellowship/id/1192245.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21985461 Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-8:4, Series: Summer Cruise Series Part#2 Wed, 08 Jun 2022 22:41:00 +0000 James Hughes Pastor Mark Hughes and Dr. James Hughes teach about the importance of fellowship. Pastor Mark Hughes and Dr. James Hughes teach about the importance of fellowship. Pastor Mark Hughes and Dr. James Hughes teach about the importance of fellowship.… James Hughes 1559 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21985461/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theimportanceoffellowship/id/3824728.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21985461 Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-8:4, Series: Summer Cruise Series Part#2 Mon, 06 Jun 2022 01:28:00 +0000 Landon Long The man of God told the widow to get vessels and “get not a few.” Some of these were tall, some were short, some were pretty, and some were worn. The only requirement was that they were empty and ready to be filled. God filled them all. We are all different, with different backgrounds. We have other talents and abilities; the only requirement is that we are willing to be filled by God. To make room for what God has, we have to empty ourselves at the altar. But we cannot stay empty. We are only useful to God if we are filled with His spirit. The man of God told the widow to get vessels and “get not a few.” Some of these were tall, some were short, some were pretty, and some were worn. The only requirement was that they were empty and ready to be filled. God filled them all. We are all different, with different backgrounds. We have other talents and abilities; the only requirement is that we are willing to be filled by God. To make room for what God has, we have to empty ourselves at the altar. But we cannot stay empty. We are only useful to God if we are filled with His spirit. The man of God told the widow to get vessels and “get not a few.” Some of these were tall, some were short, some were pretty, and some were worn. The only requirement was that they were empty and ready to be filled. God filled them all. We are all … Landon Long 2577 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21984818/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_nomoreemptyvessels/id/1191892.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21984818 Scripture: 2 Kings 4:1-4:7 Mon, 06 Jun 2022 01:28:00 +0000 Landon Long The man of God told the widow to get vessels and “get not a few.” Some of these were tall, some were short, some were pretty, and some were worn. The only requirement was that they were empty and ready to be filled. God filled them all. We are all different, with different backgrounds. We have other talents and abilities; the only requirement is that we are willing to be filled by God. To make room for what God has, we have to empty ourselves at the altar. But we cannot stay empty. We are only useful to God if we are filled with His spirit. The man of God told the widow to get vessels and “get not a few.” Some of these were tall, some were short, some were pretty, and some were worn. The only requirement was that they were empty and ready to be filled. God filled them all. We are all different, with different backgrounds. We have other talents and abilities; the only requirement is that we are willing to be filled by God. To make room for what God has, we have to empty ourselves at the altar. But we cannot stay empty. We are only useful to God if we are filled with His spirit. The man of God told the widow to get vessels and “get not a few.” Some of these were tall, some were short, some were pretty, and some were worn. The only requirement was that they were empty and ready to be filled. God filled them all. We are all … Landon Long 2577 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21984818/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_nomoreemptyvessels/id/3824100.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21984818 Scripture: 2 Kings 4:1-4:7 Sun, 05 Jun 2022 20:00:22 +0000 Mark Hughes The day of Pentecost is not the beginning of a denomination. Pentecost celebrated the end of harvest and thanked God for that provision. It had been part of the fabric of Jewish life for generations. This particular Pentecost marked the beginning of a moving of God’s spirit that had never been seen before. It was the fulfillment of a prophecy promised for generations. Those who experienced the first day of Pentecost had been his disciples, heard his teaching, and saw him after the resurrection, but none of that was enough. They all needed the infilling of God’s Holy Spirit to fulfill the fullness of what God promised. The message of Pentecost is for everyone. God wants an experience with every one of us. They were all together in unity, and God poured His spirit out on them. There were not some more deserving than others; God filled all of them. Pentecost challenges the division that exists in our world. God wants to bless everyone. The onlookers heard each in the upper room speaking their own language, but they understood. God understands our language and can talk to us in a way we know. The story of Acts 2 is that if you put yourself in the right place and the correct posture, God will speak to you and provide you with what you need. The day of Pentecost is not the beginning of a denomination. Pentecost celebrated the end of harvest and thanked God for that provision. It had been part of the fabric of Jewish life for generations. This particular Pentecost marked the beginning of a moving of God’s spirit that had never been seen before. It was the fulfillment of a prophecy promised for generations. Those who experienced the first day of Pentecost had been his disciples, heard his teaching, and saw him after the resurrection, but none of that was enough. They all needed the infilling of God’s Holy Spirit to fulfill the fullness of what God promised. The message of Pentecost is for everyone. God wants an experience with every one of us. They were all together in unity, and God poured His spirit out on them. There were not some more deserving than others; God filled all of them. Pentecost challenges the division that exists in our world. God wants to bless everyone. The onlookers heard each in the upper room speaking their own language, but they understood. God understands our language and can talk to us in a way we know. The story of Acts 2 is that if you put yourself in the right place and the correct posture, God will speak to you and provide you with what you need. The day of Pentecost is not the beginning of a denomination. Pentecost celebrated the end of harvest and thanked God for that provision. It had been part of the fabric of Jewish life for generations. This particular Pentecost marked the beginning o… Mark Hughes 2860 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21984160/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_themeaningandmessageofpentecos/id/1191619.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21984160 Scripture: Acts 2:1-2:12 Sun, 05 Jun 2022 20:00:22 +0000 Mark Hughes The day of Pentecost is not the beginning of a denomination. Pentecost celebrated the end of harvest and thanked God for that provision. It had been part of the fabric of Jewish life for generations. This particular Pentecost marked the beginning of a moving of God’s spirit that had never been seen before. It was the fulfillment of a prophecy promised for generations. Those who experienced the first day of Pentecost had been his disciples, heard his teaching, and saw him after the resurrection, but none of that was enough. They all needed the infilling of God’s Holy Spirit to fulfill the fullness of what God promised. The message of Pentecost is for everyone. God wants an experience with every one of us. They were all together in unity, and God poured His spirit out on them. There were not some more deserving than others; God filled all of them. Pentecost challenges the division that exists in our world. God wants to bless everyone. The onlookers heard each in the upper room speaking their own language, but they understood. God understands our language and can talk to us in a way we know. The story of Acts 2 is that if you put yourself in the right place and the correct posture, God will speak to you and provide you with what you need. The day of Pentecost is not the beginning of a denomination. Pentecost celebrated the end of harvest and thanked God for that provision. It had been part of the fabric of Jewish life for generations. This particular Pentecost marked the beginning of a moving of God’s spirit that had never been seen before. It was the fulfillment of a prophecy promised for generations. Those who experienced the first day of Pentecost had been his disciples, heard his teaching, and saw him after the resurrection, but none of that was enough. They all needed the infilling of God’s Holy Spirit to fulfill the fullness of what God promised. The message of Pentecost is for everyone. God wants an experience with every one of us. They were all together in unity, and God poured His spirit out on them. There were not some more deserving than others; God filled all of them. Pentecost challenges the division that exists in our world. God wants to bless everyone. The onlookers heard each in the upper room speaking their own language, but they understood. God understands our language and can talk to us in a way we know. The story of Acts 2 is that if you put yourself in the right place and the correct posture, God will speak to you and provide you with what you need. The day of Pentecost is not the beginning of a denomination. Pentecost celebrated the end of harvest and thanked God for that provision. It had been part of the fabric of Jewish life for generations. This particular Pentecost marked the beginning o… Mark Hughes 2860 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21984160/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_themeaningandmessageofpentecos/id/3823481.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21984160 Scripture: Acts 2:1-2:12 Wed, 01 Jun 2022 19:07:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Tonight Brother Hughes begins a summer series of cruises. When you first board a cruise ship, you explore all that the ship has to offer. We begin our exploration of fellowship in the second chapter of the book of Acts which lays out the characteristics of the early church. Brother Hughes illustrates these characteristics using words that begin with T. The first is Truth. They were devoted to the truth. Second were the Ties that bound them together, which demonstrated in their fellowship. The next is the Table representing the communion that reminds us of what Jesus did. Finally is the Throne. They continued in prayer. These four things were vital to the first-century church and are essential to us today. The picture that the Bible paints of this new church is one of a people committed to each other. Fellowship was essential to them. Our world is trying to separate us and isolate us from each other. The work of the spirit is to unite, not to single out. The root word of fellowship in Greek refers to sharing and participating. It is more than simply being together in the same room. It is linking oneself together with others for a common cause. Christianity is not a single experience; it relies on our relationship with other Christians. Tonight Brother Hughes begins a summer series of cruises. When you first board a cruise ship, you explore all that the ship has to offer. We begin our exploration of fellowship in the second chapter of the book of Acts which lays out the characteristics of the early church. Brother Hughes illustrates these characteristics using words that begin with T. The first is Truth. They were devoted to the truth. Second were the Ties that bound them together, which demonstrated in their fellowship. The next is the Table representing the communion that reminds us of what Jesus did. Finally is the Throne. They continued in prayer. These four things were vital to the first-century church and are essential to us today. The picture that the Bible paints of this new church is one of a people committed to each other. Fellowship was essential to them. Our world is trying to separate us and isolate us from each other. The work of the spirit is to unite, not to single out. The root word of fellowship in Greek refers to sharing and participating. It is more than simply being together in the same room. It is linking oneself together with others for a common cause. Christianity is not a single experience; it relies on our relationship with other Christians. Tonight Brother Hughes begins a summer series of cruises. When you first board a cruise ship, you explore all that the ship has to offer. We begin our exploration of fellowship in the second chapter of the book of Acts which lays out the characterist… Mark Hughes 3555 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21984068/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thenecessityoffellowship/id/1191557.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21984068 Scripture: Acts 2:41-2:47, Series: Summer Cruise Series Part#1 Wed, 01 Jun 2022 19:07:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Tonight Brother Hughes begins a summer series of cruises. When you first board a cruise ship, you explore all that the ship has to offer. We begin our exploration of fellowship in the second chapter of the book of Acts which lays out the characteristics of the early church. Brother Hughes illustrates these characteristics using words that begin with T. The first is Truth. They were devoted to the truth. Second were the Ties that bound them together, which demonstrated in their fellowship. The next is the Table representing the communion that reminds us of what Jesus did. Finally is the Throne. They continued in prayer. These four things were vital to the first-century church and are essential to us today. The picture that the Bible paints of this new church is one of a people committed to each other. Fellowship was essential to them. Our world is trying to separate us and isolate us from each other. The work of the spirit is to unite, not to single out. The root word of fellowship in Greek refers to sharing and participating. It is more than simply being together in the same room. It is linking oneself together with others for a common cause. Christianity is not a single experience; it relies on our relationship with other Christians. Tonight Brother Hughes begins a summer series of cruises. When you first board a cruise ship, you explore all that the ship has to offer. We begin our exploration of fellowship in the second chapter of the book of Acts which lays out the characteristics of the early church. Brother Hughes illustrates these characteristics using words that begin with T. The first is Truth. They were devoted to the truth. Second were the Ties that bound them together, which demonstrated in their fellowship. The next is the Table representing the communion that reminds us of what Jesus did. Finally is the Throne. They continued in prayer. These four things were vital to the first-century church and are essential to us today. The picture that the Bible paints of this new church is one of a people committed to each other. Fellowship was essential to them. Our world is trying to separate us and isolate us from each other. The work of the spirit is to unite, not to single out. The root word of fellowship in Greek refers to sharing and participating. It is more than simply being together in the same room. It is linking oneself together with others for a common cause. Christianity is not a single experience; it relies on our relationship with other Christians. Tonight Brother Hughes begins a summer series of cruises. When you first board a cruise ship, you explore all that the ship has to offer. We begin our exploration of fellowship in the second chapter of the book of Acts which lays out the characterist… Mark Hughes 3555 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21984068/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thenecessityoffellowship/id/3823397.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21984068 Scripture: Acts 2:41-2:47, Series: Summer Cruise Series Part#1 Sun, 29 May 2022 20:29:00 +0000 Mark Hughes In America, we celebrate Memorial Day on the last Monday of May, and it is a reminder that there are some things that we must never forget. The tradition started before the Civil War to remember the ultimate sacrifice offered by men and women who served their country underarms. There is a price paid for us to enjoy the freedoms and liberties in this country. Our text clearly shows that God wants us to have memorials to significant events in life. When the word memorial is used in scripture, it is more than just a moment of silence, but a word spoken to remember the sacrifice. The act of remembering gathers many benefits. It helps us not to repeat the mistakes of the past. It inspires us by the courage of others. Remember encourages us to act to do our part. Moses had an encounter with God at the burning bush that would change the trajectory of his life and the lives of Israel. God tells Moses to tell Israel that He is the I AM during this encounter. That name is a memorial to all future generations that describes the nature of God. God is the provider, the protector, the comforter. He says I am provider; I am Protector; I am the comforter. Our text mentions three different individuals: Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. These were three very different personalities. God is the God of all personalities, and he cares for everyone. Because he is the god of personalities, he knows we all worship in different ways. He can minister and deal with each individual in the specific way they need it. God was committed to this memorial name. This name announces His commitment to every generation. His name reveals that He has no favorites. He is the god of the uninteresting Issac, the god of the double-dealing Jacob, and the God of the noble Abraham. More than a name, it is a promise I am YOUR God. In America, we celebrate Memorial Day on the last Monday of May, and it is a reminder that there are some things that we must never forget. The tradition started before the Civil War to remember the ultimate sacrifice offered by men and women who served their country underarms. There is a price paid for us to enjoy the freedoms and liberties in this country. Our text clearly shows that God wants us to have memorials to significant events in life. When the word memorial is used in scripture, it is more than just a moment of silence, but a word spoken to remember the sacrifice. The act of remembering gathers many benefits. It helps us not to repeat the mistakes of the past. It inspires us by the courage of others. Remember encourages us to act to do our part. Moses had an encounter with God at the burning bush that would change the trajectory of his life and the lives of Israel. God tells Moses to tell Israel that He is the I AM during this encounter. That name is a memorial to all future generations that describes the nature of God. God is the provider, the protector, the comforter. He says I am provider; I am Protector; I am the comforter. Our text mentions three different individuals: Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. These were three very different personalities. God is the God of all personalities, and he cares for everyone. Because he is the god of personalities, he knows we all worship in different ways. He can minister and deal with each individual in the specific way they need it. God was committed to this memorial name. This name announces His commitment to every generation. His name reveals that He has no favorites. He is the god of the uninteresting Issac, the god of the double-dealing Jacob, and the God of the noble Abraham. More than a name, it is a promise I am YOUR God. In America, we celebrate Memorial Day on the last Monday of May, and it is a reminder that there are some things that we must never forget. The tradition started before the Civil War to remember the ultimate sacrifice offered by men and women who serv… Mark Hughes 3376 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21981678/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_amemorialtoeverygeneration/id/1190010.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21981678 Scripture: Exodus 3:1-3:15 Sun, 29 May 2022 20:29:00 +0000 Mark Hughes In America, we celebrate Memorial Day on the last Monday of May, and it is a reminder that there are some things that we must never forget. The tradition started before the Civil War to remember the ultimate sacrifice offered by men and women who served their country underarms. There is a price paid for us to enjoy the freedoms and liberties in this country. Our text clearly shows that God wants us to have memorials to significant events in life. When the word memorial is used in scripture, it is more than just a moment of silence, but a word spoken to remember the sacrifice. The act of remembering gathers many benefits. It helps us not to repeat the mistakes of the past. It inspires us by the courage of others. Remember encourages us to act to do our part. Moses had an encounter with God at the burning bush that would change the trajectory of his life and the lives of Israel. God tells Moses to tell Israel that He is the I AM during this encounter. That name is a memorial to all future generations that describes the nature of God. God is the provider, the protector, the comforter. He says I am provider; I am Protector; I am the comforter. Our text mentions three different individuals: Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. These were three very different personalities. God is the God of all personalities, and he cares for everyone. Because he is the god of personalities, he knows we all worship in different ways. He can minister and deal with each individual in the specific way they need it. God was committed to this memorial name. This name announces His commitment to every generation. His name reveals that He has no favorites. He is the god of the uninteresting Issac, the god of the double-dealing Jacob, and the God of the noble Abraham. More than a name, it is a promise I am YOUR God. In America, we celebrate Memorial Day on the last Monday of May, and it is a reminder that there are some things that we must never forget. The tradition started before the Civil War to remember the ultimate sacrifice offered by men and women who served their country underarms. There is a price paid for us to enjoy the freedoms and liberties in this country. Our text clearly shows that God wants us to have memorials to significant events in life. When the word memorial is used in scripture, it is more than just a moment of silence, but a word spoken to remember the sacrifice. The act of remembering gathers many benefits. It helps us not to repeat the mistakes of the past. It inspires us by the courage of others. Remember encourages us to act to do our part. Moses had an encounter with God at the burning bush that would change the trajectory of his life and the lives of Israel. God tells Moses to tell Israel that He is the I AM during this encounter. That name is a memorial to all future generations that describes the nature of God. God is the provider, the protector, the comforter. He says I am provider; I am Protector; I am the comforter. Our text mentions three different individuals: Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. These were three very different personalities. God is the God of all personalities, and he cares for everyone. Because he is the god of personalities, he knows we all worship in different ways. He can minister and deal with each individual in the specific way they need it. God was committed to this memorial name. This name announces His commitment to every generation. His name reveals that He has no favorites. He is the god of the uninteresting Issac, the god of the double-dealing Jacob, and the God of the noble Abraham. More than a name, it is a promise I am YOUR God. In America, we celebrate Memorial Day on the last Monday of May, and it is a reminder that there are some things that we must never forget. The tradition started before the Civil War to remember the ultimate sacrifice offered by men and women who serv… Mark Hughes 3376 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21981678/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_amemorialtoeverygeneration/id/3821028.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21981678 Scripture: Exodus 3:1-3:15 Thu, 26 May 2022 03:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes It is one thing to realize that something that needs to be done. It is another thing entirely to do it. The challenge is not identifying the solution but identifying who will do it. Somebody has to be willing to say “send me.” If we know what the need is, but are not willing to fill it, what does that say about our commitment? Our flesh is all too comfortable letting someone else step out in faith. We have to have our own faith in order to succeed. We must stop waiting for someone else to pray it down. God is not as interested in abilities as He is in availability. It is one thing to realize that something that needs to be done. It is another thing entirely to do it. The challenge is not identifying the solution but identifying who will do it. Somebody has to be willing to say “send me.” If we know what the need is, but are not willing to fill it, what does that say about our commitment? Our flesh is all too comfortable letting someone else step out in faith. We have to have our own faith in order to succeed. We must stop waiting for someone else to pray it down. God is not as interested in abilities as He is in availability. It is one thing to realize that something that needs to be done. It is another thing entirely to do it. The challenge is not identifying the solution but identifying who will do it. Somebody has to be willing to say “send me.” If we know what the n… Mark Hughes 2472 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21979732/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_hereamisendme/id/1188617.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21979732 Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-6:8 Thu, 26 May 2022 03:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes It is one thing to realize that something that needs to be done. It is another thing entirely to do it. The challenge is not identifying the solution but identifying who will do it. Somebody has to be willing to say “send me.” If we know what the need is, but are not willing to fill it, what does that say about our commitment? Our flesh is all too comfortable letting someone else step out in faith. We have to have our own faith in order to succeed. We must stop waiting for someone else to pray it down. God is not as interested in abilities as He is in availability. It is one thing to realize that something that needs to be done. It is another thing entirely to do it. The challenge is not identifying the solution but identifying who will do it. Somebody has to be willing to say “send me.” If we know what the need is, but are not willing to fill it, what does that say about our commitment? Our flesh is all too comfortable letting someone else step out in faith. We have to have our own faith in order to succeed. We must stop waiting for someone else to pray it down. God is not as interested in abilities as He is in availability. It is one thing to realize that something that needs to be done. It is another thing entirely to do it. The challenge is not identifying the solution but identifying who will do it. Somebody has to be willing to say “send me.” If we know what the n… Mark Hughes 2472 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21979732/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hereamisendme/id/3819121.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21979732 Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-6:8 Mon, 23 May 2022 03:04:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Out text says, “He must needs go through Samaria.” Traveling that way was not the preferred path to where He was going. More than that, Samaria was regarded as a place to avoid, and most would have traveled across the Jordan to avoid the route that Jesus took. What was it about Samaria that caused the need and desire in God to go that way? Jesus came to a place that most people avoided, specifically to have a divine encounter with the woman at the well. The woman who came to the well had a filthy past, and her soul was as empty as her water pot. She came to the well at noon to avoid meeting other people because she was too embarrassed by her life. She was at a place in life where all she was trying to do was survive. Jesus was waiting for her when she arrived. She discovered some things about God that day that God wants us to understand. Out text says, “He must needs go through Samaria.” Traveling that way was not the preferred path to where He was going. More than that, Samaria was regarded as a place to avoid, and most would have traveled across the Jordan to avoid the route that Jesus took. What was it about Samaria that caused the need and desire in God to go that way? Jesus came to a place that most people avoided, specifically to have a divine encounter with the woman at the well. The woman who came to the well had a filthy past, and her soul was as empty as her water pot. She came to the well at noon to avoid meeting other people because she was too embarrassed by her life. She was at a place in life where all she was trying to do was survive. Jesus was waiting for her when she arrived. She discovered some things about God that day that God wants us to understand. Out text says, “He must needs go through Samaria.” Traveling that way was not the preferred path to where He was going. More than that, Samaria was regarded as a place to avoid, and most would have traveled across the Jordan to avoid the route that J… Mark Hughes 2194 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21978681/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whatgodwantsyoutoknowabouthim/id/1188117.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21978681 What God Wants You To Know About Him Mon, 23 May 2022 03:04:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Out text says, “He must needs go through Samaria.” Traveling that way was not the preferred path to where He was going. More than that, Samaria was regarded as a place to avoid, and most would have traveled across the Jordan to avoid the route that Jesus took. What was it about Samaria that caused the need and desire in God to go that way? Jesus came to a place that most people avoided, specifically to have a divine encounter with the woman at the well. The woman who came to the well had a filthy past, and her soul was as empty as her water pot. She came to the well at noon to avoid meeting other people because she was too embarrassed by her life. She was at a place in life where all she was trying to do was survive. Jesus was waiting for her when she arrived. She discovered some things about God that day that God wants us to understand. Out text says, “He must needs go through Samaria.” Traveling that way was not the preferred path to where He was going. More than that, Samaria was regarded as a place to avoid, and most would have traveled across the Jordan to avoid the route that Jesus took. What was it about Samaria that caused the need and desire in God to go that way? Jesus came to a place that most people avoided, specifically to have a divine encounter with the woman at the well. The woman who came to the well had a filthy past, and her soul was as empty as her water pot. She came to the well at noon to avoid meeting other people because she was too embarrassed by her life. She was at a place in life where all she was trying to do was survive. Jesus was waiting for her when she arrived. She discovered some things about God that day that God wants us to understand. Out text says, “He must needs go through Samaria.” Traveling that way was not the preferred path to where He was going. More than that, Samaria was regarded as a place to avoid, and most would have traveled across the Jordan to avoid the route that J… Mark Hughes 2194 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21978681/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatgodwantsyoutoknowabouthim/id/3818097.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21978681 What God Wants You To Know About Him Mon, 23 May 2022 01:33:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Often when reading scripture, it is difficult for the modern reader to understand the full depth of the circumstances of the event. Israel is a dry and arid land that was very dependent on the rainy seasons to provide water. When we come to scriptures about wells, many do not fully understand their importance. Most of us have never had to dig a well or have to rely on it for survival. Digging a well was a big investment in terms of time, effort, and the cost of the work. Abraham’s well was said to be seven and a half feet in diameter and was 105 feet deep. The terrain in Israel is rocky and difficult to dig. Some bible scholars believe that Abraham dug seven wells in that area. Somewhere after Abraham’s death, someone allowed those wells to come into disrepair, and the Philistines came along and filled those wells in. In our text, Issac realizes the importance of those wells and sets about to re-dig them to provide for him and his family. There are wells in each of our lives that our ancestors dug at great effort and cost. Like Abraham’s wells, they have gone untended. If they were important to them, they should be important to us. We have to re-dig the wells that have been stopped up or neglected. Often when reading scripture, it is difficult for the modern reader to understand the full depth of the circumstances of the event. Israel is a dry and arid land that was very dependent on the rainy seasons to provide water. When we come to scriptures about wells, many do not fully understand their importance. Most of us have never had to dig a well or have to rely on it for survival. Digging a well was a big investment in terms of time, effort, and the cost of the work. Abraham’s well was said to be seven and a half feet in diameter and was 105 feet deep. The terrain in Israel is rocky and difficult to dig. Some bible scholars believe that Abraham dug seven wells in that area. Somewhere after Abraham’s death, someone allowed those wells to come into disrepair, and the Philistines came along and filled those wells in. In our text, Issac realizes the importance of those wells and sets about to re-dig them to provide for him and his family. There are wells in each of our lives that our ancestors dug at great effort and cost. Like Abraham’s wells, they have gone untended. If they were important to them, they should be important to us. We have to re-dig the wells that have been stopped up or neglected. Often when reading scripture, it is difficult for the modern reader to understand the full depth of the circumstances of the event. Israel is a dry and arid land that was very dependent on the rainy seasons to provide water. When we come to scripture… Mark Hughes 3484 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21979055/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_somewellsthatneedredigging/id/1188278.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21979055 Scripture: Genesis 26:18 Mon, 23 May 2022 01:33:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Often when reading scripture, it is difficult for the modern reader to understand the full depth of the circumstances of the event. Israel is a dry and arid land that was very dependent on the rainy seasons to provide water. When we come to scriptures about wells, many do not fully understand their importance. Most of us have never had to dig a well or have to rely on it for survival. Digging a well was a big investment in terms of time, effort, and the cost of the work. Abraham’s well was said to be seven and a half feet in diameter and was 105 feet deep. The terrain in Israel is rocky and difficult to dig. Some bible scholars believe that Abraham dug seven wells in that area. Somewhere after Abraham’s death, someone allowed those wells to come into disrepair, and the Philistines came along and filled those wells in. In our text, Issac realizes the importance of those wells and sets about to re-dig them to provide for him and his family. There are wells in each of our lives that our ancestors dug at great effort and cost. Like Abraham’s wells, they have gone untended. If they were important to them, they should be important to us. We have to re-dig the wells that have been stopped up or neglected. Often when reading scripture, it is difficult for the modern reader to understand the full depth of the circumstances of the event. Israel is a dry and arid land that was very dependent on the rainy seasons to provide water. When we come to scriptures about wells, many do not fully understand their importance. Most of us have never had to dig a well or have to rely on it for survival. Digging a well was a big investment in terms of time, effort, and the cost of the work. Abraham’s well was said to be seven and a half feet in diameter and was 105 feet deep. The terrain in Israel is rocky and difficult to dig. Some bible scholars believe that Abraham dug seven wells in that area. Somewhere after Abraham’s death, someone allowed those wells to come into disrepair, and the Philistines came along and filled those wells in. In our text, Issac realizes the importance of those wells and sets about to re-dig them to provide for him and his family. There are wells in each of our lives that our ancestors dug at great effort and cost. Like Abraham’s wells, they have gone untended. If they were important to them, they should be important to us. We have to re-dig the wells that have been stopped up or neglected. Often when reading scripture, it is difficult for the modern reader to understand the full depth of the circumstances of the event. Israel is a dry and arid land that was very dependent on the rainy seasons to provide water. When we come to scripture… Mark Hughes 3484 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21979055/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_somewellsthatneedredigging/id/3818471.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21979055 Scripture: Genesis 26:18 Thu, 19 May 2022 03:14:00 +0000 Mark Hughes There were two kinds of shields in Roman armies. One was small and easily carried and used in hand-to-hand battle. The other was much larger, perhaps even four feet tall, that would allow a line of soldiers to mount an offense against an enemy behind a wall of protection. The word Paul used to describe the shield of faith was that larger shield. When most people think about faith, they think about an overcoming, aggressive faith. Paul is talking about a different aspect of faith: the protecting faith that casts a wall of protection across the whole life. However, when we read about the life of Paul, we are hard-pressed to conclude that his faith protected him. He suffered shipwreck, beatings, hunger, and many other things. Brother Hughes revealed that Paul’s faith was not to protect him from things but to protect him while he was in things. Faith does not keep us from problems but will protect us while we are in problems. Faith empowered us to bear the struggles and strive in life and encourages us to go on. There were two kinds of shields in Roman armies. One was small and easily carried and used in hand-to-hand battle. The other was much larger, perhaps even four feet tall, that would allow a line of soldiers to mount an offense against an enemy behind a wall of protection. The word Paul used to describe the shield of faith was that larger shield. When most people think about faith, they think about an overcoming, aggressive faith. Paul is talking about a different aspect of faith: the protecting faith that casts a wall of protection across the whole life. However, when we read about the life of Paul, we are hard-pressed to conclude that his faith protected him. He suffered shipwreck, beatings, hunger, and many other things. Brother Hughes revealed that Paul’s faith was not to protect him from things but to protect him while he was in things. Faith does not keep us from problems but will protect us while we are in problems. Faith empowered us to bear the struggles and strive in life and encourages us to go on. There were two kinds of shields in Roman armies. One was small and easily carried and used in hand-to-hand battle. The other was much larger, perhaps even four feet tall, that would allow a line of soldiers to mount an offense against an enemy behind… Mark Hughes 1995 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21978435/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theshieldoffaith/id/1187988.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21978435 Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-6:16 Thu, 19 May 2022 03:14:00 +0000 Mark Hughes There were two kinds of shields in Roman armies. One was small and easily carried and used in hand-to-hand battle. The other was much larger, perhaps even four feet tall, that would allow a line of soldiers to mount an offense against an enemy behind a wall of protection. The word Paul used to describe the shield of faith was that larger shield. When most people think about faith, they think about an overcoming, aggressive faith. Paul is talking about a different aspect of faith: the protecting faith that casts a wall of protection across the whole life. However, when we read about the life of Paul, we are hard-pressed to conclude that his faith protected him. He suffered shipwreck, beatings, hunger, and many other things. Brother Hughes revealed that Paul’s faith was not to protect him from things but to protect him while he was in things. Faith does not keep us from problems but will protect us while we are in problems. Faith empowered us to bear the struggles and strive in life and encourages us to go on. There were two kinds of shields in Roman armies. One was small and easily carried and used in hand-to-hand battle. The other was much larger, perhaps even four feet tall, that would allow a line of soldiers to mount an offense against an enemy behind a wall of protection. The word Paul used to describe the shield of faith was that larger shield. When most people think about faith, they think about an overcoming, aggressive faith. Paul is talking about a different aspect of faith: the protecting faith that casts a wall of protection across the whole life. However, when we read about the life of Paul, we are hard-pressed to conclude that his faith protected him. He suffered shipwreck, beatings, hunger, and many other things. Brother Hughes revealed that Paul’s faith was not to protect him from things but to protect him while he was in things. Faith does not keep us from problems but will protect us while we are in problems. Faith empowered us to bear the struggles and strive in life and encourages us to go on. There were two kinds of shields in Roman armies. One was small and easily carried and used in hand-to-hand battle. The other was much larger, perhaps even four feet tall, that would allow a line of soldiers to mount an offense against an enemy behind… Mark Hughes 1995 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21978435/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theshieldoffaith/id/3817862.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21978435 Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-6:16 Sun, 15 May 2022 19:38:45 +0000 Kenneth Baker Our text says that God stands at the door and knocks. From this, it is clear that God wants to bless us, but many have never allowed Him to do all of which He is capable. God will never force His way in; we must let Him in. When God made man, He created something at a whole different level than the other animals. The scripture indicates a well-thought-out, purposeful plan. The other animals of creation operate by instinct, but Man has the intellect and free will to act. By forming man as He did, almighty God self-limited HIs ability. To take advantage of all that God has to offer, we have to open up our hearts to Him. We will never realize the fruits of what God has to offer if we do not take the seeds He plants and cultivate them into action. All that God is waiting for is to open the door to Him. All that God desires is the opportunity. Our text says that God stands at the door and knocks. From this, it is clear that God wants to bless us, but many have never allowed Him to do all of which He is capable. God will never force His way in; we must let Him in. When God made man, He created something at a whole different level than the other animals. The scripture indicates a well-thought-out, purposeful plan. The other animals of creation operate by instinct, but Man has the intellect and free will to act. By forming man as He did, almighty God self-limited HIs ability. To take advantage of all that God has to offer, we have to open up our hearts to Him. We will never realize the fruits of what God has to offer if we do not take the seeds He plants and cultivate them into action. All that God is waiting for is to open the door to Him. All that God desires is the opportunity. Our text says that God stands at the door and knocks. From this, it is clear that God wants to bless us, but many have never allowed Him to do all of which He is capable. God will never force His way in; we must let Him in. When God made man, He crea… Kenneth Baker 2163 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21975450/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whatgoddesires/id/1186099.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21975450 What God Desires Sun, 15 May 2022 19:38:45 +0000 Kenneth Baker Our text says that God stands at the door and knocks. From this, it is clear that God wants to bless us, but many have never allowed Him to do all of which He is capable. God will never force His way in; we must let Him in. When God made man, He created something at a whole different level than the other animals. The scripture indicates a well-thought-out, purposeful plan. The other animals of creation operate by instinct, but Man has the intellect and free will to act. By forming man as He did, almighty God self-limited HIs ability. To take advantage of all that God has to offer, we have to open up our hearts to Him. We will never realize the fruits of what God has to offer if we do not take the seeds He plants and cultivate them into action. All that God is waiting for is to open the door to Him. All that God desires is the opportunity. Our text says that God stands at the door and knocks. From this, it is clear that God wants to bless us, but many have never allowed Him to do all of which He is capable. God will never force His way in; we must let Him in. When God made man, He created something at a whole different level than the other animals. The scripture indicates a well-thought-out, purposeful plan. The other animals of creation operate by instinct, but Man has the intellect and free will to act. By forming man as He did, almighty God self-limited HIs ability. To take advantage of all that God has to offer, we have to open up our hearts to Him. We will never realize the fruits of what God has to offer if we do not take the seeds He plants and cultivate them into action. All that God is waiting for is to open the door to Him. All that God desires is the opportunity. Our text says that God stands at the door and knocks. From this, it is clear that God wants to bless us, but many have never allowed Him to do all of which He is capable. God will never force His way in; we must let Him in. When God made man, He crea… Kenneth Baker 2163 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21975450/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatgoddesires/id/3814962.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21975450 What God Desires Thu, 12 May 2022 01:55:00 +0000 Landon Long Greater Life Church Greater Life Church Greater Life Church… Landon Long 2597 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21974206/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_alifetimeofeffort/id/1185130.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21974206 Scripture: Psalms 18:37-18:50 Thu, 12 May 2022 01:55:00 +0000 Landon Long Greater Life Church Greater Life Church Greater Life Church… Landon Long 2597 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21974206/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_alifetimeofeffort/id/3813721.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21974206 Scripture: Psalms 18:37-18:50 Sun, 08 May 2022 23:50:04 +0000 Mark Hughes On this mother’s day, Brother Hughes goes to the book of proverbs. In our text, Solomon describes the incredible power that women have. This power can build or tear down. Building implies many things: Dreaming, planning, work, and time. Building is intentional, and it does not happen without a purpose. When building, you start with a solid foundation. The wise woman builds her house on the word of God. Building also involves erecting walls. Walls are boundaries that define a space. The wise woman determines what she wants in her house. Solomon’s words are clear that women hold great power. They can use that power to build or tear down. The wise woman will use it to build. On this mother’s day, Brother Hughes goes to the book of proverbs. In our text, Solomon describes the incredible power that women have. This power can build or tear down. Building implies many things: Dreaming, planning, work, and time. Building is intentional, and it does not happen without a purpose. When building, you start with a solid foundation. The wise woman builds her house on the word of God. Building also involves erecting walls. Walls are boundaries that define a space. The wise woman determines what she wants in her house. Solomon’s words are clear that women hold great power. They can use that power to build or tear down. The wise woman will use it to build. On this mother’s day, Brother Hughes goes to the book of proverbs. In our text, Solomon describes the incredible power that women have. This power can build or tear down. Building implies many things: Dreaming, planning, work, and time. Building is… Mark Hughes 2186 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21972640/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_wisewomen/id/1184337.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21972640 Scripture: Proverbs 14:1 Sun, 08 May 2022 23:50:04 +0000 Mark Hughes On this mother’s day, Brother Hughes goes to the book of proverbs. In our text, Solomon describes the incredible power that women have. This power can build or tear down. Building implies many things: Dreaming, planning, work, and time. Building is intentional, and it does not happen without a purpose. When building, you start with a solid foundation. The wise woman builds her house on the word of God. Building also involves erecting walls. Walls are boundaries that define a space. The wise woman determines what she wants in her house. Solomon’s words are clear that women hold great power. They can use that power to build or tear down. The wise woman will use it to build. On this mother’s day, Brother Hughes goes to the book of proverbs. In our text, Solomon describes the incredible power that women have. This power can build or tear down. Building implies many things: Dreaming, planning, work, and time. Building is intentional, and it does not happen without a purpose. When building, you start with a solid foundation. The wise woman builds her house on the word of God. Building also involves erecting walls. Walls are boundaries that define a space. The wise woman determines what she wants in her house. Solomon’s words are clear that women hold great power. They can use that power to build or tear down. The wise woman will use it to build. On this mother’s day, Brother Hughes goes to the book of proverbs. In our text, Solomon describes the incredible power that women have. This power can build or tear down. Building implies many things: Dreaming, planning, work, and time. Building is… Mark Hughes 2186 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21972640/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wisewomen/id/3812193.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21972640 Scripture: Proverbs 14:1 Wed, 04 May 2022 22:21:00 +0000 Mark Hughes In closing his letter to the church at Corinth, Paul offers five pieces of advice. The first four are about protecting themselves from external threats. But the final point describes the environment in which the church should exist. It speaks to a family relationship with each other. He uses two words in exclamation about those who do not love each other in this way: Anathema and Maranatha. Anathema refers to an intense dislike. Up to this point, Paul was writing in Greek, but Maranatha is an Aramaic word that can be translated as the Lord comes. The first-century church lived with an expectancy that Jesus would return. Now, many centuries later, we do not have such an expectancy. We know he is coming, but we do not always live like He is coming. How much differently would we live if we expected Jesus to come tomorrow? Maranatha must become the watchword of the church. In closing his letter to the church at Corinth, Paul offers five pieces of advice. The first four are about protecting themselves from external threats. But the final point describes the environment in which the church should exist. It speaks to a family relationship with each other. He uses two words in exclamation about those who do not love each other in this way: Anathema and Maranatha. Anathema refers to an intense dislike. Up to this point, Paul was writing in Greek, but Maranatha is an Aramaic word that can be translated as the Lord comes. The first-century church lived with an expectancy that Jesus would return. Now, many centuries later, we do not have such an expectancy. We know he is coming, but we do not always live like He is coming. How much differently would we live if we expected Jesus to come tomorrow? Maranatha must become the watchword of the church. In closing his letter to the church at Corinth, Paul offers five pieces of advice. The first four are about protecting themselves from external threats. But the final point describes the environment in which the church should exist. It speaks to a fa… Mark Hughes 2623 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21972588/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thewatchwordofthechurch/id/1184322.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21972588 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:13-16:24 Wed, 04 May 2022 22:21:00 +0000 Mark Hughes In closing his letter to the church at Corinth, Paul offers five pieces of advice. The first four are about protecting themselves from external threats. But the final point describes the environment in which the church should exist. It speaks to a family relationship with each other. He uses two words in exclamation about those who do not love each other in this way: Anathema and Maranatha. Anathema refers to an intense dislike. Up to this point, Paul was writing in Greek, but Maranatha is an Aramaic word that can be translated as the Lord comes. The first-century church lived with an expectancy that Jesus would return. Now, many centuries later, we do not have such an expectancy. We know he is coming, but we do not always live like He is coming. How much differently would we live if we expected Jesus to come tomorrow? Maranatha must become the watchword of the church. In closing his letter to the church at Corinth, Paul offers five pieces of advice. The first four are about protecting themselves from external threats. But the final point describes the environment in which the church should exist. It speaks to a family relationship with each other. He uses two words in exclamation about those who do not love each other in this way: Anathema and Maranatha. Anathema refers to an intense dislike. Up to this point, Paul was writing in Greek, but Maranatha is an Aramaic word that can be translated as the Lord comes. The first-century church lived with an expectancy that Jesus would return. Now, many centuries later, we do not have such an expectancy. We know he is coming, but we do not always live like He is coming. How much differently would we live if we expected Jesus to come tomorrow? Maranatha must become the watchword of the church. In closing his letter to the church at Corinth, Paul offers five pieces of advice. The first four are about protecting themselves from external threats. But the final point describes the environment in which the church should exist. It speaks to a fa… Mark Hughes 2623 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21972588/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thewatchwordofthechurch/id/3812167.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21972588 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:13-16:24 Sun, 01 May 2022 20:05:07 +0000 Mark Hughes The 145th Psalm is known as David’s song of praise. It is the only one with that unique designation. It is known as an acrostic psalm, a way of writing that takes the letter of each Hebrew alphabet to form a verse. In each verse, David speaks praise to God. He connects all aspects of life and ties it back to God. All 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet appear in this song except NUN. There are various theories about this omission ranging from errors in translation or a lost verse. NUN comes from the root word that means snake, and the symbol for that letter resembles a snake. Snakes, of course, are a representation of the devil. Bro. Hughes speculates that leaving this letter out is a way to illustrate that the enemy is not a part of the praise that we give to God. If David were to have included NUN, it would have come between the 13 and 14th verses. The fourteenth verse says that God will uplift the fallen. No matter if the enemy has caused us to fall, God is ready to bring us back to a place of standing. The devil has no place in worship, and David intently left him out of his psalm of praise. When we praise, we force out any opportunity for the enemy to get into our lives. If we learn to praise Him, we can get rid of the snakes in our lives. The 145th Psalm is known as David’s song of praise. It is the only one with that unique designation. It is known as an acrostic psalm, a way of writing that takes the letter of each Hebrew alphabet to form a verse. In each verse, David speaks praise to God. He connects all aspects of life and ties it back to God. All 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet appear in this song except NUN. There are various theories about this omission ranging from errors in translation or a lost verse. NUN comes from the root word that means snake, and the symbol for that letter resembles a snake. Snakes, of course, are a representation of the devil. Bro. Hughes speculates that leaving this letter out is a way to illustrate that the enemy is not a part of the praise that we give to God. If David were to have included NUN, it would have come between the 13 and 14th verses. The fourteenth verse says that God will uplift the fallen. No matter if the enemy has caused us to fall, God is ready to bring us back to a place of standing. The devil has no place in worship, and David intently left him out of his psalm of praise. When we praise, we force out any opportunity for the enemy to get into our lives. If we learn to praise Him, we can get rid of the snakes in our lives. The 145th Psalm is known as David’s song of praise. It is the only one with that unique designation. It is known as an acrostic psalm, a way of writing that takes the letter of each Hebrew alphabet to form a verse. In each verse, David speaks praise… Mark Hughes 2227 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21969520/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_gettingwhatyoumakeroomfor/id/1182310.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21969520 Scripture: Psalms 145, Ephesians 4:26-4:27 Sun, 01 May 2022 20:05:07 +0000 Mark Hughes The 145th Psalm is known as David’s song of praise. It is the only one with that unique designation. It is known as an acrostic psalm, a way of writing that takes the letter of each Hebrew alphabet to form a verse. In each verse, David speaks praise to God. He connects all aspects of life and ties it back to God. All 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet appear in this song except NUN. There are various theories about this omission ranging from errors in translation or a lost verse. NUN comes from the root word that means snake, and the symbol for that letter resembles a snake. Snakes, of course, are a representation of the devil. Bro. Hughes speculates that leaving this letter out is a way to illustrate that the enemy is not a part of the praise that we give to God. If David were to have included NUN, it would have come between the 13 and 14th verses. The fourteenth verse says that God will uplift the fallen. No matter if the enemy has caused us to fall, God is ready to bring us back to a place of standing. The devil has no place in worship, and David intently left him out of his psalm of praise. When we praise, we force out any opportunity for the enemy to get into our lives. If we learn to praise Him, we can get rid of the snakes in our lives. The 145th Psalm is known as David’s song of praise. It is the only one with that unique designation. It is known as an acrostic psalm, a way of writing that takes the letter of each Hebrew alphabet to form a verse. In each verse, David speaks praise to God. He connects all aspects of life and ties it back to God. All 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet appear in this song except NUN. There are various theories about this omission ranging from errors in translation or a lost verse. NUN comes from the root word that means snake, and the symbol for that letter resembles a snake. Snakes, of course, are a representation of the devil. Bro. Hughes speculates that leaving this letter out is a way to illustrate that the enemy is not a part of the praise that we give to God. If David were to have included NUN, it would have come between the 13 and 14th verses. The fourteenth verse says that God will uplift the fallen. No matter if the enemy has caused us to fall, God is ready to bring us back to a place of standing. The devil has no place in worship, and David intently left him out of his psalm of praise. When we praise, we force out any opportunity for the enemy to get into our lives. If we learn to praise Him, we can get rid of the snakes in our lives. The 145th Psalm is known as David’s song of praise. It is the only one with that unique designation. It is known as an acrostic psalm, a way of writing that takes the letter of each Hebrew alphabet to form a verse. In each verse, David speaks praise… Mark Hughes 2227 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21969520/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_gettingwhatyoumakeroomfor/id/3809162.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21969520 Scripture: Psalms 145, Ephesians 4:26-4:27 Thu, 28 Apr 2022 00:20:00 +0000 James Hughes Dr. Hughes uses the story of the prodigal son to model how we should view our relationship with God. Dr. Hughes uses the story of the prodigal son to model how we should view our relationship with God. Dr. Hughes uses the story of the prodigal son to model how we should view our relationship with God.… James Hughes 3450 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21968207/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_called/id/1181284.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21968207 Scripture: Romans 1:1-1:7 Thu, 28 Apr 2022 00:20:00 +0000 James Hughes Dr. Hughes uses the story of the prodigal son to model how we should view our relationship with God. Dr. Hughes uses the story of the prodigal son to model how we should view our relationship with God. Dr. Hughes uses the story of the prodigal son to model how we should view our relationship with God.… James Hughes 3450 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21968207/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_called/id/3807857.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21968207 Scripture: Romans 1:1-1:7 Mon, 25 Apr 2022 02:27:31 +0000 Landon Long It is human nature to hide from danger. Our text talks about taking shelter under God's wings. God protects us from danger. In Genesis, Adam and Eve tried to hide from God because they had sinned. They tried to hide in bushes and covered with leaves, but that coverage was insufficient. We try to hide from God, but that is not possible. Instead of trying to hide from Him, but to hide in Him? When we make a mistake, we should run to God for shelter, not away to hide. He is a wrap-around God. It is human nature to hide from danger. Our text talks about taking shelter under God's wings. God protects us from danger. In Genesis, Adam and Eve tried to hide from God because they had sinned. They tried to hide in bushes and covered with leaves, but that coverage was insufficient. We try to hide from God, but that is not possible. Instead of trying to hide from Him, but to hide in Him? When we make a mistake, we should run to God for shelter, not away to hide. He is a wrap-around God. It is human nature to hide from danger. Our text talks about taking shelter under God's wings. God protects us from danger. In Genesis, Adam and Eve tried to hide from God because they had sinned. They tried to hide in bushes and covered with leaves… Landon Long 2717 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21966686/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thewraparoundgod/id/1180629.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21966686 Scripture: Psalms 18:30, Psalms 91:1-91:9, Psalms 17:8 Mon, 25 Apr 2022 02:27:31 +0000 Landon Long It is human nature to hide from danger. Our text talks about taking shelter under God's wings. God protects us from danger. In Genesis, Adam and Eve tried to hide from God because they had sinned. They tried to hide in bushes and covered with leaves, but that coverage was insufficient. We try to hide from God, but that is not possible. Instead of trying to hide from Him, but to hide in Him? When we make a mistake, we should run to God for shelter, not away to hide. He is a wrap-around God. It is human nature to hide from danger. Our text talks about taking shelter under God's wings. God protects us from danger. In Genesis, Adam and Eve tried to hide from God because they had sinned. They tried to hide in bushes and covered with leaves, but that coverage was insufficient. We try to hide from God, but that is not possible. Instead of trying to hide from Him, but to hide in Him? When we make a mistake, we should run to God for shelter, not away to hide. He is a wrap-around God. It is human nature to hide from danger. Our text talks about taking shelter under God's wings. God protects us from danger. In Genesis, Adam and Eve tried to hide from God because they had sinned. They tried to hide in bushes and covered with leaves… Landon Long 2717 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21966686/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thewraparoundgod/id/3806805.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21966686 Scripture: Psalms 18:30, Psalms 91:1-91:9, Psalms 17:8 Sun, 24 Apr 2022 20:07:36 +0000 Landon Long From the first century church until now, generations of people have predicted the return of Jesus. Many have observed the events of their day and saw the end-time predictions from Revalation played out in the day’s headlines. Some have even predicted the end by analyzing the “facts.” The bible is plain that no man knows the day or time and urges believers to stay vigilant and “live read.” After all these false warnings, it is easy not to become alarmed when we see end-time prophecies played out and carry on in our day-to-day lives. Like alarms in our daily lives, warnings sounded in the bible can become an annoyance that we ignore. This attitude plays well into the enemy’s hands. He wants us to be distracted. He wants us not to heed the warnings and let our guard down. The truth is that alarms are not an annoyance but to let us know when we must fix a problem. When we ignore alarms, we open ourselves up to dangerous situations. The fire alarm that goes off and is a “false alarm” might one day go off to alert us to a real life-safety danger. There are no false alarms with God. Our text today admonishes us to stay awake and pay attention to the warnings and alerts in our homes. We must not silence the alarms we have in life to protect us. From the first century church until now, generations of people have predicted the return of Jesus. Many have observed the events of their day and saw the end-time predictions from Revalation played out in the day’s headlines. Some have even predicted the end by analyzing the “facts.” The bible is plain that no man knows the day or time and urges believers to stay vigilant and “live read.” After all these false warnings, it is easy not to become alarmed when we see end-time prophecies played out and carry on in our day-to-day lives. Like alarms in our daily lives, warnings sounded in the bible can become an annoyance that we ignore. This attitude plays well into the enemy’s hands. He wants us to be distracted. He wants us not to heed the warnings and let our guard down. The truth is that alarms are not an annoyance but to let us know when we must fix a problem. When we ignore alarms, we open ourselves up to dangerous situations. The fire alarm that goes off and is a “false alarm” might one day go off to alert us to a real life-safety danger. There are no false alarms with God. Our text today admonishes us to stay awake and pay attention to the warnings and alerts in our homes. We must not silence the alarms we have in life to protect us. From the first century church until now, generations of people have predicted the return of Jesus. Many have observed the events of their day and saw the end-time predictions from Revalation played out in the day’s headlines. Some have even predicted… Landon Long 3840 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21966364/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_alarms/id/1180329.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21966364 Scripture: Mark 13:32-13:37 Sun, 24 Apr 2022 20:07:36 +0000 Landon Long From the first century church until now, generations of people have predicted the return of Jesus. Many have observed the events of their day and saw the end-time predictions from Revalation played out in the day’s headlines. Some have even predicted the end by analyzing the “facts.” The bible is plain that no man knows the day or time and urges believers to stay vigilant and “live read.” After all these false warnings, it is easy not to become alarmed when we see end-time prophecies played out and carry on in our day-to-day lives. Like alarms in our daily lives, warnings sounded in the bible can become an annoyance that we ignore. This attitude plays well into the enemy’s hands. He wants us to be distracted. He wants us not to heed the warnings and let our guard down. The truth is that alarms are not an annoyance but to let us know when we must fix a problem. When we ignore alarms, we open ourselves up to dangerous situations. The fire alarm that goes off and is a “false alarm” might one day go off to alert us to a real life-safety danger. There are no false alarms with God. Our text today admonishes us to stay awake and pay attention to the warnings and alerts in our homes. We must not silence the alarms we have in life to protect us. From the first century church until now, generations of people have predicted the return of Jesus. Many have observed the events of their day and saw the end-time predictions from Revalation played out in the day’s headlines. Some have even predicted the end by analyzing the “facts.” The bible is plain that no man knows the day or time and urges believers to stay vigilant and “live read.” After all these false warnings, it is easy not to become alarmed when we see end-time prophecies played out and carry on in our day-to-day lives. Like alarms in our daily lives, warnings sounded in the bible can become an annoyance that we ignore. This attitude plays well into the enemy’s hands. He wants us to be distracted. He wants us not to heed the warnings and let our guard down. The truth is that alarms are not an annoyance but to let us know when we must fix a problem. When we ignore alarms, we open ourselves up to dangerous situations. The fire alarm that goes off and is a “false alarm” might one day go off to alert us to a real life-safety danger. There are no false alarms with God. Our text today admonishes us to stay awake and pay attention to the warnings and alerts in our homes. We must not silence the alarms we have in life to protect us. From the first century church until now, generations of people have predicted the return of Jesus. Many have observed the events of their day and saw the end-time predictions from Revalation played out in the day’s headlines. Some have even predicted… Landon Long 3840 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21966364/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_alarms/id/3806167.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21966364 Scripture: Mark 13:32-13:37 Thu, 21 Apr 2022 02:09:00 +0000 Landon Long Patterns are part of nature. We can look for patterns all around us. The book of Titus is full of instructions on how to live life. He speaks to young and old alike with valuable advice. To the senior men, he says to be sober, serious, and healthy. To the senior women, he admonished them not to be given to gossip and to be sober-minded and to teach the young women how to love their husbands and children and to be Godly keepers of the home. To the young men, he also says to be sober-minded. All this brings us to verse seven, where he tells them that to implement these things, they have to demonstrate a life that exemplifies it. To live a life that is pleasing to God. It is not enough to have a checklist of good works, but we must have a life that shows young men the rewards of living a Godly life. It is this pattern of good works that present a life to people that cause them to wonder what we have, and how they can live a life like that too. The pattern of good works opens up an opportunity to minister to people. Patterns are part of nature. We can look for patterns all around us. The book of Titus is full of instructions on how to live life. He speaks to young and old alike with valuable advice. To the senior men, he says to be sober, serious, and healthy. To the senior women, he admonished them not to be given to gossip and to be sober-minded and to teach the young women how to love their husbands and children and to be Godly keepers of the home. To the young men, he also says to be sober-minded. All this brings us to verse seven, where he tells them that to implement these things, they have to demonstrate a life that exemplifies it. To live a life that is pleasing to God. It is not enough to have a checklist of good works, but we must have a life that shows young men the rewards of living a Godly life. It is this pattern of good works that present a life to people that cause them to wonder what we have, and how they can live a life like that too. The pattern of good works opens up an opportunity to minister to people. Patterns are part of nature. We can look for patterns all around us. The book of Titus is full of instructions on how to live life. He speaks to young and old alike with valuable advice. To the senior men, he says to be sober, serious, and healthy.… Landon Long 2782 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21965010/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_apatternofgoodworks/id/1179267.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21965010 Scripture: Titus 2:7-2:8 Thu, 21 Apr 2022 02:09:00 +0000 Landon Long Patterns are part of nature. We can look for patterns all around us. The book of Titus is full of instructions on how to live life. He speaks to young and old alike with valuable advice. To the senior men, he says to be sober, serious, and healthy. To the senior women, he admonished them not to be given to gossip and to be sober-minded and to teach the young women how to love their husbands and children and to be Godly keepers of the home. To the young men, he also says to be sober-minded. All this brings us to verse seven, where he tells them that to implement these things, they have to demonstrate a life that exemplifies it. To live a life that is pleasing to God. It is not enough to have a checklist of good works, but we must have a life that shows young men the rewards of living a Godly life. It is this pattern of good works that present a life to people that cause them to wonder what we have, and how they can live a life like that too. The pattern of good works opens up an opportunity to minister to people. Patterns are part of nature. We can look for patterns all around us. The book of Titus is full of instructions on how to live life. He speaks to young and old alike with valuable advice. To the senior men, he says to be sober, serious, and healthy. To the senior women, he admonished them not to be given to gossip and to be sober-minded and to teach the young women how to love their husbands and children and to be Godly keepers of the home. To the young men, he also says to be sober-minded. All this brings us to verse seven, where he tells them that to implement these things, they have to demonstrate a life that exemplifies it. To live a life that is pleasing to God. It is not enough to have a checklist of good works, but we must have a life that shows young men the rewards of living a Godly life. It is this pattern of good works that present a life to people that cause them to wonder what we have, and how they can live a life like that too. The pattern of good works opens up an opportunity to minister to people. Patterns are part of nature. We can look for patterns all around us. The book of Titus is full of instructions on how to live life. He speaks to young and old alike with valuable advice. To the senior men, he says to be sober, serious, and healthy.… Landon Long 2782 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21965010/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_apatternofgoodworks/id/3804861.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21965010 Scripture: Titus 2:7-2:8 Mon, 18 Apr 2022 00:43:06 +0000 Mark Hughes There is no more powerful message than the recording of the resurrection. This is the single greatest event in the history of humanity. Because of that victory, you and I get to enjoy and celebrate life. We will enjoy the benefits of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection until the end time. Our text gives us, in simple words, the ultimate explanation of our salvation. God loved us so much that He became flesh and died on the cross for our sins. His death paid the price for sin; Jesus rising from the tomb fulfills salvation to its fullest. Jesus purchased our life by His death, but He perfected it by rising again. There is no more powerful message than the recording of the resurrection. This is the single greatest event in the history of humanity. Because of that victory, you and I get to enjoy and celebrate life. We will enjoy the benefits of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection until the end time. Our text gives us, in simple words, the ultimate explanation of our salvation. God loved us so much that He became flesh and died on the cross for our sins. His death paid the price for sin; Jesus rising from the tomb fulfills salvation to its fullest. Jesus purchased our life by His death, but He perfected it by rising again. There is no more powerful message than the recording of the resurrection. This is the single greatest event in the history of humanity. Because of that victory, you and I get to enjoy and celebrate life. We will enjoy the benefits of Jesus’ death, b… Mark Hughes 1957 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21963435/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_savedbyhislife/id/1178474.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21963435 Scripture: Romans 5:10 Mon, 18 Apr 2022 00:43:06 +0000 Mark Hughes There is no more powerful message than the recording of the resurrection. This is the single greatest event in the history of humanity. Because of that victory, you and I get to enjoy and celebrate life. We will enjoy the benefits of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection until the end time. Our text gives us, in simple words, the ultimate explanation of our salvation. God loved us so much that He became flesh and died on the cross for our sins. His death paid the price for sin; Jesus rising from the tomb fulfills salvation to its fullest. Jesus purchased our life by His death, but He perfected it by rising again. There is no more powerful message than the recording of the resurrection. This is the single greatest event in the history of humanity. Because of that victory, you and I get to enjoy and celebrate life. We will enjoy the benefits of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection until the end time. Our text gives us, in simple words, the ultimate explanation of our salvation. God loved us so much that He became flesh and died on the cross for our sins. His death paid the price for sin; Jesus rising from the tomb fulfills salvation to its fullest. Jesus purchased our life by His death, but He perfected it by rising again. There is no more powerful message than the recording of the resurrection. This is the single greatest event in the history of humanity. Because of that victory, you and I get to enjoy and celebrate life. We will enjoy the benefits of Jesus’ death, b… Mark Hughes 1957 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21963435/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_savedbyhislife/id/3803368.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21963435 Scripture: Romans 5:10 Wed, 13 Apr 2022 22:09:00 +0000 Greg Starks Brother Starks concludes his Christ our Passover series tonight by looking at lessons of the Passover lamb itself. Brother Starks concludes his Christ our Passover series tonight by looking at lessons of the Passover lamb itself. Brother Starks concludes his Christ our Passover series tonight by looking at lessons of the Passover lamb itself. … Greg Starks 3126 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21961113/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_christourpassoverpart3/id/1176824.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21961113 Scripture: Exodus 12, Series: Christ Our Passover Part#3 Wed, 13 Apr 2022 22:09:00 +0000 Greg Starks Brother Starks concludes his Christ our Passover series tonight by looking at lessons of the Passover lamb itself. Brother Starks concludes his Christ our Passover series tonight by looking at lessons of the Passover lamb itself. Brother Starks concludes his Christ our Passover series tonight by looking at lessons of the Passover lamb itself. … Greg Starks 3126 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21961113/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_christourpassoverpart3/id/3801233.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21961113 Scripture: Exodus 12, Series: Christ Our Passover Part#3 Mon, 11 Apr 2022 02:23:11 +0000 Ethan Barger Brother Ethan will be leaving Greater Life Church due to a job change, and he reflects tonight on his time here and the presence of God he has felt in our church. Brother Ethan will be leaving Greater Life Church due to a job change, and he reflects tonight on his time here and the presence of God he has felt in our church. Brother Ethan will be leaving Greater Life Church due to a job change, and he reflects tonight on his time here and the presence of God he has felt in our church. … Ethan Barger 2707 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21959863/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_aplaceforgodsname/id/1176124.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21959863 A Place For God’s Name Mon, 11 Apr 2022 02:23:11 +0000 Ethan Barger Brother Ethan will be leaving Greater Life Church due to a job change, and he reflects tonight on his time here and the presence of God he has felt in our church. Brother Ethan will be leaving Greater Life Church due to a job change, and he reflects tonight on his time here and the presence of God he has felt in our church. Brother Ethan will be leaving Greater Life Church due to a job change, and he reflects tonight on his time here and the presence of God he has felt in our church. … Ethan Barger 2707 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21959863/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_aplaceforgodsname/id/3799891.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21959863 A Place For God’s Name Sun, 10 Apr 2022 20:25:13 +0000 Mark Hughes It is humbling to think back over our lives and reflect on others' decisions that benefitted our lives. It is even more sobering to acknowledge that there are some decisions in life that we must make ourselves. The psalmist in our text today made such a decision: I will sing a new song. Jesus made a decision to go willing to Calvary. That selfless act changed all of our lives forever, but we must also make a decision to take advantage of Jesus’ sacrifice. When we open our mouths to sing a new song, God brings order to the chaos. When David began to sing a new song, he renounced the past and embraced a new future. Verse nine of the 144th Psalm is a changing point; every Psalm after that verse is a song of praise and uplifting. When we change our focus and attitude, we change the course of our life. We cannot always change the events of our lives, but we can change the song we sing, and God will take that and see us through to a better outcome. It is humbling to think back over our lives and reflect on others' decisions that benefitted our lives. It is even more sobering to acknowledge that there are some decisions in life that we must make ourselves. The psalmist in our text today made such a decision: I will sing a new song. Jesus made a decision to go willing to Calvary. That selfless act changed all of our lives forever, but we must also make a decision to take advantage of Jesus’ sacrifice. When we open our mouths to sing a new song, God brings order to the chaos. When David began to sing a new song, he renounced the past and embraced a new future. Verse nine of the 144th Psalm is a changing point; every Psalm after that verse is a song of praise and uplifting. When we change our focus and attitude, we change the course of our life. We cannot always change the events of our lives, but we can change the song we sing, and God will take that and see us through to a better outcome. It is humbling to think back over our lives and reflect on others' decisions that benefitted our lives. It is even more sobering to acknowledge that there are some decisions in life that we must make ourselves. The psalmist in our text today made such … Mark Hughes 2099 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21959623/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whatonlyyoucando/id/1175963.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21959623 Scripture: Psalms 144:9 Sun, 10 Apr 2022 20:25:13 +0000 Mark Hughes It is humbling to think back over our lives and reflect on others' decisions that benefitted our lives. It is even more sobering to acknowledge that there are some decisions in life that we must make ourselves. The psalmist in our text today made such a decision: I will sing a new song. Jesus made a decision to go willing to Calvary. That selfless act changed all of our lives forever, but we must also make a decision to take advantage of Jesus’ sacrifice. When we open our mouths to sing a new song, God brings order to the chaos. When David began to sing a new song, he renounced the past and embraced a new future. Verse nine of the 144th Psalm is a changing point; every Psalm after that verse is a song of praise and uplifting. When we change our focus and attitude, we change the course of our life. We cannot always change the events of our lives, but we can change the song we sing, and God will take that and see us through to a better outcome. It is humbling to think back over our lives and reflect on others' decisions that benefitted our lives. It is even more sobering to acknowledge that there are some decisions in life that we must make ourselves. The psalmist in our text today made such a decision: I will sing a new song. Jesus made a decision to go willing to Calvary. That selfless act changed all of our lives forever, but we must also make a decision to take advantage of Jesus’ sacrifice. When we open our mouths to sing a new song, God brings order to the chaos. When David began to sing a new song, he renounced the past and embraced a new future. Verse nine of the 144th Psalm is a changing point; every Psalm after that verse is a song of praise and uplifting. When we change our focus and attitude, we change the course of our life. We cannot always change the events of our lives, but we can change the song we sing, and God will take that and see us through to a better outcome. It is humbling to think back over our lives and reflect on others' decisions that benefitted our lives. It is even more sobering to acknowledge that there are some decisions in life that we must make ourselves. The psalmist in our text today made such … Mark Hughes 2099 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21959623/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatonlyyoucando/id/3799630.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21959623 Scripture: Psalms 144:9 Thu, 07 Apr 2022 03:08:00 +0000 Greg Starks Exodus 12 is an essential part of the history of Israel. God’s people had been in bondage for over 400 years. Exodus 12 is the culmination of the plagues that God brought upon Egypt to free his people. Every phrase in these verses is packed with meaning and significance. In verse one, God tells them that the event about to happen would mark the beginning of their calendar. That marked the point of redemption. It would change how they would view the timeline of their lives. Drawing the parallel of Jesus being our Passover, we observe the same change in time at the cross, where Jesus’ death marks the man’s deliverance from sin. Verse eleven describes how they were to eat the Lord’s Passover. There are three main instructions. The first is “with your loins girded” It referred to arranging their garment so that they would be prepared to work or to move. In modern parlance, they were told to roll up their sleeves to be ready to work. God told them to wear their shoes and to have their staff in their hands. This also indicates a readiness to work. God tells them to eat in haste. All of this was in preparation for the great event that God was about to bring. God wanted them to be ready to jump into action. Exodus 12 is an essential part of the history of Israel. God’s people had been in bondage for over 400 years. Exodus 12 is the culmination of the plagues that God brought upon Egypt to free his people. Every phrase in these verses is packed with meaning and significance. In verse one, God tells them that the event about to happen would mark the beginning of their calendar. That marked the point of redemption. It would change how they would view the timeline of their lives. Drawing the parallel of Jesus being our Passover, we observe the same change in time at the cross, where Jesus’ death marks the man’s deliverance from sin. Verse eleven describes how they were to eat the Lord’s Passover. There are three main instructions. The first is “with your loins girded” It referred to arranging their garment so that they would be prepared to work or to move. In modern parlance, they were told to roll up their sleeves to be ready to work. God told them to wear their shoes and to have their staff in their hands. This also indicates a readiness to work. God tells them to eat in haste. All of this was in preparation for the great event that God was about to bring. God wanted them to be ready to jump into action. Exodus 12 is an essential part of the history of Israel. God’s people had been in bondage for over 400 years. Exodus 12 is the culmination of the plagues that God brought upon Egypt to free his people. Every phrase in these verses is packed with mea… Greg Starks 2720 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21957980/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_christourpassoverpart2/id/1174742.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21957980 Scripture: Exodus 12, Series: Christ Our Passover Part#2 Thu, 07 Apr 2022 03:08:00 +0000 Greg Starks Exodus 12 is an essential part of the history of Israel. God’s people had been in bondage for over 400 years. Exodus 12 is the culmination of the plagues that God brought upon Egypt to free his people. Every phrase in these verses is packed with meaning and significance. In verse one, God tells them that the event about to happen would mark the beginning of their calendar. That marked the point of redemption. It would change how they would view the timeline of their lives. Drawing the parallel of Jesus being our Passover, we observe the same change in time at the cross, where Jesus’ death marks the man’s deliverance from sin. Verse eleven describes how they were to eat the Lord’s Passover. There are three main instructions. The first is “with your loins girded” It referred to arranging their garment so that they would be prepared to work or to move. In modern parlance, they were told to roll up their sleeves to be ready to work. God told them to wear their shoes and to have their staff in their hands. This also indicates a readiness to work. God tells them to eat in haste. All of this was in preparation for the great event that God was about to bring. God wanted them to be ready to jump into action. Exodus 12 is an essential part of the history of Israel. God’s people had been in bondage for over 400 years. Exodus 12 is the culmination of the plagues that God brought upon Egypt to free his people. Every phrase in these verses is packed with meaning and significance. In verse one, God tells them that the event about to happen would mark the beginning of their calendar. That marked the point of redemption. It would change how they would view the timeline of their lives. Drawing the parallel of Jesus being our Passover, we observe the same change in time at the cross, where Jesus’ death marks the man’s deliverance from sin. Verse eleven describes how they were to eat the Lord’s Passover. There are three main instructions. The first is “with your loins girded” It referred to arranging their garment so that they would be prepared to work or to move. In modern parlance, they were told to roll up their sleeves to be ready to work. God told them to wear their shoes and to have their staff in their hands. This also indicates a readiness to work. God tells them to eat in haste. All of this was in preparation for the great event that God was about to bring. God wanted them to be ready to jump into action. Exodus 12 is an essential part of the history of Israel. God’s people had been in bondage for over 400 years. Exodus 12 is the culmination of the plagues that God brought upon Egypt to free his people. Every phrase in these verses is packed with mea… Greg Starks 2720 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21957980/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_christourpassoverpart2/id/3798039.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21957980 Scripture: Exodus 12, Series: Christ Our Passover Part#2 Sun, 03 Apr 2022 19:50:57 +0000 Landon Long To be called out has taken on a negative meaning. It can be a challenge to fight, or it can be an embarrassing situation revealed publicly. Jesus often called people out, but not in an embarrassing way. When he spoke to the woman at the well, it was in a private setting. Jesus spoke to parts of her life about which she felt guilt or shame, but not in a negative way. He said these things to her to bring her to the revelation that she needed changes. God does not call us out to embarrass us but to pull us back from death and destruction. Many said Jesus was too late too for Lazarus. But Lazarus did not need people writing him off; He needed Jesus to call him out from death. Jesus calls us out today. We hear preaching or testimony that seems to speak right to our soul. As He did to Lazarus and the woman at the well, Jesus calls us out to save us. To be called out has taken on a negative meaning. It can be a challenge to fight, or it can be an embarrassing situation revealed publicly. Jesus often called people out, but not in an embarrassing way. When he spoke to the woman at the well, it was in a private setting. Jesus spoke to parts of her life about which she felt guilt or shame, but not in a negative way. He said these things to her to bring her to the revelation that she needed changes. God does not call us out to embarrass us but to pull us back from death and destruction. Many said Jesus was too late too for Lazarus. But Lazarus did not need people writing him off; He needed Jesus to call him out from death. Jesus calls us out today. We hear preaching or testimony that seems to speak right to our soul. As He did to Lazarus and the woman at the well, Jesus calls us out to save us. To be called out has taken on a negative meaning. It can be a challenge to fight, or it can be an embarrassing situation revealed publicly. Jesus often called people out, but not in an embarrassing way. When he spoke to the woman at the well, it was… Landon Long 2583 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21956411/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_hecalledmeout/id/1173878.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21956411 Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9 Sun, 03 Apr 2022 19:50:57 +0000 Landon Long To be called out has taken on a negative meaning. It can be a challenge to fight, or it can be an embarrassing situation revealed publicly. Jesus often called people out, but not in an embarrassing way. When he spoke to the woman at the well, it was in a private setting. Jesus spoke to parts of her life about which she felt guilt or shame, but not in a negative way. He said these things to her to bring her to the revelation that she needed changes. God does not call us out to embarrass us but to pull us back from death and destruction. Many said Jesus was too late too for Lazarus. But Lazarus did not need people writing him off; He needed Jesus to call him out from death. Jesus calls us out today. We hear preaching or testimony that seems to speak right to our soul. As He did to Lazarus and the woman at the well, Jesus calls us out to save us. To be called out has taken on a negative meaning. It can be a challenge to fight, or it can be an embarrassing situation revealed publicly. Jesus often called people out, but not in an embarrassing way. When he spoke to the woman at the well, it was in a private setting. Jesus spoke to parts of her life about which she felt guilt or shame, but not in a negative way. He said these things to her to bring her to the revelation that she needed changes. God does not call us out to embarrass us but to pull us back from death and destruction. Many said Jesus was too late too for Lazarus. But Lazarus did not need people writing him off; He needed Jesus to call him out from death. Jesus calls us out today. We hear preaching or testimony that seems to speak right to our soul. As He did to Lazarus and the woman at the well, Jesus calls us out to save us. To be called out has taken on a negative meaning. It can be a challenge to fight, or it can be an embarrassing situation revealed publicly. Jesus often called people out, but not in an embarrassing way. When he spoke to the woman at the well, it was… Landon Long 2583 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21956411/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hecalledmeout/id/3796492.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21956411 Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9 Thu, 31 Mar 2022 01:07:00 +0000 Greg Starks We begin a new series tonight in preparation for Easter Sunday that explores all that transpired in those final hours with the disciples and how the Passover parallels the life of Jesus We begin a new series tonight in preparation for Easter Sunday that explores all that transpired in those final hours with the disciples and how the Passover parallels the life of Jesus We begin a new series tonight in preparation for Easter Sunday that explores all that transpired in those final hours with the disciples and how the Passover parallels the life of Jesus … Greg Starks 2545 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21955175/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_christourpassover/id/1172926.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21955175 Scripture: Exodus 12, Series: Christ Our Passover Part#1 Thu, 31 Mar 2022 01:07:00 +0000 Greg Starks We begin a new series tonight in preparation for Easter Sunday that explores all that transpired in those final hours with the disciples and how the Passover parallels the life of Jesus We begin a new series tonight in preparation for Easter Sunday that explores all that transpired in those final hours with the disciples and how the Passover parallels the life of Jesus We begin a new series tonight in preparation for Easter Sunday that explores all that transpired in those final hours with the disciples and how the Passover parallels the life of Jesus … Greg Starks 2545 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21955175/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_christourpassover/id/3795274.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21955175 Scripture: Exodus 12, Series: Christ Our Passover Part#1 Mon, 28 Mar 2022 02:32:54 +0000 Landon Long Paul's writing to Timothy in the sixth chapter addresses wealth and money. Many of us would look at our bank accounts and our possessions and determine that Paul was addressing rich people, so he must not be talking to us. Paul admonishes Timothy to guard against relying on uncertain wealth, but that same advice applies to us. We must not invest our eternity in things that are temporal but must instead place our trust and hope in the One who will never leave nor forsake us. We must be wary of uncertain riches. Paul's writing to Timothy in the sixth chapter addresses wealth and money. Many of us would look at our bank accounts and our possessions and determine that Paul was addressing rich people, so he must not be talking to us. Paul admonishes Timothy to guard against relying on uncertain wealth, but that same advice applies to us. We must not invest our eternity in things that are temporal but must instead place our trust and hope in the One who will never leave nor forsake us. We must be wary of uncertain riches. Paul's writing to Timothy in the sixth chapter addresses wealth and money. Many of us would look at our bank accounts and our possessions and determine that Paul was addressing rich people, so he must not be talking to us. Paul admonishes Timothy to … Landon Long 2442 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21953583/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_uncertainriches/id/1172096.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21953583 Uncertain Riches Mon, 28 Mar 2022 02:32:54 +0000 Landon Long Paul's writing to Timothy in the sixth chapter addresses wealth and money. Many of us would look at our bank accounts and our possessions and determine that Paul was addressing rich people, so he must not be talking to us. Paul admonishes Timothy to guard against relying on uncertain wealth, but that same advice applies to us. We must not invest our eternity in things that are temporal but must instead place our trust and hope in the One who will never leave nor forsake us. We must be wary of uncertain riches. Paul's writing to Timothy in the sixth chapter addresses wealth and money. Many of us would look at our bank accounts and our possessions and determine that Paul was addressing rich people, so he must not be talking to us. Paul admonishes Timothy to guard against relying on uncertain wealth, but that same advice applies to us. We must not invest our eternity in things that are temporal but must instead place our trust and hope in the One who will never leave nor forsake us. We must be wary of uncertain riches. Paul's writing to Timothy in the sixth chapter addresses wealth and money. Many of us would look at our bank accounts and our possessions and determine that Paul was addressing rich people, so he must not be talking to us. Paul admonishes Timothy to … Landon Long 2442 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21953583/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_uncertainriches/id/3793740.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21953583 Uncertain Riches Sun, 27 Mar 2022 20:12:45 +0000 Mark Hughes The story of the loaves and the fishes appears in all four gospels. Each writer records different aspects of the miracle, but all four capture the essential elements of a great need and the abundant provision of God. It demonstrates the goodness of God compared with what we believe is possible. Notice the question that Jesus asks. We ask questions to learn information and seek solutions. God asks questions to stretch us and cause us to see the total scope of what He is about to do. The hungry crowd did not surprise Jesus. The bible says He already knew what He was going to do. The troubles and trials we encounter do not surprise God. Each day, God gives us everything we need to deal with everything we encounter. The problem is that much like Andrew, we focus on how little we have and not giving what we do have to Him. What questions is God asking? What should we learn from those questions? How will we allow God’s questions to stretch us and open up a greater miracle than we could even imagine? The story of the loaves and the fishes appears in all four gospels. Each writer records different aspects of the miracle, but all four capture the essential elements of a great need and the abundant provision of God. It demonstrates the goodness of God compared with what we believe is possible. Notice the question that Jesus asks. We ask questions to learn information and seek solutions. God asks questions to stretch us and cause us to see the total scope of what He is about to do. The hungry crowd did not surprise Jesus. The bible says He already knew what He was going to do. The troubles and trials we encounter do not surprise God. Each day, God gives us everything we need to deal with everything we encounter. The problem is that much like Andrew, we focus on how little we have and not giving what we do have to Him. What questions is God asking? What should we learn from those questions? How will we allow God’s questions to stretch us and open up a greater miracle than we could even imagine? The story of the loaves and the fishes appears in all four gospels. Each writer records different aspects of the miracle, but all four capture the essential elements of a great need and the abundant provision of God. It demonstrates the goodness of G… Mark Hughes 3099 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21953312/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_godsquestions/id/1171942.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21953312 Scripture: John 6:5-6:7 Sun, 27 Mar 2022 20:12:45 +0000 Mark Hughes The story of the loaves and the fishes appears in all four gospels. Each writer records different aspects of the miracle, but all four capture the essential elements of a great need and the abundant provision of God. It demonstrates the goodness of God compared with what we believe is possible. Notice the question that Jesus asks. We ask questions to learn information and seek solutions. God asks questions to stretch us and cause us to see the total scope of what He is about to do. The hungry crowd did not surprise Jesus. The bible says He already knew what He was going to do. The troubles and trials we encounter do not surprise God. Each day, God gives us everything we need to deal with everything we encounter. The problem is that much like Andrew, we focus on how little we have and not giving what we do have to Him. What questions is God asking? What should we learn from those questions? How will we allow God’s questions to stretch us and open up a greater miracle than we could even imagine? The story of the loaves and the fishes appears in all four gospels. Each writer records different aspects of the miracle, but all four capture the essential elements of a great need and the abundant provision of God. It demonstrates the goodness of God compared with what we believe is possible. Notice the question that Jesus asks. We ask questions to learn information and seek solutions. God asks questions to stretch us and cause us to see the total scope of what He is about to do. The hungry crowd did not surprise Jesus. The bible says He already knew what He was going to do. The troubles and trials we encounter do not surprise God. Each day, God gives us everything we need to deal with everything we encounter. The problem is that much like Andrew, we focus on how little we have and not giving what we do have to Him. What questions is God asking? What should we learn from those questions? How will we allow God’s questions to stretch us and open up a greater miracle than we could even imagine? The story of the loaves and the fishes appears in all four gospels. Each writer records different aspects of the miracle, but all four capture the essential elements of a great need and the abundant provision of God. It demonstrates the goodness of G… Mark Hughes 3099 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21953312/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godsquestions/id/3793483.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21953312 Scripture: John 6:5-6:7 Thu, 24 Mar 2022 02:03:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Brother Hughes returns to Genesis 26, where we find Issac in a famine. Isaac wanted to go to Egypt as Abraham had done during a famine, but God told him to stay where he was. Isaac obeyed, and God blessed his obedience with a 100-fold increase in his sewing. Whatever our greatest misfortune might be, it cannot stop the hand of God from blessing us when we live in obedience to Him. Brother Hughes returns to Genesis 26, where we find Issac in a famine. Isaac wanted to go to Egypt as Abraham had done during a famine, but God told him to stay where he was. Isaac obeyed, and God blessed his obedience with a 100-fold increase in his sewing. Whatever our greatest misfortune might be, it cannot stop the hand of God from blessing us when we live in obedience to Him. Brother Hughes returns to Genesis 26, where we find Issac in a famine. Isaac wanted to go to Egypt as Abraham had done during a famine, but God told him to stay where he was. Isaac obeyed, and God blessed his obedience with a 100-fold increase in his… Mark Hughes 2578 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21951831/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_hardtimesgreattroughspart2/id/1170828.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21951831 Scripture: Genesis 26:1-26:12 Thu, 24 Mar 2022 02:03:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Brother Hughes returns to Genesis 26, where we find Issac in a famine. Isaac wanted to go to Egypt as Abraham had done during a famine, but God told him to stay where he was. Isaac obeyed, and God blessed his obedience with a 100-fold increase in his sewing. Whatever our greatest misfortune might be, it cannot stop the hand of God from blessing us when we live in obedience to Him. Brother Hughes returns to Genesis 26, where we find Issac in a famine. Isaac wanted to go to Egypt as Abraham had done during a famine, but God told him to stay where he was. Isaac obeyed, and God blessed his obedience with a 100-fold increase in his sewing. Whatever our greatest misfortune might be, it cannot stop the hand of God from blessing us when we live in obedience to Him. Brother Hughes returns to Genesis 26, where we find Issac in a famine. Isaac wanted to go to Egypt as Abraham had done during a famine, but God told him to stay where he was. Isaac obeyed, and God blessed his obedience with a 100-fold increase in his… Mark Hughes 2578 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21951831/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hardtimesgreattroughspart2/id/3792020.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21951831 Scripture: Genesis 26:1-26:12 Mon, 21 Mar 2022 01:55:39 +0000 Landon Long We are known for energized and lively worship. However, if we do not have a clear understanding of who we are worshiping, we are doing nothing but making noise and causing confusion. Do we have to ask ourselves why we are here? We hear that question from the enemy but in a mocking and derogatory tone. Nothing in our life is by accident. God does not make mistakes, and each of our lives has a divine purpose, and He has a use and purpose for each of us. The devil knows why we are here, and he will do everything to confuse us to the point that we do not. He also knows how much time he has to confuse and disorient. He knows why we are here, and it is critical that we understand why we are here. Our text describes a scene where many people were chanting and worshiping different things to the point that it was chaos and unrest. There was one there who knew why he was there. Paul knew why he was there; he was there to preach the gospel, lay hands on the sick and set the captive free. We are known for energized and lively worship. However, if we do not have a clear understanding of who we are worshiping, we are doing nothing but making noise and causing confusion. Do we have to ask ourselves why we are here? We hear that question from the enemy but in a mocking and derogatory tone. Nothing in our life is by accident. God does not make mistakes, and each of our lives has a divine purpose, and He has a use and purpose for each of us. The devil knows why we are here, and he will do everything to confuse us to the point that we do not. He also knows how much time he has to confuse and disorient. He knows why we are here, and it is critical that we understand why we are here. Our text describes a scene where many people were chanting and worshiping different things to the point that it was chaos and unrest. There was one there who knew why he was there. Paul knew why he was there; he was there to preach the gospel, lay hands on the sick and set the captive free. We are known for energized and lively worship. However, if we do not have a clear understanding of who we are worshiping, we are doing nothing but making noise and causing confusion. Do we have to ask ourselves why we are here? We hear that question… Landon Long 2606 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21950173/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whyareyouhere/id/1169993.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21950173 Scripture: Acts 19:22-19:32 Mon, 21 Mar 2022 01:55:39 +0000 Landon Long We are known for energized and lively worship. However, if we do not have a clear understanding of who we are worshiping, we are doing nothing but making noise and causing confusion. Do we have to ask ourselves why we are here? We hear that question from the enemy but in a mocking and derogatory tone. Nothing in our life is by accident. God does not make mistakes, and each of our lives has a divine purpose, and He has a use and purpose for each of us. The devil knows why we are here, and he will do everything to confuse us to the point that we do not. He also knows how much time he has to confuse and disorient. He knows why we are here, and it is critical that we understand why we are here. Our text describes a scene where many people were chanting and worshiping different things to the point that it was chaos and unrest. There was one there who knew why he was there. Paul knew why he was there; he was there to preach the gospel, lay hands on the sick and set the captive free. We are known for energized and lively worship. However, if we do not have a clear understanding of who we are worshiping, we are doing nothing but making noise and causing confusion. Do we have to ask ourselves why we are here? We hear that question from the enemy but in a mocking and derogatory tone. Nothing in our life is by accident. God does not make mistakes, and each of our lives has a divine purpose, and He has a use and purpose for each of us. The devil knows why we are here, and he will do everything to confuse us to the point that we do not. He also knows how much time he has to confuse and disorient. He knows why we are here, and it is critical that we understand why we are here. Our text describes a scene where many people were chanting and worshiping different things to the point that it was chaos and unrest. There was one there who knew why he was there. Paul knew why he was there; he was there to preach the gospel, lay hands on the sick and set the captive free. We are known for energized and lively worship. However, if we do not have a clear understanding of who we are worshiping, we are doing nothing but making noise and causing confusion. Do we have to ask ourselves why we are here? We hear that question… Landon Long 2606 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21950173/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whyareyouhere/id/3790679.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21950173 Scripture: Acts 19:22-19:32 Sun, 20 Mar 2022 23:03:44 +0000 Mark Hughes The phrase “Eyes are windows to the Soul” comes from Shakespeare and is a paraphrase of our text from Matthew that says that the light of the body is the eye. These windows determine what we see and how we perceive the world around us. If the lenses are clouded or obscured, it affects what we see and how we respond to the world around us. We must learn to clean our windows to get a clear picture of the world. The phrase “Eyes are windows to the Soul” comes from Shakespeare and is a paraphrase of our text from Matthew that says that the light of the body is the eye. These windows determine what we see and how we perceive the world around us. If the lenses are clouded or obscured, it affects what we see and how we respond to the world around us. We must learn to clean our windows to get a clear picture of the world. The phrase “Eyes are windows to the Soul” comes from Shakespeare and is a paraphrase of our text from Matthew that says that the light of the body is the eye. These windows determine what we see and how we perceive the world around us. If the lenses ar… Mark Hughes 2924 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21950032/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thecureforasicksoul/id/1169845.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21950032 Scripture: Matthew 6:22-6:23 Sun, 20 Mar 2022 23:03:44 +0000 Mark Hughes The phrase “Eyes are windows to the Soul” comes from Shakespeare and is a paraphrase of our text from Matthew that says that the light of the body is the eye. These windows determine what we see and how we perceive the world around us. If the lenses are clouded or obscured, it affects what we see and how we respond to the world around us. We must learn to clean our windows to get a clear picture of the world. The phrase “Eyes are windows to the Soul” comes from Shakespeare and is a paraphrase of our text from Matthew that says that the light of the body is the eye. These windows determine what we see and how we perceive the world around us. If the lenses are clouded or obscured, it affects what we see and how we respond to the world around us. We must learn to clean our windows to get a clear picture of the world. The phrase “Eyes are windows to the Soul” comes from Shakespeare and is a paraphrase of our text from Matthew that says that the light of the body is the eye. These windows determine what we see and how we perceive the world around us. If the lenses ar… Mark Hughes 2924 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21950032/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thecureforasicksoul/id/3790343.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21950032 Scripture: Matthew 6:22-6:23 Wed, 16 Mar 2022 15:07:00 +0000 Mark Hughes In our text, Paul highlights opportunities amid the opposition the church at Corinth faced. Events on our world stage have us all facing challenging economic times. During difficult times, the church has a duty to be a beacon of life and a source of encouragement. God has given us a job to display His glory. We must show His grace and his greatness. We are to show the world how to live by faith and how a life of faith can empower us in the middle of the greatest trouble. How we view and talk about our troubles determines the response and impact they have. When we focus on our problems, we lose focus on Him. We must not focus on what we can see but concentrate on what He has said. God promised that He would never leave nor forsake us. No matter what we face, God has the grace and power to see us through. What we are going through right now is temporary. In our text, Paul highlights opportunities amid the opposition the church at Corinth faced. Events on our world stage have us all facing challenging economic times. During difficult times, the church has a duty to be a beacon of life and a source of encouragement. God has given us a job to display His glory. We must show His grace and his greatness. We are to show the world how to live by faith and how a life of faith can empower us in the middle of the greatest trouble. How we view and talk about our troubles determines the response and impact they have. When we focus on our problems, we lose focus on Him. We must not focus on what we can see but concentrate on what He has said. God promised that He would never leave nor forsake us. No matter what we face, God has the grace and power to see us through. What we are going through right now is temporary. In our text, Paul highlights opportunities amid the opposition the church at Corinth faced. Events on our world stage have us all facing challenging economic times. During difficult times, the church has a duty to be a beacon of life and a source of … Mark Hughes 3011 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21948876/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_hardtimesgreattruths/id/1169228.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21948876 Scripture: Genesis 26:1-26:2, 2 Corinthians 4:1-4:18 Wed, 16 Mar 2022 15:07:00 +0000 Mark Hughes In our text, Paul highlights opportunities amid the opposition the church at Corinth faced. Events on our world stage have us all facing challenging economic times. During difficult times, the church has a duty to be a beacon of life and a source of encouragement. God has given us a job to display His glory. We must show His grace and his greatness. We are to show the world how to live by faith and how a life of faith can empower us in the middle of the greatest trouble. How we view and talk about our troubles determines the response and impact they have. When we focus on our problems, we lose focus on Him. We must not focus on what we can see but concentrate on what He has said. God promised that He would never leave nor forsake us. No matter what we face, God has the grace and power to see us through. What we are going through right now is temporary. In our text, Paul highlights opportunities amid the opposition the church at Corinth faced. Events on our world stage have us all facing challenging economic times. During difficult times, the church has a duty to be a beacon of life and a source of encouragement. God has given us a job to display His glory. We must show His grace and his greatness. We are to show the world how to live by faith and how a life of faith can empower us in the middle of the greatest trouble. How we view and talk about our troubles determines the response and impact they have. When we focus on our problems, we lose focus on Him. We must not focus on what we can see but concentrate on what He has said. God promised that He would never leave nor forsake us. No matter what we face, God has the grace and power to see us through. What we are going through right now is temporary. In our text, Paul highlights opportunities amid the opposition the church at Corinth faced. Events on our world stage have us all facing challenging economic times. During difficult times, the church has a duty to be a beacon of life and a source of … Mark Hughes 3011 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21948876/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hardtimesgreattruths/id/3789504.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21948876 Scripture: Genesis 26:1-26:2, 2 Corinthians 4:1-4:18 Wed, 09 Mar 2022 22:41:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our human nature is to believe the worst about a situation before believing the best. Our world has a way of tainting our view for the worst. The television news is full of strife and conflict, and it is easy to become downcast and worry about how we will make it through the events we see played out every day. We must remember that God’s plan for us is that our world is only temporary. Life will teach us things if we are paying attention, but if we are not paying attention, we will not learn the lesson and will have to live it repeatedly until we do. Paul, writing to the church at Phillipi, tries to help them understand how to deal with the world in which they lived. Brother Hughes uses Paul’s letter to reveal three transforming truths. Our human nature is to believe the worst about a situation before believing the best. Our world has a way of tainting our view for the worst. The television news is full of strife and conflict, and it is easy to become downcast and worry about how we will make it through the events we see played out every day. We must remember that God’s plan for us is that our world is only temporary. Life will teach us things if we are paying attention, but if we are not paying attention, we will not learn the lesson and will have to live it repeatedly until we do. Paul, writing to the church at Phillipi, tries to help them understand how to deal with the world in which they lived. Brother Hughes uses Paul’s letter to reveal three transforming truths. Our human nature is to believe the worst about a situation before believing the best. Our world has a way of tainting our view for the worst. The television news is full of strife and conflict, and it is easy to become downcast and worry about how we… Mark Hughes 3468 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21944265/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_transformationaltruths/id/1166440.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21944265 Scripture: Philippians 4:12-4:13 Wed, 09 Mar 2022 22:41:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our human nature is to believe the worst about a situation before believing the best. Our world has a way of tainting our view for the worst. The television news is full of strife and conflict, and it is easy to become downcast and worry about how we will make it through the events we see played out every day. We must remember that God’s plan for us is that our world is only temporary. Life will teach us things if we are paying attention, but if we are not paying attention, we will not learn the lesson and will have to live it repeatedly until we do. Paul, writing to the church at Phillipi, tries to help them understand how to deal with the world in which they lived. Brother Hughes uses Paul’s letter to reveal three transforming truths. Our human nature is to believe the worst about a situation before believing the best. Our world has a way of tainting our view for the worst. The television news is full of strife and conflict, and it is easy to become downcast and worry about how we will make it through the events we see played out every day. We must remember that God’s plan for us is that our world is only temporary. Life will teach us things if we are paying attention, but if we are not paying attention, we will not learn the lesson and will have to live it repeatedly until we do. Paul, writing to the church at Phillipi, tries to help them understand how to deal with the world in which they lived. Brother Hughes uses Paul’s letter to reveal three transforming truths. Our human nature is to believe the worst about a situation before believing the best. Our world has a way of tainting our view for the worst. The television news is full of strife and conflict, and it is easy to become downcast and worry about how we… Mark Hughes 3468 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21944265/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_transformationaltruths/id/3784684.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21944265 Scripture: Philippians 4:12-4:13 Mon, 07 Mar 2022 03:18:00 +0000 Roger Blackburn Storms are a reality of life. Living on the gulf coast, we are familiar with physical storms, but storms can happen in our lives and in our spirit. Living for God does not take the storms away from us, but He provides us a safe passage through the storm. God is that secure and trusted place. Storms are a reality of life. Living on the gulf coast, we are familiar with physical storms, but storms can happen in our lives and in our spirit. Living for God does not take the storms away from us, but He provides us a safe passage through the storm. God is that secure and trusted place. Storms are a reality of life. Living on the gulf coast, we are familiar with physical storms, but storms can happen in our lives and in our spirit. Living for God does not take the storms away from us, but He provides us a safe passage through the st… Roger Blackburn 3035 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21943136/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_secureandtrustedplaces/id/1166011.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21943136 Scripture: Psalms 20:6-20:7, Acts 27:22-27:25 Mon, 07 Mar 2022 03:18:00 +0000 Roger Blackburn Storms are a reality of life. Living on the gulf coast, we are familiar with physical storms, but storms can happen in our lives and in our spirit. Living for God does not take the storms away from us, but He provides us a safe passage through the storm. God is that secure and trusted place. Storms are a reality of life. Living on the gulf coast, we are familiar with physical storms, but storms can happen in our lives and in our spirit. Living for God does not take the storms away from us, but He provides us a safe passage through the storm. God is that secure and trusted place. Storms are a reality of life. Living on the gulf coast, we are familiar with physical storms, but storms can happen in our lives and in our spirit. Living for God does not take the storms away from us, but He provides us a safe passage through the st… Roger Blackburn 3035 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21943136/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_secureandtrustedplaces/id/3783632.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21943136 Scripture: Psalms 20:6-20:7, Acts 27:22-27:25 Mon, 07 Mar 2022 02:23:00 +0000 Roger Blackburn Deserts are dry, barren places. If humans are to survive in the desert, they must have a water source. God provided for His people in the desert, giving them food and water. We can go through dry, barren places in our spiritual walk too. Just as He did for Israel, God will also provide for us in spiritual deserts. Deserts are dry, barren places. If humans are to survive in the desert, they must have a water source. God provided for His people in the desert, giving them food and water. We can go through dry, barren places in our spiritual walk too. Just as He did for Israel, God will also provide for us in spiritual deserts. Deserts are dry, barren places. If humans are to survive in the desert, they must have a water source. God provided for His people in the desert, giving them food and water. We can go through dry, barren places in our spiritual walk too. Just as He… Roger Blackburn 2771 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21943401/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_streamsindesertplaces/id/1166114.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21943401 Scripture: Psalms 63:1-63:8, Isaiah 35:6 Mon, 07 Mar 2022 02:23:00 +0000 Roger Blackburn Deserts are dry, barren places. If humans are to survive in the desert, they must have a water source. God provided for His people in the desert, giving them food and water. We can go through dry, barren places in our spiritual walk too. Just as He did for Israel, God will also provide for us in spiritual deserts. Deserts are dry, barren places. If humans are to survive in the desert, they must have a water source. God provided for His people in the desert, giving them food and water. We can go through dry, barren places in our spiritual walk too. Just as He did for Israel, God will also provide for us in spiritual deserts. Deserts are dry, barren places. If humans are to survive in the desert, they must have a water source. God provided for His people in the desert, giving them food and water. We can go through dry, barren places in our spiritual walk too. Just as He… Roger Blackburn 2771 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21943401/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_streamsindesertplaces/id/3783889.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21943401 Scripture: Psalms 63:1-63:8, Isaiah 35:6 Mon, 28 Feb 2022 01:55:00 +0000 Landon Long We have the know-how. We have the tools. We know what it takes to win. None of that is any good if we do not put it into practice. We often call God for help and ask what to do, and he has already told us. All it takes is to go from knowing what to do to actually doing it. It is not enough that we know the Gospel and Acts 2:38-we have to live it. We have books and thousands of hours of preaching, but if we do not do anything with that knowledge, we fail a world that needs to hear it. We have the know-how. We have the tools. We know what it takes to win. None of that is any good if we do not put it into practice. We often call God for help and ask what to do, and he has already told us. All it takes is to go from knowing what to do to actually doing it. It is not enough that we know the Gospel and Acts 2:38-we have to live it. We have books and thousands of hours of preaching, but if we do not do anything with that knowledge, we fail a world that needs to hear it. We have the know-how. We have the tools. We know what it takes to win. None of that is any good if we do not put it into practice. We often call God for help and ask what to do, and he has already told us. All it takes is to go from knowing what to… Landon Long 2948 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21938953/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_dontustsowitshowit/id/1163668.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21938953 Scripture: Mark 4:2-4:3, 1 Kings 17:17-17:24, Matthew 9:35-9:38 Mon, 28 Feb 2022 01:55:00 +0000 Landon Long We have the know-how. We have the tools. We know what it takes to win. None of that is any good if we do not put it into practice. We often call God for help and ask what to do, and he has already told us. All it takes is to go from knowing what to do to actually doing it. It is not enough that we know the Gospel and Acts 2:38-we have to live it. We have books and thousands of hours of preaching, but if we do not do anything with that knowledge, we fail a world that needs to hear it. We have the know-how. We have the tools. We know what it takes to win. None of that is any good if we do not put it into practice. We often call God for help and ask what to do, and he has already told us. All it takes is to go from knowing what to do to actually doing it. It is not enough that we know the Gospel and Acts 2:38-we have to live it. We have books and thousands of hours of preaching, but if we do not do anything with that knowledge, we fail a world that needs to hear it. We have the know-how. We have the tools. We know what it takes to win. None of that is any good if we do not put it into practice. We often call God for help and ask what to do, and he has already told us. All it takes is to go from knowing what to… Landon Long 2948 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21938953/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dontustsowitshowit/id/3779540.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21938953 Scripture: Mark 4:2-4:3, 1 Kings 17:17-17:24, Matthew 9:35-9:38 Sun, 27 Feb 2022 20:55:41 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text today is from the fifth vision given to Zecharia about rebuilding the temple. This vision would bring the most lasting impact. The angel noticed that Zechariah had disconnected and had to get him reengaged. Zechariah’s job was to see and hear, but he had temporarily lost focus and was not seeing and hearing. Is it possible we have lived so long for God that we have turned some things out? Things that used to stir and move us have become commonplace. Brother Hughes lists four things that need to reawakened in us. We need to awaken the wind of God to blow the junk out of our lives We need to awaken our song of praise for all His blessings and mercies We need to awaken to the goodness of God’s provision and protection in our lives We need to awaken to the new thing that God wants to do in our lives. Our text today is from the fifth vision given to Zecharia about rebuilding the temple. This vision would bring the most lasting impact. The angel noticed that Zechariah had disconnected and had to get him reengaged. Zechariah’s job was to see and hear, but he had temporarily lost focus and was not seeing and hearing. Is it possible we have lived so long for God that we have turned some things out? Things that used to stir and move us have become commonplace. Brother Hughes lists four things that need to reawakened in us. We need to awaken the wind of God to blow the junk out of our lives We need to awaken our song of praise for all His blessings and mercies We need to awaken to the goodness of God’s provision and protection in our lives We need to awaken to the new thing that God wants to do in our lives. Our text today is from the fifth vision given to Zecharia about rebuilding the temple. This vision would bring the most lasting impact. The angel noticed that Zechariah had disconnected and had to get him reengaged. Zechariah’s job was to see and he… Mark Hughes 2972 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21938294/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_awakenasonewhosleeps/id/1163354.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21938294 Scripture: Zechariah 4:1 Sun, 27 Feb 2022 20:55:41 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text today is from the fifth vision given to Zecharia about rebuilding the temple. This vision would bring the most lasting impact. The angel noticed that Zechariah had disconnected and had to get him reengaged. Zechariah’s job was to see and hear, but he had temporarily lost focus and was not seeing and hearing. Is it possible we have lived so long for God that we have turned some things out? Things that used to stir and move us have become commonplace. Brother Hughes lists four things that need to reawakened in us. We need to awaken the wind of God to blow the junk out of our lives We need to awaken our song of praise for all His blessings and mercies We need to awaken to the goodness of God’s provision and protection in our lives We need to awaken to the new thing that God wants to do in our lives. Our text today is from the fifth vision given to Zecharia about rebuilding the temple. This vision would bring the most lasting impact. The angel noticed that Zechariah had disconnected and had to get him reengaged. Zechariah’s job was to see and hear, but he had temporarily lost focus and was not seeing and hearing. Is it possible we have lived so long for God that we have turned some things out? Things that used to stir and move us have become commonplace. Brother Hughes lists four things that need to reawakened in us. We need to awaken the wind of God to blow the junk out of our lives We need to awaken our song of praise for all His blessings and mercies We need to awaken to the goodness of God’s provision and protection in our lives We need to awaken to the new thing that God wants to do in our lives. Our text today is from the fifth vision given to Zecharia about rebuilding the temple. This vision would bring the most lasting impact. The angel noticed that Zechariah had disconnected and had to get him reengaged. Zechariah’s job was to see and he… Mark Hughes 2972 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21938294/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_awakenasonewhosleeps/id/3778885.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21938294 Scripture: Zechariah 4:1 Thu, 24 Feb 2022 03:43:00 +0000 James Hughes Far too many believe that living for God will insulate us from struggles and strife. Nothing could be further from the truth. Paul lived with a thorn in his side. All of the disciples suffered greatly and died horrible deaths. God never abandons or forsakes us. Jesus said he would be with us, even to the end of the world. We try very hard to avoid struggle, but no one can escape it. We have become so accustomed to avoiding struggle that we wonder if God is mad at us when struggles show up. The garment of salvation cannot be formed without a struggle. When struggles come, it does not mean that God is mad at us. We cannot measure our lives by whether things are going well. The greatest victory is not to avoid a battle but to fight that battle and win. God will equip us to fight any battle that comes against us. Our text tells us that He will perfect, stablish, strengthen, and settle us after we have struggled a while. A while is a short time. God will give us what we need to sustain the struggle for a while, stabilize us, provide us with strength, and then settle us. When the struggle shows up, it is an opportunity to discover God's greatness. Far too many believe that living for God will insulate us from struggles and strife. Nothing could be further from the truth. Paul lived with a thorn in his side. All of the disciples suffered greatly and died horrible deaths. God never abandons or forsakes us. Jesus said he would be with us, even to the end of the world. We try very hard to avoid struggle, but no one can escape it. We have become so accustomed to avoiding struggle that we wonder if God is mad at us when struggles show up. The garment of salvation cannot be formed without a struggle. When struggles come, it does not mean that God is mad at us. We cannot measure our lives by whether things are going well. The greatest victory is not to avoid a battle but to fight that battle and win. God will equip us to fight any battle that comes against us. Our text tells us that He will perfect, stablish, strengthen, and settle us after we have struggled a while. A while is a short time. God will give us what we need to sustain the struggle for a while, stabilize us, provide us with strength, and then settle us. When the struggle shows up, it is an opportunity to discover God's greatness. Far too many believe that living for God will insulate us from struggles and strife. Nothing could be further from the truth. Paul lived with a thorn in his side. All of the disciples suffered greatly and died horrible deaths. God never abandons or… James Hughes 2773 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21936835/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thepurposeofstruggle/id/1162298.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21936835 Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8-5:10 Thu, 24 Feb 2022 03:43:00 +0000 James Hughes Far too many believe that living for God will insulate us from struggles and strife. Nothing could be further from the truth. Paul lived with a thorn in his side. All of the disciples suffered greatly and died horrible deaths. God never abandons or forsakes us. Jesus said he would be with us, even to the end of the world. We try very hard to avoid struggle, but no one can escape it. We have become so accustomed to avoiding struggle that we wonder if God is mad at us when struggles show up. The garment of salvation cannot be formed without a struggle. When struggles come, it does not mean that God is mad at us. We cannot measure our lives by whether things are going well. The greatest victory is not to avoid a battle but to fight that battle and win. God will equip us to fight any battle that comes against us. Our text tells us that He will perfect, stablish, strengthen, and settle us after we have struggled a while. A while is a short time. God will give us what we need to sustain the struggle for a while, stabilize us, provide us with strength, and then settle us. When the struggle shows up, it is an opportunity to discover God's greatness. Far too many believe that living for God will insulate us from struggles and strife. Nothing could be further from the truth. Paul lived with a thorn in his side. All of the disciples suffered greatly and died horrible deaths. God never abandons or forsakes us. Jesus said he would be with us, even to the end of the world. We try very hard to avoid struggle, but no one can escape it. We have become so accustomed to avoiding struggle that we wonder if God is mad at us when struggles show up. The garment of salvation cannot be formed without a struggle. When struggles come, it does not mean that God is mad at us. We cannot measure our lives by whether things are going well. The greatest victory is not to avoid a battle but to fight that battle and win. God will equip us to fight any battle that comes against us. Our text tells us that He will perfect, stablish, strengthen, and settle us after we have struggled a while. A while is a short time. God will give us what we need to sustain the struggle for a while, stabilize us, provide us with strength, and then settle us. When the struggle shows up, it is an opportunity to discover God's greatness. Far too many believe that living for God will insulate us from struggles and strife. Nothing could be further from the truth. Paul lived with a thorn in his side. All of the disciples suffered greatly and died horrible deaths. God never abandons or… James Hughes 2773 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21936835/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thepurposeofstruggle/id/3777467.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21936835 Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8-5:10 Tue, 22 Feb 2022 03:14:27 +0000 Jonathan Parker Self-help programs and efforts permeate our society. Bookstores are full of books that promise results. There are many twelve-step organizations with the mission to help people gain victory over their addictions. The problem with most of these programs and organizations is that they have the right intentions, but they have the wrong who. These programs focus on accountability and support, but they do not look to the right source for that accountability or support. The bible is clear that Jesus is the supplier of all of our needs. Self-help programs and efforts permeate our society. Bookstores are full of books that promise results. There are many twelve-step organizations with the mission to help people gain victory over their addictions. The problem with most of these programs and organizations is that they have the right intentions, but they have the wrong who. These programs focus on accountability and support, but they do not look to the right source for that accountability or support. The bible is clear that Jesus is the supplier of all of our needs. Self-help programs and efforts permeate our society. Bookstores are full of books that promise results. There are many twelve-step organizations with the mission to help people gain victory over their addictions. The problem with most of these progr… Jonathan Parker 2333 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21935735/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_howtobeanovercomer/id/1161679.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21935735 Scripture: 1 John 5:3-5:5 Tue, 22 Feb 2022 03:14:27 +0000 Jonathan Parker Self-help programs and efforts permeate our society. Bookstores are full of books that promise results. There are many twelve-step organizations with the mission to help people gain victory over their addictions. The problem with most of these programs and organizations is that they have the right intentions, but they have the wrong who. These programs focus on accountability and support, but they do not look to the right source for that accountability or support. The bible is clear that Jesus is the supplier of all of our needs. Self-help programs and efforts permeate our society. Bookstores are full of books that promise results. There are many twelve-step organizations with the mission to help people gain victory over their addictions. The problem with most of these programs and organizations is that they have the right intentions, but they have the wrong who. These programs focus on accountability and support, but they do not look to the right source for that accountability or support. The bible is clear that Jesus is the supplier of all of our needs. Self-help programs and efforts permeate our society. Bookstores are full of books that promise results. There are many twelve-step organizations with the mission to help people gain victory over their addictions. The problem with most of these progr… Jonathan Parker 2333 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21935735/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtobeanovercomer/id/3776428.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21935735 Scripture: 1 John 5:3-5:5 Mon, 21 Feb 2022 13:29:52 +0000 Mark Hughes The story in our text is trivial, but everything in the bible is there for a purpose. This story is here so that we can realize that God is concerned with the most trivial of losses in our lives. God sees what is lost in our lives and wants to help us get it back. He will overcome the laws of physics and nature to help us recover what is lost. No matter what we have lost, God has the power to restore it. The story in our text is trivial, but everything in the bible is there for a purpose. This story is here so that we can realize that God is concerned with the most trivial of losses in our lives. God sees what is lost in our lives and wants to help us get it back. He will overcome the laws of physics and nature to help us recover what is lost. No matter what we have lost, God has the power to restore it. The story in our text is trivial, but everything in the bible is there for a purpose. This story is here so that we can realize that God is concerned with the most trivial of losses in our lives. God sees what is lost in our lives and wants to help u… Mark Hughes 1719 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21935431/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_recoveringwhatislost/id/1161619.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21935431 Scripture: 2 Kings 6:1-6:7 Mon, 21 Feb 2022 13:29:52 +0000 Mark Hughes The story in our text is trivial, but everything in the bible is there for a purpose. This story is here so that we can realize that God is concerned with the most trivial of losses in our lives. God sees what is lost in our lives and wants to help us get it back. He will overcome the laws of physics and nature to help us recover what is lost. No matter what we have lost, God has the power to restore it. The story in our text is trivial, but everything in the bible is there for a purpose. This story is here so that we can realize that God is concerned with the most trivial of losses in our lives. God sees what is lost in our lives and wants to help us get it back. He will overcome the laws of physics and nature to help us recover what is lost. No matter what we have lost, God has the power to restore it. The story in our text is trivial, but everything in the bible is there for a purpose. This story is here so that we can realize that God is concerned with the most trivial of losses in our lives. God sees what is lost in our lives and wants to help u… Mark Hughes 1719 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21935431/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_recoveringwhatislost/id/3776284.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21935431 Scripture: 2 Kings 6:1-6:7 Wed, 16 Feb 2022 21:35:00 +0000 Mark Hughes How we see our lives and how God sees our lives are often very different. We see a tragedy when bad things happen, but God sees an opportunity. Whatever happens in life is part of God’s divine purpose and something that He can use for his glory. Joseph told his brothers who sold him into slavery that what they meant for evil, God meant for good. We often quote Paul, “all things work together for good…”, but we are not thinking about ALL things. ALL things mean more than the good things. ALL things also means the hard things, the ugly things. The tests of life are not designed to reveal our failures but rather to reveal God’s strength. How we see our lives and how God sees our lives are often very different. We see a tragedy when bad things happen, but God sees an opportunity. Whatever happens in life is part of God’s divine purpose and something that He can use for his glory. Joseph told his brothers who sold him into slavery that what they meant for evil, God meant for good. We often quote Paul, “all things work together for good…”, but we are not thinking about ALL things. ALL things mean more than the good things. ALL things also means the hard things, the ugly things. The tests of life are not designed to reveal our failures but rather to reveal God’s strength. How we see our lives and how God sees our lives are often very different. We see a tragedy when bad things happen, but God sees an opportunity. Whatever happens in life is part of God’s divine purpose and something that He can use for his glory. Jose… Mark Hughes 2465 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21935102/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_allthingsaremeantforgood/id/1161363.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21935102 Scripture: James 1:1-1:16 Wed, 16 Feb 2022 21:35:00 +0000 Mark Hughes How we see our lives and how God sees our lives are often very different. We see a tragedy when bad things happen, but God sees an opportunity. Whatever happens in life is part of God’s divine purpose and something that He can use for his glory. Joseph told his brothers who sold him into slavery that what they meant for evil, God meant for good. We often quote Paul, “all things work together for good…”, but we are not thinking about ALL things. ALL things mean more than the good things. ALL things also means the hard things, the ugly things. The tests of life are not designed to reveal our failures but rather to reveal God’s strength. How we see our lives and how God sees our lives are often very different. We see a tragedy when bad things happen, but God sees an opportunity. Whatever happens in life is part of God’s divine purpose and something that He can use for his glory. Joseph told his brothers who sold him into slavery that what they meant for evil, God meant for good. We often quote Paul, “all things work together for good…”, but we are not thinking about ALL things. ALL things mean more than the good things. ALL things also means the hard things, the ugly things. The tests of life are not designed to reveal our failures but rather to reveal God’s strength. How we see our lives and how God sees our lives are often very different. We see a tragedy when bad things happen, but God sees an opportunity. Whatever happens in life is part of God’s divine purpose and something that He can use for his glory. Jose… Mark Hughes 2465 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21935102/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_allthingsaremeantforgood/id/3775792.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21935102 Scripture: James 1:1-1:16 Mon, 07 Feb 2022 02:15:00 +0000 Mark Morgan Change can be scary. Some people do not like change and want to stay where they are comfortable. But God doesn’t want us to be comfortable. If we are comfortable, we are not growing. God will move us from a comfortable place to the place He needs us to be. The Bible speaks many times about God preparing a place. He will call us to a place unless he has prepared it for us, and us for it. The trials in life are often God preparing to move us from place to place. Change can be scary. Some people do not like change and want to stay where they are comfortable. But God doesn’t want us to be comfortable. If we are comfortable, we are not growing. God will move us from a comfortable place to the place He needs us to be. The Bible speaks many times about God preparing a place. He will call us to a place unless he has prepared it for us, and us for it. The trials in life are often God preparing to move us from place to place. Change can be scary. Some people do not like change and want to stay where they are comfortable. But God doesn’t want us to be comfortable. If we are comfortable, we are not growing. God will move us from a comfortable place to the place He needs u… Mark Morgan 4513 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21929381/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_fromplacetoplace/id/1157673.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21929381 Scripture: Exodus 23:20 Mon, 07 Feb 2022 02:15:00 +0000 Mark Morgan Change can be scary. Some people do not like change and want to stay where they are comfortable. But God doesn’t want us to be comfortable. If we are comfortable, we are not growing. God will move us from a comfortable place to the place He needs us to be. The Bible speaks many times about God preparing a place. He will call us to a place unless he has prepared it for us, and us for it. The trials in life are often God preparing to move us from place to place. Change can be scary. Some people do not like change and want to stay where they are comfortable. But God doesn’t want us to be comfortable. If we are comfortable, we are not growing. God will move us from a comfortable place to the place He needs us to be. The Bible speaks many times about God preparing a place. He will call us to a place unless he has prepared it for us, and us for it. The trials in life are often God preparing to move us from place to place. Change can be scary. Some people do not like change and want to stay where they are comfortable. But God doesn’t want us to be comfortable. If we are comfortable, we are not growing. God will move us from a comfortable place to the place He needs u… Mark Morgan 4513 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21929381/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_fromplacetoplace/id/3770298.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21929381 Scripture: Exodus 23:20 Sun, 06 Feb 2022 22:01:57 +0000 Mark Morgan The word troubled means to stir or disrupt. Another definition is to disquiet or render anxious. The events of the day can disquiet or render us anxious. God did not intend for His people to live in fear. The bible is clear that Jesus is our strength, and He will be with us all the days of our life. It also says that His grace will make up the difference where our strength is insufficient. The only way we will know God’s full strength is in our weakness. In our text, the man had sat by the pool of Bethesda for 38 years, waiting for his opportunity to be healed. Jesus comes along and asks if he wants to be healed. The man replies with excuses. The way the pool worked was that an angel would trouble the water, and the first one into the water would be healed. Your miracle is in the trouble. If we want our miracle, we must go into trouble. The word troubled means to stir or disrupt. Another definition is to disquiet or render anxious. The events of the day can disquiet or render us anxious. God did not intend for His people to live in fear. The bible is clear that Jesus is our strength, and He will be with us all the days of our life. It also says that His grace will make up the difference where our strength is insufficient. The only way we will know God’s full strength is in our weakness. In our text, the man had sat by the pool of Bethesda for 38 years, waiting for his opportunity to be healed. Jesus comes along and asks if he wants to be healed. The man replies with excuses. The way the pool worked was that an angel would trouble the water, and the first one into the water would be healed. Your miracle is in the trouble. If we want our miracle, we must go into trouble. The word troubled means to stir or disrupt. Another definition is to disquiet or render anxious. The events of the day can disquiet or render us anxious. God did not intend for His people to live in fear. The bible is clear that Jesus is our streng… Mark Morgan 3994 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21928798/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_intothetroubled/id/1157630.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21928798 Scripture: John 5:1-5:16 Sun, 06 Feb 2022 22:01:57 +0000 Mark Morgan The word troubled means to stir or disrupt. Another definition is to disquiet or render anxious. The events of the day can disquiet or render us anxious. God did not intend for His people to live in fear. The bible is clear that Jesus is our strength, and He will be with us all the days of our life. It also says that His grace will make up the difference where our strength is insufficient. The only way we will know God’s full strength is in our weakness. In our text, the man had sat by the pool of Bethesda for 38 years, waiting for his opportunity to be healed. Jesus comes along and asks if he wants to be healed. The man replies with excuses. The way the pool worked was that an angel would trouble the water, and the first one into the water would be healed. Your miracle is in the trouble. If we want our miracle, we must go into trouble. The word troubled means to stir or disrupt. Another definition is to disquiet or render anxious. The events of the day can disquiet or render us anxious. God did not intend for His people to live in fear. The bible is clear that Jesus is our strength, and He will be with us all the days of our life. It also says that His grace will make up the difference where our strength is insufficient. The only way we will know God’s full strength is in our weakness. In our text, the man had sat by the pool of Bethesda for 38 years, waiting for his opportunity to be healed. Jesus comes along and asks if he wants to be healed. The man replies with excuses. The way the pool worked was that an angel would trouble the water, and the first one into the water would be healed. Your miracle is in the trouble. If we want our miracle, we must go into trouble. The word troubled means to stir or disrupt. Another definition is to disquiet or render anxious. The events of the day can disquiet or render us anxious. God did not intend for His people to live in fear. The bible is clear that Jesus is our streng… Mark Morgan 3994 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21928798/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_intothetroubled/id/3770153.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21928798 Scripture: John 5:1-5:16 Mon, 31 Jan 2022 03:28:46 +0000 Landon Long Old Testimate Jewish law was very detailed. The law required a sacrifice for different events, and each offering was particular and precise. These sacrifices and details served a purpose, to offer forgiveness for sin. Even with all the specific details in the law, God provided for those unable to meet the particular requirements. If circumstances put them in a place where they could not financially afford the lamb or the ox, God allowed them to bring a dove or pigeon. God was trying to make a way for even those who could not afford it could bring a sacrifice. We often make excuses for our lack of sacrifice to hide our shame at not having enough or falling short. Our text in Leviticus that makes allowances for those who could not afford the lamb for sacrifice shows us that God is more interested in the meaning of the sacrifice than the monetary value. God will make up the difference between what we have and what is required. Old Testimate Jewish law was very detailed. The law required a sacrifice for different events, and each offering was particular and precise. These sacrifices and details served a purpose, to offer forgiveness for sin. Even with all the specific details in the law, God provided for those unable to meet the particular requirements. If circumstances put them in a place where they could not financially afford the lamb or the ox, God allowed them to bring a dove or pigeon. God was trying to make a way for even those who could not afford it could bring a sacrifice. We often make excuses for our lack of sacrifice to hide our shame at not having enough or falling short. Our text in Leviticus that makes allowances for those who could not afford the lamb for sacrifice shows us that God is more interested in the meaning of the sacrifice than the monetary value. God will make up the difference between what we have and what is required. Old Testimate Jewish law was very detailed. The law required a sacrifice for different events, and each offering was particular and precise. These sacrifices and details served a purpose, to offer forgiveness for sin. Even with all the specific deta… Landon Long 2991 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21925876/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_ifyouarenotable/id/1155574.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21925876 Scripture: Leviticus 12:6-12:8, Leviticus 14:21-14:32 Mon, 31 Jan 2022 03:28:46 +0000 Landon Long Old Testimate Jewish law was very detailed. The law required a sacrifice for different events, and each offering was particular and precise. These sacrifices and details served a purpose, to offer forgiveness for sin. Even with all the specific details in the law, God provided for those unable to meet the particular requirements. If circumstances put them in a place where they could not financially afford the lamb or the ox, God allowed them to bring a dove or pigeon. God was trying to make a way for even those who could not afford it could bring a sacrifice. We often make excuses for our lack of sacrifice to hide our shame at not having enough or falling short. Our text in Leviticus that makes allowances for those who could not afford the lamb for sacrifice shows us that God is more interested in the meaning of the sacrifice than the monetary value. God will make up the difference between what we have and what is required. Old Testimate Jewish law was very detailed. The law required a sacrifice for different events, and each offering was particular and precise. These sacrifices and details served a purpose, to offer forgiveness for sin. Even with all the specific details in the law, God provided for those unable to meet the particular requirements. If circumstances put them in a place where they could not financially afford the lamb or the ox, God allowed them to bring a dove or pigeon. God was trying to make a way for even those who could not afford it could bring a sacrifice. We often make excuses for our lack of sacrifice to hide our shame at not having enough or falling short. Our text in Leviticus that makes allowances for those who could not afford the lamb for sacrifice shows us that God is more interested in the meaning of the sacrifice than the monetary value. God will make up the difference between what we have and what is required. Old Testimate Jewish law was very detailed. The law required a sacrifice for different events, and each offering was particular and precise. These sacrifices and details served a purpose, to offer forgiveness for sin. Even with all the specific deta… Landon Long 2991 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21925876/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ifyouarenotable/id/3766884.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21925876 Scripture: Leviticus 12:6-12:8, Leviticus 14:21-14:32 Sun, 30 Jan 2022 21:32:54 +0000 Mark Hughes The thirty-year war was primarily fought in central Europe, but the effects of that conflict were felt worldwide. Eight million people died, but most were collateral damage and not directly related to military battles. One of the greatest revivals the world has ever seen happened during this time. There was also a great spiritual revival. Some historians estimate 50,000 hymns were written during this time. Out of these years of suffering came songs that have influence even today. Our grief and times of trial do not have to be wasted in bitterness and anger. Something in our soul can turn that time of trial into great praise. Conflict does not have to lead to greater conflict. Our text today is a familiar one. Paul and Silas had been beaten and bound in stocks in the inner prison. The question is, what are we going to do when someone harms us, and we find ourselves in our own prison? Paul and Silas opened their mouths and began to praise God. No one can imprison you if we turn our hardship into praise to God. We have two weapons: prayer and praise. Prayer is a confession, admitting what is wrong with us. Praise is a profession, declaring what is right with God. We must use both. We cannot go through life declaring our failure, which makes us a victim. Prayer accelerates and hurries the healing process by identifying the problem. Praise is what activates the solution to our problem. The thirty-year war was primarily fought in central Europe, but the effects of that conflict were felt worldwide. Eight million people died, but most were collateral damage and not directly related to military battles. One of the greatest revivals the world has ever seen happened during this time. There was also a great spiritual revival. Some historians estimate 50,000 hymns were written during this time. Out of these years of suffering came songs that have influence even today. Our grief and times of trial do not have to be wasted in bitterness and anger. Something in our soul can turn that time of trial into great praise. Conflict does not have to lead to greater conflict. Our text today is a familiar one. Paul and Silas had been beaten and bound in stocks in the inner prison. The question is, what are we going to do when someone harms us, and we find ourselves in our own prison? Paul and Silas opened their mouths and began to praise God. No one can imprison you if we turn our hardship into praise to God. We have two weapons: prayer and praise. Prayer is a confession, admitting what is wrong with us. Praise is a profession, declaring what is right with God. We must use both. We cannot go through life declaring our failure, which makes us a victim. Prayer accelerates and hurries the healing process by identifying the problem. Praise is what activates the solution to our problem. The thirty-year war was primarily fought in central Europe, but the effects of that conflict were felt worldwide. Eight million people died, but most were collateral damage and not directly related to military battles. One of the greatest revivals th… Mark Hughes 2481 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21925635/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_getoutofyourprison/id/1155439.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21925635 Scripture: Acts 26:16-26:26 Sun, 30 Jan 2022 21:32:54 +0000 Mark Hughes The thirty-year war was primarily fought in central Europe, but the effects of that conflict were felt worldwide. Eight million people died, but most were collateral damage and not directly related to military battles. One of the greatest revivals the world has ever seen happened during this time. There was also a great spiritual revival. Some historians estimate 50,000 hymns were written during this time. Out of these years of suffering came songs that have influence even today. Our grief and times of trial do not have to be wasted in bitterness and anger. Something in our soul can turn that time of trial into great praise. Conflict does not have to lead to greater conflict. Our text today is a familiar one. Paul and Silas had been beaten and bound in stocks in the inner prison. The question is, what are we going to do when someone harms us, and we find ourselves in our own prison? Paul and Silas opened their mouths and began to praise God. No one can imprison you if we turn our hardship into praise to God. We have two weapons: prayer and praise. Prayer is a confession, admitting what is wrong with us. Praise is a profession, declaring what is right with God. We must use both. We cannot go through life declaring our failure, which makes us a victim. Prayer accelerates and hurries the healing process by identifying the problem. Praise is what activates the solution to our problem. The thirty-year war was primarily fought in central Europe, but the effects of that conflict were felt worldwide. Eight million people died, but most were collateral damage and not directly related to military battles. One of the greatest revivals the world has ever seen happened during this time. There was also a great spiritual revival. Some historians estimate 50,000 hymns were written during this time. Out of these years of suffering came songs that have influence even today. Our grief and times of trial do not have to be wasted in bitterness and anger. Something in our soul can turn that time of trial into great praise. Conflict does not have to lead to greater conflict. Our text today is a familiar one. Paul and Silas had been beaten and bound in stocks in the inner prison. The question is, what are we going to do when someone harms us, and we find ourselves in our own prison? Paul and Silas opened their mouths and began to praise God. No one can imprison you if we turn our hardship into praise to God. We have two weapons: prayer and praise. Prayer is a confession, admitting what is wrong with us. Praise is a profession, declaring what is right with God. We must use both. We cannot go through life declaring our failure, which makes us a victim. Prayer accelerates and hurries the healing process by identifying the problem. Praise is what activates the solution to our problem. The thirty-year war was primarily fought in central Europe, but the effects of that conflict were felt worldwide. Eight million people died, but most were collateral damage and not directly related to military battles. One of the greatest revivals th… Mark Hughes 2481 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21925635/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_getoutofyourprison/id/3766626.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21925635 Scripture: Acts 26:16-26:26 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 22:39:00 +0000 Craig Ashcraft Our world embraces fatalism: what will be will be. The bible is replete with stories of people who did not espouse this doctrine. They believe that they can change things in their life. Bro. Ashcraft offers two strategies to make a change for the better. Our world embraces fatalism: what will be will be. The bible is replete with stories of people who did not espouse this doctrine. They believe that they can change things in their life. Bro. Ashcraft offers two strategies to make a change for the better. Our world embraces fatalism: what will be will be. The bible is replete with stories of people who did not espouse this doctrine. They believe that they can change things in their life. Bro. Ashcraft offers two strategies to make a change for the be… Craig Ashcraft 2952 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21922972/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_strategiesforyoursuccess/id/1153639.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21922972 Scripture: John 15:7, James 2:20 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 22:39:00 +0000 Craig Ashcraft Our world embraces fatalism: what will be will be. The bible is replete with stories of people who did not espouse this doctrine. They believe that they can change things in their life. Bro. Ashcraft offers two strategies to make a change for the better. Our world embraces fatalism: what will be will be. The bible is replete with stories of people who did not espouse this doctrine. They believe that they can change things in their life. Bro. Ashcraft offers two strategies to make a change for the better. Our world embraces fatalism: what will be will be. The bible is replete with stories of people who did not espouse this doctrine. They believe that they can change things in their life. Bro. Ashcraft offers two strategies to make a change for the be… Craig Ashcraft 2952 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21922972/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_strategiesforyoursuccess/id/3764223.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21922972 Scripture: John 15:7, James 2:20 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 21:24:55 +0000 Craig Ashcraft Many hold themselves up to a standard that they cannot obtain. We look at how other people worship and minister, compare ourselves to them and find ourselves lacking. This unspoken pressure to perform and be a certain way leads to frustration. Jesus deeply loves and appreciates us for who we are. God has not called us to be anything except what He needs us to be. Many hold themselves up to a standard that they cannot obtain. We look at how other people worship and minister, compare ourselves to them and find ourselves lacking. This unspoken pressure to perform and be a certain way leads to frustration. Jesus deeply loves and appreciates us for who we are. God has not called us to be anything except what He needs us to be. Many hold themselves up to a standard that they cannot obtain. We look at how other people worship and minister, compare ourselves to them and find ourselves lacking. This unspoken pressure to perform and be a certain way leads to frustration. Jesus… Craig Ashcraft 2918 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21922402/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thebondageofcomparison/id/1153353.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21922402 Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-1:7 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 21:24:55 +0000 Craig Ashcraft Many hold themselves up to a standard that they cannot obtain. We look at how other people worship and minister, compare ourselves to them and find ourselves lacking. This unspoken pressure to perform and be a certain way leads to frustration. Jesus deeply loves and appreciates us for who we are. God has not called us to be anything except what He needs us to be. Many hold themselves up to a standard that they cannot obtain. We look at how other people worship and minister, compare ourselves to them and find ourselves lacking. This unspoken pressure to perform and be a certain way leads to frustration. Jesus deeply loves and appreciates us for who we are. God has not called us to be anything except what He needs us to be. Many hold themselves up to a standard that they cannot obtain. We look at how other people worship and minister, compare ourselves to them and find ourselves lacking. This unspoken pressure to perform and be a certain way leads to frustration. Jesus… Craig Ashcraft 2918 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21922402/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thebondageofcomparison/id/3763645.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21922402 Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-1:7 Wed, 19 Jan 2022 22:43:00 +0000 Greg Starks We use the terms praise and worship almost interchangeably in church. Often that is okay, but there is a distinction. God draws a distinction between praise and worship and the bible contains clues to the difference. Tonight, Bro. Starks takes a more academic and analytical look at worship. We use the terms praise and worship almost interchangeably in church. Often that is okay, but there is a distinction. God draws a distinction between praise and worship and the bible contains clues to the difference. Tonight, Bro. Starks takes a more academic and analytical look at worship. We use the terms praise and worship almost interchangeably in church. Often that is okay, but there is a distinction. God draws a distinction between praise and worship and the bible contains clues to the difference. Tonight, Bro. Starks takes a mor… Greg Starks 2980 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21920840/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thenatureofworship/id/1152142.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21920840 Scripture: Acts 17:16-17:28 Wed, 19 Jan 2022 22:43:00 +0000 Greg Starks We use the terms praise and worship almost interchangeably in church. Often that is okay, but there is a distinction. God draws a distinction between praise and worship and the bible contains clues to the difference. Tonight, Bro. Starks takes a more academic and analytical look at worship. We use the terms praise and worship almost interchangeably in church. Often that is okay, but there is a distinction. God draws a distinction between praise and worship and the bible contains clues to the difference. Tonight, Bro. Starks takes a more academic and analytical look at worship. We use the terms praise and worship almost interchangeably in church. Often that is okay, but there is a distinction. God draws a distinction between praise and worship and the bible contains clues to the difference. Tonight, Bro. Starks takes a mor… Greg Starks 2980 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21920840/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thenatureofworship/id/3762194.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21920840 Scripture: Acts 17:16-17:28 Sun, 16 Jan 2022 20:55:42 +0000 Mark Hughes The setting of our text today finds Jesus and the disciples in Jerulesum. As they move through the city, they encounter a man that the Bible tells us was blind from birth. Somehow the disciples knew this man and his story and asked what sin had caused the man to be blind since birth. The belief that some prior sin had caused this situation was common to the thinking and the culture at that time. The disciples are like us; they were looking for someone to blame for things in life. They, like us, were too narrowly focused, and they could not see the larger picture. It is too easy to get locked into our point of view and lose the ability to see another way to view the situation, and we can miss the view that God has. The disciples saw an obstacle, but God was looking for opportunities. Who was blind in this story? The man was physically impaired, but the disciples could not see the possibility that God could use this situation to do something divine. They could not see that there is a better way. The setting of our text today finds Jesus and the disciples in Jerulesum. As they move through the city, they encounter a man that the Bible tells us was blind from birth. Somehow the disciples knew this man and his story and asked what sin had caused the man to be blind since birth. The belief that some prior sin had caused this situation was common to the thinking and the culture at that time. The disciples are like us; they were looking for someone to blame for things in life. They, like us, were too narrowly focused, and they could not see the larger picture. It is too easy to get locked into our point of view and lose the ability to see another way to view the situation, and we can miss the view that God has. The disciples saw an obstacle, but God was looking for opportunities. Who was blind in this story? The man was physically impaired, but the disciples could not see the possibility that God could use this situation to do something divine. They could not see that there is a better way. The setting of our text today finds Jesus and the disciples in Jerulesum. As they move through the city, they encounter a man that the Bible tells us was blind from birth. Somehow the disciples knew this man and his story and asked what sin had cause… Mark Hughes 3087 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21919188/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thereisabetterway/id/1151324.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21919188 Scripture: John 9:1-9:4 Sun, 16 Jan 2022 20:55:42 +0000 Mark Hughes The setting of our text today finds Jesus and the disciples in Jerulesum. As they move through the city, they encounter a man that the Bible tells us was blind from birth. Somehow the disciples knew this man and his story and asked what sin had caused the man to be blind since birth. The belief that some prior sin had caused this situation was common to the thinking and the culture at that time. The disciples are like us; they were looking for someone to blame for things in life. They, like us, were too narrowly focused, and they could not see the larger picture. It is too easy to get locked into our point of view and lose the ability to see another way to view the situation, and we can miss the view that God has. The disciples saw an obstacle, but God was looking for opportunities. Who was blind in this story? The man was physically impaired, but the disciples could not see the possibility that God could use this situation to do something divine. They could not see that there is a better way. The setting of our text today finds Jesus and the disciples in Jerulesum. As they move through the city, they encounter a man that the Bible tells us was blind from birth. Somehow the disciples knew this man and his story and asked what sin had caused the man to be blind since birth. The belief that some prior sin had caused this situation was common to the thinking and the culture at that time. The disciples are like us; they were looking for someone to blame for things in life. They, like us, were too narrowly focused, and they could not see the larger picture. It is too easy to get locked into our point of view and lose the ability to see another way to view the situation, and we can miss the view that God has. The disciples saw an obstacle, but God was looking for opportunities. Who was blind in this story? The man was physically impaired, but the disciples could not see the possibility that God could use this situation to do something divine. They could not see that there is a better way. The setting of our text today finds Jesus and the disciples in Jerulesum. As they move through the city, they encounter a man that the Bible tells us was blind from birth. Somehow the disciples knew this man and his story and asked what sin had cause… Mark Hughes 3087 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21919188/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thereisabetterway/id/3760633.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21919188 Scripture: John 9:1-9:4 Thu, 13 Jan 2022 01:03:00 +0000 James Hughes Balance does not happen by accident; it is intentional. It takes practice and effort. Paul lists three things critical for balance. The first is humility. To be balanced, one must be humble and not arrogant. The second characteristic Paul mentions is long-suffering. The word used in this text references patience that never gives up. It is steadfast and consistent. Next, Paul says to before bearing in love. We have to encourage and pick each other up. The final characteristic of balance is the unity of spirit. Our world tells us to find peace; Jesus tells us to make peace. Choosing to have peace can change the world around us. Our world does not value balance, especially spiritual balance. We must choose balance in our lives. Balance does not happen by accident; it is intentional. It takes practice and effort. Paul lists three things critical for balance. The first is humility. To be balanced, one must be humble and not arrogant. The second characteristic Paul mentions is long-suffering. The word used in this text references patience that never gives up. It is steadfast and consistent. Next, Paul says to before bearing in love. We have to encourage and pick each other up. The final characteristic of balance is the unity of spirit. Our world tells us to find peace; Jesus tells us to make peace. Choosing to have peace can change the world around us. Our world does not value balance, especially spiritual balance. We must choose balance in our lives. Balance does not happen by accident; it is intentional. It takes practice and effort. Paul lists three things critical for balance. The first is humility. To be balanced, one must be humble and not arrogant. The second characteristic Paul mentions … James Hughes 3426 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21917955/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thecharacteristicsofproducingb/id/1150308.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21917955 Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-4:4 Thu, 13 Jan 2022 01:03:00 +0000 James Hughes Balance does not happen by accident; it is intentional. It takes practice and effort. Paul lists three things critical for balance. The first is humility. To be balanced, one must be humble and not arrogant. The second characteristic Paul mentions is long-suffering. The word used in this text references patience that never gives up. It is steadfast and consistent. Next, Paul says to before bearing in love. We have to encourage and pick each other up. The final characteristic of balance is the unity of spirit. Our world tells us to find peace; Jesus tells us to make peace. Choosing to have peace can change the world around us. Our world does not value balance, especially spiritual balance. We must choose balance in our lives. Balance does not happen by accident; it is intentional. It takes practice and effort. Paul lists three things critical for balance. The first is humility. To be balanced, one must be humble and not arrogant. The second characteristic Paul mentions is long-suffering. The word used in this text references patience that never gives up. It is steadfast and consistent. Next, Paul says to before bearing in love. We have to encourage and pick each other up. The final characteristic of balance is the unity of spirit. Our world tells us to find peace; Jesus tells us to make peace. Choosing to have peace can change the world around us. Our world does not value balance, especially spiritual balance. We must choose balance in our lives. Balance does not happen by accident; it is intentional. It takes practice and effort. Paul lists three things critical for balance. The first is humility. To be balanced, one must be humble and not arrogant. The second characteristic Paul mentions … James Hughes 3426 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21917955/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thecharacteristicsofproducingb/id/3759470.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21917955 Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-4:4 Sun, 09 Jan 2022 22:05:32 +0000 Mark Hughes Luke 12 is a chapter of warnings. Jesus was talking to educated people, and they were experts in the law and God’s covenant with man. Despite all they supposedly knew, they missed the true identity and nature of Jesus. He tells them that they understand the weather signs but that they have missed the signs and evidence of His ministry. The King James says time, but in the Message Translation, Jesus asks how they can miss the change in the season. There is a difference between time and season. Time is a segment of the chronological sequence of life, and it has a beginning, and it will have an end. We can measure and quantify time in minutes, days, and years. The word in Greek that Jesus uses refers to a season. A season is a segment of the time continuum set apart by God for something unique. God has planned for us the things that occur in the seasons, not in the days, weeks, and months. Seasons are a time for accomplishment and opportunities. These learned men could predict the weather, but they could not see the fulfillment of prophecy in the Messiah standing right before them. How could these men who were experts in the law and prophecy be blind to what God was doing right before them? The answer is in Jesus’ opening statement to them. He called them hypocrites. In that one word, He revealed why they missed what they had been waiting on for so long. The word hypocrite that Jesus used means the accepter of faces. It literally means that they were looking at the surface of the things around them. What a shallow way to live. They needed to get their eyes off of what they could see in the natural world and look for the supernatural. It is a dangerous and discouraging thing to live by sight. The bible says we do not live by sight; we live by faith. Understanding the season is critical. Each season has a purpose. Some seasons are for preparation, some are for planting, and others are for reaping. If we try to reap in the wrong season, we waste our efforts and frustrate ourselves. Some seasons of life bring trouble and pain. In every season of adversity, there is a lesson or reason that God has ordained. We must learn to discern these lessons and reasons and allow God to have His way. The only way to do that is to get our eyes off the surface and look for the more profound, spiritual thing. Luke 12 is a chapter of warnings. Jesus was talking to educated people, and they were experts in the law and God’s covenant with man. Despite all they supposedly knew, they missed the true identity and nature of Jesus. He tells them that they understand the weather signs but that they have missed the signs and evidence of His ministry. The King James says time, but in the Message Translation, Jesus asks how they can miss the change in the season. There is a difference between time and season. Time is a segment of the chronological sequence of life, and it has a beginning, and it will have an end. We can measure and quantify time in minutes, days, and years. The word in Greek that Jesus uses refers to a season. A season is a segment of the time continuum set apart by God for something unique. God has planned for us the things that occur in the seasons, not in the days, weeks, and months. Seasons are a time for accomplishment and opportunities. These learned men could predict the weather, but they could not see the fulfillment of prophecy in the Messiah standing right before them. How could these men who were experts in the law and prophecy be blind to what God was doing right before them? The answer is in Jesus’ opening statement to them. He called them hypocrites. In that one word, He revealed why they missed what they had been waiting on for so long. The word hypocrite that Jesus used means the accepter of faces. It literally means that they were looking at the surface of the things around them. What a shallow way to live. They needed to get their eyes off of what they could see in the natural world and look for the supernatural. It is a dangerous and discouraging thing to live by sight. The bible says we do not live by sight; we live by faith. Understanding the season is critical. Each season has a purpose. Some seasons are for preparation, some are for planting, and others are for reaping. If we try to reap in the wrong season, we waste our efforts and frustrate ourselves. Some seasons of life bring trouble and pain. In every season of adversity, there is a lesson or reason that God has ordained. We must learn to discern these lessons and reasons and allow God to have His way. The only way to do that is to get our eyes off the surface and look for the more profound, spiritual thing. Luke 12 is a chapter of warnings. Jesus was talking to educated people, and they were experts in the law and God’s covenant with man. Despite all they supposedly knew, they missed the true identity and nature of Jesus. He tells them that they unders… Mark Hughes 3184 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21916302/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thesignificanceoftheseason/id/1149389.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21916302 Scripture: Luke 12:54-12:56 Sun, 09 Jan 2022 22:05:32 +0000 Mark Hughes Luke 12 is a chapter of warnings. Jesus was talking to educated people, and they were experts in the law and God’s covenant with man. Despite all they supposedly knew, they missed the true identity and nature of Jesus. He tells them that they understand the weather signs but that they have missed the signs and evidence of His ministry. The King James says time, but in the Message Translation, Jesus asks how they can miss the change in the season. There is a difference between time and season. Time is a segment of the chronological sequence of life, and it has a beginning, and it will have an end. We can measure and quantify time in minutes, days, and years. The word in Greek that Jesus uses refers to a season. A season is a segment of the time continuum set apart by God for something unique. God has planned for us the things that occur in the seasons, not in the days, weeks, and months. Seasons are a time for accomplishment and opportunities. These learned men could predict the weather, but they could not see the fulfillment of prophecy in the Messiah standing right before them. How could these men who were experts in the law and prophecy be blind to what God was doing right before them? The answer is in Jesus’ opening statement to them. He called them hypocrites. In that one word, He revealed why they missed what they had been waiting on for so long. The word hypocrite that Jesus used means the accepter of faces. It literally means that they were looking at the surface of the things around them. What a shallow way to live. They needed to get their eyes off of what they could see in the natural world and look for the supernatural. It is a dangerous and discouraging thing to live by sight. The bible says we do not live by sight; we live by faith. Understanding the season is critical. Each season has a purpose. Some seasons are for preparation, some are for planting, and others are for reaping. If we try to reap in the wrong season, we waste our efforts and frustrate ourselves. Some seasons of life bring trouble and pain. In every season of adversity, there is a lesson or reason that God has ordained. We must learn to discern these lessons and reasons and allow God to have His way. The only way to do that is to get our eyes off the surface and look for the more profound, spiritual thing. Luke 12 is a chapter of warnings. Jesus was talking to educated people, and they were experts in the law and God’s covenant with man. Despite all they supposedly knew, they missed the true identity and nature of Jesus. He tells them that they understand the weather signs but that they have missed the signs and evidence of His ministry. The King James says time, but in the Message Translation, Jesus asks how they can miss the change in the season. There is a difference between time and season. Time is a segment of the chronological sequence of life, and it has a beginning, and it will have an end. We can measure and quantify time in minutes, days, and years. The word in Greek that Jesus uses refers to a season. A season is a segment of the time continuum set apart by God for something unique. God has planned for us the things that occur in the seasons, not in the days, weeks, and months. Seasons are a time for accomplishment and opportunities. These learned men could predict the weather, but they could not see the fulfillment of prophecy in the Messiah standing right before them. How could these men who were experts in the law and prophecy be blind to what God was doing right before them? The answer is in Jesus’ opening statement to them. He called them hypocrites. In that one word, He revealed why they missed what they had been waiting on for so long. The word hypocrite that Jesus used means the accepter of faces. It literally means that they were looking at the surface of the things around them. What a shallow way to live. They needed to get their eyes off of what they could see in the natural world and look for the supernatural. It is a dangerous and discouraging thing to live by sight. The bible says we do not live by sight; we live by faith. Understanding the season is critical. Each season has a purpose. Some seasons are for preparation, some are for planting, and others are for reaping. If we try to reap in the wrong season, we waste our efforts and frustrate ourselves. Some seasons of life bring trouble and pain. In every season of adversity, there is a lesson or reason that God has ordained. We must learn to discern these lessons and reasons and allow God to have His way. The only way to do that is to get our eyes off the surface and look for the more profound, spiritual thing. Luke 12 is a chapter of warnings. Jesus was talking to educated people, and they were experts in the law and God’s covenant with man. Despite all they supposedly knew, they missed the true identity and nature of Jesus. He tells them that they unders… Mark Hughes 3184 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21916302/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thesignificanceoftheseason/id/3757918.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21916302 Scripture: Luke 12:54-12:56 Sun, 02 Jan 2022 21:40:37 +0000 Mark Hughes Every new year brings the expectation and hope for new beginnings. There is something about standing a the beginning of the new year that causes us to look forward expectantly. That forward-looking is essential. The pages of the new year are clean and ready for us to begin a new story. How do we start from this blank page and write a better story? The secret is not the blank page, but the had that writes the story. The story will not change if the hand that writes the story is burdened by the same doubts, fears, and past failures. Most New Year resolutions fall flat because they are written by the same hand that is holding on to past junk and failures. Paul helps us to understand in our text from Romans. The first word is buried. Paul says we are buried with Him into baptism unto death. When some people come to God, they feel sorry for what they have done, but they only kick a little dirt over it. The new-birth experience involves burying stuff. We bury things that are dead. If we do not kill it and bury it, it will trouble us again. We need to bury attitudes, mindsets, hates, hurts, and fears. If we are to write a better story, we have to bury these things until they are dead. When we bury things, we then have the opportunity to rise up above those things and leave them behind. Secondly, Paul tells us to rise to a new way of life. When we rise, we can walk a new and better life because we have buried those things that caused us to fail in the past. Finally, Paul talks about the newness of life. Newness can only happen when we put bad things aside and adopt a new way of living, thinking, and reacting to life. If we genuinely want to write a new story, we must make ourselves a new man for a new year. Every new year brings the expectation and hope for new beginnings. There is something about standing a the beginning of the new year that causes us to look forward expectantly. That forward-looking is essential. The pages of the new year are clean and ready for us to begin a new story. How do we start from this blank page and write a better story? The secret is not the blank page, but the had that writes the story. The story will not change if the hand that writes the story is burdened by the same doubts, fears, and past failures. Most New Year resolutions fall flat because they are written by the same hand that is holding on to past junk and failures. Paul helps us to understand in our text from Romans. The first word is buried. Paul says we are buried with Him into baptism unto death. When some people come to God, they feel sorry for what they have done, but they only kick a little dirt over it. The new-birth experience involves burying stuff. We bury things that are dead. If we do not kill it and bury it, it will trouble us again. We need to bury attitudes, mindsets, hates, hurts, and fears. If we are to write a better story, we have to bury these things until they are dead. When we bury things, we then have the opportunity to rise up above those things and leave them behind. Secondly, Paul tells us to rise to a new way of life. When we rise, we can walk a new and better life because we have buried those things that caused us to fail in the past. Finally, Paul talks about the newness of life. Newness can only happen when we put bad things aside and adopt a new way of living, thinking, and reacting to life. If we genuinely want to write a new story, we must make ourselves a new man for a new year. Every new year brings the expectation and hope for new beginnings. There is something about standing a the beginning of the new year that causes us to look forward expectantly. That forward-looking is essential. The pages of the new year are clean a… Mark Hughes 3145 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21913294/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_anewmanforanewyear/id/1147460.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21913294 Scripture: Romans 6:4 Sun, 02 Jan 2022 21:40:37 +0000 Mark Hughes Every new year brings the expectation and hope for new beginnings. There is something about standing a the beginning of the new year that causes us to look forward expectantly. That forward-looking is essential. The pages of the new year are clean and ready for us to begin a new story. How do we start from this blank page and write a better story? The secret is not the blank page, but the had that writes the story. The story will not change if the hand that writes the story is burdened by the same doubts, fears, and past failures. Most New Year resolutions fall flat because they are written by the same hand that is holding on to past junk and failures. Paul helps us to understand in our text from Romans. The first word is buried. Paul says we are buried with Him into baptism unto death. When some people come to God, they feel sorry for what they have done, but they only kick a little dirt over it. The new-birth experience involves burying stuff. We bury things that are dead. If we do not kill it and bury it, it will trouble us again. We need to bury attitudes, mindsets, hates, hurts, and fears. If we are to write a better story, we have to bury these things until they are dead. When we bury things, we then have the opportunity to rise up above those things and leave them behind. Secondly, Paul tells us to rise to a new way of life. When we rise, we can walk a new and better life because we have buried those things that caused us to fail in the past. Finally, Paul talks about the newness of life. Newness can only happen when we put bad things aside and adopt a new way of living, thinking, and reacting to life. If we genuinely want to write a new story, we must make ourselves a new man for a new year. Every new year brings the expectation and hope for new beginnings. There is something about standing a the beginning of the new year that causes us to look forward expectantly. That forward-looking is essential. The pages of the new year are clean and ready for us to begin a new story. How do we start from this blank page and write a better story? The secret is not the blank page, but the had that writes the story. The story will not change if the hand that writes the story is burdened by the same doubts, fears, and past failures. Most New Year resolutions fall flat because they are written by the same hand that is holding on to past junk and failures. Paul helps us to understand in our text from Romans. The first word is buried. Paul says we are buried with Him into baptism unto death. When some people come to God, they feel sorry for what they have done, but they only kick a little dirt over it. The new-birth experience involves burying stuff. We bury things that are dead. If we do not kill it and bury it, it will trouble us again. We need to bury attitudes, mindsets, hates, hurts, and fears. If we are to write a better story, we have to bury these things until they are dead. When we bury things, we then have the opportunity to rise up above those things and leave them behind. Secondly, Paul tells us to rise to a new way of life. When we rise, we can walk a new and better life because we have buried those things that caused us to fail in the past. Finally, Paul talks about the newness of life. Newness can only happen when we put bad things aside and adopt a new way of living, thinking, and reacting to life. If we genuinely want to write a new story, we must make ourselves a new man for a new year. Every new year brings the expectation and hope for new beginnings. There is something about standing a the beginning of the new year that causes us to look forward expectantly. That forward-looking is essential. The pages of the new year are clean a… Mark Hughes 3145 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21913294/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_anewmanforanewyear/id/3755025.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21913294 Scripture: Romans 6:4 Sun, 12 Dec 2021 21:13:36 +0000 Landon Long Jigsaw puzzles are a popular activity for many people. One of the big disappointments for people who enjoy completing puzzles is when a piece is missing. For these people, that missing piece makes the entire effort seem incomplete. Some who like puzzles hold onto one piece until the very end to complete the picture. It must feel this way for God too. He watches our lives come together and fall into place, but He gets to hold onto that final piece to complete the picture. We read the parable about the woman with the ten pieces of silver who could only find nine. The bible says she lit lamps and swept her house until she found the missing piece. She would have no peace while that one piece was missing. Many people lead good lives, but they are missing parts of the picture. Some have lost pieces over the years, but do not even realize that they have lost it. How sad would it be to get to the end and only to find we are missing the last piece of the puzzle. We have to find the missing peace. Jigsaw puzzles are a popular activity for many people. One of the big disappointments for people who enjoy completing puzzles is when a piece is missing. For these people, that missing piece makes the entire effort seem incomplete. Some who like puzzles hold onto one piece until the very end to complete the picture. It must feel this way for God too. He watches our lives come together and fall into place, but He gets to hold onto that final piece to complete the picture. We read the parable about the woman with the ten pieces of silver who could only find nine. The bible says she lit lamps and swept her house until she found the missing piece. She would have no peace while that one piece was missing. Many people lead good lives, but they are missing parts of the picture. Some have lost pieces over the years, but do not even realize that they have lost it. How sad would it be to get to the end and only to find we are missing the last piece of the puzzle. We have to find the missing peace. Jigsaw puzzles are a popular activity for many people. One of the big disappointments for people who enjoy completing puzzles is when a piece is missing. For these people, that missing piece makes the entire effort seem incomplete. Some who like puz… Landon Long 3023 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21904142/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_themissingpeace/id/1141434.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21904142 Scripture: Genesis 1:1-1:2, Luke 2:8-2:14 Sun, 12 Dec 2021 21:13:36 +0000 Landon Long Jigsaw puzzles are a popular activity for many people. One of the big disappointments for people who enjoy completing puzzles is when a piece is missing. For these people, that missing piece makes the entire effort seem incomplete. Some who like puzzles hold onto one piece until the very end to complete the picture. It must feel this way for God too. He watches our lives come together and fall into place, but He gets to hold onto that final piece to complete the picture. We read the parable about the woman with the ten pieces of silver who could only find nine. The bible says she lit lamps and swept her house until she found the missing piece. She would have no peace while that one piece was missing. Many people lead good lives, but they are missing parts of the picture. Some have lost pieces over the years, but do not even realize that they have lost it. How sad would it be to get to the end and only to find we are missing the last piece of the puzzle. We have to find the missing peace. Jigsaw puzzles are a popular activity for many people. One of the big disappointments for people who enjoy completing puzzles is when a piece is missing. For these people, that missing piece makes the entire effort seem incomplete. Some who like puzzles hold onto one piece until the very end to complete the picture. It must feel this way for God too. He watches our lives come together and fall into place, but He gets to hold onto that final piece to complete the picture. We read the parable about the woman with the ten pieces of silver who could only find nine. The bible says she lit lamps and swept her house until she found the missing piece. She would have no peace while that one piece was missing. Many people lead good lives, but they are missing parts of the picture. Some have lost pieces over the years, but do not even realize that they have lost it. How sad would it be to get to the end and only to find we are missing the last piece of the puzzle. We have to find the missing peace. Jigsaw puzzles are a popular activity for many people. One of the big disappointments for people who enjoy completing puzzles is when a piece is missing. For these people, that missing piece makes the entire effort seem incomplete. Some who like puz… Landon Long 3023 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21904142/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_themissingpeace/id/3746378.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21904142 Scripture: Genesis 1:1-1:2, Luke 2:8-2:14 Wed, 08 Dec 2021 12:51:00 +0000 Landon Long Hope is prevalent in the Christmas season. We hope to receive that perfect gift. Children hope for a visit from Santa. Parents hope that we can afford it all. These kinds of hope are fun, but they are temporal. When trouble or hardship comes along, that kind of hope melts away quickly. The dictionary definition of hope is very different from the biblical definition of hope. The biblical definition is available to each of us. We can attain this hope because of who He is. Hope is not just something that Jesus offers, it is who He is. Hope is in His very name. If we know Jesus, we are not hopeless. The world’s definition of hope is little more than wishful thinking, and God’s definition of hope is to wait with joy and complete confidence. Even when things do not go the way we expect, biblical hope allows us to praise God anyway because we trust Him and His way. On that night, some two thousand years ago, the angels gave those shepherds, and all of us, the best hope there could ever be. Hope is prevalent in the Christmas season. We hope to receive that perfect gift. Children hope for a visit from Santa. Parents hope that we can afford it all. These kinds of hope are fun, but they are temporal. When trouble or hardship comes along, that kind of hope melts away quickly. The dictionary definition of hope is very different from the biblical definition of hope. The biblical definition is available to each of us. We can attain this hope because of who He is. Hope is not just something that Jesus offers, it is who He is. Hope is in His very name. If we know Jesus, we are not hopeless. The world’s definition of hope is little more than wishful thinking, and God’s definition of hope is to wait with joy and complete confidence. Even when things do not go the way we expect, biblical hope allows us to praise God anyway because we trust Him and His way. On that night, some two thousand years ago, the angels gave those shepherds, and all of us, the best hope there could ever be. Hope is prevalent in the Christmas season. We hope to receive that perfect gift. Children hope for a visit from Santa. Parents hope that we can afford it all. These kinds of hope are fun, but they are temporal. When trouble or hardship comes along… Landon Long 2704 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21902489/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_agoodhopegiven/id/1140188.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21902489 Scripture: Luke 2:8-2:14 Wed, 08 Dec 2021 12:51:00 +0000 Landon Long Hope is prevalent in the Christmas season. We hope to receive that perfect gift. Children hope for a visit from Santa. Parents hope that we can afford it all. These kinds of hope are fun, but they are temporal. When trouble or hardship comes along, that kind of hope melts away quickly. The dictionary definition of hope is very different from the biblical definition of hope. The biblical definition is available to each of us. We can attain this hope because of who He is. Hope is not just something that Jesus offers, it is who He is. Hope is in His very name. If we know Jesus, we are not hopeless. The world’s definition of hope is little more than wishful thinking, and God’s definition of hope is to wait with joy and complete confidence. Even when things do not go the way we expect, biblical hope allows us to praise God anyway because we trust Him and His way. On that night, some two thousand years ago, the angels gave those shepherds, and all of us, the best hope there could ever be. Hope is prevalent in the Christmas season. We hope to receive that perfect gift. Children hope for a visit from Santa. Parents hope that we can afford it all. These kinds of hope are fun, but they are temporal. When trouble or hardship comes along, that kind of hope melts away quickly. The dictionary definition of hope is very different from the biblical definition of hope. The biblical definition is available to each of us. We can attain this hope because of who He is. Hope is not just something that Jesus offers, it is who He is. Hope is in His very name. If we know Jesus, we are not hopeless. The world’s definition of hope is little more than wishful thinking, and God’s definition of hope is to wait with joy and complete confidence. Even when things do not go the way we expect, biblical hope allows us to praise God anyway because we trust Him and His way. On that night, some two thousand years ago, the angels gave those shepherds, and all of us, the best hope there could ever be. Hope is prevalent in the Christmas season. We hope to receive that perfect gift. Children hope for a visit from Santa. Parents hope that we can afford it all. These kinds of hope are fun, but they are temporal. When trouble or hardship comes along… Landon Long 2704 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21902489/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_agoodhopegiven/id/3744755.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21902489 Scripture: Luke 2:8-2:14 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:51:43 +0000 Mark Hughes December is a month of celebration of the birth of Jesus. For most of the world, Christmas is a time of gifts and sharing. We give to friends and family, and we give to charities, the church, and families in need. Gift-giving can come with decisions and anxiety about getting the perfect gift for someone. Will they like it, do they have one, will they return it the next day? Sometimes we receive gifts that disappoint us. However, the gift celebrated by the Christmas story is perfect and goes far beyond the feel-good emotions of the moment. To understand the writing of John, we must understand the perspective of when he wrote his books. Most historians agree that John’s writing came some seventy years after the crucifixion and resurrection. He was writing to a church composed chiefly of Greeks and Gentiles. Matthew, Mark, and Luke’s audience understood Jewish history and culture, but John had to connect with a church that had no concept of the Messiah and Jewish culture. He begins his writing with the idea that both Jew and Gentile could comprehend: The Word. That word that became flesh is the greatest gift that humanity could receive. December is a month of celebration of the birth of Jesus. For most of the world, Christmas is a time of gifts and sharing. We give to friends and family, and we give to charities, the church, and families in need. Gift-giving can come with decisions and anxiety about getting the perfect gift for someone. Will they like it, do they have one, will they return it the next day? Sometimes we receive gifts that disappoint us. However, the gift celebrated by the Christmas story is perfect and goes far beyond the feel-good emotions of the moment. To understand the writing of John, we must understand the perspective of when he wrote his books. Most historians agree that John’s writing came some seventy years after the crucifixion and resurrection. He was writing to a church composed chiefly of Greeks and Gentiles. Matthew, Mark, and Luke’s audience understood Jewish history and culture, but John had to connect with a church that had no concept of the Messiah and Jewish culture. He begins his writing with the idea that both Jew and Gentile could comprehend: The Word. That word that became flesh is the greatest gift that humanity could receive. December is a month of celebration of the birth of Jesus. For most of the world, Christmas is a time of gifts and sharing. We give to friends and family, and we give to charities, the church, and families in need. Gift-giving can come with decisions… Mark Hughes 2735 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21901080/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thegiftthatkeepsongiving/id/1139465.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21901080 Scripture: John 1:1-1:5, John 1:14 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:51:43 +0000 Mark Hughes December is a month of celebration of the birth of Jesus. For most of the world, Christmas is a time of gifts and sharing. We give to friends and family, and we give to charities, the church, and families in need. Gift-giving can come with decisions and anxiety about getting the perfect gift for someone. Will they like it, do they have one, will they return it the next day? Sometimes we receive gifts that disappoint us. However, the gift celebrated by the Christmas story is perfect and goes far beyond the feel-good emotions of the moment. To understand the writing of John, we must understand the perspective of when he wrote his books. Most historians agree that John’s writing came some seventy years after the crucifixion and resurrection. He was writing to a church composed chiefly of Greeks and Gentiles. Matthew, Mark, and Luke’s audience understood Jewish history and culture, but John had to connect with a church that had no concept of the Messiah and Jewish culture. He begins his writing with the idea that both Jew and Gentile could comprehend: The Word. That word that became flesh is the greatest gift that humanity could receive. December is a month of celebration of the birth of Jesus. For most of the world, Christmas is a time of gifts and sharing. We give to friends and family, and we give to charities, the church, and families in need. Gift-giving can come with decisions and anxiety about getting the perfect gift for someone. Will they like it, do they have one, will they return it the next day? Sometimes we receive gifts that disappoint us. However, the gift celebrated by the Christmas story is perfect and goes far beyond the feel-good emotions of the moment. To understand the writing of John, we must understand the perspective of when he wrote his books. Most historians agree that John’s writing came some seventy years after the crucifixion and resurrection. He was writing to a church composed chiefly of Greeks and Gentiles. Matthew, Mark, and Luke’s audience understood Jewish history and culture, but John had to connect with a church that had no concept of the Messiah and Jewish culture. He begins his writing with the idea that both Jew and Gentile could comprehend: The Word. That word that became flesh is the greatest gift that humanity could receive. December is a month of celebration of the birth of Jesus. For most of the world, Christmas is a time of gifts and sharing. We give to friends and family, and we give to charities, the church, and families in need. Gift-giving can come with decisions… Mark Hughes 2735 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21901080/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegiftthatkeepsongiving/id/3743428.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21901080 Scripture: John 1:1-1:5, John 1:14 Sun, 14 Nov 2021 20:50:00 +0000 Wendell Elms We often read that Jesus was in the midst of a crowd. They followed him everywhere. In our text, we find Jesus in the midst of a crowd that pressed against Him. In our text, a lady had joined the crowd out of desperation to reach Jesus. She was sick, and no doctor could help her. She came with a purpose in mind, and this was her last hope. She was not someone who joined the crowd to hide, she needed to get to Jesus. She had to fight the crowd that day to touch Him. Lots of people touched Jesus that day but didn’t get anything. This lady touched Him and got everything. We often read that Jesus was in the midst of a crowd. They followed him everywhere. In our text, we find Jesus in the midst of a crowd that pressed against Him. In our text, a lady had joined the crowd out of desperation to reach Jesus. She was sick, and no doctor could help her. She came with a purpose in mind, and this was her last hope. She was not someone who joined the crowd to hide, she needed to get to Jesus. She had to fight the crowd that day to touch Him. Lots of people touched Jesus that day but didn’t get anything. This lady touched Him and got everything. We often read that Jesus was in the midst of a crowd. They followed him everywhere. In our text, we find Jesus in the midst of a crowd that pressed against Him. In our text, a lady had joined the crowd out of desperation to reach Jesus. She was si… Wendell Elms 2135 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21890652/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thefirststeptoyourmiracle/id/1132571.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21890652 Scripture: Luke 8:43-8:47 Sun, 14 Nov 2021 20:50:00 +0000 Wendell Elms We often read that Jesus was in the midst of a crowd. They followed him everywhere. In our text, we find Jesus in the midst of a crowd that pressed against Him. In our text, a lady had joined the crowd out of desperation to reach Jesus. She was sick, and no doctor could help her. She came with a purpose in mind, and this was her last hope. She was not someone who joined the crowd to hide, she needed to get to Jesus. She had to fight the crowd that day to touch Him. Lots of people touched Jesus that day but didn’t get anything. This lady touched Him and got everything. We often read that Jesus was in the midst of a crowd. They followed him everywhere. In our text, we find Jesus in the midst of a crowd that pressed against Him. In our text, a lady had joined the crowd out of desperation to reach Jesus. She was sick, and no doctor could help her. She came with a purpose in mind, and this was her last hope. She was not someone who joined the crowd to hide, she needed to get to Jesus. She had to fight the crowd that day to touch Him. Lots of people touched Jesus that day but didn’t get anything. This lady touched Him and got everything. We often read that Jesus was in the midst of a crowd. They followed him everywhere. In our text, we find Jesus in the midst of a crowd that pressed against Him. In our text, a lady had joined the crowd out of desperation to reach Jesus. She was si… Wendell Elms 2135 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21890652/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thefirststeptoyourmiracle/id/3734170.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21890652 Scripture: Luke 8:43-8:47 Sun, 07 Nov 2021 20:21:23 +0000 Mark Hughes In America, we celebrate Thanksgiving each November. The truth is that every day we wake up, there is something fresh and new to thank God for. Sometimes we have to look a little deeper than our present circumstances, but there is always something to be thankful for. For some people, complaining is a way of life. Some people complain that they have problems, but far more have problems because they complain. The attitude of unthankfulness can open the door for misery. The Bible refers to many cups: The cup of suffering. The cup of sacrifice. There is the cup of service. The Psalmist speaks of a cup of blessing. Perhaps the most critical cup is the cup of salvation. In our text from Matthew, Jesus took the cup and offered it to the disciples. None of the twelve could comprehend the full scope and meaning of that little cup they received that night, and they would all give their lives for that cup. Like the disciples, we often do not understand the fullness and totality of the cup. It is full of redemption, mercy, and forgiveness. That cup is large enough to account for all the sins and shortcomings of the entire world. The question Brother Hughes poses today is, are we truly thankful for that cup of salvation? If so, how do we show that appreciation to God? What do we do that lets God know that we appreciate His gift? True thanksgiving is not in what we say; it is in how we live. Every day of our life, we have the opportunity to demonstrate our thankfulness to God by the life that is an example of God to a hurting world. If we live a thankful life, we prove our thankfulness for that cup of salvation. Coming to church and singing praise and offering worship is good, but when we walk out of these doors and live a thankful life that others can see and observe, it is the best way to thank God for the cup of salvation. In America, we celebrate Thanksgiving each November. The truth is that every day we wake up, there is something fresh and new to thank God for. Sometimes we have to look a little deeper than our present circumstances, but there is always something to be thankful for. For some people, complaining is a way of life. Some people complain that they have problems, but far more have problems because they complain. The attitude of unthankfulness can open the door for misery. The Bible refers to many cups: The cup of suffering. The cup of sacrifice. There is the cup of service. The Psalmist speaks of a cup of blessing. Perhaps the most critical cup is the cup of salvation. In our text from Matthew, Jesus took the cup and offered it to the disciples. None of the twelve could comprehend the full scope and meaning of that little cup they received that night, and they would all give their lives for that cup. Like the disciples, we often do not understand the fullness and totality of the cup. It is full of redemption, mercy, and forgiveness. That cup is large enough to account for all the sins and shortcomings of the entire world. The question Brother Hughes poses today is, are we truly thankful for that cup of salvation? If so, how do we show that appreciation to God? What do we do that lets God know that we appreciate His gift? True thanksgiving is not in what we say; it is in how we live. Every day of our life, we have the opportunity to demonstrate our thankfulness to God by the life that is an example of God to a hurting world. If we live a thankful life, we prove our thankfulness for that cup of salvation. Coming to church and singing praise and offering worship is good, but when we walk out of these doors and live a thankful life that others can see and observe, it is the best way to thank God for the cup of salvation. In America, we celebrate Thanksgiving each November. The truth is that every day we wake up, there is something fresh and new to thank God for. Sometimes we have to look a little deeper than our present circumstances, but there is always something to… Mark Hughes 3262 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21887443/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thecupofsalvation/id/1130479.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21887443 Scripture: Matthew 26:27, Psalms 116:12-116:14 Sun, 07 Nov 2021 20:21:23 +0000 Mark Hughes In America, we celebrate Thanksgiving each November. The truth is that every day we wake up, there is something fresh and new to thank God for. Sometimes we have to look a little deeper than our present circumstances, but there is always something to be thankful for. For some people, complaining is a way of life. Some people complain that they have problems, but far more have problems because they complain. The attitude of unthankfulness can open the door for misery. The Bible refers to many cups: The cup of suffering. The cup of sacrifice. There is the cup of service. The Psalmist speaks of a cup of blessing. Perhaps the most critical cup is the cup of salvation. In our text from Matthew, Jesus took the cup and offered it to the disciples. None of the twelve could comprehend the full scope and meaning of that little cup they received that night, and they would all give their lives for that cup. Like the disciples, we often do not understand the fullness and totality of the cup. It is full of redemption, mercy, and forgiveness. That cup is large enough to account for all the sins and shortcomings of the entire world. The question Brother Hughes poses today is, are we truly thankful for that cup of salvation? If so, how do we show that appreciation to God? What do we do that lets God know that we appreciate His gift? True thanksgiving is not in what we say; it is in how we live. Every day of our life, we have the opportunity to demonstrate our thankfulness to God by the life that is an example of God to a hurting world. If we live a thankful life, we prove our thankfulness for that cup of salvation. Coming to church and singing praise and offering worship is good, but when we walk out of these doors and live a thankful life that others can see and observe, it is the best way to thank God for the cup of salvation. In America, we celebrate Thanksgiving each November. The truth is that every day we wake up, there is something fresh and new to thank God for. Sometimes we have to look a little deeper than our present circumstances, but there is always something to be thankful for. For some people, complaining is a way of life. Some people complain that they have problems, but far more have problems because they complain. The attitude of unthankfulness can open the door for misery. The Bible refers to many cups: The cup of suffering. The cup of sacrifice. There is the cup of service. The Psalmist speaks of a cup of blessing. Perhaps the most critical cup is the cup of salvation. In our text from Matthew, Jesus took the cup and offered it to the disciples. None of the twelve could comprehend the full scope and meaning of that little cup they received that night, and they would all give their lives for that cup. Like the disciples, we often do not understand the fullness and totality of the cup. It is full of redemption, mercy, and forgiveness. That cup is large enough to account for all the sins and shortcomings of the entire world. The question Brother Hughes poses today is, are we truly thankful for that cup of salvation? If so, how do we show that appreciation to God? What do we do that lets God know that we appreciate His gift? True thanksgiving is not in what we say; it is in how we live. Every day of our life, we have the opportunity to demonstrate our thankfulness to God by the life that is an example of God to a hurting world. If we live a thankful life, we prove our thankfulness for that cup of salvation. Coming to church and singing praise and offering worship is good, but when we walk out of these doors and live a thankful life that others can see and observe, it is the best way to thank God for the cup of salvation. In America, we celebrate Thanksgiving each November. The truth is that every day we wake up, there is something fresh and new to thank God for. Sometimes we have to look a little deeper than our present circumstances, but there is always something to… Mark Hughes 3262 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21887443/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thecupofsalvation/id/3731084.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21887443 Scripture: Matthew 26:27, Psalms 116:12-116:14 Wed, 03 Nov 2021 12:21:00 +0000 Landon Long Next weekend is a time change weekend. The theory behind daylight savings time is that people can be more productive by manipulating the clock to provide more daylight hours during traditional working hours. Society conditions us to fill our calendars and to be as productive as possible. We make to-do lists and work to check things off of those lists. Too many people schedule themselves to the point that it is impossible to succeed at our unrealistic expectations. Too often, we fail to account for the storms of life, and worse, fail to see the signs and heed the warnings of these pending storms. In our text, Paul and his traveling companions were facing a fierce storm. He had warned the ship’s master that their journey was troubled, but they paid him no heed. They found themselves in a storm that had lasted two weeks. The wind was so bad that they were unable to eat. Paul encourages them to eat, but he took time to offer thanks to God for their bread before he eats. The day we know as Thanksgiving grew out of a celebration feast in 1621. Being thankful was not new to the Pilgrims on that first Thanksgiving. The early time in the new world was difficult, but the Pilgrims were grateful for what God had provided. Thanksgiving has become overshadowed by the rush to Christmas. Thanksgiving, the word, means the act of giving thanks, especially to God. It is a public celebration of and acknowledgment of diving provision from God. We must not rush through this thankful time to rush on to the next holiday. Next weekend is a time change weekend. The theory behind daylight savings time is that people can be more productive by manipulating the clock to provide more daylight hours during traditional working hours. Society conditions us to fill our calendars and to be as productive as possible. We make to-do lists and work to check things off of those lists. Too many people schedule themselves to the point that it is impossible to succeed at our unrealistic expectations. Too often, we fail to account for the storms of life, and worse, fail to see the signs and heed the warnings of these pending storms. In our text, Paul and his traveling companions were facing a fierce storm. He had warned the ship’s master that their journey was troubled, but they paid him no heed. They found themselves in a storm that had lasted two weeks. The wind was so bad that they were unable to eat. Paul encourages them to eat, but he took time to offer thanks to God for their bread before he eats. The day we know as Thanksgiving grew out of a celebration feast in 1621. Being thankful was not new to the Pilgrims on that first Thanksgiving. The early time in the new world was difficult, but the Pilgrims were grateful for what God had provided. Thanksgiving has become overshadowed by the rush to Christmas. Thanksgiving, the word, means the act of giving thanks, especially to God. It is a public celebration of and acknowledgment of diving provision from God. We must not rush through this thankful time to rush on to the next holiday. Next weekend is a time change weekend. The theory behind daylight savings time is that people can be more productive by manipulating the clock to provide more daylight hours during traditional working hours. Society conditions us to fill our calendar… Landon Long 2704 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21885740/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_takingtimetobethankful/id/1129174.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21885740 Scripture: Acts 27:33-27:38 Wed, 03 Nov 2021 12:21:00 +0000 Landon Long Next weekend is a time change weekend. The theory behind daylight savings time is that people can be more productive by manipulating the clock to provide more daylight hours during traditional working hours. Society conditions us to fill our calendars and to be as productive as possible. We make to-do lists and work to check things off of those lists. Too many people schedule themselves to the point that it is impossible to succeed at our unrealistic expectations. Too often, we fail to account for the storms of life, and worse, fail to see the signs and heed the warnings of these pending storms. In our text, Paul and his traveling companions were facing a fierce storm. He had warned the ship’s master that their journey was troubled, but they paid him no heed. They found themselves in a storm that had lasted two weeks. The wind was so bad that they were unable to eat. Paul encourages them to eat, but he took time to offer thanks to God for their bread before he eats. The day we know as Thanksgiving grew out of a celebration feast in 1621. Being thankful was not new to the Pilgrims on that first Thanksgiving. The early time in the new world was difficult, but the Pilgrims were grateful for what God had provided. Thanksgiving has become overshadowed by the rush to Christmas. Thanksgiving, the word, means the act of giving thanks, especially to God. It is a public celebration of and acknowledgment of diving provision from God. We must not rush through this thankful time to rush on to the next holiday. Next weekend is a time change weekend. The theory behind daylight savings time is that people can be more productive by manipulating the clock to provide more daylight hours during traditional working hours. Society conditions us to fill our calendars and to be as productive as possible. We make to-do lists and work to check things off of those lists. Too many people schedule themselves to the point that it is impossible to succeed at our unrealistic expectations. Too often, we fail to account for the storms of life, and worse, fail to see the signs and heed the warnings of these pending storms. In our text, Paul and his traveling companions were facing a fierce storm. He had warned the ship’s master that their journey was troubled, but they paid him no heed. They found themselves in a storm that had lasted two weeks. The wind was so bad that they were unable to eat. Paul encourages them to eat, but he took time to offer thanks to God for their bread before he eats. The day we know as Thanksgiving grew out of a celebration feast in 1621. Being thankful was not new to the Pilgrims on that first Thanksgiving. The early time in the new world was difficult, but the Pilgrims were grateful for what God had provided. Thanksgiving has become overshadowed by the rush to Christmas. Thanksgiving, the word, means the act of giving thanks, especially to God. It is a public celebration of and acknowledgment of diving provision from God. We must not rush through this thankful time to rush on to the next holiday. Next weekend is a time change weekend. The theory behind daylight savings time is that people can be more productive by manipulating the clock to provide more daylight hours during traditional working hours. Society conditions us to fill our calendar… Landon Long 2704 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21885740/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_takingtimetobethankful/id/3729414.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21885740 Scripture: Acts 27:33-27:38 Mon, 01 Nov 2021 03:10:56 +0000 Tes Stewart One of the ways to understand the character and nature of God is to study the names used for Him in the bible. Our text mentions a compound name of God that gives insight into His character. The story of Abraham and Issac is familiar. Issac was the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham to provide a son from whom would come a great nation. God then tells Abraham to sacrifice his son. Our text is the end of that story where God has provided a ram as a sacrifice. This is the only location in the bible where we read God’s name as Jehovah-Jireh: God is a provider. What is a provision? The root word in Latin is provisioun which means to see before. It means to prepare before and to act in advance. It means to see ahead and to prepare for what has yet to come. Abraham was calling God the Lord, who knows exactly where we are, where we are going and can supply all we need. The provision of God is not a random shopping list of things that we think we need, but it is a specific supply of exactly what we need when we need it. We can all tell stories of God’s provision in our life. These would be stories of an on-time God who provided exactly what we needed at precisely the moment we needed, and He will do this even when we did not see the situation before it unfolded. Abraham had to travel for three days without knowing what was ahead. It was not until the moment of sacrifice that God revealed his plan and supply. One of the ways to understand the character and nature of God is to study the names used for Him in the bible. Our text mentions a compound name of God that gives insight into His character. The story of Abraham and Issac is familiar. Issac was the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham to provide a son from whom would come a great nation. God then tells Abraham to sacrifice his son. Our text is the end of that story where God has provided a ram as a sacrifice. This is the only location in the bible where we read God’s name as Jehovah-Jireh: God is a provider. What is a provision? The root word in Latin is provisioun which means to see before. It means to prepare before and to act in advance. It means to see ahead and to prepare for what has yet to come. Abraham was calling God the Lord, who knows exactly where we are, where we are going and can supply all we need. The provision of God is not a random shopping list of things that we think we need, but it is a specific supply of exactly what we need when we need it. We can all tell stories of God’s provision in our life. These would be stories of an on-time God who provided exactly what we needed at precisely the moment we needed, and He will do this even when we did not see the situation before it unfolded. Abraham had to travel for three days without knowing what was ahead. It was not until the moment of sacrifice that God revealed his plan and supply. One of the ways to understand the character and nature of God is to study the names used for Him in the bible. Our text mentions a compound name of God that gives insight into His character. The story of Abraham and Issac is familiar. Issac was the … Tes Stewart 2183 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21884442/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theprovisionofgod/id/1128474.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21884442 Scripture: Genesis 22:14 Mon, 01 Nov 2021 03:10:56 +0000 Tes Stewart One of the ways to understand the character and nature of God is to study the names used for Him in the bible. Our text mentions a compound name of God that gives insight into His character. The story of Abraham and Issac is familiar. Issac was the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham to provide a son from whom would come a great nation. God then tells Abraham to sacrifice his son. Our text is the end of that story where God has provided a ram as a sacrifice. This is the only location in the bible where we read God’s name as Jehovah-Jireh: God is a provider. What is a provision? The root word in Latin is provisioun which means to see before. It means to prepare before and to act in advance. It means to see ahead and to prepare for what has yet to come. Abraham was calling God the Lord, who knows exactly where we are, where we are going and can supply all we need. The provision of God is not a random shopping list of things that we think we need, but it is a specific supply of exactly what we need when we need it. We can all tell stories of God’s provision in our life. These would be stories of an on-time God who provided exactly what we needed at precisely the moment we needed, and He will do this even when we did not see the situation before it unfolded. Abraham had to travel for three days without knowing what was ahead. It was not until the moment of sacrifice that God revealed his plan and supply. One of the ways to understand the character and nature of God is to study the names used for Him in the bible. Our text mentions a compound name of God that gives insight into His character. The story of Abraham and Issac is familiar. Issac was the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham to provide a son from whom would come a great nation. God then tells Abraham to sacrifice his son. Our text is the end of that story where God has provided a ram as a sacrifice. This is the only location in the bible where we read God’s name as Jehovah-Jireh: God is a provider. What is a provision? The root word in Latin is provisioun which means to see before. It means to prepare before and to act in advance. It means to see ahead and to prepare for what has yet to come. Abraham was calling God the Lord, who knows exactly where we are, where we are going and can supply all we need. The provision of God is not a random shopping list of things that we think we need, but it is a specific supply of exactly what we need when we need it. We can all tell stories of God’s provision in our life. These would be stories of an on-time God who provided exactly what we needed at precisely the moment we needed, and He will do this even when we did not see the situation before it unfolded. Abraham had to travel for three days without knowing what was ahead. It was not until the moment of sacrifice that God revealed his plan and supply. One of the ways to understand the character and nature of God is to study the names used for Him in the bible. Our text mentions a compound name of God that gives insight into His character. The story of Abraham and Issac is familiar. Issac was the … Tes Stewart 2183 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21884442/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theprovisionofgod/id/3728186.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21884442 Scripture: Genesis 22:14 Mon, 01 Nov 2021 01:49:00 +0000 Landon Long Tonight is Halloween. Children will go door-to-door, asking for candy to fill their buckets. When they get home, they will sort through the haul. They will go after the good stuff first and then dump the rest into a big blow to pick through later. After a while, all the candy will begin to taste the same. The candy in the dish will begin to affect the others. If the flavor we are supposed to have is changed, we are of no use to God. The bible is clear that we need to be separate from the world and give no appearance of accepting the practices of the world. If we are not careful, we will take on the flavor of the world, and no one will be able to distinguish us as a child of God. We must not live a life that would cause them to see us as not any different from them. We must be desperate to be separate. Tonight is Halloween. Children will go door-to-door, asking for candy to fill their buckets. When they get home, they will sort through the haul. They will go after the good stuff first and then dump the rest into a big blow to pick through later. After a while, all the candy will begin to taste the same. The candy in the dish will begin to affect the others. If the flavor we are supposed to have is changed, we are of no use to God. The bible is clear that we need to be separate from the world and give no appearance of accepting the practices of the world. If we are not careful, we will take on the flavor of the world, and no one will be able to distinguish us as a child of God. We must not live a life that would cause them to see us as not any different from them. We must be desperate to be separate. Tonight is Halloween. Children will go door-to-door, asking for candy to fill their buckets. When they get home, they will sort through the haul. They will go after the good stuff first and then dump the rest into a big blow to pick through later. … Landon Long 3285 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21884834/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_desperatetobeseparate/id/1128666.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21884834 Desperate To Be Separate Mon, 01 Nov 2021 01:49:00 +0000 Landon Long Tonight is Halloween. Children will go door-to-door, asking for candy to fill their buckets. When they get home, they will sort through the haul. They will go after the good stuff first and then dump the rest into a big blow to pick through later. After a while, all the candy will begin to taste the same. The candy in the dish will begin to affect the others. If the flavor we are supposed to have is changed, we are of no use to God. The bible is clear that we need to be separate from the world and give no appearance of accepting the practices of the world. If we are not careful, we will take on the flavor of the world, and no one will be able to distinguish us as a child of God. We must not live a life that would cause them to see us as not any different from them. We must be desperate to be separate. Tonight is Halloween. Children will go door-to-door, asking for candy to fill their buckets. When they get home, they will sort through the haul. They will go after the good stuff first and then dump the rest into a big blow to pick through later. After a while, all the candy will begin to taste the same. The candy in the dish will begin to affect the others. If the flavor we are supposed to have is changed, we are of no use to God. The bible is clear that we need to be separate from the world and give no appearance of accepting the practices of the world. If we are not careful, we will take on the flavor of the world, and no one will be able to distinguish us as a child of God. We must not live a life that would cause them to see us as not any different from them. We must be desperate to be separate. Tonight is Halloween. Children will go door-to-door, asking for candy to fill their buckets. When they get home, they will sort through the haul. They will go after the good stuff first and then dump the rest into a big blow to pick through later. … Landon Long 3285 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21884834/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_desperatetobeseparate/id/3728603.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21884834 Desperate To Be Separate Mon, 18 Oct 2021 02:30:04 +0000 Landon Long All things are possible WITH God. God can do it on his own, but the scripture says WITH God. In our text, God asks if the dry bones could live. God did not need the prophet to prophesy, but He worked through the prophet to accomplish His work. God wants to be involved in our lives, but He does not want to do it all by himself. We have to participate WITH God in the work. He wants to equip and empower us to do the work. If we get involved like God wants us to, we too will hear a noise and experience a shaking. All things are possible WITH God. God can do it on his own, but the scripture says WITH God. In our text, God asks if the dry bones could live. God did not need the prophet to prophesy, but He worked through the prophet to accomplish His work. God wants to be involved in our lives, but He does not want to do it all by himself. We have to participate WITH God in the work. He wants to equip and empower us to do the work. If we get involved like God wants us to, we too will hear a noise and experience a shaking. All things are possible WITH God. God can do it on his own, but the scripture says WITH God. In our text, God asks if the dry bones could live. God did not need the prophet to prophesy, but He worked through the prophet to accomplish His work. God w… Landon Long 3026 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21877843/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_beholdashaking/id/1124290.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21877843 Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-37:10 Mon, 18 Oct 2021 02:30:04 +0000 Landon Long All things are possible WITH God. God can do it on his own, but the scripture says WITH God. In our text, God asks if the dry bones could live. God did not need the prophet to prophesy, but He worked through the prophet to accomplish His work. God wants to be involved in our lives, but He does not want to do it all by himself. We have to participate WITH God in the work. He wants to equip and empower us to do the work. If we get involved like God wants us to, we too will hear a noise and experience a shaking. All things are possible WITH God. God can do it on his own, but the scripture says WITH God. In our text, God asks if the dry bones could live. God did not need the prophet to prophesy, but He worked through the prophet to accomplish His work. God wants to be involved in our lives, but He does not want to do it all by himself. We have to participate WITH God in the work. He wants to equip and empower us to do the work. If we get involved like God wants us to, we too will hear a noise and experience a shaking. All things are possible WITH God. God can do it on his own, but the scripture says WITH God. In our text, God asks if the dry bones could live. God did not need the prophet to prophesy, but He worked through the prophet to accomplish His work. God w… Landon Long 3026 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21877843/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_beholdashaking/id/3721944.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21877843 Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-37:10 Thu, 14 Oct 2021 02:56:56 +0000 Landon Long We conclude our Praying Through The Tabernacle series tonight in the innermost part of the Tabernacle: The Holy of Holies. In this place, the high priest would enter to convene with God once a year. The veil, which represented the body of Christ, separated the Holy place and the Holy of Holies. The veil was torn when Jesus died on the cross, removing the separation between Him and man. No longer did a High Priest have to go once a year to intervene on our behalf. When He tore the veil, anybody could talk directly to God. Inside the Holy of Holies, we find the Arch of The Covenant with several items inside to commemorate God’s promise. Brother Long describes the construction of the Arc and the significance of the items inside. God described all of the things we have discussed over the last five weeks to provide a way for Him to reside among His people. God wants a relationship with each one of us. By studying the Tabernacle and using it as a model for prayer, we learn about God’s desires for a relationship with His people. We conclude our Praying Through The Tabernacle series tonight in the innermost part of the Tabernacle: The Holy of Holies. In this place, the high priest would enter to convene with God once a year. The veil, which represented the body of Christ, separated the Holy place and the Holy of Holies. The veil was torn when Jesus died on the cross, removing the separation between Him and man. No longer did a High Priest have to go once a year to intervene on our behalf. When He tore the veil, anybody could talk directly to God. Inside the Holy of Holies, we find the Arch of The Covenant with several items inside to commemorate God’s promise. Brother Long describes the construction of the Arc and the significance of the items inside. God described all of the things we have discussed over the last five weeks to provide a way for Him to reside among His people. God wants a relationship with each one of us. By studying the Tabernacle and using it as a model for prayer, we learn about God’s desires for a relationship with His people. We conclude our Praying Through The Tabernacle series tonight in the innermost part of the Tabernacle: The Holy of Holies. In this place, the high priest would enter to convene with God once a year. The veil, which represented the body of Christ, se… Landon Long 3235 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21875735/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theholyofholiesandthearcofthec/id/1122799.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21875735 Scripture: Exodus 25, Series: Praying Through The Tabernacle Thu, 14 Oct 2021 02:56:56 +0000 Landon Long We conclude our Praying Through The Tabernacle series tonight in the innermost part of the Tabernacle: The Holy of Holies. In this place, the high priest would enter to convene with God once a year. The veil, which represented the body of Christ, separated the Holy place and the Holy of Holies. The veil was torn when Jesus died on the cross, removing the separation between Him and man. No longer did a High Priest have to go once a year to intervene on our behalf. When He tore the veil, anybody could talk directly to God. Inside the Holy of Holies, we find the Arch of The Covenant with several items inside to commemorate God’s promise. Brother Long describes the construction of the Arc and the significance of the items inside. God described all of the things we have discussed over the last five weeks to provide a way for Him to reside among His people. God wants a relationship with each one of us. By studying the Tabernacle and using it as a model for prayer, we learn about God’s desires for a relationship with His people. We conclude our Praying Through The Tabernacle series tonight in the innermost part of the Tabernacle: The Holy of Holies. In this place, the high priest would enter to convene with God once a year. The veil, which represented the body of Christ, separated the Holy place and the Holy of Holies. The veil was torn when Jesus died on the cross, removing the separation between Him and man. No longer did a High Priest have to go once a year to intervene on our behalf. When He tore the veil, anybody could talk directly to God. Inside the Holy of Holies, we find the Arch of The Covenant with several items inside to commemorate God’s promise. Brother Long describes the construction of the Arc and the significance of the items inside. God described all of the things we have discussed over the last five weeks to provide a way for Him to reside among His people. God wants a relationship with each one of us. By studying the Tabernacle and using it as a model for prayer, we learn about God’s desires for a relationship with His people. We conclude our Praying Through The Tabernacle series tonight in the innermost part of the Tabernacle: The Holy of Holies. In this place, the high priest would enter to convene with God once a year. The veil, which represented the body of Christ, se… Landon Long 3235 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21875735/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theholyofholiesandthearcofthec/id/3719963.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21875735 Scripture: Exodus 25, Series: Praying Through The Tabernacle Mon, 11 Oct 2021 02:25:09 +0000 Mark Hughes The writer of Hebrews uses the analogy of a race to illustrate how we live our spiritual lives. No one would run a race with extra weight or encumbrances. Instead, they would do anything they could to win the race. Anything keeping us from running the race to the best of our abilities is a handicap. Of course, the race in Hebrews 12 was not an actual contest of speed but was a spiritual battle. When we think about handicaps in this spiritual race, we often think of human, fleshly, disadvantages. We might think about physical challenges, but sometimes handicaps can be about finances, problems, or the season of life we are in. Some people might think about their job, their boss, people they work with, or their spouse, which is holding them back from being more spiritual. We find all kinds of excuses for why we are not in a place to worship God and have a good relationship with Him. The truth is all of those things are not our real handicaps. If we look around, we can find people who have been in the same circumstances we have and have a good relationship with God. The real trouble is not what is happening around us; the real problem is inside us. What really holds us back? It is not the wounds of life; it is how we react to and deal with those wounds. It is not what has happened to us that is hurting us; it is how we deal with those things that are hurting us. Wounds that never heal. Wrongs that we allow to fester and destroy us. Our inability to forgive those that have wronged us. The greatest hindrance in our lives is not what people have done to us; it is the wounded pride we further and foster in our hearts. We justify our anger because of what happened to us, but that is the very thing that is keeping us from winning our spiritual battles. There is conflict in people’s lives not because it is unresolvable but because of the pride of the hurt person and their inability to forgive. This inability to forgive and to leave the past behind us is our real handicap. The writer of Hebrews uses the analogy of a race to illustrate how we live our spiritual lives. No one would run a race with extra weight or encumbrances. Instead, they would do anything they could to win the race. Anything keeping us from running the race to the best of our abilities is a handicap. Of course, the race in Hebrews 12 was not an actual contest of speed but was a spiritual battle. When we think about handicaps in this spiritual race, we often think of human, fleshly, disadvantages. We might think about physical challenges, but sometimes handicaps can be about finances, problems, or the season of life we are in. Some people might think about their job, their boss, people they work with, or their spouse, which is holding them back from being more spiritual. We find all kinds of excuses for why we are not in a place to worship God and have a good relationship with Him. The truth is all of those things are not our real handicaps. If we look around, we can find people who have been in the same circumstances we have and have a good relationship with God. The real trouble is not what is happening around us; the real problem is inside us. What really holds us back? It is not the wounds of life; it is how we react to and deal with those wounds. It is not what has happened to us that is hurting us; it is how we deal with those things that are hurting us. Wounds that never heal. Wrongs that we allow to fester and destroy us. Our inability to forgive those that have wronged us. The greatest hindrance in our lives is not what people have done to us; it is the wounded pride we further and foster in our hearts. We justify our anger because of what happened to us, but that is the very thing that is keeping us from winning our spiritual battles. There is conflict in people’s lives not because it is unresolvable but because of the pride of the hurt person and their inability to forgive. This inability to forgive and to leave the past behind us is our real handicap. The writer of Hebrews uses the analogy of a race to illustrate how we live our spiritual lives. No one would run a race with extra weight or encumbrances. Instead, they would do anything they could to win the race. Anything keeping us from running the… Mark Hughes 3014 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21874429/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_ourrealhandicaps/id/1122293.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21874429 Scripture: Hebrews 12:1 Mon, 11 Oct 2021 02:25:09 +0000 Mark Hughes The writer of Hebrews uses the analogy of a race to illustrate how we live our spiritual lives. No one would run a race with extra weight or encumbrances. Instead, they would do anything they could to win the race. Anything keeping us from running the race to the best of our abilities is a handicap. Of course, the race in Hebrews 12 was not an actual contest of speed but was a spiritual battle. When we think about handicaps in this spiritual race, we often think of human, fleshly, disadvantages. We might think about physical challenges, but sometimes handicaps can be about finances, problems, or the season of life we are in. Some people might think about their job, their boss, people they work with, or their spouse, which is holding them back from being more spiritual. We find all kinds of excuses for why we are not in a place to worship God and have a good relationship with Him. The truth is all of those things are not our real handicaps. If we look around, we can find people who have been in the same circumstances we have and have a good relationship with God. The real trouble is not what is happening around us; the real problem is inside us. What really holds us back? It is not the wounds of life; it is how we react to and deal with those wounds. It is not what has happened to us that is hurting us; it is how we deal with those things that are hurting us. Wounds that never heal. Wrongs that we allow to fester and destroy us. Our inability to forgive those that have wronged us. The greatest hindrance in our lives is not what people have done to us; it is the wounded pride we further and foster in our hearts. We justify our anger because of what happened to us, but that is the very thing that is keeping us from winning our spiritual battles. There is conflict in people’s lives not because it is unresolvable but because of the pride of the hurt person and their inability to forgive. This inability to forgive and to leave the past behind us is our real handicap. The writer of Hebrews uses the analogy of a race to illustrate how we live our spiritual lives. No one would run a race with extra weight or encumbrances. Instead, they would do anything they could to win the race. Anything keeping us from running the race to the best of our abilities is a handicap. Of course, the race in Hebrews 12 was not an actual contest of speed but was a spiritual battle. When we think about handicaps in this spiritual race, we often think of human, fleshly, disadvantages. We might think about physical challenges, but sometimes handicaps can be about finances, problems, or the season of life we are in. Some people might think about their job, their boss, people they work with, or their spouse, which is holding them back from being more spiritual. We find all kinds of excuses for why we are not in a place to worship God and have a good relationship with Him. The truth is all of those things are not our real handicaps. If we look around, we can find people who have been in the same circumstances we have and have a good relationship with God. The real trouble is not what is happening around us; the real problem is inside us. What really holds us back? It is not the wounds of life; it is how we react to and deal with those wounds. It is not what has happened to us that is hurting us; it is how we deal with those things that are hurting us. Wounds that never heal. Wrongs that we allow to fester and destroy us. Our inability to forgive those that have wronged us. The greatest hindrance in our lives is not what people have done to us; it is the wounded pride we further and foster in our hearts. We justify our anger because of what happened to us, but that is the very thing that is keeping us from winning our spiritual battles. There is conflict in people’s lives not because it is unresolvable but because of the pride of the hurt person and their inability to forgive. This inability to forgive and to leave the past behind us is our real handicap. The writer of Hebrews uses the analogy of a race to illustrate how we live our spiritual lives. No one would run a race with extra weight or encumbrances. Instead, they would do anything they could to win the race. Anything keeping us from running the… Mark Hughes 3014 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21874429/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ourrealhandicaps/id/3718878.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21874429 Scripture: Hebrews 12:1 Fri, 08 Oct 2021 01:09:00 +0000 Greg Starks When we step into the holy place, we step from the natural light of the outer court and into a room formed by frames and skins where it would be dark without some sort of illumination. The bible says that God’s word is a lamp unto our feet. The candlestick is even more than that. The candlestick burned oil to produce the light. The oil is likened to the Holy Spirit that is applied to our lives. The burning of incense on the altar of incense is a representation of our worship rising up to God. The outer parts of the tabernacle were about cleansing the priest. Once entering the holy place, the focus begins to shift to serving others, culminating at the altar of incense. When we step into the holy place, we step from the natural light of the outer court and into a room formed by frames and skins where it would be dark without some sort of illumination. The bible says that God’s word is a lamp unto our feet. The candlestick is even more than that. The candlestick burned oil to produce the light. The oil is likened to the Holy Spirit that is applied to our lives. The burning of incense on the altar of incense is a representation of our worship rising up to God. The outer parts of the tabernacle were about cleansing the priest. Once entering the holy place, the focus begins to shift to serving others, culminating at the altar of incense. When we step into the holy place, we step from the natural light of the outer court and into a room formed by frames and skins where it would be dark without some sort of illumination. The bible says that God’s word is a lamp unto our feet. The candl… Greg Starks 3317 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21874398/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thecandlestickandthealtarofinc/id/1122277.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21874398 Scripture: Exodus 25:31-25:40, Series: Praying Through The Tabernacle Part#4 Fri, 08 Oct 2021 01:09:00 +0000 Greg Starks When we step into the holy place, we step from the natural light of the outer court and into a room formed by frames and skins where it would be dark without some sort of illumination. The bible says that God’s word is a lamp unto our feet. The candlestick is even more than that. The candlestick burned oil to produce the light. The oil is likened to the Holy Spirit that is applied to our lives. The burning of incense on the altar of incense is a representation of our worship rising up to God. The outer parts of the tabernacle were about cleansing the priest. Once entering the holy place, the focus begins to shift to serving others, culminating at the altar of incense. When we step into the holy place, we step from the natural light of the outer court and into a room formed by frames and skins where it would be dark without some sort of illumination. The bible says that God’s word is a lamp unto our feet. The candlestick is even more than that. The candlestick burned oil to produce the light. The oil is likened to the Holy Spirit that is applied to our lives. The burning of incense on the altar of incense is a representation of our worship rising up to God. The outer parts of the tabernacle were about cleansing the priest. Once entering the holy place, the focus begins to shift to serving others, culminating at the altar of incense. When we step into the holy place, we step from the natural light of the outer court and into a room formed by frames and skins where it would be dark without some sort of illumination. The bible says that God’s word is a lamp unto our feet. The candl… Greg Starks 3317 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21874398/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thecandlestickandthealtarofinc/id/3718856.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21874398 Scripture: Exodus 25:31-25:40, Series: Praying Through The Tabernacle Part#4 Mon, 04 Oct 2021 02:50:33 +0000 Landon Long Our text tonight is the familiar story of Jesus’ encounter with blind Bartimaeus. Although he did not have his sight, Bartimaeus’ faith was intact. He was not in an alleyway having a pity party or in a bar drinking his sorrows away. Bartimaeus was by the highway trying to find help. On that day, Bartimaeus heard Jesus passing by, and began to call out. First, he used his ears, and now he begins to use his mouth. Jesus hears Bartimaeus calling and asks to see him. Now Bartimeaus uses his feet to put his faith into action. Jesus asks what he needed, and again Bartimeaus uses his mouth to make his request. He did not have his sight, but Bartimaeus used what he had to ask Jesus for what he needed. And Jesus responded. Our text tonight is the familiar story of Jesus’ encounter with blind Bartimaeus. Although he did not have his sight, Bartimaeus’ faith was intact. He was not in an alleyway having a pity party or in a bar drinking his sorrows away. Bartimaeus was by the highway trying to find help. On that day, Bartimaeus heard Jesus passing by, and began to call out. First, he used his ears, and now he begins to use his mouth. Jesus hears Bartimaeus calling and asks to see him. Now Bartimeaus uses his feet to put his faith into action. Jesus asks what he needed, and again Bartimeaus uses his mouth to make his request. He did not have his sight, but Bartimaeus used what he had to ask Jesus for what he needed. And Jesus responded. Our text tonight is the familiar story of Jesus’ encounter with blind Bartimaeus. Although he did not have his sight, Bartimaeus’ faith was intact. He was not in an alleyway having a pity party or in a bar drinking his sorrows away. Bartimaeus was by… Landon Long 2812 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21871354/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_usingwhatineverlost/id/1120351.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21871354 Scripture: Mark 10:46-10:51 Mon, 04 Oct 2021 02:50:33 +0000 Landon Long Our text tonight is the familiar story of Jesus’ encounter with blind Bartimaeus. Although he did not have his sight, Bartimaeus’ faith was intact. He was not in an alleyway having a pity party or in a bar drinking his sorrows away. Bartimaeus was by the highway trying to find help. On that day, Bartimaeus heard Jesus passing by, and began to call out. First, he used his ears, and now he begins to use his mouth. Jesus hears Bartimaeus calling and asks to see him. Now Bartimeaus uses his feet to put his faith into action. Jesus asks what he needed, and again Bartimeaus uses his mouth to make his request. He did not have his sight, but Bartimaeus used what he had to ask Jesus for what he needed. And Jesus responded. Our text tonight is the familiar story of Jesus’ encounter with blind Bartimaeus. Although he did not have his sight, Bartimaeus’ faith was intact. He was not in an alleyway having a pity party or in a bar drinking his sorrows away. Bartimaeus was by the highway trying to find help. On that day, Bartimaeus heard Jesus passing by, and began to call out. First, he used his ears, and now he begins to use his mouth. Jesus hears Bartimaeus calling and asks to see him. Now Bartimeaus uses his feet to put his faith into action. Jesus asks what he needed, and again Bartimeaus uses his mouth to make his request. He did not have his sight, but Bartimaeus used what he had to ask Jesus for what he needed. And Jesus responded. Our text tonight is the familiar story of Jesus’ encounter with blind Bartimaeus. Although he did not have his sight, Bartimaeus’ faith was intact. He was not in an alleyway having a pity party or in a bar drinking his sorrows away. Bartimaeus was by… Landon Long 2812 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21871354/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_usingwhatineverlost/id/3715879.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21871354 Scripture: Mark 10:46-10:51 Sun, 03 Oct 2021 19:30:50 +0000 Landon Long Even after following Jesus in His earthly ministry, the disciples did not understand that The Kingdom of God was not going to be like an earthly kingdom. In our text, two of the disciples are vying for positions of authority. When the others heard this, they became indignant. Jesus had to remind them that to lead in God’s kingdom, they must first become servants. It is vital to learn to lead by a different model. Even after following Jesus in His earthly ministry, the disciples did not understand that The Kingdom of God was not going to be like an earthly kingdom. In our text, two of the disciples are vying for positions of authority. When the others heard this, they became indignant. Jesus had to remind them that to lead in God’s kingdom, they must first become servants. It is vital to learn to lead by a different model. Even after following Jesus in His earthly ministry, the disciples did not understand that The Kingdom of God was not going to be like an earthly kingdom. In our text, two of the disciples are vying for positions of authority. When the others heard th… Landon Long 2764 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21871039/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_leadingbyadifferentmodel/id/1120236.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21871039 Scripture: Matthew 20:25-20:28 Sun, 03 Oct 2021 19:30:50 +0000 Landon Long Even after following Jesus in His earthly ministry, the disciples did not understand that The Kingdom of God was not going to be like an earthly kingdom. In our text, two of the disciples are vying for positions of authority. When the others heard this, they became indignant. Jesus had to remind them that to lead in God’s kingdom, they must first become servants. It is vital to learn to lead by a different model. Even after following Jesus in His earthly ministry, the disciples did not understand that The Kingdom of God was not going to be like an earthly kingdom. In our text, two of the disciples are vying for positions of authority. When the others heard this, they became indignant. Jesus had to remind them that to lead in God’s kingdom, they must first become servants. It is vital to learn to lead by a different model. Even after following Jesus in His earthly ministry, the disciples did not understand that The Kingdom of God was not going to be like an earthly kingdom. In our text, two of the disciples are vying for positions of authority. When the others heard th… Landon Long 2764 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21871039/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_leadingbyadifferentmodel/id/3715684.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21871039 Scripture: Matthew 20:25-20:28 Thu, 30 Sep 2021 02:54:07 +0000 Mark Hughes Prayer and our time with God is so important. Brother Hughes continues our study of the Tabernacle and using the structure and elements of that tent of meeting as a model for prayer. The call to prayer is for everyone. Not everyone can sing or preach but we can all pray. From the front gate to the holy of holies, each part of the Tabernacle was designed to draw man into a deeper relationship with God. God gave precise and detailed specifications for the construction of the Tabernacle and the fixtures inside. The Tabernacle was a reflection and representation of heaven itself. The outer part of the Tabernacle dealt with sin and cleansing. But passing through the curtain into the holy place was about life and God’s grace and favor. Too many people do not get to the holy place. They get to the altar and the laver, but they do not press further to a deeper place. Others get into the holy place, but they try to bring their sin with them instead of burning it on the altar. Once we enter the holy place in prayer, we find a deeper, protecting, and loving connection to God. Prayer and our time with God is so important. Brother Hughes continues our study of the Tabernacle and using the structure and elements of that tent of meeting as a model for prayer. The call to prayer is for everyone. Not everyone can sing or preach but we can all pray. From the front gate to the holy of holies, each part of the Tabernacle was designed to draw man into a deeper relationship with God. God gave precise and detailed specifications for the construction of the Tabernacle and the fixtures inside. The Tabernacle was a reflection and representation of heaven itself. The outer part of the Tabernacle dealt with sin and cleansing. But passing through the curtain into the holy place was about life and God’s grace and favor. Too many people do not get to the holy place. They get to the altar and the laver, but they do not press further to a deeper place. Others get into the holy place, but they try to bring their sin with them instead of burning it on the altar. Once we enter the holy place in prayer, we find a deeper, protecting, and loving connection to God. Prayer and our time with God is so important. Brother Hughes continues our study of the Tabernacle and using the structure and elements of that tent of meeting as a model for prayer. The call to prayer is for everyone. Not everyone can sing or preac… Mark Hughes 3547 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21869226/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theholyplacethecolumnsandtheta/id/1118932.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21869226 Scripture: Exodus 25:23-25:30, Exodus 26:36-26:37, Series: Praying Through The Tabernacle Part#3 Thu, 30 Sep 2021 02:54:07 +0000 Mark Hughes Prayer and our time with God is so important. Brother Hughes continues our study of the Tabernacle and using the structure and elements of that tent of meeting as a model for prayer. The call to prayer is for everyone. Not everyone can sing or preach but we can all pray. From the front gate to the holy of holies, each part of the Tabernacle was designed to draw man into a deeper relationship with God. God gave precise and detailed specifications for the construction of the Tabernacle and the fixtures inside. The Tabernacle was a reflection and representation of heaven itself. The outer part of the Tabernacle dealt with sin and cleansing. But passing through the curtain into the holy place was about life and God’s grace and favor. Too many people do not get to the holy place. They get to the altar and the laver, but they do not press further to a deeper place. Others get into the holy place, but they try to bring their sin with them instead of burning it on the altar. Once we enter the holy place in prayer, we find a deeper, protecting, and loving connection to God. Prayer and our time with God is so important. Brother Hughes continues our study of the Tabernacle and using the structure and elements of that tent of meeting as a model for prayer. The call to prayer is for everyone. Not everyone can sing or preach but we can all pray. From the front gate to the holy of holies, each part of the Tabernacle was designed to draw man into a deeper relationship with God. God gave precise and detailed specifications for the construction of the Tabernacle and the fixtures inside. The Tabernacle was a reflection and representation of heaven itself. The outer part of the Tabernacle dealt with sin and cleansing. But passing through the curtain into the holy place was about life and God’s grace and favor. Too many people do not get to the holy place. They get to the altar and the laver, but they do not press further to a deeper place. Others get into the holy place, but they try to bring their sin with them instead of burning it on the altar. Once we enter the holy place in prayer, we find a deeper, protecting, and loving connection to God. Prayer and our time with God is so important. Brother Hughes continues our study of the Tabernacle and using the structure and elements of that tent of meeting as a model for prayer. The call to prayer is for everyone. Not everyone can sing or preac… Mark Hughes 3547 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21869226/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theholyplacethecolumnsandtheta/id/3713842.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21869226 Scripture: Exodus 25:23-25:30, Exodus 26:36-26:37, Series: Praying Through The Tabernacle Part#3 Sun, 26 Sep 2021 19:16:18 +0000 Mark Foster Anthony Bourdain once said, “The journey is part of the experience,” to explain that if we rush from one thing to another, that we miss beautiful things along the way. If we travel to a distant place but fail to savor the experiences along the way, we have missed the point of the journey. The experience is the point, not the getting from point a to point b. Bro. Foster offers some travel anecdotes from his own life to illustrate this. We can also apply this concept to our spiritual journey. We cannot hurry to move along the path and miss the lessons and experiences along the way. The journey is the point, not the trip. There is no sense in making the trip but missing the journey. Anthony Bourdain once said, “The journey is part of the experience,” to explain that if we rush from one thing to another, that we miss beautiful things along the way. If we travel to a distant place but fail to savor the experiences along the way, we have missed the point of the journey. The experience is the point, not the getting from point a to point b. Bro. Foster offers some travel anecdotes from his own life to illustrate this. We can also apply this concept to our spiritual journey. We cannot hurry to move along the path and miss the lessons and experiences along the way. The journey is the point, not the trip. There is no sense in making the trip but missing the journey. Anthony Bourdain once said, “The journey is part of the experience,” to explain that if we rush from one thing to another, that we miss beautiful things along the way. If we travel to a distant place but fail to savor the experiences along the way, we… Mark Foster 2105 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21867753/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_makingthetripbutmissingtheourn/id/1118158.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21867753 Scripture: 2 Kings 5 Sun, 26 Sep 2021 19:16:18 +0000 Mark Foster Anthony Bourdain once said, “The journey is part of the experience,” to explain that if we rush from one thing to another, that we miss beautiful things along the way. If we travel to a distant place but fail to savor the experiences along the way, we have missed the point of the journey. The experience is the point, not the getting from point a to point b. Bro. Foster offers some travel anecdotes from his own life to illustrate this. We can also apply this concept to our spiritual journey. We cannot hurry to move along the path and miss the lessons and experiences along the way. The journey is the point, not the trip. There is no sense in making the trip but missing the journey. Anthony Bourdain once said, “The journey is part of the experience,” to explain that if we rush from one thing to another, that we miss beautiful things along the way. If we travel to a distant place but fail to savor the experiences along the way, we have missed the point of the journey. The experience is the point, not the getting from point a to point b. Bro. Foster offers some travel anecdotes from his own life to illustrate this. We can also apply this concept to our spiritual journey. We cannot hurry to move along the path and miss the lessons and experiences along the way. The journey is the point, not the trip. There is no sense in making the trip but missing the journey. Anthony Bourdain once said, “The journey is part of the experience,” to explain that if we rush from one thing to another, that we miss beautiful things along the way. If we travel to a distant place but fail to savor the experiences along the way, we… Mark Foster 2105 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21867753/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_makingthetripbutmissingtheourn/id/3712400.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21867753 Scripture: 2 Kings 5 Thu, 23 Sep 2021 02:37:31 +0000 Greg Starks Last week we introduced a series that studies the tabernacle as a model for prayer. Brother Starks gave an overview of the elements of the tabernacle and discussed the entrance to the outer court. Tonight we turn our attention to the outer court and the items found there. There are two pieces of furniture in the outer court. Their purpose is to prepare the priest for what goes on in the holiest place. The alter was there to offer a sacrifice for sin. Likening this to prayer, we have to offer our sins on the altar to receive forgiveness. After the altar, there is the brazen laver where the priests would wash from the messy work at the alter. After we offer our sin on the alter, we have to clean ourselves. Brother Starks describes that the cleansing happens with the word of God. By memorizing and meditating on the word of God, we allow it to take up room in our hearts and push out those things that make us unclean. Last week we introduced a series that studies the tabernacle as a model for prayer. Brother Starks gave an overview of the elements of the tabernacle and discussed the entrance to the outer court. Tonight we turn our attention to the outer court and the items found there. There are two pieces of furniture in the outer court. Their purpose is to prepare the priest for what goes on in the holiest place. The alter was there to offer a sacrifice for sin. Likening this to prayer, we have to offer our sins on the altar to receive forgiveness. After the altar, there is the brazen laver where the priests would wash from the messy work at the alter. After we offer our sin on the alter, we have to clean ourselves. Brother Starks describes that the cleansing happens with the word of God. By memorizing and meditating on the word of God, we allow it to take up room in our hearts and push out those things that make us unclean. Last week we introduced a series that studies the tabernacle as a model for prayer. Brother Starks gave an overview of the elements of the tabernacle and discussed the entrance to the outer court. Tonight we turn our attention to the outer court and … Greg Starks 3130 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21866001/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thealtarandthebrazenlaver/id/1116930.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21866001 Scripture: Psalms 51, Series: Praying Through The Tabernacle Part#2 Thu, 23 Sep 2021 02:37:31 +0000 Greg Starks Last week we introduced a series that studies the tabernacle as a model for prayer. Brother Starks gave an overview of the elements of the tabernacle and discussed the entrance to the outer court. Tonight we turn our attention to the outer court and the items found there. There are two pieces of furniture in the outer court. Their purpose is to prepare the priest for what goes on in the holiest place. The alter was there to offer a sacrifice for sin. Likening this to prayer, we have to offer our sins on the altar to receive forgiveness. After the altar, there is the brazen laver where the priests would wash from the messy work at the alter. After we offer our sin on the alter, we have to clean ourselves. Brother Starks describes that the cleansing happens with the word of God. By memorizing and meditating on the word of God, we allow it to take up room in our hearts and push out those things that make us unclean. Last week we introduced a series that studies the tabernacle as a model for prayer. Brother Starks gave an overview of the elements of the tabernacle and discussed the entrance to the outer court. Tonight we turn our attention to the outer court and the items found there. There are two pieces of furniture in the outer court. Their purpose is to prepare the priest for what goes on in the holiest place. The alter was there to offer a sacrifice for sin. Likening this to prayer, we have to offer our sins on the altar to receive forgiveness. After the altar, there is the brazen laver where the priests would wash from the messy work at the alter. After we offer our sin on the alter, we have to clean ourselves. Brother Starks describes that the cleansing happens with the word of God. By memorizing and meditating on the word of God, we allow it to take up room in our hearts and push out those things that make us unclean. Last week we introduced a series that studies the tabernacle as a model for prayer. Brother Starks gave an overview of the elements of the tabernacle and discussed the entrance to the outer court. Tonight we turn our attention to the outer court and … Greg Starks 3130 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21866001/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thealtarandthebrazenlaver/id/3710739.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21866001 Scripture: Psalms 51, Series: Praying Through The Tabernacle Part#2 Mon, 20 Sep 2021 02:08:00 +0000 James Hughes Dr. Hughes declares that we have been living in survival mode in this country for the last twenty years. The events of 9/11 began a change in our society that has lingered until today. Our world has changed us physically and spiritually to the point that we cannot even remember how it was before. We have learned to live day-to-day rather than living up to our privilege because we are a child of God. God desires so much more for us than to live in fear and uncertainty. It is Time to get out of survival mode. Dr. Hughes declares that we have been living in survival mode in this country for the last twenty years. The events of 9/11 began a change in our society that has lingered until today. Our world has changed us physically and spiritually to the point that we cannot even remember how it was before. We have learned to live day-to-day rather than living up to our privilege because we are a child of God. God desires so much more for us than to live in fear and uncertainty. It is Time to get out of survival mode. Dr. Hughes declares that we have been living in survival mode in this country for the last twenty years. The events of 9/11 began a change in our society that has lingered until today. Our world has changed us physically and spiritually to the point t… James Hughes 3292 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21865662/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_gettingoutofsurvivalmode/id/1116701.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21865662 Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-61:11 Mon, 20 Sep 2021 02:08:00 +0000 James Hughes Dr. Hughes declares that we have been living in survival mode in this country for the last twenty years. The events of 9/11 began a change in our society that has lingered until today. Our world has changed us physically and spiritually to the point that we cannot even remember how it was before. We have learned to live day-to-day rather than living up to our privilege because we are a child of God. God desires so much more for us than to live in fear and uncertainty. It is Time to get out of survival mode. Dr. Hughes declares that we have been living in survival mode in this country for the last twenty years. The events of 9/11 began a change in our society that has lingered until today. Our world has changed us physically and spiritually to the point that we cannot even remember how it was before. We have learned to live day-to-day rather than living up to our privilege because we are a child of God. God desires so much more for us than to live in fear and uncertainty. It is Time to get out of survival mode. Dr. Hughes declares that we have been living in survival mode in this country for the last twenty years. The events of 9/11 began a change in our society that has lingered until today. Our world has changed us physically and spiritually to the point t… James Hughes 3292 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21865662/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_gettingoutofsurvivalmode/id/3710422.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21865662 Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-61:11 Sun, 19 Sep 2021 19:29:23 +0000 Mark Hughes God often visited with His people. Often, these visitations were to reveal to man the reality of their circumstances and realign them with the path He wanted them on. In other times, the visitation from God was restorative. Amid his trials, Job credits a visitation from God for encouragement to keep going. Luke writes about the most profound of visitations. Jesus looked over the city and the bible says he wept over it. Despite Jesus’ ministry and trying, they missed the importance of His visitation. They rejected Jesus and it grieved Him because they had missed everything that could have been theirs. Another example of visitation comes in our scripture text. After the cross and all the failure that Peter experienced, Jesus asks Peter, “do you love me?” Jesus asks this three times. Jesus asked the question fusing the highest form of love, but Peter answered him from the lower forms. Finally, Jesus uses the lower form of love to ask HIs question. Jesus was trying to elevate Peter to a higher level but came down to his level. God wants us to come higher but will come to our level when necessary. God often visited with His people. Often, these visitations were to reveal to man the reality of their circumstances and realign them with the path He wanted them on. In other times, the visitation from God was restorative. Amid his trials, Job credits a visitation from God for encouragement to keep going. Luke writes about the most profound of visitations. Jesus looked over the city and the bible says he wept over it. Despite Jesus’ ministry and trying, they missed the importance of His visitation. They rejected Jesus and it grieved Him because they had missed everything that could have been theirs. Another example of visitation comes in our scripture text. After the cross and all the failure that Peter experienced, Jesus asks Peter, “do you love me?” Jesus asks this three times. Jesus asked the question fusing the highest form of love, but Peter answered him from the lower forms. Finally, Jesus uses the lower form of love to ask HIs question. Jesus was trying to elevate Peter to a higher level but came down to his level. God wants us to come higher but will come to our level when necessary. God often visited with His people. Often, these visitations were to reveal to man the reality of their circumstances and realign them with the path He wanted them on. In other times, the visitation from God was restorative. Amid his trials, Job cred… Mark Hughes 2556 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21864620/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whatavisitationfromgodcando/id/1116206.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21864620 Scripture: John 21:14-21:17 Sun, 19 Sep 2021 19:29:23 +0000 Mark Hughes God often visited with His people. Often, these visitations were to reveal to man the reality of their circumstances and realign them with the path He wanted them on. In other times, the visitation from God was restorative. Amid his trials, Job credits a visitation from God for encouragement to keep going. Luke writes about the most profound of visitations. Jesus looked over the city and the bible says he wept over it. Despite Jesus’ ministry and trying, they missed the importance of His visitation. They rejected Jesus and it grieved Him because they had missed everything that could have been theirs. Another example of visitation comes in our scripture text. After the cross and all the failure that Peter experienced, Jesus asks Peter, “do you love me?” Jesus asks this three times. Jesus asked the question fusing the highest form of love, but Peter answered him from the lower forms. Finally, Jesus uses the lower form of love to ask HIs question. Jesus was trying to elevate Peter to a higher level but came down to his level. God wants us to come higher but will come to our level when necessary. God often visited with His people. Often, these visitations were to reveal to man the reality of their circumstances and realign them with the path He wanted them on. In other times, the visitation from God was restorative. Amid his trials, Job credits a visitation from God for encouragement to keep going. Luke writes about the most profound of visitations. Jesus looked over the city and the bible says he wept over it. Despite Jesus’ ministry and trying, they missed the importance of His visitation. They rejected Jesus and it grieved Him because they had missed everything that could have been theirs. Another example of visitation comes in our scripture text. After the cross and all the failure that Peter experienced, Jesus asks Peter, “do you love me?” Jesus asks this three times. Jesus asked the question fusing the highest form of love, but Peter answered him from the lower forms. Finally, Jesus uses the lower form of love to ask HIs question. Jesus was trying to elevate Peter to a higher level but came down to his level. God wants us to come higher but will come to our level when necessary. God often visited with His people. Often, these visitations were to reveal to man the reality of their circumstances and realign them with the path He wanted them on. In other times, the visitation from God was restorative. Amid his trials, Job cred… Mark Hughes 2556 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21864620/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatavisitationfromgodcando/id/3709427.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21864620 Scripture: John 21:14-21:17 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 03:05:49 +0000 Greg Starks Tonight, we begin studying the tabernacle and how that God-ordained structure forms a basis and a model for prayer. Bro. Starks gives a brief tour of the tabernacle and the features and furniture contained in it. He concludes by discussing the first thing you would encounter walking into the tabernacle, the Gate, and the significance of that single entrance to the holy place. Tonight, we begin studying the tabernacle and how that God-ordained structure forms a basis and a model for prayer. Bro. Starks gives a brief tour of the tabernacle and the features and furniture contained in it. He concludes by discussing the first thing you would encounter walking into the tabernacle, the Gate, and the significance of that single entrance to the holy place. Tonight, we begin studying the tabernacle and how that God-ordained structure forms a basis and a model for prayer. Bro. Starks gives a brief tour of the tabernacle and the features and furniture contained in it. He concludes by discussing the first … Greg Starks 2818 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21862606/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_prayingthroughthetabernacleint/id/1114611.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21862606 Scripture: Exodus 25:1-25:9, Series: Praying Through The Tabernacle Part#1 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 03:05:49 +0000 Greg Starks Tonight, we begin studying the tabernacle and how that God-ordained structure forms a basis and a model for prayer. Bro. Starks gives a brief tour of the tabernacle and the features and furniture contained in it. He concludes by discussing the first thing you would encounter walking into the tabernacle, the Gate, and the significance of that single entrance to the holy place. Tonight, we begin studying the tabernacle and how that God-ordained structure forms a basis and a model for prayer. Bro. Starks gives a brief tour of the tabernacle and the features and furniture contained in it. He concludes by discussing the first thing you would encounter walking into the tabernacle, the Gate, and the significance of that single entrance to the holy place. Tonight, we begin studying the tabernacle and how that God-ordained structure forms a basis and a model for prayer. Bro. Starks gives a brief tour of the tabernacle and the features and furniture contained in it. He concludes by discussing the first … Greg Starks 2818 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21862606/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_prayingthroughthetabernacleint/id/3707536.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21862606 Scripture: Exodus 25:1-25:9, Series: Praying Through The Tabernacle Part#1 Mon, 13 Sep 2021 02:33:29 +0000 Landon Long Once upon a time, there were three little pigs. The first built his house out of straw. The second built his out of sticks. The last pig built his house out of bricks. We all know this familiar story and the result of the decisions made by these three pigs. The moral of the story is clear to any who has heard it. The first two pigs chose the easy, convenient route to housing only to find themselves in jeopardy when the wolf came to the door. We use this story to tell our children to make good decisions and to put in the extra effort to build something that will last. The moral of this story applies to our spiritual life too. We face an enemy too. The way we build our spiritual houses matters against the spiritual equivalent of the wolf at the door—the materials and the way we build our spiritual house to stand against the enemy matter even more. Once upon a time, there were three little pigs. The first built his house out of straw. The second built his out of sticks. The last pig built his house out of bricks. We all know this familiar story and the result of the decisions made by these three pigs. The moral of the story is clear to any who has heard it. The first two pigs chose the easy, convenient route to housing only to find themselves in jeopardy when the wolf came to the door. We use this story to tell our children to make good decisions and to put in the extra effort to build something that will last. The moral of this story applies to our spiritual life too. We face an enemy too. The way we build our spiritual houses matters against the spiritual equivalent of the wolf at the door—the materials and the way we build our spiritual house to stand against the enemy matter even more. Once upon a time, there were three little pigs. The first built his house out of straw. The second built his out of sticks. The last pig built his house out of bricks. We all know this familiar story and the result of the decisions made by these thr… Landon Long 3546 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21859540/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_itstimetoseewhatwearemadeof/id/1112078.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21859540 Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:9-3:13 Mon, 13 Sep 2021 02:33:29 +0000 Landon Long Once upon a time, there were three little pigs. The first built his house out of straw. The second built his out of sticks. The last pig built his house out of bricks. We all know this familiar story and the result of the decisions made by these three pigs. The moral of the story is clear to any who has heard it. The first two pigs chose the easy, convenient route to housing only to find themselves in jeopardy when the wolf came to the door. We use this story to tell our children to make good decisions and to put in the extra effort to build something that will last. The moral of this story applies to our spiritual life too. We face an enemy too. The way we build our spiritual houses matters against the spiritual equivalent of the wolf at the door—the materials and the way we build our spiritual house to stand against the enemy matter even more. Once upon a time, there were three little pigs. The first built his house out of straw. The second built his out of sticks. The last pig built his house out of bricks. We all know this familiar story and the result of the decisions made by these three pigs. The moral of the story is clear to any who has heard it. The first two pigs chose the easy, convenient route to housing only to find themselves in jeopardy when the wolf came to the door. We use this story to tell our children to make good decisions and to put in the extra effort to build something that will last. The moral of this story applies to our spiritual life too. We face an enemy too. The way we build our spiritual houses matters against the spiritual equivalent of the wolf at the door—the materials and the way we build our spiritual house to stand against the enemy matter even more. Once upon a time, there were three little pigs. The first built his house out of straw. The second built his out of sticks. The last pig built his house out of bricks. We all know this familiar story and the result of the decisions made by these thr… Landon Long 3546 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21859540/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itstimetoseewhatwearemadeof/id/3706539.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21859540 Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:9-3:13 Sun, 12 Sep 2021 18:46:12 +0000 Mark Hughes The story of Jacob is familiar. In this text, Jacob is at the of his life. His son Joseph brings his grandchildren to be blessed. Jacob begins by describing an encounter with God, but his story started much earlier than that. From the beginning, he is a schemer, a lier, and a cheating man. He was born reaching for his bother’s heel, and from then to when he cheated that brother out of his birthright. So went Jacob’s life until he as an encounter at Bethel described in Genesis 35. When Jacob looked back over his life at the end, the encounter with God at Luz changed everything about his life, perspective, and path forward. Until that moment, Jacob did not understand what God was doing in his life. He spent his life up to that point fighting against what God was doing. At that moment, something changed, and Jacob marked his life from that moment forward. At that moment, he realized that he had been his own worst enemy. Something happened to him that day that caused all the lies, cheating, and scheming to fall away. An experience with God can break the hold that our past has on us. It can put us on a path to a bright future that leaves our dark past behind. God can write a new story for our future that does not include what condemned us in the past. An encounter with God can create a point that we look back on as a new beginning like Jacob. A moment where our life is no longer held back by old memories, but that begins a story with divine purpose. The story of Jacob is familiar. In this text, Jacob is at the of his life. His son Joseph brings his grandchildren to be blessed. Jacob begins by describing an encounter with God, but his story started much earlier than that. From the beginning, he is a schemer, a lier, and a cheating man. He was born reaching for his bother’s heel, and from then to when he cheated that brother out of his birthright. So went Jacob’s life until he as an encounter at Bethel described in Genesis 35. When Jacob looked back over his life at the end, the encounter with God at Luz changed everything about his life, perspective, and path forward. Until that moment, Jacob did not understand what God was doing in his life. He spent his life up to that point fighting against what God was doing. At that moment, something changed, and Jacob marked his life from that moment forward. At that moment, he realized that he had been his own worst enemy. Something happened to him that day that caused all the lies, cheating, and scheming to fall away. An experience with God can break the hold that our past has on us. It can put us on a path to a bright future that leaves our dark past behind. God can write a new story for our future that does not include what condemned us in the past. An encounter with God can create a point that we look back on as a new beginning like Jacob. A moment where our life is no longer held back by old memories, but that begins a story with divine purpose. The story of Jacob is familiar. In this text, Jacob is at the of his life. His son Joseph brings his grandchildren to be blessed. Jacob begins by describing an encounter with God, but his story started much earlier than that. From the beginning, he… Mark Hughes 3039 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21859163/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theimportanceofanexperiencewit/id/1111868.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21859163 Scripture: Genesis 48:1-48:3 Sun, 12 Sep 2021 18:46:12 +0000 Mark Hughes The story of Jacob is familiar. In this text, Jacob is at the of his life. His son Joseph brings his grandchildren to be blessed. Jacob begins by describing an encounter with God, but his story started much earlier than that. From the beginning, he is a schemer, a lier, and a cheating man. He was born reaching for his bother’s heel, and from then to when he cheated that brother out of his birthright. So went Jacob’s life until he as an encounter at Bethel described in Genesis 35. When Jacob looked back over his life at the end, the encounter with God at Luz changed everything about his life, perspective, and path forward. Until that moment, Jacob did not understand what God was doing in his life. He spent his life up to that point fighting against what God was doing. At that moment, something changed, and Jacob marked his life from that moment forward. At that moment, he realized that he had been his own worst enemy. Something happened to him that day that caused all the lies, cheating, and scheming to fall away. An experience with God can break the hold that our past has on us. It can put us on a path to a bright future that leaves our dark past behind. God can write a new story for our future that does not include what condemned us in the past. An encounter with God can create a point that we look back on as a new beginning like Jacob. A moment where our life is no longer held back by old memories, but that begins a story with divine purpose. The story of Jacob is familiar. In this text, Jacob is at the of his life. His son Joseph brings his grandchildren to be blessed. Jacob begins by describing an encounter with God, but his story started much earlier than that. From the beginning, he is a schemer, a lier, and a cheating man. He was born reaching for his bother’s heel, and from then to when he cheated that brother out of his birthright. So went Jacob’s life until he as an encounter at Bethel described in Genesis 35. When Jacob looked back over his life at the end, the encounter with God at Luz changed everything about his life, perspective, and path forward. Until that moment, Jacob did not understand what God was doing in his life. He spent his life up to that point fighting against what God was doing. At that moment, something changed, and Jacob marked his life from that moment forward. At that moment, he realized that he had been his own worst enemy. Something happened to him that day that caused all the lies, cheating, and scheming to fall away. An experience with God can break the hold that our past has on us. It can put us on a path to a bright future that leaves our dark past behind. God can write a new story for our future that does not include what condemned us in the past. An encounter with God can create a point that we look back on as a new beginning like Jacob. A moment where our life is no longer held back by old memories, but that begins a story with divine purpose. The story of Jacob is familiar. In this text, Jacob is at the of his life. His son Joseph brings his grandchildren to be blessed. Jacob begins by describing an encounter with God, but his story started much earlier than that. From the beginning, he… Mark Hughes 3039 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21859163/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theimportanceofanexperiencewit/id/3706186.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21859163 Scripture: Genesis 48:1-48:3 Sun, 05 Sep 2021 20:28:57 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text portrays utter desperation in this father who came to Jesus to deliver his son from the spirit that possessed him. Many of us have experienced this level of hopelessness and doubt. It is common to feel this pain and blame ourselves for it because of our lack of faith. There are things in life that are overwhelming. Financial issues, family problems, health concerns, and stress on the job can all close in on us. We face situations that we are unable to understand or to see a way through. We have to rely on faith. It is too easy to feel that faith is not enough, but the bible is clear that even a little faith is enough. There are times in life when having faith is easy. However, when we need faith the most is when it is not easy. As humans, we focus more on what we do not have rather than what we do have. In these times of trial, it is too easy to concentrate on our lack of faith and not focus on the faith that we do have. We do not like to admit that we doubt and lack faith, but it will come to us all. The battle between faith and doubt will challenge us. The desperate father says to Jesus, “Help me in my unbelief.” Jesus redirects him away from what he did not have and told him to focus on what he did have. There are times when we need that. It could be that the father was simply asking Jesus to help him despite his unbelief. There are times when we need that too. Sometimes we think the amount of faith that we have is what moves God. Jesus tells us in Matthew that even a little faith is enough to get God’s attention. It is the same with worship and prayer. We offer what little we have, and God will respond. When Jesus fed the multitude, He did not say that He only had a few loaves and some fish; He offered thanks for what he Had and began to hand it out. The father in Mark 9 came to Jesus, magnifying his son’s condition, but he changed his focus to his belief in Jesus. He shifted his faith to before his problem. Too many of us look at our problem and then look to see how small our faith is. But if we put our faith in front, the mountain will be cast away. We have to move our worship in front of our problem. We need to shift our prayer to before our problem. God said, come with what we have, and He will supply what we need. Where we place our faith is critical Our text portrays utter desperation in this father who came to Jesus to deliver his son from the spirit that possessed him. Many of us have experienced this level of hopelessness and doubt. It is common to feel this pain and blame ourselves for it because of our lack of faith. There are things in life that are overwhelming. Financial issues, family problems, health concerns, and stress on the job can all close in on us. We face situations that we are unable to understand or to see a way through. We have to rely on faith. It is too easy to feel that faith is not enough, but the bible is clear that even a little faith is enough. There are times in life when having faith is easy. However, when we need faith the most is when it is not easy. As humans, we focus more on what we do not have rather than what we do have. In these times of trial, it is too easy to concentrate on our lack of faith and not focus on the faith that we do have. We do not like to admit that we doubt and lack faith, but it will come to us all. The battle between faith and doubt will challenge us. The desperate father says to Jesus, “Help me in my unbelief.” Jesus redirects him away from what he did not have and told him to focus on what he did have. There are times when we need that. It could be that the father was simply asking Jesus to help him despite his unbelief. There are times when we need that too. Sometimes we think the amount of faith that we have is what moves God. Jesus tells us in Matthew that even a little faith is enough to get God’s attention. It is the same with worship and prayer. We offer what little we have, and God will respond. When Jesus fed the multitude, He did not say that He only had a few loaves and some fish; He offered thanks for what he Had and began to hand it out. The father in Mark 9 came to Jesus, magnifying his son’s condition, but he changed his focus to his belief in Jesus. He shifted his faith to before his problem. Too many of us look at our problem and then look to see how small our faith is. But if we put our faith in front, the mountain will be cast away. We have to move our worship in front of our problem. We need to shift our prayer to before our problem. God said, come with what we have, and He will supply what we need. Where we place our faith is critical Our text portrays utter desperation in this father who came to Jesus to deliver his son from the spirit that possessed him. Many of us have experienced this level of hopelessness and doubt. It is common to feel this pain and blame ourselves for it be… Mark Hughes 4056 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21855925/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whereyouplaceyourfaithiscritic/id/1109786.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21855925 Scripture: Mark 29:4, Matthew 17:20 Sun, 05 Sep 2021 20:28:57 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text portrays utter desperation in this father who came to Jesus to deliver his son from the spirit that possessed him. Many of us have experienced this level of hopelessness and doubt. It is common to feel this pain and blame ourselves for it because of our lack of faith. There are things in life that are overwhelming. Financial issues, family problems, health concerns, and stress on the job can all close in on us. We face situations that we are unable to understand or to see a way through. We have to rely on faith. It is too easy to feel that faith is not enough, but the bible is clear that even a little faith is enough. There are times in life when having faith is easy. However, when we need faith the most is when it is not easy. As humans, we focus more on what we do not have rather than what we do have. In these times of trial, it is too easy to concentrate on our lack of faith and not focus on the faith that we do have. We do not like to admit that we doubt and lack faith, but it will come to us all. The battle between faith and doubt will challenge us. The desperate father says to Jesus, “Help me in my unbelief.” Jesus redirects him away from what he did not have and told him to focus on what he did have. There are times when we need that. It could be that the father was simply asking Jesus to help him despite his unbelief. There are times when we need that too. Sometimes we think the amount of faith that we have is what moves God. Jesus tells us in Matthew that even a little faith is enough to get God’s attention. It is the same with worship and prayer. We offer what little we have, and God will respond. When Jesus fed the multitude, He did not say that He only had a few loaves and some fish; He offered thanks for what he Had and began to hand it out. The father in Mark 9 came to Jesus, magnifying his son’s condition, but he changed his focus to his belief in Jesus. He shifted his faith to before his problem. Too many of us look at our problem and then look to see how small our faith is. But if we put our faith in front, the mountain will be cast away. We have to move our worship in front of our problem. We need to shift our prayer to before our problem. God said, come with what we have, and He will supply what we need. Where we place our faith is critical Our text portrays utter desperation in this father who came to Jesus to deliver his son from the spirit that possessed him. Many of us have experienced this level of hopelessness and doubt. It is common to feel this pain and blame ourselves for it because of our lack of faith. There are things in life that are overwhelming. Financial issues, family problems, health concerns, and stress on the job can all close in on us. We face situations that we are unable to understand or to see a way through. We have to rely on faith. It is too easy to feel that faith is not enough, but the bible is clear that even a little faith is enough. There are times in life when having faith is easy. However, when we need faith the most is when it is not easy. As humans, we focus more on what we do not have rather than what we do have. In these times of trial, it is too easy to concentrate on our lack of faith and not focus on the faith that we do have. We do not like to admit that we doubt and lack faith, but it will come to us all. The battle between faith and doubt will challenge us. The desperate father says to Jesus, “Help me in my unbelief.” Jesus redirects him away from what he did not have and told him to focus on what he did have. There are times when we need that. It could be that the father was simply asking Jesus to help him despite his unbelief. There are times when we need that too. Sometimes we think the amount of faith that we have is what moves God. Jesus tells us in Matthew that even a little faith is enough to get God’s attention. It is the same with worship and prayer. We offer what little we have, and God will respond. When Jesus fed the multitude, He did not say that He only had a few loaves and some fish; He offered thanks for what he Had and began to hand it out. The father in Mark 9 came to Jesus, magnifying his son’s condition, but he changed his focus to his belief in Jesus. He shifted his faith to before his problem. Too many of us look at our problem and then look to see how small our faith is. But if we put our faith in front, the mountain will be cast away. We have to move our worship in front of our problem. We need to shift our prayer to before our problem. God said, come with what we have, and He will supply what we need. Where we place our faith is critical Our text portrays utter desperation in this father who came to Jesus to deliver his son from the spirit that possessed him. Many of us have experienced this level of hopelessness and doubt. It is common to feel this pain and blame ourselves for it be… Mark Hughes 4056 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21855925/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whereyouplaceyourfaithiscritic/id/3703354.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21855925 Scripture: Mark 29:4, Matthew 17:20 Thu, 02 Sep 2021 02:17:31 +0000 Mark Hughes Greater Life Church Greater Life Church Greater Life Church… Mark Hughes 2327 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21853909/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_doyourselfafavor/id/1108316.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21853909 Scripture: Luke 11:9-11:10 Thu, 02 Sep 2021 02:17:31 +0000 Mark Hughes Greater Life Church Greater Life Church Greater Life Church… Mark Hughes 2327 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21853909/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_doyourselfafavor/id/3701587.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21853909 Scripture: Luke 11:9-11:10 Mon, 30 Aug 2021 01:28:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text conveys a story about an unexpected midnight visit. Midnight is important because the hour does not determine His response. God wants to help us at any time, no matter what the hour. The urgency of the need called for determination and persistence at that late hour. We may be in a midnight hour situation, but that is no challenge to God. Our text is not a story about a man and his friend. Those characters do appear in the text, but the message is much larger. The message of this text is not of God responding to a need to save His honor. The story is about a man with a desperate need who comes to the door. The story underscores the action of the one making the request. Jesus tells the story from our perspective. He said, “suppose that WE go to our friend’s house at midnight. How would WE feel if we were in the situation to be in such need that we would abandon typical protocols and customs to address it? The essence of the story is the man’s persistence knocking, even after being rebuffed. The answer came because of his importunity. If we are going to get what we need to survive our current world, we must demonstrate some importunity, break some protocols, and get out of our comfort zones. The hour in which we live demands people who have the audacity to continue knocking. Our text conveys a story about an unexpected midnight visit. Midnight is important because the hour does not determine His response. God wants to help us at any time, no matter what the hour. The urgency of the need called for determination and persistence at that late hour. We may be in a midnight hour situation, but that is no challenge to God. Our text is not a story about a man and his friend. Those characters do appear in the text, but the message is much larger. The message of this text is not of God responding to a need to save His honor. The story is about a man with a desperate need who comes to the door. The story underscores the action of the one making the request. Jesus tells the story from our perspective. He said, “suppose that WE go to our friend’s house at midnight. How would WE feel if we were in the situation to be in such need that we would abandon typical protocols and customs to address it? The essence of the story is the man’s persistence knocking, even after being rebuffed. The answer came because of his importunity. If we are going to get what we need to survive our current world, we must demonstrate some importunity, break some protocols, and get out of our comfort zones. The hour in which we live demands people who have the audacity to continue knocking. Our text conveys a story about an unexpected midnight visit. Midnight is important because the hour does not determine His response. God wants to help us at any time, no matter what the hour. The urgency of the need called for determination and pers… Mark Hughes 1846 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21853276/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theopportunityinimportunity/id/1108039.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21853276 The Opportunity in Importunity Mon, 30 Aug 2021 01:28:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text conveys a story about an unexpected midnight visit. Midnight is important because the hour does not determine His response. God wants to help us at any time, no matter what the hour. The urgency of the need called for determination and persistence at that late hour. We may be in a midnight hour situation, but that is no challenge to God. Our text is not a story about a man and his friend. Those characters do appear in the text, but the message is much larger. The message of this text is not of God responding to a need to save His honor. The story is about a man with a desperate need who comes to the door. The story underscores the action of the one making the request. Jesus tells the story from our perspective. He said, “suppose that WE go to our friend’s house at midnight. How would WE feel if we were in the situation to be in such need that we would abandon typical protocols and customs to address it? The essence of the story is the man’s persistence knocking, even after being rebuffed. The answer came because of his importunity. If we are going to get what we need to survive our current world, we must demonstrate some importunity, break some protocols, and get out of our comfort zones. The hour in which we live demands people who have the audacity to continue knocking. Our text conveys a story about an unexpected midnight visit. Midnight is important because the hour does not determine His response. God wants to help us at any time, no matter what the hour. The urgency of the need called for determination and persistence at that late hour. We may be in a midnight hour situation, but that is no challenge to God. Our text is not a story about a man and his friend. Those characters do appear in the text, but the message is much larger. The message of this text is not of God responding to a need to save His honor. The story is about a man with a desperate need who comes to the door. The story underscores the action of the one making the request. Jesus tells the story from our perspective. He said, “suppose that WE go to our friend’s house at midnight. How would WE feel if we were in the situation to be in such need that we would abandon typical protocols and customs to address it? The essence of the story is the man’s persistence knocking, even after being rebuffed. The answer came because of his importunity. If we are going to get what we need to survive our current world, we must demonstrate some importunity, break some protocols, and get out of our comfort zones. The hour in which we live demands people who have the audacity to continue knocking. Our text conveys a story about an unexpected midnight visit. Midnight is important because the hour does not determine His response. God wants to help us at any time, no matter what the hour. The urgency of the need called for determination and pers… Mark Hughes 1846 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21853276/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theopportunityinimportunity/id/3701049.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21853276 The Opportunity in Importunity Mon, 23 Aug 2021 01:40:00 +0000 Landon Long From picking teams in elementary school to being turned down by a love interest to not getting the job we wanted, we all have felt the pain of rejection. Some people have experienced it over and over again. God has experienced rejection over and over. From the fall in the garden to the consistent turning away by Israel, God experienced so much rejection that He even lamented creating humanity. Jesus walked in a fleshly body that shared the same emotions and pain that we do. He came to fulfill the prophecy, but even on His first night on earth, He made his bed in a manger because there was no room at the inn. Jesus’ life on earth was marked by constant rejection. As a human, He hurt from the sting of rejection, but as God, He came to fulfill His plan of salvation. The bible speaks about the stone the builder rejected. That stone is the foundation of everything. We, too, can be guilty of rejecting Him. Not in the way we read Israel or the Pharisees did, but by not responding to Him when He is near. How many times have we been in His presence and not entirely given in to Him? We must make every effort to receive this living, precious stone. From picking teams in elementary school to being turned down by a love interest to not getting the job we wanted, we all have felt the pain of rejection. Some people have experienced it over and over again. God has experienced rejection over and over. From the fall in the garden to the consistent turning away by Israel, God experienced so much rejection that He even lamented creating humanity. Jesus walked in a fleshly body that shared the same emotions and pain that we do. He came to fulfill the prophecy, but even on His first night on earth, He made his bed in a manger because there was no room at the inn. Jesus’ life on earth was marked by constant rejection. As a human, He hurt from the sting of rejection, but as God, He came to fulfill His plan of salvation. The bible speaks about the stone the builder rejected. That stone is the foundation of everything. We, too, can be guilty of rejecting Him. Not in the way we read Israel or the Pharisees did, but by not responding to Him when He is near. How many times have we been in His presence and not entirely given in to Him? We must make every effort to receive this living, precious stone. From picking teams in elementary school to being turned down by a love interest to not getting the job we wanted, we all have felt the pain of rejection. Some people have experienced it over and over again. God has experienced rejection over and over… Landon Long 3391 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21850155/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thislivingpreciousstone/id/1106185.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21850155 Scripture: Isaiah 53:2-53:3, John 1:10-1:11, 1 Peter 2:4 Mon, 23 Aug 2021 01:40:00 +0000 Landon Long From picking teams in elementary school to being turned down by a love interest to not getting the job we wanted, we all have felt the pain of rejection. Some people have experienced it over and over again. God has experienced rejection over and over. From the fall in the garden to the consistent turning away by Israel, God experienced so much rejection that He even lamented creating humanity. Jesus walked in a fleshly body that shared the same emotions and pain that we do. He came to fulfill the prophecy, but even on His first night on earth, He made his bed in a manger because there was no room at the inn. Jesus’ life on earth was marked by constant rejection. As a human, He hurt from the sting of rejection, but as God, He came to fulfill His plan of salvation. The bible speaks about the stone the builder rejected. That stone is the foundation of everything. We, too, can be guilty of rejecting Him. Not in the way we read Israel or the Pharisees did, but by not responding to Him when He is near. How many times have we been in His presence and not entirely given in to Him? We must make every effort to receive this living, precious stone. From picking teams in elementary school to being turned down by a love interest to not getting the job we wanted, we all have felt the pain of rejection. Some people have experienced it over and over again. God has experienced rejection over and over. From the fall in the garden to the consistent turning away by Israel, God experienced so much rejection that He even lamented creating humanity. Jesus walked in a fleshly body that shared the same emotions and pain that we do. He came to fulfill the prophecy, but even on His first night on earth, He made his bed in a manger because there was no room at the inn. Jesus’ life on earth was marked by constant rejection. As a human, He hurt from the sting of rejection, but as God, He came to fulfill His plan of salvation. The bible speaks about the stone the builder rejected. That stone is the foundation of everything. We, too, can be guilty of rejecting Him. Not in the way we read Israel or the Pharisees did, but by not responding to Him when He is near. How many times have we been in His presence and not entirely given in to Him? We must make every effort to receive this living, precious stone. From picking teams in elementary school to being turned down by a love interest to not getting the job we wanted, we all have felt the pain of rejection. Some people have experienced it over and over again. God has experienced rejection over and over… Landon Long 3391 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21850155/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thislivingpreciousstone/id/3698064.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21850155 Scripture: Isaiah 53:2-53:3, John 1:10-1:11, 1 Peter 2:4 Sun, 22 Aug 2021 20:05:41 +0000 Mark Hughes God often asks questions in scripture. He does not ask these questions to gain information; He asks these questions for our benefit and to open our eyes to the possibilities. God is always in a teaching mode in His relationship with us. It is a tragedy when we go through the trials of life but do not learn anything from it. The Psalmist paints a stark picture of God’s relationship with Israel when he says they limited God. This word is only used three times in the bible. In this context, it means to draw a line in our lives that allows God to be god only up to that point. God spoke the universe into being, parted the Red Sea, and provided mana in the wilderness. But somehow, we do not believe He can deal with any situation that comes our way. We draw a circle around Him that limits his abilities and powers from doing what He wants to do. In our text, Jesus asks how much food they had to feed the multitude. They report that they ONLY had five loves and two SMALL fish. They add to the report that “it is not enough.” They were placing limits on Him. God’s ability is not limited by our inability to see the full potential of His power if we would only allow him access to what we have. How do we limit God? We do that when we seek a temporary relief rather than a deliverance from our problem. God wants to do more than just pick us up on Sunday; He wants to carry us through all week. We limit God when we judge the present by the past. The man at the pool of Bethesda offered excuses based on what happened in the past. How many of us limit our lives because we cannot believe that things can be different from the past? We limit Him when we see the problem, but not the possibilities. His presence challenges everything. We limit God when we fail to respond to His call. God is never going to ask us to do something that we are incapable of doing. We limit God when we give him our problem but do not take our hands off it and allow Him to have it. As long as we continue to hold onto our trials, God cannot handle them. God often asks questions in scripture. He does not ask these questions to gain information; He asks these questions for our benefit and to open our eyes to the possibilities. God is always in a teaching mode in His relationship with us. It is a tragedy when we go through the trials of life but do not learn anything from it. The Psalmist paints a stark picture of God’s relationship with Israel when he says they limited God. This word is only used three times in the bible. In this context, it means to draw a line in our lives that allows God to be god only up to that point. God spoke the universe into being, parted the Red Sea, and provided mana in the wilderness. But somehow, we do not believe He can deal with any situation that comes our way. We draw a circle around Him that limits his abilities and powers from doing what He wants to do. In our text, Jesus asks how much food they had to feed the multitude. They report that they ONLY had five loves and two SMALL fish. They add to the report that “it is not enough.” They were placing limits on Him. God’s ability is not limited by our inability to see the full potential of His power if we would only allow him access to what we have. How do we limit God? We do that when we seek a temporary relief rather than a deliverance from our problem. God wants to do more than just pick us up on Sunday; He wants to carry us through all week. We limit God when we judge the present by the past. The man at the pool of Bethesda offered excuses based on what happened in the past. How many of us limit our lives because we cannot believe that things can be different from the past? We limit Him when we see the problem, but not the possibilities. His presence challenges everything. We limit God when we fail to respond to His call. God is never going to ask us to do something that we are incapable of doing. We limit God when we give him our problem but do not take our hands off it and allow Him to have it. As long as we continue to hold onto our trials, God cannot handle them. God often asks questions in scripture. He does not ask these questions to gain information; He asks these questions for our benefit and to open our eyes to the possibilities. God is always in a teaching mode in His relationship with us. It is a tr… Mark Hughes 2956 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21849461/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whenyourgodistoosmall/id/1105866.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21849461 When Your God is Too Small Sun, 22 Aug 2021 20:05:41 +0000 Mark Hughes God often asks questions in scripture. He does not ask these questions to gain information; He asks these questions for our benefit and to open our eyes to the possibilities. God is always in a teaching mode in His relationship with us. It is a tragedy when we go through the trials of life but do not learn anything from it. The Psalmist paints a stark picture of God’s relationship with Israel when he says they limited God. This word is only used three times in the bible. In this context, it means to draw a line in our lives that allows God to be god only up to that point. God spoke the universe into being, parted the Red Sea, and provided mana in the wilderness. But somehow, we do not believe He can deal with any situation that comes our way. We draw a circle around Him that limits his abilities and powers from doing what He wants to do. In our text, Jesus asks how much food they had to feed the multitude. They report that they ONLY had five loves and two SMALL fish. They add to the report that “it is not enough.” They were placing limits on Him. God’s ability is not limited by our inability to see the full potential of His power if we would only allow him access to what we have. How do we limit God? We do that when we seek a temporary relief rather than a deliverance from our problem. God wants to do more than just pick us up on Sunday; He wants to carry us through all week. We limit God when we judge the present by the past. The man at the pool of Bethesda offered excuses based on what happened in the past. How many of us limit our lives because we cannot believe that things can be different from the past? We limit Him when we see the problem, but not the possibilities. His presence challenges everything. We limit God when we fail to respond to His call. God is never going to ask us to do something that we are incapable of doing. We limit God when we give him our problem but do not take our hands off it and allow Him to have it. As long as we continue to hold onto our trials, God cannot handle them. God often asks questions in scripture. He does not ask these questions to gain information; He asks these questions for our benefit and to open our eyes to the possibilities. God is always in a teaching mode in His relationship with us. It is a tragedy when we go through the trials of life but do not learn anything from it. The Psalmist paints a stark picture of God’s relationship with Israel when he says they limited God. This word is only used three times in the bible. In this context, it means to draw a line in our lives that allows God to be god only up to that point. God spoke the universe into being, parted the Red Sea, and provided mana in the wilderness. But somehow, we do not believe He can deal with any situation that comes our way. We draw a circle around Him that limits his abilities and powers from doing what He wants to do. In our text, Jesus asks how much food they had to feed the multitude. They report that they ONLY had five loves and two SMALL fish. They add to the report that “it is not enough.” They were placing limits on Him. God’s ability is not limited by our inability to see the full potential of His power if we would only allow him access to what we have. How do we limit God? We do that when we seek a temporary relief rather than a deliverance from our problem. God wants to do more than just pick us up on Sunday; He wants to carry us through all week. We limit God when we judge the present by the past. The man at the pool of Bethesda offered excuses based on what happened in the past. How many of us limit our lives because we cannot believe that things can be different from the past? We limit Him when we see the problem, but not the possibilities. His presence challenges everything. We limit God when we fail to respond to His call. God is never going to ask us to do something that we are incapable of doing. We limit God when we give him our problem but do not take our hands off it and allow Him to have it. As long as we continue to hold onto our trials, God cannot handle them. God often asks questions in scripture. He does not ask these questions to gain information; He asks these questions for our benefit and to open our eyes to the possibilities. God is always in a teaching mode in His relationship with us. It is a tr… Mark Hughes 2956 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21849461/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenyourgodistoosmall/id/3697401.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21849461 When Your God is Too Small Thu, 19 Aug 2021 01:36:00 +0000 Landon Long Tonight we hear from three young men from our Hyphen group. Jonathan Starks, Anthony Carrico, and Malichi Howard speak from their hearts about Perfect Peace, Being a Beacon, and The Call to the Harvest. Tonight we hear from three young men from our Hyphen group. Jonathan Starks, Anthony Carrico, and Malichi Howard speak from their hearts about Perfect Peace, Being a Beacon, and The Call to the Harvest. Tonight we hear from three young men from our Hyphen group. Jonathan Starks, Anthony Carrico, and Malichi Howard speak from their hearts about Perfect Peace, Being a Beacon, and The Call to the Harvest.… Landon Long 2233 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21847832/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_hyphentakeover/id/1104699.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21847832 Hyphen Take Over Thu, 19 Aug 2021 01:36:00 +0000 Landon Long Tonight we hear from three young men from our Hyphen group. Jonathan Starks, Anthony Carrico, and Malichi Howard speak from their hearts about Perfect Peace, Being a Beacon, and The Call to the Harvest. Tonight we hear from three young men from our Hyphen group. Jonathan Starks, Anthony Carrico, and Malichi Howard speak from their hearts about Perfect Peace, Being a Beacon, and The Call to the Harvest. Tonight we hear from three young men from our Hyphen group. Jonathan Starks, Anthony Carrico, and Malichi Howard speak from their hearts about Perfect Peace, Being a Beacon, and The Call to the Harvest.… Landon Long 2233 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21847832/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hyphentakeover/id/3695787.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21847832 Hyphen Take Over Tue, 17 Aug 2021 01:00:33 +0000 Joe Zirpole The bible is clear about the purpose of the devil. He comes to kill and destroy. We are in a spiritual war every day. However, we serve a merciful God who will sound an alarm to alert us of things that come against us. It is up to us to heed these warnings. God is merciful, but we cannot entertain things God regards as bad and expect to emerge unscathed. Apathy in our spirit is a dangerous thing. It opens the door for the enemy to attack. The devil is working overtime to defeat us because no man knows the day or time of the Lord’s return. Because we don’t know the day or time, we too must work overtime to maintain our life living for God. It is time for the people of God to rise up. The bible is clear about the purpose of the devil. He comes to kill and destroy. We are in a spiritual war every day. However, we serve a merciful God who will sound an alarm to alert us of things that come against us. It is up to us to heed these warnings. God is merciful, but we cannot entertain things God regards as bad and expect to emerge unscathed. Apathy in our spirit is a dangerous thing. It opens the door for the enemy to attack. The devil is working overtime to defeat us because no man knows the day or time of the Lord’s return. Because we don’t know the day or time, we too must work overtime to maintain our life living for God. It is time for the people of God to rise up. The bible is clear about the purpose of the devil. He comes to kill and destroy. We are in a spiritual war every day. However, we serve a merciful God who will sound an alarm to alert us of things that come against us. It is up to us to heed these … Joe Zirpole 3555 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21847060/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_letthepeopleofgodriseup/id/1104315.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21847060 Scripture: Genesis 3:14, Genesis 3:19 Tue, 17 Aug 2021 01:00:33 +0000 Joe Zirpole The bible is clear about the purpose of the devil. He comes to kill and destroy. We are in a spiritual war every day. However, we serve a merciful God who will sound an alarm to alert us of things that come against us. It is up to us to heed these warnings. God is merciful, but we cannot entertain things God regards as bad and expect to emerge unscathed. Apathy in our spirit is a dangerous thing. It opens the door for the enemy to attack. The devil is working overtime to defeat us because no man knows the day or time of the Lord’s return. Because we don’t know the day or time, we too must work overtime to maintain our life living for God. It is time for the people of God to rise up. The bible is clear about the purpose of the devil. He comes to kill and destroy. We are in a spiritual war every day. However, we serve a merciful God who will sound an alarm to alert us of things that come against us. It is up to us to heed these warnings. God is merciful, but we cannot entertain things God regards as bad and expect to emerge unscathed. Apathy in our spirit is a dangerous thing. It opens the door for the enemy to attack. The devil is working overtime to defeat us because no man knows the day or time of the Lord’s return. Because we don’t know the day or time, we too must work overtime to maintain our life living for God. It is time for the people of God to rise up. The bible is clear about the purpose of the devil. He comes to kill and destroy. We are in a spiritual war every day. However, we serve a merciful God who will sound an alarm to alert us of things that come against us. It is up to us to heed these … Joe Zirpole 3555 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21847060/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_letthepeopleofgodriseup/id/3695046.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21847060 Scripture: Genesis 3:14, Genesis 3:19 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 20:23:50 +0000 Joe Zirpole We all have hope. But hope is not enough. Hope is a tool to get us to faith. We have to have hope in and for the right things. In our text, the disciples were in the boat rowing against strong winds. They were hoping to get out of the storm, but they had to live through their fear. When in a situation like this, we will put our faith and trust in something. It will either be in God, or it will be in the lies our minds tell us. Everybody is boing to believe something, and we have to make sure we are believing in the word of the Lord. We all have hope. But hope is not enough. Hope is a tool to get us to faith. We have to have hope in and for the right things. In our text, the disciples were in the boat rowing against strong winds. They were hoping to get out of the storm, but they had to live through their fear. When in a situation like this, we will put our faith and trust in something. It will either be in God, or it will be in the lies our minds tell us. Everybody is boing to believe something, and we have to make sure we are believing in the word of the Lord. We all have hope. But hope is not enough. Hope is a tool to get us to faith. We have to have hope in and for the right things. In our text, the disciples were in the boat rowing against strong winds. They were hoping to get out of the storm, but t… Joe Zirpole 3326 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21846312/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_dontmindthewindwaves/id/1103988.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21846312 Scripture: Matthew 14:22-14:33 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 20:23:50 +0000 Joe Zirpole We all have hope. But hope is not enough. Hope is a tool to get us to faith. We have to have hope in and for the right things. In our text, the disciples were in the boat rowing against strong winds. They were hoping to get out of the storm, but they had to live through their fear. When in a situation like this, we will put our faith and trust in something. It will either be in God, or it will be in the lies our minds tell us. Everybody is boing to believe something, and we have to make sure we are believing in the word of the Lord. We all have hope. But hope is not enough. Hope is a tool to get us to faith. We have to have hope in and for the right things. In our text, the disciples were in the boat rowing against strong winds. They were hoping to get out of the storm, but they had to live through their fear. When in a situation like this, we will put our faith and trust in something. It will either be in God, or it will be in the lies our minds tell us. Everybody is boing to believe something, and we have to make sure we are believing in the word of the Lord. We all have hope. But hope is not enough. Hope is a tool to get us to faith. We have to have hope in and for the right things. In our text, the disciples were in the boat rowing against strong winds. They were hoping to get out of the storm, but t… Joe Zirpole 3326 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21846312/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dontmindthewindwaves/id/3694301.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21846312 Scripture: Matthew 14:22-14:33 Mon, 09 Aug 2021 03:25:00 +0000 A. D. Spears Brother Spears describes the seven wonders of Jesus, from the miracle of His birth through the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, and on to today; Jesus is Wonderful: Full of wonder. Brother Spears describes the seven wonders of Jesus, from the miracle of His birth through the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, and on to today; Jesus is Wonderful: Full of wonder. Brother Spears describes the seven wonders of Jesus, from the miracle of His birth through the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, and on to today; Jesus is Wonderful: Full of wonder. … A. D. Spears 4917 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21831168/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_wonderfulfullofwonder/id/1089700.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21831168 Scripture: Isaiah 1:9 Mon, 09 Aug 2021 03:25:00 +0000 A. D. Spears Brother Spears describes the seven wonders of Jesus, from the miracle of His birth through the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, and on to today; Jesus is Wonderful: Full of wonder. Brother Spears describes the seven wonders of Jesus, from the miracle of His birth through the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, and on to today; Jesus is Wonderful: Full of wonder. Brother Spears describes the seven wonders of Jesus, from the miracle of His birth through the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, and on to today; Jesus is Wonderful: Full of wonder. … A. D. Spears 4917 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21831168/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wonderfulfullofwonder/id/3692275.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21831168 Scripture: Isaiah 1:9 Sun, 08 Aug 2021 20:06:38 +0000 A. D. Spears Each of us will encounter the four winds of life. The Bible mentions these four winds at least ten times. Most often, the bible describes these winds as destructive or devastating. The winds are a metaphor for God’s spiritual truth. In our text, God commanded the Angels to hold the winds. This passage refers to the end of the world, but the God who can hold the winds at the end of time can hold the winds that sometimes blow in our lives. How we respond to the four winds in life determines our relationship with God and our salvation. The four winds will blow. We cannot pray or fast enough to escape the four winds in life or a church. Brother Spears describes these four winds and the effects they have on a life and a church. The east wind is irritating. The north wind is destructive. But there is another wind. After we have endured the other winds, the south wind is the wind of restoration and renewal. Each of us will encounter the four winds of life. The Bible mentions these four winds at least ten times. Most often, the bible describes these winds as destructive or devastating. The winds are a metaphor for God’s spiritual truth. In our text, God commanded the Angels to hold the winds. This passage refers to the end of the world, but the God who can hold the winds at the end of time can hold the winds that sometimes blow in our lives. How we respond to the four winds in life determines our relationship with God and our salvation. The four winds will blow. We cannot pray or fast enough to escape the four winds in life or a church. Brother Spears describes these four winds and the effects they have on a life and a church. The east wind is irritating. The north wind is destructive. But there is another wind. After we have endured the other winds, the south wind is the wind of restoration and renewal. Each of us will encounter the four winds of life. The Bible mentions these four winds at least ten times. Most often, the bible describes these winds as destructive or devastating. The winds are a metaphor for God’s spiritual truth. In our text, Go… A. D. Spears 3282 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21830490/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thefourwindsoflife/id/1089401.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21830490 Scripture: Matthew 24:31, Revelation 7:1, Revelation 7:14-7:17 Sun, 08 Aug 2021 20:06:38 +0000 A. D. Spears Each of us will encounter the four winds of life. The Bible mentions these four winds at least ten times. Most often, the bible describes these winds as destructive or devastating. The winds are a metaphor for God’s spiritual truth. In our text, God commanded the Angels to hold the winds. This passage refers to the end of the world, but the God who can hold the winds at the end of time can hold the winds that sometimes blow in our lives. How we respond to the four winds in life determines our relationship with God and our salvation. The four winds will blow. We cannot pray or fast enough to escape the four winds in life or a church. Brother Spears describes these four winds and the effects they have on a life and a church. The east wind is irritating. The north wind is destructive. But there is another wind. After we have endured the other winds, the south wind is the wind of restoration and renewal. Each of us will encounter the four winds of life. The Bible mentions these four winds at least ten times. Most often, the bible describes these winds as destructive or devastating. The winds are a metaphor for God’s spiritual truth. In our text, God commanded the Angels to hold the winds. This passage refers to the end of the world, but the God who can hold the winds at the end of time can hold the winds that sometimes blow in our lives. How we respond to the four winds in life determines our relationship with God and our salvation. The four winds will blow. We cannot pray or fast enough to escape the four winds in life or a church. Brother Spears describes these four winds and the effects they have on a life and a church. The east wind is irritating. The north wind is destructive. But there is another wind. After we have endured the other winds, the south wind is the wind of restoration and renewal. Each of us will encounter the four winds of life. The Bible mentions these four winds at least ten times. Most often, the bible describes these winds as destructive or devastating. The winds are a metaphor for God’s spiritual truth. In our text, Go… A. D. Spears 3282 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21830490/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thefourwindsoflife/id/3691592.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21830490 Scripture: Matthew 24:31, Revelation 7:1, Revelation 7:14-7:17 Mon, 02 Aug 2021 00:57:00 +0000 A. D. Spears What extraordinary things have we seen in our lifetime? Bro. Spears’ father was born in 1905 and went from the introduction of motorcars to the landing on the moon. However, the most significant thing that we can see is the grace of God described in Titus 2:11. Bro. Spears shares the story of how his family came to God, and it all began with one touch of God while standing in their front yard raking leaves. What extraordinary things have we seen in our lifetime? Bro. Spears’ father was born in 1905 and went from the introduction of motorcars to the landing on the moon. However, the most significant thing that we can see is the grace of God described in Titus 2:11. Bro. Spears shares the story of how his family came to God, and it all began with one touch of God while standing in their front yard raking leaves. What extraordinary things have we seen in our lifetime? Bro. Spears’ father was born in 1905 and went from the introduction of motorcars to the landing on the moon. However, the most significant thing that we can see is the grace of God described in T… A. D. Spears 2726 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21827760/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_onetouch/id/1087826.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21827760 Scripture: Titus 2:11 Mon, 02 Aug 2021 00:57:00 +0000 A. D. Spears What extraordinary things have we seen in our lifetime? Bro. Spears’ father was born in 1905 and went from the introduction of motorcars to the landing on the moon. However, the most significant thing that we can see is the grace of God described in Titus 2:11. Bro. Spears shares the story of how his family came to God, and it all began with one touch of God while standing in their front yard raking leaves. What extraordinary things have we seen in our lifetime? Bro. Spears’ father was born in 1905 and went from the introduction of motorcars to the landing on the moon. However, the most significant thing that we can see is the grace of God described in Titus 2:11. Bro. Spears shares the story of how his family came to God, and it all began with one touch of God while standing in their front yard raking leaves. What extraordinary things have we seen in our lifetime? Bro. Spears’ father was born in 1905 and went from the introduction of motorcars to the landing on the moon. However, the most significant thing that we can see is the grace of God described in T… A. D. Spears 2726 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21827760/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_onetouch/id/3689271.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21827760 Scripture: Titus 2:11 Thu, 29 Jul 2021 02:59:32 +0000 Kenneth Baker Rev. Ryan Peden Broken Prayers At times we can feel broken. God uses our brokenness. Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Moses all experienced brokenness and placed themselves in submission to God. In each case, God heard the prayers of these broken men and used them to serve His purpose. God can use broken people to create something beautiful. Rev. Thomas McConathy Shout For The City Bro. McConathy uses the story of the fall of Jerico to illustrate and challenge us to take back our city. Rev. Ryan Peden Broken Prayers At times we can feel broken. God uses our brokenness. Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Moses all experienced brokenness and placed themselves in submission to God. In each case, God heard the prayers of these broken men and used them to serve His purpose. God can use broken people to create something beautiful. Rev. Thomas McConathy Shout For The City Bro. McConathy uses the story of the fall of Jerico to illustrate and challenge us to take back our city. Rev. Ryan Peden Broken Prayers At times we can feel broken. God uses our brokenness. Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Moses all experienced brokenness and placed themselves in submission to God. In each case, God heard the prayers of these broken men and u… Kenneth Baker 2687 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21825193/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_specialmidweekservicerevryanpe/id/1086244.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21825193 Special Midweek Service: Rev. Ryan Peden and Rev. Thomas McConathy Thu, 29 Jul 2021 02:59:32 +0000 Kenneth Baker Rev. Ryan Peden Broken Prayers At times we can feel broken. God uses our brokenness. Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Moses all experienced brokenness and placed themselves in submission to God. In each case, God heard the prayers of these broken men and used them to serve His purpose. God can use broken people to create something beautiful. Rev. Thomas McConathy Shout For The City Bro. McConathy uses the story of the fall of Jerico to illustrate and challenge us to take back our city. Rev. Ryan Peden Broken Prayers At times we can feel broken. God uses our brokenness. Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Moses all experienced brokenness and placed themselves in submission to God. In each case, God heard the prayers of these broken men and used them to serve His purpose. God can use broken people to create something beautiful. Rev. Thomas McConathy Shout For The City Bro. McConathy uses the story of the fall of Jerico to illustrate and challenge us to take back our city. Rev. Ryan Peden Broken Prayers At times we can feel broken. God uses our brokenness. Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Moses all experienced brokenness and placed themselves in submission to God. In each case, God heard the prayers of these broken men and u… Kenneth Baker 2687 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21825193/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_specialmidweekservicerevryanpe/id/3686741.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21825193 Special Midweek Service: Rev. Ryan Peden and Rev. Thomas McConathy Mon, 26 Jul 2021 03:06:00 +0000 James Wilson Brother James Wilson joins us this morning to minister in song and a word from the Lord. Brother James Wilson joins us this morning to minister in song and a word from the Lord. Brother James Wilson joins us this morning to minister in song and a word from the Lord.… James Wilson 4180 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21824608/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_homeiswherethehelpis/id/1085940.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21824608 Scripture: Deuteronomy 33:26 Mon, 26 Jul 2021 03:06:00 +0000 James Wilson Brother James Wilson joins us this morning to minister in song and a word from the Lord. Brother James Wilson joins us this morning to minister in song and a word from the Lord. Brother James Wilson joins us this morning to minister in song and a word from the Lord.… James Wilson 4180 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21824608/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_homeiswherethehelpis/id/3686189.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21824608 Scripture: Deuteronomy 33:26 Mon, 19 Jul 2021 02:00:00 +0000 Landon Long Most of the time, we know what to say to console someone going through a struggle. We know that when we are weak, He is strong. We know not to grow wearing in doing well. We know that we are on the winning side. But there are times when even with all we know, we find ourselves feeling hopeless. We are often our own worst critics. Even though we know that God is for us, we look at our limitations and shortcomings and question if He will see us through. If we are not careful, we will spend so much time looking at what we do not have and lose sight of what we have. In our text, Peter could have dwelt on the fact that he did not have any money. Instead, he remembered WHO he had. Peter knew what he had, and he knew enough to use it. Peter did not have what the man asked for, but he offered what he had, which was much more valuable. Most of the time, we know what to say to console someone going through a struggle. We know that when we are weak, He is strong. We know not to grow wearing in doing well. We know that we are on the winning side. But there are times when even with all we know, we find ourselves feeling hopeless. We are often our own worst critics. Even though we know that God is for us, we look at our limitations and shortcomings and question if He will see us through. If we are not careful, we will spend so much time looking at what we do not have and lose sight of what we have. In our text, Peter could have dwelt on the fact that he did not have any money. Instead, he remembered WHO he had. Peter knew what he had, and he knew enough to use it. Peter did not have what the man asked for, but he offered what he had, which was much more valuable. Most of the time, we know what to say to console someone going through a struggle. We know that when we are weak, He is strong. We know not to grow wearing in doing well. We know that we are on the winning side. But there are times when even with a… Landon Long 2756 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21821913/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whatihaveiwillgive/id/1084259.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21821913 Scripture: Acts 3:31-3:42 Mon, 19 Jul 2021 02:00:00 +0000 Landon Long Most of the time, we know what to say to console someone going through a struggle. We know that when we are weak, He is strong. We know not to grow wearing in doing well. We know that we are on the winning side. But there are times when even with all we know, we find ourselves feeling hopeless. We are often our own worst critics. Even though we know that God is for us, we look at our limitations and shortcomings and question if He will see us through. If we are not careful, we will spend so much time looking at what we do not have and lose sight of what we have. In our text, Peter could have dwelt on the fact that he did not have any money. Instead, he remembered WHO he had. Peter knew what he had, and he knew enough to use it. Peter did not have what the man asked for, but he offered what he had, which was much more valuable. Most of the time, we know what to say to console someone going through a struggle. We know that when we are weak, He is strong. We know not to grow wearing in doing well. We know that we are on the winning side. But there are times when even with all we know, we find ourselves feeling hopeless. We are often our own worst critics. Even though we know that God is for us, we look at our limitations and shortcomings and question if He will see us through. If we are not careful, we will spend so much time looking at what we do not have and lose sight of what we have. In our text, Peter could have dwelt on the fact that he did not have any money. Instead, he remembered WHO he had. Peter knew what he had, and he knew enough to use it. Peter did not have what the man asked for, but he offered what he had, which was much more valuable. Most of the time, we know what to say to console someone going through a struggle. We know that when we are weak, He is strong. We know not to grow wearing in doing well. We know that we are on the winning side. But there are times when even with a… Landon Long 2756 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21821913/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatihaveiwillgive/id/3683594.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21821913 Scripture: Acts 3:31-3:42 Sun, 18 Jul 2021 18:45:58 +0000 Mark Hughes The message played out in our text today is overwhelming in its simplicity. In five short verses, we see such a clear picture of the scene. Jesus is on his way to Jerelusum, where He will eventually be crucified. He stops by Martha’s home in Bethany for what will be the last time. Martha busied herself with things to provide for her guests while Jesus ministers to the others in the house. At some point, Martha realizes that her sister, Mary, is not helping, but sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening. Her temper gets the best of her, and she approaches Jesus to rebuke Mary and tell her to help. Instead of a rebuke of her sister, she receives one herself. Martha was busy with many things, but she missed the main something occurring in her home. She was more caught up in serving Jesus than she was in pleasing Him. We can get so caught up in doing that we forget about pleasing Him. While focusing on important things, Martha was distracted from the most important thing. We, too, can lose focus as we strive to do good works in the Kingdom of God. Often we have to stop and evaluate ourselves to make sure we are focusing on the essential thing and not just the important things. The message played out in our text today is overwhelming in its simplicity. In five short verses, we see such a clear picture of the scene. Jesus is on his way to Jerelusum, where He will eventually be crucified. He stops by Martha’s home in Bethany for what will be the last time. Martha busied herself with things to provide for her guests while Jesus ministers to the others in the house. At some point, Martha realizes that her sister, Mary, is not helping, but sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening. Her temper gets the best of her, and she approaches Jesus to rebuke Mary and tell her to help. Instead of a rebuke of her sister, she receives one herself. Martha was busy with many things, but she missed the main something occurring in her home. She was more caught up in serving Jesus than she was in pleasing Him. We can get so caught up in doing that we forget about pleasing Him. While focusing on important things, Martha was distracted from the most important thing. We, too, can lose focus as we strive to do good works in the Kingdom of God. Often we have to stop and evaluate ourselves to make sure we are focusing on the essential thing and not just the important things. The message played out in our text today is overwhelming in its simplicity. In five short verses, we see such a clear picture of the scene. Jesus is on his way to Jerelusum, where He will eventually be crucified. He stops by Martha’s home in Bethany … Mark Hughes 2813 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21820830/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theperilsofthedistractedlife/id/1083832.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21820830 Scripture: Luke 10:38-10:42 Sun, 18 Jul 2021 18:45:58 +0000 Mark Hughes The message played out in our text today is overwhelming in its simplicity. In five short verses, we see such a clear picture of the scene. Jesus is on his way to Jerelusum, where He will eventually be crucified. He stops by Martha’s home in Bethany for what will be the last time. Martha busied herself with things to provide for her guests while Jesus ministers to the others in the house. At some point, Martha realizes that her sister, Mary, is not helping, but sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening. Her temper gets the best of her, and she approaches Jesus to rebuke Mary and tell her to help. Instead of a rebuke of her sister, she receives one herself. Martha was busy with many things, but she missed the main something occurring in her home. She was more caught up in serving Jesus than she was in pleasing Him. We can get so caught up in doing that we forget about pleasing Him. While focusing on important things, Martha was distracted from the most important thing. We, too, can lose focus as we strive to do good works in the Kingdom of God. Often we have to stop and evaluate ourselves to make sure we are focusing on the essential thing and not just the important things. The message played out in our text today is overwhelming in its simplicity. In five short verses, we see such a clear picture of the scene. Jesus is on his way to Jerelusum, where He will eventually be crucified. He stops by Martha’s home in Bethany for what will be the last time. Martha busied herself with things to provide for her guests while Jesus ministers to the others in the house. At some point, Martha realizes that her sister, Mary, is not helping, but sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening. Her temper gets the best of her, and she approaches Jesus to rebuke Mary and tell her to help. Instead of a rebuke of her sister, she receives one herself. Martha was busy with many things, but she missed the main something occurring in her home. She was more caught up in serving Jesus than she was in pleasing Him. We can get so caught up in doing that we forget about pleasing Him. While focusing on important things, Martha was distracted from the most important thing. We, too, can lose focus as we strive to do good works in the Kingdom of God. Often we have to stop and evaluate ourselves to make sure we are focusing on the essential thing and not just the important things. The message played out in our text today is overwhelming in its simplicity. In five short verses, we see such a clear picture of the scene. Jesus is on his way to Jerelusum, where He will eventually be crucified. He stops by Martha’s home in Bethany … Mark Hughes 2813 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21820830/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theperilsofthedistractedlife/id/3682556.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21820830 Scripture: Luke 10:38-10:42 Sun, 11 Jul 2021 20:42:13 +0000 Mark Hughes Today we receive testimonies from several of our Silver Tones about their path to living for God and the enormous impact it has had on their lives. Today we receive testimonies from several of our Silver Tones about their path to living for God and the enormous impact it has had on their lives. Today we receive testimonies from several of our Silver Tones about their path to living for God and the enormous impact it has had on their lives.… Mark Hughes 3649 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21817924/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_silvertonesunday/id/1082005.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21817924 Silver Tone Sunday Sun, 11 Jul 2021 20:42:13 +0000 Mark Hughes Today we receive testimonies from several of our Silver Tones about their path to living for God and the enormous impact it has had on their lives. Today we receive testimonies from several of our Silver Tones about their path to living for God and the enormous impact it has had on their lives. Today we receive testimonies from several of our Silver Tones about their path to living for God and the enormous impact it has had on their lives.… Mark Hughes 3649 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21817924/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_silvertonesunday/id/3679689.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21817924 Silver Tone Sunday Sun, 04 Jul 2021 19:07:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The book of Revelation depicts a glorious and joyful sound that began eons ago, concluding a new song. What is revealed in Revelation is a widening circle of praise. The end of time is not a funeral, but a wedding; not a time of mourning, but a time of celebration. It is the celebration of the triumph of righteousness over evil. The song spoken of in Revelation is our song, and our song will meld with His song. Our song might sound inadequate right now, but our song will blend with His and be elevated to a victory on that day. The book of Revelation depicts a glorious and joyful sound that began eons ago, concluding a new song. What is revealed in Revelation is a widening circle of praise. The end of time is not a funeral, but a wedding; not a time of mourning, but a time of celebration. It is the celebration of the triumph of righteousness over evil. The song spoken of in Revelation is our song, and our song will meld with His song. Our song might sound inadequate right now, but our song will blend with His and be elevated to a victory on that day. The book of Revelation depicts a glorious and joyful sound that began eons ago, concluding a new song. What is revealed in Revelation is a widening circle of praise. The end of time is not a funeral, but a wedding; not a time of mourning, but a time … Mark Hughes 2350 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21815283/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_freedomsgrandestsong/id/1080385.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21815283 Scripture: Revelation 5:1-5:4 Sun, 04 Jul 2021 19:07:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The book of Revelation depicts a glorious and joyful sound that began eons ago, concluding a new song. What is revealed in Revelation is a widening circle of praise. The end of time is not a funeral, but a wedding; not a time of mourning, but a time of celebration. It is the celebration of the triumph of righteousness over evil. The song spoken of in Revelation is our song, and our song will meld with His song. Our song might sound inadequate right now, but our song will blend with His and be elevated to a victory on that day. The book of Revelation depicts a glorious and joyful sound that began eons ago, concluding a new song. What is revealed in Revelation is a widening circle of praise. The end of time is not a funeral, but a wedding; not a time of mourning, but a time of celebration. It is the celebration of the triumph of righteousness over evil. The song spoken of in Revelation is our song, and our song will meld with His song. Our song might sound inadequate right now, but our song will blend with His and be elevated to a victory on that day. The book of Revelation depicts a glorious and joyful sound that began eons ago, concluding a new song. What is revealed in Revelation is a widening circle of praise. The end of time is not a funeral, but a wedding; not a time of mourning, but a time … Mark Hughes 2350 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21815283/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_freedomsgrandestsong/id/3677136.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21815283 Scripture: Revelation 5:1-5:4 Tue, 29 Jun 2021 01:31:55 +0000 Landon Long Our text mentions war and rumors of war. Humanity’s history chronicles many conflicts between nations and people. As Christians, we are also at war in the spiritual sense. God’s people are under attack. Our world tries to dismiss, marginalize, and malign God’s people. We must be prepared to respond to this spiritual war. The bible declares that we must put on the whole armor of God for this fight. Our fight begins on our knees in a prayer closet. It is not enough that we continue to do the work of God. While works are good, we must defend ourselves from the attacks that will come because of our work. More than that, we must band together to protect our brothers and sisters as they go about their work. Pray for each other as we go about the work. Keep watch and head off the enemy in prayer when we see our brethren in danger. Our text mentions war and rumors of war. Humanity’s history chronicles many conflicts between nations and people. As Christians, we are also at war in the spiritual sense. God’s people are under attack. Our world tries to dismiss, marginalize, and malign God’s people. We must be prepared to respond to this spiritual war. The bible declares that we must put on the whole armor of God for this fight. Our fight begins on our knees in a prayer closet. It is not enough that we continue to do the work of God. While works are good, we must defend ourselves from the attacks that will come because of our work. More than that, we must band together to protect our brothers and sisters as they go about their work. Pray for each other as we go about the work. Keep watch and head off the enemy in prayer when we see our brethren in danger. Our text mentions war and rumors of war. Humanity’s history chronicles many conflicts between nations and people. As Christians, we are also at war in the spiritual sense. God’s people are under attack. Our world tries to dismiss, marginalize, and mal… Landon Long 2596 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21812575/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_letsputtherumorstorest/id/1078719.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21812575 Scripture: Matthew 24:3-24:6, Ephesians 6:13-6:14 Tue, 29 Jun 2021 01:31:55 +0000 Landon Long Our text mentions war and rumors of war. Humanity’s history chronicles many conflicts between nations and people. As Christians, we are also at war in the spiritual sense. God’s people are under attack. Our world tries to dismiss, marginalize, and malign God’s people. We must be prepared to respond to this spiritual war. The bible declares that we must put on the whole armor of God for this fight. Our fight begins on our knees in a prayer closet. It is not enough that we continue to do the work of God. While works are good, we must defend ourselves from the attacks that will come because of our work. More than that, we must band together to protect our brothers and sisters as they go about their work. Pray for each other as we go about the work. Keep watch and head off the enemy in prayer when we see our brethren in danger. Our text mentions war and rumors of war. Humanity’s history chronicles many conflicts between nations and people. As Christians, we are also at war in the spiritual sense. God’s people are under attack. Our world tries to dismiss, marginalize, and malign God’s people. We must be prepared to respond to this spiritual war. The bible declares that we must put on the whole armor of God for this fight. Our fight begins on our knees in a prayer closet. It is not enough that we continue to do the work of God. While works are good, we must defend ourselves from the attacks that will come because of our work. More than that, we must band together to protect our brothers and sisters as they go about their work. Pray for each other as we go about the work. Keep watch and head off the enemy in prayer when we see our brethren in danger. Our text mentions war and rumors of war. Humanity’s history chronicles many conflicts between nations and people. As Christians, we are also at war in the spiritual sense. God’s people are under attack. Our world tries to dismiss, marginalize, and mal… Landon Long 2596 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21812575/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_letsputtherumorstorest/id/3674497.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21812575 Scripture: Matthew 24:3-24:6, Ephesians 6:13-6:14 Sun, 27 Jun 2021 20:14:22 +0000 Mark Hughes The stories from our two texts today are very similar. Both men had infirmities and Jesus asked both of them a question: Will thou be made whole? On the surface, that question seems undeeded. John gives us the insight that Jesus knew the entire story of both of these men. If Jesus knew what the problem was, undoubtedly He would know that the men wanted help. For the blind man and the man by the pool of Bethesda, the Lord knew their problem but it doesn’t matter what God knows about our situation. What matters is what we come to know. All of God’s knowledge cannot change our mindset. For anything to happen to these men, something had to happen inside them. The man by the pool had lived with his problem for thirty-eight years. He had put himself in place to get help. Somehow, in the thirty-eight years of trying, he never got the help he needed. This man sat in the shadow of possibilities for so long, waiting on his opportunity. How is that possible? Somewhere along the line, this man shifted his focus from the thing he needed to something else. When Jesus asked him if he wanted to be healed, he answered that he did not have help. Some people are still dealing with problems in life because they have become accustomed to them. Jesus did not ask him if he wanted to be made whole to irritate him or to embarrass him. Jesus didn’t ask to learn because He knew the answer. Jesus asked the question to awaken something, to cause him to realize something. Jesus asked the question to revive the spirit of expectation. Expectation is different from hope. Hope is optimistic, but expectation is a sureness that something will come to pass. Expectation is the key to what we need and desire. When we can see from God’s previous work, we have a promise of it to happen again. The key to change is not what God knows but what God can get us to realize about ourselves. The stories from our two texts today are very similar. Both men had infirmities and Jesus asked both of them a question: Will thou be made whole? On the surface, that question seems undeeded. John gives us the insight that Jesus knew the entire story of both of these men. If Jesus knew what the problem was, undoubtedly He would know that the men wanted help. For the blind man and the man by the pool of Bethesda, the Lord knew their problem but it doesn’t matter what God knows about our situation. What matters is what we come to know. All of God’s knowledge cannot change our mindset. For anything to happen to these men, something had to happen inside them. The man by the pool had lived with his problem for thirty-eight years. He had put himself in place to get help. Somehow, in the thirty-eight years of trying, he never got the help he needed. This man sat in the shadow of possibilities for so long, waiting on his opportunity. How is that possible? Somewhere along the line, this man shifted his focus from the thing he needed to something else. When Jesus asked him if he wanted to be healed, he answered that he did not have help. Some people are still dealing with problems in life because they have become accustomed to them. Jesus did not ask him if he wanted to be made whole to irritate him or to embarrass him. Jesus didn’t ask to learn because He knew the answer. Jesus asked the question to awaken something, to cause him to realize something. Jesus asked the question to revive the spirit of expectation. Expectation is different from hope. Hope is optimistic, but expectation is a sureness that something will come to pass. Expectation is the key to what we need and desire. When we can see from God’s previous work, we have a promise of it to happen again. The key to change is not what God knows but what God can get us to realize about ourselves. The stories from our two texts today are very similar. Both men had infirmities and Jesus asked both of them a question: Will thou be made whole? On the surface, that question seems undeeded. John gives us the insight that Jesus knew the entire sto… Mark Hughes 2527 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21811092/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thekeytoyourchange/id/1077807.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21811092 The Key To Your Change Sun, 27 Jun 2021 20:14:22 +0000 Mark Hughes The stories from our two texts today are very similar. Both men had infirmities and Jesus asked both of them a question: Will thou be made whole? On the surface, that question seems undeeded. John gives us the insight that Jesus knew the entire story of both of these men. If Jesus knew what the problem was, undoubtedly He would know that the men wanted help. For the blind man and the man by the pool of Bethesda, the Lord knew their problem but it doesn’t matter what God knows about our situation. What matters is what we come to know. All of God’s knowledge cannot change our mindset. For anything to happen to these men, something had to happen inside them. The man by the pool had lived with his problem for thirty-eight years. He had put himself in place to get help. Somehow, in the thirty-eight years of trying, he never got the help he needed. This man sat in the shadow of possibilities for so long, waiting on his opportunity. How is that possible? Somewhere along the line, this man shifted his focus from the thing he needed to something else. When Jesus asked him if he wanted to be healed, he answered that he did not have help. Some people are still dealing with problems in life because they have become accustomed to them. Jesus did not ask him if he wanted to be made whole to irritate him or to embarrass him. Jesus didn’t ask to learn because He knew the answer. Jesus asked the question to awaken something, to cause him to realize something. Jesus asked the question to revive the spirit of expectation. Expectation is different from hope. Hope is optimistic, but expectation is a sureness that something will come to pass. Expectation is the key to what we need and desire. When we can see from God’s previous work, we have a promise of it to happen again. The key to change is not what God knows but what God can get us to realize about ourselves. The stories from our two texts today are very similar. Both men had infirmities and Jesus asked both of them a question: Will thou be made whole? On the surface, that question seems undeeded. John gives us the insight that Jesus knew the entire story of both of these men. If Jesus knew what the problem was, undoubtedly He would know that the men wanted help. For the blind man and the man by the pool of Bethesda, the Lord knew their problem but it doesn’t matter what God knows about our situation. What matters is what we come to know. All of God’s knowledge cannot change our mindset. For anything to happen to these men, something had to happen inside them. The man by the pool had lived with his problem for thirty-eight years. He had put himself in place to get help. Somehow, in the thirty-eight years of trying, he never got the help he needed. This man sat in the shadow of possibilities for so long, waiting on his opportunity. How is that possible? Somewhere along the line, this man shifted his focus from the thing he needed to something else. When Jesus asked him if he wanted to be healed, he answered that he did not have help. Some people are still dealing with problems in life because they have become accustomed to them. Jesus did not ask him if he wanted to be made whole to irritate him or to embarrass him. Jesus didn’t ask to learn because He knew the answer. Jesus asked the question to awaken something, to cause him to realize something. Jesus asked the question to revive the spirit of expectation. Expectation is different from hope. Hope is optimistic, but expectation is a sureness that something will come to pass. Expectation is the key to what we need and desire. When we can see from God’s previous work, we have a promise of it to happen again. The key to change is not what God knows but what God can get us to realize about ourselves. The stories from our two texts today are very similar. Both men had infirmities and Jesus asked both of them a question: Will thou be made whole? On the surface, that question seems undeeded. John gives us the insight that Jesus knew the entire sto… Mark Hughes 2527 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21811092/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thekeytoyourchange/id/3673844.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21811092 The Key To Your Change Thu, 24 Jun 2021 02:39:22 +0000 Greg Starks Tonight we close out our Elements series with Bro. Starks teaching on Holy Hearts Tonight we close out our Elements series with Bro. Starks teaching on Holy Hearts Tonight we close out our Elements series with Bro. Starks teaching on Holy Hearts… Greg Starks 2759 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21809132/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_holyhearts/id/1076287.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21809132 Scripture: John 11:44, Series: Elements Part#22 Thu, 24 Jun 2021 02:39:22 +0000 Greg Starks Tonight we close out our Elements series with Bro. Starks teaching on Holy Hearts Tonight we close out our Elements series with Bro. Starks teaching on Holy Hearts Tonight we close out our Elements series with Bro. Starks teaching on Holy Hearts… Greg Starks 2759 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21809132/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_holyhearts/id/3672025.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21809132 Scripture: John 11:44, Series: Elements Part#22 Mon, 21 Jun 2021 22:30:53 +0000 Mark Hughes Our scripture texts this morning lament the lack of Godly men. Three different men, at three different times in history, and in three different cultural settings all experienced the same feeling of sorrow. What did David, Isiah and Mical all see that brought them to this place of desperation? It was the scarcity of Godly men in their cultures. These men realized that the greatest threats to their societies were not the famine or danger of enemy attack but the loss of good, Godly men. When Godly men are pushed to the side and marginalized in a culture, that culture begins to decline. We only read the beginning of Micah 7, but the rest of the chapter paints a bleak picture of what happens when a society loses their good, Godly men. The men did not disappear, so what happened? The man was there, but his value and worth were diminished. Their culture neutralized good men. On this Father’s Day 2021, Brother Hughes admonishes us to stand up to protect the vanishing man. Our scripture texts this morning lament the lack of Godly men. Three different men, at three different times in history, and in three different cultural settings all experienced the same feeling of sorrow. What did David, Isiah and Mical all see that brought them to this place of desperation? It was the scarcity of Godly men in their cultures. These men realized that the greatest threats to their societies were not the famine or danger of enemy attack but the loss of good, Godly men. When Godly men are pushed to the side and marginalized in a culture, that culture begins to decline. We only read the beginning of Micah 7, but the rest of the chapter paints a bleak picture of what happens when a society loses their good, Godly men. The men did not disappear, so what happened? The man was there, but his value and worth were diminished. Their culture neutralized good men. On this Father’s Day 2021, Brother Hughes admonishes us to stand up to protect the vanishing man. Our scripture texts this morning lament the lack of Godly men. Three different men, at three different times in history, and in three different cultural settings all experienced the same feeling of sorrow. What did David, Isiah and Mical all see that… Mark Hughes 2275 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21808511/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thevanishingman/id/1075964.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21808511 Scripture: Psalms 12:1, Isaiah 57:1, Micah 7:1-7:2 Mon, 21 Jun 2021 22:30:53 +0000 Mark Hughes Our scripture texts this morning lament the lack of Godly men. Three different men, at three different times in history, and in three different cultural settings all experienced the same feeling of sorrow. What did David, Isiah and Mical all see that brought them to this place of desperation? It was the scarcity of Godly men in their cultures. These men realized that the greatest threats to their societies were not the famine or danger of enemy attack but the loss of good, Godly men. When Godly men are pushed to the side and marginalized in a culture, that culture begins to decline. We only read the beginning of Micah 7, but the rest of the chapter paints a bleak picture of what happens when a society loses their good, Godly men. The men did not disappear, so what happened? The man was there, but his value and worth were diminished. Their culture neutralized good men. On this Father’s Day 2021, Brother Hughes admonishes us to stand up to protect the vanishing man. Our scripture texts this morning lament the lack of Godly men. Three different men, at three different times in history, and in three different cultural settings all experienced the same feeling of sorrow. What did David, Isiah and Mical all see that brought them to this place of desperation? It was the scarcity of Godly men in their cultures. These men realized that the greatest threats to their societies were not the famine or danger of enemy attack but the loss of good, Godly men. When Godly men are pushed to the side and marginalized in a culture, that culture begins to decline. We only read the beginning of Micah 7, but the rest of the chapter paints a bleak picture of what happens when a society loses their good, Godly men. The men did not disappear, so what happened? The man was there, but his value and worth were diminished. Their culture neutralized good men. On this Father’s Day 2021, Brother Hughes admonishes us to stand up to protect the vanishing man. Our scripture texts this morning lament the lack of Godly men. Three different men, at three different times in history, and in three different cultural settings all experienced the same feeling of sorrow. What did David, Isiah and Mical all see that… Mark Hughes 2275 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21808511/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thevanishingman/id/3671427.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21808511 Scripture: Psalms 12:1, Isaiah 57:1, Micah 7:1-7:2 Thu, 17 Jun 2021 03:36:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The way we live our lives and the priorities we have in life should reflect and magnify God. Our praise is the words that we speak or sing in church and the life that we live and demonstrate to others every day. Our life should become a mirror of Him. To do this, we pursue Him and strive to be like Him. As we do this, we change who we are and how we live. The bible says we put off the old man. To draw closer to God, we have to lay aside the things that do not look like Him. The bible says we are a peculiar people. Peculiar does not mean odd or strange but set apart. God has set His people apart for a reason. That reason is so that we can reflect Him in the world and draw the lost to Him by demonstrating His love for all humanity. The way we live our lives and the priorities we have in life should reflect and magnify God. Our praise is the words that we speak or sing in church and the life that we live and demonstrate to others every day. Our life should become a mirror of Him. To do this, we pursue Him and strive to be like Him. As we do this, we change who we are and how we live. The bible says we put off the old man. To draw closer to God, we have to lay aside the things that do not look like Him. The bible says we are a peculiar people. Peculiar does not mean odd or strange but set apart. God has set His people apart for a reason. That reason is so that we can reflect Him in the world and draw the lost to Him by demonstrating His love for all humanity. The way we live our lives and the priorities we have in life should reflect and magnify God. Our praise is the words that we speak or sing in church and the life that we live and demonstrate to others every day. Our life should become a mirror of Him… Mark Hughes 4231 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21806095/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_separatedforapurpose/id/1074441.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21806095 Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17-5:20, Ephesians 1:9-1:10, Romans 6:20-6:22, 1 Thessalonians 4:7-4:8, Colossians 3:12-3:17, 1 Peter 2:1-2:9, Series: Elements Part#21 Thu, 17 Jun 2021 03:36:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The way we live our lives and the priorities we have in life should reflect and magnify God. Our praise is the words that we speak or sing in church and the life that we live and demonstrate to others every day. Our life should become a mirror of Him. To do this, we pursue Him and strive to be like Him. As we do this, we change who we are and how we live. The bible says we put off the old man. To draw closer to God, we have to lay aside the things that do not look like Him. The bible says we are a peculiar people. Peculiar does not mean odd or strange but set apart. God has set His people apart for a reason. That reason is so that we can reflect Him in the world and draw the lost to Him by demonstrating His love for all humanity. The way we live our lives and the priorities we have in life should reflect and magnify God. Our praise is the words that we speak or sing in church and the life that we live and demonstrate to others every day. Our life should become a mirror of Him. To do this, we pursue Him and strive to be like Him. As we do this, we change who we are and how we live. The bible says we put off the old man. To draw closer to God, we have to lay aside the things that do not look like Him. The bible says we are a peculiar people. Peculiar does not mean odd or strange but set apart. God has set His people apart for a reason. That reason is so that we can reflect Him in the world and draw the lost to Him by demonstrating His love for all humanity. The way we live our lives and the priorities we have in life should reflect and magnify God. Our praise is the words that we speak or sing in church and the life that we live and demonstrate to others every day. Our life should become a mirror of Him… Mark Hughes 4231 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21806095/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_separatedforapurpose/id/3669073.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21806095 Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17-5:20, Ephesians 1:9-1:10, Romans 6:20-6:22, 1 Thessalonians 4:7-4:8, Colossians 3:12-3:17, 1 Peter 2:1-2:9, Series: Elements Part#21 Mon, 14 Jun 2021 22:58:37 +0000 Landon Long Our text tonight depicts the relationship between the prophet Elijah and his protege Elisha. As they stand on the banks of the Jordan, Elijah parts the waters with his mantel and the two walk across on dry land. As they journey, Elijah asks what he could do for Elisha as his time on earth was drawing to a close. Elisha asks for a double apportion of the anointing that Elijah had. Elijah tells him that “if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee” As they continued their journey, it came to pass that Elisha did see Elijah as he was take up. Elisha went back to the Jordan and parted the water just as he had seen Elija do because he knew the mantel worked there. He had seen it before and knew that it worked. If God did it then, he will do it now. Many of us serve as Elijahs to a new generation. There are a lot of Elishas who want to see it for themselves. God is no respecter of persons, and if He did it before, He will do it again. If He healed then, He will heal now. If He delivered then, He will deliver now. God is still able. We have seen Him work before, and we will see Him work again. Our text tonight depicts the relationship between the prophet Elijah and his protege Elisha. As they stand on the banks of the Jordan, Elijah parts the waters with his mantel and the two walk across on dry land. As they journey, Elijah asks what he could do for Elisha as his time on earth was drawing to a close. Elisha asks for a double apportion of the anointing that Elijah had. Elijah tells him that “if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee” As they continued their journey, it came to pass that Elisha did see Elijah as he was take up. Elisha went back to the Jordan and parted the water just as he had seen Elija do because he knew the mantel worked there. He had seen it before and knew that it worked. If God did it then, he will do it now. Many of us serve as Elijahs to a new generation. There are a lot of Elishas who want to see it for themselves. God is no respecter of persons, and if He did it before, He will do it again. If He healed then, He will heal now. If He delivered then, He will deliver now. God is still able. We have seen Him work before, and we will see Him work again. Our text tonight depicts the relationship between the prophet Elijah and his protege Elisha. As they stand on the banks of the Jordan, Elijah parts the waters with his mantel and the two walk across on dry land. As they journey, Elijah asks what he c… Landon Long 2326 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21805485/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_iknowthisworks/id/1074131.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21805485 Scripture: 2 Kings 2:7-2:13 Mon, 14 Jun 2021 22:58:37 +0000 Landon Long Our text tonight depicts the relationship between the prophet Elijah and his protege Elisha. As they stand on the banks of the Jordan, Elijah parts the waters with his mantel and the two walk across on dry land. As they journey, Elijah asks what he could do for Elisha as his time on earth was drawing to a close. Elisha asks for a double apportion of the anointing that Elijah had. Elijah tells him that “if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee” As they continued their journey, it came to pass that Elisha did see Elijah as he was take up. Elisha went back to the Jordan and parted the water just as he had seen Elija do because he knew the mantel worked there. He had seen it before and knew that it worked. If God did it then, he will do it now. Many of us serve as Elijahs to a new generation. There are a lot of Elishas who want to see it for themselves. God is no respecter of persons, and if He did it before, He will do it again. If He healed then, He will heal now. If He delivered then, He will deliver now. God is still able. We have seen Him work before, and we will see Him work again. Our text tonight depicts the relationship between the prophet Elijah and his protege Elisha. As they stand on the banks of the Jordan, Elijah parts the waters with his mantel and the two walk across on dry land. As they journey, Elijah asks what he could do for Elisha as his time on earth was drawing to a close. Elisha asks for a double apportion of the anointing that Elijah had. Elijah tells him that “if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee” As they continued their journey, it came to pass that Elisha did see Elijah as he was take up. Elisha went back to the Jordan and parted the water just as he had seen Elija do because he knew the mantel worked there. He had seen it before and knew that it worked. If God did it then, he will do it now. Many of us serve as Elijahs to a new generation. There are a lot of Elishas who want to see it for themselves. God is no respecter of persons, and if He did it before, He will do it again. If He healed then, He will heal now. If He delivered then, He will deliver now. God is still able. We have seen Him work before, and we will see Him work again. Our text tonight depicts the relationship between the prophet Elijah and his protege Elisha. As they stand on the banks of the Jordan, Elijah parts the waters with his mantel and the two walk across on dry land. As they journey, Elijah asks what he c… Landon Long 2326 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21805485/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_iknowthisworks/id/3668493.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21805485 Scripture: 2 Kings 2:7-2:13 Sun, 13 Jun 2021 19:22:52 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text this morning makes us wonder if the writer is in his right mind. We find a man who is not deluded in his thoughts, but he speaks a word of wisdom about something he has discovered amid his misery. He has a revelation of understanding about something that changes everything. He realizes a grit and determination about himself that gives him optimism and hope. In the first part, he catalogs a grim picture of desolation and ruin, but he declares that life will not silence his song of praise to God in the second part. Habakkuk’s outlining the problems was the background. It was not the purpose of what he had to say but a way to set the context for his later statements. Too many are hung up on the “although” in life and not the “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord” part. Something happened in Habakkuk’s life that moved the problems and strife in life to the background to make room for the praise despite the storm raging around. Despite all the bleakness of the citation, here stands a singer raising his voice to God in praise. We will face some things in our journey to a song that we do not expect The way through doubt is to walk by faith. Faith is the Path To Praise. Our text this morning makes us wonder if the writer is in his right mind. We find a man who is not deluded in his thoughts, but he speaks a word of wisdom about something he has discovered amid his misery. He has a revelation of understanding about something that changes everything. He realizes a grit and determination about himself that gives him optimism and hope. In the first part, he catalogs a grim picture of desolation and ruin, but he declares that life will not silence his song of praise to God in the second part. Habakkuk’s outlining the problems was the background. It was not the purpose of what he had to say but a way to set the context for his later statements. Too many are hung up on the “although” in life and not the “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord” part. Something happened in Habakkuk’s life that moved the problems and strife in life to the background to make room for the praise despite the storm raging around. Despite all the bleakness of the citation, here stands a singer raising his voice to God in praise. We will face some things in our journey to a song that we do not expect The way through doubt is to walk by faith. Faith is the Path To Praise. Our text this morning makes us wonder if the writer is in his right mind. We find a man who is not deluded in his thoughts, but he speaks a word of wisdom about something he has discovered amid his misery. He has a revelation of understanding about s… Mark Hughes 2927 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21804789/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thepathtopraise/id/1074071.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21804789 Scripture: Habakkuk 3:17-3:18, Habakkuk 1:1-1:4 Sun, 13 Jun 2021 19:22:52 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text this morning makes us wonder if the writer is in his right mind. We find a man who is not deluded in his thoughts, but he speaks a word of wisdom about something he has discovered amid his misery. He has a revelation of understanding about something that changes everything. He realizes a grit and determination about himself that gives him optimism and hope. In the first part, he catalogs a grim picture of desolation and ruin, but he declares that life will not silence his song of praise to God in the second part. Habakkuk’s outlining the problems was the background. It was not the purpose of what he had to say but a way to set the context for his later statements. Too many are hung up on the “although” in life and not the “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord” part. Something happened in Habakkuk’s life that moved the problems and strife in life to the background to make room for the praise despite the storm raging around. Despite all the bleakness of the citation, here stands a singer raising his voice to God in praise. We will face some things in our journey to a song that we do not expect The way through doubt is to walk by faith. Faith is the Path To Praise. Our text this morning makes us wonder if the writer is in his right mind. We find a man who is not deluded in his thoughts, but he speaks a word of wisdom about something he has discovered amid his misery. He has a revelation of understanding about something that changes everything. He realizes a grit and determination about himself that gives him optimism and hope. In the first part, he catalogs a grim picture of desolation and ruin, but he declares that life will not silence his song of praise to God in the second part. Habakkuk’s outlining the problems was the background. It was not the purpose of what he had to say but a way to set the context for his later statements. Too many are hung up on the “although” in life and not the “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord” part. Something happened in Habakkuk’s life that moved the problems and strife in life to the background to make room for the praise despite the storm raging around. Despite all the bleakness of the citation, here stands a singer raising his voice to God in praise. We will face some things in our journey to a song that we do not expect The way through doubt is to walk by faith. Faith is the Path To Praise. Our text this morning makes us wonder if the writer is in his right mind. We find a man who is not deluded in his thoughts, but he speaks a word of wisdom about something he has discovered amid his misery. He has a revelation of understanding about s… Mark Hughes 2927 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21804789/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thepathtopraise/id/3668342.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21804789 Scripture: Habakkuk 3:17-3:18, Habakkuk 1:1-1:4 Thu, 10 Jun 2021 02:30:18 +0000 Greg Starks Bro. Starks, continuing our series of foundational elements, teaches on the fruit of the spirit. In our text, Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the spirit. Bro. Starks delves into each element Paul notes and provides definition and context for our lives. Bro. Starks, continuing our series of foundational elements, teaches on the fruit of the spirit. In our text, Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the spirit. Bro. Starks delves into each element Paul notes and provides definition and context for our lives. Bro. Starks, continuing our series of foundational elements, teaches on the fruit of the spirit. In our text, Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the spirit. Bro. Starks delves into each element Paul notes and provides definition … Greg Starks 3202 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21802979/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thefruitofthespirit/id/1072578.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21802979 Scripture: Galatians 5:16-5:23, Series: Elements Part#20 Thu, 10 Jun 2021 02:30:18 +0000 Greg Starks Bro. Starks, continuing our series of foundational elements, teaches on the fruit of the spirit. In our text, Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the spirit. Bro. Starks delves into each element Paul notes and provides definition and context for our lives. Bro. Starks, continuing our series of foundational elements, teaches on the fruit of the spirit. In our text, Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the spirit. Bro. Starks delves into each element Paul notes and provides definition and context for our lives. Bro. Starks, continuing our series of foundational elements, teaches on the fruit of the spirit. In our text, Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the spirit. Bro. Starks delves into each element Paul notes and provides definition … Greg Starks 3202 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21802979/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thefruitofthespirit/id/3666044.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21802979 Scripture: Galatians 5:16-5:23, Series: Elements Part#20 Mon, 07 Jun 2021 02:06:33 +0000 Landon Long Evening Service In the final hours of the siege on the Alamo, Santa Anna sent a letter to the men inside saying that all who surrendered would be spared. Col. Travis read the letter to his men and asked who would stay to defend the Alamo. All but one of the men committed to stand with Col. Travis. Our world today has little regard for commitment. Contracts have escape clauses. People enter into marriages not with the idea of the long haul, but with the attitude of until the going gets rough. In the past, men would agree on business deals with just a handshake. But we live in a time when a man’s word is no longer his bond. Many just are not committed to what they say they believe. In our text, Jesus meets three could-have-been disciples. They said they wanted to follow Him, but they had other things to do or finish first. Jesus let them know that to follow Him would require a total commitment. Living for God is not without its problems. People who live for God experience difficulty. People who live for God lose loved ones. People who live for God get rained on. But, it is far better to be living for God during the hurt, the loss, and the rain. The benefits of living for and serving Him are beyond measure. Many want to follow Christ and begin doing good work. But over time, their zeal for the work of the Kingdom fades. When we put our hands to God’s plow, we must not waver or look back. Once we set out to do the work, God requires a sold-out commitment. Are you committed? Evening Service In the final hours of the siege on the Alamo, Santa Anna sent a letter to the men inside saying that all who surrendered would be spared. Col. Travis read the letter to his men and asked who would stay to defend the Alamo. All but one of the men committed to stand with Col. Travis. Our world today has little regard for commitment. Contracts have escape clauses. People enter into marriages not with the idea of the long haul, but with the attitude of until the going gets rough. In the past, men would agree on business deals with just a handshake. But we live in a time when a man’s word is no longer his bond. Many just are not committed to what they say they believe. In our text, Jesus meets three could-have-been disciples. They said they wanted to follow Him, but they had other things to do or finish first. Jesus let them know that to follow Him would require a total commitment. Living for God is not without its problems. People who live for God experience difficulty. People who live for God lose loved ones. People who live for God get rained on. But, it is far better to be living for God during the hurt, the loss, and the rain. The benefits of living for and serving Him are beyond measure. Many want to follow Christ and begin doing good work. But over time, their zeal for the work of the Kingdom fades. When we put our hands to God’s plow, we must not waver or look back. Once we set out to do the work, God requires a sold-out commitment. Are you committed? Evening Service In the final hours of the siege on the Alamo, Santa Anna sent a letter to the men inside saying that all who surrendered would be spared. Col. Travis read the letter to his men and asked who would stay to defend the Alamo. All but one… Landon Long 2851 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21801912/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_areyoucommitted/id/1072116.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21801912 Are You Committed Mon, 07 Jun 2021 02:06:33 +0000 Landon Long Evening Service In the final hours of the siege on the Alamo, Santa Anna sent a letter to the men inside saying that all who surrendered would be spared. Col. Travis read the letter to his men and asked who would stay to defend the Alamo. All but one of the men committed to stand with Col. Travis. Our world today has little regard for commitment. Contracts have escape clauses. People enter into marriages not with the idea of the long haul, but with the attitude of until the going gets rough. In the past, men would agree on business deals with just a handshake. But we live in a time when a man’s word is no longer his bond. Many just are not committed to what they say they believe. In our text, Jesus meets three could-have-been disciples. They said they wanted to follow Him, but they had other things to do or finish first. Jesus let them know that to follow Him would require a total commitment. Living for God is not without its problems. People who live for God experience difficulty. People who live for God lose loved ones. People who live for God get rained on. But, it is far better to be living for God during the hurt, the loss, and the rain. The benefits of living for and serving Him are beyond measure. Many want to follow Christ and begin doing good work. But over time, their zeal for the work of the Kingdom fades. When we put our hands to God’s plow, we must not waver or look back. Once we set out to do the work, God requires a sold-out commitment. Are you committed? Evening Service In the final hours of the siege on the Alamo, Santa Anna sent a letter to the men inside saying that all who surrendered would be spared. Col. Travis read the letter to his men and asked who would stay to defend the Alamo. All but one of the men committed to stand with Col. Travis. Our world today has little regard for commitment. Contracts have escape clauses. People enter into marriages not with the idea of the long haul, but with the attitude of until the going gets rough. In the past, men would agree on business deals with just a handshake. But we live in a time when a man’s word is no longer his bond. Many just are not committed to what they say they believe. In our text, Jesus meets three could-have-been disciples. They said they wanted to follow Him, but they had other things to do or finish first. Jesus let them know that to follow Him would require a total commitment. Living for God is not without its problems. People who live for God experience difficulty. People who live for God lose loved ones. People who live for God get rained on. But, it is far better to be living for God during the hurt, the loss, and the rain. The benefits of living for and serving Him are beyond measure. Many want to follow Christ and begin doing good work. But over time, their zeal for the work of the Kingdom fades. When we put our hands to God’s plow, we must not waver or look back. Once we set out to do the work, God requires a sold-out commitment. Are you committed? Evening Service In the final hours of the siege on the Alamo, Santa Anna sent a letter to the men inside saying that all who surrendered would be spared. Col. Travis read the letter to his men and asked who would stay to defend the Alamo. All but one… Landon Long 2851 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21801912/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_areyoucommitted/id/3665012.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21801912 Are You Committed Sun, 06 Jun 2021 19:36:15 +0000 Mark Hughes Our church and our nation are emerging from a long season of unrest. The pandemic, hurricanes, civil unrest, and winter storms have taken a toll on all of our nation. If we are not careful, the struggles of life can silence our song. God wants us to enjoy His presence. Bro. Hughes declares that Summer 2021 will be a Summer of Psalms. As we kick this off, we ask God for a new song for a new season. The phrase “sing a new song” appears in the bible nine times. Why would God tell us to sing a new song? Because He knows the power of music to help us cope with life’s challenges. Singing is soothing to the soul. Scientists have discovered many benefits to singing, including reducing stress, stimulating an immune response, promoting positive feelings, and suppressing the effects of pain. There is nothing that opens up a well of help and hope like singing to the Lord. If our world needs to hear anything right now, it is God’s people singing and praising. God wants to give us a new song for a new season of our life. Our church and our nation are emerging from a long season of unrest. The pandemic, hurricanes, civil unrest, and winter storms have taken a toll on all of our nation. If we are not careful, the struggles of life can silence our song. God wants us to enjoy His presence. Bro. Hughes declares that Summer 2021 will be a Summer of Psalms. As we kick this off, we ask God for a new song for a new season. The phrase “sing a new song” appears in the bible nine times. Why would God tell us to sing a new song? Because He knows the power of music to help us cope with life’s challenges. Singing is soothing to the soul. Scientists have discovered many benefits to singing, including reducing stress, stimulating an immune response, promoting positive feelings, and suppressing the effects of pain. There is nothing that opens up a well of help and hope like singing to the Lord. If our world needs to hear anything right now, it is God’s people singing and praising. God wants to give us a new song for a new season of our life. Our church and our nation are emerging from a long season of unrest. The pandemic, hurricanes, civil unrest, and winter storms have taken a toll on all of our nation. If we are not careful, the struggles of life can silence our song. God wants us to… Mark Hughes 2430 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21801602/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_anewsongforanewseason/id/1071957.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21801602 A New Song for a New Season Sun, 06 Jun 2021 19:36:15 +0000 Mark Hughes Our church and our nation are emerging from a long season of unrest. The pandemic, hurricanes, civil unrest, and winter storms have taken a toll on all of our nation. If we are not careful, the struggles of life can silence our song. God wants us to enjoy His presence. Bro. Hughes declares that Summer 2021 will be a Summer of Psalms. As we kick this off, we ask God for a new song for a new season. The phrase “sing a new song” appears in the bible nine times. Why would God tell us to sing a new song? Because He knows the power of music to help us cope with life’s challenges. Singing is soothing to the soul. Scientists have discovered many benefits to singing, including reducing stress, stimulating an immune response, promoting positive feelings, and suppressing the effects of pain. There is nothing that opens up a well of help and hope like singing to the Lord. If our world needs to hear anything right now, it is God’s people singing and praising. God wants to give us a new song for a new season of our life. Our church and our nation are emerging from a long season of unrest. The pandemic, hurricanes, civil unrest, and winter storms have taken a toll on all of our nation. If we are not careful, the struggles of life can silence our song. God wants us to enjoy His presence. Bro. Hughes declares that Summer 2021 will be a Summer of Psalms. As we kick this off, we ask God for a new song for a new season. The phrase “sing a new song” appears in the bible nine times. Why would God tell us to sing a new song? Because He knows the power of music to help us cope with life’s challenges. Singing is soothing to the soul. Scientists have discovered many benefits to singing, including reducing stress, stimulating an immune response, promoting positive feelings, and suppressing the effects of pain. There is nothing that opens up a well of help and hope like singing to the Lord. If our world needs to hear anything right now, it is God’s people singing and praising. God wants to give us a new song for a new season of our life. Our church and our nation are emerging from a long season of unrest. The pandemic, hurricanes, civil unrest, and winter storms have taken a toll on all of our nation. If we are not careful, the struggles of life can silence our song. God wants us to… Mark Hughes 2430 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21801602/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_anewsongforanewseason/id/3664734.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21801602 A New Song for a New Season Sun, 30 May 2021 22:02:33 +0000 Mark Hughes Tomorrow is Memorial Day in America. For some, it is the end of school and the beginning of Summer. Memorial Day began as decoration day in the years following the Civil War as a way to remember those who lost their lives in that terrible conflict. Over time, the day also became a way to remember soldiers, sailors, and airmen who sacrificed their lives in service to their country. It became an official federal holiday in 1971. Time has a way of erasing the memories of the many men and women who gave their lives defending our nation. Too many have forgotten the reason for the three-day weekend that we will all enjoy each May. Our text today describes a different kind of memorial. God called Joshua to build a monument at the place where God led His people over the Jordan river into the promised land. God knew that future generations would need to know about this critical time in the life of Israel. The question that these future generations would have would not only be “What Does This Mean” but that it would be “What does this mean to YOU?” The memory has to be personal. If it is not personal to the parents, it will never be meaningful to the children. Some people need to know how we got to where we are now. God wants evidence of what remains as a reminder of how He has kept us. Our world and the enemy are trying to convince us that God’s love doesn’t matter. If it stops mattering to us, it will quit mattering to our children and grandchildren. Tomorrow is Memorial Day in America. For some, it is the end of school and the beginning of Summer. Memorial Day began as decoration day in the years following the Civil War as a way to remember those who lost their lives in that terrible conflict. Over time, the day also became a way to remember soldiers, sailors, and airmen who sacrificed their lives in service to their country. It became an official federal holiday in 1971. Time has a way of erasing the memories of the many men and women who gave their lives defending our nation. Too many have forgotten the reason for the three-day weekend that we will all enjoy each May. Our text today describes a different kind of memorial. God called Joshua to build a monument at the place where God led His people over the Jordan river into the promised land. God knew that future generations would need to know about this critical time in the life of Israel. The question that these future generations would have would not only be “What Does This Mean” but that it would be “What does this mean to YOU?” The memory has to be personal. If it is not personal to the parents, it will never be meaningful to the children. Some people need to know how we got to where we are now. God wants evidence of what remains as a reminder of how He has kept us. Our world and the enemy are trying to convince us that God’s love doesn’t matter. If it stops mattering to us, it will quit mattering to our children and grandchildren. Tomorrow is Memorial Day in America. For some, it is the end of school and the beginning of Summer. Memorial Day began as decoration day in the years following the Civil War as a way to remember those who lost their lives in that terrible conflict. … Mark Hughes 2669 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21798644/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_doesitmeananything/id/1070152.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21798644 Scripture: Joshua 4:1-4:9 Sun, 30 May 2021 22:02:33 +0000 Mark Hughes Tomorrow is Memorial Day in America. For some, it is the end of school and the beginning of Summer. Memorial Day began as decoration day in the years following the Civil War as a way to remember those who lost their lives in that terrible conflict. Over time, the day also became a way to remember soldiers, sailors, and airmen who sacrificed their lives in service to their country. It became an official federal holiday in 1971. Time has a way of erasing the memories of the many men and women who gave their lives defending our nation. Too many have forgotten the reason for the three-day weekend that we will all enjoy each May. Our text today describes a different kind of memorial. God called Joshua to build a monument at the place where God led His people over the Jordan river into the promised land. God knew that future generations would need to know about this critical time in the life of Israel. The question that these future generations would have would not only be “What Does This Mean” but that it would be “What does this mean to YOU?” The memory has to be personal. If it is not personal to the parents, it will never be meaningful to the children. Some people need to know how we got to where we are now. God wants evidence of what remains as a reminder of how He has kept us. Our world and the enemy are trying to convince us that God’s love doesn’t matter. If it stops mattering to us, it will quit mattering to our children and grandchildren. Tomorrow is Memorial Day in America. For some, it is the end of school and the beginning of Summer. Memorial Day began as decoration day in the years following the Civil War as a way to remember those who lost their lives in that terrible conflict. Over time, the day also became a way to remember soldiers, sailors, and airmen who sacrificed their lives in service to their country. It became an official federal holiday in 1971. Time has a way of erasing the memories of the many men and women who gave their lives defending our nation. Too many have forgotten the reason for the three-day weekend that we will all enjoy each May. Our text today describes a different kind of memorial. God called Joshua to build a monument at the place where God led His people over the Jordan river into the promised land. God knew that future generations would need to know about this critical time in the life of Israel. The question that these future generations would have would not only be “What Does This Mean” but that it would be “What does this mean to YOU?” The memory has to be personal. If it is not personal to the parents, it will never be meaningful to the children. Some people need to know how we got to where we are now. God wants evidence of what remains as a reminder of how He has kept us. Our world and the enemy are trying to convince us that God’s love doesn’t matter. If it stops mattering to us, it will quit mattering to our children and grandchildren. Tomorrow is Memorial Day in America. For some, it is the end of school and the beginning of Summer. Memorial Day began as decoration day in the years following the Civil War as a way to remember those who lost their lives in that terrible conflict. … Mark Hughes 2669 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21798644/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_doesitmeananything/id/3661842.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21798644 Scripture: Joshua 4:1-4:9 Thu, 27 May 2021 21:42:34 +0000 Kenneth Baker We are called to be different from the world. The process of being set apart from the world is called sanctification. The old testament story of Abraham shows a beautiful example of this set apart. God called Abraham to separate himself from his people. In doing this, Abraham becomes a living example of sanctification. He obeyed God and followed the Lord away from his people and into a beautiful blessing and promise. Abraham left his old life, but he tried to take a little bit of that old life in the form of his nephew Lot. As time passed, that relationship with Lot caused a conflict. When God calls us out, the best thing to do is to cast off all that God requires and follow Him and His plan. The idea of Holiness and separation is a God-given plan. From Exodus through the end of the bible, the concept of separateness and being set apart is a central theme. Holiness and separation is not a set of rules and burdens. It is a blessing and an opportunity to draw closer to God in our lives. We are called to be different from the world. The process of being set apart from the world is called sanctification. The old testament story of Abraham shows a beautiful example of this set apart. God called Abraham to separate himself from his people. In doing this, Abraham becomes a living example of sanctification. He obeyed God and followed the Lord away from his people and into a beautiful blessing and promise. Abraham left his old life, but he tried to take a little bit of that old life in the form of his nephew Lot. As time passed, that relationship with Lot caused a conflict. When God calls us out, the best thing to do is to cast off all that God requires and follow Him and His plan. The idea of Holiness and separation is a God-given plan. From Exodus through the end of the bible, the concept of separateness and being set apart is a central theme. Holiness and separation is not a set of rules and burdens. It is a blessing and an opportunity to draw closer to God in our lives. We are called to be different from the world. The process of being set apart from the world is called sanctification. The old testament story of Abraham shows a beautiful example of this set apart. God called Abraham to separate himself from his peo… Kenneth Baker 2865 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21796827/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_separatedfromtheworld/id/1068866.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21796827 Separated From The World Thu, 27 May 2021 21:42:34 +0000 Kenneth Baker We are called to be different from the world. The process of being set apart from the world is called sanctification. The old testament story of Abraham shows a beautiful example of this set apart. God called Abraham to separate himself from his people. In doing this, Abraham becomes a living example of sanctification. He obeyed God and followed the Lord away from his people and into a beautiful blessing and promise. Abraham left his old life, but he tried to take a little bit of that old life in the form of his nephew Lot. As time passed, that relationship with Lot caused a conflict. When God calls us out, the best thing to do is to cast off all that God requires and follow Him and His plan. The idea of Holiness and separation is a God-given plan. From Exodus through the end of the bible, the concept of separateness and being set apart is a central theme. Holiness and separation is not a set of rules and burdens. It is a blessing and an opportunity to draw closer to God in our lives. We are called to be different from the world. The process of being set apart from the world is called sanctification. The old testament story of Abraham shows a beautiful example of this set apart. God called Abraham to separate himself from his people. In doing this, Abraham becomes a living example of sanctification. He obeyed God and followed the Lord away from his people and into a beautiful blessing and promise. Abraham left his old life, but he tried to take a little bit of that old life in the form of his nephew Lot. As time passed, that relationship with Lot caused a conflict. When God calls us out, the best thing to do is to cast off all that God requires and follow Him and His plan. The idea of Holiness and separation is a God-given plan. From Exodus through the end of the bible, the concept of separateness and being set apart is a central theme. Holiness and separation is not a set of rules and burdens. It is a blessing and an opportunity to draw closer to God in our lives. We are called to be different from the world. The process of being set apart from the world is called sanctification. The old testament story of Abraham shows a beautiful example of this set apart. God called Abraham to separate himself from his peo… Kenneth Baker 2865 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21796827/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_separatedfromtheworld/id/3660076.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21796827 Separated From The World Sun, 23 May 2021 19:27:44 +0000 Mark Hughes The Samaritan woman came to draw water just as she had done many times. That day, Jesus offers her living water that would quench her thirst forever. Too often, we are content to get just enough to get us by when God wants to bless us with a limitless supply. The Samaritan woman came to draw water just as she had done many times. That day, Jesus offers her living water that would quench her thirst forever. Too often, we are content to get just enough to get us by when God wants to bless us with a limitless supply. The Samaritan woman came to draw water just as she had done many times. That day, Jesus offers her living water that would quench her thirst forever. Too often, we are content to get just enough to get us by when God wants to bless us with a limitles… Mark Hughes 2737 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21795091/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_leavingthelimitedfortheunlimit/id/1068124.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21795091 Scripture: John 4:5-4:15 Sun, 23 May 2021 19:27:44 +0000 Mark Hughes The Samaritan woman came to draw water just as she had done many times. That day, Jesus offers her living water that would quench her thirst forever. Too often, we are content to get just enough to get us by when God wants to bless us with a limitless supply. The Samaritan woman came to draw water just as she had done many times. That day, Jesus offers her living water that would quench her thirst forever. Too often, we are content to get just enough to get us by when God wants to bless us with a limitless supply. The Samaritan woman came to draw water just as she had done many times. That day, Jesus offers her living water that would quench her thirst forever. Too often, we are content to get just enough to get us by when God wants to bless us with a limitles… Mark Hughes 2737 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21795091/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_leavingthelimitedfortheunlimit/id/3658531.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21795091 Scripture: John 4:5-4:15 Sun, 23 May 2021 13:41:00 +0000 Ethan Barger Baccalaureate service honoring Greater Life Church's 2021 High School Graduates Baccalaureate service honoring Greater Life Church's 2021 High School Graduates Baccalaureate service honoring Greater Life Church's 2021 High School Graduates… Ethan Barger 4129 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21796699/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_2021baccalaureateservice/id/1068820.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21796699 2021 Baccalaureate Service Sun, 23 May 2021 13:41:00 +0000 Ethan Barger Baccalaureate service honoring Greater Life Church's 2021 High School Graduates Baccalaureate service honoring Greater Life Church's 2021 High School Graduates Baccalaureate service honoring Greater Life Church's 2021 High School Graduates… Ethan Barger 4129 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21796699/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_2021baccalaureateservice/id/3659976.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21796699 2021 Baccalaureate Service Thu, 20 May 2021 02:25:41 +0000 Landon Long When we hear the phrase “The Temple of God'', we often think about a church. It invokes visions of perhaps an ancient structure. But the temple of God is not necessarily a building. In biblical times, David was passionate about building a temple for God. He did not want this for himself or to increase his legacy. He wanted to build it for God. David spent years preparing and storing up the best materials needed to build the dwelling place for God. He desired above all to please God. After Jesus died on the cross, things changed. Now, through the infilling of the Holy Ghost, God dwells in us. We are intended to be the temple of God. We must do our best to prepare our bodies and hearts to be the dwelling place of God. Like David, we must plan and use the best materials to make our bodies a place that God wants to dwell. To do that, we must honor God with our lives and be holy. Holy means set apart. But holiness is more than rules and being set apart from the world. To be holy, a person must choose to be consecrated unto God. Simply being away from the world is not enough. When we seek God and a lifestyle of holiness, we must also pursue God. Leaving the crowd is the first part, but continuing a lifestyle of walking toward God is essential. Holiness and being set apart are about trying to be nearer to God. The separation allows us to focus on what God wants to draw closer to Him. Setting ourselves apart has a God-given purpose. To understand that, we must understand the nature of sin. Too many people look at holiness as God’s measuring stick to determine our failure. Holiness is the pursuit of God, so the closer we get to God, the further we get from sin. The bible tells us that the result of sin is death. God loves us and doesn't want sin to destroy us. When we hear the phrase “The Temple of God'', we often think about a church. It invokes visions of perhaps an ancient structure. But the temple of God is not necessarily a building. In biblical times, David was passionate about building a temple for God. He did not want this for himself or to increase his legacy. He wanted to build it for God. David spent years preparing and storing up the best materials needed to build the dwelling place for God. He desired above all to please God. After Jesus died on the cross, things changed. Now, through the infilling of the Holy Ghost, God dwells in us. We are intended to be the temple of God. We must do our best to prepare our bodies and hearts to be the dwelling place of God. Like David, we must plan and use the best materials to make our bodies a place that God wants to dwell. To do that, we must honor God with our lives and be holy. Holy means set apart. But holiness is more than rules and being set apart from the world. To be holy, a person must choose to be consecrated unto God. Simply being away from the world is not enough. When we seek God and a lifestyle of holiness, we must also pursue God. Leaving the crowd is the first part, but continuing a lifestyle of walking toward God is essential. Holiness and being set apart are about trying to be nearer to God. The separation allows us to focus on what God wants to draw closer to Him. Setting ourselves apart has a God-given purpose. To understand that, we must understand the nature of sin. Too many people look at holiness as God’s measuring stick to determine our failure. Holiness is the pursuit of God, so the closer we get to God, the further we get from sin. The bible tells us that the result of sin is death. God loves us and doesn't want sin to destroy us. When we hear the phrase “The Temple of God'', we often think about a church. It invokes visions of perhaps an ancient structure. But the temple of God is not necessarily a building. In biblical times, David was passionate about building a temple for… Landon Long 3041 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21793235/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thetempleofgod/id/1066842.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21793235 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:19-6:20, 2 Chronicles 6:40-7:3, Series: Elements Part#18 Thu, 20 May 2021 02:25:41 +0000 Landon Long When we hear the phrase “The Temple of God'', we often think about a church. It invokes visions of perhaps an ancient structure. But the temple of God is not necessarily a building. In biblical times, David was passionate about building a temple for God. He did not want this for himself or to increase his legacy. He wanted to build it for God. David spent years preparing and storing up the best materials needed to build the dwelling place for God. He desired above all to please God. After Jesus died on the cross, things changed. Now, through the infilling of the Holy Ghost, God dwells in us. We are intended to be the temple of God. We must do our best to prepare our bodies and hearts to be the dwelling place of God. Like David, we must plan and use the best materials to make our bodies a place that God wants to dwell. To do that, we must honor God with our lives and be holy. Holy means set apart. But holiness is more than rules and being set apart from the world. To be holy, a person must choose to be consecrated unto God. Simply being away from the world is not enough. When we seek God and a lifestyle of holiness, we must also pursue God. Leaving the crowd is the first part, but continuing a lifestyle of walking toward God is essential. Holiness and being set apart are about trying to be nearer to God. The separation allows us to focus on what God wants to draw closer to Him. Setting ourselves apart has a God-given purpose. To understand that, we must understand the nature of sin. Too many people look at holiness as God’s measuring stick to determine our failure. Holiness is the pursuit of God, so the closer we get to God, the further we get from sin. The bible tells us that the result of sin is death. God loves us and doesn't want sin to destroy us. When we hear the phrase “The Temple of God'', we often think about a church. It invokes visions of perhaps an ancient structure. But the temple of God is not necessarily a building. In biblical times, David was passionate about building a temple for God. He did not want this for himself or to increase his legacy. He wanted to build it for God. David spent years preparing and storing up the best materials needed to build the dwelling place for God. He desired above all to please God. After Jesus died on the cross, things changed. Now, through the infilling of the Holy Ghost, God dwells in us. We are intended to be the temple of God. We must do our best to prepare our bodies and hearts to be the dwelling place of God. Like David, we must plan and use the best materials to make our bodies a place that God wants to dwell. To do that, we must honor God with our lives and be holy. Holy means set apart. But holiness is more than rules and being set apart from the world. To be holy, a person must choose to be consecrated unto God. Simply being away from the world is not enough. When we seek God and a lifestyle of holiness, we must also pursue God. Leaving the crowd is the first part, but continuing a lifestyle of walking toward God is essential. Holiness and being set apart are about trying to be nearer to God. The separation allows us to focus on what God wants to draw closer to Him. Setting ourselves apart has a God-given purpose. To understand that, we must understand the nature of sin. Too many people look at holiness as God’s measuring stick to determine our failure. Holiness is the pursuit of God, so the closer we get to God, the further we get from sin. The bible tells us that the result of sin is death. God loves us and doesn't want sin to destroy us. When we hear the phrase “The Temple of God'', we often think about a church. It invokes visions of perhaps an ancient structure. But the temple of God is not necessarily a building. In biblical times, David was passionate about building a temple for… Landon Long 3041 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21793235/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thetempleofgod/id/3656738.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21793235 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:19-6:20, 2 Chronicles 6:40-7:3, Series: Elements Part#18 Mon, 17 May 2021 03:27:29 +0000 Mark Hughes There is nothing more challenging than waiting. Patience is not something that any of us possess in tremendous amounts. Often our life is spent waiting upon the Lord to do what he said He would do. That waiting is often the most frustrating part of life. Usually, in that waiting period, God is silent. We do not often talk about this part of faith. We marvel when someone steps out in faith. We rejoice when we see the revelation of faith, but the endurance of faith is challenging to endure. In our text, a nobleman begs Jesus to come to his home to heal his son. Rather than going with him, Jesus simply tells him that the child was healed and to go home. This man was some twenty-five miles from home, and he began his journey home on only the word from Jesus. He had a word from God but had to wait until he got home to see it fulfilled. The bible says the man took Jesus at His word; He simply believed what Jesus said. The man had to maintain his faith during his long journey. Many of us have a word from God, but we are in that interval between the word and its fulfillment. He walked in faith, and he walked right into the realization of the miracle. When we find ourselves in the interval, we must walk the path in faith so we too will walk into the blessing that God promised. There is nothing more challenging than waiting. Patience is not something that any of us possess in tremendous amounts. Often our life is spent waiting upon the Lord to do what he said He would do. That waiting is often the most frustrating part of life. Usually, in that waiting period, God is silent. We do not often talk about this part of faith. We marvel when someone steps out in faith. We rejoice when we see the revelation of faith, but the endurance of faith is challenging to endure. In our text, a nobleman begs Jesus to come to his home to heal his son. Rather than going with him, Jesus simply tells him that the child was healed and to go home. This man was some twenty-five miles from home, and he began his journey home on only the word from Jesus. He had a word from God but had to wait until he got home to see it fulfilled. The bible says the man took Jesus at His word; He simply believed what Jesus said. The man had to maintain his faith during his long journey. Many of us have a word from God, but we are in that interval between the word and its fulfillment. He walked in faith, and he walked right into the realization of the miracle. When we find ourselves in the interval, we must walk the path in faith so we too will walk into the blessing that God promised. There is nothing more challenging than waiting. Patience is not something that any of us possess in tremendous amounts. Often our life is spent waiting upon the Lord to do what he said He would do. That waiting is often the most frustrating part of … Mark Hughes 1706 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21792267/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_livingbetween/id/1066391.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21792267 Scripture: John 4:46-4:53 Mon, 17 May 2021 03:27:29 +0000 Mark Hughes There is nothing more challenging than waiting. Patience is not something that any of us possess in tremendous amounts. Often our life is spent waiting upon the Lord to do what he said He would do. That waiting is often the most frustrating part of life. Usually, in that waiting period, God is silent. We do not often talk about this part of faith. We marvel when someone steps out in faith. We rejoice when we see the revelation of faith, but the endurance of faith is challenging to endure. In our text, a nobleman begs Jesus to come to his home to heal his son. Rather than going with him, Jesus simply tells him that the child was healed and to go home. This man was some twenty-five miles from home, and he began his journey home on only the word from Jesus. He had a word from God but had to wait until he got home to see it fulfilled. The bible says the man took Jesus at His word; He simply believed what Jesus said. The man had to maintain his faith during his long journey. Many of us have a word from God, but we are in that interval between the word and its fulfillment. He walked in faith, and he walked right into the realization of the miracle. When we find ourselves in the interval, we must walk the path in faith so we too will walk into the blessing that God promised. There is nothing more challenging than waiting. Patience is not something that any of us possess in tremendous amounts. Often our life is spent waiting upon the Lord to do what he said He would do. That waiting is often the most frustrating part of life. Usually, in that waiting period, God is silent. We do not often talk about this part of faith. We marvel when someone steps out in faith. We rejoice when we see the revelation of faith, but the endurance of faith is challenging to endure. In our text, a nobleman begs Jesus to come to his home to heal his son. Rather than going with him, Jesus simply tells him that the child was healed and to go home. This man was some twenty-five miles from home, and he began his journey home on only the word from Jesus. He had a word from God but had to wait until he got home to see it fulfilled. The bible says the man took Jesus at His word; He simply believed what Jesus said. The man had to maintain his faith during his long journey. Many of us have a word from God, but we are in that interval between the word and its fulfillment. He walked in faith, and he walked right into the realization of the miracle. When we find ourselves in the interval, we must walk the path in faith so we too will walk into the blessing that God promised. There is nothing more challenging than waiting. Patience is not something that any of us possess in tremendous amounts. Often our life is spent waiting upon the Lord to do what he said He would do. That waiting is often the most frustrating part of … Mark Hughes 1706 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21792267/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_livingbetween/id/3655766.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21792267 Scripture: John 4:46-4:53 Sun, 16 May 2021 20:14:05 +0000 Mark Hughes We understand that faith is the currency of heaven. Faith is the medium through which we access all the blessings and favor of God. But we often find our faith lacking. In Matthew, the disciples questioned their faith and asked Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus responded with a story about a mustard seed. The point of the lesson was not the seed, but that no matter how small and inadequate our faith may seem, it is more than sufficient for the situation because it is faith in Him. We can have faith in things, but it is the faith in God that makes the difference. Like the disciples, we often feel that we don’t have enough faith, but Jesus reminds us that even a little is more than enough. There is no problem in life that is too big for God, and there is nothing that He cannot work out if we only believe in Him. Our text is one of the most telling illustrations of the effects of the torments of the enemy. The disciples tried and failed but could only see the problem. The man asked Jesus to help if he could. It is not a question of IF God can help; it is a question of if WE believe God can help. The question is never will God? The question is will we LET God? Stop allowing the weakness of our faith to destroy us. God can take the weakest and smallest of faith and do great things with it. Faith is not just about believing but about believing in the right thing. No matter how weak we are, God is strong. We understand that faith is the currency of heaven. Faith is the medium through which we access all the blessings and favor of God. But we often find our faith lacking. In Matthew, the disciples questioned their faith and asked Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus responded with a story about a mustard seed. The point of the lesson was not the seed, but that no matter how small and inadequate our faith may seem, it is more than sufficient for the situation because it is faith in Him. We can have faith in things, but it is the faith in God that makes the difference. Like the disciples, we often feel that we don’t have enough faith, but Jesus reminds us that even a little is more than enough. There is no problem in life that is too big for God, and there is nothing that He cannot work out if we only believe in Him. Our text is one of the most telling illustrations of the effects of the torments of the enemy. The disciples tried and failed but could only see the problem. The man asked Jesus to help if he could. It is not a question of IF God can help; it is a question of if WE believe God can help. The question is never will God? The question is will we LET God? Stop allowing the weakness of our faith to destroy us. God can take the weakest and smallest of faith and do great things with it. Faith is not just about believing but about believing in the right thing. No matter how weak we are, God is strong. We understand that faith is the currency of heaven. Faith is the medium through which we access all the blessings and favor of God. But we often find our faith lacking. In Matthew, the disciples questioned their faith and asked Jesus to increase their… Mark Hughes 1945 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21791950/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_anewperspectiveonyouroldproble/id/1066238.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21791950 Scripture: Mark 14:9-14:23 Sun, 16 May 2021 20:14:05 +0000 Mark Hughes We understand that faith is the currency of heaven. Faith is the medium through which we access all the blessings and favor of God. But we often find our faith lacking. In Matthew, the disciples questioned their faith and asked Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus responded with a story about a mustard seed. The point of the lesson was not the seed, but that no matter how small and inadequate our faith may seem, it is more than sufficient for the situation because it is faith in Him. We can have faith in things, but it is the faith in God that makes the difference. Like the disciples, we often feel that we don’t have enough faith, but Jesus reminds us that even a little is more than enough. There is no problem in life that is too big for God, and there is nothing that He cannot work out if we only believe in Him. Our text is one of the most telling illustrations of the effects of the torments of the enemy. The disciples tried and failed but could only see the problem. The man asked Jesus to help if he could. It is not a question of IF God can help; it is a question of if WE believe God can help. The question is never will God? The question is will we LET God? Stop allowing the weakness of our faith to destroy us. God can take the weakest and smallest of faith and do great things with it. Faith is not just about believing but about believing in the right thing. No matter how weak we are, God is strong. We understand that faith is the currency of heaven. Faith is the medium through which we access all the blessings and favor of God. But we often find our faith lacking. In Matthew, the disciples questioned their faith and asked Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus responded with a story about a mustard seed. The point of the lesson was not the seed, but that no matter how small and inadequate our faith may seem, it is more than sufficient for the situation because it is faith in Him. We can have faith in things, but it is the faith in God that makes the difference. Like the disciples, we often feel that we don’t have enough faith, but Jesus reminds us that even a little is more than enough. There is no problem in life that is too big for God, and there is nothing that He cannot work out if we only believe in Him. Our text is one of the most telling illustrations of the effects of the torments of the enemy. The disciples tried and failed but could only see the problem. The man asked Jesus to help if he could. It is not a question of IF God can help; it is a question of if WE believe God can help. The question is never will God? The question is will we LET God? Stop allowing the weakness of our faith to destroy us. God can take the weakest and smallest of faith and do great things with it. Faith is not just about believing but about believing in the right thing. No matter how weak we are, God is strong. We understand that faith is the currency of heaven. Faith is the medium through which we access all the blessings and favor of God. But we often find our faith lacking. In Matthew, the disciples questioned their faith and asked Jesus to increase their… Mark Hughes 1945 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21791950/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_anewperspectiveonyouroldproble/id/3655466.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21791950 Scripture: Mark 14:9-14:23 Thu, 13 May 2021 02:40:40 +0000 Landon Long he old saying goes that with great authority comes great responsibility. That is not simply an old saying; it is biblical in its roots. We see examples all through the bible of people who had great authority. Joseph, Moses, David, and the list goes on. Many of these examples exercised that authority with humbleness and an eye toward God; sadly, some did not. Jesus provided an example of how to exercise power. Jesus’ values are not about power and position. He came as a servant and was obedient, even unto death. His ministry was about loving and serving. We must make sure our motives are to glorify God. God trusts us with authority when we align ourselves with His kingdom and values. If our use of the authority that God gives is only to glorify ourselves, we are misusing it. God blesses us when we honor authority. Likewise, He blesses those who lead with honor. Aligning with Kingdom values means aligning with others who also are pursuing the kingdom of God. We must seek to develop relationships that propel us to good works. he old saying goes that with great authority comes great responsibility. That is not simply an old saying; it is biblical in its roots. We see examples all through the bible of people who had great authority. Joseph, Moses, David, and the list goes on. Many of these examples exercised that authority with humbleness and an eye toward God; sadly, some did not. Jesus provided an example of how to exercise power. Jesus’ values are not about power and position. He came as a servant and was obedient, even unto death. His ministry was about loving and serving. We must make sure our motives are to glorify God. God trusts us with authority when we align ourselves with His kingdom and values. If our use of the authority that God gives is only to glorify ourselves, we are misusing it. God blesses us when we honor authority. Likewise, He blesses those who lead with honor. Aligning with Kingdom values means aligning with others who also are pursuing the kingdom of God. We must seek to develop relationships that propel us to good works. he old saying goes that with great authority comes great responsibility. That is not simply an old saying; it is biblical in its roots. We see examples all through the bible of people who had great authority. Joseph, Moses, David, and the list goes … Landon Long 3247 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21790059/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_alignmentandauthority/id/1064913.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21790059 Scripture: Matthew 16:16-16:20, Series: Elements Part#17 Thu, 13 May 2021 02:40:40 +0000 Landon Long he old saying goes that with great authority comes great responsibility. That is not simply an old saying; it is biblical in its roots. We see examples all through the bible of people who had great authority. Joseph, Moses, David, and the list goes on. Many of these examples exercised that authority with humbleness and an eye toward God; sadly, some did not. Jesus provided an example of how to exercise power. Jesus’ values are not about power and position. He came as a servant and was obedient, even unto death. His ministry was about loving and serving. We must make sure our motives are to glorify God. God trusts us with authority when we align ourselves with His kingdom and values. If our use of the authority that God gives is only to glorify ourselves, we are misusing it. God blesses us when we honor authority. Likewise, He blesses those who lead with honor. Aligning with Kingdom values means aligning with others who also are pursuing the kingdom of God. We must seek to develop relationships that propel us to good works. he old saying goes that with great authority comes great responsibility. That is not simply an old saying; it is biblical in its roots. We see examples all through the bible of people who had great authority. Joseph, Moses, David, and the list goes on. Many of these examples exercised that authority with humbleness and an eye toward God; sadly, some did not. Jesus provided an example of how to exercise power. Jesus’ values are not about power and position. He came as a servant and was obedient, even unto death. His ministry was about loving and serving. We must make sure our motives are to glorify God. God trusts us with authority when we align ourselves with His kingdom and values. If our use of the authority that God gives is only to glorify ourselves, we are misusing it. God blesses us when we honor authority. Likewise, He blesses those who lead with honor. Aligning with Kingdom values means aligning with others who also are pursuing the kingdom of God. We must seek to develop relationships that propel us to good works. he old saying goes that with great authority comes great responsibility. That is not simply an old saying; it is biblical in its roots. We see examples all through the bible of people who had great authority. Joseph, Moses, David, and the list goes … Landon Long 3247 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21790059/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_alignmentandauthority/id/3653622.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21790059 Scripture: Matthew 16:16-16:20, Series: Elements Part#17 Thu, 06 May 2021 03:09:00 +0000 Greg Starks Last week’s lesson in the elements series was on stewardship. Hand in hand with stewardship is faithfulness. The bible calls us to be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted us with. Paul encourages us not to grow weary in doing well. It is clear that we are to remain faithful in our service to the Lord. Last week’s lesson in the elements series was on stewardship. Hand in hand with stewardship is faithfulness. The bible calls us to be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted us with. Paul encourages us not to grow weary in doing well. It is clear that we are to remain faithful in our service to the Lord. Last week’s lesson in the elements series was on stewardship. Hand in hand with stewardship is faithfulness. The bible calls us to be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted us with. Paul encourages us not to grow weary in doing well. It is clear t… Greg Starks 1586 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21786934/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_faithfulness/id/1063019.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21786934 Series: Elements Part#16 Thu, 06 May 2021 03:09:00 +0000 Greg Starks Last week’s lesson in the elements series was on stewardship. Hand in hand with stewardship is faithfulness. The bible calls us to be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted us with. Paul encourages us not to grow weary in doing well. It is clear that we are to remain faithful in our service to the Lord. Last week’s lesson in the elements series was on stewardship. Hand in hand with stewardship is faithfulness. The bible calls us to be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted us with. Paul encourages us not to grow weary in doing well. It is clear that we are to remain faithful in our service to the Lord. Last week’s lesson in the elements series was on stewardship. Hand in hand with stewardship is faithfulness. The bible calls us to be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted us with. Paul encourages us not to grow weary in doing well. It is clear t… Greg Starks 1586 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21786934/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_faithfulness/id/3650561.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21786934 Series: Elements Part#16 Sun, 02 May 2021 19:39:00 +0000 Mark Hughes When we grasp the truth contained in the psalm that is our text today, we find liberation. The truth in this psalm strikes fear in the devil. When we understand what God has given us, it changes our entire life. In these short two verses of scripture, we see two ways that God shows his most remarkable work. First the vastness and grandness of all the heavens, and then the frailty and weakness of humanity. When Jesus quotes this psalm in Matthew 21, he ties these two things together as a way to perfect our lives and restore what has been lost. The thing that does this is what comes out of our mouths. When we declare it, speak it, and praise Him for it, we accept the healing and solution that God has for our life. When life is out of sorts and doesn't fit together, God knows how to work it out. Our praise has the power to silence our enemy and the enemy in our minds. When we praise and worship Him, we connect ourselves to a supernatural force that will restore and uplift us. God said He would use the praise of the weak to defeat the tormentor. The parise and worship that comes from our mouth muzzle the devil. That is why the devil works so hard to discourage us from praising God. When we grasp the truth contained in the psalm that is our text today, we find liberation. The truth in this psalm strikes fear in the devil. When we understand what God has given us, it changes our entire life. In these short two verses of scripture, we see two ways that God shows his most remarkable work. First the vastness and grandness of all the heavens, and then the frailty and weakness of humanity. When Jesus quotes this psalm in Matthew 21, he ties these two things together as a way to perfect our lives and restore what has been lost. The thing that does this is what comes out of our mouths. When we declare it, speak it, and praise Him for it, we accept the healing and solution that God has for our life. When life is out of sorts and doesn't fit together, God knows how to work it out. Our praise has the power to silence our enemy and the enemy in our minds. When we praise and worship Him, we connect ourselves to a supernatural force that will restore and uplift us. God said He would use the praise of the weak to defeat the tormentor. The parise and worship that comes from our mouth muzzle the devil. That is why the devil works so hard to discourage us from praising God. When we grasp the truth contained in the psalm that is our text today, we find liberation. The truth in this psalm strikes fear in the devil. When we understand what God has given us, it changes our entire life. In these short two verses of scriptur… Mark Hughes 2450 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21785445/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_aperfecteroflife/id/1062308.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21785445 Scripture: Psalms 8:1-8:2, Matthew 21:16 Sun, 02 May 2021 19:39:00 +0000 Mark Hughes When we grasp the truth contained in the psalm that is our text today, we find liberation. The truth in this psalm strikes fear in the devil. When we understand what God has given us, it changes our entire life. In these short two verses of scripture, we see two ways that God shows his most remarkable work. First the vastness and grandness of all the heavens, and then the frailty and weakness of humanity. When Jesus quotes this psalm in Matthew 21, he ties these two things together as a way to perfect our lives and restore what has been lost. The thing that does this is what comes out of our mouths. When we declare it, speak it, and praise Him for it, we accept the healing and solution that God has for our life. When life is out of sorts and doesn't fit together, God knows how to work it out. Our praise has the power to silence our enemy and the enemy in our minds. When we praise and worship Him, we connect ourselves to a supernatural force that will restore and uplift us. God said He would use the praise of the weak to defeat the tormentor. The parise and worship that comes from our mouth muzzle the devil. That is why the devil works so hard to discourage us from praising God. When we grasp the truth contained in the psalm that is our text today, we find liberation. The truth in this psalm strikes fear in the devil. When we understand what God has given us, it changes our entire life. In these short two verses of scripture, we see two ways that God shows his most remarkable work. First the vastness and grandness of all the heavens, and then the frailty and weakness of humanity. When Jesus quotes this psalm in Matthew 21, he ties these two things together as a way to perfect our lives and restore what has been lost. The thing that does this is what comes out of our mouths. When we declare it, speak it, and praise Him for it, we accept the healing and solution that God has for our life. When life is out of sorts and doesn't fit together, God knows how to work it out. Our praise has the power to silence our enemy and the enemy in our minds. When we praise and worship Him, we connect ourselves to a supernatural force that will restore and uplift us. God said He would use the praise of the weak to defeat the tormentor. The parise and worship that comes from our mouth muzzle the devil. That is why the devil works so hard to discourage us from praising God. When we grasp the truth contained in the psalm that is our text today, we find liberation. The truth in this psalm strikes fear in the devil. When we understand what God has given us, it changes our entire life. In these short two verses of scriptur… Mark Hughes 2450 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21785445/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_aperfecteroflife/id/3649149.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21785445 Scripture: Psalms 8:1-8:2, Matthew 21:16 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 15:46:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The Greek word for stewardship refers to the manager of a household. A steward, in biblical terms, is entrusted with the managing of something that belongs to someone else. As stewards, we act as the manager of resources that belong to someone else. We do not own it. That is the key to understanding our lives. Everything we have, our life, our talents, our blessings, all come on loan from God. We do not own it. We are called to manage what God has given and entrusted to us. The difference between being an owner and being a manager is a significant one. Normally we think about money and financial resources when we talk about stewardship. Biblical stewardship encompasses much more. Biblical stewardship has a greater responsibility than the way the world defines it. God cares about how we use what He has given us. The parable of the three servants with the talents shows this. The first two men returned what they had been given with an increase. The third man did not lose what he received, but the lord referred to him as wicked. Doing something with what we receive is more important than just safeguarding it. We will have to give an account someday, and the amount we receive is not the important thing. The Greek word for stewardship refers to the manager of a household. A steward, in biblical terms, is entrusted with the managing of something that belongs to someone else. As stewards, we act as the manager of resources that belong to someone else. We do not own it. That is the key to understanding our lives. Everything we have, our life, our talents, our blessings, all come on loan from God. We do not own it. We are called to manage what God has given and entrusted to us. The difference between being an owner and being a manager is a significant one. Normally we think about money and financial resources when we talk about stewardship. Biblical stewardship encompasses much more. Biblical stewardship has a greater responsibility than the way the world defines it. God cares about how we use what He has given us. The parable of the three servants with the talents shows this. The first two men returned what they had been given with an increase. The third man did not lose what he received, but the lord referred to him as wicked. Doing something with what we receive is more important than just safeguarding it. We will have to give an account someday, and the amount we receive is not the important thing. The Greek word for stewardship refers to the manager of a household. A steward, in biblical terms, is entrusted with the managing of something that belongs to someone else. As stewards, we act as the manager of resources that belong to someone else. … Mark Hughes 3404 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21783889/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_stewardship/id/1061150.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21783889 Scripture: Matthew 25:14-25:30, Series: Elements Part#15 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 15:46:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The Greek word for stewardship refers to the manager of a household. A steward, in biblical terms, is entrusted with the managing of something that belongs to someone else. As stewards, we act as the manager of resources that belong to someone else. We do not own it. That is the key to understanding our lives. Everything we have, our life, our talents, our blessings, all come on loan from God. We do not own it. We are called to manage what God has given and entrusted to us. The difference between being an owner and being a manager is a significant one. Normally we think about money and financial resources when we talk about stewardship. Biblical stewardship encompasses much more. Biblical stewardship has a greater responsibility than the way the world defines it. God cares about how we use what He has given us. The parable of the three servants with the talents shows this. The first two men returned what they had been given with an increase. The third man did not lose what he received, but the lord referred to him as wicked. Doing something with what we receive is more important than just safeguarding it. We will have to give an account someday, and the amount we receive is not the important thing. The Greek word for stewardship refers to the manager of a household. A steward, in biblical terms, is entrusted with the managing of something that belongs to someone else. As stewards, we act as the manager of resources that belong to someone else. We do not own it. That is the key to understanding our lives. Everything we have, our life, our talents, our blessings, all come on loan from God. We do not own it. We are called to manage what God has given and entrusted to us. The difference between being an owner and being a manager is a significant one. Normally we think about money and financial resources when we talk about stewardship. Biblical stewardship encompasses much more. Biblical stewardship has a greater responsibility than the way the world defines it. God cares about how we use what He has given us. The parable of the three servants with the talents shows this. The first two men returned what they had been given with an increase. The third man did not lose what he received, but the lord referred to him as wicked. Doing something with what we receive is more important than just safeguarding it. We will have to give an account someday, and the amount we receive is not the important thing. The Greek word for stewardship refers to the manager of a household. A steward, in biblical terms, is entrusted with the managing of something that belongs to someone else. As stewards, we act as the manager of resources that belong to someone else. … Mark Hughes 3404 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21783889/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_stewardship/id/3647644.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21783889 Scripture: Matthew 25:14-25:30, Series: Elements Part#15 Mon, 26 Apr 2021 03:32:42 +0000 Landon Long To be prepared means to be ready to do something. We have become emergency responders rather than being prepared. We wait until the water has risen before we become concerned enough to act. When the warnings go out, we rush to the grocery store to get whatever we can and call ourselves prepared. The world looks at people who stock up on supplies as alarmists. Being prepared does not mean that we need to be hoarders or doomsday-minded. Being prepared means planning and respond ahead of time. Too often we live our spiritual life in the same way. Being faithful to the house of God, to pray and seek God daily is the spiritual way of being prepared. The bible tells us that He is coming back to claim His bride, but have we grown weary in the waiting? We have heard all our lives that Jesus is coming soon. Many have lived their entire lives anticipating the return, only to live and die without His return. The parable from our text tonight of the ten virgins with the lamps is a familiar one. If the situation were different, the five wise virgins might have shared their oil, but given the impending arrival of the bridegroom, they could not risk sharing then. There will come a day when we can no longer share what we have with the unprepared because there will not be enough for us and them. To be prepared means to be ready to do something. We have become emergency responders rather than being prepared. We wait until the water has risen before we become concerned enough to act. When the warnings go out, we rush to the grocery store to get whatever we can and call ourselves prepared. The world looks at people who stock up on supplies as alarmists. Being prepared does not mean that we need to be hoarders or doomsday-minded. Being prepared means planning and respond ahead of time. Too often we live our spiritual life in the same way. Being faithful to the house of God, to pray and seek God daily is the spiritual way of being prepared. The bible tells us that He is coming back to claim His bride, but have we grown weary in the waiting? We have heard all our lives that Jesus is coming soon. Many have lived their entire lives anticipating the return, only to live and die without His return. The parable from our text tonight of the ten virgins with the lamps is a familiar one. If the situation were different, the five wise virgins might have shared their oil, but given the impending arrival of the bridegroom, they could not risk sharing then. There will come a day when we can no longer share what we have with the unprepared because there will not be enough for us and them. To be prepared means to be ready to do something. We have become emergency responders rather than being prepared. We wait until the water has risen before we become concerned enough to act. When the warnings go out, we rush to the grocery store to ge… Landon Long 3459 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21782352/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_beprepared/id/1060368.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21782352 Scripture: Matthew 25:1-25:13 Mon, 26 Apr 2021 03:32:42 +0000 Landon Long To be prepared means to be ready to do something. We have become emergency responders rather than being prepared. We wait until the water has risen before we become concerned enough to act. When the warnings go out, we rush to the grocery store to get whatever we can and call ourselves prepared. The world looks at people who stock up on supplies as alarmists. Being prepared does not mean that we need to be hoarders or doomsday-minded. Being prepared means planning and respond ahead of time. Too often we live our spiritual life in the same way. Being faithful to the house of God, to pray and seek God daily is the spiritual way of being prepared. The bible tells us that He is coming back to claim His bride, but have we grown weary in the waiting? We have heard all our lives that Jesus is coming soon. Many have lived their entire lives anticipating the return, only to live and die without His return. The parable from our text tonight of the ten virgins with the lamps is a familiar one. If the situation were different, the five wise virgins might have shared their oil, but given the impending arrival of the bridegroom, they could not risk sharing then. There will come a day when we can no longer share what we have with the unprepared because there will not be enough for us and them. To be prepared means to be ready to do something. We have become emergency responders rather than being prepared. We wait until the water has risen before we become concerned enough to act. When the warnings go out, we rush to the grocery store to get whatever we can and call ourselves prepared. The world looks at people who stock up on supplies as alarmists. Being prepared does not mean that we need to be hoarders or doomsday-minded. Being prepared means planning and respond ahead of time. Too often we live our spiritual life in the same way. Being faithful to the house of God, to pray and seek God daily is the spiritual way of being prepared. The bible tells us that He is coming back to claim His bride, but have we grown weary in the waiting? We have heard all our lives that Jesus is coming soon. Many have lived their entire lives anticipating the return, only to live and die without His return. The parable from our text tonight of the ten virgins with the lamps is a familiar one. If the situation were different, the five wise virgins might have shared their oil, but given the impending arrival of the bridegroom, they could not risk sharing then. There will come a day when we can no longer share what we have with the unprepared because there will not be enough for us and them. To be prepared means to be ready to do something. We have become emergency responders rather than being prepared. We wait until the water has risen before we become concerned enough to act. When the warnings go out, we rush to the grocery store to ge… Landon Long 3459 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21782352/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_beprepared/id/3646134.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21782352 Scripture: Matthew 25:1-25:13 Sun, 25 Apr 2021 19:47:23 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is Moses’ farewell address. It is a history lesson in the way that God deals with His people. This address was to a people who needed a refresher on the workings of God. It illustrates God’s goodness toward man. It reveals three crucial things about God: HIs passion toward us. His power and His purpose. This text shows God’s care for us. Everything that God does for us is to bless us. Not only did He provide for them, but he also proved the choicest grain and the best lamb. The imagery used here shows the value that God placed on our life. He likens His people to the majestic eagle. When God looks at us, He sees greatness and blessing, not because of what we can do, but because of what He can do. The text also references Jacob. Many other Bible characters have better characters and backgrounds than Jacob. Why would God call out such a flawed man when He could have highlighted Abraham, or Joseph, or many others? It is because that God can work through even a flawed, damaged person like Jacob. God wants the best for His children. All we need to do is respond and let Him use us. In that yielding, we will be blessed. Our text is Moses’ farewell address. It is a history lesson in the way that God deals with His people. This address was to a people who needed a refresher on the workings of God. It illustrates God’s goodness toward man. It reveals three crucial things about God: HIs passion toward us. His power and His purpose. This text shows God’s care for us. Everything that God does for us is to bless us. Not only did He provide for them, but he also proved the choicest grain and the best lamb. The imagery used here shows the value that God placed on our life. He likens His people to the majestic eagle. When God looks at us, He sees greatness and blessing, not because of what we can do, but because of what He can do. The text also references Jacob. Many other Bible characters have better characters and backgrounds than Jacob. Why would God call out such a flawed man when He could have highlighted Abraham, or Joseph, or many others? It is because that God can work through even a flawed, damaged person like Jacob. God wants the best for His children. All we need to do is respond and let Him use us. In that yielding, we will be blessed. Our text is Moses’ farewell address. It is a history lesson in the way that God deals with His people. This address was to a people who needed a refresher on the workings of God. It illustrates God’s goodness toward man. It reveals three crucial th… Mark Hughes 2455 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21781975/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whatgodwantstodoforhischildren/id/1060140.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21781975 Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:8-32:14 Sun, 25 Apr 2021 19:47:23 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is Moses’ farewell address. It is a history lesson in the way that God deals with His people. This address was to a people who needed a refresher on the workings of God. It illustrates God’s goodness toward man. It reveals three crucial things about God: HIs passion toward us. His power and His purpose. This text shows God’s care for us. Everything that God does for us is to bless us. Not only did He provide for them, but he also proved the choicest grain and the best lamb. The imagery used here shows the value that God placed on our life. He likens His people to the majestic eagle. When God looks at us, He sees greatness and blessing, not because of what we can do, but because of what He can do. The text also references Jacob. Many other Bible characters have better characters and backgrounds than Jacob. Why would God call out such a flawed man when He could have highlighted Abraham, or Joseph, or many others? It is because that God can work through even a flawed, damaged person like Jacob. God wants the best for His children. All we need to do is respond and let Him use us. In that yielding, we will be blessed. Our text is Moses’ farewell address. It is a history lesson in the way that God deals with His people. This address was to a people who needed a refresher on the workings of God. It illustrates God’s goodness toward man. It reveals three crucial things about God: HIs passion toward us. His power and His purpose. This text shows God’s care for us. Everything that God does for us is to bless us. Not only did He provide for them, but he also proved the choicest grain and the best lamb. The imagery used here shows the value that God placed on our life. He likens His people to the majestic eagle. When God looks at us, He sees greatness and blessing, not because of what we can do, but because of what He can do. The text also references Jacob. Many other Bible characters have better characters and backgrounds than Jacob. Why would God call out such a flawed man when He could have highlighted Abraham, or Joseph, or many others? It is because that God can work through even a flawed, damaged person like Jacob. God wants the best for His children. All we need to do is respond and let Him use us. In that yielding, we will be blessed. Our text is Moses’ farewell address. It is a history lesson in the way that God deals with His people. This address was to a people who needed a refresher on the workings of God. It illustrates God’s goodness toward man. It reveals three crucial th… Mark Hughes 2455 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21781975/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatgodwantstodoforhischildren/id/3645772.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21781975 Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:8-32:14 Thu, 22 Apr 2021 03:09:27 +0000 Landon Long The definition of relationship is the state of being connected. Relationships can be healthy or unhealthy. Our relationship with God strongly influences our relationship with our spouse or our friends. Tonight in Part 14 of our Elements series, Bro. Long explores what it means to have a Healthy Relationship with God and with others. The definition of relationship is the state of being connected. Relationships can be healthy or unhealthy. Our relationship with God strongly influences our relationship with our spouse or our friends. Tonight in Part 14 of our Elements series, Bro. Long explores what it means to have a Healthy Relationship with God and with others. The definition of relationship is the state of being connected. Relationships can be healthy or unhealthy. Our relationship with God strongly influences our relationship with our spouse or our friends. Tonight in Part 14 of our Elements series, Bro.… Landon Long 3430 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21779944/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_healthyrelationships/id/1058641.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21779944 Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-4:12, Series: Elements Part#14 Thu, 22 Apr 2021 03:09:27 +0000 Landon Long The definition of relationship is the state of being connected. Relationships can be healthy or unhealthy. Our relationship with God strongly influences our relationship with our spouse or our friends. Tonight in Part 14 of our Elements series, Bro. Long explores what it means to have a Healthy Relationship with God and with others. The definition of relationship is the state of being connected. Relationships can be healthy or unhealthy. Our relationship with God strongly influences our relationship with our spouse or our friends. Tonight in Part 14 of our Elements series, Bro. Long explores what it means to have a Healthy Relationship with God and with others. The definition of relationship is the state of being connected. Relationships can be healthy or unhealthy. Our relationship with God strongly influences our relationship with our spouse or our friends. Tonight in Part 14 of our Elements series, Bro.… Landon Long 3430 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21779944/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_healthyrelationships/id/3643777.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21779944 Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-4:12, Series: Elements Part#14 Mon, 19 Apr 2021 03:21:00 +0000 Gerald Morris There are times when our faith and drive are insufficient. In these times, God accomplishes His will by His own determination. Our text says the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Bro. Morris recalls times where his faith was lacking, but the zeal of the Lord showed through to work in the situation. There are times when our faith and drive are insufficient. In these times, God accomplishes His will by His own determination. Our text says the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Bro. Morris recalls times where his faith was lacking, but the zeal of the Lord showed through to work in the situation. There are times when our faith and drive are insufficient. In these times, God accomplishes His will by His own determination. Our text says the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Bro. Morris recalls times where his faith was lacking, but … Gerald Morris 3781 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21779257/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thezealofthelord/id/1058243.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21779257 Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-9:7 Mon, 19 Apr 2021 03:21:00 +0000 Gerald Morris There are times when our faith and drive are insufficient. In these times, God accomplishes His will by His own determination. Our text says the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Bro. Morris recalls times where his faith was lacking, but the zeal of the Lord showed through to work in the situation. There are times when our faith and drive are insufficient. In these times, God accomplishes His will by His own determination. Our text says the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Bro. Morris recalls times where his faith was lacking, but the zeal of the Lord showed through to work in the situation. There are times when our faith and drive are insufficient. In these times, God accomplishes His will by His own determination. Our text says the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Bro. Morris recalls times where his faith was lacking, but … Gerald Morris 3781 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21779257/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thezealofthelord/id/3643154.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21779257 Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-9:7 Sun, 18 Apr 2021 20:31:45 +0000 Mark Hughes The story from our text is an illustration of how God can work something out in life. When God invites us to His table, it changes all the things that have happened up to that point. The story of Mephibosheth helps us understand the implications of what can happen when we respond to God. When Mephibosheth was just a child, life began to unravel. His father Jonathan, was the son of Saul. David ascended to the throne after the death of Saul. It was traditional that the heirs of the former king would be killed to eliminate any chance of the former king’s family trying to reclaim the throne. David and Jonathan were friends, and as a result of that friendship, David wanted to bless any heirs from the house of Saul. The bible tells us that there was one. Before we even know his name, we know that the man was lame in both feet. Bible scholars believe that the nursemaid fell when trying to escape with Mephibosheth, and that fall crippled him in both feet. Out of fear, Mephibosheth was living in a barren, out-of-the-way place. Ironically, the thing that he feared was not even true. Mephibosheth received a word in Lodebar that the King wanted to see him. This must-have scared him to death. The first words that David said to him were “fear not” and then refers to him as a son. David never mentions Mephibosheth’s lameness. The world knew him as being crippled, but David did not even mention it. The world sees our problems, but God sees the person. He sees us and welcomes us. And He accepts us just as we are. We never read that God healed Mephibosheth. He was still lame, but David welcomed him at the table. God wants us at His table no matter our past and no matter where we are living. The story from our text is an illustration of how God can work something out in life. When God invites us to His table, it changes all the things that have happened up to that point. The story of Mephibosheth helps us understand the implications of what can happen when we respond to God. When Mephibosheth was just a child, life began to unravel. His father Jonathan, was the son of Saul. David ascended to the throne after the death of Saul. It was traditional that the heirs of the former king would be killed to eliminate any chance of the former king’s family trying to reclaim the throne. David and Jonathan were friends, and as a result of that friendship, David wanted to bless any heirs from the house of Saul. The bible tells us that there was one. Before we even know his name, we know that the man was lame in both feet. Bible scholars believe that the nursemaid fell when trying to escape with Mephibosheth, and that fall crippled him in both feet. Out of fear, Mephibosheth was living in a barren, out-of-the-way place. Ironically, the thing that he feared was not even true. Mephibosheth received a word in Lodebar that the King wanted to see him. This must-have scared him to death. The first words that David said to him were “fear not” and then refers to him as a son. David never mentions Mephibosheth’s lameness. The world knew him as being crippled, but David did not even mention it. The world sees our problems, but God sees the person. He sees us and welcomes us. And He accepts us just as we are. We never read that God healed Mephibosheth. He was still lame, but David welcomed him at the table. God wants us at His table no matter our past and no matter where we are living. The story from our text is an illustration of how God can work something out in life. When God invites us to His table, it changes all the things that have happened up to that point. The story of Mephibosheth helps us understand the implications of w… Mark Hughes 3098 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21778549/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theredefiningoflife/id/1057930.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21778549 The Redefining of Life Sun, 18 Apr 2021 20:31:45 +0000 Mark Hughes The story from our text is an illustration of how God can work something out in life. When God invites us to His table, it changes all the things that have happened up to that point. The story of Mephibosheth helps us understand the implications of what can happen when we respond to God. When Mephibosheth was just a child, life began to unravel. His father Jonathan, was the son of Saul. David ascended to the throne after the death of Saul. It was traditional that the heirs of the former king would be killed to eliminate any chance of the former king’s family trying to reclaim the throne. David and Jonathan were friends, and as a result of that friendship, David wanted to bless any heirs from the house of Saul. The bible tells us that there was one. Before we even know his name, we know that the man was lame in both feet. Bible scholars believe that the nursemaid fell when trying to escape with Mephibosheth, and that fall crippled him in both feet. Out of fear, Mephibosheth was living in a barren, out-of-the-way place. Ironically, the thing that he feared was not even true. Mephibosheth received a word in Lodebar that the King wanted to see him. This must-have scared him to death. The first words that David said to him were “fear not” and then refers to him as a son. David never mentions Mephibosheth’s lameness. The world knew him as being crippled, but David did not even mention it. The world sees our problems, but God sees the person. He sees us and welcomes us. And He accepts us just as we are. We never read that God healed Mephibosheth. He was still lame, but David welcomed him at the table. God wants us at His table no matter our past and no matter where we are living. The story from our text is an illustration of how God can work something out in life. When God invites us to His table, it changes all the things that have happened up to that point. The story of Mephibosheth helps us understand the implications of what can happen when we respond to God. When Mephibosheth was just a child, life began to unravel. His father Jonathan, was the son of Saul. David ascended to the throne after the death of Saul. It was traditional that the heirs of the former king would be killed to eliminate any chance of the former king’s family trying to reclaim the throne. David and Jonathan were friends, and as a result of that friendship, David wanted to bless any heirs from the house of Saul. The bible tells us that there was one. Before we even know his name, we know that the man was lame in both feet. Bible scholars believe that the nursemaid fell when trying to escape with Mephibosheth, and that fall crippled him in both feet. Out of fear, Mephibosheth was living in a barren, out-of-the-way place. Ironically, the thing that he feared was not even true. Mephibosheth received a word in Lodebar that the King wanted to see him. This must-have scared him to death. The first words that David said to him were “fear not” and then refers to him as a son. David never mentions Mephibosheth’s lameness. The world knew him as being crippled, but David did not even mention it. The world sees our problems, but God sees the person. He sees us and welcomes us. And He accepts us just as we are. We never read that God healed Mephibosheth. He was still lame, but David welcomed him at the table. God wants us at His table no matter our past and no matter where we are living. The story from our text is an illustration of how God can work something out in life. When God invites us to His table, it changes all the things that have happened up to that point. The story of Mephibosheth helps us understand the implications of w… Mark Hughes 3098 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21778549/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theredefiningoflife/id/3642464.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21778549 The Redefining of Life Thu, 15 Apr 2021 02:19:38 +0000 Greg Starks We do not have to look at social media for very long to realize that our world is in desperate need of Gracious Communication. The way that we communicate with each other has a strong influence on our relationships. If we are not kind in our communications, it is likely that the relationship is not good. Communication is important to God. In the opening chapters of Genesis, we see God speaking. The bible says that we are made in God’s image, and communication is one of the characteristics of that. More than a way to speak to each other, it is also a way to interact with God. Speech and communications, being a gift from God, is something to use carefully. When we use this gift to harm or destroy, we misuse God’s gift. We do not have to look at social media for very long to realize that our world is in desperate need of Gracious Communication. The way that we communicate with each other has a strong influence on our relationships. If we are not kind in our communications, it is likely that the relationship is not good. Communication is important to God. In the opening chapters of Genesis, we see God speaking. The bible says that we are made in God’s image, and communication is one of the characteristics of that. More than a way to speak to each other, it is also a way to interact with God. Speech and communications, being a gift from God, is something to use carefully. When we use this gift to harm or destroy, we misuse God’s gift. We do not have to look at social media for very long to realize that our world is in desperate need of Gracious Communication. The way that we communicate with each other has a strong influence on our relationships. If we are not kind in our communic… Greg Starks 2954 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21776362/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_graciouscommunication/id/1056365.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21776362 Scripture: Ephesians 4, Colossians 4:6, Series: Elements Part#13 Thu, 15 Apr 2021 02:19:38 +0000 Greg Starks We do not have to look at social media for very long to realize that our world is in desperate need of Gracious Communication. The way that we communicate with each other has a strong influence on our relationships. If we are not kind in our communications, it is likely that the relationship is not good. Communication is important to God. In the opening chapters of Genesis, we see God speaking. The bible says that we are made in God’s image, and communication is one of the characteristics of that. More than a way to speak to each other, it is also a way to interact with God. Speech and communications, being a gift from God, is something to use carefully. When we use this gift to harm or destroy, we misuse God’s gift. We do not have to look at social media for very long to realize that our world is in desperate need of Gracious Communication. The way that we communicate with each other has a strong influence on our relationships. If we are not kind in our communications, it is likely that the relationship is not good. Communication is important to God. In the opening chapters of Genesis, we see God speaking. The bible says that we are made in God’s image, and communication is one of the characteristics of that. More than a way to speak to each other, it is also a way to interact with God. Speech and communications, being a gift from God, is something to use carefully. When we use this gift to harm or destroy, we misuse God’s gift. We do not have to look at social media for very long to realize that our world is in desperate need of Gracious Communication. The way that we communicate with each other has a strong influence on our relationships. If we are not kind in our communic… Greg Starks 2954 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21776362/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_graciouscommunication/id/3640313.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21776362 Scripture: Ephesians 4, Colossians 4:6, Series: Elements Part#13 Mon, 12 Apr 2021 02:12:09 +0000 James Hughes Our text speaks of the fruit of the spirit. The fruit is the result of being filled with the Holy Ghost. Often we misread our text from Galatians as fruits of the spirit. We treat love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance as individual fruits, but the word in verse 22 is singular, not plural. Dr. Hughes looks at the benefits of having and showing these nine characteristics of the fruit of the spirit in our lives. Our text speaks of the fruit of the spirit. The fruit is the result of being filled with the Holy Ghost. Often we misread our text from Galatians as fruits of the spirit. We treat love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance as individual fruits, but the word in verse 22 is singular, not plural. Dr. Hughes looks at the benefits of having and showing these nine characteristics of the fruit of the spirit in our lives. Our text speaks of the fruit of the spirit. The fruit is the result of being filled with the Holy Ghost. Often we misread our text from Galatians as fruits of the spirit. We treat love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meeknes… James Hughes 3652 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21774808/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thebenefitsoftheholyghost/id/1055837.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21774808 Scripture: Galatians 5:22-5:23, Ephesians 4:29-4:32 Mon, 12 Apr 2021 02:12:09 +0000 James Hughes Our text speaks of the fruit of the spirit. The fruit is the result of being filled with the Holy Ghost. Often we misread our text from Galatians as fruits of the spirit. We treat love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance as individual fruits, but the word in verse 22 is singular, not plural. Dr. Hughes looks at the benefits of having and showing these nine characteristics of the fruit of the spirit in our lives. Our text speaks of the fruit of the spirit. The fruit is the result of being filled with the Holy Ghost. Often we misread our text from Galatians as fruits of the spirit. We treat love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance as individual fruits, but the word in verse 22 is singular, not plural. Dr. Hughes looks at the benefits of having and showing these nine characteristics of the fruit of the spirit in our lives. Our text speaks of the fruit of the spirit. The fruit is the result of being filled with the Holy Ghost. Often we misread our text from Galatians as fruits of the spirit. We treat love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meeknes… James Hughes 3652 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21774808/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thebenefitsoftheholyghost/id/3639256.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21774808 Scripture: Galatians 5:22-5:23, Ephesians 4:29-4:32 Sun, 11 Apr 2021 19:45:39 +0000 Mark Hughes Peter's failure is one of the most sobering stories in the new testament. Despite his many strengths, he had weaknesses that lurked just below the surface. His impetuousness lent itself to trouble. Most often, his quick mouth got him into trouble. In this particular story, Peter is warming himself by the fire. Someone recognizes him as a follower of Jesus and calls him out. He denies it and then does so two more times, thus fulfilling the prophecy of Jesus not even 24 hours earlier. Immediately the rooster crowd to signal the fulfillment of Jesus’s words. For most of us, the sound of a rooster crowing would haunt us, not only in the moment but from then on. But if we look at Peter’s life from that moment on, it is amazing to note that He moved on from that colossal failure to be one of the most influential preachers of the first-century church. We do not read that Peter was haunted by his failure. Part of this is most certainly due to Jesus’ specific words to tell the disciples AND Peter to meet Him in Galalale. Later, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me? Each time, Peter responds that he does. Somehow in that exchange, the echoing sound of that rooster crowing was silenced. The message here is that if our heart has failed us, God’s love is greater than that failure. Our failures in the past do not have to determine our future. God wants to silence the rooster in our own lives. Peter's failure is one of the most sobering stories in the new testament. Despite his many strengths, he had weaknesses that lurked just below the surface. His impetuousness lent itself to trouble. Most often, his quick mouth got him into trouble. In this particular story, Peter is warming himself by the fire. Someone recognizes him as a follower of Jesus and calls him out. He denies it and then does so two more times, thus fulfilling the prophecy of Jesus not even 24 hours earlier. Immediately the rooster crowd to signal the fulfillment of Jesus’s words. For most of us, the sound of a rooster crowing would haunt us, not only in the moment but from then on. But if we look at Peter’s life from that moment on, it is amazing to note that He moved on from that colossal failure to be one of the most influential preachers of the first-century church. We do not read that Peter was haunted by his failure. Part of this is most certainly due to Jesus’ specific words to tell the disciples AND Peter to meet Him in Galalale. Later, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me? Each time, Peter responds that he does. Somehow in that exchange, the echoing sound of that rooster crowing was silenced. The message here is that if our heart has failed us, God’s love is greater than that failure. Our failures in the past do not have to determine our future. God wants to silence the rooster in our own lives. Peter's failure is one of the most sobering stories in the new testament. Despite his many strengths, he had weaknesses that lurked just below the surface. His impetuousness lent itself to trouble. Most often, his quick mouth got him into trouble. … Mark Hughes 1993 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21774503/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_itstimetosilencetherooster/id/1055668.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21774503 Scripture: Matthew 26:69-26:75, 1 John 3:20-3:21 Sun, 11 Apr 2021 19:45:39 +0000 Mark Hughes Peter's failure is one of the most sobering stories in the new testament. Despite his many strengths, he had weaknesses that lurked just below the surface. His impetuousness lent itself to trouble. Most often, his quick mouth got him into trouble. In this particular story, Peter is warming himself by the fire. Someone recognizes him as a follower of Jesus and calls him out. He denies it and then does so two more times, thus fulfilling the prophecy of Jesus not even 24 hours earlier. Immediately the rooster crowd to signal the fulfillment of Jesus’s words. For most of us, the sound of a rooster crowing would haunt us, not only in the moment but from then on. But if we look at Peter’s life from that moment on, it is amazing to note that He moved on from that colossal failure to be one of the most influential preachers of the first-century church. We do not read that Peter was haunted by his failure. Part of this is most certainly due to Jesus’ specific words to tell the disciples AND Peter to meet Him in Galalale. Later, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me? Each time, Peter responds that he does. Somehow in that exchange, the echoing sound of that rooster crowing was silenced. The message here is that if our heart has failed us, God’s love is greater than that failure. Our failures in the past do not have to determine our future. God wants to silence the rooster in our own lives. Peter's failure is one of the most sobering stories in the new testament. Despite his many strengths, he had weaknesses that lurked just below the surface. His impetuousness lent itself to trouble. Most often, his quick mouth got him into trouble. In this particular story, Peter is warming himself by the fire. Someone recognizes him as a follower of Jesus and calls him out. He denies it and then does so two more times, thus fulfilling the prophecy of Jesus not even 24 hours earlier. Immediately the rooster crowd to signal the fulfillment of Jesus’s words. For most of us, the sound of a rooster crowing would haunt us, not only in the moment but from then on. But if we look at Peter’s life from that moment on, it is amazing to note that He moved on from that colossal failure to be one of the most influential preachers of the first-century church. We do not read that Peter was haunted by his failure. Part of this is most certainly due to Jesus’ specific words to tell the disciples AND Peter to meet Him in Galalale. Later, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me? Each time, Peter responds that he does. Somehow in that exchange, the echoing sound of that rooster crowing was silenced. The message here is that if our heart has failed us, God’s love is greater than that failure. Our failures in the past do not have to determine our future. God wants to silence the rooster in our own lives. Peter's failure is one of the most sobering stories in the new testament. Despite his many strengths, he had weaknesses that lurked just below the surface. His impetuousness lent itself to trouble. Most often, his quick mouth got him into trouble. … Mark Hughes 1993 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21774503/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itstimetosilencetherooster/id/3638961.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21774503 Scripture: Matthew 26:69-26:75, 1 John 3:20-3:21 Thu, 08 Apr 2021 02:16:00 +0000 Landon Long Emotions are a powerful force in our lives. Often strong emotions can overwhelm us and lead us to do and say things that we should not do or say. People who are ruled by their emotions can do significant damage to people and relationships around them. Emotions are not bad, but bad things can happen when we fail to control them. God is our refuge. We can turn to God amid our emotions for help. God cares about us our emotional state. Our emotions are feedback indicators. Emotions express our state of being to us and those around us. Our response to powerful emotions is essential. Some struggle with these reactions and those people must recognize that they have a problem in that area. Knowing there is a problem is not enough; we have to do something about it. To do something about it, we must form new habits. Our habits will help us become emotionally whole. God wants us to be emotionally complete. Emotions are a powerful force in our lives. Often strong emotions can overwhelm us and lead us to do and say things that we should not do or say. People who are ruled by their emotions can do significant damage to people and relationships around them. Emotions are not bad, but bad things can happen when we fail to control them. God is our refuge. We can turn to God amid our emotions for help. God cares about us our emotional state. Our emotions are feedback indicators. Emotions express our state of being to us and those around us. Our response to powerful emotions is essential. Some struggle with these reactions and those people must recognize that they have a problem in that area. Knowing there is a problem is not enough; we have to do something about it. To do something about it, we must form new habits. Our habits will help us become emotionally whole. God wants us to be emotionally complete. Emotions are a powerful force in our lives. Often strong emotions can overwhelm us and lead us to do and say things that we should not do or say. People who are ruled by their emotions can do significant damage to people and relationships around them… Landon Long 2782 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21772725/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_emotionalwholeness/id/1054421.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21772725 Scripture: Genesis 37:3-37:5, Hebrews 4:16, Series: Elements Part#12 Thu, 08 Apr 2021 02:16:00 +0000 Landon Long Emotions are a powerful force in our lives. Often strong emotions can overwhelm us and lead us to do and say things that we should not do or say. People who are ruled by their emotions can do significant damage to people and relationships around them. Emotions are not bad, but bad things can happen when we fail to control them. God is our refuge. We can turn to God amid our emotions for help. God cares about us our emotional state. Our emotions are feedback indicators. Emotions express our state of being to us and those around us. Our response to powerful emotions is essential. Some struggle with these reactions and those people must recognize that they have a problem in that area. Knowing there is a problem is not enough; we have to do something about it. To do something about it, we must form new habits. Our habits will help us become emotionally whole. God wants us to be emotionally complete. Emotions are a powerful force in our lives. Often strong emotions can overwhelm us and lead us to do and say things that we should not do or say. People who are ruled by their emotions can do significant damage to people and relationships around them. Emotions are not bad, but bad things can happen when we fail to control them. God is our refuge. We can turn to God amid our emotions for help. God cares about us our emotional state. Our emotions are feedback indicators. Emotions express our state of being to us and those around us. Our response to powerful emotions is essential. Some struggle with these reactions and those people must recognize that they have a problem in that area. Knowing there is a problem is not enough; we have to do something about it. To do something about it, we must form new habits. Our habits will help us become emotionally whole. God wants us to be emotionally complete. Emotions are a powerful force in our lives. Often strong emotions can overwhelm us and lead us to do and say things that we should not do or say. People who are ruled by their emotions can do significant damage to people and relationships around them… Landon Long 2782 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21772725/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_emotionalwholeness/id/3637239.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21772725 Scripture: Genesis 37:3-37:5, Hebrews 4:16, Series: Elements Part#12 Sun, 04 Apr 2021 20:39:25 +0000 Mark Hughes The words spoken to the two women who came to the tomb on that morning are the most significant ever spoken. He is not here: for He is risen. More than a great story, He is risen is the reality we enjoy today. Because the tomb is empty, we know that He lives! The words spoken to the two women who came to the tomb on that morning are the most significant ever spoken. He is not here: for He is risen. More than a great story, He is risen is the reality we enjoy today. Because the tomb is empty, we know that He lives! The words spoken to the two women who came to the tomb on that morning are the most significant ever spoken. He is not here: for He is risen. More than a great story, He is risen is the reality we enjoy today. Because the tomb is empty, we know that… Mark Hughes 2555 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21770595/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theimplicationsoftheresurrecti/id/1053555.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21770595 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:12-15:22 Sun, 04 Apr 2021 20:39:25 +0000 Mark Hughes The words spoken to the two women who came to the tomb on that morning are the most significant ever spoken. He is not here: for He is risen. More than a great story, He is risen is the reality we enjoy today. Because the tomb is empty, we know that He lives! The words spoken to the two women who came to the tomb on that morning are the most significant ever spoken. He is not here: for He is risen. More than a great story, He is risen is the reality we enjoy today. Because the tomb is empty, we know that He lives! The words spoken to the two women who came to the tomb on that morning are the most significant ever spoken. He is not here: for He is risen. More than a great story, He is risen is the reality we enjoy today. Because the tomb is empty, we know that… Mark Hughes 2555 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21770595/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theimplicationsoftheresurrecti/id/3635252.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21770595 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:12-15:22 Thu, 01 Apr 2021 02:25:12 +0000 Greg Starks Tonight, Bro. Starks teaches the final part of the module on our doctrine. Tonight’s lesson deals with the Resurrection, The hope that the resurrection provides, and the coming judgment. Tonight, Bro. Starks teaches the final part of the module on our doctrine. Tonight’s lesson deals with the Resurrection, The hope that the resurrection provides, and the coming judgment. Tonight, Bro. Starks teaches the final part of the module on our doctrine. Tonight’s lesson deals with the Resurrection, The hope that the resurrection provides, and the coming judgment. … Greg Starks 3035 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21767951/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thelastthings/id/1051721.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21767951 Scripture: Luke 24:13-24:28, 1 Peter 1:3-1:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-4:18, Series: Elements Part#11 Thu, 01 Apr 2021 02:25:12 +0000 Greg Starks Tonight, Bro. Starks teaches the final part of the module on our doctrine. Tonight’s lesson deals with the Resurrection, The hope that the resurrection provides, and the coming judgment. Tonight, Bro. Starks teaches the final part of the module on our doctrine. Tonight’s lesson deals with the Resurrection, The hope that the resurrection provides, and the coming judgment. Tonight, Bro. Starks teaches the final part of the module on our doctrine. Tonight’s lesson deals with the Resurrection, The hope that the resurrection provides, and the coming judgment. … Greg Starks 3035 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21767951/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thelastthings/id/3632771.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21767951 Scripture: Luke 24:13-24:28, 1 Peter 1:3-1:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-4:18, Series: Elements Part#11 Mon, 29 Mar 2021 02:40:34 +0000 Mark Hughes In our text, Moises stands at the end of his life, reflecting on all that happened to him and Israel. If we look back over Moses’ life, we see just how great God had been to Moses and the children of Israel. Moses witnessed many miraculous things: The burning bush, the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, the manna, the quail, the water from the rock, and many more miraculous things on this forty-year journey. God proved over and over that He was capable of providing for His people. Moses, no doubt, was filled with wonder and awe about all that he had seen. But more than the miracles and revelation of truth that captivated Moses, what amazed him more was the realization that he had only seen the beginning of what God could do. Moses asks if that was only the beginning, what must the future hold? Throughout the bible, we never see God portrayed as a diminishing quantity. He is constant. He is forever the same. God has been very good to us, but God has only just begun. In our text, Moises stands at the end of his life, reflecting on all that happened to him and Israel. If we look back over Moses’ life, we see just how great God had been to Moses and the children of Israel. Moses witnessed many miraculous things: The burning bush, the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, the manna, the quail, the water from the rock, and many more miraculous things on this forty-year journey. God proved over and over that He was capable of providing for His people. Moses, no doubt, was filled with wonder and awe about all that he had seen. But more than the miracles and revelation of truth that captivated Moses, what amazed him more was the realization that he had only seen the beginning of what God could do. Moses asks if that was only the beginning, what must the future hold? Throughout the bible, we never see God portrayed as a diminishing quantity. He is constant. He is forever the same. God has been very good to us, but God has only just begun. In our text, Moises stands at the end of his life, reflecting on all that happened to him and Israel. If we look back over Moses’ life, we see just how great God had been to Moses and the children of Israel. Moses witnessed many miraculous things: T… Mark Hughes 2048 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21766574/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_godsbeginnings/id/1051025.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21766574 Scripture: Deuteronomy 3:21-3:29 Mon, 29 Mar 2021 02:40:34 +0000 Mark Hughes In our text, Moises stands at the end of his life, reflecting on all that happened to him and Israel. If we look back over Moses’ life, we see just how great God had been to Moses and the children of Israel. Moses witnessed many miraculous things: The burning bush, the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, the manna, the quail, the water from the rock, and many more miraculous things on this forty-year journey. God proved over and over that He was capable of providing for His people. Moses, no doubt, was filled with wonder and awe about all that he had seen. But more than the miracles and revelation of truth that captivated Moses, what amazed him more was the realization that he had only seen the beginning of what God could do. Moses asks if that was only the beginning, what must the future hold? Throughout the bible, we never see God portrayed as a diminishing quantity. He is constant. He is forever the same. God has been very good to us, but God has only just begun. In our text, Moises stands at the end of his life, reflecting on all that happened to him and Israel. If we look back over Moses’ life, we see just how great God had been to Moses and the children of Israel. Moses witnessed many miraculous things: The burning bush, the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, the manna, the quail, the water from the rock, and many more miraculous things on this forty-year journey. God proved over and over that He was capable of providing for His people. Moses, no doubt, was filled with wonder and awe about all that he had seen. But more than the miracles and revelation of truth that captivated Moses, what amazed him more was the realization that he had only seen the beginning of what God could do. Moses asks if that was only the beginning, what must the future hold? Throughout the bible, we never see God portrayed as a diminishing quantity. He is constant. He is forever the same. God has been very good to us, but God has only just begun. In our text, Moises stands at the end of his life, reflecting on all that happened to him and Israel. If we look back over Moses’ life, we see just how great God had been to Moses and the children of Israel. Moses witnessed many miraculous things: T… Mark Hughes 2048 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21766574/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godsbeginnings/id/3631435.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21766574 Scripture: Deuteronomy 3:21-3:29 Sun, 28 Mar 2021 20:33:51 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is from the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry. He knew He would soon go to the cross, so He went to the temple to pray. Most of the mentions of the temple were “The Temple,” but in this writing, Matthew records it as “The Temple of God.” Israel had made church convenient and had allowed the temple atmosphere to become more like an open market. Jesus reminded everyone that day that this was the Temple of God and that there were rules for how one should treat the house of God. It is God’s house, and we must go by His rules. Our text is from the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry. He knew He would soon go to the cross, so He went to the temple to pray. Most of the mentions of the temple were “The Temple,” but in this writing, Matthew records it as “The Temple of God.” Israel had made church convenient and had allowed the temple atmosphere to become more like an open market. Jesus reminded everyone that day that this was the Temple of God and that there were rules for how one should treat the house of God. It is God’s house, and we must go by His rules. Our text is from the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry. He knew He would soon go to the cross, so He went to the temple to pray. Most of the mentions of the temple were “The Temple,” but in this writing, Matthew records it as “The Temple of God.” Israe… Mark Hughes 2053 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21766302/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_hishousehisrules/id/1050873.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21766302 Scripture: Matthew 21:12-27:17 Sun, 28 Mar 2021 20:33:51 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is from the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry. He knew He would soon go to the cross, so He went to the temple to pray. Most of the mentions of the temple were “The Temple,” but in this writing, Matthew records it as “The Temple of God.” Israel had made church convenient and had allowed the temple atmosphere to become more like an open market. Jesus reminded everyone that day that this was the Temple of God and that there were rules for how one should treat the house of God. It is God’s house, and we must go by His rules. Our text is from the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry. He knew He would soon go to the cross, so He went to the temple to pray. Most of the mentions of the temple were “The Temple,” but in this writing, Matthew records it as “The Temple of God.” Israel had made church convenient and had allowed the temple atmosphere to become more like an open market. Jesus reminded everyone that day that this was the Temple of God and that there were rules for how one should treat the house of God. It is God’s house, and we must go by His rules. Our text is from the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry. He knew He would soon go to the cross, so He went to the temple to pray. Most of the mentions of the temple were “The Temple,” but in this writing, Matthew records it as “The Temple of God.” Israe… Mark Hughes 2053 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21766302/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hishousehisrules/id/3631159.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21766302 Scripture: Matthew 21:12-27:17 Thu, 25 Mar 2021 02:33:32 +0000 Greg Starks By the third chapter of Genesis, man had fallen and was separated from God by sin. The rest of the bible is God’s efforts to the relationship between man and God. That plan is executed through the Gospel of Jesus. The bible is clear that we must be born again to be saved. Much of the world rejects this idea altogether, and the Christian world is divided in what it means to be born again. Rev. Starks examines the evidence found in Acts about the plan of salvation and the elements noted by the bible as being critical. By the third chapter of Genesis, man had fallen and was separated from God by sin. The rest of the bible is God’s efforts to the relationship between man and God. That plan is executed through the Gospel of Jesus. The bible is clear that we must be born again to be saved. Much of the world rejects this idea altogether, and the Christian world is divided in what it means to be born again. Rev. Starks examines the evidence found in Acts about the plan of salvation and the elements noted by the bible as being critical. By the third chapter of Genesis, man had fallen and was separated from God by sin. The rest of the bible is God’s efforts to the relationship between man and God. That plan is executed through the Gospel of Jesus. The bible is clear that we must be … Greg Starks 3298 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21764003/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thenewbirth/id/1049505.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21764003 Scripture: Ezekiel 36:26, Acts 2, Series: Elements Part#10 Thu, 25 Mar 2021 02:33:32 +0000 Greg Starks By the third chapter of Genesis, man had fallen and was separated from God by sin. The rest of the bible is God’s efforts to the relationship between man and God. That plan is executed through the Gospel of Jesus. The bible is clear that we must be born again to be saved. Much of the world rejects this idea altogether, and the Christian world is divided in what it means to be born again. Rev. Starks examines the evidence found in Acts about the plan of salvation and the elements noted by the bible as being critical. By the third chapter of Genesis, man had fallen and was separated from God by sin. The rest of the bible is God’s efforts to the relationship between man and God. That plan is executed through the Gospel of Jesus. The bible is clear that we must be born again to be saved. Much of the world rejects this idea altogether, and the Christian world is divided in what it means to be born again. Rev. Starks examines the evidence found in Acts about the plan of salvation and the elements noted by the bible as being critical. By the third chapter of Genesis, man had fallen and was separated from God by sin. The rest of the bible is God’s efforts to the relationship between man and God. That plan is executed through the Gospel of Jesus. The bible is clear that we must be … Greg Starks 3298 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21764003/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thenewbirth/id/3628990.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21764003 Scripture: Ezekiel 36:26, Acts 2, Series: Elements Part#10 Sun, 21 Mar 2021 19:19:26 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is one of the most powerful concepts about life and living in the bible. If repentance can restore our relationship with God, will it not also work to restore our relationship with each other? Bro. Hughes uses this single line from Acts to impart the wisdom that can change our lives and our relationship with each other. Our text is one of the most powerful concepts about life and living in the bible. If repentance can restore our relationship with God, will it not also work to restore our relationship with each other? Bro. Hughes uses this single line from Acts to impart the wisdom that can change our lives and our relationship with each other. Our text is one of the most powerful concepts about life and living in the bible. If repentance can restore our relationship with God, will it not also work to restore our relationship with each other? Bro. Hughes uses this single line from Acts to i… Mark Hughes 3027 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21762609/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_itstimeforrefreshing/id/1048843.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21762609 Scripture: Acts 3:19 Sun, 21 Mar 2021 19:19:26 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is one of the most powerful concepts about life and living in the bible. If repentance can restore our relationship with God, will it not also work to restore our relationship with each other? Bro. Hughes uses this single line from Acts to impart the wisdom that can change our lives and our relationship with each other. Our text is one of the most powerful concepts about life and living in the bible. If repentance can restore our relationship with God, will it not also work to restore our relationship with each other? Bro. Hughes uses this single line from Acts to impart the wisdom that can change our lives and our relationship with each other. Our text is one of the most powerful concepts about life and living in the bible. If repentance can restore our relationship with God, will it not also work to restore our relationship with each other? Bro. Hughes uses this single line from Acts to i… Mark Hughes 3027 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21762609/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itstimeforrefreshing/id/3627661.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21762609 Scripture: Acts 3:19 Thu, 18 Mar 2021 02:48:18 +0000 Landon Long The church described in Acts 2 is still the model we use today. The Bible tells of a church that was successful and that grew exponentially. The church experienced this growth and success in the face of oppression and persecution. Jesus established the church by His death on the cross. We often refer to the church as a family. We are all united and connected by blood, just like natural families. Our church family is there to support each other through every trial and struggle. God wants His church to be unified. Acts 2 tells us that they were all together in one accord. The bible also describes the church as the body. The body is unified and together; what happens to one part of the body affects the other parts. God bestows gifts of the spirit to his church. When people in the body of Christ yield to moves of His Spirit, these gifts operate supernaturally to help the church. Finally, the church is love. God desires that members of His body love one another and have a passion for the lost. The church described in Acts 2 is still the model we use today. The Bible tells of a church that was successful and that grew exponentially. The church experienced this growth and success in the face of oppression and persecution. Jesus established the church by His death on the cross. We often refer to the church as a family. We are all united and connected by blood, just like natural families. Our church family is there to support each other through every trial and struggle. God wants His church to be unified. Acts 2 tells us that they were all together in one accord. The bible also describes the church as the body. The body is unified and together; what happens to one part of the body affects the other parts. God bestows gifts of the spirit to his church. When people in the body of Christ yield to moves of His Spirit, these gifts operate supernaturally to help the church. Finally, the church is love. God desires that members of His body love one another and have a passion for the lost. The church described in Acts 2 is still the model we use today. The Bible tells of a church that was successful and that grew exponentially. The church experienced this growth and success in the face of oppression and persecution. Jesus established… Landon Long 3075 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21760620/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thechurch/id/1047553.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21760620 The Church Thu, 18 Mar 2021 02:48:18 +0000 Landon Long The church described in Acts 2 is still the model we use today. The Bible tells of a church that was successful and that grew exponentially. The church experienced this growth and success in the face of oppression and persecution. Jesus established the church by His death on the cross. We often refer to the church as a family. We are all united and connected by blood, just like natural families. Our church family is there to support each other through every trial and struggle. God wants His church to be unified. Acts 2 tells us that they were all together in one accord. The bible also describes the church as the body. The body is unified and together; what happens to one part of the body affects the other parts. God bestows gifts of the spirit to his church. When people in the body of Christ yield to moves of His Spirit, these gifts operate supernaturally to help the church. Finally, the church is love. God desires that members of His body love one another and have a passion for the lost. The church described in Acts 2 is still the model we use today. The Bible tells of a church that was successful and that grew exponentially. The church experienced this growth and success in the face of oppression and persecution. Jesus established the church by His death on the cross. We often refer to the church as a family. We are all united and connected by blood, just like natural families. Our church family is there to support each other through every trial and struggle. God wants His church to be unified. Acts 2 tells us that they were all together in one accord. The bible also describes the church as the body. The body is unified and together; what happens to one part of the body affects the other parts. God bestows gifts of the spirit to his church. When people in the body of Christ yield to moves of His Spirit, these gifts operate supernaturally to help the church. Finally, the church is love. God desires that members of His body love one another and have a passion for the lost. The church described in Acts 2 is still the model we use today. The Bible tells of a church that was successful and that grew exponentially. The church experienced this growth and success in the face of oppression and persecution. Jesus established… Landon Long 3075 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21760620/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thechurch/id/3625723.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21760620 The Church Sun, 14 Mar 2021 19:35:08 +0000 Mark Hughes In our text, Jesus is in the synagogue in his hometown. He reads from the book of Isaiah 61. Most scholars agree that the reading from Isiah would not have been part of the worship schedule that day. Jesus is not interested in following our program for worship. When he concluded the reading, all the people were amazed. The text Jesus read was slightly different than how we see it portrayed here in Luke Jesu put a period where Isiah had a comma; He was designating division between what had been in the past, and what the future will be. What does Jesus want to close the book on in our lives? In our text, Jesus is in the synagogue in his hometown. He reads from the book of Isaiah 61. Most scholars agree that the reading from Isiah would not have been part of the worship schedule that day. Jesus is not interested in following our program for worship. When he concluded the reading, all the people were amazed. The text Jesus read was slightly different than how we see it portrayed here in Luke Jesu put a period where Isiah had a comma; He was designating division between what had been in the past, and what the future will be. What does Jesus want to close the book on in our lives? In our text, Jesus is in the synagogue in his hometown. He reads from the book of Isaiah 61. Most scholars agree that the reading from Isiah would not have been part of the worship schedule that day. Jesus is not interested in following our program … Mark Hughes 2977 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21759004/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_heclosedthebook/id/1046722.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21759004 He Closed The Book Sun, 14 Mar 2021 19:35:08 +0000 Mark Hughes In our text, Jesus is in the synagogue in his hometown. He reads from the book of Isaiah 61. Most scholars agree that the reading from Isiah would not have been part of the worship schedule that day. Jesus is not interested in following our program for worship. When he concluded the reading, all the people were amazed. The text Jesus read was slightly different than how we see it portrayed here in Luke Jesu put a period where Isiah had a comma; He was designating division between what had been in the past, and what the future will be. What does Jesus want to close the book on in our lives? In our text, Jesus is in the synagogue in his hometown. He reads from the book of Isaiah 61. Most scholars agree that the reading from Isiah would not have been part of the worship schedule that day. Jesus is not interested in following our program for worship. When he concluded the reading, all the people were amazed. The text Jesus read was slightly different than how we see it portrayed here in Luke Jesu put a period where Isiah had a comma; He was designating division between what had been in the past, and what the future will be. What does Jesus want to close the book on in our lives? In our text, Jesus is in the synagogue in his hometown. He reads from the book of Isaiah 61. Most scholars agree that the reading from Isiah would not have been part of the worship schedule that day. Jesus is not interested in following our program … Mark Hughes 2977 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21759004/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_heclosedthebook/id/3624181.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21759004 He Closed The Book Thu, 11 Mar 2021 03:26:42 +0000 Mark Hughes When we describe someone, we often use adjectives to describe them. We might say that they are funny, outgoing, or shy. We use these words to try to convey an image of the person. From the first page of Genesis to the last page of Revelation, the Bible describes God and His love for us. When we read the word of God, we get to know Him better because we are reading what He wants us to know about Him. How does God identify Himself in scripture? One of the most apparent themes throughout the bible is that there is only one true God. When we describe someone, we often use adjectives to describe them. We might say that they are funny, outgoing, or shy. We use these words to try to convey an image of the person. From the first page of Genesis to the last page of Revelation, the Bible describes God and His love for us. When we read the word of God, we get to know Him better because we are reading what He wants us to know about Him. How does God identify Himself in scripture? One of the most apparent themes throughout the bible is that there is only one true God. When we describe someone, we often use adjectives to describe them. We might say that they are funny, outgoing, or shy. We use these words to try to convey an image of the person. From the first page of Genesis to the last page of Revelation, the Bi… Mark Hughes 2986 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21757001/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theonetruegod/id/1045353.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21757001 Scripture: Genesis 1:1-1:2, Series: Elements Part#8 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 03:26:42 +0000 Mark Hughes When we describe someone, we often use adjectives to describe them. We might say that they are funny, outgoing, or shy. We use these words to try to convey an image of the person. From the first page of Genesis to the last page of Revelation, the Bible describes God and His love for us. When we read the word of God, we get to know Him better because we are reading what He wants us to know about Him. How does God identify Himself in scripture? One of the most apparent themes throughout the bible is that there is only one true God. When we describe someone, we often use adjectives to describe them. We might say that they are funny, outgoing, or shy. We use these words to try to convey an image of the person. From the first page of Genesis to the last page of Revelation, the Bible describes God and His love for us. When we read the word of God, we get to know Him better because we are reading what He wants us to know about Him. How does God identify Himself in scripture? One of the most apparent themes throughout the bible is that there is only one true God. When we describe someone, we often use adjectives to describe them. We might say that they are funny, outgoing, or shy. We use these words to try to convey an image of the person. From the first page of Genesis to the last page of Revelation, the Bi… Mark Hughes 2986 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21757001/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theonetruegod/id/3622205.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21757001 Scripture: Genesis 1:1-1:2, Series: Elements Part#8 Mon, 08 Mar 2021 03:45:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Evening Service We all desire God’s blessing. We want His favor and His presence. We pray for his hand on our lives, and we ask Him to use us. The trouble with blessing is that every blessing comes with something that none of us would ask for. What comes with blessing can disturb and trouble our lives. Often, the thing that accompanies blessing frustrates and challenges us. That thing is that there is a burden attached to every blessing. Every blessing includes a responsibility. The bible is clear, to those who are given much, much will be required. The angel came to Mary and told her that she was blessed and would be most favored of women. However, Mary would have to bear the burden and shame of being an unwed mother. It is important to keep our eyes on the blessing and not on the burden. When the burden becomes difficult, go back and thank God for the blessing. When we do that, He will give us the strength to endure the burden. Instead of fretting about the distractions and difficulties, we need to focus our eyes on the promise. Evening Service We all desire God’s blessing. We want His favor and His presence. We pray for his hand on our lives, and we ask Him to use us. The trouble with blessing is that every blessing comes with something that none of us would ask for. What comes with blessing can disturb and trouble our lives. Often, the thing that accompanies blessing frustrates and challenges us. That thing is that there is a burden attached to every blessing. Every blessing includes a responsibility. The bible is clear, to those who are given much, much will be required. The angel came to Mary and told her that she was blessed and would be most favored of women. However, Mary would have to bear the burden and shame of being an unwed mother. It is important to keep our eyes on the blessing and not on the burden. When the burden becomes difficult, go back and thank God for the blessing. When we do that, He will give us the strength to endure the burden. Instead of fretting about the distractions and difficulties, we need to focus our eyes on the promise. Evening Service We all desire God’s blessing. We want His favor and His presence. We pray for his hand on our lives, and we ask Him to use us. The trouble with blessing is that every blessing comes with something that none of us would ask for. What… Mark Hughes 1738 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21756148/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thetroublewithbeingblessed/id/1044812.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21756148 Scripture: Luke 12:48, Luke 1:26-1:28 Mon, 08 Mar 2021 03:45:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Evening Service We all desire God’s blessing. We want His favor and His presence. We pray for his hand on our lives, and we ask Him to use us. The trouble with blessing is that every blessing comes with something that none of us would ask for. What comes with blessing can disturb and trouble our lives. Often, the thing that accompanies blessing frustrates and challenges us. That thing is that there is a burden attached to every blessing. Every blessing includes a responsibility. The bible is clear, to those who are given much, much will be required. The angel came to Mary and told her that she was blessed and would be most favored of women. However, Mary would have to bear the burden and shame of being an unwed mother. It is important to keep our eyes on the blessing and not on the burden. When the burden becomes difficult, go back and thank God for the blessing. When we do that, He will give us the strength to endure the burden. Instead of fretting about the distractions and difficulties, we need to focus our eyes on the promise. Evening Service We all desire God’s blessing. We want His favor and His presence. We pray for his hand on our lives, and we ask Him to use us. The trouble with blessing is that every blessing comes with something that none of us would ask for. What comes with blessing can disturb and trouble our lives. Often, the thing that accompanies blessing frustrates and challenges us. That thing is that there is a burden attached to every blessing. Every blessing includes a responsibility. The bible is clear, to those who are given much, much will be required. The angel came to Mary and told her that she was blessed and would be most favored of women. However, Mary would have to bear the burden and shame of being an unwed mother. It is important to keep our eyes on the blessing and not on the burden. When the burden becomes difficult, go back and thank God for the blessing. When we do that, He will give us the strength to endure the burden. Instead of fretting about the distractions and difficulties, we need to focus our eyes on the promise. Evening Service We all desire God’s blessing. We want His favor and His presence. We pray for his hand on our lives, and we ask Him to use us. The trouble with blessing is that every blessing comes with something that none of us would ask for. What… Mark Hughes 1738 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21756148/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thetroublewithbeingblessed/id/3621387.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21756148 Scripture: Luke 12:48, Luke 1:26-1:28 Sun, 07 Mar 2021 20:19:29 +0000 Mark Hughes There is nothing in life that does not come with a price. Most people get hung up on the price it costs to live for God. Our text in Luke paints this in a stark way. Our relationship with God surpasses any other relationship in life. It cost God everything to give us what He gave for free. Salvation is free, but living a life for God comes at a cost. There is a cost to living for God, but not living for God also comes at a price. Romans tells us that the wages of sin are death. Everything worthwhile in life comes at a cost. The question is, why would we want to pay the price for something that will not last? A good life comes at a price, but so does a bad life. Revenge, anger, and hatred all come at a price. The price for these things always comes from us and from a reservoir that we don’t have. It costs something to forgive, but it costs much more not to. When you pay the price, what are you getting? If you pay the price for anger or bitterness, all you get is more anger and bitterness. If you pay the price for love, you get more love. Which is better? If we have to pay the price, it is better to go in style! Our text is clear that being a disciple comes at a cost, but that cost is worth it. There is nothing in life that does not come with a price. Most people get hung up on the price it costs to live for God. Our text in Luke paints this in a stark way. Our relationship with God surpasses any other relationship in life. It cost God everything to give us what He gave for free. Salvation is free, but living a life for God comes at a cost. There is a cost to living for God, but not living for God also comes at a price. Romans tells us that the wages of sin are death. Everything worthwhile in life comes at a cost. The question is, why would we want to pay the price for something that will not last? A good life comes at a price, but so does a bad life. Revenge, anger, and hatred all come at a price. The price for these things always comes from us and from a reservoir that we don’t have. It costs something to forgive, but it costs much more not to. When you pay the price, what are you getting? If you pay the price for anger or bitterness, all you get is more anger and bitterness. If you pay the price for love, you get more love. Which is better? If we have to pay the price, it is better to go in style! Our text is clear that being a disciple comes at a cost, but that cost is worth it. There is nothing in life that does not come with a price. Most people get hung up on the price it costs to live for God. Our text in Luke paints this in a stark way. Our relationship with God surpasses any other relationship in life. It cost God ev… Mark Hughes 2588 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21755236/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_itcomeswithaprice/id/1044425.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21755236 Scripture: Luke 14:24-14:27 Sun, 07 Mar 2021 20:19:29 +0000 Mark Hughes There is nothing in life that does not come with a price. Most people get hung up on the price it costs to live for God. Our text in Luke paints this in a stark way. Our relationship with God surpasses any other relationship in life. It cost God everything to give us what He gave for free. Salvation is free, but living a life for God comes at a cost. There is a cost to living for God, but not living for God also comes at a price. Romans tells us that the wages of sin are death. Everything worthwhile in life comes at a cost. The question is, why would we want to pay the price for something that will not last? A good life comes at a price, but so does a bad life. Revenge, anger, and hatred all come at a price. The price for these things always comes from us and from a reservoir that we don’t have. It costs something to forgive, but it costs much more not to. When you pay the price, what are you getting? If you pay the price for anger or bitterness, all you get is more anger and bitterness. If you pay the price for love, you get more love. Which is better? If we have to pay the price, it is better to go in style! Our text is clear that being a disciple comes at a cost, but that cost is worth it. There is nothing in life that does not come with a price. Most people get hung up on the price it costs to live for God. Our text in Luke paints this in a stark way. Our relationship with God surpasses any other relationship in life. It cost God everything to give us what He gave for free. Salvation is free, but living a life for God comes at a cost. There is a cost to living for God, but not living for God also comes at a price. Romans tells us that the wages of sin are death. Everything worthwhile in life comes at a cost. The question is, why would we want to pay the price for something that will not last? A good life comes at a price, but so does a bad life. Revenge, anger, and hatred all come at a price. The price for these things always comes from us and from a reservoir that we don’t have. It costs something to forgive, but it costs much more not to. When you pay the price, what are you getting? If you pay the price for anger or bitterness, all you get is more anger and bitterness. If you pay the price for love, you get more love. Which is better? If we have to pay the price, it is better to go in style! Our text is clear that being a disciple comes at a cost, but that cost is worth it. There is nothing in life that does not come with a price. Most people get hung up on the price it costs to live for God. Our text in Luke paints this in a stark way. Our relationship with God surpasses any other relationship in life. It cost God ev… Mark Hughes 2588 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21755236/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itcomeswithaprice/id/3620497.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21755236 Scripture: Luke 14:24-14:27 Wed, 03 Mar 2021 20:30:00 +0000 Landon Long We use the term Gospel often. Many use the word without really knowing what it means. Many have a good idea, but they do not truly know. The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. All three elements go together. Without death, there would be no forgiveness for sin. Without the burial, there would be no putting away the old man. Without the resurrection, we would have no hope. Jesus’ last breath on the cross was not the end, but the beginning. We use the term Gospel often. Many use the word without really knowing what it means. Many have a good idea, but they do not truly know. The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. All three elements go together. Without death, there would be no forgiveness for sin. Without the burial, there would be no putting away the old man. Without the resurrection, we would have no hope. Jesus’ last breath on the cross was not the end, but the beginning. We use the term Gospel often. Many use the word without really knowing what it means. Many have a good idea, but they do not truly know. The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. All three elements go together. Without dea… Landon Long 2536 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21753772/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thegospel/id/1043392.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21753772 Scripture: Matthew 24:3-24:13, Series: Elements Part#7 Wed, 03 Mar 2021 20:30:00 +0000 Landon Long We use the term Gospel often. Many use the word without really knowing what it means. Many have a good idea, but they do not truly know. The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. All three elements go together. Without death, there would be no forgiveness for sin. Without the burial, there would be no putting away the old man. Without the resurrection, we would have no hope. Jesus’ last breath on the cross was not the end, but the beginning. We use the term Gospel often. Many use the word without really knowing what it means. Many have a good idea, but they do not truly know. The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. All three elements go together. Without death, there would be no forgiveness for sin. Without the burial, there would be no putting away the old man. Without the resurrection, we would have no hope. Jesus’ last breath on the cross was not the end, but the beginning. We use the term Gospel often. Many use the word without really knowing what it means. Many have a good idea, but they do not truly know. The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. All three elements go together. Without dea… Landon Long 2536 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21753772/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegospel/id/3619131.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21753772 Scripture: Matthew 24:3-24:13, Series: Elements Part#7 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 13:25:15 +0000 Mark Hughes Today we say goodbye and celebrate the life of Bro. Bill Peden. Today we say goodbye and celebrate the life of Bro. Bill Peden. Today we say goodbye and celebrate the life of Bro. Bill Peden. … Mark Hughes 5963 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21752030/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_celebrationoflifeservicebillpe/id/1042516.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21752030 Celebration of Life Service: Bill Peden Mon, 01 Mar 2021 13:25:15 +0000 Mark Hughes Today we say goodbye and celebrate the life of Bro. Bill Peden. Today we say goodbye and celebrate the life of Bro. Bill Peden. Today we say goodbye and celebrate the life of Bro. Bill Peden. … Mark Hughes 5963 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21752030/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_celebrationoflifeservicebillpe/id/3617509.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21752030 Celebration of Life Service: Bill Peden Sun, 28 Feb 2021 20:11:33 +0000 Mark Hughes The story of creation is one of the most fascinating of all biblical accounts. The enormity of what God did and for whom He did it is awesome. In this story, we see the power of God so clearly. He spoke a division between light and dark and formed all the land on Earth. By His word, God created all of the plants and animals that inhabit the world. God designed it so that all the living things He made could reproduce themselves and thus replenish themselves. On the sixth day, God created man after His image. God then created a garden for man to live. The word Eden means paradise. It was the perfect place for man to enjoy. At the center of this garden was the tree of life. In this paradise, man had access, authority, and dominion over everything. However, God placed another tree. This tree, He said, would result in death if they were to eat of its fruit. Why would God place give the man the power to choose something that would destroy his life? The answer to that question is in that power to choose. By giving Man choice, God bestowed one of the greatest blessings. However, in that choice lies the ability for condemnation. Man fell because he allowed his eyes and ears to deceive him. Adam and Eve believed the lie that God had overlooked something. That somehow, God had withheld something from them. When we begin to question if God has treated us fairly, we allow our blessing to become our curse. The enemy has used that as his prime tool to trick us ever since. When our power of choice comes under the wrong influence, it is a curse. The power of choice is the blessing and curse of being human. The story of creation is one of the most fascinating of all biblical accounts. The enormity of what God did and for whom He did it is awesome. In this story, we see the power of God so clearly. He spoke a division between light and dark and formed all the land on Earth. By His word, God created all of the plants and animals that inhabit the world. God designed it so that all the living things He made could reproduce themselves and thus replenish themselves. On the sixth day, God created man after His image. God then created a garden for man to live. The word Eden means paradise. It was the perfect place for man to enjoy. At the center of this garden was the tree of life. In this paradise, man had access, authority, and dominion over everything. However, God placed another tree. This tree, He said, would result in death if they were to eat of its fruit. Why would God place give the man the power to choose something that would destroy his life? The answer to that question is in that power to choose. By giving Man choice, God bestowed one of the greatest blessings. However, in that choice lies the ability for condemnation. Man fell because he allowed his eyes and ears to deceive him. Adam and Eve believed the lie that God had overlooked something. That somehow, God had withheld something from them. When we begin to question if God has treated us fairly, we allow our blessing to become our curse. The enemy has used that as his prime tool to trick us ever since. When our power of choice comes under the wrong influence, it is a curse. The power of choice is the blessing and curse of being human. The story of creation is one of the most fascinating of all biblical accounts. The enormity of what God did and for whom He did it is awesome. In this story, we see the power of God so clearly. He spoke a division between light and dark and formed a… Mark Hughes 2938 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21751591/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theblessingandcurseofbeinghuma/id/1042251.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21751591 Scripture: Genesis 1:24-1:31, Genesis 2:8-2:17 Sun, 28 Feb 2021 20:11:33 +0000 Mark Hughes The story of creation is one of the most fascinating of all biblical accounts. The enormity of what God did and for whom He did it is awesome. In this story, we see the power of God so clearly. He spoke a division between light and dark and formed all the land on Earth. By His word, God created all of the plants and animals that inhabit the world. God designed it so that all the living things He made could reproduce themselves and thus replenish themselves. On the sixth day, God created man after His image. God then created a garden for man to live. The word Eden means paradise. It was the perfect place for man to enjoy. At the center of this garden was the tree of life. In this paradise, man had access, authority, and dominion over everything. However, God placed another tree. This tree, He said, would result in death if they were to eat of its fruit. Why would God place give the man the power to choose something that would destroy his life? The answer to that question is in that power to choose. By giving Man choice, God bestowed one of the greatest blessings. However, in that choice lies the ability for condemnation. Man fell because he allowed his eyes and ears to deceive him. Adam and Eve believed the lie that God had overlooked something. That somehow, God had withheld something from them. When we begin to question if God has treated us fairly, we allow our blessing to become our curse. The enemy has used that as his prime tool to trick us ever since. When our power of choice comes under the wrong influence, it is a curse. The power of choice is the blessing and curse of being human. The story of creation is one of the most fascinating of all biblical accounts. The enormity of what God did and for whom He did it is awesome. In this story, we see the power of God so clearly. He spoke a division between light and dark and formed all the land on Earth. By His word, God created all of the plants and animals that inhabit the world. God designed it so that all the living things He made could reproduce themselves and thus replenish themselves. On the sixth day, God created man after His image. God then created a garden for man to live. The word Eden means paradise. It was the perfect place for man to enjoy. At the center of this garden was the tree of life. In this paradise, man had access, authority, and dominion over everything. However, God placed another tree. This tree, He said, would result in death if they were to eat of its fruit. Why would God place give the man the power to choose something that would destroy his life? The answer to that question is in that power to choose. By giving Man choice, God bestowed one of the greatest blessings. However, in that choice lies the ability for condemnation. Man fell because he allowed his eyes and ears to deceive him. Adam and Eve believed the lie that God had overlooked something. That somehow, God had withheld something from them. When we begin to question if God has treated us fairly, we allow our blessing to become our curse. The enemy has used that as his prime tool to trick us ever since. When our power of choice comes under the wrong influence, it is a curse. The power of choice is the blessing and curse of being human. The story of creation is one of the most fascinating of all biblical accounts. The enormity of what God did and for whom He did it is awesome. In this story, we see the power of God so clearly. He spoke a division between light and dark and formed a… Mark Hughes 2938 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21751591/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theblessingandcurseofbeinghuma/id/3617014.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21751591 Scripture: Genesis 1:24-1:31, Genesis 2:8-2:17 Thu, 25 Feb 2021 04:10:00 +0000 Mark Hughes It is called many things: The Truth, The Law, Scripture, The Word. The bible is God’s letter to humanity, and It is supernatural in its origin. It is a collection of 66 books written by forty different people over sixteen hundred years. Even so, the bible has uniformity and consistency. The books work together and flow. One book does not contradict another, but all communicate the same theme and story. Archaeological artifacts have validated and upheld the bible many times over. Other ancient writings do not stand up to that same standard. Scholars studying Shakespeare’s works observed voids and omissions that had to be filled to make a cohesive story. The word of God is significant. It is not enough to read it, to memorize it, or to quote it. We have to get the word down in our souls so that it is a part of us. We must study it and strive to incorporate it into our life. The word has restorative and protective power. It can heal the hurts and wounds in our lives and sets us on the right path. The word is active. The bible tells us that there is healing in the word. That there is freedom in the word. The word is a light to our path, and it produces faith in our life. It makes us wise, and it convicts us of what is right. It is a truth that we can carry anywhere, and it can be trusted. There is nothing more powerful than the Word of God It is called many things: The Truth, The Law, Scripture, The Word. The bible is God’s letter to humanity, and It is supernatural in its origin. It is a collection of 66 books written by forty different people over sixteen hundred years. Even so, the bible has uniformity and consistency. The books work together and flow. One book does not contradict another, but all communicate the same theme and story. Archaeological artifacts have validated and upheld the bible many times over. Other ancient writings do not stand up to that same standard. Scholars studying Shakespeare’s works observed voids and omissions that had to be filled to make a cohesive story. The word of God is significant. It is not enough to read it, to memorize it, or to quote it. We have to get the word down in our souls so that it is a part of us. We must study it and strive to incorporate it into our life. The word has restorative and protective power. It can heal the hurts and wounds in our lives and sets us on the right path. The word is active. The bible tells us that there is healing in the word. That there is freedom in the word. The word is a light to our path, and it produces faith in our life. It makes us wise, and it convicts us of what is right. It is a truth that we can carry anywhere, and it can be trusted. There is nothing more powerful than the Word of God It is called many things: The Truth, The Law, Scripture, The Word. The bible is God’s letter to humanity, and It is supernatural in its origin. It is a collection of 66 books written by forty different people over sixteen hundred years. Even so, th… Mark Hughes 2984 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21749806/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thewordofgod/id/1040923.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21749806 Scripture: 2 Peter 2:12-2:21, Series: Elements Part#6 Thu, 25 Feb 2021 04:10:00 +0000 Mark Hughes It is called many things: The Truth, The Law, Scripture, The Word. The bible is God’s letter to humanity, and It is supernatural in its origin. It is a collection of 66 books written by forty different people over sixteen hundred years. Even so, the bible has uniformity and consistency. The books work together and flow. One book does not contradict another, but all communicate the same theme and story. Archaeological artifacts have validated and upheld the bible many times over. Other ancient writings do not stand up to that same standard. Scholars studying Shakespeare’s works observed voids and omissions that had to be filled to make a cohesive story. The word of God is significant. It is not enough to read it, to memorize it, or to quote it. We have to get the word down in our souls so that it is a part of us. We must study it and strive to incorporate it into our life. The word has restorative and protective power. It can heal the hurts and wounds in our lives and sets us on the right path. The word is active. The bible tells us that there is healing in the word. That there is freedom in the word. The word is a light to our path, and it produces faith in our life. It makes us wise, and it convicts us of what is right. It is a truth that we can carry anywhere, and it can be trusted. There is nothing more powerful than the Word of God It is called many things: The Truth, The Law, Scripture, The Word. The bible is God’s letter to humanity, and It is supernatural in its origin. It is a collection of 66 books written by forty different people over sixteen hundred years. Even so, the bible has uniformity and consistency. The books work together and flow. One book does not contradict another, but all communicate the same theme and story. Archaeological artifacts have validated and upheld the bible many times over. Other ancient writings do not stand up to that same standard. Scholars studying Shakespeare’s works observed voids and omissions that had to be filled to make a cohesive story. The word of God is significant. It is not enough to read it, to memorize it, or to quote it. We have to get the word down in our souls so that it is a part of us. We must study it and strive to incorporate it into our life. The word has restorative and protective power. It can heal the hurts and wounds in our lives and sets us on the right path. The word is active. The bible tells us that there is healing in the word. That there is freedom in the word. The word is a light to our path, and it produces faith in our life. It makes us wise, and it convicts us of what is right. It is a truth that we can carry anywhere, and it can be trusted. There is nothing more powerful than the Word of God It is called many things: The Truth, The Law, Scripture, The Word. The bible is God’s letter to humanity, and It is supernatural in its origin. It is a collection of 66 books written by forty different people over sixteen hundred years. Even so, th… Mark Hughes 2984 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21749806/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thewordofgod/id/3615301.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21749806 Scripture: 2 Peter 2:12-2:21, Series: Elements Part#6 Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:44:23 +0000 Mark Hughes Many struggle with the mysteries and unknowns in life. The gloomy places that life can take us, and the shadows that sometimes come across our path, often trouble us. The darkness and the inability to see a clear way in front of us cause anxiety and worry. The Psalmist in our text today describes just such a fear and worry. Most scholars believe that Psalms 42 and 43 were written about King Hezekiah. In our text, we see a man struggling with the forces that opposed him with his relationship with God. He worries that God has cast him aside. He is overwhelmed by the darkness he faced and is desperately reaching out to God for comfort. It is in that atmosphere, Hezekiah realized that he needed something that would alter his outlook. He needed an outside force that would shift the situation in the right direction. He needed something powerful enough to change the whole tone of his life. If we are going to make headway in the darkness we travel through, we need to find a force that will change our perspective and attitudes. Hezekiah realized that the only way to get what he needed was light to illuminate his path. He asks God to send out His light. Light is the only thing that can drive out the darkness in life and the uncertainty and fear that it brings. The text begins with Hezekiah questioning where God was, but he began to question his doubts after receiving God’s light. Light eliminates the breeding ground of fear. Doubt can only grow when there is darkness and uncertainty. When we receive the light of His presence and His Word, we can see our path. Our life’s change factor is not more money, a bigger house, or a better job. The change factor in life is the light of God. Many struggle with the mysteries and unknowns in life. The gloomy places that life can take us, and the shadows that sometimes come across our path, often trouble us. The darkness and the inability to see a clear way in front of us cause anxiety and worry. The Psalmist in our text today describes just such a fear and worry. Most scholars believe that Psalms 42 and 43 were written about King Hezekiah. In our text, we see a man struggling with the forces that opposed him with his relationship with God. He worries that God has cast him aside. He is overwhelmed by the darkness he faced and is desperately reaching out to God for comfort. It is in that atmosphere, Hezekiah realized that he needed something that would alter his outlook. He needed an outside force that would shift the situation in the right direction. He needed something powerful enough to change the whole tone of his life. If we are going to make headway in the darkness we travel through, we need to find a force that will change our perspective and attitudes. Hezekiah realized that the only way to get what he needed was light to illuminate his path. He asks God to send out His light. Light is the only thing that can drive out the darkness in life and the uncertainty and fear that it brings. The text begins with Hezekiah questioning where God was, but he began to question his doubts after receiving God’s light. Light eliminates the breeding ground of fear. Doubt can only grow when there is darkness and uncertainty. When we receive the light of His presence and His Word, we can see our path. Our life’s change factor is not more money, a bigger house, or a better job. The change factor in life is the light of God. Many struggle with the mysteries and unknowns in life. The gloomy places that life can take us, and the shadows that sometimes come across our path, often trouble us. The darkness and the inability to see a clear way in front of us cause anxiety and … Mark Hughes 2749 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21748142/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thechangefactor/id/1040157.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21748142 Scripture: Psalms 43:1-43:5 Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:44:23 +0000 Mark Hughes Many struggle with the mysteries and unknowns in life. The gloomy places that life can take us, and the shadows that sometimes come across our path, often trouble us. The darkness and the inability to see a clear way in front of us cause anxiety and worry. The Psalmist in our text today describes just such a fear and worry. Most scholars believe that Psalms 42 and 43 were written about King Hezekiah. In our text, we see a man struggling with the forces that opposed him with his relationship with God. He worries that God has cast him aside. He is overwhelmed by the darkness he faced and is desperately reaching out to God for comfort. It is in that atmosphere, Hezekiah realized that he needed something that would alter his outlook. He needed an outside force that would shift the situation in the right direction. He needed something powerful enough to change the whole tone of his life. If we are going to make headway in the darkness we travel through, we need to find a force that will change our perspective and attitudes. Hezekiah realized that the only way to get what he needed was light to illuminate his path. He asks God to send out His light. Light is the only thing that can drive out the darkness in life and the uncertainty and fear that it brings. The text begins with Hezekiah questioning where God was, but he began to question his doubts after receiving God’s light. Light eliminates the breeding ground of fear. Doubt can only grow when there is darkness and uncertainty. When we receive the light of His presence and His Word, we can see our path. Our life’s change factor is not more money, a bigger house, or a better job. The change factor in life is the light of God. Many struggle with the mysteries and unknowns in life. The gloomy places that life can take us, and the shadows that sometimes come across our path, often trouble us. The darkness and the inability to see a clear way in front of us cause anxiety and worry. The Psalmist in our text today describes just such a fear and worry. Most scholars believe that Psalms 42 and 43 were written about King Hezekiah. In our text, we see a man struggling with the forces that opposed him with his relationship with God. He worries that God has cast him aside. He is overwhelmed by the darkness he faced and is desperately reaching out to God for comfort. It is in that atmosphere, Hezekiah realized that he needed something that would alter his outlook. He needed an outside force that would shift the situation in the right direction. He needed something powerful enough to change the whole tone of his life. If we are going to make headway in the darkness we travel through, we need to find a force that will change our perspective and attitudes. Hezekiah realized that the only way to get what he needed was light to illuminate his path. He asks God to send out His light. Light is the only thing that can drive out the darkness in life and the uncertainty and fear that it brings. The text begins with Hezekiah questioning where God was, but he began to question his doubts after receiving God’s light. Light eliminates the breeding ground of fear. Doubt can only grow when there is darkness and uncertainty. When we receive the light of His presence and His Word, we can see our path. Our life’s change factor is not more money, a bigger house, or a better job. The change factor in life is the light of God. Many struggle with the mysteries and unknowns in life. The gloomy places that life can take us, and the shadows that sometimes come across our path, often trouble us. The darkness and the inability to see a clear way in front of us cause anxiety and … Mark Hughes 2749 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21748142/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thechangefactor/id/3613781.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21748142 Scripture: Psalms 43:1-43:5 Sun, 14 Feb 2021 22:09:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Life can push and bend us. Human sorrows can take us to very low policies, but the Love of God can reach those depths. It is difficult for many of us to fully grasp the desperation of the woman depicted in our text. She had been pushed down and bowed by her problem to the point that she could not even stand upright. She had been in this condition for eighteen years. Even in the midst of her misery, she continued to be faithful to the house of God. We might wonder what kind of physical ailment could cause this, but the Bible says it was a spirit of infirmity. This spirit possessed her to the point that it affected her physical body. The disease of the spirit can have a physical effect. God wants to free us from the spiritual problem that is pressing down on us. What kind of spiritual problem could cause such a debilitating condition: Self-doubt, guilt, or bitterness. God’s love can work in all of these conditions. The bible says she was healed immediately. God has the power to sever in instant things from the past that keeps us bent over and bound up. God’s love can free and release in a moment. All it takes is being receptive to His touch; to be ready when love comes calling. Life can push and bend us. Human sorrows can take us to very low policies, but the Love of God can reach those depths. It is difficult for many of us to fully grasp the desperation of the woman depicted in our text. She had been pushed down and bowed by her problem to the point that she could not even stand upright. She had been in this condition for eighteen years. Even in the midst of her misery, she continued to be faithful to the house of God. We might wonder what kind of physical ailment could cause this, but the Bible says it was a spirit of infirmity. This spirit possessed her to the point that it affected her physical body. The disease of the spirit can have a physical effect. God wants to free us from the spiritual problem that is pressing down on us. What kind of spiritual problem could cause such a debilitating condition: Self-doubt, guilt, or bitterness. God’s love can work in all of these conditions. The bible says she was healed immediately. God has the power to sever in instant things from the past that keeps us bent over and bound up. God’s love can free and release in a moment. All it takes is being receptive to His touch; to be ready when love comes calling. Life can push and bend us. Human sorrows can take us to very low policies, but the Love of God can reach those depths. It is difficult for many of us to fully grasp the desperation of the woman depicted in our text. She had been pushed down and bowe… Mark Hughes 2426 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21744441/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whenlovecomescalling/id/1037880.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21744441 Scripture: Luke 13:10-13:17 Sun, 14 Feb 2021 22:09:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Life can push and bend us. Human sorrows can take us to very low policies, but the Love of God can reach those depths. It is difficult for many of us to fully grasp the desperation of the woman depicted in our text. She had been pushed down and bowed by her problem to the point that she could not even stand upright. She had been in this condition for eighteen years. Even in the midst of her misery, she continued to be faithful to the house of God. We might wonder what kind of physical ailment could cause this, but the Bible says it was a spirit of infirmity. This spirit possessed her to the point that it affected her physical body. The disease of the spirit can have a physical effect. God wants to free us from the spiritual problem that is pressing down on us. What kind of spiritual problem could cause such a debilitating condition: Self-doubt, guilt, or bitterness. God’s love can work in all of these conditions. The bible says she was healed immediately. God has the power to sever in instant things from the past that keeps us bent over and bound up. God’s love can free and release in a moment. All it takes is being receptive to His touch; to be ready when love comes calling. Life can push and bend us. Human sorrows can take us to very low policies, but the Love of God can reach those depths. It is difficult for many of us to fully grasp the desperation of the woman depicted in our text. She had been pushed down and bowed by her problem to the point that she could not even stand upright. She had been in this condition for eighteen years. Even in the midst of her misery, she continued to be faithful to the house of God. We might wonder what kind of physical ailment could cause this, but the Bible says it was a spirit of infirmity. This spirit possessed her to the point that it affected her physical body. The disease of the spirit can have a physical effect. God wants to free us from the spiritual problem that is pressing down on us. What kind of spiritual problem could cause such a debilitating condition: Self-doubt, guilt, or bitterness. God’s love can work in all of these conditions. The bible says she was healed immediately. God has the power to sever in instant things from the past that keeps us bent over and bound up. God’s love can free and release in a moment. All it takes is being receptive to His touch; to be ready when love comes calling. Life can push and bend us. Human sorrows can take us to very low policies, but the Love of God can reach those depths. It is difficult for many of us to fully grasp the desperation of the woman depicted in our text. She had been pushed down and bowe… Mark Hughes 2426 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21744441/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenlovecomescalling/id/3610250.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21744441 Scripture: Luke 13:10-13:17 Thu, 11 Feb 2021 03:25:28 +0000 Randy Stafford We all have a story to tell. Everyone we meet needs to hear the gospel. God can use all of our stories. When we share our testimony, God uses us to draw someone to Him. Our story has value. Many are resistant to preaching or teaching, but our own story conveys the same message in a way that teaching and preaching cannot. We all have a story to tell. Everyone we meet needs to hear the gospel. God can use all of our stories. When we share our testimony, God uses us to draw someone to Him. Our story has value. Many are resistant to preaching or teaching, but our own story conveys the same message in a way that teaching and preaching cannot. We all have a story to tell. Everyone we meet needs to hear the gospel. God can use all of our stories. When we share our testimony, God uses us to draw someone to Him. Our story has value. Many are resistant to preaching or teaching, but our own … Randy Stafford 2067 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21742402/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thepowerofsharingyourstory/id/1036481.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21742402 Scripture: John 4, Series: Elements Part#5 Thu, 11 Feb 2021 03:25:28 +0000 Randy Stafford We all have a story to tell. Everyone we meet needs to hear the gospel. God can use all of our stories. When we share our testimony, God uses us to draw someone to Him. Our story has value. Many are resistant to preaching or teaching, but our own story conveys the same message in a way that teaching and preaching cannot. We all have a story to tell. Everyone we meet needs to hear the gospel. God can use all of our stories. When we share our testimony, God uses us to draw someone to Him. Our story has value. Many are resistant to preaching or teaching, but our own story conveys the same message in a way that teaching and preaching cannot. We all have a story to tell. Everyone we meet needs to hear the gospel. God can use all of our stories. When we share our testimony, God uses us to draw someone to Him. Our story has value. Many are resistant to preaching or teaching, but our own … Randy Stafford 2067 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21742402/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thepowerofsharingyourstory/id/3608291.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21742402 Scripture: John 4, Series: Elements Part#5 Tue, 09 Feb 2021 02:39:00 +0000 Mark Hughes When Joseph made revealed who he was to his brothers, they were astonished. They long ago presumed he was gone after they had sold him into slavery and led their father to believe that he was dead. Joseph had found favor in Pharaoh’s house, and because of Joseph, Pharaoh welcomed his whole family with the best that Egypt could offer. As he sent them away to get their families and his father, Israel, Joseph admonished his brothers to not fall out along the way. Joseph’s brothers are like all of us. We focus on the small things that go wrong and lose sight of the blessings. We can become so easily absorbed with what does not work instead of concentrating on what does work. Sometimes we have to look at what is working and let go of the things that are not working as we thought they should. The enemy is good at distracting us and causing us to lose focus on what matters. The truth is that God is better to us than our expectations. Often not getting what we expected works out to be a bigger blessing than we could have imagined. The devil cannot deny God’s blessings, so he will distract us and try to keep us focused on minor things that do not matter. He will cause us not to be able to see the forest because of the trees. When Joseph made revealed who he was to his brothers, they were astonished. They long ago presumed he was gone after they had sold him into slavery and led their father to believe that he was dead. Joseph had found favor in Pharaoh’s house, and because of Joseph, Pharaoh welcomed his whole family with the best that Egypt could offer. As he sent them away to get their families and his father, Israel, Joseph admonished his brothers to not fall out along the way. Joseph’s brothers are like all of us. We focus on the small things that go wrong and lose sight of the blessings. We can become so easily absorbed with what does not work instead of concentrating on what does work. Sometimes we have to look at what is working and let go of the things that are not working as we thought they should. The enemy is good at distracting us and causing us to lose focus on what matters. The truth is that God is better to us than our expectations. Often not getting what we expected works out to be a bigger blessing than we could have imagined. The devil cannot deny God’s blessings, so he will distract us and try to keep us focused on minor things that do not matter. He will cause us not to be able to see the forest because of the trees. When Joseph made revealed who he was to his brothers, they were astonished. They long ago presumed he was gone after they had sold him into slavery and led their father to believe that he was dead. Joseph had found favor in Pharaoh’s house, and becau… Mark Hughes 2782 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21741708/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_dontmisstheforestforthetrees/id/1036117.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21741708 Scripture: Genesis 45 Tue, 09 Feb 2021 02:39:00 +0000 Mark Hughes When Joseph made revealed who he was to his brothers, they were astonished. They long ago presumed he was gone after they had sold him into slavery and led their father to believe that he was dead. Joseph had found favor in Pharaoh’s house, and because of Joseph, Pharaoh welcomed his whole family with the best that Egypt could offer. As he sent them away to get their families and his father, Israel, Joseph admonished his brothers to not fall out along the way. Joseph’s brothers are like all of us. We focus on the small things that go wrong and lose sight of the blessings. We can become so easily absorbed with what does not work instead of concentrating on what does work. Sometimes we have to look at what is working and let go of the things that are not working as we thought they should. The enemy is good at distracting us and causing us to lose focus on what matters. The truth is that God is better to us than our expectations. Often not getting what we expected works out to be a bigger blessing than we could have imagined. The devil cannot deny God’s blessings, so he will distract us and try to keep us focused on minor things that do not matter. He will cause us not to be able to see the forest because of the trees. When Joseph made revealed who he was to his brothers, they were astonished. They long ago presumed he was gone after they had sold him into slavery and led their father to believe that he was dead. Joseph had found favor in Pharaoh’s house, and because of Joseph, Pharaoh welcomed his whole family with the best that Egypt could offer. As he sent them away to get their families and his father, Israel, Joseph admonished his brothers to not fall out along the way. Joseph’s brothers are like all of us. We focus on the small things that go wrong and lose sight of the blessings. We can become so easily absorbed with what does not work instead of concentrating on what does work. Sometimes we have to look at what is working and let go of the things that are not working as we thought they should. The enemy is good at distracting us and causing us to lose focus on what matters. The truth is that God is better to us than our expectations. Often not getting what we expected works out to be a bigger blessing than we could have imagined. The devil cannot deny God’s blessings, so he will distract us and try to keep us focused on minor things that do not matter. He will cause us not to be able to see the forest because of the trees. When Joseph made revealed who he was to his brothers, they were astonished. They long ago presumed he was gone after they had sold him into slavery and led their father to believe that he was dead. Joseph had found favor in Pharaoh’s house, and becau… Mark Hughes 2782 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21741708/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dontmisstheforestforthetrees/id/3607637.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21741708 Scripture: Genesis 45 Sun, 07 Feb 2021 19:49:19 +0000 Mark Hughes God is calling His church to a purpose. A group of men heard the same call some two thousand years ago at the Sea of Galilee’s shore. That call changed the lives of the original twelve, and it can change our lives too. The bible tells us that when Jesus first spoke to Peter, James, and John, they had spent all night fishing without success. Jesus sent them back out to let their nets down again. His words were more than just a call to set back out to fish. They were words that would allow them to see the purpose for their lives that they had not even realized. They were experienced fishermen, but Jesus’ words that day drove them to a greater understanding than they could have ever known. Their obedience to Jesus that day changed the course of their lives and the world. He said to Simon that day to go out to where it is deeper. What God wanted to accomplish could not and can not be done without going deeper. We must move from the mediocracy of the shallows out to the supernatural. The miracle that they would experience required that they go deeper. Peter received a revelation of the power of Jesus while pulling on that net. The bible does not explicitly say they were in shallow water, but it is implied because Jesus told them to launch out into the deep. Shallow is often associated with small, insignificant, superficial. Is that how we want to describe our relationship with God? If we are to have a meaningful relationship with God, we have to go deeper. We have overcome our feelings and thinking to reach that deeper place. God is calling us to go deeper. God is calling His church to a purpose. A group of men heard the same call some two thousand years ago at the Sea of Galilee’s shore. That call changed the lives of the original twelve, and it can change our lives too. The bible tells us that when Jesus first spoke to Peter, James, and John, they had spent all night fishing without success. Jesus sent them back out to let their nets down again. His words were more than just a call to set back out to fish. They were words that would allow them to see the purpose for their lives that they had not even realized. They were experienced fishermen, but Jesus’ words that day drove them to a greater understanding than they could have ever known. Their obedience to Jesus that day changed the course of their lives and the world. He said to Simon that day to go out to where it is deeper. What God wanted to accomplish could not and can not be done without going deeper. We must move from the mediocracy of the shallows out to the supernatural. The miracle that they would experience required that they go deeper. Peter received a revelation of the power of Jesus while pulling on that net. The bible does not explicitly say they were in shallow water, but it is implied because Jesus told them to launch out into the deep. Shallow is often associated with small, insignificant, superficial. Is that how we want to describe our relationship with God? If we are to have a meaningful relationship with God, we have to go deeper. We have overcome our feelings and thinking to reach that deeper place. God is calling us to go deeper. God is calling His church to a purpose. A group of men heard the same call some two thousand years ago at the Sea of Galilee’s shore. That call changed the lives of the original twelve, and it can change our lives too. The bible tells us that when J… Mark Hughes 2375 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21740922/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_deeper/id/1035763.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21740922 Deeper Sun, 07 Feb 2021 19:49:19 +0000 Mark Hughes God is calling His church to a purpose. A group of men heard the same call some two thousand years ago at the Sea of Galilee’s shore. That call changed the lives of the original twelve, and it can change our lives too. The bible tells us that when Jesus first spoke to Peter, James, and John, they had spent all night fishing without success. Jesus sent them back out to let their nets down again. His words were more than just a call to set back out to fish. They were words that would allow them to see the purpose for their lives that they had not even realized. They were experienced fishermen, but Jesus’ words that day drove them to a greater understanding than they could have ever known. Their obedience to Jesus that day changed the course of their lives and the world. He said to Simon that day to go out to where it is deeper. What God wanted to accomplish could not and can not be done without going deeper. We must move from the mediocracy of the shallows out to the supernatural. The miracle that they would experience required that they go deeper. Peter received a revelation of the power of Jesus while pulling on that net. The bible does not explicitly say they were in shallow water, but it is implied because Jesus told them to launch out into the deep. Shallow is often associated with small, insignificant, superficial. Is that how we want to describe our relationship with God? If we are to have a meaningful relationship with God, we have to go deeper. We have overcome our feelings and thinking to reach that deeper place. God is calling us to go deeper. God is calling His church to a purpose. A group of men heard the same call some two thousand years ago at the Sea of Galilee’s shore. That call changed the lives of the original twelve, and it can change our lives too. The bible tells us that when Jesus first spoke to Peter, James, and John, they had spent all night fishing without success. Jesus sent them back out to let their nets down again. His words were more than just a call to set back out to fish. They were words that would allow them to see the purpose for their lives that they had not even realized. They were experienced fishermen, but Jesus’ words that day drove them to a greater understanding than they could have ever known. Their obedience to Jesus that day changed the course of their lives and the world. He said to Simon that day to go out to where it is deeper. What God wanted to accomplish could not and can not be done without going deeper. We must move from the mediocracy of the shallows out to the supernatural. The miracle that they would experience required that they go deeper. Peter received a revelation of the power of Jesus while pulling on that net. The bible does not explicitly say they were in shallow water, but it is implied because Jesus told them to launch out into the deep. Shallow is often associated with small, insignificant, superficial. Is that how we want to describe our relationship with God? If we are to have a meaningful relationship with God, we have to go deeper. We have overcome our feelings and thinking to reach that deeper place. God is calling us to go deeper. God is calling His church to a purpose. A group of men heard the same call some two thousand years ago at the Sea of Galilee’s shore. That call changed the lives of the original twelve, and it can change our lives too. The bible tells us that when J… Mark Hughes 2375 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21740922/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_deeper/id/3606928.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21740922 Deeper Thu, 04 Feb 2021 04:01:52 +0000 Mark Hughes Grace is one of the most overpowering subjects in scripture. It is something that is wholly of God. Humanity does not play any part in Grace. We cannot earn it, and none of us warrant it, but God pours His grace out freely. A study of grace through the bible would stretch over many lessons. Grace is the keystone to everything that God purposed for us when He designed us. Grace is the unmerited favor of God. Grace is like a highway that will bring all the good things and blessings that God has for us. Grace is what empowers us to even respond to the gospel. The bible tells us that we are saved by grace. He is the one that initiated the mechanism that allows us to be saved. Paul goes on to say that we are saved by faith THROUGH grace. Our faith will enable us to access the grace that God provides. Grace is not a one-time thing. It is continual and ongoing. It happened in the past, and it is active today and will be operating tomorrow. Grace can rescue us. It can deliver us and keep us safe. It can preserve, and it can heal us. Our faith allows us to access the grace that God provides. It is grace that allows us to overcome. Grace is one of the most overpowering subjects in scripture. It is something that is wholly of God. Humanity does not play any part in Grace. We cannot earn it, and none of us warrant it, but God pours His grace out freely. A study of grace through the bible would stretch over many lessons. Grace is the keystone to everything that God purposed for us when He designed us. Grace is the unmerited favor of God. Grace is like a highway that will bring all the good things and blessings that God has for us. Grace is what empowers us to even respond to the gospel. The bible tells us that we are saved by grace. He is the one that initiated the mechanism that allows us to be saved. Paul goes on to say that we are saved by faith THROUGH grace. Our faith will enable us to access the grace that God provides. Grace is not a one-time thing. It is continual and ongoing. It happened in the past, and it is active today and will be operating tomorrow. Grace can rescue us. It can deliver us and keep us safe. It can preserve, and it can heal us. Our faith allows us to access the grace that God provides. It is grace that allows us to overcome. Grace is one of the most overpowering subjects in scripture. It is something that is wholly of God. Humanity does not play any part in Grace. We cannot earn it, and none of us warrant it, but God pours His grace out freely. A study of grace through… Mark Hughes 2576 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21738802/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_gracetoovercome/id/1034238.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21738802 Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-2:10, Series: Elements Part#4 Thu, 04 Feb 2021 04:01:52 +0000 Mark Hughes Grace is one of the most overpowering subjects in scripture. It is something that is wholly of God. Humanity does not play any part in Grace. We cannot earn it, and none of us warrant it, but God pours His grace out freely. A study of grace through the bible would stretch over many lessons. Grace is the keystone to everything that God purposed for us when He designed us. Grace is the unmerited favor of God. Grace is like a highway that will bring all the good things and blessings that God has for us. Grace is what empowers us to even respond to the gospel. The bible tells us that we are saved by grace. He is the one that initiated the mechanism that allows us to be saved. Paul goes on to say that we are saved by faith THROUGH grace. Our faith will enable us to access the grace that God provides. Grace is not a one-time thing. It is continual and ongoing. It happened in the past, and it is active today and will be operating tomorrow. Grace can rescue us. It can deliver us and keep us safe. It can preserve, and it can heal us. Our faith allows us to access the grace that God provides. It is grace that allows us to overcome. Grace is one of the most overpowering subjects in scripture. It is something that is wholly of God. Humanity does not play any part in Grace. We cannot earn it, and none of us warrant it, but God pours His grace out freely. A study of grace through the bible would stretch over many lessons. Grace is the keystone to everything that God purposed for us when He designed us. Grace is the unmerited favor of God. Grace is like a highway that will bring all the good things and blessings that God has for us. Grace is what empowers us to even respond to the gospel. The bible tells us that we are saved by grace. He is the one that initiated the mechanism that allows us to be saved. Paul goes on to say that we are saved by faith THROUGH grace. Our faith will enable us to access the grace that God provides. Grace is not a one-time thing. It is continual and ongoing. It happened in the past, and it is active today and will be operating tomorrow. Grace can rescue us. It can deliver us and keep us safe. It can preserve, and it can heal us. Our faith allows us to access the grace that God provides. It is grace that allows us to overcome. Grace is one of the most overpowering subjects in scripture. It is something that is wholly of God. Humanity does not play any part in Grace. We cannot earn it, and none of us warrant it, but God pours His grace out freely. A study of grace through… Mark Hughes 2576 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21738802/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_gracetoovercome/id/3605120.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21738802 Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-2:10, Series: Elements Part#4 Mon, 01 Feb 2021 03:59:34 +0000 Mark Hughes The bible contains precise measurements when describing the tabernacle. Later, when designing the temple, God had particular requirements and specifications. These measurements matter because if He took the time and effort to call out the requirements specifically, those things are essential to Him. In our text, God tells Jonh to measure the temple. However, when Revelation 11 was written, the physical temple was nothing but a pile of rubble. God instructed John to measure the temple, but the measurements were about the church in this case. We measure things to establish value. We measure to determine what is in and what is out. We measure things to begin building something. When you measure, you make lines and document the measurements. God has marked what is His and has demonstrated that He will protect His church. The church is important to God. We must make sure that we are the church that God intends us to be. To do that, we must continuously measure ourselves against the standard of God’s word and adhere to the design. The only way to do that is to measure what matters. The bible contains precise measurements when describing the tabernacle. Later, when designing the temple, God had particular requirements and specifications. These measurements matter because if He took the time and effort to call out the requirements specifically, those things are essential to Him. In our text, God tells Jonh to measure the temple. However, when Revelation 11 was written, the physical temple was nothing but a pile of rubble. God instructed John to measure the temple, but the measurements were about the church in this case. We measure things to establish value. We measure to determine what is in and what is out. We measure things to begin building something. When you measure, you make lines and document the measurements. God has marked what is His and has demonstrated that He will protect His church. The church is important to God. We must make sure that we are the church that God intends us to be. To do that, we must continuously measure ourselves against the standard of God’s word and adhere to the design. The only way to do that is to measure what matters. The bible contains precise measurements when describing the tabernacle. Later, when designing the temple, God had particular requirements and specifications. These measurements matter because if He took the time and effort to call out the requirements… Mark Hughes 2332 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21737650/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_measuringwhatmatters/id/1033670.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21737650 Scripture: Revelation 11:1 Mon, 01 Feb 2021 03:59:34 +0000 Mark Hughes The bible contains precise measurements when describing the tabernacle. Later, when designing the temple, God had particular requirements and specifications. These measurements matter because if He took the time and effort to call out the requirements specifically, those things are essential to Him. In our text, God tells Jonh to measure the temple. However, when Revelation 11 was written, the physical temple was nothing but a pile of rubble. God instructed John to measure the temple, but the measurements were about the church in this case. We measure things to establish value. We measure to determine what is in and what is out. We measure things to begin building something. When you measure, you make lines and document the measurements. God has marked what is His and has demonstrated that He will protect His church. The church is important to God. We must make sure that we are the church that God intends us to be. To do that, we must continuously measure ourselves against the standard of God’s word and adhere to the design. The only way to do that is to measure what matters. The bible contains precise measurements when describing the tabernacle. Later, when designing the temple, God had particular requirements and specifications. These measurements matter because if He took the time and effort to call out the requirements specifically, those things are essential to Him. In our text, God tells Jonh to measure the temple. However, when Revelation 11 was written, the physical temple was nothing but a pile of rubble. God instructed John to measure the temple, but the measurements were about the church in this case. We measure things to establish value. We measure to determine what is in and what is out. We measure things to begin building something. When you measure, you make lines and document the measurements. God has marked what is His and has demonstrated that He will protect His church. The church is important to God. We must make sure that we are the church that God intends us to be. To do that, we must continuously measure ourselves against the standard of God’s word and adhere to the design. The only way to do that is to measure what matters. The bible contains precise measurements when describing the tabernacle. Later, when designing the temple, God had particular requirements and specifications. These measurements matter because if He took the time and effort to call out the requirements… Mark Hughes 2332 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21737650/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_measuringwhatmatters/id/3603963.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21737650 Scripture: Revelation 11:1 Sun, 31 Jan 2021 21:07:17 +0000 Mark Hughes John chapter three is one that fills us with hope. It contains the most astonishing revelation that God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son. God has an undying and never-ending love for all of us. The story in John 3 begins with Nickodemus, who was a wealthy man. He was a pharisee who had dedicated himself to the learning and interpretation of God’s laws. Nicodemus was a wealthy, powerful man in the Jewish religious circles. He is a man who is looking for answers and comes to Jesus by night to try to get his questions answered. Religion had given him much knowledge about God, but it had never let him experience God. Nickodemus knew that he was missing something. Nickodemus knew that he needed to change something, but he did not know how to work it out. We spend a lot of time trying to work it out ourselves. Nickodemus finally realized that is true in our own lives; We cannot work it out, and we have to go to someone who knows how to work it out. So many times, some questions cause us agony and keep us up at night. The answer is to go to God for the solution. God has a remedy for our confusion. God knows how to work it out. John chapter three is one that fills us with hope. It contains the most astonishing revelation that God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son. God has an undying and never-ending love for all of us. The story in John 3 begins with Nickodemus, who was a wealthy man. He was a pharisee who had dedicated himself to the learning and interpretation of God’s laws. Nicodemus was a wealthy, powerful man in the Jewish religious circles. He is a man who is looking for answers and comes to Jesus by night to try to get his questions answered. Religion had given him much knowledge about God, but it had never let him experience God. Nickodemus knew that he was missing something. Nickodemus knew that he needed to change something, but he did not know how to work it out. We spend a lot of time trying to work it out ourselves. Nickodemus finally realized that is true in our own lives; We cannot work it out, and we have to go to someone who knows how to work it out. So many times, some questions cause us agony and keep us up at night. The answer is to go to God for the solution. God has a remedy for our confusion. God knows how to work it out. John chapter three is one that fills us with hope. It contains the most astonishing revelation that God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son. God has an undying and never-ending love for all of us. The story in John 3 begins with Ni… Mark Hughes 1580 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21737373/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_godknowshowtoworkitout/id/1033495.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21737373 Scripture: John 3:1-3:9 Sun, 31 Jan 2021 21:07:17 +0000 Mark Hughes John chapter three is one that fills us with hope. It contains the most astonishing revelation that God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son. God has an undying and never-ending love for all of us. The story in John 3 begins with Nickodemus, who was a wealthy man. He was a pharisee who had dedicated himself to the learning and interpretation of God’s laws. Nicodemus was a wealthy, powerful man in the Jewish religious circles. He is a man who is looking for answers and comes to Jesus by night to try to get his questions answered. Religion had given him much knowledge about God, but it had never let him experience God. Nickodemus knew that he was missing something. Nickodemus knew that he needed to change something, but he did not know how to work it out. We spend a lot of time trying to work it out ourselves. Nickodemus finally realized that is true in our own lives; We cannot work it out, and we have to go to someone who knows how to work it out. So many times, some questions cause us agony and keep us up at night. The answer is to go to God for the solution. God has a remedy for our confusion. God knows how to work it out. John chapter three is one that fills us with hope. It contains the most astonishing revelation that God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son. God has an undying and never-ending love for all of us. The story in John 3 begins with Nickodemus, who was a wealthy man. He was a pharisee who had dedicated himself to the learning and interpretation of God’s laws. Nicodemus was a wealthy, powerful man in the Jewish religious circles. He is a man who is looking for answers and comes to Jesus by night to try to get his questions answered. Religion had given him much knowledge about God, but it had never let him experience God. Nickodemus knew that he was missing something. Nickodemus knew that he needed to change something, but he did not know how to work it out. We spend a lot of time trying to work it out ourselves. Nickodemus finally realized that is true in our own lives; We cannot work it out, and we have to go to someone who knows how to work it out. So many times, some questions cause us agony and keep us up at night. The answer is to go to God for the solution. God has a remedy for our confusion. God knows how to work it out. John chapter three is one that fills us with hope. It contains the most astonishing revelation that God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son. God has an undying and never-ending love for all of us. The story in John 3 begins with Ni… Mark Hughes 1580 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21737373/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godknowshowtoworkitout/id/3603693.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21737373 Scripture: John 3:1-3:9 Thu, 28 Jan 2021 03:06:18 +0000 Greg Starks Beginning in Genesis, when God declared that it was not good for man to be alone and continuing the rest of the way through the bible, we receive a clear message that we not to be alone, but God expects us to gather together. In the third installment of the Elements series, Bro. Starks teaches about The Benefits of Belonging. Beginning in Genesis, when God declared that it was not good for man to be alone and continuing the rest of the way through the bible, we receive a clear message that we not to be alone, but God expects us to gather together. In the third installment of the Elements series, Bro. Starks teaches about The Benefits of Belonging. Beginning in Genesis, when God declared that it was not good for man to be alone and continuing the rest of the way through the bible, we receive a clear message that we not to be alone, but God expects us to gather together. In the third installment … Greg Starks 3085 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21735149/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thebenefitsofbelonging/id/1031948.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21735149 Scripture: Psalms 133:1-133:3, Series: Elements Part#3 Thu, 28 Jan 2021 03:06:18 +0000 Greg Starks Beginning in Genesis, when God declared that it was not good for man to be alone and continuing the rest of the way through the bible, we receive a clear message that we not to be alone, but God expects us to gather together. In the third installment of the Elements series, Bro. Starks teaches about The Benefits of Belonging. Beginning in Genesis, when God declared that it was not good for man to be alone and continuing the rest of the way through the bible, we receive a clear message that we not to be alone, but God expects us to gather together. In the third installment of the Elements series, Bro. Starks teaches about The Benefits of Belonging. Beginning in Genesis, when God declared that it was not good for man to be alone and continuing the rest of the way through the bible, we receive a clear message that we not to be alone, but God expects us to gather together. In the third installment … Greg Starks 3085 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21735149/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thebenefitsofbelonging/id/3601779.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21735149 Scripture: Psalms 133:1-133:3, Series: Elements Part#3 Mon, 25 Jan 2021 03:38:00 +0000 Mark Hughes God is preparing our church for something. We have enjoyed His visitation in our service many times recently. We must respond to His presence so that its purpose can be fulfilled. When God moves, He does so for a purpose. A service where God moves can be refreshing, but God has a greater purpose than just our refreshing. We must have a sense and a sensitivity to what God is doing and look deeper than what we are feeling. God is bringing people to the church. These people are hurting, lost, and needing a place of healing. We have to create an atmosphere where God can work in their lives. There are about five channels through which God moves. He will not move the same way every time, and we have to learn to discern how He is moving to know how to react appropriately. The way God moves is dictated by who is present and what they need. God knows who will be there and what they need before they even gather together. Our text uses the illustration of a farmer planting different crops. The farmer has the wisdom to know what to plant where and how to harvest the different crops. When we learn to discern how God is moving, we prepare ourselves with the wisdom to reap the outcome that God desires. God is preparing our church for something. We have enjoyed His visitation in our service many times recently. We must respond to His presence so that its purpose can be fulfilled. When God moves, He does so for a purpose. A service where God moves can be refreshing, but God has a greater purpose than just our refreshing. We must have a sense and a sensitivity to what God is doing and look deeper than what we are feeling. God is bringing people to the church. These people are hurting, lost, and needing a place of healing. We have to create an atmosphere where God can work in their lives. There are about five channels through which God moves. He will not move the same way every time, and we have to learn to discern how He is moving to know how to react appropriately. The way God moves is dictated by who is present and what they need. God knows who will be there and what they need before they even gather together. Our text uses the illustration of a farmer planting different crops. The farmer has the wisdom to know what to plant where and how to harvest the different crops. When we learn to discern how God is moving, we prepare ourselves with the wisdom to reap the outcome that God desires. God is preparing our church for something. We have enjoyed His visitation in our service many times recently. We must respond to His presence so that its purpose can be fulfilled. When God moves, He does so for a purpose. A service where God moves … Mark Hughes 2999 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21734494/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_understandingtheworkingsoftheh/id/1031729.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21734494 Scripture: Isaiah 28:23-28:29 Mon, 25 Jan 2021 03:38:00 +0000 Mark Hughes God is preparing our church for something. We have enjoyed His visitation in our service many times recently. We must respond to His presence so that its purpose can be fulfilled. When God moves, He does so for a purpose. A service where God moves can be refreshing, but God has a greater purpose than just our refreshing. We must have a sense and a sensitivity to what God is doing and look deeper than what we are feeling. God is bringing people to the church. These people are hurting, lost, and needing a place of healing. We have to create an atmosphere where God can work in their lives. There are about five channels through which God moves. He will not move the same way every time, and we have to learn to discern how He is moving to know how to react appropriately. The way God moves is dictated by who is present and what they need. God knows who will be there and what they need before they even gather together. Our text uses the illustration of a farmer planting different crops. The farmer has the wisdom to know what to plant where and how to harvest the different crops. When we learn to discern how God is moving, we prepare ourselves with the wisdom to reap the outcome that God desires. God is preparing our church for something. We have enjoyed His visitation in our service many times recently. We must respond to His presence so that its purpose can be fulfilled. When God moves, He does so for a purpose. A service where God moves can be refreshing, but God has a greater purpose than just our refreshing. We must have a sense and a sensitivity to what God is doing and look deeper than what we are feeling. God is bringing people to the church. These people are hurting, lost, and needing a place of healing. We have to create an atmosphere where God can work in their lives. There are about five channels through which God moves. He will not move the same way every time, and we have to learn to discern how He is moving to know how to react appropriately. The way God moves is dictated by who is present and what they need. God knows who will be there and what they need before they even gather together. Our text uses the illustration of a farmer planting different crops. The farmer has the wisdom to know what to plant where and how to harvest the different crops. When we learn to discern how God is moving, we prepare ourselves with the wisdom to reap the outcome that God desires. God is preparing our church for something. We have enjoyed His visitation in our service many times recently. We must respond to His presence so that its purpose can be fulfilled. When God moves, He does so for a purpose. A service where God moves … Mark Hughes 2999 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21734494/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_understandingtheworkingsoftheh/id/3601428.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21734494 Scripture: Isaiah 28:23-28:29 Mon, 25 Jan 2021 03:28:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Many learned about the story of Zacchaeus in Sunday School. Most of us learned the song about Zacchaeus being a wee little man. The bible has information about him, but there is much more about Zacchaeus that we do not know. The Bible infers that his people did not like him. We find that Zacchaeus was a tax collector who had betrayed his people to serve the Roman government. He had cheated and stolen to achieve the position that he held. He had power and wealth. He was the chief tax collector and held great power. Why was a man who had all the things that our world wants: wealth, power, and prestige, so interested in Jesus that day? Somehow all the things he had were not enough. Zacchaeus was a lost man. He had lost his identity. He had lost sight of what mattered in his life. He was hungry for something more. When we hunger for more, God takes notice. That morning, Jesus knew about Zacchaeus’ hunger and purposely went to Jerico. Jesus didn’t happen to see Zachieus as He passed the tree; Jesus was looking for him. Jesus called Zacchaeus by name. Jesus knew Zacchaeus’s name, just as He knows each of us. God knew who he was and where he was, but it didn’t matter. God wanted to come to where Zacchaeus was. He knew Zacchaeus was lost and came to find him. Jesus did not address him as a sinner but as a son of Abraham. He went to remind Zacchaeus that he was a child of God. Jesus saw a better purpose for Zacchaeus and went to Jerico that day to find him, and He sees a better purpose for each of us. Many learned about the story of Zacchaeus in Sunday School. Most of us learned the song about Zacchaeus being a wee little man. The bible has information about him, but there is much more about Zacchaeus that we do not know. The Bible infers that his people did not like him. We find that Zacchaeus was a tax collector who had betrayed his people to serve the Roman government. He had cheated and stolen to achieve the position that he held. He had power and wealth. He was the chief tax collector and held great power. Why was a man who had all the things that our world wants: wealth, power, and prestige, so interested in Jesus that day? Somehow all the things he had were not enough. Zacchaeus was a lost man. He had lost his identity. He had lost sight of what mattered in his life. He was hungry for something more. When we hunger for more, God takes notice. That morning, Jesus knew about Zacchaeus’ hunger and purposely went to Jerico. Jesus didn’t happen to see Zachieus as He passed the tree; Jesus was looking for him. Jesus called Zacchaeus by name. Jesus knew Zacchaeus’s name, just as He knows each of us. God knew who he was and where he was, but it didn’t matter. God wanted to come to where Zacchaeus was. He knew Zacchaeus was lost and came to find him. Jesus did not address him as a sinner but as a son of Abraham. He went to remind Zacchaeus that he was a child of God. Jesus saw a better purpose for Zacchaeus and went to Jerico that day to find him, and He sees a better purpose for each of us. Many learned about the story of Zacchaeus in Sunday School. Most of us learned the song about Zacchaeus being a wee little man. The bible has information about him, but there is much more about Zacchaeus that we do not know. The Bible infers that hi… Mark Hughes 2032 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21734489/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_adatewithdestiny/id/1031624.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21734489 Scripture: Luke 19:1-19:10 Mon, 25 Jan 2021 03:28:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Many learned about the story of Zacchaeus in Sunday School. Most of us learned the song about Zacchaeus being a wee little man. The bible has information about him, but there is much more about Zacchaeus that we do not know. The Bible infers that his people did not like him. We find that Zacchaeus was a tax collector who had betrayed his people to serve the Roman government. He had cheated and stolen to achieve the position that he held. He had power and wealth. He was the chief tax collector and held great power. Why was a man who had all the things that our world wants: wealth, power, and prestige, so interested in Jesus that day? Somehow all the things he had were not enough. Zacchaeus was a lost man. He had lost his identity. He had lost sight of what mattered in his life. He was hungry for something more. When we hunger for more, God takes notice. That morning, Jesus knew about Zacchaeus’ hunger and purposely went to Jerico. Jesus didn’t happen to see Zachieus as He passed the tree; Jesus was looking for him. Jesus called Zacchaeus by name. Jesus knew Zacchaeus’s name, just as He knows each of us. God knew who he was and where he was, but it didn’t matter. God wanted to come to where Zacchaeus was. He knew Zacchaeus was lost and came to find him. Jesus did not address him as a sinner but as a son of Abraham. He went to remind Zacchaeus that he was a child of God. Jesus saw a better purpose for Zacchaeus and went to Jerico that day to find him, and He sees a better purpose for each of us. Many learned about the story of Zacchaeus in Sunday School. Most of us learned the song about Zacchaeus being a wee little man. The bible has information about him, but there is much more about Zacchaeus that we do not know. The Bible infers that his people did not like him. We find that Zacchaeus was a tax collector who had betrayed his people to serve the Roman government. He had cheated and stolen to achieve the position that he held. He had power and wealth. He was the chief tax collector and held great power. Why was a man who had all the things that our world wants: wealth, power, and prestige, so interested in Jesus that day? Somehow all the things he had were not enough. Zacchaeus was a lost man. He had lost his identity. He had lost sight of what mattered in his life. He was hungry for something more. When we hunger for more, God takes notice. That morning, Jesus knew about Zacchaeus’ hunger and purposely went to Jerico. Jesus didn’t happen to see Zachieus as He passed the tree; Jesus was looking for him. Jesus called Zacchaeus by name. Jesus knew Zacchaeus’s name, just as He knows each of us. God knew who he was and where he was, but it didn’t matter. God wanted to come to where Zacchaeus was. He knew Zacchaeus was lost and came to find him. Jesus did not address him as a sinner but as a son of Abraham. He went to remind Zacchaeus that he was a child of God. Jesus saw a better purpose for Zacchaeus and went to Jerico that day to find him, and He sees a better purpose for each of us. Many learned about the story of Zacchaeus in Sunday School. Most of us learned the song about Zacchaeus being a wee little man. The bible has information about him, but there is much more about Zacchaeus that we do not know. The Bible infers that hi… Mark Hughes 2032 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21734489/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_adatewithdestiny/id/3601146.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21734489 Scripture: Luke 19:1-19:10 Wed, 20 Jan 2021 22:40:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our relationship with God is not how we often think of it. It is not superior to subordinate. Though that is the case, God regards our relationship more lovingly. God responds to the desire in our life. When He sees a need from us, He responds to where we are to meet us. Bro. Hughes outlines four ways to develop our relationship with God: Prayer, Reading the Word, Medication, and Worship. Though these disciplines, we can create, strengthen, and maintain our Connection to God Our relationship with God is not how we often think of it. It is not superior to subordinate. Though that is the case, God regards our relationship more lovingly. God responds to the desire in our life. When He sees a need from us, He responds to where we are to meet us. Bro. Hughes outlines four ways to develop our relationship with God: Prayer, Reading the Word, Medication, and Worship. Though these disciplines, we can create, strengthen, and maintain our Connection to God Our relationship with God is not how we often think of it. It is not superior to subordinate. Though that is the case, God regards our relationship more lovingly. God responds to the desire in our life. When He sees a need from us, He responds to wh… Mark Hughes 4032 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21731756/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_connectingtogod/id/1029875.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21731756 Series: Elements Part#2 Wed, 20 Jan 2021 22:40:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our relationship with God is not how we often think of it. It is not superior to subordinate. Though that is the case, God regards our relationship more lovingly. God responds to the desire in our life. When He sees a need from us, He responds to where we are to meet us. Bro. Hughes outlines four ways to develop our relationship with God: Prayer, Reading the Word, Medication, and Worship. Though these disciplines, we can create, strengthen, and maintain our Connection to God Our relationship with God is not how we often think of it. It is not superior to subordinate. Though that is the case, God regards our relationship more lovingly. God responds to the desire in our life. When He sees a need from us, He responds to where we are to meet us. Bro. Hughes outlines four ways to develop our relationship with God: Prayer, Reading the Word, Medication, and Worship. Though these disciplines, we can create, strengthen, and maintain our Connection to God Our relationship with God is not how we often think of it. It is not superior to subordinate. Though that is the case, God regards our relationship more lovingly. God responds to the desire in our life. When He sees a need from us, He responds to wh… Mark Hughes 4032 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21731756/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_connectingtogod/id/3598650.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21731756 Series: Elements Part#2 Sun, 17 Jan 2021 23:58:28 +0000 Dennis Clark The love of the Lord never ends in our life. The mercies of God are not just for a time our life, but they are renewed every day. God’s faithfulness is so large that we cannot express it adequately. God orders our steps. We endured storms, floods, and other adversities. In every case, no matter how difficult, God has never failed us. Great Is Thy Faithfulness. The love of the Lord never ends in our life. The mercies of God are not just for a time our life, but they are renewed every day. God’s faithfulness is so large that we cannot express it adequately. God orders our steps. We endured storms, floods, and other adversities. In every case, no matter how difficult, God has never failed us. Great Is Thy Faithfulness. The love of the Lord never ends in our life. The mercies of God are not just for a time our life, but they are renewed every day. God’s faithfulness is so large that we cannot express it adequately. God orders our steps. We endured storms, floods, … Dennis Clark 1897 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21730324/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_greatisthyfaithfulness/id/1029171.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21730324 Scripture: Lamentations 3:23 Sun, 17 Jan 2021 23:58:28 +0000 Dennis Clark The love of the Lord never ends in our life. The mercies of God are not just for a time our life, but they are renewed every day. God’s faithfulness is so large that we cannot express it adequately. God orders our steps. We endured storms, floods, and other adversities. In every case, no matter how difficult, God has never failed us. Great Is Thy Faithfulness. The love of the Lord never ends in our life. The mercies of God are not just for a time our life, but they are renewed every day. God’s faithfulness is so large that we cannot express it adequately. God orders our steps. We endured storms, floods, and other adversities. In every case, no matter how difficult, God has never failed us. Great Is Thy Faithfulness. The love of the Lord never ends in our life. The mercies of God are not just for a time our life, but they are renewed every day. God’s faithfulness is so large that we cannot express it adequately. God orders our steps. We endured storms, floods, … Dennis Clark 1897 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21730324/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_greatisthyfaithfulness/id/3597262.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21730324 Scripture: Lamentations 3:23 Mon, 11 Jan 2021 03:06:00 +0000 Landon Long The country singer George Jones had a hit song, “Who’s gonna fill these shoes.” The song speaks of country music legends and their contribution to the genre and wonders what up and coming artists would be able to carry on after the legends are gone. This same idea has been the subject of many sermons and speaks of elders of the faith and who will be ready to take up the mantle when they are no longer able to carry the weight. Bro. Long takes a slightly different look tonight, wondering not only who will fill the shoes, but he questions who will continue the race? It is not enough to merely put on the shoes, but the one who steps into the shoes has a job to do. They have to continue the work and build upon what the former shoe’s occupants started. Our text from Hebrews encourages us to run with patience the race that is set before us. We are not in this race alone. This race a relay race where each runner picks up where the previous one left off. As our elders finish their leg of the race, it is incumbent on us to run our portion of the race and press on to victory. The country singer George Jones had a hit song, “Who’s gonna fill these shoes.” The song speaks of country music legends and their contribution to the genre and wonders what up and coming artists would be able to carry on after the legends are gone. This same idea has been the subject of many sermons and speaks of elders of the faith and who will be ready to take up the mantle when they are no longer able to carry the weight. Bro. Long takes a slightly different look tonight, wondering not only who will fill the shoes, but he questions who will continue the race? It is not enough to merely put on the shoes, but the one who steps into the shoes has a job to do. They have to continue the work and build upon what the former shoe’s occupants started. Our text from Hebrews encourages us to run with patience the race that is set before us. We are not in this race alone. This race a relay race where each runner picks up where the previous one left off. As our elders finish their leg of the race, it is incumbent on us to run our portion of the race and press on to victory. The country singer George Jones had a hit song, “Who’s gonna fill these shoes.” The song speaks of country music legends and their contribution to the genre and wonders what up and coming artists would be able to carry on after the legends are gone. … Landon Long 2702 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21727254/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_runninginsomeoneelsesshoes/id/1027120.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21727254 Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-12:2 Mon, 11 Jan 2021 03:06:00 +0000 Landon Long The country singer George Jones had a hit song, “Who’s gonna fill these shoes.” The song speaks of country music legends and their contribution to the genre and wonders what up and coming artists would be able to carry on after the legends are gone. This same idea has been the subject of many sermons and speaks of elders of the faith and who will be ready to take up the mantle when they are no longer able to carry the weight. Bro. Long takes a slightly different look tonight, wondering not only who will fill the shoes, but he questions who will continue the race? It is not enough to merely put on the shoes, but the one who steps into the shoes has a job to do. They have to continue the work and build upon what the former shoe’s occupants started. Our text from Hebrews encourages us to run with patience the race that is set before us. We are not in this race alone. This race a relay race where each runner picks up where the previous one left off. As our elders finish their leg of the race, it is incumbent on us to run our portion of the race and press on to victory. The country singer George Jones had a hit song, “Who’s gonna fill these shoes.” The song speaks of country music legends and their contribution to the genre and wonders what up and coming artists would be able to carry on after the legends are gone. This same idea has been the subject of many sermons and speaks of elders of the faith and who will be ready to take up the mantle when they are no longer able to carry the weight. Bro. Long takes a slightly different look tonight, wondering not only who will fill the shoes, but he questions who will continue the race? It is not enough to merely put on the shoes, but the one who steps into the shoes has a job to do. They have to continue the work and build upon what the former shoe’s occupants started. Our text from Hebrews encourages us to run with patience the race that is set before us. We are not in this race alone. This race a relay race where each runner picks up where the previous one left off. As our elders finish their leg of the race, it is incumbent on us to run our portion of the race and press on to victory. The country singer George Jones had a hit song, “Who’s gonna fill these shoes.” The song speaks of country music legends and their contribution to the genre and wonders what up and coming artists would be able to carry on after the legends are gone. … Landon Long 2702 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21727254/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_runninginsomeoneelsesshoes/id/3594479.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21727254 Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-12:2 Sun, 03 Jan 2021 23:16:59 +0000 Kenneth Baker Corn-field mazes have become popular tourist attractions. People will pay for the experience of trying to navigate their way through a labyrinth formed in a farmer’s field. Life can be like that maze. We take wrong turns that lead to a dead end. We have to turn around and go back to find the right path. Some of us have forgotten where we are going. Abraham did not know where he was going, but he trusted God. He knew that his ultimate destination was somewhere higher than what he could see. He knew the destination was worth the effort and the journey he walked on earth. Mazes are easier to solve if you start at the end. In the maze of life, heaven is our goal, and working backward from there is the key. Once we get our mind focused on the end, life is so much easier. If we keep our eyes on the goal, the twists, turns, and dead ends of life are easier to handle. Corn-field mazes have become popular tourist attractions. People will pay for the experience of trying to navigate their way through a labyrinth formed in a farmer’s field. Life can be like that maze. We take wrong turns that lead to a dead end. We have to turn around and go back to find the right path. Some of us have forgotten where we are going. Abraham did not know where he was going, but he trusted God. He knew that his ultimate destination was somewhere higher than what he could see. He knew the destination was worth the effort and the journey he walked on earth. Mazes are easier to solve if you start at the end. In the maze of life, heaven is our goal, and working backward from there is the key. Once we get our mind focused on the end, life is so much easier. If we keep our eyes on the goal, the twists, turns, and dead ends of life are easier to handle. Corn-field mazes have become popular tourist attractions. People will pay for the experience of trying to navigate their way through a labyrinth formed in a farmer’s field. Life can be like that maze. We take wrong turns that lead to a dead end. W… Kenneth Baker 2861 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21722495/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_anamazeingdiscovery/id/1024114.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21722495 Scripture: Hebrews 11:8-11:16 Sun, 03 Jan 2021 23:16:59 +0000 Kenneth Baker Corn-field mazes have become popular tourist attractions. People will pay for the experience of trying to navigate their way through a labyrinth formed in a farmer’s field. Life can be like that maze. We take wrong turns that lead to a dead end. We have to turn around and go back to find the right path. Some of us have forgotten where we are going. Abraham did not know where he was going, but he trusted God. He knew that his ultimate destination was somewhere higher than what he could see. He knew the destination was worth the effort and the journey he walked on earth. Mazes are easier to solve if you start at the end. In the maze of life, heaven is our goal, and working backward from there is the key. Once we get our mind focused on the end, life is so much easier. If we keep our eyes on the goal, the twists, turns, and dead ends of life are easier to handle. Corn-field mazes have become popular tourist attractions. People will pay for the experience of trying to navigate their way through a labyrinth formed in a farmer’s field. Life can be like that maze. We take wrong turns that lead to a dead end. We have to turn around and go back to find the right path. Some of us have forgotten where we are going. Abraham did not know where he was going, but he trusted God. He knew that his ultimate destination was somewhere higher than what he could see. He knew the destination was worth the effort and the journey he walked on earth. Mazes are easier to solve if you start at the end. In the maze of life, heaven is our goal, and working backward from there is the key. Once we get our mind focused on the end, life is so much easier. If we keep our eyes on the goal, the twists, turns, and dead ends of life are easier to handle. Corn-field mazes have become popular tourist attractions. People will pay for the experience of trying to navigate their way through a labyrinth formed in a farmer’s field. Life can be like that maze. We take wrong turns that lead to a dead end. W… Kenneth Baker 2861 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21722495/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_anamazeingdiscovery/id/3590341.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21722495 Scripture: Hebrews 11:8-11:16 Sun, 27 Dec 2020 20:57:04 +0000 Mark Hughes In just a few days, we will say goodbye to 2020 and welcome the new year. A year ago, none of us could have predicted how 2020 would unfold. What has this year taught us, and how can we make next year better? First, we can take nothing for granted. Almost overnight, our world was turned upside down. We have learned to value what is truly important. Life can become cluttered, but when things began to change, we discovered that there were things that we could live without. This year has taught us what is essential. How do we want to close out this year and begin the new? We need to enlarge our capacity for the supernatural. We must become more sensitive to the presence of God and begin to recognize the unexpected place of blessing that He brings. We have to make His presence a priority. We have to learn to trust God’s plan. We do not understand the reason for the things that have happened in 2020, but we have to trust His plan. We must close out this year with more thankfulness. 2020 has taught us that we have to increase our capacity to extend grace and mercy to each other. As we prepare to welcome the new year, we want to do what Paul admonished us to do: forgetting the things which are behind and reaching toward those things that are before us. We must let go of the past. Let go of the pain, the hurt, the struggle, and the regrets. Look into the new year, reaching for something better. Turn of focus from the failure of the past and looking to the opportunity of the future. That is how to end the old and begin the new. In just a few days, we will say goodbye to 2020 and welcome the new year. A year ago, none of us could have predicted how 2020 would unfold. What has this year taught us, and how can we make next year better? First, we can take nothing for granted. Almost overnight, our world was turned upside down. We have learned to value what is truly important. Life can become cluttered, but when things began to change, we discovered that there were things that we could live without. This year has taught us what is essential. How do we want to close out this year and begin the new? We need to enlarge our capacity for the supernatural. We must become more sensitive to the presence of God and begin to recognize the unexpected place of blessing that He brings. We have to make His presence a priority. We have to learn to trust God’s plan. We do not understand the reason for the things that have happened in 2020, but we have to trust His plan. We must close out this year with more thankfulness. 2020 has taught us that we have to increase our capacity to extend grace and mercy to each other. As we prepare to welcome the new year, we want to do what Paul admonished us to do: forgetting the things which are behind and reaching toward those things that are before us. We must let go of the past. Let go of the pain, the hurt, the struggle, and the regrets. Look into the new year, reaching for something better. Turn of focus from the failure of the past and looking to the opportunity of the future. That is how to end the old and begin the new. In just a few days, we will say goodbye to 2020 and welcome the new year. A year ago, none of us could have predicted how 2020 would unfold. What has this year taught us, and how can we make next year better? First, we can take nothing for granted. … Mark Hughes 2302 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21718761/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_howtoendtheoldandbeginthenew/id/1021702.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21718761 Scripture: Psalms 103:1-103:22 Sun, 27 Dec 2020 20:57:04 +0000 Mark Hughes In just a few days, we will say goodbye to 2020 and welcome the new year. A year ago, none of us could have predicted how 2020 would unfold. What has this year taught us, and how can we make next year better? First, we can take nothing for granted. Almost overnight, our world was turned upside down. We have learned to value what is truly important. Life can become cluttered, but when things began to change, we discovered that there were things that we could live without. This year has taught us what is essential. How do we want to close out this year and begin the new? We need to enlarge our capacity for the supernatural. We must become more sensitive to the presence of God and begin to recognize the unexpected place of blessing that He brings. We have to make His presence a priority. We have to learn to trust God’s plan. We do not understand the reason for the things that have happened in 2020, but we have to trust His plan. We must close out this year with more thankfulness. 2020 has taught us that we have to increase our capacity to extend grace and mercy to each other. As we prepare to welcome the new year, we want to do what Paul admonished us to do: forgetting the things which are behind and reaching toward those things that are before us. We must let go of the past. Let go of the pain, the hurt, the struggle, and the regrets. Look into the new year, reaching for something better. Turn of focus from the failure of the past and looking to the opportunity of the future. That is how to end the old and begin the new. In just a few days, we will say goodbye to 2020 and welcome the new year. A year ago, none of us could have predicted how 2020 would unfold. What has this year taught us, and how can we make next year better? First, we can take nothing for granted. Almost overnight, our world was turned upside down. We have learned to value what is truly important. Life can become cluttered, but when things began to change, we discovered that there were things that we could live without. This year has taught us what is essential. How do we want to close out this year and begin the new? We need to enlarge our capacity for the supernatural. We must become more sensitive to the presence of God and begin to recognize the unexpected place of blessing that He brings. We have to make His presence a priority. We have to learn to trust God’s plan. We do not understand the reason for the things that have happened in 2020, but we have to trust His plan. We must close out this year with more thankfulness. 2020 has taught us that we have to increase our capacity to extend grace and mercy to each other. As we prepare to welcome the new year, we want to do what Paul admonished us to do: forgetting the things which are behind and reaching toward those things that are before us. We must let go of the past. Let go of the pain, the hurt, the struggle, and the regrets. Look into the new year, reaching for something better. Turn of focus from the failure of the past and looking to the opportunity of the future. That is how to end the old and begin the new. In just a few days, we will say goodbye to 2020 and welcome the new year. A year ago, none of us could have predicted how 2020 would unfold. What has this year taught us, and how can we make next year better? First, we can take nothing for granted. … Mark Hughes 2302 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21718761/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtoendtheoldandbeginthenew/id/3587485.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21718761 Scripture: Psalms 103:1-103:22 Sun, 20 Dec 2020 21:04:06 +0000 Kenneth Baker 2020 has been a remarkable year. None of us could have imagined all that has happened. This year draws to a close, we are expecting of a celestial event that has not happened in 800 years. This event will occur on the Winter Solstice which is the shortest day and longest night of the year. On the darkest day of the year, God will place a light to shine in the sky that reminds us of the divine light that God showed the wise men over 2000 years ago. It is a reminder that hope is still alive. We are given a light to remind us of a greater life that came to illuminate our darkness. This Christmas season, God is giving us a reminder that there is hope, there is a purpose for faith, and is worth giving our lives for. 2020 has been a remarkable year. None of us could have imagined all that has happened. This year draws to a close, we are expecting of a celestial event that has not happened in 800 years. This event will occur on the Winter Solstice which is the shortest day and longest night of the year. On the darkest day of the year, God will place a light to shine in the sky that reminds us of the divine light that God showed the wise men over 2000 years ago. It is a reminder that hope is still alive. We are given a light to remind us of a greater life that came to illuminate our darkness. This Christmas season, God is giving us a reminder that there is hope, there is a purpose for faith, and is worth giving our lives for. 2020 has been a remarkable year. None of us could have imagined all that has happened. This year draws to a close, we are expecting of a celestial event that has not happened in 800 years. This event will occur on the Winter Solstice which is the sho… Kenneth Baker 1905 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21715087/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_astarofhope/id/1019332.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21715087 A Star of Hope Sun, 20 Dec 2020 21:04:06 +0000 Kenneth Baker 2020 has been a remarkable year. None of us could have imagined all that has happened. This year draws to a close, we are expecting of a celestial event that has not happened in 800 years. This event will occur on the Winter Solstice which is the shortest day and longest night of the year. On the darkest day of the year, God will place a light to shine in the sky that reminds us of the divine light that God showed the wise men over 2000 years ago. It is a reminder that hope is still alive. We are given a light to remind us of a greater life that came to illuminate our darkness. This Christmas season, God is giving us a reminder that there is hope, there is a purpose for faith, and is worth giving our lives for. 2020 has been a remarkable year. None of us could have imagined all that has happened. This year draws to a close, we are expecting of a celestial event that has not happened in 800 years. This event will occur on the Winter Solstice which is the shortest day and longest night of the year. On the darkest day of the year, God will place a light to shine in the sky that reminds us of the divine light that God showed the wise men over 2000 years ago. It is a reminder that hope is still alive. We are given a light to remind us of a greater life that came to illuminate our darkness. This Christmas season, God is giving us a reminder that there is hope, there is a purpose for faith, and is worth giving our lives for. 2020 has been a remarkable year. None of us could have imagined all that has happened. This year draws to a close, we are expecting of a celestial event that has not happened in 800 years. This event will occur on the Winter Solstice which is the sho… Kenneth Baker 1905 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21715087/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_astarofhope/id/3584029.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21715087 A Star of Hope Thu, 17 Dec 2020 03:52:09 +0000 Greg Starks The gospel of John is different from the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. John’s gospel was written much later in his life, and he presents a different view of Jesus than the other three. John recorded the events of Jesus’ life to prove to the reader that Jesus was the son of God and that in believing, we might have life through His name. John’s writing draws many contrasts: between light and dark, between believers and non-believers, and the distinction between Jesus’ humanity and His divinity. In his classic Tale of Two Cities, Dickens draws contrasts: It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. In our text tonight from John Three, the writer tells the tale of two sinners. The story of Nicodemus and the woman at the well in Symeria contrasts two different people, from two very different backgrounds, but both have an encounter with Jesus. Nicodemus could trace his lineage back to Abraham, while the woman at the well had a more checkered past. Indeed, we do not even know her name, much less her ancestry. Jesus’ response to both of these people was the same: They had to be changed by the power of God. We often compare ourselves to the bible stories. Are we more like the prodigal or the father? Are we the 99, or are we the one? If we look closely, we are more like the woman at the well than we are Nicodemus. But like both of these people, we all need to be changed by the power of God. The gospel of John is different from the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. John’s gospel was written much later in his life, and he presents a different view of Jesus than the other three. John recorded the events of Jesus’ life to prove to the reader that Jesus was the son of God and that in believing, we might have life through His name. John’s writing draws many contrasts: between light and dark, between believers and non-believers, and the distinction between Jesus’ humanity and His divinity. In his classic Tale of Two Cities, Dickens draws contrasts: It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. In our text tonight from John Three, the writer tells the tale of two sinners. The story of Nicodemus and the woman at the well in Symeria contrasts two different people, from two very different backgrounds, but both have an encounter with Jesus. Nicodemus could trace his lineage back to Abraham, while the woman at the well had a more checkered past. Indeed, we do not even know her name, much less her ancestry. Jesus’ response to both of these people was the same: They had to be changed by the power of God. We often compare ourselves to the bible stories. Are we more like the prodigal or the father? Are we the 99, or are we the one? If we look closely, we are more like the woman at the well than we are Nicodemus. But like both of these people, we all need to be changed by the power of God. The gospel of John is different from the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. John’s gospel was written much later in his life, and he presents a different view of Jesus than the other three. John recorded the events of Jesus’ life to prove to the rea… Greg Starks 2279 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21712546/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_ataleoftwosinners/id/1017333.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21712546 A Tale of Two Sinners Thu, 17 Dec 2020 03:52:09 +0000 Greg Starks The gospel of John is different from the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. John’s gospel was written much later in his life, and he presents a different view of Jesus than the other three. John recorded the events of Jesus’ life to prove to the reader that Jesus was the son of God and that in believing, we might have life through His name. John’s writing draws many contrasts: between light and dark, between believers and non-believers, and the distinction between Jesus’ humanity and His divinity. In his classic Tale of Two Cities, Dickens draws contrasts: It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. In our text tonight from John Three, the writer tells the tale of two sinners. The story of Nicodemus and the woman at the well in Symeria contrasts two different people, from two very different backgrounds, but both have an encounter with Jesus. Nicodemus could trace his lineage back to Abraham, while the woman at the well had a more checkered past. Indeed, we do not even know her name, much less her ancestry. Jesus’ response to both of these people was the same: They had to be changed by the power of God. We often compare ourselves to the bible stories. Are we more like the prodigal or the father? Are we the 99, or are we the one? If we look closely, we are more like the woman at the well than we are Nicodemus. But like both of these people, we all need to be changed by the power of God. The gospel of John is different from the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. John’s gospel was written much later in his life, and he presents a different view of Jesus than the other three. John recorded the events of Jesus’ life to prove to the reader that Jesus was the son of God and that in believing, we might have life through His name. John’s writing draws many contrasts: between light and dark, between believers and non-believers, and the distinction between Jesus’ humanity and His divinity. In his classic Tale of Two Cities, Dickens draws contrasts: It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. In our text tonight from John Three, the writer tells the tale of two sinners. The story of Nicodemus and the woman at the well in Symeria contrasts two different people, from two very different backgrounds, but both have an encounter with Jesus. Nicodemus could trace his lineage back to Abraham, while the woman at the well had a more checkered past. Indeed, we do not even know her name, much less her ancestry. Jesus’ response to both of these people was the same: They had to be changed by the power of God. We often compare ourselves to the bible stories. Are we more like the prodigal or the father? Are we the 99, or are we the one? If we look closely, we are more like the woman at the well than we are Nicodemus. But like both of these people, we all need to be changed by the power of God. The gospel of John is different from the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. John’s gospel was written much later in his life, and he presents a different view of Jesus than the other three. John recorded the events of Jesus’ life to prove to the rea… Greg Starks 2279 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21712546/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ataleoftwosinners/id/3582120.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21712546 A Tale of Two Sinners Sun, 13 Dec 2020 21:39:49 +0000 Landon Long The popular Christmas song says that this is the most wonderful time of the year. For many, it is anything but wonderful. For far too many, they are missing real joy. They are not missing more presents; they are missing His presence. The angel in our text brought tidings of great joy. It was exactly what they needed after such a long silence. The joy that the angel spoke of is not the joy of the world. The world’s definition is very different from God’s joy. Webster says joy is a feeling of great happiness. The joy that God gives is more than just how we feel. Our emotions are up and down; God’s joy is consistent. When we have God’s joy, it changes everything about our life. The great joy we know from God is lacking in our world. We look at our job, school, or marriage and find no joy. That is based on circumstances or things that happen. Joy does not keep us from life, but it helps get us through life. While we may have issues with our job, school, or marriage, those things should not steal our joy. Circumstances may have changed, but we cannot allow those things to rob us of our joy. We cannot afford to lose God’s joy. Happiness is not joy. Happiness is based on what happens to us. The world equates happiness and joy, but they are not the same. We can have joy even on bad days. Joy is not the absence of suffering; it is the presence of God. Joy is what we draw from when we are tired and weak. There may not be happiness, but we can still have joy. Joy is a fruit of the spirit, a gift. The psalmist in our text today says there is fullness of joy in His presence. However, this joy is not just for us. The angel said that this joy was for all people. It is for the shepherds, the king, and the commoner. There is fullness of joy in His presence, but it takes more than just being in His presence to receive it. That there is fullness of joy implies that we can experience less than fullness. What do we have to empty from our life to make room for the fullness? Joy is a choice. It is something that we must accept and make a conscious choice to receive. Joy is a gift from God. The popular Christmas song says that this is the most wonderful time of the year. For many, it is anything but wonderful. For far too many, they are missing real joy. They are not missing more presents; they are missing His presence. The angel in our text brought tidings of great joy. It was exactly what they needed after such a long silence. The joy that the angel spoke of is not the joy of the world. The world’s definition is very different from God’s joy. Webster says joy is a feeling of great happiness. The joy that God gives is more than just how we feel. Our emotions are up and down; God’s joy is consistent. When we have God’s joy, it changes everything about our life. The great joy we know from God is lacking in our world. We look at our job, school, or marriage and find no joy. That is based on circumstances or things that happen. Joy does not keep us from life, but it helps get us through life. While we may have issues with our job, school, or marriage, those things should not steal our joy. Circumstances may have changed, but we cannot allow those things to rob us of our joy. We cannot afford to lose God’s joy. Happiness is not joy. Happiness is based on what happens to us. The world equates happiness and joy, but they are not the same. We can have joy even on bad days. Joy is not the absence of suffering; it is the presence of God. Joy is what we draw from when we are tired and weak. There may not be happiness, but we can still have joy. Joy is a fruit of the spirit, a gift. The psalmist in our text today says there is fullness of joy in His presence. However, this joy is not just for us. The angel said that this joy was for all people. It is for the shepherds, the king, and the commoner. There is fullness of joy in His presence, but it takes more than just being in His presence to receive it. That there is fullness of joy implies that we can experience less than fullness. What do we have to empty from our life to make room for the fullness? Joy is a choice. It is something that we must accept and make a conscious choice to receive. Joy is a gift from God. The popular Christmas song says that this is the most wonderful time of the year. For many, it is anything but wonderful. For far too many, they are missing real joy. They are not missing more presents; they are missing His presence. The angel in o… Landon Long 2147 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21711242/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_oythegiftofhispresence/id/1016634.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21711242 Scripture: Psalms 16:11, Luke 2:8-2:11 Sun, 13 Dec 2020 21:39:49 +0000 Landon Long The popular Christmas song says that this is the most wonderful time of the year. For many, it is anything but wonderful. For far too many, they are missing real joy. They are not missing more presents; they are missing His presence. The angel in our text brought tidings of great joy. It was exactly what they needed after such a long silence. The joy that the angel spoke of is not the joy of the world. The world’s definition is very different from God’s joy. Webster says joy is a feeling of great happiness. The joy that God gives is more than just how we feel. Our emotions are up and down; God’s joy is consistent. When we have God’s joy, it changes everything about our life. The great joy we know from God is lacking in our world. We look at our job, school, or marriage and find no joy. That is based on circumstances or things that happen. Joy does not keep us from life, but it helps get us through life. While we may have issues with our job, school, or marriage, those things should not steal our joy. Circumstances may have changed, but we cannot allow those things to rob us of our joy. We cannot afford to lose God’s joy. Happiness is not joy. Happiness is based on what happens to us. The world equates happiness and joy, but they are not the same. We can have joy even on bad days. Joy is not the absence of suffering; it is the presence of God. Joy is what we draw from when we are tired and weak. There may not be happiness, but we can still have joy. Joy is a fruit of the spirit, a gift. The psalmist in our text today says there is fullness of joy in His presence. However, this joy is not just for us. The angel said that this joy was for all people. It is for the shepherds, the king, and the commoner. There is fullness of joy in His presence, but it takes more than just being in His presence to receive it. That there is fullness of joy implies that we can experience less than fullness. What do we have to empty from our life to make room for the fullness? Joy is a choice. It is something that we must accept and make a conscious choice to receive. Joy is a gift from God. The popular Christmas song says that this is the most wonderful time of the year. For many, it is anything but wonderful. For far too many, they are missing real joy. They are not missing more presents; they are missing His presence. The angel in our text brought tidings of great joy. It was exactly what they needed after such a long silence. The joy that the angel spoke of is not the joy of the world. The world’s definition is very different from God’s joy. Webster says joy is a feeling of great happiness. The joy that God gives is more than just how we feel. Our emotions are up and down; God’s joy is consistent. When we have God’s joy, it changes everything about our life. The great joy we know from God is lacking in our world. We look at our job, school, or marriage and find no joy. That is based on circumstances or things that happen. Joy does not keep us from life, but it helps get us through life. While we may have issues with our job, school, or marriage, those things should not steal our joy. Circumstances may have changed, but we cannot allow those things to rob us of our joy. We cannot afford to lose God’s joy. Happiness is not joy. Happiness is based on what happens to us. The world equates happiness and joy, but they are not the same. We can have joy even on bad days. Joy is not the absence of suffering; it is the presence of God. Joy is what we draw from when we are tired and weak. There may not be happiness, but we can still have joy. Joy is a fruit of the spirit, a gift. The psalmist in our text today says there is fullness of joy in His presence. However, this joy is not just for us. The angel said that this joy was for all people. It is for the shepherds, the king, and the commoner. There is fullness of joy in His presence, but it takes more than just being in His presence to receive it. That there is fullness of joy implies that we can experience less than fullness. What do we have to empty from our life to make room for the fullness? Joy is a choice. It is something that we must accept and make a conscious choice to receive. Joy is a gift from God. The popular Christmas song says that this is the most wonderful time of the year. For many, it is anything but wonderful. For far too many, they are missing real joy. They are not missing more presents; they are missing His presence. The angel in o… Landon Long 2147 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21711242/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_oythegiftofhispresence/id/3580864.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21711242 Scripture: Psalms 16:11, Luke 2:8-2:11 Thu, 10 Dec 2020 03:45:57 +0000 Greg Starks We are all familiar with the concept of washing with water. For Christians, the first thing that may come to mind is the washing away of sin by water baptism. But what about the “by the Word” part of our scripture? The Psalms have several descriptions of the word of God and its impact on us. It is clear from these, and many more, that the Word of God also has a cleansing property. Another possibility is the value of the preached word of God. There is power in the spoken word of God. Both of these have a contribution to our sanctification, but there is one more possibility. Bro. Starks takes a trip back to the old testament and the wanderings in the desert to explain the cleansing power of the Word. We are all familiar with the concept of washing with water. For Christians, the first thing that may come to mind is the washing away of sin by water baptism. But what about the “by the Word” part of our scripture? The Psalms have several descriptions of the word of God and its impact on us. It is clear from these, and many more, that the Word of God also has a cleansing property. Another possibility is the value of the preached word of God. There is power in the spoken word of God. Both of these have a contribution to our sanctification, but there is one more possibility. Bro. Starks takes a trip back to the old testament and the wanderings in the desert to explain the cleansing power of the Word. We are all familiar with the concept of washing with water. For Christians, the first thing that may come to mind is the washing away of sin by water baptism. But what about the “by the Word” part of our scripture? The Psalms have several descriptio… Greg Starks 2243 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21709077/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thewashingofwaterbytheword/id/1015164.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21709077 Scripture: Ephesians 5:25-5:27 Thu, 10 Dec 2020 03:45:57 +0000 Greg Starks We are all familiar with the concept of washing with water. For Christians, the first thing that may come to mind is the washing away of sin by water baptism. But what about the “by the Word” part of our scripture? The Psalms have several descriptions of the word of God and its impact on us. It is clear from these, and many more, that the Word of God also has a cleansing property. Another possibility is the value of the preached word of God. There is power in the spoken word of God. Both of these have a contribution to our sanctification, but there is one more possibility. Bro. Starks takes a trip back to the old testament and the wanderings in the desert to explain the cleansing power of the Word. We are all familiar with the concept of washing with water. For Christians, the first thing that may come to mind is the washing away of sin by water baptism. But what about the “by the Word” part of our scripture? The Psalms have several descriptions of the word of God and its impact on us. It is clear from these, and many more, that the Word of God also has a cleansing property. Another possibility is the value of the preached word of God. There is power in the spoken word of God. Both of these have a contribution to our sanctification, but there is one more possibility. Bro. Starks takes a trip back to the old testament and the wanderings in the desert to explain the cleansing power of the Word. We are all familiar with the concept of washing with water. For Christians, the first thing that may come to mind is the washing away of sin by water baptism. But what about the “by the Word” part of our scripture? The Psalms have several descriptio… Greg Starks 2243 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21709077/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thewashingofwaterbytheword/id/3578911.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21709077 Scripture: Ephesians 5:25-5:27 Sun, 06 Dec 2020 22:39:44 +0000 Mark Hughes Greater Life Church Greater Life Church Greater Life Church… Mark Hughes 1957 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21707712/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theconflictbetweenthepresentan/id/1014464.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21707712 Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:14-23:17 Sun, 06 Dec 2020 22:39:44 +0000 Mark Hughes Greater Life Church Greater Life Church Greater Life Church… Mark Hughes 1957 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21707712/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theconflictbetweenthepresentan/id/3577576.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21707712 Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:14-23:17 Thu, 03 Dec 2020 03:26:55 +0000 Mark Hughes Jude is only one chapter long. It is small, but in Jude’s own words, it is needful. He starts to write about salvation, but he was moved to write about faith and that if they did not maintain their faith, there would be no church to write about. The enemies that Jude referenced were within the church. These spirits, ideologies, and beliefs began to deteriorate the very foundation on which the church is built. The sole purpose of Jude’s writing is to arouse the church to meet the threat of things that had crept in. Brother Hughes uses Jude’s letter to encourage us to defend the faith. Jude is only one chapter long. It is small, but in Jude’s own words, it is needful. He starts to write about salvation, but he was moved to write about faith and that if they did not maintain their faith, there would be no church to write about. The enemies that Jude referenced were within the church. These spirits, ideologies, and beliefs began to deteriorate the very foundation on which the church is built. The sole purpose of Jude’s writing is to arouse the church to meet the threat of things that had crept in. Brother Hughes uses Jude’s letter to encourage us to defend the faith. Jude is only one chapter long. It is small, but in Jude’s own words, it is needful. He starts to write about salvation, but he was moved to write about faith and that if they did not maintain their faith, there would be no church to write about. The… Mark Hughes 2670 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21703595/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_defendingthefaith/id/1011227.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21703595 Scripture: Jude 1 Thu, 03 Dec 2020 03:26:55 +0000 Mark Hughes Jude is only one chapter long. It is small, but in Jude’s own words, it is needful. He starts to write about salvation, but he was moved to write about faith and that if they did not maintain their faith, there would be no church to write about. The enemies that Jude referenced were within the church. These spirits, ideologies, and beliefs began to deteriorate the very foundation on which the church is built. The sole purpose of Jude’s writing is to arouse the church to meet the threat of things that had crept in. Brother Hughes uses Jude’s letter to encourage us to defend the faith. Jude is only one chapter long. It is small, but in Jude’s own words, it is needful. He starts to write about salvation, but he was moved to write about faith and that if they did not maintain their faith, there would be no church to write about. The enemies that Jude referenced were within the church. These spirits, ideologies, and beliefs began to deteriorate the very foundation on which the church is built. The sole purpose of Jude’s writing is to arouse the church to meet the threat of things that had crept in. Brother Hughes uses Jude’s letter to encourage us to defend the faith. Jude is only one chapter long. It is small, but in Jude’s own words, it is needful. He starts to write about salvation, but he was moved to write about faith and that if they did not maintain their faith, there would be no church to write about. The… Mark Hughes 2670 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21703595/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_defendingthefaith/id/3575642.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21703595 Scripture: Jude 1 Mon, 30 Nov 2020 03:14:01 +0000 Mark Hughes The wise man learns from the trials and tumults of life. Indeed, scriptures tell us that we must learn from the things we experience in life. No matter how difficult the situation or the experience, God intends for us to learn a lesson from all that we go through. The world finds itself in a pandemic. In that time, we do not know of any cases of someone being healed or delivered from COVID. That means that God has a purpose in taking us all through this. In our text, Hezekiah is very sick and hears from the man of God that his days were up. Hezekiah’s response was to pray earnestly to God. In response to this, God added fifteen years to Hezekiah’s life. Hezekiah realized that God allowed this to teach him a lesson. Hezekiah remembers the times of his life that caused him to value the small things of life. It is so vital that we learn from what we go through. We do not want to waste the lesson that trials teach. God has kept and protected us through many things. We must be mindful of the many things that God has provided and be thankful for it. God has given us a wonderful gift every day. We often go through life and fail to be grateful or mindful of the blessings that we enjoy every day. The lesson that Hezekiah learned was that there are no ordinary days. Each day is special and something to be thankful for. The wise man learns from the trials and tumults of life. Indeed, scriptures tell us that we must learn from the things we experience in life. No matter how difficult the situation or the experience, God intends for us to learn a lesson from all that we go through. The world finds itself in a pandemic. In that time, we do not know of any cases of someone being healed or delivered from COVID. That means that God has a purpose in taking us all through this. In our text, Hezekiah is very sick and hears from the man of God that his days were up. Hezekiah’s response was to pray earnestly to God. In response to this, God added fifteen years to Hezekiah’s life. Hezekiah realized that God allowed this to teach him a lesson. Hezekiah remembers the times of his life that caused him to value the small things of life. It is so vital that we learn from what we go through. We do not want to waste the lesson that trials teach. God has kept and protected us through many things. We must be mindful of the many things that God has provided and be thankful for it. God has given us a wonderful gift every day. We often go through life and fail to be grateful or mindful of the blessings that we enjoy every day. The lesson that Hezekiah learned was that there are no ordinary days. Each day is special and something to be thankful for. The wise man learns from the trials and tumults of life. Indeed, scriptures tell us that we must learn from the things we experience in life. No matter how difficult the situation or the experience, God intends for us to learn a lesson from all that … Mark Hughes 2453 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21702122/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whatarewelearningfromourtrials/id/1010186.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21702122 Scripture: Isaiah 38:1-38:2, Isaiah 38:9-38:17 Mon, 30 Nov 2020 03:14:01 +0000 Mark Hughes The wise man learns from the trials and tumults of life. Indeed, scriptures tell us that we must learn from the things we experience in life. No matter how difficult the situation or the experience, God intends for us to learn a lesson from all that we go through. The world finds itself in a pandemic. In that time, we do not know of any cases of someone being healed or delivered from COVID. That means that God has a purpose in taking us all through this. In our text, Hezekiah is very sick and hears from the man of God that his days were up. Hezekiah’s response was to pray earnestly to God. In response to this, God added fifteen years to Hezekiah’s life. Hezekiah realized that God allowed this to teach him a lesson. Hezekiah remembers the times of his life that caused him to value the small things of life. It is so vital that we learn from what we go through. We do not want to waste the lesson that trials teach. God has kept and protected us through many things. We must be mindful of the many things that God has provided and be thankful for it. God has given us a wonderful gift every day. We often go through life and fail to be grateful or mindful of the blessings that we enjoy every day. The lesson that Hezekiah learned was that there are no ordinary days. Each day is special and something to be thankful for. The wise man learns from the trials and tumults of life. Indeed, scriptures tell us that we must learn from the things we experience in life. No matter how difficult the situation or the experience, God intends for us to learn a lesson from all that we go through. The world finds itself in a pandemic. In that time, we do not know of any cases of someone being healed or delivered from COVID. That means that God has a purpose in taking us all through this. In our text, Hezekiah is very sick and hears from the man of God that his days were up. Hezekiah’s response was to pray earnestly to God. In response to this, God added fifteen years to Hezekiah’s life. Hezekiah realized that God allowed this to teach him a lesson. Hezekiah remembers the times of his life that caused him to value the small things of life. It is so vital that we learn from what we go through. We do not want to waste the lesson that trials teach. God has kept and protected us through many things. We must be mindful of the many things that God has provided and be thankful for it. God has given us a wonderful gift every day. We often go through life and fail to be grateful or mindful of the blessings that we enjoy every day. The lesson that Hezekiah learned was that there are no ordinary days. Each day is special and something to be thankful for. The wise man learns from the trials and tumults of life. Indeed, scriptures tell us that we must learn from the things we experience in life. No matter how difficult the situation or the experience, God intends for us to learn a lesson from all that … Mark Hughes 2453 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21702122/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatarewelearningfromourtrials/id/3574450.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21702122 Scripture: Isaiah 38:1-38:2, Isaiah 38:9-38:17 Sun, 22 Nov 2020 23:57:48 +0000 Mark Hughes Many people are searching for a revelation, but more important than revelation is a realization. The realization of what God has already provided opens the door to the fullness of His blessings. One of the saddest portions of scripture comes in the parable of the prodigal son, where the older brother is angry about the feast and celebration of his brother’s return. The older brother never realized that all that his father had was there for enjoyment, but he never took advantage of the privilege he already had. As we enter the Thanksgiving week, please let us open our eyes and realize the glory and blessing we already have. Some form of the word thanks appears over 135 times throughout scripture. Thankfulness is part of living for God. Scientists and research show that an attitude of thankfulness can have positive physiological effects on our body. Gratitude is an essential element in the life of a successful and prosperous person. A thankful person is much more pleasant to be around. A thankful person will have fewer anxieties, lower blood pressure, and less stress. The story of the loaves and fish feeding the multitude teaches us that what we have in our hands is enough for God to meet the need. We simply have to begin with being thankful for what we already have. Thankfulness is so powerful that it will alter our life. Thankfulness implies that we realize that we are blessed. If we cannot be thankful for the things that God has already provided, He will not bless us with more. When we are thankful, we acknowledge that we are not responsible for our blessing. We are all here because of the mercy and grace of God. When we say thanks, we identify the source of our blessing. When we are thankful, we are also acting on that awareness. God has been too good to us for us to remain silent. It is not enough to know and think that we are blessed; we must open our mouths and proclaim that thankfulness. Thankfulness is not something that we can do for a day. It is an attitude we should have every day. Thankfulness is not for a day; it is a way of life. Many people are searching for a revelation, but more important than revelation is a realization. The realization of what God has already provided opens the door to the fullness of His blessings. One of the saddest portions of scripture comes in the parable of the prodigal son, where the older brother is angry about the feast and celebration of his brother’s return. The older brother never realized that all that his father had was there for enjoyment, but he never took advantage of the privilege he already had. As we enter the Thanksgiving week, please let us open our eyes and realize the glory and blessing we already have. Some form of the word thanks appears over 135 times throughout scripture. Thankfulness is part of living for God. Scientists and research show that an attitude of thankfulness can have positive physiological effects on our body. Gratitude is an essential element in the life of a successful and prosperous person. A thankful person is much more pleasant to be around. A thankful person will have fewer anxieties, lower blood pressure, and less stress. The story of the loaves and fish feeding the multitude teaches us that what we have in our hands is enough for God to meet the need. We simply have to begin with being thankful for what we already have. Thankfulness is so powerful that it will alter our life. Thankfulness implies that we realize that we are blessed. If we cannot be thankful for the things that God has already provided, He will not bless us with more. When we are thankful, we acknowledge that we are not responsible for our blessing. We are all here because of the mercy and grace of God. When we say thanks, we identify the source of our blessing. When we are thankful, we are also acting on that awareness. God has been too good to us for us to remain silent. It is not enough to know and think that we are blessed; we must open our mouths and proclaim that thankfulness. Thankfulness is not something that we can do for a day. It is an attitude we should have every day. Thankfulness is not for a day; it is a way of life. Many people are searching for a revelation, but more important than revelation is a realization. The realization of what God has already provided opens the door to the fullness of His blessings. One of the saddest portions of scripture comes in the p… Mark Hughes 2485 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21698534/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_notadaybutaway/id/1008103.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21698534 Scripture: Psalms 100, Psalms 69:30 Sun, 22 Nov 2020 23:57:48 +0000 Mark Hughes Many people are searching for a revelation, but more important than revelation is a realization. The realization of what God has already provided opens the door to the fullness of His blessings. One of the saddest portions of scripture comes in the parable of the prodigal son, where the older brother is angry about the feast and celebration of his brother’s return. The older brother never realized that all that his father had was there for enjoyment, but he never took advantage of the privilege he already had. As we enter the Thanksgiving week, please let us open our eyes and realize the glory and blessing we already have. Some form of the word thanks appears over 135 times throughout scripture. Thankfulness is part of living for God. Scientists and research show that an attitude of thankfulness can have positive physiological effects on our body. Gratitude is an essential element in the life of a successful and prosperous person. A thankful person is much more pleasant to be around. A thankful person will have fewer anxieties, lower blood pressure, and less stress. The story of the loaves and fish feeding the multitude teaches us that what we have in our hands is enough for God to meet the need. We simply have to begin with being thankful for what we already have. Thankfulness is so powerful that it will alter our life. Thankfulness implies that we realize that we are blessed. If we cannot be thankful for the things that God has already provided, He will not bless us with more. When we are thankful, we acknowledge that we are not responsible for our blessing. We are all here because of the mercy and grace of God. When we say thanks, we identify the source of our blessing. When we are thankful, we are also acting on that awareness. God has been too good to us for us to remain silent. It is not enough to know and think that we are blessed; we must open our mouths and proclaim that thankfulness. Thankfulness is not something that we can do for a day. It is an attitude we should have every day. Thankfulness is not for a day; it is a way of life. Many people are searching for a revelation, but more important than revelation is a realization. The realization of what God has already provided opens the door to the fullness of His blessings. One of the saddest portions of scripture comes in the parable of the prodigal son, where the older brother is angry about the feast and celebration of his brother’s return. The older brother never realized that all that his father had was there for enjoyment, but he never took advantage of the privilege he already had. As we enter the Thanksgiving week, please let us open our eyes and realize the glory and blessing we already have. Some form of the word thanks appears over 135 times throughout scripture. Thankfulness is part of living for God. Scientists and research show that an attitude of thankfulness can have positive physiological effects on our body. Gratitude is an essential element in the life of a successful and prosperous person. A thankful person is much more pleasant to be around. A thankful person will have fewer anxieties, lower blood pressure, and less stress. The story of the loaves and fish feeding the multitude teaches us that what we have in our hands is enough for God to meet the need. We simply have to begin with being thankful for what we already have. Thankfulness is so powerful that it will alter our life. Thankfulness implies that we realize that we are blessed. If we cannot be thankful for the things that God has already provided, He will not bless us with more. When we are thankful, we acknowledge that we are not responsible for our blessing. We are all here because of the mercy and grace of God. When we say thanks, we identify the source of our blessing. When we are thankful, we are also acting on that awareness. God has been too good to us for us to remain silent. It is not enough to know and think that we are blessed; we must open our mouths and proclaim that thankfulness. Thankfulness is not something that we can do for a day. It is an attitude we should have every day. Thankfulness is not for a day; it is a way of life. Many people are searching for a revelation, but more important than revelation is a realization. The realization of what God has already provided opens the door to the fullness of His blessings. One of the saddest portions of scripture comes in the p… Mark Hughes 2485 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21698534/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_notadaybutaway/id/3571375.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21698534 Scripture: Psalms 100, Psalms 69:30 Thu, 19 Nov 2020 03:37:18 +0000 Landon Long There are many questions all over the world. Why is this happening? What should I do? When will this end? People are anxious because of their current circumstances. We do not ask these questions when times are good. But when things turn, we begin to question why everything is going wrong. There are things in this life that we do not understand. We do not have the answers, but we know that we can trust God no matter what. Good times or bad; our God is a protector, a provider, and a comforter. We have to trust Him. We have to trust that He knows what He is doing and that He is doing it in his time. The truth is that if we did know the future, we would not have to trust God because we would know what was going to happen. Even when we do not know what He is doing, we have to trust Him and His process. We do not understand how, but God always makes a way. Day by day, God will give us what we need to make it through. The rain falls on the just and the unjust alike, but God will provide for us when no one else will. God will provide for us day by day without fail. There are many questions all over the world. Why is this happening? What should I do? When will this end? People are anxious because of their current circumstances. We do not ask these questions when times are good. But when things turn, we begin to question why everything is going wrong. There are things in this life that we do not understand. We do not have the answers, but we know that we can trust God no matter what. Good times or bad; our God is a protector, a provider, and a comforter. We have to trust Him. We have to trust that He knows what He is doing and that He is doing it in his time. The truth is that if we did know the future, we would not have to trust God because we would know what was going to happen. Even when we do not know what He is doing, we have to trust Him and His process. We do not understand how, but God always makes a way. Day by day, God will give us what we need to make it through. The rain falls on the just and the unjust alike, but God will provide for us when no one else will. God will provide for us day by day without fail. There are many questions all over the world. Why is this happening? What should I do? When will this end? People are anxious because of their current circumstances. We do not ask these questions when times are good. But when things turn, we begin… Landon Long 3531 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21696282/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_daybydaywithoutfail/id/1006722.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21696282 Scripture: Ezra 6:7-6:9 Thu, 19 Nov 2020 03:37:18 +0000 Landon Long There are many questions all over the world. Why is this happening? What should I do? When will this end? People are anxious because of their current circumstances. We do not ask these questions when times are good. But when things turn, we begin to question why everything is going wrong. There are things in this life that we do not understand. We do not have the answers, but we know that we can trust God no matter what. Good times or bad; our God is a protector, a provider, and a comforter. We have to trust Him. We have to trust that He knows what He is doing and that He is doing it in his time. The truth is that if we did know the future, we would not have to trust God because we would know what was going to happen. Even when we do not know what He is doing, we have to trust Him and His process. We do not understand how, but God always makes a way. Day by day, God will give us what we need to make it through. The rain falls on the just and the unjust alike, but God will provide for us when no one else will. God will provide for us day by day without fail. There are many questions all over the world. Why is this happening? What should I do? When will this end? People are anxious because of their current circumstances. We do not ask these questions when times are good. But when things turn, we begin to question why everything is going wrong. There are things in this life that we do not understand. We do not have the answers, but we know that we can trust God no matter what. Good times or bad; our God is a protector, a provider, and a comforter. We have to trust Him. We have to trust that He knows what He is doing and that He is doing it in his time. The truth is that if we did know the future, we would not have to trust God because we would know what was going to happen. Even when we do not know what He is doing, we have to trust Him and His process. We do not understand how, but God always makes a way. Day by day, God will give us what we need to make it through. The rain falls on the just and the unjust alike, but God will provide for us when no one else will. God will provide for us day by day without fail. There are many questions all over the world. Why is this happening? What should I do? When will this end? People are anxious because of their current circumstances. We do not ask these questions when times are good. But when things turn, we begin… Landon Long 3531 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21696282/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_daybydaywithoutfail/id/3569358.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21696282 Scripture: Ezra 6:7-6:9 Thu, 12 Nov 2020 03:44:10 +0000 James Hughes Bible scholars are not sure when Paul wrote our text tonight, but we can tell from the writings that he had never been to Rome. Paul was drawn to the church in Rome because of their faith. Faith is contagious. That is one reason the Bible tells us to congregate together. Our assembly provides the benefit of multiplying faith from one to another. Bible scholars are not sure when Paul wrote our text tonight, but we can tell from the writings that he had never been to Rome. Paul was drawn to the church in Rome because of their faith. Faith is contagious. That is one reason the Bible tells us to congregate together. Our assembly provides the benefit of multiplying faith from one to another. Bible scholars are not sure when Paul wrote our text tonight, but we can tell from the writings that he had never been to Rome. Paul was drawn to the church in Rome because of their faith. Faith is contagious. That is one reason the Bible tells us t… James Hughes 2901 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21692613/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_connectyourfaith/id/1004493.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21692613 Scripture: Romans 1:3-1:12 Thu, 12 Nov 2020 03:44:10 +0000 James Hughes Bible scholars are not sure when Paul wrote our text tonight, but we can tell from the writings that he had never been to Rome. Paul was drawn to the church in Rome because of their faith. Faith is contagious. That is one reason the Bible tells us to congregate together. Our assembly provides the benefit of multiplying faith from one to another. Bible scholars are not sure when Paul wrote our text tonight, but we can tell from the writings that he had never been to Rome. Paul was drawn to the church in Rome because of their faith. Faith is contagious. That is one reason the Bible tells us to congregate together. Our assembly provides the benefit of multiplying faith from one to another. Bible scholars are not sure when Paul wrote our text tonight, but we can tell from the writings that he had never been to Rome. Paul was drawn to the church in Rome because of their faith. Faith is contagious. That is one reason the Bible tells us t… James Hughes 2901 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21692613/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_connectyourfaith/id/3565893.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21692613 Scripture: Romans 1:3-1:12 Mon, 09 Nov 2020 04:14:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The Houston Zoo has a bald eagle in one of their displays. Looking at that majestic bird, one cannot help but feel sorry for a creature that once soared over the trees and mountains to be bound up in their zoo enclosure. Likewise, it is so sad to see a person living so far under the capacity that God intended for them. Too often this happens because we limit what God can do in our life. Israel often limited God. They would not trust Him to do all that He was capable of doing. Even while living a miracle during the forty-year wandering in the wilderness where God provided all their needs, they never fully trusted Him to do all that He wanted. They limited Him by the way they lived, but even more than that, they limited HIm by how they DIDN’T live. They limited him when they failed to remember all the miracles that had saved them in their flight from Egypt. How could it be that they did that? They had seen the parting of the Red Sea. They had eaten the manna and the quail. They drank the water that He provided, but somehow they continued to doubt their survival and provision. What did they miss because they didn’t trust Him? What blessings could have been if they had trusted Him? Too often, Israel put a period where God only intended a comma. How do we draw circles around God? We limit Him when we try to bargain with Him about how to work out the things in our life. We do not want to drink the bitter cup. We do not want to endure the storm. But often, the bitter cup and the storm are part of the lesson that God is trying to teach. When we limit God, we miss out on His wisdom and power. When we limit God, we think that our sin is too great to forgive, or that our problems are too big to get through. When we try to solve it ourselves, we limit God. God has the situation worked out, but if we do not let Him move, He cannot bless us as He wants to do. We need to take out the eraser and wipe away those lines we have placed around God. Erase that line of fear. Erase that circle of doubt. Quit drawing circles around God. The Houston Zoo has a bald eagle in one of their displays. Looking at that majestic bird, one cannot help but feel sorry for a creature that once soared over the trees and mountains to be bound up in their zoo enclosure. Likewise, it is so sad to see a person living so far under the capacity that God intended for them. Too often this happens because we limit what God can do in our life. Israel often limited God. They would not trust Him to do all that He was capable of doing. Even while living a miracle during the forty-year wandering in the wilderness where God provided all their needs, they never fully trusted Him to do all that He wanted. They limited Him by the way they lived, but even more than that, they limited HIm by how they DIDN’T live. They limited him when they failed to remember all the miracles that had saved them in their flight from Egypt. How could it be that they did that? They had seen the parting of the Red Sea. They had eaten the manna and the quail. They drank the water that He provided, but somehow they continued to doubt their survival and provision. What did they miss because they didn’t trust Him? What blessings could have been if they had trusted Him? Too often, Israel put a period where God only intended a comma. How do we draw circles around God? We limit Him when we try to bargain with Him about how to work out the things in our life. We do not want to drink the bitter cup. We do not want to endure the storm. But often, the bitter cup and the storm are part of the lesson that God is trying to teach. When we limit God, we miss out on His wisdom and power. When we limit God, we think that our sin is too great to forgive, or that our problems are too big to get through. When we try to solve it ourselves, we limit God. God has the situation worked out, but if we do not let Him move, He cannot bless us as He wants to do. We need to take out the eraser and wipe away those lines we have placed around God. Erase that line of fear. Erase that circle of doubt. Quit drawing circles around God. The Houston Zoo has a bald eagle in one of their displays. Looking at that majestic bird, one cannot help but feel sorry for a creature that once soared over the trees and mountains to be bound up in their zoo enclosure. Likewise, it is so sad to see… Mark Hughes 2080 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21691928/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_arewedrawingcirclesaroundgod/id/1004109.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21691928 Scripture: Psalms 78:1-78:7, Psalms 78:41 Mon, 09 Nov 2020 04:14:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The Houston Zoo has a bald eagle in one of their displays. Looking at that majestic bird, one cannot help but feel sorry for a creature that once soared over the trees and mountains to be bound up in their zoo enclosure. Likewise, it is so sad to see a person living so far under the capacity that God intended for them. Too often this happens because we limit what God can do in our life. Israel often limited God. They would not trust Him to do all that He was capable of doing. Even while living a miracle during the forty-year wandering in the wilderness where God provided all their needs, they never fully trusted Him to do all that He wanted. They limited Him by the way they lived, but even more than that, they limited HIm by how they DIDN’T live. They limited him when they failed to remember all the miracles that had saved them in their flight from Egypt. How could it be that they did that? They had seen the parting of the Red Sea. They had eaten the manna and the quail. They drank the water that He provided, but somehow they continued to doubt their survival and provision. What did they miss because they didn’t trust Him? What blessings could have been if they had trusted Him? Too often, Israel put a period where God only intended a comma. How do we draw circles around God? We limit Him when we try to bargain with Him about how to work out the things in our life. We do not want to drink the bitter cup. We do not want to endure the storm. But often, the bitter cup and the storm are part of the lesson that God is trying to teach. When we limit God, we miss out on His wisdom and power. When we limit God, we think that our sin is too great to forgive, or that our problems are too big to get through. When we try to solve it ourselves, we limit God. God has the situation worked out, but if we do not let Him move, He cannot bless us as He wants to do. We need to take out the eraser and wipe away those lines we have placed around God. Erase that line of fear. Erase that circle of doubt. Quit drawing circles around God. The Houston Zoo has a bald eagle in one of their displays. Looking at that majestic bird, one cannot help but feel sorry for a creature that once soared over the trees and mountains to be bound up in their zoo enclosure. Likewise, it is so sad to see a person living so far under the capacity that God intended for them. Too often this happens because we limit what God can do in our life. Israel often limited God. They would not trust Him to do all that He was capable of doing. Even while living a miracle during the forty-year wandering in the wilderness where God provided all their needs, they never fully trusted Him to do all that He wanted. They limited Him by the way they lived, but even more than that, they limited HIm by how they DIDN’T live. They limited him when they failed to remember all the miracles that had saved them in their flight from Egypt. How could it be that they did that? They had seen the parting of the Red Sea. They had eaten the manna and the quail. They drank the water that He provided, but somehow they continued to doubt their survival and provision. What did they miss because they didn’t trust Him? What blessings could have been if they had trusted Him? Too often, Israel put a period where God only intended a comma. How do we draw circles around God? We limit Him when we try to bargain with Him about how to work out the things in our life. We do not want to drink the bitter cup. We do not want to endure the storm. But often, the bitter cup and the storm are part of the lesson that God is trying to teach. When we limit God, we miss out on His wisdom and power. When we limit God, we think that our sin is too great to forgive, or that our problems are too big to get through. When we try to solve it ourselves, we limit God. God has the situation worked out, but if we do not let Him move, He cannot bless us as He wants to do. We need to take out the eraser and wipe away those lines we have placed around God. Erase that line of fear. Erase that circle of doubt. Quit drawing circles around God. The Houston Zoo has a bald eagle in one of their displays. Looking at that majestic bird, one cannot help but feel sorry for a creature that once soared over the trees and mountains to be bound up in their zoo enclosure. Likewise, it is so sad to see… Mark Hughes 2080 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21691928/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_arewedrawingcirclesaroundgod/id/3565231.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21691928 Scripture: Psalms 78:1-78:7, Psalms 78:41 Sun, 08 Nov 2020 20:49:36 +0000 Mark Hughes The sanctuary is a special place. It is more than the sheetrock and carpet that make up the room. From the beginning, the sanctuary was to be a place where God could meet with His people. It is more than a place where we can feel good, though it can be that. It is a place where we can get right without selves and right with God. The sanctuary was a place where people could come to offer their sacrifice and shed off the sin that keeps us from being close to God. It is a place where we can wash ourselves of the dirt and filth of life. Our text from Numbers describes the offing that each of the tribes of Israel made to God in the sanctuary. Fourteen times, God meticulously describes the offerings down to the weight and measure. In each case, the measure is the sanctuary shekel. There is a reason that there is such detail. The exactness and definition matter to God. The sacrifice had to be according to God’s standard. Worship must be to the expectations and definitions of God. More than that, having the same expectation and measure means that everyone has that same standard. There is not one measure for you and a different standard for another. Numbers seven is one of the longest chapters in the bible. God took great pains to describe each gift. Every one of them mattered to Him, and He took note of it. Numbers chapter seven tells us that God is interested in what each one of us has to offer. Our worship means something to God. He knows when we are sincere or if we are just going through the motions. God is particular about our attitude and the spirit in which we worship. That measure and standard are there for our good. If we fail to meet the standard, we are not where God wants us to be. God is as interested in what comes out of our spirit as He is about what comes out of our mouth. The reason for these rules and expectations is to provide boundaries. The sanctuary is a safe place to come when we need help. The sanctuary is a place where we can come to return to where God needs us to be. The sanctuary is a place of safety for us. It is a safeguard for life. The sanctuary is a special place. It is more than the sheetrock and carpet that make up the room. From the beginning, the sanctuary was to be a place where God could meet with His people. It is more than a place where we can feel good, though it can be that. It is a place where we can get right without selves and right with God. The sanctuary was a place where people could come to offer their sacrifice and shed off the sin that keeps us from being close to God. It is a place where we can wash ourselves of the dirt and filth of life. Our text from Numbers describes the offing that each of the tribes of Israel made to God in the sanctuary. Fourteen times, God meticulously describes the offerings down to the weight and measure. In each case, the measure is the sanctuary shekel. There is a reason that there is such detail. The exactness and definition matter to God. The sacrifice had to be according to God’s standard. Worship must be to the expectations and definitions of God. More than that, having the same expectation and measure means that everyone has that same standard. There is not one measure for you and a different standard for another. Numbers seven is one of the longest chapters in the bible. God took great pains to describe each gift. Every one of them mattered to Him, and He took note of it. Numbers chapter seven tells us that God is interested in what each one of us has to offer. Our worship means something to God. He knows when we are sincere or if we are just going through the motions. God is particular about our attitude and the spirit in which we worship. That measure and standard are there for our good. If we fail to meet the standard, we are not where God wants us to be. God is as interested in what comes out of our spirit as He is about what comes out of our mouth. The reason for these rules and expectations is to provide boundaries. The sanctuary is a safe place to come when we need help. The sanctuary is a place where we can come to return to where God needs us to be. The sanctuary is a place of safety for us. It is a safeguard for life. The sanctuary is a special place. It is more than the sheetrock and carpet that make up the room. From the beginning, the sanctuary was to be a place where God could meet with His people. It is more than a place where we can feel good, though it can… Mark Hughes 2782 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21691195/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_asafeguardforlife/id/1003790.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21691195 Scripture: Exodus 15:17, Numbers 7:13, Numbers 7:19, Numbers 7:25 Sun, 08 Nov 2020 20:49:36 +0000 Mark Hughes The sanctuary is a special place. It is more than the sheetrock and carpet that make up the room. From the beginning, the sanctuary was to be a place where God could meet with His people. It is more than a place where we can feel good, though it can be that. It is a place where we can get right without selves and right with God. The sanctuary was a place where people could come to offer their sacrifice and shed off the sin that keeps us from being close to God. It is a place where we can wash ourselves of the dirt and filth of life. Our text from Numbers describes the offing that each of the tribes of Israel made to God in the sanctuary. Fourteen times, God meticulously describes the offerings down to the weight and measure. In each case, the measure is the sanctuary shekel. There is a reason that there is such detail. The exactness and definition matter to God. The sacrifice had to be according to God’s standard. Worship must be to the expectations and definitions of God. More than that, having the same expectation and measure means that everyone has that same standard. There is not one measure for you and a different standard for another. Numbers seven is one of the longest chapters in the bible. God took great pains to describe each gift. Every one of them mattered to Him, and He took note of it. Numbers chapter seven tells us that God is interested in what each one of us has to offer. Our worship means something to God. He knows when we are sincere or if we are just going through the motions. God is particular about our attitude and the spirit in which we worship. That measure and standard are there for our good. If we fail to meet the standard, we are not where God wants us to be. God is as interested in what comes out of our spirit as He is about what comes out of our mouth. The reason for these rules and expectations is to provide boundaries. The sanctuary is a safe place to come when we need help. The sanctuary is a place where we can come to return to where God needs us to be. The sanctuary is a place of safety for us. It is a safeguard for life. The sanctuary is a special place. It is more than the sheetrock and carpet that make up the room. From the beginning, the sanctuary was to be a place where God could meet with His people. It is more than a place where we can feel good, though it can be that. It is a place where we can get right without selves and right with God. The sanctuary was a place where people could come to offer their sacrifice and shed off the sin that keeps us from being close to God. It is a place where we can wash ourselves of the dirt and filth of life. Our text from Numbers describes the offing that each of the tribes of Israel made to God in the sanctuary. Fourteen times, God meticulously describes the offerings down to the weight and measure. In each case, the measure is the sanctuary shekel. There is a reason that there is such detail. The exactness and definition matter to God. The sacrifice had to be according to God’s standard. Worship must be to the expectations and definitions of God. More than that, having the same expectation and measure means that everyone has that same standard. There is not one measure for you and a different standard for another. Numbers seven is one of the longest chapters in the bible. God took great pains to describe each gift. Every one of them mattered to Him, and He took note of it. Numbers chapter seven tells us that God is interested in what each one of us has to offer. Our worship means something to God. He knows when we are sincere or if we are just going through the motions. God is particular about our attitude and the spirit in which we worship. That measure and standard are there for our good. If we fail to meet the standard, we are not where God wants us to be. God is as interested in what comes out of our spirit as He is about what comes out of our mouth. The reason for these rules and expectations is to provide boundaries. The sanctuary is a safe place to come when we need help. The sanctuary is a place where we can come to return to where God needs us to be. The sanctuary is a place of safety for us. It is a safeguard for life. The sanctuary is a special place. It is more than the sheetrock and carpet that make up the room. From the beginning, the sanctuary was to be a place where God could meet with His people. It is more than a place where we can feel good, though it can… Mark Hughes 2782 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21691195/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_asafeguardforlife/id/3564515.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21691195 Scripture: Exodus 15:17, Numbers 7:13, Numbers 7:19, Numbers 7:25 Wed, 04 Nov 2020 13:25:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Often in life, when things do not seem to be going well, we declare that we will just prepare for the worst. Although that is human nature, it is not the way that God wants us to live. If we look back to the first-century church, we see people in a wicked world who were not so concerned about what the world had become, but rather what had come to the world: The gospel of Jesus Christ. God does not want us to look at the world through the lenses that are dirtied by the world, but to look at it through His eyes. God has never left his people where He has not equipped them to live and thrive. We have a choice in how we live. We can endure it. We can try to escape reality, or we can choose to enjoy the life that God has provided. Even in what seems the worst of times, God can bring good things to his people. God is not surprised by anything that happens in this world. He has the outcome already mapped out. The culture in Noah’s time was corrupt and immoral. The bible describes things that would be abhorrent even by today’s standards. In that environment, God called a man to His service because of his righteousness. Noah could influence people by the way he lived his life. The problem in Noah’s time was more than just the immorality; it was the indifference to it. Noah lived apart from that environment and was a just man. The bible says he walked with God, not the rhythm of the world. What made Noah different is he lived his life based on God’s word, not the world’s word. Like Noah, our most powerful testimony is the life we live and demonstrate to a world that needs to see the goodness of God played out in someone’s life. Often in life, when things do not seem to be going well, we declare that we will just prepare for the worst. Although that is human nature, it is not the way that God wants us to live. If we look back to the first-century church, we see people in a wicked world who were not so concerned about what the world had become, but rather what had come to the world: The gospel of Jesus Christ. God does not want us to look at the world through the lenses that are dirtied by the world, but to look at it through His eyes. God has never left his people where He has not equipped them to live and thrive. We have a choice in how we live. We can endure it. We can try to escape reality, or we can choose to enjoy the life that God has provided. Even in what seems the worst of times, God can bring good things to his people. God is not surprised by anything that happens in this world. He has the outcome already mapped out. The culture in Noah’s time was corrupt and immoral. The bible describes things that would be abhorrent even by today’s standards. In that environment, God called a man to His service because of his righteousness. Noah could influence people by the way he lived his life. The problem in Noah’s time was more than just the immorality; it was the indifference to it. Noah lived apart from that environment and was a just man. The bible says he walked with God, not the rhythm of the world. What made Noah different is he lived his life based on God’s word, not the world’s word. Like Noah, our most powerful testimony is the life we live and demonstrate to a world that needs to see the goodness of God played out in someone’s life. Often in life, when things do not seem to be going well, we declare that we will just prepare for the worst. Although that is human nature, it is not the way that God wants us to live. If we look back to the first-century church, we see people in a w… Mark Hughes 2502 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21689677/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_preparingfortheworst/id/1002737.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21689677 Scripture: Genesis 6:5-6:12, 2 Timothy 3 Wed, 04 Nov 2020 13:25:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Often in life, when things do not seem to be going well, we declare that we will just prepare for the worst. Although that is human nature, it is not the way that God wants us to live. If we look back to the first-century church, we see people in a wicked world who were not so concerned about what the world had become, but rather what had come to the world: The gospel of Jesus Christ. God does not want us to look at the world through the lenses that are dirtied by the world, but to look at it through His eyes. God has never left his people where He has not equipped them to live and thrive. We have a choice in how we live. We can endure it. We can try to escape reality, or we can choose to enjoy the life that God has provided. Even in what seems the worst of times, God can bring good things to his people. God is not surprised by anything that happens in this world. He has the outcome already mapped out. The culture in Noah’s time was corrupt and immoral. The bible describes things that would be abhorrent even by today’s standards. In that environment, God called a man to His service because of his righteousness. Noah could influence people by the way he lived his life. The problem in Noah’s time was more than just the immorality; it was the indifference to it. Noah lived apart from that environment and was a just man. The bible says he walked with God, not the rhythm of the world. What made Noah different is he lived his life based on God’s word, not the world’s word. Like Noah, our most powerful testimony is the life we live and demonstrate to a world that needs to see the goodness of God played out in someone’s life. Often in life, when things do not seem to be going well, we declare that we will just prepare for the worst. Although that is human nature, it is not the way that God wants us to live. If we look back to the first-century church, we see people in a wicked world who were not so concerned about what the world had become, but rather what had come to the world: The gospel of Jesus Christ. God does not want us to look at the world through the lenses that are dirtied by the world, but to look at it through His eyes. God has never left his people where He has not equipped them to live and thrive. We have a choice in how we live. We can endure it. We can try to escape reality, or we can choose to enjoy the life that God has provided. Even in what seems the worst of times, God can bring good things to his people. God is not surprised by anything that happens in this world. He has the outcome already mapped out. The culture in Noah’s time was corrupt and immoral. The bible describes things that would be abhorrent even by today’s standards. In that environment, God called a man to His service because of his righteousness. Noah could influence people by the way he lived his life. The problem in Noah’s time was more than just the immorality; it was the indifference to it. Noah lived apart from that environment and was a just man. The bible says he walked with God, not the rhythm of the world. What made Noah different is he lived his life based on God’s word, not the world’s word. Like Noah, our most powerful testimony is the life we live and demonstrate to a world that needs to see the goodness of God played out in someone’s life. Often in life, when things do not seem to be going well, we declare that we will just prepare for the worst. Although that is human nature, it is not the way that God wants us to live. If we look back to the first-century church, we see people in a w… Mark Hughes 2502 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21689677/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_preparingfortheworst/id/3563044.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21689677 Scripture: Genesis 6:5-6:12, 2 Timothy 3 Mon, 02 Nov 2020 03:08:00 +0000 Tim Milligan The expression “In The Meanwhile” is a literary tool to transition the reader to another event that is transpiring simultaneously. In westerns, it is often used after the writer has outlined a dire situation to set the reader up for the solution to that situation. In our text, the man of God has prophesied that there would be no rain until he said so. After three years, he prophecies that it will rain, but there is no sign of rain. God was developing a meanwhile in Elijah’s life. God always has a meanwhile. We may not see it, but it is there. God is not surprised. He is timeless. He knows our future and has our steps ordered. We may be facing a storm, but in the meanwhile, God has it worked out. Elijah had to endure the fire, the wind, and the earthquake to make it to his meanwhile moment. If it were not for the trials and the storms, we would never realize the meanwhile The expression “In The Meanwhile” is a literary tool to transition the reader to another event that is transpiring simultaneously. In westerns, it is often used after the writer has outlined a dire situation to set the reader up for the solution to that situation. In our text, the man of God has prophesied that there would be no rain until he said so. After three years, he prophecies that it will rain, but there is no sign of rain. God was developing a meanwhile in Elijah’s life. God always has a meanwhile. We may not see it, but it is there. God is not surprised. He is timeless. He knows our future and has our steps ordered. We may be facing a storm, but in the meanwhile, God has it worked out. Elijah had to endure the fire, the wind, and the earthquake to make it to his meanwhile moment. If it were not for the trials and the storms, we would never realize the meanwhile The expression “In The Meanwhile” is a literary tool to transition the reader to another event that is transpiring simultaneously. In westerns, it is often used after the writer has outlined a dire situation to set the reader up for the solution to t… Tim Milligan 2072 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21688451/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_inthemeanwhile/id/1002123.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21688451 Scripture: 1 Kings 18:41-18:46 Mon, 02 Nov 2020 03:08:00 +0000 Tim Milligan The expression “In The Meanwhile” is a literary tool to transition the reader to another event that is transpiring simultaneously. In westerns, it is often used after the writer has outlined a dire situation to set the reader up for the solution to that situation. In our text, the man of God has prophesied that there would be no rain until he said so. After three years, he prophecies that it will rain, but there is no sign of rain. God was developing a meanwhile in Elijah’s life. God always has a meanwhile. We may not see it, but it is there. God is not surprised. He is timeless. He knows our future and has our steps ordered. We may be facing a storm, but in the meanwhile, God has it worked out. Elijah had to endure the fire, the wind, and the earthquake to make it to his meanwhile moment. If it were not for the trials and the storms, we would never realize the meanwhile The expression “In The Meanwhile” is a literary tool to transition the reader to another event that is transpiring simultaneously. In westerns, it is often used after the writer has outlined a dire situation to set the reader up for the solution to that situation. In our text, the man of God has prophesied that there would be no rain until he said so. After three years, he prophecies that it will rain, but there is no sign of rain. God was developing a meanwhile in Elijah’s life. God always has a meanwhile. We may not see it, but it is there. God is not surprised. He is timeless. He knows our future and has our steps ordered. We may be facing a storm, but in the meanwhile, God has it worked out. Elijah had to endure the fire, the wind, and the earthquake to make it to his meanwhile moment. If it were not for the trials and the storms, we would never realize the meanwhile The expression “In The Meanwhile” is a literary tool to transition the reader to another event that is transpiring simultaneously. In westerns, it is often used after the writer has outlined a dire situation to set the reader up for the solution to t… Tim Milligan 2072 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21688451/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_inthemeanwhile/id/3561849.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21688451 Scripture: 1 Kings 18:41-18:46 Wed, 28 Oct 2020 18:21:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Nine-Eleven was an event that is indelibly etched in people. One of the stories from that terrible time is the rescue dogs who searched for bodies in the rubble. The handlers observed that the dog became lethargic after a time. They came to realize that the dogs were depressed because they had lost hope of finding someone alive. Even a dog has to have hope to keep going. We can live a few days without food. We can live a few seconds without air, but we cannot live long without hope. The bible tells three us things that endure: Faith, hope, and love. We must have those things to survive. This pandemic has turned our world upside down. None of us could have imagined how our lives have changed. The news is full of violence, fear, politics, and uncertainty. People who consume the constant news cycle get a steady diet of gloom, doom, and fear. We can easily become overcome with fear and allow that to drive our mood and outlook on life. Is living in the fear of the future what God wants for His people? The bible says no! We are a people of hope. Our hope is not based on earthly things, but on the One who sits on the circle of the earth. Our hope is in Jesus. Our hope is that our world will experience a revival and a reawakening to God. Hope is vitally important to our well being. Our life is not built on what happens next week, o next month. Our life is built on what God built eons ago. Nine-Eleven was an event that is indelibly etched in people. One of the stories from that terrible time is the rescue dogs who searched for bodies in the rubble. The handlers observed that the dog became lethargic after a time. They came to realize that the dogs were depressed because they had lost hope of finding someone alive. Even a dog has to have hope to keep going. We can live a few days without food. We can live a few seconds without air, but we cannot live long without hope. The bible tells three us things that endure: Faith, hope, and love. We must have those things to survive. This pandemic has turned our world upside down. None of us could have imagined how our lives have changed. The news is full of violence, fear, politics, and uncertainty. People who consume the constant news cycle get a steady diet of gloom, doom, and fear. We can easily become overcome with fear and allow that to drive our mood and outlook on life. Is living in the fear of the future what God wants for His people? The bible says no! We are a people of hope. Our hope is not based on earthly things, but on the One who sits on the circle of the earth. Our hope is in Jesus. Our hope is that our world will experience a revival and a reawakening to God. Hope is vitally important to our well being. Our life is not built on what happens next week, o next month. Our life is built on what God built eons ago. Nine-Eleven was an event that is indelibly etched in people. One of the stories from that terrible time is the rescue dogs who searched for bodies in the rubble. The handlers observed that the dog became lethargic after a time. They came to realize … Mark Hughes 2631 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21686124/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thereishopeforourfuture/id/1000703.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21686124 Scripture: Jeremiah 17:17, Jeremiah 31:17 Wed, 28 Oct 2020 18:21:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Nine-Eleven was an event that is indelibly etched in people. One of the stories from that terrible time is the rescue dogs who searched for bodies in the rubble. The handlers observed that the dog became lethargic after a time. They came to realize that the dogs were depressed because they had lost hope of finding someone alive. Even a dog has to have hope to keep going. We can live a few days without food. We can live a few seconds without air, but we cannot live long without hope. The bible tells three us things that endure: Faith, hope, and love. We must have those things to survive. This pandemic has turned our world upside down. None of us could have imagined how our lives have changed. The news is full of violence, fear, politics, and uncertainty. People who consume the constant news cycle get a steady diet of gloom, doom, and fear. We can easily become overcome with fear and allow that to drive our mood and outlook on life. Is living in the fear of the future what God wants for His people? The bible says no! We are a people of hope. Our hope is not based on earthly things, but on the One who sits on the circle of the earth. Our hope is in Jesus. Our hope is that our world will experience a revival and a reawakening to God. Hope is vitally important to our well being. Our life is not built on what happens next week, o next month. Our life is built on what God built eons ago. Nine-Eleven was an event that is indelibly etched in people. One of the stories from that terrible time is the rescue dogs who searched for bodies in the rubble. The handlers observed that the dog became lethargic after a time. They came to realize that the dogs were depressed because they had lost hope of finding someone alive. Even a dog has to have hope to keep going. We can live a few days without food. We can live a few seconds without air, but we cannot live long without hope. The bible tells three us things that endure: Faith, hope, and love. We must have those things to survive. This pandemic has turned our world upside down. None of us could have imagined how our lives have changed. The news is full of violence, fear, politics, and uncertainty. People who consume the constant news cycle get a steady diet of gloom, doom, and fear. We can easily become overcome with fear and allow that to drive our mood and outlook on life. Is living in the fear of the future what God wants for His people? The bible says no! We are a people of hope. Our hope is not based on earthly things, but on the One who sits on the circle of the earth. Our hope is in Jesus. Our hope is that our world will experience a revival and a reawakening to God. Hope is vitally important to our well being. Our life is not built on what happens next week, o next month. Our life is built on what God built eons ago. Nine-Eleven was an event that is indelibly etched in people. One of the stories from that terrible time is the rescue dogs who searched for bodies in the rubble. The handlers observed that the dog became lethargic after a time. They came to realize … Mark Hughes 2631 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21686124/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thereishopeforourfuture/id/3559571.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21686124 Scripture: Jeremiah 17:17, Jeremiah 31:17 Mon, 26 Oct 2020 21:37:25 +0000 Mark Hughes Nothing worthwhile comes easily. If we want great things, we have to battle to get them. If we want miracles, we will have to deal with some impossibilities. God is looking for some people who are not looking for the easy road. People who do not care if it costs more prayer or fasting. He is looking for people who are willing to be used even when being used involves work and struggle. If we want to see God do great things in our lives, we have to be willing to be sold out no matter the challenge. People say that they want God to use them, but far too many are unwilling to do what He asks them to do. What problems are we using as an excuse not to do the work of God? Nothing worthwhile comes without a cost. There is no easy road on the path to what God wants from us. Nothing worthwhile comes easily. If we want great things, we have to battle to get them. If we want miracles, we will have to deal with some impossibilities. God is looking for some people who are not looking for the easy road. People who do not care if it costs more prayer or fasting. He is looking for people who are willing to be used even when being used involves work and struggle. If we want to see God do great things in our lives, we have to be willing to be sold out no matter the challenge. People say that they want God to use them, but far too many are unwilling to do what He asks them to do. What problems are we using as an excuse not to do the work of God? Nothing worthwhile comes without a cost. There is no easy road on the path to what God wants from us. Nothing worthwhile comes easily. If we want great things, we have to battle to get them. If we want miracles, we will have to deal with some impossibilities. God is looking for some people who are not looking for the easy road. People who do not ca… Mark Hughes 2264 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21684786/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thereisnoeasyroad/id/1000009.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21684786 Scripture: Matthew 7:13-7:14, Joshua 14:7-14:12 Mon, 26 Oct 2020 21:37:25 +0000 Mark Hughes Nothing worthwhile comes easily. If we want great things, we have to battle to get them. If we want miracles, we will have to deal with some impossibilities. God is looking for some people who are not looking for the easy road. People who do not care if it costs more prayer or fasting. He is looking for people who are willing to be used even when being used involves work and struggle. If we want to see God do great things in our lives, we have to be willing to be sold out no matter the challenge. People say that they want God to use them, but far too many are unwilling to do what He asks them to do. What problems are we using as an excuse not to do the work of God? Nothing worthwhile comes without a cost. There is no easy road on the path to what God wants from us. Nothing worthwhile comes easily. If we want great things, we have to battle to get them. If we want miracles, we will have to deal with some impossibilities. God is looking for some people who are not looking for the easy road. People who do not care if it costs more prayer or fasting. He is looking for people who are willing to be used even when being used involves work and struggle. If we want to see God do great things in our lives, we have to be willing to be sold out no matter the challenge. People say that they want God to use them, but far too many are unwilling to do what He asks them to do. What problems are we using as an excuse not to do the work of God? Nothing worthwhile comes without a cost. There is no easy road on the path to what God wants from us. Nothing worthwhile comes easily. If we want great things, we have to battle to get them. If we want miracles, we will have to deal with some impossibilities. God is looking for some people who are not looking for the easy road. People who do not ca… Mark Hughes 2264 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21684786/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thereisnoeasyroad/id/3558329.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21684786 Scripture: Matthew 7:13-7:14, Joshua 14:7-14:12 Sun, 25 Oct 2020 19:34:17 +0000 Mark Hughes The word that came to Jeremiah in our text is relevant to us today. Judah was on the verge of spiritual and moral collapse. God sent a man to give them a message of instruction and direction to a people adrift and in great danger. Immorality was rife, and the word of God was scorned. The nation felt that Egypt would be their salvation rather than God. They were a people who were active in reformation but that were looking in the wrong places for direction. Because they were morally and spiritually blind, they were gullible to follow questionable advice. Once their morality was compromised, they were unable to determine right from wrong. They were still going to church, but they were not listening to the warnings that were broadcast to them. They went through the motions and did all the things, but they did not do it from the right motivation. There was a show, but there was no shekinah. As in Jerimiah’s time, some are going through the motions. Like Israel, we are at a crossroads. Crossroads are dangerous. Most accidents happen at crossroads because merging and conflicting traffic patterns confuse. How do we navigate troubled times and crossroads? The bible tells us that when we get to a crossroads, stop and look around for the right path. The bible says to ask for help and to seek the old way. The word old here means eternal. We are dealing with eternal concepts, not the trends of the day. We are seeking the blessed path, the one that is anointed. Our world is at a crossroads. What we need is guidance and direction. More than that, we need to heed that advice and walk down the right path. The decisions we make at the crossroads are critical to our destiny. The word that came to Jeremiah in our text is relevant to us today. Judah was on the verge of spiritual and moral collapse. God sent a man to give them a message of instruction and direction to a people adrift and in great danger. Immorality was rife, and the word of God was scorned. The nation felt that Egypt would be their salvation rather than God. They were a people who were active in reformation but that were looking in the wrong places for direction. Because they were morally and spiritually blind, they were gullible to follow questionable advice. Once their morality was compromised, they were unable to determine right from wrong. They were still going to church, but they were not listening to the warnings that were broadcast to them. They went through the motions and did all the things, but they did not do it from the right motivation. There was a show, but there was no shekinah. As in Jerimiah’s time, some are going through the motions. Like Israel, we are at a crossroads. Crossroads are dangerous. Most accidents happen at crossroads because merging and conflicting traffic patterns confuse. How do we navigate troubled times and crossroads? The bible tells us that when we get to a crossroads, stop and look around for the right path. The bible says to ask for help and to seek the old way. The word old here means eternal. We are dealing with eternal concepts, not the trends of the day. We are seeking the blessed path, the one that is anointed. Our world is at a crossroads. What we need is guidance and direction. More than that, we need to heed that advice and walk down the right path. The decisions we make at the crossroads are critical to our destiny. The word that came to Jeremiah in our text is relevant to us today. Judah was on the verge of spiritual and moral collapse. God sent a man to give them a message of instruction and direction to a people adrift and in great danger. Immorality was rif… Mark Hughes 3135 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21683992/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_crossroadsandcrosscurrents/id/999668.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21683992 Scripture: Jeremiah 6:16, Luke 12:29 Sun, 25 Oct 2020 19:34:17 +0000 Mark Hughes The word that came to Jeremiah in our text is relevant to us today. Judah was on the verge of spiritual and moral collapse. God sent a man to give them a message of instruction and direction to a people adrift and in great danger. Immorality was rife, and the word of God was scorned. The nation felt that Egypt would be their salvation rather than God. They were a people who were active in reformation but that were looking in the wrong places for direction. Because they were morally and spiritually blind, they were gullible to follow questionable advice. Once their morality was compromised, they were unable to determine right from wrong. They were still going to church, but they were not listening to the warnings that were broadcast to them. They went through the motions and did all the things, but they did not do it from the right motivation. There was a show, but there was no shekinah. As in Jerimiah’s time, some are going through the motions. Like Israel, we are at a crossroads. Crossroads are dangerous. Most accidents happen at crossroads because merging and conflicting traffic patterns confuse. How do we navigate troubled times and crossroads? The bible tells us that when we get to a crossroads, stop and look around for the right path. The bible says to ask for help and to seek the old way. The word old here means eternal. We are dealing with eternal concepts, not the trends of the day. We are seeking the blessed path, the one that is anointed. Our world is at a crossroads. What we need is guidance and direction. More than that, we need to heed that advice and walk down the right path. The decisions we make at the crossroads are critical to our destiny. The word that came to Jeremiah in our text is relevant to us today. Judah was on the verge of spiritual and moral collapse. God sent a man to give them a message of instruction and direction to a people adrift and in great danger. Immorality was rife, and the word of God was scorned. The nation felt that Egypt would be their salvation rather than God. They were a people who were active in reformation but that were looking in the wrong places for direction. Because they were morally and spiritually blind, they were gullible to follow questionable advice. Once their morality was compromised, they were unable to determine right from wrong. They were still going to church, but they were not listening to the warnings that were broadcast to them. They went through the motions and did all the things, but they did not do it from the right motivation. There was a show, but there was no shekinah. As in Jerimiah’s time, some are going through the motions. Like Israel, we are at a crossroads. Crossroads are dangerous. Most accidents happen at crossroads because merging and conflicting traffic patterns confuse. How do we navigate troubled times and crossroads? The bible tells us that when we get to a crossroads, stop and look around for the right path. The bible says to ask for help and to seek the old way. The word old here means eternal. We are dealing with eternal concepts, not the trends of the day. We are seeking the blessed path, the one that is anointed. Our world is at a crossroads. What we need is guidance and direction. More than that, we need to heed that advice and walk down the right path. The decisions we make at the crossroads are critical to our destiny. The word that came to Jeremiah in our text is relevant to us today. Judah was on the verge of spiritual and moral collapse. God sent a man to give them a message of instruction and direction to a people adrift and in great danger. Immorality was rif… Mark Hughes 3135 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21683992/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_crossroadsandcrosscurrents/id/3557585.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21683992 Scripture: Jeremiah 6:16, Luke 12:29 Thu, 22 Oct 2020 02:05:55 +0000 Landon Long The lure is a temptation, a distraction. Hunters use various lures to trick their prey to walk into a trap. Lures are traps that will lead to death. The lure is a diversion that is there to fool the animal. The ducks fly by and see the decoys sitting out on the lake and mistake it for a safe place to land. Their perceptions tell them that it is safe until it is not. The danger of the lure is real in the church. The world presents many distractions, and the enemy will use any trick he can to lure us away from what we know is the truth. We have to be careful to be led by God. If we are not careful, we can too quickly focus on things that look good, but that is a trap that will separate us from God and lead to death. Are we being lured, or are we being led? The lure is a temptation, a distraction. Hunters use various lures to trick their prey to walk into a trap. Lures are traps that will lead to death. The lure is a diversion that is there to fool the animal. The ducks fly by and see the decoys sitting out on the lake and mistake it for a safe place to land. Their perceptions tell them that it is safe until it is not. The danger of the lure is real in the church. The world presents many distractions, and the enemy will use any trick he can to lure us away from what we know is the truth. We have to be careful to be led by God. If we are not careful, we can too quickly focus on things that look good, but that is a trap that will separate us from God and lead to death. Are we being lured, or are we being led? The lure is a temptation, a distraction. Hunters use various lures to trick their prey to walk into a trap. Lures are traps that will lead to death. The lure is a diversion that is there to fool the animal. The ducks fly by and see the decoys sittin… Landon Long 2454 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21681943/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_luredorled/id/998328.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21681943 Scripture: Psalms 23, Psalms 5:8 Thu, 22 Oct 2020 02:05:55 +0000 Landon Long The lure is a temptation, a distraction. Hunters use various lures to trick their prey to walk into a trap. Lures are traps that will lead to death. The lure is a diversion that is there to fool the animal. The ducks fly by and see the decoys sitting out on the lake and mistake it for a safe place to land. Their perceptions tell them that it is safe until it is not. The danger of the lure is real in the church. The world presents many distractions, and the enemy will use any trick he can to lure us away from what we know is the truth. We have to be careful to be led by God. If we are not careful, we can too quickly focus on things that look good, but that is a trap that will separate us from God and lead to death. Are we being lured, or are we being led? The lure is a temptation, a distraction. Hunters use various lures to trick their prey to walk into a trap. Lures are traps that will lead to death. The lure is a diversion that is there to fool the animal. The ducks fly by and see the decoys sitting out on the lake and mistake it for a safe place to land. Their perceptions tell them that it is safe until it is not. The danger of the lure is real in the church. The world presents many distractions, and the enemy will use any trick he can to lure us away from what we know is the truth. We have to be careful to be led by God. If we are not careful, we can too quickly focus on things that look good, but that is a trap that will separate us from God and lead to death. Are we being lured, or are we being led? The lure is a temptation, a distraction. Hunters use various lures to trick their prey to walk into a trap. Lures are traps that will lead to death. The lure is a diversion that is there to fool the animal. The ducks fly by and see the decoys sittin… Landon Long 2454 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21681943/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_luredorled/id/3555588.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21681943 Scripture: Psalms 23, Psalms 5:8 Sun, 18 Oct 2020 19:49:15 +0000 Landon Long We’ve all heard the saying that if it isn't broken, don’t fix it. Spiritually, if things are going well, then do not change anything. The converse to this is that if things are NOT going well, we have to fix it. It is sobering to realize that our relationship with God had changed. Often it is not a physical change. We are coming to church, paying tithes, and singing songs, but something is different. Our natural reaction is to ask, “is it me?” Perhaps we have made some decisions that we will put distance between God and us. The bible tells us that NOTHING will come between us and the love of God. In adverse times, we fall into self-preservation mode. This can cause us to put up walls and distance to protect ourselves. We become untouchable. Where we once had an altar where we would commune with God, that alter has become broken. As long as our altar remains broken, we continue to stay away from God. If our altar is broken, our life will continue to be broken. If our altar is broken, we have to fix it. We’ve all heard the saying that if it isn't broken, don’t fix it. Spiritually, if things are going well, then do not change anything. The converse to this is that if things are NOT going well, we have to fix it. It is sobering to realize that our relationship with God had changed. Often it is not a physical change. We are coming to church, paying tithes, and singing songs, but something is different. Our natural reaction is to ask, “is it me?” Perhaps we have made some decisions that we will put distance between God and us. The bible tells us that NOTHING will come between us and the love of God. In adverse times, we fall into self-preservation mode. This can cause us to put up walls and distance to protect ourselves. We become untouchable. Where we once had an altar where we would commune with God, that alter has become broken. As long as our altar remains broken, we continue to stay away from God. If our altar is broken, our life will continue to be broken. If our altar is broken, we have to fix it. We’ve all heard the saying that if it isn't broken, don’t fix it. Spiritually, if things are going well, then do not change anything. The converse to this is that if things are NOT going well, we have to fix it. It is sobering to realize that our re… Landon Long 2117 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21680434/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_ifitisbrokenfixit/id/997644.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21680434 Scripture: 1 Kings 18:30 Sun, 18 Oct 2020 19:49:15 +0000 Landon Long We’ve all heard the saying that if it isn't broken, don’t fix it. Spiritually, if things are going well, then do not change anything. The converse to this is that if things are NOT going well, we have to fix it. It is sobering to realize that our relationship with God had changed. Often it is not a physical change. We are coming to church, paying tithes, and singing songs, but something is different. Our natural reaction is to ask, “is it me?” Perhaps we have made some decisions that we will put distance between God and us. The bible tells us that NOTHING will come between us and the love of God. In adverse times, we fall into self-preservation mode. This can cause us to put up walls and distance to protect ourselves. We become untouchable. Where we once had an altar where we would commune with God, that alter has become broken. As long as our altar remains broken, we continue to stay away from God. If our altar is broken, our life will continue to be broken. If our altar is broken, we have to fix it. We’ve all heard the saying that if it isn't broken, don’t fix it. Spiritually, if things are going well, then do not change anything. The converse to this is that if things are NOT going well, we have to fix it. It is sobering to realize that our relationship with God had changed. Often it is not a physical change. We are coming to church, paying tithes, and singing songs, but something is different. Our natural reaction is to ask, “is it me?” Perhaps we have made some decisions that we will put distance between God and us. The bible tells us that NOTHING will come between us and the love of God. In adverse times, we fall into self-preservation mode. This can cause us to put up walls and distance to protect ourselves. We become untouchable. Where we once had an altar where we would commune with God, that alter has become broken. As long as our altar remains broken, we continue to stay away from God. If our altar is broken, our life will continue to be broken. If our altar is broken, we have to fix it. We’ve all heard the saying that if it isn't broken, don’t fix it. Spiritually, if things are going well, then do not change anything. The converse to this is that if things are NOT going well, we have to fix it. It is sobering to realize that our re… Landon Long 2117 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21680434/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ifitisbrokenfixit/id/3554189.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21680434 Scripture: 1 Kings 18:30 Thu, 15 Oct 2020 02:52:41 +0000 Landon Long We’ve all heard the phrase “Monkey see; Monkey do.” It speaks to a process of learning. One learns how to do something, and another sees that and then tries to do the same thing. Monkey see; monkey do works when the behavior is beneficial, but what about when the behavior is dangerous or destructive.? The children of Israel crossed the Red Sea and were delivered from Egyptian bondage. They celebrated and praised the power of God, but just three short days later, they realize that they do not have food or water, and they begin to grumble against Moses. God provides for their needs, but soon after, they find themselves without water again. And again, they began to complain and wished that they were back in Egypt. We would think after the great demonstrations of power that there would be worship like never before. However, what we see is that this is not the case. The children of Israel had left Egypt, but they had brought with them the seeds of bitterness and defiance that had been in Egypt. A lesson to be learned from this is that Israel never learned the lesson. And by living their lives like that, they passed that lack of faith and that murmuring nature on to their children. Our children, co-workers, and even people we don’t know, learn about living for God by watching us. How do we deal with adversity? How do we react when the times get tough. Do we demonstrate the love of God as we go about living our life? Like those monkeys, our children learn by watching us. Our words say things, but it is our actions that demonstrate our true faith. We have to be careful that the monkeys that are watching us are learning the right lessons. We’ve all heard the phrase “Monkey see; Monkey do.” It speaks to a process of learning. One learns how to do something, and another sees that and then tries to do the same thing. Monkey see; monkey do works when the behavior is beneficial, but what about when the behavior is dangerous or destructive.? The children of Israel crossed the Red Sea and were delivered from Egyptian bondage. They celebrated and praised the power of God, but just three short days later, they realize that they do not have food or water, and they begin to grumble against Moses. God provides for their needs, but soon after, they find themselves without water again. And again, they began to complain and wished that they were back in Egypt. We would think after the great demonstrations of power that there would be worship like never before. However, what we see is that this is not the case. The children of Israel had left Egypt, but they had brought with them the seeds of bitterness and defiance that had been in Egypt. A lesson to be learned from this is that Israel never learned the lesson. And by living their lives like that, they passed that lack of faith and that murmuring nature on to their children. Our children, co-workers, and even people we don’t know, learn about living for God by watching us. How do we deal with adversity? How do we react when the times get tough. Do we demonstrate the love of God as we go about living our life? Like those monkeys, our children learn by watching us. Our words say things, but it is our actions that demonstrate our true faith. We have to be careful that the monkeys that are watching us are learning the right lessons. We’ve all heard the phrase “Monkey see; Monkey do.” It speaks to a process of learning. One learns how to do something, and another sees that and then tries to do the same thing. Monkey see; monkey do works when the behavior is beneficial, but wha… Landon Long 3002 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21678135/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whenthemonkeyreadstheinstructi/id/996044.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21678135 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:9-10:11, Deuteronomy 6:4-6:7, Deuteronomy 6:20-6:25 Thu, 15 Oct 2020 02:52:41 +0000 Landon Long We’ve all heard the phrase “Monkey see; Monkey do.” It speaks to a process of learning. One learns how to do something, and another sees that and then tries to do the same thing. Monkey see; monkey do works when the behavior is beneficial, but what about when the behavior is dangerous or destructive.? The children of Israel crossed the Red Sea and were delivered from Egyptian bondage. They celebrated and praised the power of God, but just three short days later, they realize that they do not have food or water, and they begin to grumble against Moses. God provides for their needs, but soon after, they find themselves without water again. And again, they began to complain and wished that they were back in Egypt. We would think after the great demonstrations of power that there would be worship like never before. However, what we see is that this is not the case. The children of Israel had left Egypt, but they had brought with them the seeds of bitterness and defiance that had been in Egypt. A lesson to be learned from this is that Israel never learned the lesson. And by living their lives like that, they passed that lack of faith and that murmuring nature on to their children. Our children, co-workers, and even people we don’t know, learn about living for God by watching us. How do we deal with adversity? How do we react when the times get tough. Do we demonstrate the love of God as we go about living our life? Like those monkeys, our children learn by watching us. Our words say things, but it is our actions that demonstrate our true faith. We have to be careful that the monkeys that are watching us are learning the right lessons. We’ve all heard the phrase “Monkey see; Monkey do.” It speaks to a process of learning. One learns how to do something, and another sees that and then tries to do the same thing. Monkey see; monkey do works when the behavior is beneficial, but what about when the behavior is dangerous or destructive.? The children of Israel crossed the Red Sea and were delivered from Egyptian bondage. They celebrated and praised the power of God, but just three short days later, they realize that they do not have food or water, and they begin to grumble against Moses. God provides for their needs, but soon after, they find themselves without water again. And again, they began to complain and wished that they were back in Egypt. We would think after the great demonstrations of power that there would be worship like never before. However, what we see is that this is not the case. The children of Israel had left Egypt, but they had brought with them the seeds of bitterness and defiance that had been in Egypt. A lesson to be learned from this is that Israel never learned the lesson. And by living their lives like that, they passed that lack of faith and that murmuring nature on to their children. Our children, co-workers, and even people we don’t know, learn about living for God by watching us. How do we deal with adversity? How do we react when the times get tough. Do we demonstrate the love of God as we go about living our life? Like those monkeys, our children learn by watching us. Our words say things, but it is our actions that demonstrate our true faith. We have to be careful that the monkeys that are watching us are learning the right lessons. We’ve all heard the phrase “Monkey see; Monkey do.” It speaks to a process of learning. One learns how to do something, and another sees that and then tries to do the same thing. Monkey see; monkey do works when the behavior is beneficial, but wha… Landon Long 3002 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21678135/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenthemonkeyreadstheinstructi/id/3552079.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21678135 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:9-10:11, Deuteronomy 6:4-6:7, Deuteronomy 6:20-6:25 Mon, 12 Oct 2020 02:54:41 +0000 Kenneth Baker When satan starts wrecking our life, he does not stop. He will spare nothing: children, finances, health. The only thing that will spare us is the grace of God. Far too many are running from God and that protection. The bible says that even if we make our bed in hell, God will find us. How many times have we been on the wrong road, and God interviewed and changed our path? God will search until He finds us. In Luke, we read the parable of the lost sheep. How important was that lost sheep? It was important enough that the shepherd would leave the ninety-nine that are safe and search for the one in trouble. God is interested in the one. In John 4 we read that Jesus left Judaea for Samaria. The Lord went to Samaria to have the encounter with the woman the well. That one woman was so important to the Lord that the Bible says in verse four, “And He must needs go through Samaria.” He went there to meet that one woman who needed Him. Each of us was that one at one time. There are many more ones out there who desperately need to be found. When satan starts wrecking our life, he does not stop. He will spare nothing: children, finances, health. The only thing that will spare us is the grace of God. Far too many are running from God and that protection. The bible says that even if we make our bed in hell, God will find us. How many times have we been on the wrong road, and God interviewed and changed our path? God will search until He finds us. In Luke, we read the parable of the lost sheep. How important was that lost sheep? It was important enough that the shepherd would leave the ninety-nine that are safe and search for the one in trouble. God is interested in the one. In John 4 we read that Jesus left Judaea for Samaria. The Lord went to Samaria to have the encounter with the woman the well. That one woman was so important to the Lord that the Bible says in verse four, “And He must needs go through Samaria.” He went there to meet that one woman who needed Him. Each of us was that one at one time. There are many more ones out there who desperately need to be found. When satan starts wrecking our life, he does not stop. He will spare nothing: children, finances, health. The only thing that will spare us is the grace of God. Far too many are running from God and that protection. The bible says that even if we m… Kenneth Baker 1776 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21676924/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_untilhefindit/id/995476.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21676924 Until He Find It Mon, 12 Oct 2020 02:54:41 +0000 Kenneth Baker When satan starts wrecking our life, he does not stop. He will spare nothing: children, finances, health. The only thing that will spare us is the grace of God. Far too many are running from God and that protection. The bible says that even if we make our bed in hell, God will find us. How many times have we been on the wrong road, and God interviewed and changed our path? God will search until He finds us. In Luke, we read the parable of the lost sheep. How important was that lost sheep? It was important enough that the shepherd would leave the ninety-nine that are safe and search for the one in trouble. God is interested in the one. In John 4 we read that Jesus left Judaea for Samaria. The Lord went to Samaria to have the encounter with the woman the well. That one woman was so important to the Lord that the Bible says in verse four, “And He must needs go through Samaria.” He went there to meet that one woman who needed Him. Each of us was that one at one time. There are many more ones out there who desperately need to be found. When satan starts wrecking our life, he does not stop. He will spare nothing: children, finances, health. The only thing that will spare us is the grace of God. Far too many are running from God and that protection. The bible says that even if we make our bed in hell, God will find us. How many times have we been on the wrong road, and God interviewed and changed our path? God will search until He finds us. In Luke, we read the parable of the lost sheep. How important was that lost sheep? It was important enough that the shepherd would leave the ninety-nine that are safe and search for the one in trouble. God is interested in the one. In John 4 we read that Jesus left Judaea for Samaria. The Lord went to Samaria to have the encounter with the woman the well. That one woman was so important to the Lord that the Bible says in verse four, “And He must needs go through Samaria.” He went there to meet that one woman who needed Him. Each of us was that one at one time. There are many more ones out there who desperately need to be found. When satan starts wrecking our life, he does not stop. He will spare nothing: children, finances, health. The only thing that will spare us is the grace of God. Far too many are running from God and that protection. The bible says that even if we m… Kenneth Baker 1776 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21676924/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_untilhefindit/id/3550913.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21676924 Until He Find It Sun, 11 Oct 2020 19:36:06 +0000 Bobby Edwards In relationships, it is important to be received. We want to be liked and to have our interest in someone to respond with a similar interest. This is true in all relationships. God is no different. He wants us to respond to His love for us with a love for Him. God will receive us just as we are, not as we will be. He loves us even in our current state. When we get ready to move towards God, we have to leave some things behind. God loves us, but He cannot abide by our sins. To truly move toward God, we have to repent of those sins and seek Him. In relationships, it is important to be received. We want to be liked and to have our interest in someone to respond with a similar interest. This is true in all relationships. God is no different. He wants us to respond to His love for us with a love for Him. God will receive us just as we are, not as we will be. He loves us even in our current state. When we get ready to move towards God, we have to leave some things behind. God loves us, but He cannot abide by our sins. To truly move toward God, we have to repent of those sins and seek Him. In relationships, it is important to be received. We want to be liked and to have our interest in someone to respond with a similar interest. This is true in all relationships. God is no different. He wants us to respond to His love for us with a … Bobby Edwards 2370 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21676571/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whatshallthereceivingofthembe/id/995318.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21676571 Scripture: Romans 11:15 Sun, 11 Oct 2020 19:36:06 +0000 Bobby Edwards In relationships, it is important to be received. We want to be liked and to have our interest in someone to respond with a similar interest. This is true in all relationships. God is no different. He wants us to respond to His love for us with a love for Him. God will receive us just as we are, not as we will be. He loves us even in our current state. When we get ready to move towards God, we have to leave some things behind. God loves us, but He cannot abide by our sins. To truly move toward God, we have to repent of those sins and seek Him. In relationships, it is important to be received. We want to be liked and to have our interest in someone to respond with a similar interest. This is true in all relationships. God is no different. He wants us to respond to His love for us with a love for Him. God will receive us just as we are, not as we will be. He loves us even in our current state. When we get ready to move towards God, we have to leave some things behind. God loves us, but He cannot abide by our sins. To truly move toward God, we have to repent of those sins and seek Him. In relationships, it is important to be received. We want to be liked and to have our interest in someone to respond with a similar interest. This is true in all relationships. God is no different. He wants us to respond to His love for us with a … Bobby Edwards 2370 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21676571/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatshallthereceivingofthembe/id/3550610.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21676571 Scripture: Romans 11:15 Mon, 05 Oct 2020 02:23:47 +0000 James Hughes In our text from Matthew, Jesus’ aunt approached him to ask that her sons be given a place on either side of Jesus in His kingdom. Jesus responds by asking if they could drink the cup that He was to drink. Even after three years of His ministry, they did not understand that the Kingdom of God was not to be an earthly kingdom and that to be a true follower of Jesus was to be a servant. They said that they could drink the cup, but did not understand what it meant to drink that cup. They did not fully understand until the day of Pentecost. If we are to have a ministry in God’s kingdom, we too much drink the cup. Few of us have endured the hardships that the disciples had to endure, but all of us have to take up a cross to follow Him. We have to start by having a servant’s heart. We will never have a successful ministry without a servant’s heart. The root of the success of our ministry is the relationship we have with our spouse. If that relationship is not working our relationship with God, and thus our ministry, will not work either. In our text from Matthew, Jesus’ aunt approached him to ask that her sons be given a place on either side of Jesus in His kingdom. Jesus responds by asking if they could drink the cup that He was to drink. Even after three years of His ministry, they did not understand that the Kingdom of God was not to be an earthly kingdom and that to be a true follower of Jesus was to be a servant. They said that they could drink the cup, but did not understand what it meant to drink that cup. They did not fully understand until the day of Pentecost. If we are to have a ministry in God’s kingdom, we too much drink the cup. Few of us have endured the hardships that the disciples had to endure, but all of us have to take up a cross to follow Him. We have to start by having a servant’s heart. We will never have a successful ministry without a servant’s heart. The root of the success of our ministry is the relationship we have with our spouse. If that relationship is not working our relationship with God, and thus our ministry, will not work either. In our text from Matthew, Jesus’ aunt approached him to ask that her sons be given a place on either side of Jesus in His kingdom. Jesus responds by asking if they could drink the cup that He was to drink. Even after three years of His ministry, they… James Hughes 2840 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21673546/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_willyoudrinkthecup/id/993596.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21673546 Scripture: Matthew 20:20-20:28, 1 Peter 3:6-3:7 Mon, 05 Oct 2020 02:23:47 +0000 James Hughes In our text from Matthew, Jesus’ aunt approached him to ask that her sons be given a place on either side of Jesus in His kingdom. Jesus responds by asking if they could drink the cup that He was to drink. Even after three years of His ministry, they did not understand that the Kingdom of God was not to be an earthly kingdom and that to be a true follower of Jesus was to be a servant. They said that they could drink the cup, but did not understand what it meant to drink that cup. They did not fully understand until the day of Pentecost. If we are to have a ministry in God’s kingdom, we too much drink the cup. Few of us have endured the hardships that the disciples had to endure, but all of us have to take up a cross to follow Him. We have to start by having a servant’s heart. We will never have a successful ministry without a servant’s heart. The root of the success of our ministry is the relationship we have with our spouse. If that relationship is not working our relationship with God, and thus our ministry, will not work either. In our text from Matthew, Jesus’ aunt approached him to ask that her sons be given a place on either side of Jesus in His kingdom. Jesus responds by asking if they could drink the cup that He was to drink. Even after three years of His ministry, they did not understand that the Kingdom of God was not to be an earthly kingdom and that to be a true follower of Jesus was to be a servant. They said that they could drink the cup, but did not understand what it meant to drink that cup. They did not fully understand until the day of Pentecost. If we are to have a ministry in God’s kingdom, we too much drink the cup. Few of us have endured the hardships that the disciples had to endure, but all of us have to take up a cross to follow Him. We have to start by having a servant’s heart. We will never have a successful ministry without a servant’s heart. The root of the success of our ministry is the relationship we have with our spouse. If that relationship is not working our relationship with God, and thus our ministry, will not work either. In our text from Matthew, Jesus’ aunt approached him to ask that her sons be given a place on either side of Jesus in His kingdom. Jesus responds by asking if they could drink the cup that He was to drink. Even after three years of His ministry, they… James Hughes 2840 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21673546/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_willyoudrinkthecup/id/3547729.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21673546 Scripture: Matthew 20:20-20:28, 1 Peter 3:6-3:7 Wed, 30 Sep 2020 16:21:00 +0000 Mark Hughes In our text, the Psalmist used an illustration of the depths of the sea to describe what God is trying to tell us. If we are to experience what God has for us, we have to launch out away from the security of the shore and seek the depths of the deep waters. Too many are responding to the deep call from the Lord with a shallow response. God is not appealing to our shallowness, but the depth of our lives. The call of his voice and the reaction of our life must be in sync. God is calling; the deep is calling, and we must find an answer that is as deep as the call. The call that we hear at GLC is for an awakening. It is not time to pull the covers over our heads, but it is time to awaken ourselves and seek what God is trying to do. In our text, the Psalmist used an illustration of the depths of the sea to describe what God is trying to tell us. If we are to experience what God has for us, we have to launch out away from the security of the shore and seek the depths of the deep waters. Too many are responding to the deep call from the Lord with a shallow response. God is not appealing to our shallowness, but the depth of our lives. The call of his voice and the reaction of our life must be in sync. God is calling; the deep is calling, and we must find an answer that is as deep as the call. The call that we hear at GLC is for an awakening. It is not time to pull the covers over our heads, but it is time to awaken ourselves and seek what God is trying to do. In our text, the Psalmist used an illustration of the depths of the sea to describe what God is trying to tell us. If we are to experience what God has for us, we have to launch out away from the security of the shore and seek the depths of the deep w… Mark Hughes 2166 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21671321/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_deepcallinguntodeep/id/992134.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21671321 Scripture: Psalms 42:6-42:7 Wed, 30 Sep 2020 16:21:00 +0000 Mark Hughes In our text, the Psalmist used an illustration of the depths of the sea to describe what God is trying to tell us. If we are to experience what God has for us, we have to launch out away from the security of the shore and seek the depths of the deep waters. Too many are responding to the deep call from the Lord with a shallow response. God is not appealing to our shallowness, but the depth of our lives. The call of his voice and the reaction of our life must be in sync. God is calling; the deep is calling, and we must find an answer that is as deep as the call. The call that we hear at GLC is for an awakening. It is not time to pull the covers over our heads, but it is time to awaken ourselves and seek what God is trying to do. In our text, the Psalmist used an illustration of the depths of the sea to describe what God is trying to tell us. If we are to experience what God has for us, we have to launch out away from the security of the shore and seek the depths of the deep waters. Too many are responding to the deep call from the Lord with a shallow response. God is not appealing to our shallowness, but the depth of our lives. The call of his voice and the reaction of our life must be in sync. God is calling; the deep is calling, and we must find an answer that is as deep as the call. The call that we hear at GLC is for an awakening. It is not time to pull the covers over our heads, but it is time to awaken ourselves and seek what God is trying to do. In our text, the Psalmist used an illustration of the depths of the sea to describe what God is trying to tell us. If we are to experience what God has for us, we have to launch out away from the security of the shore and seek the depths of the deep w… Mark Hughes 2166 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21671321/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_deepcallinguntodeep/id/3545626.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21671321 Scripture: Psalms 42:6-42:7 Sun, 27 Sep 2020 22:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text from Psalms is at the root of everything that we do. It is one of the Psalms of accent that was sung on the way into worship. It begins in the depths of sorrow with a cry to the Lord. No matter how low we may be, if we raise our voice to call on God, He will hear us. Though we are unworthy, God’s love is forgiving. If He were to hold us accountable for our iniquities, none of us would have any hope, but God…. In verse four, God provides a way out of our failings and shortcomings. That forgiveness is the only thing that we can look to for hope. But God is that Sweet Whisper of Hope. Our text from Psalms is at the root of everything that we do. It is one of the Psalms of accent that was sung on the way into worship. It begins in the depths of sorrow with a cry to the Lord. No matter how low we may be, if we raise our voice to call on God, He will hear us. Though we are unworthy, God’s love is forgiving. If He were to hold us accountable for our iniquities, none of us would have any hope, but God…. In verse four, God provides a way out of our failings and shortcomings. That forgiveness is the only thing that we can look to for hope. But God is that Sweet Whisper of Hope. Our text from Psalms is at the root of everything that we do. It is one of the Psalms of accent that was sung on the way into worship. It begins in the depths of sorrow with a cry to the Lord. No matter how low we may be, if we raise our voice to ca… Mark Hughes 1758 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21670498/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thesweetwhisperofhope/id/991748.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21670498 Scripture: Psalms 130:1-130:8 Sun, 27 Sep 2020 22:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text from Psalms is at the root of everything that we do. It is one of the Psalms of accent that was sung on the way into worship. It begins in the depths of sorrow with a cry to the Lord. No matter how low we may be, if we raise our voice to call on God, He will hear us. Though we are unworthy, God’s love is forgiving. If He were to hold us accountable for our iniquities, none of us would have any hope, but God…. In verse four, God provides a way out of our failings and shortcomings. That forgiveness is the only thing that we can look to for hope. But God is that Sweet Whisper of Hope. Our text from Psalms is at the root of everything that we do. It is one of the Psalms of accent that was sung on the way into worship. It begins in the depths of sorrow with a cry to the Lord. No matter how low we may be, if we raise our voice to call on God, He will hear us. Though we are unworthy, God’s love is forgiving. If He were to hold us accountable for our iniquities, none of us would have any hope, but God…. In verse four, God provides a way out of our failings and shortcomings. That forgiveness is the only thing that we can look to for hope. But God is that Sweet Whisper of Hope. Our text from Psalms is at the root of everything that we do. It is one of the Psalms of accent that was sung on the way into worship. It begins in the depths of sorrow with a cry to the Lord. No matter how low we may be, if we raise our voice to ca… Mark Hughes 1758 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21670498/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thesweetwhisperofhope/id/3544887.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21670498 Scripture: Psalms 130:1-130:8 Mon, 21 Sep 2020 01:50:00 +0000 Landon Long If someone were to ask us if we trusted the Lord, we would not hesitate to say yes. But do we really trust the Lord? When things are going well, we are happy to trust Him, but when the going is tough, or He asks us to do something difficult, we falter. We believe in Him, but we fall short of trusting Him. Our text is a familiar one. The men had toiled and were cleaning their nets after an unsuccessful night of fishing. Jesus tells them to launch out and let down their nets. Simon Peter knows that they have worked all night and come up empty. They had already fished those waters and found no fish. They were exhausted and had nothing to show for it. What Jesus was asking them to do was very difficult. Our willingness to thrust out into the deep after toiling all night tests our faith. Simon-Peter, even though he was tired, said; nevertheless, I will let down the net. He couldn’t speak for the others, but he committed to doing it. When the others saw Simon-Peter obeying, they did too. God was asking for nets, but there had to be a single net before there were nets. God is calling for all of our nets. The nets that night were not big enough to haul in the harvest the Lord provided, and our net isn’t big enough either. What He has planned is greater than we can imagine. If we throw in our net, He will fill it. Simon’s I will set the stage to change their world. It is easy to trust God when everything is working well, but when we have toiled all night, and God sends us right back to the very place we have failed, it is much more difficult. God is a faithful God, and if He says it, it will happen. If someone were to ask us if we trusted the Lord, we would not hesitate to say yes. But do we really trust the Lord? When things are going well, we are happy to trust Him, but when the going is tough, or He asks us to do something difficult, we falter. We believe in Him, but we fall short of trusting Him. Our text is a familiar one. The men had toiled and were cleaning their nets after an unsuccessful night of fishing. Jesus tells them to launch out and let down their nets. Simon Peter knows that they have worked all night and come up empty. They had already fished those waters and found no fish. They were exhausted and had nothing to show for it. What Jesus was asking them to do was very difficult. Our willingness to thrust out into the deep after toiling all night tests our faith. Simon-Peter, even though he was tired, said; nevertheless, I will let down the net. He couldn’t speak for the others, but he committed to doing it. When the others saw Simon-Peter obeying, they did too. God was asking for nets, but there had to be a single net before there were nets. God is calling for all of our nets. The nets that night were not big enough to haul in the harvest the Lord provided, and our net isn’t big enough either. What He has planned is greater than we can imagine. If we throw in our net, He will fill it. Simon’s I will set the stage to change their world. It is easy to trust God when everything is working well, but when we have toiled all night, and God sends us right back to the very place we have failed, it is much more difficult. God is a faithful God, and if He says it, it will happen. If someone were to ask us if we trusted the Lord, we would not hesitate to say yes. But do we really trust the Lord? When things are going well, we are happy to trust Him, but when the going is tough, or He asks us to do something difficult, we falte… Landon Long 2317 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21667231/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_willyoutrustafterthetoil/id/989811.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21667231 Scripture: Luke 5:1-5:9 Mon, 21 Sep 2020 01:50:00 +0000 Landon Long If someone were to ask us if we trusted the Lord, we would not hesitate to say yes. But do we really trust the Lord? When things are going well, we are happy to trust Him, but when the going is tough, or He asks us to do something difficult, we falter. We believe in Him, but we fall short of trusting Him. Our text is a familiar one. The men had toiled and were cleaning their nets after an unsuccessful night of fishing. Jesus tells them to launch out and let down their nets. Simon Peter knows that they have worked all night and come up empty. They had already fished those waters and found no fish. They were exhausted and had nothing to show for it. What Jesus was asking them to do was very difficult. Our willingness to thrust out into the deep after toiling all night tests our faith. Simon-Peter, even though he was tired, said; nevertheless, I will let down the net. He couldn’t speak for the others, but he committed to doing it. When the others saw Simon-Peter obeying, they did too. God was asking for nets, but there had to be a single net before there were nets. God is calling for all of our nets. The nets that night were not big enough to haul in the harvest the Lord provided, and our net isn’t big enough either. What He has planned is greater than we can imagine. If we throw in our net, He will fill it. Simon’s I will set the stage to change their world. It is easy to trust God when everything is working well, but when we have toiled all night, and God sends us right back to the very place we have failed, it is much more difficult. God is a faithful God, and if He says it, it will happen. If someone were to ask us if we trusted the Lord, we would not hesitate to say yes. But do we really trust the Lord? When things are going well, we are happy to trust Him, but when the going is tough, or He asks us to do something difficult, we falter. We believe in Him, but we fall short of trusting Him. Our text is a familiar one. The men had toiled and were cleaning their nets after an unsuccessful night of fishing. Jesus tells them to launch out and let down their nets. Simon Peter knows that they have worked all night and come up empty. They had already fished those waters and found no fish. They were exhausted and had nothing to show for it. What Jesus was asking them to do was very difficult. Our willingness to thrust out into the deep after toiling all night tests our faith. Simon-Peter, even though he was tired, said; nevertheless, I will let down the net. He couldn’t speak for the others, but he committed to doing it. When the others saw Simon-Peter obeying, they did too. God was asking for nets, but there had to be a single net before there were nets. God is calling for all of our nets. The nets that night were not big enough to haul in the harvest the Lord provided, and our net isn’t big enough either. What He has planned is greater than we can imagine. If we throw in our net, He will fill it. Simon’s I will set the stage to change their world. It is easy to trust God when everything is working well, but when we have toiled all night, and God sends us right back to the very place we have failed, it is much more difficult. God is a faithful God, and if He says it, it will happen. If someone were to ask us if we trusted the Lord, we would not hesitate to say yes. But do we really trust the Lord? When things are going well, we are happy to trust Him, but when the going is tough, or He asks us to do something difficult, we falte… Landon Long 2317 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21667231/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_willyoutrustafterthetoil/id/3541815.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21667231 Scripture: Luke 5:1-5:9 Wed, 16 Sep 2020 14:59:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Out text from James is one of the most important in the New Testament. James paints a portrait of three things that are essential to the church. First, he speaks about the church’s power is in its prayer and worship. When we offer our worship in prayer and song, we make a spiritual connection to God Himself. James cites a church that operates in the realm of healing. James advised calling on the elders of the church to pray and to anoint the sick with oil. There is power in the anointing, and in that faith, we demonstrate when we call the elders to pray over the sick. Finally, James said that the church understands the power of prayer. Our text declares that the prayer of faith can influence other forces in our lives. The power of prayer is more powerful than the forces that come against us. James talks about Elijah praying to hold the rain and praying for rain three and a half years later. Elijah’s story is an example to us about the power of prayer. Like Elijah, we can pray for a change, and God will answer that prayer. The bible says that Elijah was a man like us. He faced the same emotions and fears that we do. Yet, even with those doubts, fears, and humanity, Elijah was able to appeal to God for a powerful outcome by praying for a change. Out text from James is one of the most important in the New Testament. James paints a portrait of three things that are essential to the church. First, he speaks about the church’s power is in its prayer and worship. When we offer our worship in prayer and song, we make a spiritual connection to God Himself. James cites a church that operates in the realm of healing. James advised calling on the elders of the church to pray and to anoint the sick with oil. There is power in the anointing, and in that faith, we demonstrate when we call the elders to pray over the sick. Finally, James said that the church understands the power of prayer. Our text declares that the prayer of faith can influence other forces in our lives. The power of prayer is more powerful than the forces that come against us. James talks about Elijah praying to hold the rain and praying for rain three and a half years later. Elijah’s story is an example to us about the power of prayer. Like Elijah, we can pray for a change, and God will answer that prayer. The bible says that Elijah was a man like us. He faced the same emotions and fears that we do. Yet, even with those doubts, fears, and humanity, Elijah was able to appeal to God for a powerful outcome by praying for a change. Out text from James is one of the most important in the New Testament. James paints a portrait of three things that are essential to the church. First, he speaks about the church’s power is in its prayer and worship. When we offer our worship in pra… Mark Hughes 2813 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21664558/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_prayingforachange/id/988259.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21664558 Scripture: James 5:13-5:18 Wed, 16 Sep 2020 14:59:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Out text from James is one of the most important in the New Testament. James paints a portrait of three things that are essential to the church. First, he speaks about the church’s power is in its prayer and worship. When we offer our worship in prayer and song, we make a spiritual connection to God Himself. James cites a church that operates in the realm of healing. James advised calling on the elders of the church to pray and to anoint the sick with oil. There is power in the anointing, and in that faith, we demonstrate when we call the elders to pray over the sick. Finally, James said that the church understands the power of prayer. Our text declares that the prayer of faith can influence other forces in our lives. The power of prayer is more powerful than the forces that come against us. James talks about Elijah praying to hold the rain and praying for rain three and a half years later. Elijah’s story is an example to us about the power of prayer. Like Elijah, we can pray for a change, and God will answer that prayer. The bible says that Elijah was a man like us. He faced the same emotions and fears that we do. Yet, even with those doubts, fears, and humanity, Elijah was able to appeal to God for a powerful outcome by praying for a change. Out text from James is one of the most important in the New Testament. James paints a portrait of three things that are essential to the church. First, he speaks about the church’s power is in its prayer and worship. When we offer our worship in prayer and song, we make a spiritual connection to God Himself. James cites a church that operates in the realm of healing. James advised calling on the elders of the church to pray and to anoint the sick with oil. There is power in the anointing, and in that faith, we demonstrate when we call the elders to pray over the sick. Finally, James said that the church understands the power of prayer. Our text declares that the prayer of faith can influence other forces in our lives. The power of prayer is more powerful than the forces that come against us. James talks about Elijah praying to hold the rain and praying for rain three and a half years later. Elijah’s story is an example to us about the power of prayer. Like Elijah, we can pray for a change, and God will answer that prayer. The bible says that Elijah was a man like us. He faced the same emotions and fears that we do. Yet, even with those doubts, fears, and humanity, Elijah was able to appeal to God for a powerful outcome by praying for a change. Out text from James is one of the most important in the New Testament. James paints a portrait of three things that are essential to the church. First, he speaks about the church’s power is in its prayer and worship. When we offer our worship in pra… Mark Hughes 2813 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21664558/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_prayingforachange/id/3539235.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21664558 Scripture: James 5:13-5:18 Sun, 13 Sep 2020 19:45:10 +0000 Mark Hughes Pastor Hughes shares a story of a stolen painting. The thieves painted over parts of the picture to disguise it, but experts discovered the actual work and recovered it. Life has a way of covering us over with the results of the things that happen to us. God is in the recovery business. Our text tells us that Jesus came to save those that are lost. Like that piece of art, God’s original masterpiece is still there but covered with things that He did not put there. Jesus came to seek and to save that which is lost. The parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin reminds us that God is not content with losing any of us. The shepherd went to find the one. The woman swept the house to find the lost coin. He wants to save ALL of us. God is concerned with lost things because they are valuable to Him. It is too easy to become content with the nine, but God gave us ten. God wants us to have everything that He has spoken and promised. How easy is it to lose hope because life becomes too complicated or chaotic. God wants us to regain that lost hope because it is not over until God says it is over. God does not want us to crawl over the finish line, having barely made it; he wants us to walk triumphantly into our reward. Like the prodigal son, God wants us to come to ourselves and decide it is time to recover. The secret to recovery is getting up. The devil does not want us to get up because he knows that he will lose if we keep getting up. You cannot beat a man who keeps getting up. The truth is that we do not need a devil to defeat us; we can defeat ourselves by giving up. God is waiting for us to reach out to him for recovery. The time for recovery is now. God wants us to have it all back. He wants it for us right now. God wants us to recover what we have lost or laid aside. There are things that God wants us to get over. There are too many lost people because they cannot get over something that happened to them. Sometimes the only way to get over things like that is to swallow it and get past it. We have too much to lose by staying lost. God is waiting. It is time to recover. Pastor Hughes shares a story of a stolen painting. The thieves painted over parts of the picture to disguise it, but experts discovered the actual work and recovered it. Life has a way of covering us over with the results of the things that happen to us. God is in the recovery business. Our text tells us that Jesus came to save those that are lost. Like that piece of art, God’s original masterpiece is still there but covered with things that He did not put there. Jesus came to seek and to save that which is lost. The parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin reminds us that God is not content with losing any of us. The shepherd went to find the one. The woman swept the house to find the lost coin. He wants to save ALL of us. God is concerned with lost things because they are valuable to Him. It is too easy to become content with the nine, but God gave us ten. God wants us to have everything that He has spoken and promised. How easy is it to lose hope because life becomes too complicated or chaotic. God wants us to regain that lost hope because it is not over until God says it is over. God does not want us to crawl over the finish line, having barely made it; he wants us to walk triumphantly into our reward. Like the prodigal son, God wants us to come to ourselves and decide it is time to recover. The secret to recovery is getting up. The devil does not want us to get up because he knows that he will lose if we keep getting up. You cannot beat a man who keeps getting up. The truth is that we do not need a devil to defeat us; we can defeat ourselves by giving up. God is waiting for us to reach out to him for recovery. The time for recovery is now. God wants us to have it all back. He wants it for us right now. God wants us to recover what we have lost or laid aside. There are things that God wants us to get over. There are too many lost people because they cannot get over something that happened to them. Sometimes the only way to get over things like that is to swallow it and get past it. We have too much to lose by staying lost. God is waiting. It is time to recover. Pastor Hughes shares a story of a stolen painting. The thieves painted over parts of the picture to disguise it, but experts discovered the actual work and recovered it. Life has a way of covering us over with the results of the things that happen to… Mark Hughes 1617 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21662302/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_recovery/id/987035.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21662302 Scripture: Luke 19:10 Sun, 13 Sep 2020 19:45:10 +0000 Mark Hughes Pastor Hughes shares a story of a stolen painting. The thieves painted over parts of the picture to disguise it, but experts discovered the actual work and recovered it. Life has a way of covering us over with the results of the things that happen to us. God is in the recovery business. Our text tells us that Jesus came to save those that are lost. Like that piece of art, God’s original masterpiece is still there but covered with things that He did not put there. Jesus came to seek and to save that which is lost. The parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin reminds us that God is not content with losing any of us. The shepherd went to find the one. The woman swept the house to find the lost coin. He wants to save ALL of us. God is concerned with lost things because they are valuable to Him. It is too easy to become content with the nine, but God gave us ten. God wants us to have everything that He has spoken and promised. How easy is it to lose hope because life becomes too complicated or chaotic. God wants us to regain that lost hope because it is not over until God says it is over. God does not want us to crawl over the finish line, having barely made it; he wants us to walk triumphantly into our reward. Like the prodigal son, God wants us to come to ourselves and decide it is time to recover. The secret to recovery is getting up. The devil does not want us to get up because he knows that he will lose if we keep getting up. You cannot beat a man who keeps getting up. The truth is that we do not need a devil to defeat us; we can defeat ourselves by giving up. God is waiting for us to reach out to him for recovery. The time for recovery is now. God wants us to have it all back. He wants it for us right now. God wants us to recover what we have lost or laid aside. There are things that God wants us to get over. There are too many lost people because they cannot get over something that happened to them. Sometimes the only way to get over things like that is to swallow it and get past it. We have too much to lose by staying lost. God is waiting. It is time to recover. Pastor Hughes shares a story of a stolen painting. The thieves painted over parts of the picture to disguise it, but experts discovered the actual work and recovered it. Life has a way of covering us over with the results of the things that happen to us. God is in the recovery business. Our text tells us that Jesus came to save those that are lost. Like that piece of art, God’s original masterpiece is still there but covered with things that He did not put there. Jesus came to seek and to save that which is lost. The parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin reminds us that God is not content with losing any of us. The shepherd went to find the one. The woman swept the house to find the lost coin. He wants to save ALL of us. God is concerned with lost things because they are valuable to Him. It is too easy to become content with the nine, but God gave us ten. God wants us to have everything that He has spoken and promised. How easy is it to lose hope because life becomes too complicated or chaotic. God wants us to regain that lost hope because it is not over until God says it is over. God does not want us to crawl over the finish line, having barely made it; he wants us to walk triumphantly into our reward. Like the prodigal son, God wants us to come to ourselves and decide it is time to recover. The secret to recovery is getting up. The devil does not want us to get up because he knows that he will lose if we keep getting up. You cannot beat a man who keeps getting up. The truth is that we do not need a devil to defeat us; we can defeat ourselves by giving up. God is waiting for us to reach out to him for recovery. The time for recovery is now. God wants us to have it all back. He wants it for us right now. God wants us to recover what we have lost or laid aside. There are things that God wants us to get over. There are too many lost people because they cannot get over something that happened to them. Sometimes the only way to get over things like that is to swallow it and get past it. We have too much to lose by staying lost. God is waiting. It is time to recover. Pastor Hughes shares a story of a stolen painting. The thieves painted over parts of the picture to disguise it, but experts discovered the actual work and recovered it. Life has a way of covering us over with the results of the things that happen to… Mark Hughes 1617 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21662302/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_recovery/id/3537347.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21662302 Scripture: Luke 19:10 Thu, 10 Sep 2020 01:48:36 +0000 Mark Hughes Everything that happens to us in life shapes us; the good and the bad. Life has a way of pressing us into its mold, but Paul writing to the church a Philipai tells us be not conformed. Paul admonishes us that there is a better way than allowing life and the things that happen to force us into a shape inconsistent with our Christian walk. Paul says to be careful for nothing. The original Greek word means pulling in different directions. On the one hand, there are hopes, desires, and dreams that pull us one way, but on the other hand, fear, uncertainty, and doubt pull us another. We know what the Word says, but we also have the pull of doubt from our lives. Doctors tell us that worry affects our bodies, but it also affects our spiritual well being. There is no greater thief than worry. It steals peace, joy, and contentment. In our text, Paul tells us that the answer to life’s stress and strain is prayer. He tells us that the secret is to pray about everything. Paul used three different words when he said to pray about everything. Prayer begins with the concept of adoration and worship. For many, prayer is about asking, but the first step should be worship. It is incredible how, when we begin to worship, our problems start to shrink. Worship is the preparation that helps us move to the next dimension. After beginning with worship, Paul tells us to move to supplication. When we worship first, we are prepared to bring our needs to God. Finally, Paul tells us to pray prayers of thanksgiving. By being thankful, we acknowledge all that God has done: All the protection, all the provision, and healing. We must be grateful for it all. Prayer will help shape our lives. It will direct our thoughts and our emotions about life. When we follow this simple formula for prayer, God will transform our lives. Everything that happens to us in life shapes us; the good and the bad. Life has a way of pressing us into its mold, but Paul writing to the church a Philipai tells us be not conformed. Paul admonishes us that there is a better way than allowing life and the things that happen to force us into a shape inconsistent with our Christian walk. Paul says to be careful for nothing. The original Greek word means pulling in different directions. On the one hand, there are hopes, desires, and dreams that pull us one way, but on the other hand, fear, uncertainty, and doubt pull us another. We know what the Word says, but we also have the pull of doubt from our lives. Doctors tell us that worry affects our bodies, but it also affects our spiritual well being. There is no greater thief than worry. It steals peace, joy, and contentment. In our text, Paul tells us that the answer to life’s stress and strain is prayer. He tells us that the secret is to pray about everything. Paul used three different words when he said to pray about everything. Prayer begins with the concept of adoration and worship. For many, prayer is about asking, but the first step should be worship. It is incredible how, when we begin to worship, our problems start to shrink. Worship is the preparation that helps us move to the next dimension. After beginning with worship, Paul tells us to move to supplication. When we worship first, we are prepared to bring our needs to God. Finally, Paul tells us to pray prayers of thanksgiving. By being thankful, we acknowledge all that God has done: All the protection, all the provision, and healing. We must be grateful for it all. Prayer will help shape our lives. It will direct our thoughts and our emotions about life. When we follow this simple formula for prayer, God will transform our lives. Everything that happens to us in life shapes us; the good and the bad. Life has a way of pressing us into its mold, but Paul writing to the church a Philipai tells us be not conformed. Paul admonishes us that there is a better way than allowing life … Mark Hughes 2082 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21660282/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_shapingyourlife/id/985741.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21660282 Scripture: Philippians 4:4-4:9 Thu, 10 Sep 2020 01:48:36 +0000 Mark Hughes Everything that happens to us in life shapes us; the good and the bad. Life has a way of pressing us into its mold, but Paul writing to the church a Philipai tells us be not conformed. Paul admonishes us that there is a better way than allowing life and the things that happen to force us into a shape inconsistent with our Christian walk. Paul says to be careful for nothing. The original Greek word means pulling in different directions. On the one hand, there are hopes, desires, and dreams that pull us one way, but on the other hand, fear, uncertainty, and doubt pull us another. We know what the Word says, but we also have the pull of doubt from our lives. Doctors tell us that worry affects our bodies, but it also affects our spiritual well being. There is no greater thief than worry. It steals peace, joy, and contentment. In our text, Paul tells us that the answer to life’s stress and strain is prayer. He tells us that the secret is to pray about everything. Paul used three different words when he said to pray about everything. Prayer begins with the concept of adoration and worship. For many, prayer is about asking, but the first step should be worship. It is incredible how, when we begin to worship, our problems start to shrink. Worship is the preparation that helps us move to the next dimension. After beginning with worship, Paul tells us to move to supplication. When we worship first, we are prepared to bring our needs to God. Finally, Paul tells us to pray prayers of thanksgiving. By being thankful, we acknowledge all that God has done: All the protection, all the provision, and healing. We must be grateful for it all. Prayer will help shape our lives. It will direct our thoughts and our emotions about life. When we follow this simple formula for prayer, God will transform our lives. Everything that happens to us in life shapes us; the good and the bad. Life has a way of pressing us into its mold, but Paul writing to the church a Philipai tells us be not conformed. Paul admonishes us that there is a better way than allowing life and the things that happen to force us into a shape inconsistent with our Christian walk. Paul says to be careful for nothing. The original Greek word means pulling in different directions. On the one hand, there are hopes, desires, and dreams that pull us one way, but on the other hand, fear, uncertainty, and doubt pull us another. We know what the Word says, but we also have the pull of doubt from our lives. Doctors tell us that worry affects our bodies, but it also affects our spiritual well being. There is no greater thief than worry. It steals peace, joy, and contentment. In our text, Paul tells us that the answer to life’s stress and strain is prayer. He tells us that the secret is to pray about everything. Paul used three different words when he said to pray about everything. Prayer begins with the concept of adoration and worship. For many, prayer is about asking, but the first step should be worship. It is incredible how, when we begin to worship, our problems start to shrink. Worship is the preparation that helps us move to the next dimension. After beginning with worship, Paul tells us to move to supplication. When we worship first, we are prepared to bring our needs to God. Finally, Paul tells us to pray prayers of thanksgiving. By being thankful, we acknowledge all that God has done: All the protection, all the provision, and healing. We must be grateful for it all. Prayer will help shape our lives. It will direct our thoughts and our emotions about life. When we follow this simple formula for prayer, God will transform our lives. Everything that happens to us in life shapes us; the good and the bad. Life has a way of pressing us into its mold, but Paul writing to the church a Philipai tells us be not conformed. Paul admonishes us that there is a better way than allowing life … Mark Hughes 2082 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21660282/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_shapingyourlife/id/3535452.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21660282 Scripture: Philippians 4:4-4:9 Sun, 06 Sep 2020 19:44:03 +0000 James Hughes Our world lives in fear. Our world does not focus on all the good things that happen; they focus on all the challenges. If we are not careful, we can fall into the trap of believing all the bad things we hear. It is all too easy to let life define us rather than allowing our relationship with God to define us. When we are baptized, our sins are forgiven. The bible says that He erases the record, but we still keep a record in our own memories. The only thing that has a record to that record is our flesh. We listen too much to what our flesh says and not enough to what God says about us. Did the truth not free us? The fact is that the truth has limitations. Unfortunately, those limitations start with our own minds. When we go down in the water, He forgives all the sins we have committed. However, He does not forgive those sins committed against us. God can forgive our sins, but he cannot forgive others for us. We have to do that on our own. The only way to forgive is not to say “Jesus, I give it to you” The only way to do it is for us to ask Jesus to erase their sin and cast it into the sea of forgetfulness. Until we do that, we give our flesh permission to drag up our past, and our past will keep us in constant turmoil and angst. The way out of this cycle is to truly forgive those that have wronged us and allow the truth to set us free. Our world lives in fear. Our world does not focus on all the good things that happen; they focus on all the challenges. If we are not careful, we can fall into the trap of believing all the bad things we hear. It is all too easy to let life define us rather than allowing our relationship with God to define us. When we are baptized, our sins are forgiven. The bible says that He erases the record, but we still keep a record in our own memories. The only thing that has a record to that record is our flesh. We listen too much to what our flesh says and not enough to what God says about us. Did the truth not free us? The fact is that the truth has limitations. Unfortunately, those limitations start with our own minds. When we go down in the water, He forgives all the sins we have committed. However, He does not forgive those sins committed against us. God can forgive our sins, but he cannot forgive others for us. We have to do that on our own. The only way to forgive is not to say “Jesus, I give it to you” The only way to do it is for us to ask Jesus to erase their sin and cast it into the sea of forgetfulness. Until we do that, we give our flesh permission to drag up our past, and our past will keep us in constant turmoil and angst. The way out of this cycle is to truly forgive those that have wronged us and allow the truth to set us free. Our world lives in fear. Our world does not focus on all the good things that happen; they focus on all the challenges. If we are not careful, we can fall into the trap of believing all the bad things we hear. It is all too easy to let life define us… James Hughes 2613 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21658133/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_truthslimitations/id/984642.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21658133 Scripture: John 8:30-8:36 Sun, 06 Sep 2020 19:44:03 +0000 James Hughes Our world lives in fear. Our world does not focus on all the good things that happen; they focus on all the challenges. If we are not careful, we can fall into the trap of believing all the bad things we hear. It is all too easy to let life define us rather than allowing our relationship with God to define us. When we are baptized, our sins are forgiven. The bible says that He erases the record, but we still keep a record in our own memories. The only thing that has a record to that record is our flesh. We listen too much to what our flesh says and not enough to what God says about us. Did the truth not free us? The fact is that the truth has limitations. Unfortunately, those limitations start with our own minds. When we go down in the water, He forgives all the sins we have committed. However, He does not forgive those sins committed against us. God can forgive our sins, but he cannot forgive others for us. We have to do that on our own. The only way to forgive is not to say “Jesus, I give it to you” The only way to do it is for us to ask Jesus to erase their sin and cast it into the sea of forgetfulness. Until we do that, we give our flesh permission to drag up our past, and our past will keep us in constant turmoil and angst. The way out of this cycle is to truly forgive those that have wronged us and allow the truth to set us free. Our world lives in fear. Our world does not focus on all the good things that happen; they focus on all the challenges. If we are not careful, we can fall into the trap of believing all the bad things we hear. It is all too easy to let life define us rather than allowing our relationship with God to define us. When we are baptized, our sins are forgiven. The bible says that He erases the record, but we still keep a record in our own memories. The only thing that has a record to that record is our flesh. We listen too much to what our flesh says and not enough to what God says about us. Did the truth not free us? The fact is that the truth has limitations. Unfortunately, those limitations start with our own minds. When we go down in the water, He forgives all the sins we have committed. However, He does not forgive those sins committed against us. God can forgive our sins, but he cannot forgive others for us. We have to do that on our own. The only way to forgive is not to say “Jesus, I give it to you” The only way to do it is for us to ask Jesus to erase their sin and cast it into the sea of forgetfulness. Until we do that, we give our flesh permission to drag up our past, and our past will keep us in constant turmoil and angst. The way out of this cycle is to truly forgive those that have wronged us and allow the truth to set us free. Our world lives in fear. Our world does not focus on all the good things that happen; they focus on all the challenges. If we are not careful, we can fall into the trap of believing all the bad things we hear. It is all too easy to let life define us… James Hughes 2613 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21658133/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_truthslimitations/id/3534160.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21658133 Scripture: John 8:30-8:36 Sun, 30 Aug 2020 20:23:50 +0000 Mark Hughes There is a principle in life that you cannot avoid. Paul expresses this principle to the Galatian church that what you sow, you will reap. The word sow is an action word. It is not a thought or desire but an intentional effort. So much is lost in life because good thoughts and intentions never make it past that stage and into action. What do we hold in our hands right now? What possibilities do we have in our hands if we ould only put them into action? Our life is often not as fruitful as it could be because we do not progress from thought to action. When we sow a seed, we do not reap a seed. We reap a harvest that is a multiplication of what we hold in our hands. If we want a better future, it is time to act and sow the seeds that will reap a better future. Isaiah says blessed are those that sow beside all waters. He did not say this during good times, and he did not say some waters; he says all water. Amid all the discouragement and challenges, God will bless the sowing. He did not say wait until things got better, he said to sow. If we want to change our future, we have to begin planting. Why don’t we sow? Many times the reason is that we cannot predict the outcome, and we do not want to take the chance. Ecclesiastes says that wif we watch the winds, we will never reap. We cannot wait for optimal conditions. The bible says to sow beside all waters, not just the ones that we know will produce results. God will handle the results; all we need to do is sow. What are we missing because we never get past the thoughts and put them into action? God knows the season we are in, and He knows how to multiply and bless us in that season. It is sowing time. There is a principle in life that you cannot avoid. Paul expresses this principle to the Galatian church that what you sow, you will reap. The word sow is an action word. It is not a thought or desire but an intentional effort. So much is lost in life because good thoughts and intentions never make it past that stage and into action. What do we hold in our hands right now? What possibilities do we have in our hands if we ould only put them into action? Our life is often not as fruitful as it could be because we do not progress from thought to action. When we sow a seed, we do not reap a seed. We reap a harvest that is a multiplication of what we hold in our hands. If we want a better future, it is time to act and sow the seeds that will reap a better future. Isaiah says blessed are those that sow beside all waters. He did not say this during good times, and he did not say some waters; he says all water. Amid all the discouragement and challenges, God will bless the sowing. He did not say wait until things got better, he said to sow. If we want to change our future, we have to begin planting. Why don’t we sow? Many times the reason is that we cannot predict the outcome, and we do not want to take the chance. Ecclesiastes says that wif we watch the winds, we will never reap. We cannot wait for optimal conditions. The bible says to sow beside all waters, not just the ones that we know will produce results. God will handle the results; all we need to do is sow. What are we missing because we never get past the thoughts and put them into action? God knows the season we are in, and He knows how to multiply and bless us in that season. It is sowing time. There is a principle in life that you cannot avoid. Paul expresses this principle to the Galatian church that what you sow, you will reap. The word sow is an action word. It is not a thought or desire but an intentional effort. So much is lost in li… Mark Hughes 1731 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21652834/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_sowingtime/id/980350.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21652834 Scripture: Galatians 6:7, Isaiah 32:20, Ecclesiastes 11:4-11:6 Sun, 30 Aug 2020 20:23:50 +0000 Mark Hughes There is a principle in life that you cannot avoid. Paul expresses this principle to the Galatian church that what you sow, you will reap. The word sow is an action word. It is not a thought or desire but an intentional effort. So much is lost in life because good thoughts and intentions never make it past that stage and into action. What do we hold in our hands right now? What possibilities do we have in our hands if we ould only put them into action? Our life is often not as fruitful as it could be because we do not progress from thought to action. When we sow a seed, we do not reap a seed. We reap a harvest that is a multiplication of what we hold in our hands. If we want a better future, it is time to act and sow the seeds that will reap a better future. Isaiah says blessed are those that sow beside all waters. He did not say this during good times, and he did not say some waters; he says all water. Amid all the discouragement and challenges, God will bless the sowing. He did not say wait until things got better, he said to sow. If we want to change our future, we have to begin planting. Why don’t we sow? Many times the reason is that we cannot predict the outcome, and we do not want to take the chance. Ecclesiastes says that wif we watch the winds, we will never reap. We cannot wait for optimal conditions. The bible says to sow beside all waters, not just the ones that we know will produce results. God will handle the results; all we need to do is sow. What are we missing because we never get past the thoughts and put them into action? God knows the season we are in, and He knows how to multiply and bless us in that season. It is sowing time. There is a principle in life that you cannot avoid. Paul expresses this principle to the Galatian church that what you sow, you will reap. The word sow is an action word. It is not a thought or desire but an intentional effort. So much is lost in life because good thoughts and intentions never make it past that stage and into action. What do we hold in our hands right now? What possibilities do we have in our hands if we ould only put them into action? Our life is often not as fruitful as it could be because we do not progress from thought to action. When we sow a seed, we do not reap a seed. We reap a harvest that is a multiplication of what we hold in our hands. If we want a better future, it is time to act and sow the seeds that will reap a better future. Isaiah says blessed are those that sow beside all waters. He did not say this during good times, and he did not say some waters; he says all water. Amid all the discouragement and challenges, God will bless the sowing. He did not say wait until things got better, he said to sow. If we want to change our future, we have to begin planting. Why don’t we sow? Many times the reason is that we cannot predict the outcome, and we do not want to take the chance. Ecclesiastes says that wif we watch the winds, we will never reap. We cannot wait for optimal conditions. The bible says to sow beside all waters, not just the ones that we know will produce results. God will handle the results; all we need to do is sow. What are we missing because we never get past the thoughts and put them into action? God knows the season we are in, and He knows how to multiply and bless us in that season. It is sowing time. There is a principle in life that you cannot avoid. Paul expresses this principle to the Galatian church that what you sow, you will reap. The word sow is an action word. It is not a thought or desire but an intentional effort. So much is lost in li… Mark Hughes 1731 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21652834/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sowingtime/id/3530976.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21652834 Scripture: Galatians 6:7, Isaiah 32:20, Ecclesiastes 11:4-11:6 Mon, 24 Aug 2020 03:42:49 +0000 Mark Hughes Brother Hughes misplaced his wallet today. As he began to look around his office, he became concerned because he could not find it. He called Sister Hughes to look for it at home, but as he talked to her, he found the wallet in a place where he had just looked. At that moment, God spoke to him and said, “What else are you not seeing that is right there?” Our text is another case of not seeing what was there. The servant went out to find themselves surrounded by the enemy and was alarmed. He began to speak to the man of God in distress and fear, but Elisha prayed, “O God, open his eyes and let him see.” The servant looked up to find the hills full of men and horses to come to their defense. The servant was blinded to the protection and power that were all around him. There was glory beyond the worry. What are we not seeing because we are too focused on our situation? What are we missing because we are distracted by the things around us? The enemy will always place distractions in our way. He will use fear and worries to keep us from focusing on the blessings and promises of God. No matter our surroundings, God will never abandon us. Brother Hughes looked diligently for his wallet, but could not find it. It was there all along, but he did not see it until he looked a second time. God’s protection is there, even if we cannot see it. Are we focused on the worry or looking for the wonder. Brother Hughes misplaced his wallet today. As he began to look around his office, he became concerned because he could not find it. He called Sister Hughes to look for it at home, but as he talked to her, he found the wallet in a place where he had just looked. At that moment, God spoke to him and said, “What else are you not seeing that is right there?” Our text is another case of not seeing what was there. The servant went out to find themselves surrounded by the enemy and was alarmed. He began to speak to the man of God in distress and fear, but Elisha prayed, “O God, open his eyes and let him see.” The servant looked up to find the hills full of men and horses to come to their defense. The servant was blinded to the protection and power that were all around him. There was glory beyond the worry. What are we not seeing because we are too focused on our situation? What are we missing because we are distracted by the things around us? The enemy will always place distractions in our way. He will use fear and worries to keep us from focusing on the blessings and promises of God. No matter our surroundings, God will never abandon us. Brother Hughes looked diligently for his wallet, but could not find it. It was there all along, but he did not see it until he looked a second time. God’s protection is there, even if we cannot see it. Are we focused on the worry or looking for the wonder. Brother Hughes misplaced his wallet today. As he began to look around his office, he became concerned because he could not find it. He called Sister Hughes to look for it at home, but as he talked to her, he found the wallet in a place where he had j… Mark Hughes 1645 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21649741/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_worryorwonder/id/978623.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21649741 Scripture: 2 Kings 6:15-6:17 Mon, 24 Aug 2020 03:42:49 +0000 Mark Hughes Brother Hughes misplaced his wallet today. As he began to look around his office, he became concerned because he could not find it. He called Sister Hughes to look for it at home, but as he talked to her, he found the wallet in a place where he had just looked. At that moment, God spoke to him and said, “What else are you not seeing that is right there?” Our text is another case of not seeing what was there. The servant went out to find themselves surrounded by the enemy and was alarmed. He began to speak to the man of God in distress and fear, but Elisha prayed, “O God, open his eyes and let him see.” The servant looked up to find the hills full of men and horses to come to their defense. The servant was blinded to the protection and power that were all around him. There was glory beyond the worry. What are we not seeing because we are too focused on our situation? What are we missing because we are distracted by the things around us? The enemy will always place distractions in our way. He will use fear and worries to keep us from focusing on the blessings and promises of God. No matter our surroundings, God will never abandon us. Brother Hughes looked diligently for his wallet, but could not find it. It was there all along, but he did not see it until he looked a second time. God’s protection is there, even if we cannot see it. Are we focused on the worry or looking for the wonder. Brother Hughes misplaced his wallet today. As he began to look around his office, he became concerned because he could not find it. He called Sister Hughes to look for it at home, but as he talked to her, he found the wallet in a place where he had just looked. At that moment, God spoke to him and said, “What else are you not seeing that is right there?” Our text is another case of not seeing what was there. The servant went out to find themselves surrounded by the enemy and was alarmed. He began to speak to the man of God in distress and fear, but Elisha prayed, “O God, open his eyes and let him see.” The servant looked up to find the hills full of men and horses to come to their defense. The servant was blinded to the protection and power that were all around him. There was glory beyond the worry. What are we not seeing because we are too focused on our situation? What are we missing because we are distracted by the things around us? The enemy will always place distractions in our way. He will use fear and worries to keep us from focusing on the blessings and promises of God. No matter our surroundings, God will never abandon us. Brother Hughes looked diligently for his wallet, but could not find it. It was there all along, but he did not see it until he looked a second time. God’s protection is there, even if we cannot see it. Are we focused on the worry or looking for the wonder. Brother Hughes misplaced his wallet today. As he began to look around his office, he became concerned because he could not find it. He called Sister Hughes to look for it at home, but as he talked to her, he found the wallet in a place where he had j… Mark Hughes 1645 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21649741/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_worryorwonder/id/3528050.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21649741 Scripture: 2 Kings 6:15-6:17 Sun, 23 Aug 2020 19:35:14 +0000 Mark Hughes The conie mentioned in our text is a couscous creature. The bible says although they are little, they are are wise. Most historians believe these were a small animal that lived int eh desert. Probably about the size of a rabbit, they are a timid animal. They do not have claws, or thick skin or powerful teeth. Conies have many natural enemies, so they have to be very careful as they go about their lives. Unbelievably, these small, timid animals are distant relatives to the rhinoceros and the elephant. For all of the weaknesses of the conie, it has the wisdom to run to a place of strength and protection. Instinctually, they know that they are secure in the rocks. The conie has learned the value of the rock. We also have a rock to which we can run in times of trouble. Jesus is the rock of our salvation and offers a place of security and strength. Like the conie, we are no match for our enemy, but there is a place that we can run in our frail humanity that will protect us. When we find our refuge in the rock, we have found help like no other. When we seek refuge at the rock of the alter, we have all the benefits and protection that comes from being a child of God. The alter gives us the protection of every drop of blood shed for us. It provides all the grace, mercy, and strength that we need to face any enemy. The wisdom of our weakness is not to ignore it or pretend that it does not exist. The wisdom of our weakness is to understand how to find a place of protection in the arms of an all-loving God. The conie mentioned in our text is a couscous creature. The bible says although they are little, they are are wise. Most historians believe these were a small animal that lived int eh desert. Probably about the size of a rabbit, they are a timid animal. They do not have claws, or thick skin or powerful teeth. Conies have many natural enemies, so they have to be very careful as they go about their lives. Unbelievably, these small, timid animals are distant relatives to the rhinoceros and the elephant. For all of the weaknesses of the conie, it has the wisdom to run to a place of strength and protection. Instinctually, they know that they are secure in the rocks. The conie has learned the value of the rock. We also have a rock to which we can run in times of trouble. Jesus is the rock of our salvation and offers a place of security and strength. Like the conie, we are no match for our enemy, but there is a place that we can run in our frail humanity that will protect us. When we find our refuge in the rock, we have found help like no other. When we seek refuge at the rock of the alter, we have all the benefits and protection that comes from being a child of God. The alter gives us the protection of every drop of blood shed for us. It provides all the grace, mercy, and strength that we need to face any enemy. The wisdom of our weakness is not to ignore it or pretend that it does not exist. The wisdom of our weakness is to understand how to find a place of protection in the arms of an all-loving God. The conie mentioned in our text is a couscous creature. The bible says although they are little, they are are wise. Most historians believe these were a small animal that lived int eh desert. Probably about the size of a rabbit, they are a timid anim… Mark Hughes 1968 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21649403/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_wisdomforourweakness/id/978489.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21649403 Scripture: Proverbs 30:24-30:26 Sun, 23 Aug 2020 19:35:14 +0000 Mark Hughes The conie mentioned in our text is a couscous creature. The bible says although they are little, they are are wise. Most historians believe these were a small animal that lived int eh desert. Probably about the size of a rabbit, they are a timid animal. They do not have claws, or thick skin or powerful teeth. Conies have many natural enemies, so they have to be very careful as they go about their lives. Unbelievably, these small, timid animals are distant relatives to the rhinoceros and the elephant. For all of the weaknesses of the conie, it has the wisdom to run to a place of strength and protection. Instinctually, they know that they are secure in the rocks. The conie has learned the value of the rock. We also have a rock to which we can run in times of trouble. Jesus is the rock of our salvation and offers a place of security and strength. Like the conie, we are no match for our enemy, but there is a place that we can run in our frail humanity that will protect us. When we find our refuge in the rock, we have found help like no other. When we seek refuge at the rock of the alter, we have all the benefits and protection that comes from being a child of God. The alter gives us the protection of every drop of blood shed for us. It provides all the grace, mercy, and strength that we need to face any enemy. The wisdom of our weakness is not to ignore it or pretend that it does not exist. The wisdom of our weakness is to understand how to find a place of protection in the arms of an all-loving God. The conie mentioned in our text is a couscous creature. The bible says although they are little, they are are wise. Most historians believe these were a small animal that lived int eh desert. Probably about the size of a rabbit, they are a timid animal. They do not have claws, or thick skin or powerful teeth. Conies have many natural enemies, so they have to be very careful as they go about their lives. Unbelievably, these small, timid animals are distant relatives to the rhinoceros and the elephant. For all of the weaknesses of the conie, it has the wisdom to run to a place of strength and protection. Instinctually, they know that they are secure in the rocks. The conie has learned the value of the rock. We also have a rock to which we can run in times of trouble. Jesus is the rock of our salvation and offers a place of security and strength. Like the conie, we are no match for our enemy, but there is a place that we can run in our frail humanity that will protect us. When we find our refuge in the rock, we have found help like no other. When we seek refuge at the rock of the alter, we have all the benefits and protection that comes from being a child of God. The alter gives us the protection of every drop of blood shed for us. It provides all the grace, mercy, and strength that we need to face any enemy. The wisdom of our weakness is not to ignore it or pretend that it does not exist. The wisdom of our weakness is to understand how to find a place of protection in the arms of an all-loving God. The conie mentioned in our text is a couscous creature. The bible says although they are little, they are are wise. Most historians believe these were a small animal that lived int eh desert. Probably about the size of a rabbit, they are a timid anim… Mark Hughes 1968 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21649403/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wisdomforourweakness/id/3527746.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21649403 Scripture: Proverbs 30:24-30:26 Thu, 20 Aug 2020 03:16:37 +0000 Landon Long Most of us enjoy a good mystery novel; especially one that has a plot twist. Every chapter draws us further into the story and we are sure that we know what is coming, but the author has a surprise for us. We serve an author who loves to give a good plot twist. God can provide an unexpected event that can totally turn our life around. The bible is full of stories that include plot twists: Noah, Daniel, David and Goliath, Joseph, and the entire gospel story all end much differently than expected. But what about when it is our story? What about when we do not know the next step? God knows the ending from the beginning, but we do not. What about when we have failed time and time again? What about trusting the author when it is us not David? What about when we find ourselves in the lion’s den? What do we do then? The answer is our text from Philippians: Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Jesus will finish what He started. Our plot twist is just beyond the challenge we might be facing right now. Today might not be our best day, but God is declaring this is not how the story ends. The author of our faith has a flourishing finish in store for us. God is getting ready to open doors that we thought could not be opened. God is not finished writing the story. Are we willing to let God interrupt our story? Most of us enjoy a good mystery novel; especially one that has a plot twist. Every chapter draws us further into the story and we are sure that we know what is coming, but the author has a surprise for us. We serve an author who loves to give a good plot twist. God can provide an unexpected event that can totally turn our life around. The bible is full of stories that include plot twists: Noah, Daniel, David and Goliath, Joseph, and the entire gospel story all end much differently than expected. But what about when it is our story? What about when we do not know the next step? God knows the ending from the beginning, but we do not. What about when we have failed time and time again? What about trusting the author when it is us not David? What about when we find ourselves in the lion’s den? What do we do then? The answer is our text from Philippians: Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Jesus will finish what He started. Our plot twist is just beyond the challenge we might be facing right now. Today might not be our best day, but God is declaring this is not how the story ends. The author of our faith has a flourishing finish in store for us. God is getting ready to open doors that we thought could not be opened. God is not finished writing the story. Are we willing to let God interrupt our story? Most of us enjoy a good mystery novel; especially one that has a plot twist. Every chapter draws us further into the story and we are sure that we know what is coming, but the author has a surprise for us. We serve an author who loves to give a good … Landon Long 2266 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21647428/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_anauthorwithaflourishingfinish/id/977181.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21647428 Scripture: Hebrews 12:2, Philippians 1:6 Thu, 20 Aug 2020 03:16:37 +0000 Landon Long Most of us enjoy a good mystery novel; especially one that has a plot twist. Every chapter draws us further into the story and we are sure that we know what is coming, but the author has a surprise for us. We serve an author who loves to give a good plot twist. God can provide an unexpected event that can totally turn our life around. The bible is full of stories that include plot twists: Noah, Daniel, David and Goliath, Joseph, and the entire gospel story all end much differently than expected. But what about when it is our story? What about when we do not know the next step? God knows the ending from the beginning, but we do not. What about when we have failed time and time again? What about trusting the author when it is us not David? What about when we find ourselves in the lion’s den? What do we do then? The answer is our text from Philippians: Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Jesus will finish what He started. Our plot twist is just beyond the challenge we might be facing right now. Today might not be our best day, but God is declaring this is not how the story ends. The author of our faith has a flourishing finish in store for us. God is getting ready to open doors that we thought could not be opened. God is not finished writing the story. Are we willing to let God interrupt our story? Most of us enjoy a good mystery novel; especially one that has a plot twist. Every chapter draws us further into the story and we are sure that we know what is coming, but the author has a surprise for us. We serve an author who loves to give a good plot twist. God can provide an unexpected event that can totally turn our life around. The bible is full of stories that include plot twists: Noah, Daniel, David and Goliath, Joseph, and the entire gospel story all end much differently than expected. But what about when it is our story? What about when we do not know the next step? God knows the ending from the beginning, but we do not. What about when we have failed time and time again? What about trusting the author when it is us not David? What about when we find ourselves in the lion’s den? What do we do then? The answer is our text from Philippians: Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Jesus will finish what He started. Our plot twist is just beyond the challenge we might be facing right now. Today might not be our best day, but God is declaring this is not how the story ends. The author of our faith has a flourishing finish in store for us. God is getting ready to open doors that we thought could not be opened. God is not finished writing the story. Are we willing to let God interrupt our story? Most of us enjoy a good mystery novel; especially one that has a plot twist. Every chapter draws us further into the story and we are sure that we know what is coming, but the author has a surprise for us. We serve an author who loves to give a good … Landon Long 2266 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21647428/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_anauthorwithaflourishingfinish/id/3525808.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21647428 Scripture: Hebrews 12:2, Philippians 1:6 Thu, 06 Aug 2020 02:53:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Dr. Hughes’ texts tonight is the story of the Apostle’s journey across the sea of Galilee after the miracles of the feeding of the multitudes. Jesus warned the apostles to be wary of the leavening of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Leveling is a small part of the mixture, but it affects the entire dough. The Pharisees and Sadducees had allowed little things from the world to enter their life, and those decisions led to major changes in the doctrine of the church. Jesus’ admonition to the Apostles was subtle, but it was of enormous importance. His warning is just as important to us today. We must be careful what we allow into our lives and what influences we permit to creep in. Dr. Hughes’ texts tonight is the story of the Apostle’s journey across the sea of Galilee after the miracles of the feeding of the multitudes. Jesus warned the apostles to be wary of the leavening of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Leveling is a small part of the mixture, but it affects the entire dough. The Pharisees and Sadducees had allowed little things from the world to enter their life, and those decisions led to major changes in the doctrine of the church. Jesus’ admonition to the Apostles was subtle, but it was of enormous importance. His warning is just as important to us today. We must be careful what we allow into our lives and what influences we permit to creep in. Dr. Hughes’ texts tonight is the story of the Apostle’s journey across the sea of Galilee after the miracles of the feeding of the multitudes. Jesus warned the apostles to be wary of the leavening of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Leveling is a small p… Kenneth Baker 2627 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21640437/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_subtlewarningsfromesus/id/973271.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21640437 Subtle Warnings From Jesus Thu, 06 Aug 2020 02:53:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Dr. Hughes’ texts tonight is the story of the Apostle’s journey across the sea of Galilee after the miracles of the feeding of the multitudes. Jesus warned the apostles to be wary of the leavening of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Leveling is a small part of the mixture, but it affects the entire dough. The Pharisees and Sadducees had allowed little things from the world to enter their life, and those decisions led to major changes in the doctrine of the church. Jesus’ admonition to the Apostles was subtle, but it was of enormous importance. His warning is just as important to us today. We must be careful what we allow into our lives and what influences we permit to creep in. Dr. Hughes’ texts tonight is the story of the Apostle’s journey across the sea of Galilee after the miracles of the feeding of the multitudes. Jesus warned the apostles to be wary of the leavening of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Leveling is a small part of the mixture, but it affects the entire dough. The Pharisees and Sadducees had allowed little things from the world to enter their life, and those decisions led to major changes in the doctrine of the church. Jesus’ admonition to the Apostles was subtle, but it was of enormous importance. His warning is just as important to us today. We must be careful what we allow into our lives and what influences we permit to creep in. Dr. Hughes’ texts tonight is the story of the Apostle’s journey across the sea of Galilee after the miracles of the feeding of the multitudes. Jesus warned the apostles to be wary of the leavening of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Leveling is a small p… Kenneth Baker 2627 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21640437/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_subtlewarningsfromesus/id/3519335.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21640437 Subtle Warnings From Jesus Sun, 02 Aug 2020 21:04:57 +0000 Mark Hughes The past several months bring up many questions. One of these is the question of what makes us feel secure. We have all felt uneasy as we saw empty store shelves and shortages of things that are needed for daily life. There is insecurity when the things on which we have become dependant are threatened. Some lost their jobs or had their income reduced. Many had to isolate themselves from friends and family to stop the spread of the virus. These support systems are integral to our feeling confident and secure. Our nature is to build these protections to sustain us against the threats that come in life. Israel exhibited the same tendencies. As time went on, they began to make battlements to protect themselves from their enemies. They came to rely on these man-made structures and systems rather than relying on God. Over time, they relied so much on these things that it inhibited their relationship with God. God has a way of stripping these things away so that we are reminded that He is capable of providing for our needs and security. When we look beyond man’s abilities, we see that God is still on the throne. All that is going in the world right now may be an attempt by God to strip away the props we have come to rely upon. God wants to remove all of the props that we rely upon so that we return to relying upon Him. The past several months bring up many questions. One of these is the question of what makes us feel secure. We have all felt uneasy as we saw empty store shelves and shortages of things that are needed for daily life. There is insecurity when the things on which we have become dependant are threatened. Some lost their jobs or had their income reduced. Many had to isolate themselves from friends and family to stop the spread of the virus. These support systems are integral to our feeling confident and secure. Our nature is to build these protections to sustain us against the threats that come in life. Israel exhibited the same tendencies. As time went on, they began to make battlements to protect themselves from their enemies. They came to rely on these man-made structures and systems rather than relying on God. Over time, they relied so much on these things that it inhibited their relationship with God. God has a way of stripping these things away so that we are reminded that He is capable of providing for our needs and security. When we look beyond man’s abilities, we see that God is still on the throne. All that is going in the world right now may be an attempt by God to strip away the props we have come to rely upon. God wants to remove all of the props that we rely upon so that we return to relying upon Him. The past several months bring up many questions. One of these is the question of what makes us feel secure. We have all felt uneasy as we saw empty store shelves and shortages of things that are needed for daily life. There is insecurity when the th… Mark Hughes 1924 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21639013/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whenallthepropsaregone/id/972590.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21639013 Scripture: Jeremiah 5:1-5:10 Sun, 02 Aug 2020 21:04:57 +0000 Mark Hughes The past several months bring up many questions. One of these is the question of what makes us feel secure. We have all felt uneasy as we saw empty store shelves and shortages of things that are needed for daily life. There is insecurity when the things on which we have become dependant are threatened. Some lost their jobs or had their income reduced. Many had to isolate themselves from friends and family to stop the spread of the virus. These support systems are integral to our feeling confident and secure. Our nature is to build these protections to sustain us against the threats that come in life. Israel exhibited the same tendencies. As time went on, they began to make battlements to protect themselves from their enemies. They came to rely on these man-made structures and systems rather than relying on God. Over time, they relied so much on these things that it inhibited their relationship with God. God has a way of stripping these things away so that we are reminded that He is capable of providing for our needs and security. When we look beyond man’s abilities, we see that God is still on the throne. All that is going in the world right now may be an attempt by God to strip away the props we have come to rely upon. God wants to remove all of the props that we rely upon so that we return to relying upon Him. The past several months bring up many questions. One of these is the question of what makes us feel secure. We have all felt uneasy as we saw empty store shelves and shortages of things that are needed for daily life. There is insecurity when the things on which we have become dependant are threatened. Some lost their jobs or had their income reduced. Many had to isolate themselves from friends and family to stop the spread of the virus. These support systems are integral to our feeling confident and secure. Our nature is to build these protections to sustain us against the threats that come in life. Israel exhibited the same tendencies. As time went on, they began to make battlements to protect themselves from their enemies. They came to rely on these man-made structures and systems rather than relying on God. Over time, they relied so much on these things that it inhibited their relationship with God. God has a way of stripping these things away so that we are reminded that He is capable of providing for our needs and security. When we look beyond man’s abilities, we see that God is still on the throne. All that is going in the world right now may be an attempt by God to strip away the props we have come to rely upon. God wants to remove all of the props that we rely upon so that we return to relying upon Him. The past several months bring up many questions. One of these is the question of what makes us feel secure. We have all felt uneasy as we saw empty store shelves and shortages of things that are needed for daily life. There is insecurity when the th… Mark Hughes 1924 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21639013/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenallthepropsaregone/id/3517965.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21639013 Scripture: Jeremiah 5:1-5:10 Thu, 30 Jul 2020 02:15:02 +0000 Mark Hughes All of us struggle with issues of concern and doubt. We will all encounter disappointment and heartaches. All of us are held prisoner by the same fears and worries. Collectively, we are all suffering through a global pandemic. None of us could imagine what 2020 would bring when we rang in the new year. Our text if familiar. It is one of the most triumphant moments in the new testament. Paul and Silas had been beaten and imprisoned in the deepest part of the prison. Their circumstances were bleak. They were in the part of the prison where they took people to await their death. In the face of the beatings, and their gloomy outlook, Paul and Silu’s response was remarkably bright. Instead of mourning their situation, they began to pray and sing praises to the Lord. Those sounds of praise was a testimony that the external circumstances of life cannot destroy the relationship with God. It only took two men to change the atmosphere in that prison. Not only did they improve their situation, but the sound of their praise also enlighten the entire prison. There is a world around us that we do not even realize. Each of us has an unconscious ministry that takes place in everyday situations. Paul and Silus did not pray and praise to be heard. The did not do it so that the people around them would hear them, They prayed and praised for themselves, but their sound affected all around them. The sound that comes out of our mouth affects all that can hear. What kind of sound is coming from us? Somebody is listening for our response. People who know that we are a child of God will take note of how we respond to life. Some people are watching our response to this pandemic. Some are determining their future by what they see in us. We all suffer the same circumstances, but we will not all suffer the same fate. The world is looking for the sons of God to be revealed. What better time than now for a child of God to demonstrate the hope we have in Jesus? Some are in the same prison that we are, but they do not have the hope that we have. If we do not profess that hope, how will they ever get it? Somebody is listening. People are watching. What do they hear? What do they see? What is our testimony? All of us struggle with issues of concern and doubt. We will all encounter disappointment and heartaches. All of us are held prisoner by the same fears and worries. Collectively, we are all suffering through a global pandemic. None of us could imagine what 2020 would bring when we rang in the new year. Our text if familiar. It is one of the most triumphant moments in the new testament. Paul and Silas had been beaten and imprisoned in the deepest part of the prison. Their circumstances were bleak. They were in the part of the prison where they took people to await their death. In the face of the beatings, and their gloomy outlook, Paul and Silu’s response was remarkably bright. Instead of mourning their situation, they began to pray and sing praises to the Lord. Those sounds of praise was a testimony that the external circumstances of life cannot destroy the relationship with God. It only took two men to change the atmosphere in that prison. Not only did they improve their situation, but the sound of their praise also enlighten the entire prison. There is a world around us that we do not even realize. Each of us has an unconscious ministry that takes place in everyday situations. Paul and Silus did not pray and praise to be heard. The did not do it so that the people around them would hear them, They prayed and praised for themselves, but their sound affected all around them. The sound that comes out of our mouth affects all that can hear. What kind of sound is coming from us? Somebody is listening for our response. People who know that we are a child of God will take note of how we respond to life. Some people are watching our response to this pandemic. Some are determining their future by what they see in us. We all suffer the same circumstances, but we will not all suffer the same fate. The world is looking for the sons of God to be revealed. What better time than now for a child of God to demonstrate the hope we have in Jesus? Some are in the same prison that we are, but they do not have the hope that we have. If we do not profess that hope, how will they ever get it? Somebody is listening. People are watching. What do they hear? What do they see? What is our testimony? All of us struggle with issues of concern and doubt. We will all encounter disappointment and heartaches. All of us are held prisoner by the same fears and worries. Collectively, we are all suffering through a global pandemic. None of us could imag… Mark Hughes 2026 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21634329/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_anuncommonsoundforthecommondar/id/969172.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21634329 Scripture: Acts 16:25 Thu, 30 Jul 2020 02:15:02 +0000 Mark Hughes All of us struggle with issues of concern and doubt. We will all encounter disappointment and heartaches. All of us are held prisoner by the same fears and worries. Collectively, we are all suffering through a global pandemic. None of us could imagine what 2020 would bring when we rang in the new year. Our text if familiar. It is one of the most triumphant moments in the new testament. Paul and Silas had been beaten and imprisoned in the deepest part of the prison. Their circumstances were bleak. They were in the part of the prison where they took people to await their death. In the face of the beatings, and their gloomy outlook, Paul and Silu’s response was remarkably bright. Instead of mourning their situation, they began to pray and sing praises to the Lord. Those sounds of praise was a testimony that the external circumstances of life cannot destroy the relationship with God. It only took two men to change the atmosphere in that prison. Not only did they improve their situation, but the sound of their praise also enlighten the entire prison. There is a world around us that we do not even realize. Each of us has an unconscious ministry that takes place in everyday situations. Paul and Silus did not pray and praise to be heard. The did not do it so that the people around them would hear them, They prayed and praised for themselves, but their sound affected all around them. The sound that comes out of our mouth affects all that can hear. What kind of sound is coming from us? Somebody is listening for our response. People who know that we are a child of God will take note of how we respond to life. Some people are watching our response to this pandemic. Some are determining their future by what they see in us. We all suffer the same circumstances, but we will not all suffer the same fate. The world is looking for the sons of God to be revealed. What better time than now for a child of God to demonstrate the hope we have in Jesus? Some are in the same prison that we are, but they do not have the hope that we have. If we do not profess that hope, how will they ever get it? Somebody is listening. People are watching. What do they hear? What do they see? What is our testimony? All of us struggle with issues of concern and doubt. We will all encounter disappointment and heartaches. All of us are held prisoner by the same fears and worries. Collectively, we are all suffering through a global pandemic. None of us could imagine what 2020 would bring when we rang in the new year. Our text if familiar. It is one of the most triumphant moments in the new testament. Paul and Silas had been beaten and imprisoned in the deepest part of the prison. Their circumstances were bleak. They were in the part of the prison where they took people to await their death. In the face of the beatings, and their gloomy outlook, Paul and Silu’s response was remarkably bright. Instead of mourning their situation, they began to pray and sing praises to the Lord. Those sounds of praise was a testimony that the external circumstances of life cannot destroy the relationship with God. It only took two men to change the atmosphere in that prison. Not only did they improve their situation, but the sound of their praise also enlighten the entire prison. There is a world around us that we do not even realize. Each of us has an unconscious ministry that takes place in everyday situations. Paul and Silus did not pray and praise to be heard. The did not do it so that the people around them would hear them, They prayed and praised for themselves, but their sound affected all around them. The sound that comes out of our mouth affects all that can hear. What kind of sound is coming from us? Somebody is listening for our response. People who know that we are a child of God will take note of how we respond to life. Some people are watching our response to this pandemic. Some are determining their future by what they see in us. We all suffer the same circumstances, but we will not all suffer the same fate. The world is looking for the sons of God to be revealed. What better time than now for a child of God to demonstrate the hope we have in Jesus? Some are in the same prison that we are, but they do not have the hope that we have. If we do not profess that hope, how will they ever get it? Somebody is listening. People are watching. What do they hear? What do they see? What is our testimony? All of us struggle with issues of concern and doubt. We will all encounter disappointment and heartaches. All of us are held prisoner by the same fears and worries. Collectively, we are all suffering through a global pandemic. None of us could imag… Mark Hughes 2026 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21634329/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_anuncommonsoundforthecommondar/id/3516087.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21634329 Scripture: Acts 16:25 Sun, 26 Jul 2020 20:23:41 +0000 Mark Hughes We live in a turbulent time. The spirit that grips our world is one of confusion. It is a spirit that is trying to change our values. Anger and outrage are driving a rewriting of history and what we believe. This spirit is attempting to write God out of necessity. We live in a turbulent time. The spirit that grips our world is one of confusion. It is a spirit that is trying to change our values. Anger and outrage are driving a rewriting of history and what we believe. This spirit is attempting to write God out of necessity. In our text, Paul is writing to seven different churches. These first-century churches experienced many changes. They had drifted away from the truth from which they were birthed. They struggled with fear. They fought the influence of the corrupt environment around them. They battled the dilution of their doctrine. The delt with a Jezebel spirit. That spirit that entertains itself with evil, and tolerates the corrupt influence of the world. All of these churches faced problems, but they had one thing in common. Each of them had strong people who were overcomers. God still looks for overcomers who can fight off and resist the attacks of the enemy. That there is an overcomer, implies that there will be a battle. Our world is a battleground. What we say is being challenged daily. What defines us? Do our determination, our resilience, and our love for God define us? Have we succumbed to a spirit of compromise? Do we remain silent in the face of evil? We cannot allow our culture to define us. We cannot give into passivity or embracing this culture of uncleanliness. We have to be known as an overcomer. What is defining our life? We live in a turbulent time. The spirit that grips our world is one of confusion. It is a spirit that is trying to change our values. Anger and outrage are driving a rewriting of history and what we believe. This spirit is attempting to write God out of necessity. We live in a turbulent time. The spirit that grips our world is one of confusion. It is a spirit that is trying to change our values. Anger and outrage are driving a rewriting of history and what we believe. This spirit is attempting to write God out of necessity. In our text, Paul is writing to seven different churches. These first-century churches experienced many changes. They had drifted away from the truth from which they were birthed. They struggled with fear. They fought the influence of the corrupt environment around them. They battled the dilution of their doctrine. The delt with a Jezebel spirit. That spirit that entertains itself with evil, and tolerates the corrupt influence of the world. All of these churches faced problems, but they had one thing in common. Each of them had strong people who were overcomers. God still looks for overcomers who can fight off and resist the attacks of the enemy. That there is an overcomer, implies that there will be a battle. Our world is a battleground. What we say is being challenged daily. What defines us? Do our determination, our resilience, and our love for God define us? Have we succumbed to a spirit of compromise? Do we remain silent in the face of evil? We cannot allow our culture to define us. We cannot give into passivity or embracing this culture of uncleanliness. We have to be known as an overcomer. What is defining our life? We live in a turbulent time. The spirit that grips our world is one of confusion. It is a spirit that is trying to change our values. Anger and outrage are driving a rewriting of history and what we believe. This spirit is attempting to write God o… Mark Hughes 2399 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21632219/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whatisdefiningmylife/id/967474.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21632219 Scripture: Revelation 2, Revelation 3 Sun, 26 Jul 2020 20:23:41 +0000 Mark Hughes We live in a turbulent time. The spirit that grips our world is one of confusion. It is a spirit that is trying to change our values. Anger and outrage are driving a rewriting of history and what we believe. This spirit is attempting to write God out of necessity. We live in a turbulent time. The spirit that grips our world is one of confusion. It is a spirit that is trying to change our values. Anger and outrage are driving a rewriting of history and what we believe. This spirit is attempting to write God out of necessity. In our text, Paul is writing to seven different churches. These first-century churches experienced many changes. They had drifted away from the truth from which they were birthed. They struggled with fear. They fought the influence of the corrupt environment around them. They battled the dilution of their doctrine. The delt with a Jezebel spirit. That spirit that entertains itself with evil, and tolerates the corrupt influence of the world. All of these churches faced problems, but they had one thing in common. Each of them had strong people who were overcomers. God still looks for overcomers who can fight off and resist the attacks of the enemy. That there is an overcomer, implies that there will be a battle. Our world is a battleground. What we say is being challenged daily. What defines us? Do our determination, our resilience, and our love for God define us? Have we succumbed to a spirit of compromise? Do we remain silent in the face of evil? We cannot allow our culture to define us. We cannot give into passivity or embracing this culture of uncleanliness. We have to be known as an overcomer. What is defining our life? We live in a turbulent time. The spirit that grips our world is one of confusion. It is a spirit that is trying to change our values. Anger and outrage are driving a rewriting of history and what we believe. This spirit is attempting to write God out of necessity. We live in a turbulent time. The spirit that grips our world is one of confusion. It is a spirit that is trying to change our values. Anger and outrage are driving a rewriting of history and what we believe. This spirit is attempting to write God out of necessity. In our text, Paul is writing to seven different churches. These first-century churches experienced many changes. They had drifted away from the truth from which they were birthed. They struggled with fear. They fought the influence of the corrupt environment around them. They battled the dilution of their doctrine. The delt with a Jezebel spirit. That spirit that entertains itself with evil, and tolerates the corrupt influence of the world. All of these churches faced problems, but they had one thing in common. Each of them had strong people who were overcomers. God still looks for overcomers who can fight off and resist the attacks of the enemy. That there is an overcomer, implies that there will be a battle. Our world is a battleground. What we say is being challenged daily. What defines us? Do our determination, our resilience, and our love for God define us? Have we succumbed to a spirit of compromise? Do we remain silent in the face of evil? We cannot allow our culture to define us. We cannot give into passivity or embracing this culture of uncleanliness. We have to be known as an overcomer. What is defining our life? We live in a turbulent time. The spirit that grips our world is one of confusion. It is a spirit that is trying to change our values. Anger and outrage are driving a rewriting of history and what we believe. This spirit is attempting to write God o… Mark Hughes 2399 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21632219/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatisdefiningmylife/id/3514689.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21632219 Scripture: Revelation 2, Revelation 3 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 16:24:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Life is not an easy journey. Sometimes, life takes us to places that we do not understand. All of us, as time point in our life, have questioned why. Why did this happen? The circumstances of life sometimes seem to be at odds with the promises of God. We will struggle to reconcile our current situation with the promise or the direction we have from God. in our text, God appears to Gideon to encourage him and call him to a particular purpose. Gideon asked the same questions that so many have asked: how can God be with us in this situation? The fact that God came to speak to Gideon was a confirmation that He cares and knows where we are. Too many are lost in their circumstances because that is all they can see. God is speaking, even now, to let us know that He is with us. We must get our eyes off our circumstances and look to see that God is near and is speaking even now. No matter what our current situation says, what God says takes precedence. When our world seems to contradict the word of God, we must hold onto that Word because it will stand. God’s word will not fail. We cannot trust our feelings. Feelings will betray us, but God never will. Prescription is not reality. Gideon, Job, and David all had a perception of their circumstances that were not in line with God’s truth. The bible says that God looked on Gideon, and in that look, He removed the fear, doubt, and weariness. That look placed confidence, strength, and power. Gideon struggled when he looked only to himself and his circumstances. When he began to look to God for encouragement, he was lifted up. God’s word to us is that we have to get up. Forget about our circumstances and feelings lift our eyes to God. The reality is that God will go with us to the ends of the earth or the depths of hell. He will be with us every step of the way. It is time to get up and fulfill our purpose. Life is not an easy journey. Sometimes, life takes us to places that we do not understand. All of us, as time point in our life, have questioned why. Why did this happen? The circumstances of life sometimes seem to be at odds with the promises of God. We will struggle to reconcile our current situation with the promise or the direction we have from God. in our text, God appears to Gideon to encourage him and call him to a particular purpose. Gideon asked the same questions that so many have asked: how can God be with us in this situation? The fact that God came to speak to Gideon was a confirmation that He cares and knows where we are. Too many are lost in their circumstances because that is all they can see. God is speaking, even now, to let us know that He is with us. We must get our eyes off our circumstances and look to see that God is near and is speaking even now. No matter what our current situation says, what God says takes precedence. When our world seems to contradict the word of God, we must hold onto that Word because it will stand. God’s word will not fail. We cannot trust our feelings. Feelings will betray us, but God never will. Prescription is not reality. Gideon, Job, and David all had a perception of their circumstances that were not in line with God’s truth. The bible says that God looked on Gideon, and in that look, He removed the fear, doubt, and weariness. That look placed confidence, strength, and power. Gideon struggled when he looked only to himself and his circumstances. When he began to look to God for encouragement, he was lifted up. God’s word to us is that we have to get up. Forget about our circumstances and feelings lift our eyes to God. The reality is that God will go with us to the ends of the earth or the depths of hell. He will be with us every step of the way. It is time to get up and fulfill our purpose. Life is not an easy journey. Sometimes, life takes us to places that we do not understand. All of us, as time point in our life, have questioned why. Why did this happen? The circumstances of life sometimes seem to be at odds with the promises of Go… Mark Hughes 1844 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21630661/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_asummonstogetup/id/966402.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21630661 Scripture: Judges 6:11-6:13 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 16:24:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Life is not an easy journey. Sometimes, life takes us to places that we do not understand. All of us, as time point in our life, have questioned why. Why did this happen? The circumstances of life sometimes seem to be at odds with the promises of God. We will struggle to reconcile our current situation with the promise or the direction we have from God. in our text, God appears to Gideon to encourage him and call him to a particular purpose. Gideon asked the same questions that so many have asked: how can God be with us in this situation? The fact that God came to speak to Gideon was a confirmation that He cares and knows where we are. Too many are lost in their circumstances because that is all they can see. God is speaking, even now, to let us know that He is with us. We must get our eyes off our circumstances and look to see that God is near and is speaking even now. No matter what our current situation says, what God says takes precedence. When our world seems to contradict the word of God, we must hold onto that Word because it will stand. God’s word will not fail. We cannot trust our feelings. Feelings will betray us, but God never will. Prescription is not reality. Gideon, Job, and David all had a perception of their circumstances that were not in line with God’s truth. The bible says that God looked on Gideon, and in that look, He removed the fear, doubt, and weariness. That look placed confidence, strength, and power. Gideon struggled when he looked only to himself and his circumstances. When he began to look to God for encouragement, he was lifted up. God’s word to us is that we have to get up. Forget about our circumstances and feelings lift our eyes to God. The reality is that God will go with us to the ends of the earth or the depths of hell. He will be with us every step of the way. It is time to get up and fulfill our purpose. Life is not an easy journey. Sometimes, life takes us to places that we do not understand. All of us, as time point in our life, have questioned why. Why did this happen? The circumstances of life sometimes seem to be at odds with the promises of God. We will struggle to reconcile our current situation with the promise or the direction we have from God. in our text, God appears to Gideon to encourage him and call him to a particular purpose. Gideon asked the same questions that so many have asked: how can God be with us in this situation? The fact that God came to speak to Gideon was a confirmation that He cares and knows where we are. Too many are lost in their circumstances because that is all they can see. God is speaking, even now, to let us know that He is with us. We must get our eyes off our circumstances and look to see that God is near and is speaking even now. No matter what our current situation says, what God says takes precedence. When our world seems to contradict the word of God, we must hold onto that Word because it will stand. God’s word will not fail. We cannot trust our feelings. Feelings will betray us, but God never will. Prescription is not reality. Gideon, Job, and David all had a perception of their circumstances that were not in line with God’s truth. The bible says that God looked on Gideon, and in that look, He removed the fear, doubt, and weariness. That look placed confidence, strength, and power. Gideon struggled when he looked only to himself and his circumstances. When he began to look to God for encouragement, he was lifted up. God’s word to us is that we have to get up. Forget about our circumstances and feelings lift our eyes to God. The reality is that God will go with us to the ends of the earth or the depths of hell. He will be with us every step of the way. It is time to get up and fulfill our purpose. Life is not an easy journey. Sometimes, life takes us to places that we do not understand. All of us, as time point in our life, have questioned why. Why did this happen? The circumstances of life sometimes seem to be at odds with the promises of Go… Mark Hughes 1844 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21630661/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_asummonstogetup/id/3513267.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21630661 Scripture: Judges 6:11-6:13 Sun, 19 Jul 2020 19:32:54 +0000 Mark Hughes There are times in life when things do not work out as we planned. We find ourselves in situations where we do not know what to do. In times like this, the facts that we see in front of us challenge our faith. We think we are prepared for these disruptive events, only to find that when presented with them, we are not. Our text is one of the most beautiful passages in the bible. It was, no doubt written after a profoundly difficult event in the writer’s life. We do not know who wrote this Psalm, but what we do know is that the author discovers a comforting revelation after a challenging time. He found that God knew him and was interested in the details of his life. The psalmist realizes that there is no place that we can go that God is not with us. Two words from the tenth verse highlight the totality of God’s knowledge of us: Even There. Even in the extremities of life, even there, God is there. No matter where we are, the presence of the almighty God is there. We may be uncomfortable in our situation, but God is still with us. Far too often in life, we limit ourselves by what we can see. When we are in a trial, we get tunnel vision and are so focused on what we can see, but we forget to look for God. Things may seem hopeless at the moment, but this song from many years ago reassures us that no matter what, God is with us. Even there. There are times in life when things do not work out as we planned. We find ourselves in situations where we do not know what to do. In times like this, the facts that we see in front of us challenge our faith. We think we are prepared for these disruptive events, only to find that when presented with them, we are not. Our text is one of the most beautiful passages in the bible. It was, no doubt written after a profoundly difficult event in the writer’s life. We do not know who wrote this Psalm, but what we do know is that the author discovers a comforting revelation after a challenging time. He found that God knew him and was interested in the details of his life. The psalmist realizes that there is no place that we can go that God is not with us. Two words from the tenth verse highlight the totality of God’s knowledge of us: Even There. Even in the extremities of life, even there, God is there. No matter where we are, the presence of the almighty God is there. We may be uncomfortable in our situation, but God is still with us. Far too often in life, we limit ourselves by what we can see. When we are in a trial, we get tunnel vision and are so focused on what we can see, but we forget to look for God. Things may seem hopeless at the moment, but this song from many years ago reassures us that no matter what, God is with us. Even there. There are times in life when things do not work out as we planned. We find ourselves in situations where we do not know what to do. In times like this, the facts that we see in front of us challenge our faith. We think we are prepared for these disr… Mark Hughes 1851 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21628628/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_eventhere/id/965339.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21628628 Scripture: Psalms 139:1-139:10 Sun, 19 Jul 2020 19:32:54 +0000 Mark Hughes There are times in life when things do not work out as we planned. We find ourselves in situations where we do not know what to do. In times like this, the facts that we see in front of us challenge our faith. We think we are prepared for these disruptive events, only to find that when presented with them, we are not. Our text is one of the most beautiful passages in the bible. It was, no doubt written after a profoundly difficult event in the writer’s life. We do not know who wrote this Psalm, but what we do know is that the author discovers a comforting revelation after a challenging time. He found that God knew him and was interested in the details of his life. The psalmist realizes that there is no place that we can go that God is not with us. Two words from the tenth verse highlight the totality of God’s knowledge of us: Even There. Even in the extremities of life, even there, God is there. No matter where we are, the presence of the almighty God is there. We may be uncomfortable in our situation, but God is still with us. Far too often in life, we limit ourselves by what we can see. When we are in a trial, we get tunnel vision and are so focused on what we can see, but we forget to look for God. Things may seem hopeless at the moment, but this song from many years ago reassures us that no matter what, God is with us. Even there. There are times in life when things do not work out as we planned. We find ourselves in situations where we do not know what to do. In times like this, the facts that we see in front of us challenge our faith. We think we are prepared for these disruptive events, only to find that when presented with them, we are not. Our text is one of the most beautiful passages in the bible. It was, no doubt written after a profoundly difficult event in the writer’s life. We do not know who wrote this Psalm, but what we do know is that the author discovers a comforting revelation after a challenging time. He found that God knew him and was interested in the details of his life. The psalmist realizes that there is no place that we can go that God is not with us. Two words from the tenth verse highlight the totality of God’s knowledge of us: Even There. Even in the extremities of life, even there, God is there. No matter where we are, the presence of the almighty God is there. We may be uncomfortable in our situation, but God is still with us. Far too often in life, we limit ourselves by what we can see. When we are in a trial, we get tunnel vision and are so focused on what we can see, but we forget to look for God. Things may seem hopeless at the moment, but this song from many years ago reassures us that no matter what, God is with us. Even there. There are times in life when things do not work out as we planned. We find ourselves in situations where we do not know what to do. In times like this, the facts that we see in front of us challenge our faith. We think we are prepared for these disr… Mark Hughes 1851 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21628628/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_eventhere/id/3511355.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21628628 Scripture: Psalms 139:1-139:10 Thu, 16 Jul 2020 02:46:36 +0000 Landon Long Many people feel that they are good communicators because they can speak volumes. Speaking is only one part of communication. For there to be communication, there has to be a two-way exchange. Effective communication requires listening. Talking, while necessary for communication, is only one part. Listening is just as critical. Communication is just as important in our relationship with God as it is with each other. We can pray until our tongue falls out of our mouth, but if all we do is talk to God, we miss an essential part of the equation. We must also listen to Him. We are happy when God gives us the answers we want, but how do we respond when the answer is no? What happens when the answer is wait? There is a difference between hearing and listening. Hearing is passive, but listening is active. If we are honest with ourselves, we are not very good at listening. Listening is not our natural behavior. Many times we are too focused on what we are going to say next, or how we can shift the conversation to something else. We have to decide to focus on what we hear to really listen. That advice that works in human relationships is also essential in our Godly relationship. Our ears do not limit God’s ability to speak; our listening limits it. It is so important to be tuned in to what God is saying because there will be times that we will not hear His voice. Sometimes that is because there is too much noise. We have to be sensitive to God’s voice. Even though all the noise that fills our day, God still speaks to His people. We might be tempted to ask God to speak louder so we can hear Him over the distractions, but often we have to be still and listen for that still small voice. How often do we expect God to change how He speaks, when we really need to remove the noise and put ourselves in place to tune all that out. Many people feel that they are good communicators because they can speak volumes. Speaking is only one part of communication. For there to be communication, there has to be a two-way exchange. Effective communication requires listening. Talking, while necessary for communication, is only one part. Listening is just as critical. Communication is just as important in our relationship with God as it is with each other. We can pray until our tongue falls out of our mouth, but if all we do is talk to God, we miss an essential part of the equation. We must also listen to Him. We are happy when God gives us the answers we want, but how do we respond when the answer is no? What happens when the answer is wait? There is a difference between hearing and listening. Hearing is passive, but listening is active. If we are honest with ourselves, we are not very good at listening. Listening is not our natural behavior. Many times we are too focused on what we are going to say next, or how we can shift the conversation to something else. We have to decide to focus on what we hear to really listen. That advice that works in human relationships is also essential in our Godly relationship. Our ears do not limit God’s ability to speak; our listening limits it. It is so important to be tuned in to what God is saying because there will be times that we will not hear His voice. Sometimes that is because there is too much noise. We have to be sensitive to God’s voice. Even though all the noise that fills our day, God still speaks to His people. We might be tempted to ask God to speak louder so we can hear Him over the distractions, but often we have to be still and listen for that still small voice. How often do we expect God to change how He speaks, when we really need to remove the noise and put ourselves in place to tune all that out. Many people feel that they are good communicators because they can speak volumes. Speaking is only one part of communication. For there to be communication, there has to be a two-way exchange. Effective communication requires listening. Talking, wh… Landon Long 2890 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21626444/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_iamlistening/id/964069.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21626444 Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-3:10 Thu, 16 Jul 2020 02:46:36 +0000 Landon Long Many people feel that they are good communicators because they can speak volumes. Speaking is only one part of communication. For there to be communication, there has to be a two-way exchange. Effective communication requires listening. Talking, while necessary for communication, is only one part. Listening is just as critical. Communication is just as important in our relationship with God as it is with each other. We can pray until our tongue falls out of our mouth, but if all we do is talk to God, we miss an essential part of the equation. We must also listen to Him. We are happy when God gives us the answers we want, but how do we respond when the answer is no? What happens when the answer is wait? There is a difference between hearing and listening. Hearing is passive, but listening is active. If we are honest with ourselves, we are not very good at listening. Listening is not our natural behavior. Many times we are too focused on what we are going to say next, or how we can shift the conversation to something else. We have to decide to focus on what we hear to really listen. That advice that works in human relationships is also essential in our Godly relationship. Our ears do not limit God’s ability to speak; our listening limits it. It is so important to be tuned in to what God is saying because there will be times that we will not hear His voice. Sometimes that is because there is too much noise. We have to be sensitive to God’s voice. Even though all the noise that fills our day, God still speaks to His people. We might be tempted to ask God to speak louder so we can hear Him over the distractions, but often we have to be still and listen for that still small voice. How often do we expect God to change how He speaks, when we really need to remove the noise and put ourselves in place to tune all that out. Many people feel that they are good communicators because they can speak volumes. Speaking is only one part of communication. For there to be communication, there has to be a two-way exchange. Effective communication requires listening. Talking, while necessary for communication, is only one part. Listening is just as critical. Communication is just as important in our relationship with God as it is with each other. We can pray until our tongue falls out of our mouth, but if all we do is talk to God, we miss an essential part of the equation. We must also listen to Him. We are happy when God gives us the answers we want, but how do we respond when the answer is no? What happens when the answer is wait? There is a difference between hearing and listening. Hearing is passive, but listening is active. If we are honest with ourselves, we are not very good at listening. Listening is not our natural behavior. Many times we are too focused on what we are going to say next, or how we can shift the conversation to something else. We have to decide to focus on what we hear to really listen. That advice that works in human relationships is also essential in our Godly relationship. Our ears do not limit God’s ability to speak; our listening limits it. It is so important to be tuned in to what God is saying because there will be times that we will not hear His voice. Sometimes that is because there is too much noise. We have to be sensitive to God’s voice. Even though all the noise that fills our day, God still speaks to His people. We might be tempted to ask God to speak louder so we can hear Him over the distractions, but often we have to be still and listen for that still small voice. How often do we expect God to change how He speaks, when we really need to remove the noise and put ourselves in place to tune all that out. Many people feel that they are good communicators because they can speak volumes. Speaking is only one part of communication. For there to be communication, there has to be a two-way exchange. Effective communication requires listening. Talking, wh… Landon Long 2890 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21626444/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_iamlistening/id/3509412.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21626444 Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-3:10 Sun, 12 Jul 2020 22:52:51 +0000 Landon Long The pandemic has pushed many of us into isolation. While we may have had some contact, many miss seeing friends and loved ones in person. We miss coming to church and seeing the smile across the aisle. We miss the handshakes or hugs that we used to enjoy. Some have used this time to draw closer to God, but sadly, some have drive farther away. It may not have been intended, but the waves of life have pushed us well away from where we thought we were. When we find ourselves in that situation, it is all too easy to feel as if we are alone and that no one knows we are struggling. Even if we have drifted, God knows where we are. This health crisis has forced into isolation for our collective safety. But in this isolation, the enemy will come with every lie he can to separate us from God. He will say that we are alone and that not even God cares where we are. It is too easy to believe these lies when we are beaten down and weak. Our text is a clear statement that God has not forgotten any one of us. Even Jesus was tempted. After He was baptized, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After forty days of fasting and temptation, Jesus relied on the word to withstand Satan’s attacks. Multiple times, He said, “it is written…” The word of God will sustain us when we find ourselves out in the wilderness fighting the enemy. The wilderness is a time when we appear to be headed in the opposite direction of our dream. The wilderness is a place where God is proving us. The wilderness us a pace where we feel alone, isolated, and abandoned. Even in the wilderness, God knows where we are. Abraham, Moses, Joseph, David, Paul, and John all found themselves in a wilderness. Each of these men had a promise, a blessing, and a calling on their lives. But, between being called and realizing the promise, they had to experience the wilderness. The wilderness is the preparation ground for future work in the Kingdom. None of us want to be in the wilderness. Israel murmured and complained while in the wilderness, but the promised land was still ahead of them. God fed and provided for them in the wilderness. God knows exactly where we are, even in this quarantine time. God is taking us through this to prove us, to show us that we can trust Him. This situation has a purpose, and God will use it for His glory. Our text says that the shepherd left the ninety-nine to search for the one. This does not mean that he abandoned the ninety-nine, but that he left them in a safe place while he went to search for the lost one. We may be in the wilderness, but we are not alone. There are ninety-eight others waiting with us while He searches for the one. He may have left us for now, but we are alright. The pandemic has pushed many of us into isolation. While we may have had some contact, many miss seeing friends and loved ones in person. We miss coming to church and seeing the smile across the aisle. We miss the handshakes or hugs that we used to enjoy. Some have used this time to draw closer to God, but sadly, some have drive farther away. It may not have been intended, but the waves of life have pushed us well away from where we thought we were. When we find ourselves in that situation, it is all too easy to feel as if we are alone and that no one knows we are struggling. Even if we have drifted, God knows where we are. This health crisis has forced into isolation for our collective safety. But in this isolation, the enemy will come with every lie he can to separate us from God. He will say that we are alone and that not even God cares where we are. It is too easy to believe these lies when we are beaten down and weak. Our text is a clear statement that God has not forgotten any one of us. Even Jesus was tempted. After He was baptized, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After forty days of fasting and temptation, Jesus relied on the word to withstand Satan’s attacks. Multiple times, He said, “it is written…” The word of God will sustain us when we find ourselves out in the wilderness fighting the enemy. The wilderness is a time when we appear to be headed in the opposite direction of our dream. The wilderness is a place where God is proving us. The wilderness us a pace where we feel alone, isolated, and abandoned. Even in the wilderness, God knows where we are. Abraham, Moses, Joseph, David, Paul, and John all found themselves in a wilderness. Each of these men had a promise, a blessing, and a calling on their lives. But, between being called and realizing the promise, they had to experience the wilderness. The wilderness is the preparation ground for future work in the Kingdom. None of us want to be in the wilderness. Israel murmured and complained while in the wilderness, but the promised land was still ahead of them. God fed and provided for them in the wilderness. God knows exactly where we are, even in this quarantine time. God is taking us through this to prove us, to show us that we can trust Him. This situation has a purpose, and God will use it for His glory. Our text says that the shepherd left the ninety-nine to search for the one. This does not mean that he abandoned the ninety-nine, but that he left them in a safe place while he went to search for the lost one. We may be in the wilderness, but we are not alone. There are ninety-eight others waiting with us while He searches for the one. He may have left us for now, but we are alright. The pandemic has pushed many of us into isolation. While we may have had some contact, many miss seeing friends and loved ones in person. We miss coming to church and seeing the smile across the aisle. We miss the handshakes or hugs that we used to … Landon Long 2923 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21625153/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_leftbutalright/id/963525.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21625153 Scripture: Luke 15:3-15:6 Sun, 12 Jul 2020 22:52:51 +0000 Landon Long The pandemic has pushed many of us into isolation. While we may have had some contact, many miss seeing friends and loved ones in person. We miss coming to church and seeing the smile across the aisle. We miss the handshakes or hugs that we used to enjoy. Some have used this time to draw closer to God, but sadly, some have drive farther away. It may not have been intended, but the waves of life have pushed us well away from where we thought we were. When we find ourselves in that situation, it is all too easy to feel as if we are alone and that no one knows we are struggling. Even if we have drifted, God knows where we are. This health crisis has forced into isolation for our collective safety. But in this isolation, the enemy will come with every lie he can to separate us from God. He will say that we are alone and that not even God cares where we are. It is too easy to believe these lies when we are beaten down and weak. Our text is a clear statement that God has not forgotten any one of us. Even Jesus was tempted. After He was baptized, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After forty days of fasting and temptation, Jesus relied on the word to withstand Satan’s attacks. Multiple times, He said, “it is written…” The word of God will sustain us when we find ourselves out in the wilderness fighting the enemy. The wilderness is a time when we appear to be headed in the opposite direction of our dream. The wilderness is a place where God is proving us. The wilderness us a pace where we feel alone, isolated, and abandoned. Even in the wilderness, God knows where we are. Abraham, Moses, Joseph, David, Paul, and John all found themselves in a wilderness. Each of these men had a promise, a blessing, and a calling on their lives. But, between being called and realizing the promise, they had to experience the wilderness. The wilderness is the preparation ground for future work in the Kingdom. None of us want to be in the wilderness. Israel murmured and complained while in the wilderness, but the promised land was still ahead of them. God fed and provided for them in the wilderness. God knows exactly where we are, even in this quarantine time. God is taking us through this to prove us, to show us that we can trust Him. This situation has a purpose, and God will use it for His glory. Our text says that the shepherd left the ninety-nine to search for the one. This does not mean that he abandoned the ninety-nine, but that he left them in a safe place while he went to search for the lost one. We may be in the wilderness, but we are not alone. There are ninety-eight others waiting with us while He searches for the one. He may have left us for now, but we are alright. The pandemic has pushed many of us into isolation. While we may have had some contact, many miss seeing friends and loved ones in person. We miss coming to church and seeing the smile across the aisle. We miss the handshakes or hugs that we used to enjoy. Some have used this time to draw closer to God, but sadly, some have drive farther away. It may not have been intended, but the waves of life have pushed us well away from where we thought we were. When we find ourselves in that situation, it is all too easy to feel as if we are alone and that no one knows we are struggling. Even if we have drifted, God knows where we are. This health crisis has forced into isolation for our collective safety. But in this isolation, the enemy will come with every lie he can to separate us from God. He will say that we are alone and that not even God cares where we are. It is too easy to believe these lies when we are beaten down and weak. Our text is a clear statement that God has not forgotten any one of us. Even Jesus was tempted. After He was baptized, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After forty days of fasting and temptation, Jesus relied on the word to withstand Satan’s attacks. Multiple times, He said, “it is written…” The word of God will sustain us when we find ourselves out in the wilderness fighting the enemy. The wilderness is a time when we appear to be headed in the opposite direction of our dream. The wilderness is a place where God is proving us. The wilderness us a pace where we feel alone, isolated, and abandoned. Even in the wilderness, God knows where we are. Abraham, Moses, Joseph, David, Paul, and John all found themselves in a wilderness. Each of these men had a promise, a blessing, and a calling on their lives. But, between being called and realizing the promise, they had to experience the wilderness. The wilderness is the preparation ground for future work in the Kingdom. None of us want to be in the wilderness. Israel murmured and complained while in the wilderness, but the promised land was still ahead of them. God fed and provided for them in the wilderness. God knows exactly where we are, even in this quarantine time. God is taking us through this to prove us, to show us that we can trust Him. This situation has a purpose, and God will use it for His glory. Our text says that the shepherd left the ninety-nine to search for the one. This does not mean that he abandoned the ninety-nine, but that he left them in a safe place while he went to search for the lost one. We may be in the wilderness, but we are not alone. There are ninety-eight others waiting with us while He searches for the one. He may have left us for now, but we are alright. The pandemic has pushed many of us into isolation. While we may have had some contact, many miss seeing friends and loved ones in person. We miss coming to church and seeing the smile across the aisle. We miss the handshakes or hugs that we used to … Landon Long 2923 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21625153/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_leftbutalright/id/3508266.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21625153 Scripture: Luke 15:3-15:6 Thu, 09 Jul 2020 02:36:23 +0000 Landon Long We do not have to try very hard in life to be offended. A simple review of social media opens a world of people who are offended about almost everything. Jesus said that offenses will come, but He did NOT say that we had to be offended. If we get upset about every unkind word or perceived slight, we are not doing anyone or ourselves any good. Jesus said “Many will be offended.” He says this in response to the disciples asking how they will know the time of His return. This is one of the signs of the end times. The word used for offenses here is related to a trap. Being offended is a trap that holds us down. As long as we hold on to an offense, we are trapped by them. If we look at our life and see that we are being offended by many things, then perhaps we need to look at ourselves to see how we can deal with it differently. On the other side of the equation is the offender. Many people use excuses to explain how they are offensive: “It is just my nature.” The bible says that it would be better to be cast into the sea with a millstone around their neck. The truth is that hurt people hurt other people. As children of God, we are called to be a light unto the world. We cannot be a light, if we are caught up in the same trap everyone else. If we are to minister to a hurting and lost world we have to be something different. We have to demonstrate a joy and happiness that we cannot do if we are mired in petty offenses and bickering. We do not have to try very hard in life to be offended. A simple review of social media opens a world of people who are offended about almost everything. Jesus said that offenses will come, but He did NOT say that we had to be offended. If we get upset about every unkind word or perceived slight, we are not doing anyone or ourselves any good. Jesus said “Many will be offended.” He says this in response to the disciples asking how they will know the time of His return. This is one of the signs of the end times. The word used for offenses here is related to a trap. Being offended is a trap that holds us down. As long as we hold on to an offense, we are trapped by them. If we look at our life and see that we are being offended by many things, then perhaps we need to look at ourselves to see how we can deal with it differently. On the other side of the equation is the offender. Many people use excuses to explain how they are offensive: “It is just my nature.” The bible says that it would be better to be cast into the sea with a millstone around their neck. The truth is that hurt people hurt other people. As children of God, we are called to be a light unto the world. We cannot be a light, if we are caught up in the same trap everyone else. If we are to minister to a hurting and lost world we have to be something different. We have to demonstrate a joy and happiness that we cannot do if we are mired in petty offenses and bickering. We do not have to try very hard in life to be offended. A simple review of social media opens a world of people who are offended about almost everything. Jesus said that offenses will come, but He did NOT say that we had to be offended. If we get up… Landon Long 2314 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21622770/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_becauseofafence/id/962036.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21622770 Scripture: Matthew 24:3-24:15, Luke 17:1 Thu, 09 Jul 2020 02:36:23 +0000 Landon Long We do not have to try very hard in life to be offended. A simple review of social media opens a world of people who are offended about almost everything. Jesus said that offenses will come, but He did NOT say that we had to be offended. If we get upset about every unkind word or perceived slight, we are not doing anyone or ourselves any good. Jesus said “Many will be offended.” He says this in response to the disciples asking how they will know the time of His return. This is one of the signs of the end times. The word used for offenses here is related to a trap. Being offended is a trap that holds us down. As long as we hold on to an offense, we are trapped by them. If we look at our life and see that we are being offended by many things, then perhaps we need to look at ourselves to see how we can deal with it differently. On the other side of the equation is the offender. Many people use excuses to explain how they are offensive: “It is just my nature.” The bible says that it would be better to be cast into the sea with a millstone around their neck. The truth is that hurt people hurt other people. As children of God, we are called to be a light unto the world. We cannot be a light, if we are caught up in the same trap everyone else. If we are to minister to a hurting and lost world we have to be something different. We have to demonstrate a joy and happiness that we cannot do if we are mired in petty offenses and bickering. We do not have to try very hard in life to be offended. A simple review of social media opens a world of people who are offended about almost everything. Jesus said that offenses will come, but He did NOT say that we had to be offended. If we get upset about every unkind word or perceived slight, we are not doing anyone or ourselves any good. Jesus said “Many will be offended.” He says this in response to the disciples asking how they will know the time of His return. This is one of the signs of the end times. The word used for offenses here is related to a trap. Being offended is a trap that holds us down. As long as we hold on to an offense, we are trapped by them. If we look at our life and see that we are being offended by many things, then perhaps we need to look at ourselves to see how we can deal with it differently. On the other side of the equation is the offender. Many people use excuses to explain how they are offensive: “It is just my nature.” The bible says that it would be better to be cast into the sea with a millstone around their neck. The truth is that hurt people hurt other people. As children of God, we are called to be a light unto the world. We cannot be a light, if we are caught up in the same trap everyone else. If we are to minister to a hurting and lost world we have to be something different. We have to demonstrate a joy and happiness that we cannot do if we are mired in petty offenses and bickering. We do not have to try very hard in life to be offended. A simple review of social media opens a world of people who are offended about almost everything. Jesus said that offenses will come, but He did NOT say that we had to be offended. If we get up… Landon Long 2314 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21622770/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_becauseofafence/id/3506281.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21622770 Scripture: Matthew 24:3-24:15, Luke 17:1 Sun, 05 Jul 2020 22:32:12 +0000 Landon Long We live in troubling times. Our leaders today face the same challenge that Pharaoh did in our text. They have the impossible task of making decisions. No matter what decision they make, some will criticize and complain. In our text, we learn about Pharaoh’s dreams that troubled him. None of his advisors could explain them. One of his attendants remembers Joseph. Out of desperation, Pharaoh brings Joseph from the prison to interpret his dreams. Joseph explains the dreams, but that explanation was not enough to give Pharaoh peace. Joseph goes on with the wisdom given to him by God; he provides a plan to carry Egypt through the coming hard times. The explanation combined with the wisdom was the answer of peace. God had prepared Joseph to put him in a place to bring glory to Him. God caused Egypt to prosper because of Joseph. Through Joseph, God blessed that entire area of the world during the famine. He stocked the storehouses with supplies that were more than enough to sustain them through the troubled times. In the global situation we now find ourselves, be assured that God has stockpiled the storehouses through His church. God has an answer of peace. We live in troubling times. Our leaders today face the same challenge that Pharaoh did in our text. They have the impossible task of making decisions. No matter what decision they make, some will criticize and complain. In our text, we learn about Pharaoh’s dreams that troubled him. None of his advisors could explain them. One of his attendants remembers Joseph. Out of desperation, Pharaoh brings Joseph from the prison to interpret his dreams. Joseph explains the dreams, but that explanation was not enough to give Pharaoh peace. Joseph goes on with the wisdom given to him by God; he provides a plan to carry Egypt through the coming hard times. The explanation combined with the wisdom was the answer of peace. God had prepared Joseph to put him in a place to bring glory to Him. God caused Egypt to prosper because of Joseph. Through Joseph, God blessed that entire area of the world during the famine. He stocked the storehouses with supplies that were more than enough to sustain them through the troubled times. In the global situation we now find ourselves, be assured that God has stockpiled the storehouses through His church. God has an answer of peace. We live in troubling times. Our leaders today face the same challenge that Pharaoh did in our text. They have the impossible task of making decisions. No matter what decision they make, some will criticize and complain. In our text, we learn abou… Landon Long 2752 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21621343/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_ananswerofpeace/id/961295.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21621343 Scripture: Genesis 41:1-41:16 Sun, 05 Jul 2020 22:32:12 +0000 Landon Long We live in troubling times. Our leaders today face the same challenge that Pharaoh did in our text. They have the impossible task of making decisions. No matter what decision they make, some will criticize and complain. In our text, we learn about Pharaoh’s dreams that troubled him. None of his advisors could explain them. One of his attendants remembers Joseph. Out of desperation, Pharaoh brings Joseph from the prison to interpret his dreams. Joseph explains the dreams, but that explanation was not enough to give Pharaoh peace. Joseph goes on with the wisdom given to him by God; he provides a plan to carry Egypt through the coming hard times. The explanation combined with the wisdom was the answer of peace. God had prepared Joseph to put him in a place to bring glory to Him. God caused Egypt to prosper because of Joseph. Through Joseph, God blessed that entire area of the world during the famine. He stocked the storehouses with supplies that were more than enough to sustain them through the troubled times. In the global situation we now find ourselves, be assured that God has stockpiled the storehouses through His church. God has an answer of peace. We live in troubling times. Our leaders today face the same challenge that Pharaoh did in our text. They have the impossible task of making decisions. No matter what decision they make, some will criticize and complain. In our text, we learn about Pharaoh’s dreams that troubled him. None of his advisors could explain them. One of his attendants remembers Joseph. Out of desperation, Pharaoh brings Joseph from the prison to interpret his dreams. Joseph explains the dreams, but that explanation was not enough to give Pharaoh peace. Joseph goes on with the wisdom given to him by God; he provides a plan to carry Egypt through the coming hard times. The explanation combined with the wisdom was the answer of peace. God had prepared Joseph to put him in a place to bring glory to Him. God caused Egypt to prosper because of Joseph. Through Joseph, God blessed that entire area of the world during the famine. He stocked the storehouses with supplies that were more than enough to sustain them through the troubled times. In the global situation we now find ourselves, be assured that God has stockpiled the storehouses through His church. God has an answer of peace. We live in troubling times. Our leaders today face the same challenge that Pharaoh did in our text. They have the impossible task of making decisions. No matter what decision they make, some will criticize and complain. In our text, we learn abou… Landon Long 2752 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21621343/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ananswerofpeace/id/3504897.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21621343 Scripture: Genesis 41:1-41:16 Thu, 02 Jul 2020 02:44:00 +0000 Landon Long Our world is full of experts. You do not have to go any further than social media to find people who hold themselves out as experts in politics, medicine, or social issues. Whether they actually know anything is a matter of opinion. Men are famous for not asking for navigation direction or reading the assembly instructions for their new gas grill. Again, the actual level of knowledge is up for discussion. We may not always know what we are doing, but there is One who does know what He is doing. Sometimes we acknowledge this with the phrase “God only knows.…” The truth is that He does know how long this will last. He does know how badly we need a break. God does know the reasons for everything that happens. God knows every prayer, every tear, and every desperate plea. If we need electrical repairs at our house, we would not call a plumber. We must go to God to handle the things that only He can handle. Too often, we seek out people who do not know for advice and direction. In our text, Jesus went up into the mountain. The crowd grew larger. Jesus takes note of this and askes Phillip, “where will we buy bread to feed them?” Phillip was no doubt, confused. He begins to think about how much will it cost and where he could buy that much bread. Jesus did not ask this question to frustrate Phillip, but to prove him. The bible says that Jesus already knew what He was going to do. How will we, as the church, respond when the crowds begin to come? What will we do when Jesus looks at us and asks how to feed His flock? As with Philip, Jesus already knows what He is going to do. Philip did not have to buy bread; there was a boy there already with enough bread for the Lord to use to bless the multitude. In Ezekiel, God leads the prophet into the desert to look over dry bones and asks, “Can these bones live” Ezekiel did not seek out wise counsel; he did not try to analyze the situation. He simply said, “Lord, you know.” When we face a situation where we do not know what to do, we must respond the same way. It is easy to question God in situations in our lives because we do not understand, but God understands and has it in control. He knows what he is doing. Our world is full of experts. You do not have to go any further than social media to find people who hold themselves out as experts in politics, medicine, or social issues. Whether they actually know anything is a matter of opinion. Men are famous for not asking for navigation direction or reading the assembly instructions for their new gas grill. Again, the actual level of knowledge is up for discussion. We may not always know what we are doing, but there is One who does know what He is doing. Sometimes we acknowledge this with the phrase “God only knows.…” The truth is that He does know how long this will last. He does know how badly we need a break. God does know the reasons for everything that happens. God knows every prayer, every tear, and every desperate plea. If we need electrical repairs at our house, we would not call a plumber. We must go to God to handle the things that only He can handle. Too often, we seek out people who do not know for advice and direction. In our text, Jesus went up into the mountain. The crowd grew larger. Jesus takes note of this and askes Phillip, “where will we buy bread to feed them?” Phillip was no doubt, confused. He begins to think about how much will it cost and where he could buy that much bread. Jesus did not ask this question to frustrate Phillip, but to prove him. The bible says that Jesus already knew what He was going to do. How will we, as the church, respond when the crowds begin to come? What will we do when Jesus looks at us and asks how to feed His flock? As with Philip, Jesus already knows what He is going to do. Philip did not have to buy bread; there was a boy there already with enough bread for the Lord to use to bless the multitude. In Ezekiel, God leads the prophet into the desert to look over dry bones and asks, “Can these bones live” Ezekiel did not seek out wise counsel; he did not try to analyze the situation. He simply said, “Lord, you know.” When we face a situation where we do not know what to do, we must respond the same way. It is easy to question God in situations in our lives because we do not understand, but God understands and has it in control. He knows what he is doing. Our world is full of experts. You do not have to go any further than social media to find people who hold themselves out as experts in politics, medicine, or social issues. Whether they actually know anything is a matter of opinion. Men are famous f… Landon Long 2362 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21619463/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_heknowswhatheisdoing/id/960091.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21619463 He Knows What He Is Doing Thu, 02 Jul 2020 02:44:00 +0000 Landon Long Our world is full of experts. You do not have to go any further than social media to find people who hold themselves out as experts in politics, medicine, or social issues. Whether they actually know anything is a matter of opinion. Men are famous for not asking for navigation direction or reading the assembly instructions for their new gas grill. Again, the actual level of knowledge is up for discussion. We may not always know what we are doing, but there is One who does know what He is doing. Sometimes we acknowledge this with the phrase “God only knows.…” The truth is that He does know how long this will last. He does know how badly we need a break. God does know the reasons for everything that happens. God knows every prayer, every tear, and every desperate plea. If we need electrical repairs at our house, we would not call a plumber. We must go to God to handle the things that only He can handle. Too often, we seek out people who do not know for advice and direction. In our text, Jesus went up into the mountain. The crowd grew larger. Jesus takes note of this and askes Phillip, “where will we buy bread to feed them?” Phillip was no doubt, confused. He begins to think about how much will it cost and where he could buy that much bread. Jesus did not ask this question to frustrate Phillip, but to prove him. The bible says that Jesus already knew what He was going to do. How will we, as the church, respond when the crowds begin to come? What will we do when Jesus looks at us and asks how to feed His flock? As with Philip, Jesus already knows what He is going to do. Philip did not have to buy bread; there was a boy there already with enough bread for the Lord to use to bless the multitude. In Ezekiel, God leads the prophet into the desert to look over dry bones and asks, “Can these bones live” Ezekiel did not seek out wise counsel; he did not try to analyze the situation. He simply said, “Lord, you know.” When we face a situation where we do not know what to do, we must respond the same way. It is easy to question God in situations in our lives because we do not understand, but God understands and has it in control. He knows what he is doing. Our world is full of experts. You do not have to go any further than social media to find people who hold themselves out as experts in politics, medicine, or social issues. Whether they actually know anything is a matter of opinion. Men are famous for not asking for navigation direction or reading the assembly instructions for their new gas grill. Again, the actual level of knowledge is up for discussion. We may not always know what we are doing, but there is One who does know what He is doing. Sometimes we acknowledge this with the phrase “God only knows.…” The truth is that He does know how long this will last. He does know how badly we need a break. God does know the reasons for everything that happens. God knows every prayer, every tear, and every desperate plea. If we need electrical repairs at our house, we would not call a plumber. We must go to God to handle the things that only He can handle. Too often, we seek out people who do not know for advice and direction. In our text, Jesus went up into the mountain. The crowd grew larger. Jesus takes note of this and askes Phillip, “where will we buy bread to feed them?” Phillip was no doubt, confused. He begins to think about how much will it cost and where he could buy that much bread. Jesus did not ask this question to frustrate Phillip, but to prove him. The bible says that Jesus already knew what He was going to do. How will we, as the church, respond when the crowds begin to come? What will we do when Jesus looks at us and asks how to feed His flock? As with Philip, Jesus already knows what He is going to do. Philip did not have to buy bread; there was a boy there already with enough bread for the Lord to use to bless the multitude. In Ezekiel, God leads the prophet into the desert to look over dry bones and asks, “Can these bones live” Ezekiel did not seek out wise counsel; he did not try to analyze the situation. He simply said, “Lord, you know.” When we face a situation where we do not know what to do, we must respond the same way. It is easy to question God in situations in our lives because we do not understand, but God understands and has it in control. He knows what he is doing. Our world is full of experts. You do not have to go any further than social media to find people who hold themselves out as experts in politics, medicine, or social issues. Whether they actually know anything is a matter of opinion. Men are famous f… Landon Long 2362 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21619463/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_heknowswhatheisdoing/id/3503237.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21619463 He Knows What He Is Doing Sun, 28 Jun 2020 21:40:55 +0000 James Hughes Abraham was called to leave his country. In that calling was a promise from God. Without question, he picked up his family and went. He journeyed to a place in Israel near Bethel. Abraham built his alter near the house of God, but there was disaster on the other side. Eventually, chaos showed up and disrupted his life. Abraham makes decisions that would affect his family’s life for 400 years. In the face of famine and drought, he decides to go to Egypt. His decisions affected his family, his brother’s family, and generations to come. On the surface, going to Egypt seemed like the right decision. The problem is that it was a departure from the journey he was on that was inspired by God. Abraham made a decision to go to Egypt, which caused him to question many things in his life. The problem is that he did not get close enough to God to let God influence his decision. We are all as close to God as we choose to be. Our closeness to Him depends on where we build our altar. If we make it closer to Him, He will have more influence on our lives. If we build it closer to ruin, that will be the result. When Abraham came back from Egypt, he created the alter in a place closer to God. Our choice of where we build our altar defines the rest of our life. Abraham was called to leave his country. In that calling was a promise from God. Without question, he picked up his family and went. He journeyed to a place in Israel near Bethel. Abraham built his alter near the house of God, but there was disaster on the other side. Eventually, chaos showed up and disrupted his life. Abraham makes decisions that would affect his family’s life for 400 years. In the face of famine and drought, he decides to go to Egypt. His decisions affected his family, his brother’s family, and generations to come. On the surface, going to Egypt seemed like the right decision. The problem is that it was a departure from the journey he was on that was inspired by God. Abraham made a decision to go to Egypt, which caused him to question many things in his life. The problem is that he did not get close enough to God to let God influence his decision. We are all as close to God as we choose to be. Our closeness to Him depends on where we build our altar. If we make it closer to Him, He will have more influence on our lives. If we build it closer to ruin, that will be the result. When Abraham came back from Egypt, he created the alter in a place closer to God. Our choice of where we build our altar defines the rest of our life. Abraham was called to leave his country. In that calling was a promise from God. Without question, he picked up his family and went. He journeyed to a place in Israel near Bethel. Abraham built his alter near the house of God, but there was disaste… James Hughes 2055 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21617765/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_inconflictwithfear/id/959263.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21617765 Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-11:9, Genesis 12:1-12:8 Sun, 28 Jun 2020 21:40:55 +0000 James Hughes Abraham was called to leave his country. In that calling was a promise from God. Without question, he picked up his family and went. He journeyed to a place in Israel near Bethel. Abraham built his alter near the house of God, but there was disaster on the other side. Eventually, chaos showed up and disrupted his life. Abraham makes decisions that would affect his family’s life for 400 years. In the face of famine and drought, he decides to go to Egypt. His decisions affected his family, his brother’s family, and generations to come. On the surface, going to Egypt seemed like the right decision. The problem is that it was a departure from the journey he was on that was inspired by God. Abraham made a decision to go to Egypt, which caused him to question many things in his life. The problem is that he did not get close enough to God to let God influence his decision. We are all as close to God as we choose to be. Our closeness to Him depends on where we build our altar. If we make it closer to Him, He will have more influence on our lives. If we build it closer to ruin, that will be the result. When Abraham came back from Egypt, he created the alter in a place closer to God. Our choice of where we build our altar defines the rest of our life. Abraham was called to leave his country. In that calling was a promise from God. Without question, he picked up his family and went. He journeyed to a place in Israel near Bethel. Abraham built his alter near the house of God, but there was disaster on the other side. Eventually, chaos showed up and disrupted his life. Abraham makes decisions that would affect his family’s life for 400 years. In the face of famine and drought, he decides to go to Egypt. His decisions affected his family, his brother’s family, and generations to come. On the surface, going to Egypt seemed like the right decision. The problem is that it was a departure from the journey he was on that was inspired by God. Abraham made a decision to go to Egypt, which caused him to question many things in his life. The problem is that he did not get close enough to God to let God influence his decision. We are all as close to God as we choose to be. Our closeness to Him depends on where we build our altar. If we make it closer to Him, He will have more influence on our lives. If we build it closer to ruin, that will be the result. When Abraham came back from Egypt, he created the alter in a place closer to God. Our choice of where we build our altar defines the rest of our life. Abraham was called to leave his country. In that calling was a promise from God. Without question, he picked up his family and went. He journeyed to a place in Israel near Bethel. Abraham built his alter near the house of God, but there was disaste… James Hughes 2055 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21617765/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_inconflictwithfear/id/3501656.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21617765 Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-11:9, Genesis 12:1-12:8 Wed, 24 Jun 2020 20:48:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Bro. Hughes continues his series on joy with a text from Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi. In this letter, Paul describes the joy he has in the gospel of Jesus. He mentions four minds; one in each chapter that the believer must have. Chapter 1 The single mind; to develop a singleness of purpose. To live for Jesus Christ. Everything that Paul did in life, he did through the lens of living for Jesus. Doing this, Paul could rejoice in the face of every circumstance because he looked at it as a way to spread the gospel. Chapter 2, The submissive mind. When we surrender our minds to Christ, the world cannot get to us. The reason for conflict in life is because people want to be first, but when we get our focus on Him, we stop trying to be first. Chapter 3 - The Spiritual mind. Most people are concerned about earthly things, but we have to be concerned about heavenly things. We strive for possessions and things, but the truth is that the possessions we seek possess us. Chapter 4 - The Worried Mind. Worry affects all of us. There is much to be worried about in the world right now, but worry robs us of our peace. Worry is faith in reverse. The peace that passes all understanding is the key to not having a worried mind. The peace of God will guard us like a century posted on the wall. Bro. Hughes continues his series on joy with a text from Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi. In this letter, Paul describes the joy he has in the gospel of Jesus. He mentions four minds; one in each chapter that the believer must have. Chapter 1 The single mind; to develop a singleness of purpose. To live for Jesus Christ. Everything that Paul did in life, he did through the lens of living for Jesus. Doing this, Paul could rejoice in the face of every circumstance because he looked at it as a way to spread the gospel. Chapter 2, The submissive mind. When we surrender our minds to Christ, the world cannot get to us. The reason for conflict in life is because people want to be first, but when we get our focus on Him, we stop trying to be first. Chapter 3 - The Spiritual mind. Most people are concerned about earthly things, but we have to be concerned about heavenly things. We strive for possessions and things, but the truth is that the possessions we seek possess us. Chapter 4 - The Worried Mind. Worry affects all of us. There is much to be worried about in the world right now, but worry robs us of our peace. Worry is faith in reverse. The peace that passes all understanding is the key to not having a worried mind. The peace of God will guard us like a century posted on the wall. Bro. Hughes continues his series on joy with a text from Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi. In this letter, Paul describes the joy he has in the gospel of Jesus. He mentions four minds; one in each chapter that the believer must have. Chapter 1… Mark Hughes 1584 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21617703/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_fourminds/id/959245.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21617703 Series: Life's Greatest Asset Part#2 Wed, 24 Jun 2020 20:48:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Bro. Hughes continues his series on joy with a text from Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi. In this letter, Paul describes the joy he has in the gospel of Jesus. He mentions four minds; one in each chapter that the believer must have. Chapter 1 The single mind; to develop a singleness of purpose. To live for Jesus Christ. Everything that Paul did in life, he did through the lens of living for Jesus. Doing this, Paul could rejoice in the face of every circumstance because he looked at it as a way to spread the gospel. Chapter 2, The submissive mind. When we surrender our minds to Christ, the world cannot get to us. The reason for conflict in life is because people want to be first, but when we get our focus on Him, we stop trying to be first. Chapter 3 - The Spiritual mind. Most people are concerned about earthly things, but we have to be concerned about heavenly things. We strive for possessions and things, but the truth is that the possessions we seek possess us. Chapter 4 - The Worried Mind. Worry affects all of us. There is much to be worried about in the world right now, but worry robs us of our peace. Worry is faith in reverse. The peace that passes all understanding is the key to not having a worried mind. The peace of God will guard us like a century posted on the wall. Bro. Hughes continues his series on joy with a text from Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi. In this letter, Paul describes the joy he has in the gospel of Jesus. He mentions four minds; one in each chapter that the believer must have. Chapter 1 The single mind; to develop a singleness of purpose. To live for Jesus Christ. Everything that Paul did in life, he did through the lens of living for Jesus. Doing this, Paul could rejoice in the face of every circumstance because he looked at it as a way to spread the gospel. Chapter 2, The submissive mind. When we surrender our minds to Christ, the world cannot get to us. The reason for conflict in life is because people want to be first, but when we get our focus on Him, we stop trying to be first. Chapter 3 - The Spiritual mind. Most people are concerned about earthly things, but we have to be concerned about heavenly things. We strive for possessions and things, but the truth is that the possessions we seek possess us. Chapter 4 - The Worried Mind. Worry affects all of us. There is much to be worried about in the world right now, but worry robs us of our peace. Worry is faith in reverse. The peace that passes all understanding is the key to not having a worried mind. The peace of God will guard us like a century posted on the wall. Bro. Hughes continues his series on joy with a text from Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi. In this letter, Paul describes the joy he has in the gospel of Jesus. He mentions four minds; one in each chapter that the believer must have. Chapter 1… Mark Hughes 1584 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21617703/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_fourminds/id/3501615.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21617703 Series: Life's Greatest Asset Part#2 Sun, 21 Jun 2020 20:16:04 +0000 Mark Hughes We are blessed with a group of good men in our church. Men who stand in the gap for their families against the treats of our world. In our text, the people faced a threat that was almost unbearable. A storm in the desert is particularly dangerous. Sometimes the winds bury an entire caravan in the sand before they can even begin to plan an escape. The only escape is the shelter of a rock to block the drift of the sand. Men must serve as a rock in the desert tempest in our world of shifting sands. God designed us to be a rock to stop the shifting of life. That is why the enemy has worked so hard to attack men Our culture portrays men as idiots and fools in movies and television. Like the rock in the desert, we do not have to change the world, we have to change our part of the world. Men must be a rock in their family and their community. The atmosphere can be changed simply by a man standing and saying NO. Every man has an influence. Each of us must be aware of that influence and mindful of what we are demonstrating to those who watch us. The hope of any society are men standing in opposition to the things that would crumble that society. Men serve as shelter and protection against what life brings. Like the rock in the desert, men resist the drift. We are blessed with a group of good men in our church. Men who stand in the gap for their families against the treats of our world. In our text, the people faced a threat that was almost unbearable. A storm in the desert is particularly dangerous. Sometimes the winds bury an entire caravan in the sand before they can even begin to plan an escape. The only escape is the shelter of a rock to block the drift of the sand. Men must serve as a rock in the desert tempest in our world of shifting sands. God designed us to be a rock to stop the shifting of life. That is why the enemy has worked so hard to attack men Our culture portrays men as idiots and fools in movies and television. Like the rock in the desert, we do not have to change the world, we have to change our part of the world. Men must be a rock in their family and their community. The atmosphere can be changed simply by a man standing and saying NO. Every man has an influence. Each of us must be aware of that influence and mindful of what we are demonstrating to those who watch us. The hope of any society are men standing in opposition to the things that would crumble that society. Men serve as shelter and protection against what life brings. Like the rock in the desert, men resist the drift. We are blessed with a group of good men in our church. Men who stand in the gap for their families against the treats of our world. In our text, the people faced a threat that was almost unbearable. A storm in the desert is particularly dangerous. So… Mark Hughes 1940 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21612709/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_resistthedrift/id/955771.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21612709 Scripture: Isaiah 32:2 Sun, 21 Jun 2020 20:16:04 +0000 Mark Hughes We are blessed with a group of good men in our church. Men who stand in the gap for their families against the treats of our world. In our text, the people faced a threat that was almost unbearable. A storm in the desert is particularly dangerous. Sometimes the winds bury an entire caravan in the sand before they can even begin to plan an escape. The only escape is the shelter of a rock to block the drift of the sand. Men must serve as a rock in the desert tempest in our world of shifting sands. God designed us to be a rock to stop the shifting of life. That is why the enemy has worked so hard to attack men Our culture portrays men as idiots and fools in movies and television. Like the rock in the desert, we do not have to change the world, we have to change our part of the world. Men must be a rock in their family and their community. The atmosphere can be changed simply by a man standing and saying NO. Every man has an influence. Each of us must be aware of that influence and mindful of what we are demonstrating to those who watch us. The hope of any society are men standing in opposition to the things that would crumble that society. Men serve as shelter and protection against what life brings. Like the rock in the desert, men resist the drift. We are blessed with a group of good men in our church. Men who stand in the gap for their families against the treats of our world. In our text, the people faced a threat that was almost unbearable. A storm in the desert is particularly dangerous. Sometimes the winds bury an entire caravan in the sand before they can even begin to plan an escape. The only escape is the shelter of a rock to block the drift of the sand. Men must serve as a rock in the desert tempest in our world of shifting sands. God designed us to be a rock to stop the shifting of life. That is why the enemy has worked so hard to attack men Our culture portrays men as idiots and fools in movies and television. Like the rock in the desert, we do not have to change the world, we have to change our part of the world. Men must be a rock in their family and their community. The atmosphere can be changed simply by a man standing and saying NO. Every man has an influence. Each of us must be aware of that influence and mindful of what we are demonstrating to those who watch us. The hope of any society are men standing in opposition to the things that would crumble that society. Men serve as shelter and protection against what life brings. Like the rock in the desert, men resist the drift. We are blessed with a group of good men in our church. Men who stand in the gap for their families against the treats of our world. In our text, the people faced a threat that was almost unbearable. A storm in the desert is particularly dangerous. So… Mark Hughes 1940 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21612709/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_resistthedrift/id/3498185.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21612709 Scripture: Isaiah 32:2 Sun, 14 Jun 2020 21:38:45 +0000 Mark Hughes We live in sobering times. We have to be spiritually alert in what is certainly the end times. The chaos in which we find ourselves contains an evil influence designed to come against the church. Our text in Matthew is startling, but it is not advocating self-mutilation but is an illustration of how important it is to remove things from our spiritual life that will keep us from our reward. The bible is full of truth and we have all received it. Our human nature is to question the things in God’s word that are hard for us to do. God’s word says “Thou shalt not”, and He is not interested in our opinion of that word. Many will try to amend or change their interpretation of the Word. We do that by the things that we tolerate or accept in life. When we are unwilling to face the truth, we become our own worst enemy. Dr. Hughes has often observed that we do not need a devil to be bad, we can do it on our own. Paul’s letter to Timothy is an effort to help him bring the church back to a place of recovery. They, like us, can easily become trapped by a web of our own interpretation of God's word. Our text from Matthew is sobering. Anything that gets in the way of living for God must be removed. When we fail to remove these things from our life, we distance ourselves from God and His will for our life. God does not restrict us from things to punish us, but to protect us from things that will destroy us. Our world is trying to tear down every safeguard and protection in our lives. We have to remove anything that will prevent the blessings of God from flowing into our lives. Too often, we find a way to explain away or change the parts of God’s word that we find inconvenient. The truth is truth no matter what. Far too many are judging life by an altered truth. We have to ask if the things that are keeping us from staying close to God are worth our life. Are we going to be satisfied with part of what God has for us? There is a goal that is worth any sacrifice, and that goal is life. We must have a desperation to live. We live in sobering times. We have to be spiritually alert in what is certainly the end times. The chaos in which we find ourselves contains an evil influence designed to come against the church. Our text in Matthew is startling, but it is not advocating self-mutilation but is an illustration of how important it is to remove things from our spiritual life that will keep us from our reward. The bible is full of truth and we have all received it. Our human nature is to question the things in God’s word that are hard for us to do. God’s word says “Thou shalt not”, and He is not interested in our opinion of that word. Many will try to amend or change their interpretation of the Word. We do that by the things that we tolerate or accept in life. When we are unwilling to face the truth, we become our own worst enemy. Dr. Hughes has often observed that we do not need a devil to be bad, we can do it on our own. Paul’s letter to Timothy is an effort to help him bring the church back to a place of recovery. They, like us, can easily become trapped by a web of our own interpretation of God's word. Our text from Matthew is sobering. Anything that gets in the way of living for God must be removed. When we fail to remove these things from our life, we distance ourselves from God and His will for our life. God does not restrict us from things to punish us, but to protect us from things that will destroy us. Our world is trying to tear down every safeguard and protection in our lives. We have to remove anything that will prevent the blessings of God from flowing into our lives. Too often, we find a way to explain away or change the parts of God’s word that we find inconvenient. The truth is truth no matter what. Far too many are judging life by an altered truth. We have to ask if the things that are keeping us from staying close to God are worth our life. Are we going to be satisfied with part of what God has for us? There is a goal that is worth any sacrifice, and that goal is life. We must have a desperation to live. We live in sobering times. We have to be spiritually alert in what is certainly the end times. The chaos in which we find ourselves contains an evil influence designed to come against the church. Our text in Matthew is startling, but it is not advoc… Mark Hughes 2863 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21609175/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_adesperationtolive/id/953975.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21609175 Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:24-2:26, Matthew 18:9-18:10 Sun, 14 Jun 2020 21:38:45 +0000 Mark Hughes We live in sobering times. We have to be spiritually alert in what is certainly the end times. The chaos in which we find ourselves contains an evil influence designed to come against the church. Our text in Matthew is startling, but it is not advocating self-mutilation but is an illustration of how important it is to remove things from our spiritual life that will keep us from our reward. The bible is full of truth and we have all received it. Our human nature is to question the things in God’s word that are hard for us to do. God’s word says “Thou shalt not”, and He is not interested in our opinion of that word. Many will try to amend or change their interpretation of the Word. We do that by the things that we tolerate or accept in life. When we are unwilling to face the truth, we become our own worst enemy. Dr. Hughes has often observed that we do not need a devil to be bad, we can do it on our own. Paul’s letter to Timothy is an effort to help him bring the church back to a place of recovery. They, like us, can easily become trapped by a web of our own interpretation of God's word. Our text from Matthew is sobering. Anything that gets in the way of living for God must be removed. When we fail to remove these things from our life, we distance ourselves from God and His will for our life. God does not restrict us from things to punish us, but to protect us from things that will destroy us. Our world is trying to tear down every safeguard and protection in our lives. We have to remove anything that will prevent the blessings of God from flowing into our lives. Too often, we find a way to explain away or change the parts of God’s word that we find inconvenient. The truth is truth no matter what. Far too many are judging life by an altered truth. We have to ask if the things that are keeping us from staying close to God are worth our life. Are we going to be satisfied with part of what God has for us? There is a goal that is worth any sacrifice, and that goal is life. We must have a desperation to live. We live in sobering times. We have to be spiritually alert in what is certainly the end times. The chaos in which we find ourselves contains an evil influence designed to come against the church. Our text in Matthew is startling, but it is not advocating self-mutilation but is an illustration of how important it is to remove things from our spiritual life that will keep us from our reward. The bible is full of truth and we have all received it. Our human nature is to question the things in God’s word that are hard for us to do. God’s word says “Thou shalt not”, and He is not interested in our opinion of that word. Many will try to amend or change their interpretation of the Word. We do that by the things that we tolerate or accept in life. When we are unwilling to face the truth, we become our own worst enemy. Dr. Hughes has often observed that we do not need a devil to be bad, we can do it on our own. Paul’s letter to Timothy is an effort to help him bring the church back to a place of recovery. They, like us, can easily become trapped by a web of our own interpretation of God's word. Our text from Matthew is sobering. Anything that gets in the way of living for God must be removed. When we fail to remove these things from our life, we distance ourselves from God and His will for our life. God does not restrict us from things to punish us, but to protect us from things that will destroy us. Our world is trying to tear down every safeguard and protection in our lives. We have to remove anything that will prevent the blessings of God from flowing into our lives. Too often, we find a way to explain away or change the parts of God’s word that we find inconvenient. The truth is truth no matter what. Far too many are judging life by an altered truth. We have to ask if the things that are keeping us from staying close to God are worth our life. Are we going to be satisfied with part of what God has for us? There is a goal that is worth any sacrifice, and that goal is life. We must have a desperation to live. We live in sobering times. We have to be spiritually alert in what is certainly the end times. The chaos in which we find ourselves contains an evil influence designed to come against the church. Our text in Matthew is startling, but it is not advoc… Mark Hughes 2863 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21609175/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_adesperationtolive/id/3495006.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21609175 Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:24-2:26, Matthew 18:9-18:10 Wed, 10 Jun 2020 16:27:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Life is stressful. Often there is something missing in our life, that God intended to be there for help. Joy is one of the things that God has given us to be a help to us as we navigate through life. Our text from Nehemiah is often quoted. The joy of the Lord is our strength. Many times we do not understand the meaning of strength. The translated word means defense. That we need a defense implies that there is an enemy from whom we need protection. God has equipped us to face the forces in life that seek to destroy us. Why is joy so significant in scripture. Joy in all its forms is mentioned several hundred times through the bible. Joy balances our life against all of the assaults that come against us. Joy is not superficial. It is not just smiling and living through situations. The joy that our text describes is down deep in our soul. It is difficult to define biblical joy because there are thirty-five words in the bible that get translated to Joy. Joy is not happiness. Happiness is predicated on what happens to us, but Joy is a quality that is there no matter the circumstance. So, what is the source of Joy? Ephesians tells us that Joy is one of the fruits of the spirit. It is a spiritual reality that comes from God. The bible tells us to not let anything steal our joy. There are four things that can steal our joy. In Philippians, Paul uses some form of the word Joy nineteen times. The first thing is the circumstances. It is easy to let the things that happen to us to cause us to lose the joy that came from God. The second joy stealer is people. All of us know the frustration of dealing with people. People are the source of frustration, anger, and conflict. The third joy stealer are things. The desire to get and hold material possessions causes us many opportunities to lose our joy. The last joy stealer is worry. The worst thief of all is the worry about things that we cannot control, or that might not even happen. We focus on the annoying and the irritating and lose sight of the joy that God put in is. How do we stop these thieves from stealing our joy? By understanding what Joy is and the value that it has to be a defense. The joy of the Lord is life’s greatest asset. Life is stressful. Often there is something missing in our life, that God intended to be there for help. Joy is one of the things that God has given us to be a help to us as we navigate through life. Our text from Nehemiah is often quoted. The joy of the Lord is our strength. Many times we do not understand the meaning of strength. The translated word means defense. That we need a defense implies that there is an enemy from whom we need protection. God has equipped us to face the forces in life that seek to destroy us. Why is joy so significant in scripture. Joy in all its forms is mentioned several hundred times through the bible. Joy balances our life against all of the assaults that come against us. Joy is not superficial. It is not just smiling and living through situations. The joy that our text describes is down deep in our soul. It is difficult to define biblical joy because there are thirty-five words in the bible that get translated to Joy. Joy is not happiness. Happiness is predicated on what happens to us, but Joy is a quality that is there no matter the circumstance. So, what is the source of Joy? Ephesians tells us that Joy is one of the fruits of the spirit. It is a spiritual reality that comes from God. The bible tells us to not let anything steal our joy. There are four things that can steal our joy. In Philippians, Paul uses some form of the word Joy nineteen times. The first thing is the circumstances. It is easy to let the things that happen to us to cause us to lose the joy that came from God. The second joy stealer is people. All of us know the frustration of dealing with people. People are the source of frustration, anger, and conflict. The third joy stealer are things. The desire to get and hold material possessions causes us many opportunities to lose our joy. The last joy stealer is worry. The worst thief of all is the worry about things that we cannot control, or that might not even happen. We focus on the annoying and the irritating and lose sight of the joy that God put in is. How do we stop these thieves from stealing our joy? By understanding what Joy is and the value that it has to be a defense. The joy of the Lord is life’s greatest asset. Life is stressful. Often there is something missing in our life, that God intended to be there for help. Joy is one of the things that God has given us to be a help to us as we navigate through life. Our text from Nehemiah is often quoted. The joy … Mark Hughes 3009 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21607631/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_lifesgreatestasset/id/952909.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21607631 Scripture: Nehemiah 8:10, Psalms 16:11, John 17:13 Wed, 10 Jun 2020 16:27:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Life is stressful. Often there is something missing in our life, that God intended to be there for help. Joy is one of the things that God has given us to be a help to us as we navigate through life. Our text from Nehemiah is often quoted. The joy of the Lord is our strength. Many times we do not understand the meaning of strength. The translated word means defense. That we need a defense implies that there is an enemy from whom we need protection. God has equipped us to face the forces in life that seek to destroy us. Why is joy so significant in scripture. Joy in all its forms is mentioned several hundred times through the bible. Joy balances our life against all of the assaults that come against us. Joy is not superficial. It is not just smiling and living through situations. The joy that our text describes is down deep in our soul. It is difficult to define biblical joy because there are thirty-five words in the bible that get translated to Joy. Joy is not happiness. Happiness is predicated on what happens to us, but Joy is a quality that is there no matter the circumstance. So, what is the source of Joy? Ephesians tells us that Joy is one of the fruits of the spirit. It is a spiritual reality that comes from God. The bible tells us to not let anything steal our joy. There are four things that can steal our joy. In Philippians, Paul uses some form of the word Joy nineteen times. The first thing is the circumstances. It is easy to let the things that happen to us to cause us to lose the joy that came from God. The second joy stealer is people. All of us know the frustration of dealing with people. People are the source of frustration, anger, and conflict. The third joy stealer are things. The desire to get and hold material possessions causes us many opportunities to lose our joy. The last joy stealer is worry. The worst thief of all is the worry about things that we cannot control, or that might not even happen. We focus on the annoying and the irritating and lose sight of the joy that God put in is. How do we stop these thieves from stealing our joy? By understanding what Joy is and the value that it has to be a defense. The joy of the Lord is life’s greatest asset. Life is stressful. Often there is something missing in our life, that God intended to be there for help. Joy is one of the things that God has given us to be a help to us as we navigate through life. Our text from Nehemiah is often quoted. The joy of the Lord is our strength. Many times we do not understand the meaning of strength. The translated word means defense. That we need a defense implies that there is an enemy from whom we need protection. God has equipped us to face the forces in life that seek to destroy us. Why is joy so significant in scripture. Joy in all its forms is mentioned several hundred times through the bible. Joy balances our life against all of the assaults that come against us. Joy is not superficial. It is not just smiling and living through situations. The joy that our text describes is down deep in our soul. It is difficult to define biblical joy because there are thirty-five words in the bible that get translated to Joy. Joy is not happiness. Happiness is predicated on what happens to us, but Joy is a quality that is there no matter the circumstance. So, what is the source of Joy? Ephesians tells us that Joy is one of the fruits of the spirit. It is a spiritual reality that comes from God. The bible tells us to not let anything steal our joy. There are four things that can steal our joy. In Philippians, Paul uses some form of the word Joy nineteen times. The first thing is the circumstances. It is easy to let the things that happen to us to cause us to lose the joy that came from God. The second joy stealer is people. All of us know the frustration of dealing with people. People are the source of frustration, anger, and conflict. The third joy stealer are things. The desire to get and hold material possessions causes us many opportunities to lose our joy. The last joy stealer is worry. The worst thief of all is the worry about things that we cannot control, or that might not even happen. We focus on the annoying and the irritating and lose sight of the joy that God put in is. How do we stop these thieves from stealing our joy? By understanding what Joy is and the value that it has to be a defense. The joy of the Lord is life’s greatest asset. Life is stressful. Often there is something missing in our life, that God intended to be there for help. Joy is one of the things that God has given us to be a help to us as we navigate through life. Our text from Nehemiah is often quoted. The joy … Mark Hughes 3009 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21607631/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lifesgreatestasset/id/3493504.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21607631 Scripture: Nehemiah 8:10, Psalms 16:11, John 17:13 Thu, 04 Jun 2020 02:53:44 +0000 Landon Long Jesus’ message in our text is straightforward. A tree is known by its fruit. If we see an apple on the tree, we know that we are looking at an apple tree. The apple tree does not have to announce that it is an apple tree, the fact that it produces apples says all that we need to hear. People walk around, proclaiming that they are various things, but when we look at their life, we see something different. Some people say that they are nice, but their life does not display nice. Other people say that they are compassionate, but we cannot see that when we look at what they produce. Many claim to have the fruit of the spirit in their life, but the fruit they produce is anything but the Spirit of God. Our life should be a testament to what we claim to be. If we claim to be a child of God, observers should be able to see that in our life. The apple tree does not have to tell us that it is an apple tree. The fruit speaks for itself. What is our fruit saying about us? Jesus’ message in our text is straightforward. A tree is known by its fruit. If we see an apple on the tree, we know that we are looking at an apple tree. The apple tree does not have to announce that it is an apple tree, the fact that it produces apples says all that we need to hear. People walk around, proclaiming that they are various things, but when we look at their life, we see something different. Some people say that they are nice, but their life does not display nice. Other people say that they are compassionate, but we cannot see that when we look at what they produce. Many claim to have the fruit of the spirit in their life, but the fruit they produce is anything but the Spirit of God. Our life should be a testament to what we claim to be. If we claim to be a child of God, observers should be able to see that in our life. The apple tree does not have to tell us that it is an apple tree. The fruit speaks for itself. What is our fruit saying about us? Jesus’ message in our text is straightforward. A tree is known by its fruit. If we see an apple on the tree, we know that we are looking at an apple tree. The apple tree does not have to announce that it is an apple tree, the fact that it produces a… Landon Long 3086 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21603243/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_talkingtrees/id/950321.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21603243 Scripture: Matthew 7:15-7:20 Thu, 04 Jun 2020 02:53:44 +0000 Landon Long Jesus’ message in our text is straightforward. A tree is known by its fruit. If we see an apple on the tree, we know that we are looking at an apple tree. The apple tree does not have to announce that it is an apple tree, the fact that it produces apples says all that we need to hear. People walk around, proclaiming that they are various things, but when we look at their life, we see something different. Some people say that they are nice, but their life does not display nice. Other people say that they are compassionate, but we cannot see that when we look at what they produce. Many claim to have the fruit of the spirit in their life, but the fruit they produce is anything but the Spirit of God. Our life should be a testament to what we claim to be. If we claim to be a child of God, observers should be able to see that in our life. The apple tree does not have to tell us that it is an apple tree. The fruit speaks for itself. What is our fruit saying about us? Jesus’ message in our text is straightforward. A tree is known by its fruit. If we see an apple on the tree, we know that we are looking at an apple tree. The apple tree does not have to announce that it is an apple tree, the fact that it produces apples says all that we need to hear. People walk around, proclaiming that they are various things, but when we look at their life, we see something different. Some people say that they are nice, but their life does not display nice. Other people say that they are compassionate, but we cannot see that when we look at what they produce. Many claim to have the fruit of the spirit in their life, but the fruit they produce is anything but the Spirit of God. Our life should be a testament to what we claim to be. If we claim to be a child of God, observers should be able to see that in our life. The apple tree does not have to tell us that it is an apple tree. The fruit speaks for itself. What is our fruit saying about us? Jesus’ message in our text is straightforward. A tree is known by its fruit. If we see an apple on the tree, we know that we are looking at an apple tree. The apple tree does not have to announce that it is an apple tree, the fact that it produces a… Landon Long 3086 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21603243/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_talkingtrees/id/3489500.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21603243 Scripture: Matthew 7:15-7:20 Sun, 31 May 2020 19:43:50 +0000 Mark Hughes Greater Life Church Greater Life Church Greater Life Church… Mark Hughes 2157 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21601827/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_doitagain/id/949601.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21601827 Scripture: Acts 2:1-2:4 Sun, 31 May 2020 19:43:50 +0000 Mark Hughes Greater Life Church Greater Life Church Greater Life Church… Mark Hughes 2157 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21601827/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_doitagain/id/3488191.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21601827 Scripture: Acts 2:1-2:4 Thu, 28 May 2020 02:32:18 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is the prayer of a man who was at the edge of all that he could handle. He was far from the presence of God. He feels such deep separation and anxiety that it becomes too much for him. He was facing a rock that was so large that it stopped him in his tracks. David knew where to look to navigate the obstacle he faced. We can sometimes find ourselves facing an insurmountable obstacle in our spiritual life. Just like there was for David, there is One who can help us navigate that rock too high. Our text is the prayer of a man who was at the edge of all that he could handle. He was far from the presence of God. He feels such deep separation and anxiety that it becomes too much for him. He was facing a rock that was so large that it stopped him in his tracks. David knew where to look to navigate the obstacle he faced. We can sometimes find ourselves facing an insurmountable obstacle in our spiritual life. Just like there was for David, there is One who can help us navigate that rock too high. Our text is the prayer of a man who was at the edge of all that he could handle. He was far from the presence of God. He feels such deep separation and anxiety that it becomes too much for him. He was facing a rock that was so large that it stopped h… Mark Hughes 2754 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21599776/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_arocktoohigh/id/948249.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21599776 Scripture: Psalms 61:1-61:4 Thu, 28 May 2020 02:32:18 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is the prayer of a man who was at the edge of all that he could handle. He was far from the presence of God. He feels such deep separation and anxiety that it becomes too much for him. He was facing a rock that was so large that it stopped him in his tracks. David knew where to look to navigate the obstacle he faced. We can sometimes find ourselves facing an insurmountable obstacle in our spiritual life. Just like there was for David, there is One who can help us navigate that rock too high. Our text is the prayer of a man who was at the edge of all that he could handle. He was far from the presence of God. He feels such deep separation and anxiety that it becomes too much for him. He was facing a rock that was so large that it stopped him in his tracks. David knew where to look to navigate the obstacle he faced. We can sometimes find ourselves facing an insurmountable obstacle in our spiritual life. Just like there was for David, there is One who can help us navigate that rock too high. Our text is the prayer of a man who was at the edge of all that he could handle. He was far from the presence of God. He feels such deep separation and anxiety that it becomes too much for him. He was facing a rock that was so large that it stopped h… Mark Hughes 2754 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21599776/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_arocktoohigh/id/3486223.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21599776 Scripture: Psalms 61:1-61:4 Mon, 25 May 2020 01:29:37 +0000 Mark Hughes omorrow our country observes a national holiday to celebrate and remember the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in the service of our country. It is important to memorialize these important events in our history. Every society has a collective set of experiences and events that have formed a common bond. Memorials are a means to preserve people, places, and events that are important to our history. A memory and memorial will help us to focus on what really matters and gives us a place to reflect on the important things in life. Often these memories and memories give us a place of stability to recall how God has kept us and provided for us. Remembering those times of hardship, we can reflect on how God has provided for us and turned the situation around. If He did it then, He will do it again. Having a history of experiences is critical to our spiritual life. Memorials speak of God’s involvement in our life. We are not in this alone. The reason for this call to remember is not to invoke a feeling of guilt, but to reinforce that God is with us and will see us through whatever situation in which we find ourselves. There are three essential memorials that we must have. The first stone that everyone needs is a Bethel stone. Bethel is the place where Jacob found himself after he left his father’s house. As he slept on a pillow of stones, he had a vision from God. When he awoke, he erected a stone memorial to the revelation that God had given him. It changed his life, and he wanted to remember that moment for the rest of his life. We all have to have a moment where God changes our lives and we must memorialize that visitation from God. The second stone is the Gilgal stone. Israel had come to the promised land, but between them and the promised land was a swollen, rushing, Jordan river. God stayed the water upstream and allowed Israel to walk into the promised land on dry land. Afterward, He commanded them to erect a memorial. We all must have a memorial of a time when God’s hand stayed something in our life. Finally we must all have an Ebenezer stone. As Samuel was offering sacrifices for Israel’s sins, the Philistines marshaled outside to begin an attack. God intervened to protect his people as they worshiped at the altar. We all need a memorial to the time when God’s presence came in so powerfully and so strong that we received an overwhelming victory. omorrow our country observes a national holiday to celebrate and remember the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in the service of our country. It is important to memorialize these important events in our history. Every society has a collective set of experiences and events that have formed a common bond. Memorials are a means to preserve people, places, and events that are important to our history. A memory and memorial will help us to focus on what really matters and gives us a place to reflect on the important things in life. Often these memories and memories give us a place of stability to recall how God has kept us and provided for us. Remembering those times of hardship, we can reflect on how God has provided for us and turned the situation around. If He did it then, He will do it again. Having a history of experiences is critical to our spiritual life. Memorials speak of God’s involvement in our life. We are not in this alone. The reason for this call to remember is not to invoke a feeling of guilt, but to reinforce that God is with us and will see us through whatever situation in which we find ourselves. There are three essential memorials that we must have. The first stone that everyone needs is a Bethel stone. Bethel is the place where Jacob found himself after he left his father’s house. As he slept on a pillow of stones, he had a vision from God. When he awoke, he erected a stone memorial to the revelation that God had given him. It changed his life, and he wanted to remember that moment for the rest of his life. We all have to have a moment where God changes our lives and we must memorialize that visitation from God. The second stone is the Gilgal stone. Israel had come to the promised land, but between them and the promised land was a swollen, rushing, Jordan river. God stayed the water upstream and allowed Israel to walk into the promised land on dry land. Afterward, He commanded them to erect a memorial. We all must have a memorial of a time when God’s hand stayed something in our life. Finally we must all have an Ebenezer stone. As Samuel was offering sacrifices for Israel’s sins, the Philistines marshaled outside to begin an attack. God intervened to protect his people as they worshiped at the altar. We all need a memorial to the time when God’s presence came in so powerfully and so strong that we received an overwhelming victory. omorrow our country observes a national holiday to celebrate and remember the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in the service of our country. It is important to memorialize these important events in our history. Every society has a collective … Mark Hughes 2761 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21598603/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_threepreciousstones/id/947636.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21598603 Scripture: Genesis 28:10-28:22, Joshua 4:1-4:7, 1 Samuel 7:10-7:12 Mon, 25 May 2020 01:29:37 +0000 Mark Hughes omorrow our country observes a national holiday to celebrate and remember the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in the service of our country. It is important to memorialize these important events in our history. Every society has a collective set of experiences and events that have formed a common bond. Memorials are a means to preserve people, places, and events that are important to our history. A memory and memorial will help us to focus on what really matters and gives us a place to reflect on the important things in life. Often these memories and memories give us a place of stability to recall how God has kept us and provided for us. Remembering those times of hardship, we can reflect on how God has provided for us and turned the situation around. If He did it then, He will do it again. Having a history of experiences is critical to our spiritual life. Memorials speak of God’s involvement in our life. We are not in this alone. The reason for this call to remember is not to invoke a feeling of guilt, but to reinforce that God is with us and will see us through whatever situation in which we find ourselves. There are three essential memorials that we must have. The first stone that everyone needs is a Bethel stone. Bethel is the place where Jacob found himself after he left his father’s house. As he slept on a pillow of stones, he had a vision from God. When he awoke, he erected a stone memorial to the revelation that God had given him. It changed his life, and he wanted to remember that moment for the rest of his life. We all have to have a moment where God changes our lives and we must memorialize that visitation from God. The second stone is the Gilgal stone. Israel had come to the promised land, but between them and the promised land was a swollen, rushing, Jordan river. God stayed the water upstream and allowed Israel to walk into the promised land on dry land. Afterward, He commanded them to erect a memorial. We all must have a memorial of a time when God’s hand stayed something in our life. Finally we must all have an Ebenezer stone. As Samuel was offering sacrifices for Israel’s sins, the Philistines marshaled outside to begin an attack. God intervened to protect his people as they worshiped at the altar. We all need a memorial to the time when God’s presence came in so powerfully and so strong that we received an overwhelming victory. omorrow our country observes a national holiday to celebrate and remember the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in the service of our country. It is important to memorialize these important events in our history. Every society has a collective set of experiences and events that have formed a common bond. Memorials are a means to preserve people, places, and events that are important to our history. A memory and memorial will help us to focus on what really matters and gives us a place to reflect on the important things in life. Often these memories and memories give us a place of stability to recall how God has kept us and provided for us. Remembering those times of hardship, we can reflect on how God has provided for us and turned the situation around. If He did it then, He will do it again. Having a history of experiences is critical to our spiritual life. Memorials speak of God’s involvement in our life. We are not in this alone. The reason for this call to remember is not to invoke a feeling of guilt, but to reinforce that God is with us and will see us through whatever situation in which we find ourselves. There are three essential memorials that we must have. The first stone that everyone needs is a Bethel stone. Bethel is the place where Jacob found himself after he left his father’s house. As he slept on a pillow of stones, he had a vision from God. When he awoke, he erected a stone memorial to the revelation that God had given him. It changed his life, and he wanted to remember that moment for the rest of his life. We all have to have a moment where God changes our lives and we must memorialize that visitation from God. The second stone is the Gilgal stone. Israel had come to the promised land, but between them and the promised land was a swollen, rushing, Jordan river. God stayed the water upstream and allowed Israel to walk into the promised land on dry land. Afterward, He commanded them to erect a memorial. We all must have a memorial of a time when God’s hand stayed something in our life. Finally we must all have an Ebenezer stone. As Samuel was offering sacrifices for Israel’s sins, the Philistines marshaled outside to begin an attack. God intervened to protect his people as they worshiped at the altar. We all need a memorial to the time when God’s presence came in so powerfully and so strong that we received an overwhelming victory. omorrow our country observes a national holiday to celebrate and remember the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in the service of our country. It is important to memorialize these important events in our history. Every society has a collective … Mark Hughes 2761 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21598603/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_threepreciousstones/id/3485092.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21598603 Scripture: Genesis 28:10-28:22, Joshua 4:1-4:7, 1 Samuel 7:10-7:12 Thu, 21 May 2020 02:17:30 +0000 Landon Long Bro. Long shares a burden on his heart tonight about our salvation. Being saved is not a big thing, a key thing, or a vital thing; it is the only thing. Everything that we do in life, every relationship, every decision, every choice, every action must be made with the end game in mind. I must be saved. Bro. Long shares a burden on his heart tonight about our salvation. Being saved is not a big thing, a key thing, or a vital thing; it is the only thing. Everything that we do in life, every relationship, every decision, every choice, every action must be made with the end game in mind. I must be saved. Bro. Long shares a burden on his heart tonight about our salvation. Being saved is not a big thing, a key thing, or a vital thing; it is the only thing. Everything that we do in life, every relationship, every decision, every choice, every action mus… Landon Long 2642 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21596163/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_imustbesaved/id/946111.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21596163 Scripture: Acts 16:25-16:33 Thu, 21 May 2020 02:17:30 +0000 Landon Long Bro. Long shares a burden on his heart tonight about our salvation. Being saved is not a big thing, a key thing, or a vital thing; it is the only thing. Everything that we do in life, every relationship, every decision, every choice, every action must be made with the end game in mind. I must be saved. Bro. Long shares a burden on his heart tonight about our salvation. Being saved is not a big thing, a key thing, or a vital thing; it is the only thing. Everything that we do in life, every relationship, every decision, every choice, every action must be made with the end game in mind. I must be saved. Bro. Long shares a burden on his heart tonight about our salvation. Being saved is not a big thing, a key thing, or a vital thing; it is the only thing. Everything that we do in life, every relationship, every decision, every choice, every action mus… Landon Long 2642 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21596163/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_imustbesaved/id/3482754.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21596163 Scripture: Acts 16:25-16:33 Sun, 17 May 2020 21:25:45 +0000 James Hughes The story in our text happens in the life of Israel when God was about to bring them into the promised land. They had been on a journey designed by God to remove the effects of Egypt from Israel. They had been in Egypt so long that they had come to look like Egypt. God had to remove that from them before they could possess the promised land. Like Israel, our world has an influence on us. God has a purpose and a destination for us, and we have to exercise the influences of the world on us to achieve it. There is a land to conquer, and we must not let the world prevent us from entering the promised land. When Moses met with God on the mountaintop, he took a young man with him for assistance. Joshua followed Moses to the mountaintop. He did not hear or interact with God, but he was destined to lead his people in possession of the promised land. Our church is in the midst of a building program, and the world is ripe for revival because of the global health crisis. Many who have fallen away from God are returning as they examine their lives in light of the pandemic. Like Joshua, the young people in our church will grow to be the leaders of the impending revival. In order to see that revival, we must fight off the grasshopper mentality that kept Israel from entering the promised land. The story in our text happens in the life of Israel when God was about to bring them into the promised land. They had been on a journey designed by God to remove the effects of Egypt from Israel. They had been in Egypt so long that they had come to look like Egypt. God had to remove that from them before they could possess the promised land. Like Israel, our world has an influence on us. God has a purpose and a destination for us, and we have to exercise the influences of the world on us to achieve it. There is a land to conquer, and we must not let the world prevent us from entering the promised land. When Moses met with God on the mountaintop, he took a young man with him for assistance. Joshua followed Moses to the mountaintop. He did not hear or interact with God, but he was destined to lead his people in possession of the promised land. Our church is in the midst of a building program, and the world is ripe for revival because of the global health crisis. Many who have fallen away from God are returning as they examine their lives in light of the pandemic. Like Joshua, the young people in our church will grow to be the leaders of the impending revival. In order to see that revival, we must fight off the grasshopper mentality that kept Israel from entering the promised land. The story in our text happens in the life of Israel when God was about to bring them into the promised land. They had been on a journey designed by God to remove the effects of Egypt from Israel. They had been in Egypt so long that they had come to l… James Hughes 2850 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21593784/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thegrasshoppermentality/id/945332.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21593784 Scripture: Numbers 13:1-13:3, Numbers 13:25-13:33 Sun, 17 May 2020 21:25:45 +0000 James Hughes The story in our text happens in the life of Israel when God was about to bring them into the promised land. They had been on a journey designed by God to remove the effects of Egypt from Israel. They had been in Egypt so long that they had come to look like Egypt. God had to remove that from them before they could possess the promised land. Like Israel, our world has an influence on us. God has a purpose and a destination for us, and we have to exercise the influences of the world on us to achieve it. There is a land to conquer, and we must not let the world prevent us from entering the promised land. When Moses met with God on the mountaintop, he took a young man with him for assistance. Joshua followed Moses to the mountaintop. He did not hear or interact with God, but he was destined to lead his people in possession of the promised land. Our church is in the midst of a building program, and the world is ripe for revival because of the global health crisis. Many who have fallen away from God are returning as they examine their lives in light of the pandemic. Like Joshua, the young people in our church will grow to be the leaders of the impending revival. In order to see that revival, we must fight off the grasshopper mentality that kept Israel from entering the promised land. The story in our text happens in the life of Israel when God was about to bring them into the promised land. They had been on a journey designed by God to remove the effects of Egypt from Israel. They had been in Egypt so long that they had come to look like Egypt. God had to remove that from them before they could possess the promised land. Like Israel, our world has an influence on us. God has a purpose and a destination for us, and we have to exercise the influences of the world on us to achieve it. There is a land to conquer, and we must not let the world prevent us from entering the promised land. When Moses met with God on the mountaintop, he took a young man with him for assistance. Joshua followed Moses to the mountaintop. He did not hear or interact with God, but he was destined to lead his people in possession of the promised land. Our church is in the midst of a building program, and the world is ripe for revival because of the global health crisis. Many who have fallen away from God are returning as they examine their lives in light of the pandemic. Like Joshua, the young people in our church will grow to be the leaders of the impending revival. In order to see that revival, we must fight off the grasshopper mentality that kept Israel from entering the promised land. The story in our text happens in the life of Israel when God was about to bring them into the promised land. They had been on a journey designed by God to remove the effects of Egypt from Israel. They had been in Egypt so long that they had come to l… James Hughes 2850 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21593784/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegrasshoppermentality/id/3480504.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21593784 Scripture: Numbers 13:1-13:3, Numbers 13:25-13:33 Thu, 14 May 2020 02:38:39 +0000 Mark Hughes To restore means to bring something back that has been lost or squandered. In human terms, we can put things back into someone’s life that has been lost for whatever reason. We are God’s creation, and more than that, we are His masterpiece. That is difficult for some to comprehend, but the bible is clear that we are just that. Over the past several weeks, Bro. Hughes has explored the elements and processes needed to restore a masterpiece. The first thing needed is the desire to undertake the restoration. Last week, Bro. Hughes talked about having the skills needed to complete the work. Tonight, we conclude this series by exploring the last two characteristics needed for restoration. To complete a full restoration, one must have the resources and the time to do so. The bible is clear that God has unlimited resources. These riches are poured out to us in the form of grace, mercy, and forgiveness. God has the means, the provision, and the time to restore us. God is not bound by the constraints of time as we humans are. Whatever our need may be, God can meet it. If we need grace, God can supply amazing grace. If we need mercy, God has unlimited mercy. If we need patience, God is longsuffering. To restore means to bring something back that has been lost or squandered. In human terms, we can put things back into someone’s life that has been lost for whatever reason. We are God’s creation, and more than that, we are His masterpiece. That is difficult for some to comprehend, but the bible is clear that we are just that. Over the past several weeks, Bro. Hughes has explored the elements and processes needed to restore a masterpiece. The first thing needed is the desire to undertake the restoration. Last week, Bro. Hughes talked about having the skills needed to complete the work. Tonight, we conclude this series by exploring the last two characteristics needed for restoration. To complete a full restoration, one must have the resources and the time to do so. The bible is clear that God has unlimited resources. These riches are poured out to us in the form of grace, mercy, and forgiveness. God has the means, the provision, and the time to restore us. God is not bound by the constraints of time as we humans are. Whatever our need may be, God can meet it. If we need grace, God can supply amazing grace. If we need mercy, God has unlimited mercy. If we need patience, God is longsuffering. To restore means to bring something back that has been lost or squandered. In human terms, we can put things back into someone’s life that has been lost for whatever reason. We are God’s creation, and more than that, we are His masterpiece. That is … Mark Hughes 2256 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21591461/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_howtorestoreamasterpiecepart5/id/943851.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21591461 Scripture: Ephesians 2:10, Philippians 1:19, Series: How Do You Rebuild A Masterpiece Part#5 Thu, 14 May 2020 02:38:39 +0000 Mark Hughes To restore means to bring something back that has been lost or squandered. In human terms, we can put things back into someone’s life that has been lost for whatever reason. We are God’s creation, and more than that, we are His masterpiece. That is difficult for some to comprehend, but the bible is clear that we are just that. Over the past several weeks, Bro. Hughes has explored the elements and processes needed to restore a masterpiece. The first thing needed is the desire to undertake the restoration. Last week, Bro. Hughes talked about having the skills needed to complete the work. Tonight, we conclude this series by exploring the last two characteristics needed for restoration. To complete a full restoration, one must have the resources and the time to do so. The bible is clear that God has unlimited resources. These riches are poured out to us in the form of grace, mercy, and forgiveness. God has the means, the provision, and the time to restore us. God is not bound by the constraints of time as we humans are. Whatever our need may be, God can meet it. If we need grace, God can supply amazing grace. If we need mercy, God has unlimited mercy. If we need patience, God is longsuffering. To restore means to bring something back that has been lost or squandered. In human terms, we can put things back into someone’s life that has been lost for whatever reason. We are God’s creation, and more than that, we are His masterpiece. That is difficult for some to comprehend, but the bible is clear that we are just that. Over the past several weeks, Bro. Hughes has explored the elements and processes needed to restore a masterpiece. The first thing needed is the desire to undertake the restoration. Last week, Bro. Hughes talked about having the skills needed to complete the work. Tonight, we conclude this series by exploring the last two characteristics needed for restoration. To complete a full restoration, one must have the resources and the time to do so. The bible is clear that God has unlimited resources. These riches are poured out to us in the form of grace, mercy, and forgiveness. God has the means, the provision, and the time to restore us. God is not bound by the constraints of time as we humans are. Whatever our need may be, God can meet it. If we need grace, God can supply amazing grace. If we need mercy, God has unlimited mercy. If we need patience, God is longsuffering. To restore means to bring something back that has been lost or squandered. In human terms, we can put things back into someone’s life that has been lost for whatever reason. We are God’s creation, and more than that, we are His masterpiece. That is … Mark Hughes 2256 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21591461/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtorestoreamasterpiecepart5/id/3478310.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21591461 Scripture: Ephesians 2:10, Philippians 1:19, Series: How Do You Rebuild A Masterpiece Part#5 Mon, 11 May 2020 01:19:12 +0000 Mark Hughes Today we honor our mothers. The Lord placed mothers in a special role. The first woman was called Eve. The word means mother of all. In doing this, Adam was prophesying about the role that mothers would hold in the world. Mothering is more than biological. It is a gift given to every woman that is part of their identity and nature. A mother influences life like no one else can. The root of the word mother comes from pictographic symbols that depict strength and the glue that holds life together. No influence is more enduring and effective than that of a mother to her children. Our text from Exodus is the story of Moses’ birth. All male Israelite children his age were to be put to death. Moses’ mother had the courage, faith, and love to risk her own life to save her son. The influence she had on Moses’ life changed the course of Israel, and the world. A mother has the capacity to see things in her children that they do not recognize in themselves. This is more than a woman’s intuition, it is a God-given gift. Women have the capacity to see and visualize a beautiful future. Moses never lost the impact and influence that his mother had as she raised him. When he came of age, he refused to be the son of Pharaoh's daughter choosing instead a life of poverty and hardship to be true to himself. A mother’s love can change the world. The world is better because of her. Today we honor our mothers. The Lord placed mothers in a special role. The first woman was called Eve. The word means mother of all. In doing this, Adam was prophesying about the role that mothers would hold in the world. Mothering is more than biological. It is a gift given to every woman that is part of their identity and nature. A mother influences life like no one else can. The root of the word mother comes from pictographic symbols that depict strength and the glue that holds life together. No influence is more enduring and effective than that of a mother to her children. Our text from Exodus is the story of Moses’ birth. All male Israelite children his age were to be put to death. Moses’ mother had the courage, faith, and love to risk her own life to save her son. The influence she had on Moses’ life changed the course of Israel, and the world. A mother has the capacity to see things in her children that they do not recognize in themselves. This is more than a woman’s intuition, it is a God-given gift. Women have the capacity to see and visualize a beautiful future. Moses never lost the impact and influence that his mother had as she raised him. When he came of age, he refused to be the son of Pharaoh's daughter choosing instead a life of poverty and hardship to be true to himself. A mother’s love can change the world. The world is better because of her. Today we honor our mothers. The Lord placed mothers in a special role. The first woman was called Eve. The word means mother of all. In doing this, Adam was prophesying about the role that mothers would hold in the world. Mothering is more than bi… Mark Hughes 2025 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21589990/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_betterbecauseofher/id/943212.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21589990 Scripture: Exodus 2:1-2:4 Mon, 11 May 2020 01:19:12 +0000 Mark Hughes Today we honor our mothers. The Lord placed mothers in a special role. The first woman was called Eve. The word means mother of all. In doing this, Adam was prophesying about the role that mothers would hold in the world. Mothering is more than biological. It is a gift given to every woman that is part of their identity and nature. A mother influences life like no one else can. The root of the word mother comes from pictographic symbols that depict strength and the glue that holds life together. No influence is more enduring and effective than that of a mother to her children. Our text from Exodus is the story of Moses’ birth. All male Israelite children his age were to be put to death. Moses’ mother had the courage, faith, and love to risk her own life to save her son. The influence she had on Moses’ life changed the course of Israel, and the world. A mother has the capacity to see things in her children that they do not recognize in themselves. This is more than a woman’s intuition, it is a God-given gift. Women have the capacity to see and visualize a beautiful future. Moses never lost the impact and influence that his mother had as she raised him. When he came of age, he refused to be the son of Pharaoh's daughter choosing instead a life of poverty and hardship to be true to himself. A mother’s love can change the world. The world is better because of her. Today we honor our mothers. The Lord placed mothers in a special role. The first woman was called Eve. The word means mother of all. In doing this, Adam was prophesying about the role that mothers would hold in the world. Mothering is more than biological. It is a gift given to every woman that is part of their identity and nature. A mother influences life like no one else can. The root of the word mother comes from pictographic symbols that depict strength and the glue that holds life together. No influence is more enduring and effective than that of a mother to her children. Our text from Exodus is the story of Moses’ birth. All male Israelite children his age were to be put to death. Moses’ mother had the courage, faith, and love to risk her own life to save her son. The influence she had on Moses’ life changed the course of Israel, and the world. A mother has the capacity to see things in her children that they do not recognize in themselves. This is more than a woman’s intuition, it is a God-given gift. Women have the capacity to see and visualize a beautiful future. Moses never lost the impact and influence that his mother had as she raised him. When he came of age, he refused to be the son of Pharaoh's daughter choosing instead a life of poverty and hardship to be true to himself. A mother’s love can change the world. The world is better because of her. Today we honor our mothers. The Lord placed mothers in a special role. The first woman was called Eve. The word means mother of all. In doing this, Adam was prophesying about the role that mothers would hold in the world. Mothering is more than bi… Mark Hughes 2025 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21589990/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_betterbecauseofher/id/3476922.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21589990 Scripture: Exodus 2:1-2:4 Thu, 07 May 2020 02:18:47 +0000 Mark Hughes The bible says that we are formed by God. That verb tells us that He was deliberate in His creation. The detail that the creator included in our human bodies boggle the imagination. We are God’s masterpiece. Most often, we do not feel like a masterpiece. Our relationship with God is not based on how we see ourselves, but on how He sees us. We are God’s masterpiece and He wants to restore us to the place we should be. We began our series by studying the restoration of Notre Dame. One of the challenges with restoring that historic building is that even if the materials needed to rebuild it exist, the skills and craftsmanship may not. Fortunately, the craftsman who made the original is still on the throne today. The bible says that we are formed by God. That verb tells us that He was deliberate in His creation. The detail that the creator included in our human bodies boggle the imagination. We are God’s masterpiece. Most often, we do not feel like a masterpiece. Our relationship with God is not based on how we see ourselves, but on how He sees us. We are God’s masterpiece and He wants to restore us to the place we should be. We began our series by studying the restoration of Notre Dame. One of the challenges with restoring that historic building is that even if the materials needed to rebuild it exist, the skills and craftsmanship may not. Fortunately, the craftsman who made the original is still on the throne today. The bible says that we are formed by God. That verb tells us that He was deliberate in His creation. The detail that the creator included in our human bodies boggle the imagination. We are God’s masterpiece. Most often, we do not feel like a master… Mark Hughes 2032 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21587262/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_howdoyourebuildamasterpiecepar/id/941440.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21587262 Scripture: Ephesians 2:10, Series: How Do You Rebuild A Masterpiece Part#4 Thu, 07 May 2020 02:18:47 +0000 Mark Hughes The bible says that we are formed by God. That verb tells us that He was deliberate in His creation. The detail that the creator included in our human bodies boggle the imagination. We are God’s masterpiece. Most often, we do not feel like a masterpiece. Our relationship with God is not based on how we see ourselves, but on how He sees us. We are God’s masterpiece and He wants to restore us to the place we should be. We began our series by studying the restoration of Notre Dame. One of the challenges with restoring that historic building is that even if the materials needed to rebuild it exist, the skills and craftsmanship may not. Fortunately, the craftsman who made the original is still on the throne today. The bible says that we are formed by God. That verb tells us that He was deliberate in His creation. The detail that the creator included in our human bodies boggle the imagination. We are God’s masterpiece. Most often, we do not feel like a masterpiece. Our relationship with God is not based on how we see ourselves, but on how He sees us. We are God’s masterpiece and He wants to restore us to the place we should be. We began our series by studying the restoration of Notre Dame. One of the challenges with restoring that historic building is that even if the materials needed to rebuild it exist, the skills and craftsmanship may not. Fortunately, the craftsman who made the original is still on the throne today. The bible says that we are formed by God. That verb tells us that He was deliberate in His creation. The detail that the creator included in our human bodies boggle the imagination. We are God’s masterpiece. Most often, we do not feel like a master… Mark Hughes 2032 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21587262/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howdoyourebuildamasterpiecepar/id/3474431.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21587262 Scripture: Ephesians 2:10, Series: How Do You Rebuild A Masterpiece Part#4 Mon, 04 May 2020 00:20:16 +0000 Mark Hughes We are all living through unprecedented times. None of us have experienced a global incident like the health crisis we now find ourselves in. With all of these unknowns, come uncertainties, stress, and tension. Some things in life are unavoidable. What we have learned in this time, is that some things we just have to live through. So often in life, we find ourselves not knowing what to say or do because we are in the darkness of the unknown. We live in an ever-changing life. Things move quickly and we can easily find ourselves in a storm. In our text, Paul and his traveling companions find themselves in the middle of a fierce storm on the sea. A combination of forces came together to bring them to the point of perishing. Our world is in the middle of such a storm. As the winds blow, and the waves crash, do we have anything that will keep us until the storm passes? Our text says that in the midst of the storm, a man of faith stood and spoke into the face of the storm. His faith came from a divine visitation. If there is ever a time where the world needed a divine visitation, it is now. Paul may not have been the expert seaman on the ship, but his experience with God was the difference that saved them on that night. What we know, should keep us calm in the midst of this chaos. We have more inside us that can change the culture and environment than all the leaders or doctors of this world. What this world needs are men and women of faith who can stand and say that we believe God and that God will keep us through this storm. Faith will make a difference. Paul knew that no storm could take anything from them that God had not approved. Paul stood and said "I believe God." Paul was not a man of stature or power, but on that day, he was the most important person on that boat. He was a man of faith and a man who prayed. Our world needs men and women of faith who pray. We are all living through unprecedented times. None of us have experienced a global incident like the health crisis we now find ourselves in. With all of these unknowns, come uncertainties, stress, and tension. Some things in life are unavoidable. What we have learned in this time, is that some things we just have to live through. So often in life, we find ourselves not knowing what to say or do because we are in the darkness of the unknown. We live in an ever-changing life. Things move quickly and we can easily find ourselves in a storm. In our text, Paul and his traveling companions find themselves in the middle of a fierce storm on the sea. A combination of forces came together to bring them to the point of perishing. Our world is in the middle of such a storm. As the winds blow, and the waves crash, do we have anything that will keep us until the storm passes? Our text says that in the midst of the storm, a man of faith stood and spoke into the face of the storm. His faith came from a divine visitation. If there is ever a time where the world needed a divine visitation, it is now. Paul may not have been the expert seaman on the ship, but his experience with God was the difference that saved them on that night. What we know, should keep us calm in the midst of this chaos. We have more inside us that can change the culture and environment than all the leaders or doctors of this world. What this world needs are men and women of faith who can stand and say that we believe God and that God will keep us through this storm. Faith will make a difference. Paul knew that no storm could take anything from them that God had not approved. Paul stood and said "I believe God." Paul was not a man of stature or power, but on that day, he was the most important person on that boat. He was a man of faith and a man who prayed. Our world needs men and women of faith who pray. We are all living through unprecedented times. None of us have experienced a global incident like the health crisis we now find ourselves in. With all of these unknowns, come uncertainties, stress, and tension. Some things in life are unavoidable. … Mark Hughes 1977 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21585852/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_goodnewsforabadday/id/940681.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21585852 Scripture: Acts 27:13-27:25 Mon, 04 May 2020 00:20:16 +0000 Mark Hughes We are all living through unprecedented times. None of us have experienced a global incident like the health crisis we now find ourselves in. With all of these unknowns, come uncertainties, stress, and tension. Some things in life are unavoidable. What we have learned in this time, is that some things we just have to live through. So often in life, we find ourselves not knowing what to say or do because we are in the darkness of the unknown. We live in an ever-changing life. Things move quickly and we can easily find ourselves in a storm. In our text, Paul and his traveling companions find themselves in the middle of a fierce storm on the sea. A combination of forces came together to bring them to the point of perishing. Our world is in the middle of such a storm. As the winds blow, and the waves crash, do we have anything that will keep us until the storm passes? Our text says that in the midst of the storm, a man of faith stood and spoke into the face of the storm. His faith came from a divine visitation. If there is ever a time where the world needed a divine visitation, it is now. Paul may not have been the expert seaman on the ship, but his experience with God was the difference that saved them on that night. What we know, should keep us calm in the midst of this chaos. We have more inside us that can change the culture and environment than all the leaders or doctors of this world. What this world needs are men and women of faith who can stand and say that we believe God and that God will keep us through this storm. Faith will make a difference. Paul knew that no storm could take anything from them that God had not approved. Paul stood and said "I believe God." Paul was not a man of stature or power, but on that day, he was the most important person on that boat. He was a man of faith and a man who prayed. Our world needs men and women of faith who pray. We are all living through unprecedented times. None of us have experienced a global incident like the health crisis we now find ourselves in. With all of these unknowns, come uncertainties, stress, and tension. Some things in life are unavoidable. What we have learned in this time, is that some things we just have to live through. So often in life, we find ourselves not knowing what to say or do because we are in the darkness of the unknown. We live in an ever-changing life. Things move quickly and we can easily find ourselves in a storm. In our text, Paul and his traveling companions find themselves in the middle of a fierce storm on the sea. A combination of forces came together to bring them to the point of perishing. Our world is in the middle of such a storm. As the winds blow, and the waves crash, do we have anything that will keep us until the storm passes? Our text says that in the midst of the storm, a man of faith stood and spoke into the face of the storm. His faith came from a divine visitation. If there is ever a time where the world needed a divine visitation, it is now. Paul may not have been the expert seaman on the ship, but his experience with God was the difference that saved them on that night. What we know, should keep us calm in the midst of this chaos. We have more inside us that can change the culture and environment than all the leaders or doctors of this world. What this world needs are men and women of faith who can stand and say that we believe God and that God will keep us through this storm. Faith will make a difference. Paul knew that no storm could take anything from them that God had not approved. Paul stood and said "I believe God." Paul was not a man of stature or power, but on that day, he was the most important person on that boat. He was a man of faith and a man who prayed. Our world needs men and women of faith who pray. We are all living through unprecedented times. None of us have experienced a global incident like the health crisis we now find ourselves in. With all of these unknowns, come uncertainties, stress, and tension. Some things in life are unavoidable. … Mark Hughes 1977 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21585852/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_goodnewsforabadday/id/3473074.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21585852 Scripture: Acts 27:13-27:25 Thu, 30 Apr 2020 03:09:00 +0000 Landon Long Many seek the will of God and want the will of God in their lives. More still ask why or how when they receive an answer from God. Some have fallen short of God’s standard and question if they can ever return to the place they once were. We understand that we are God’s masterpiece, but we question how God can possibly rebuild us to where He needs us to be. We look at the ruins of our lives and wonder if it can ever be enough. All that we have left, is enough for God. We ask God for help, and when He responds, too often we think that it is not enough and we do not follow through because we do not understand the answer. We have to learn how to trust God and not try to understand His ways. We complicate things by asking questions. Questions are not bad, but when we spend so much time tiring to understand and asking why, we lose focus on God’s plan by trying to understand that which cannot be understood. Even if we have all the answers, there will still be more questions. God is about to rebuild things that we did not think were possible. In human terms, it is not possible, but with God, nothing is impossible. Many seek the will of God and want the will of God in their lives. More still ask why or how when they receive an answer from God. Some have fallen short of God’s standard and question if they can ever return to the place they once were. We understand that we are God’s masterpiece, but we question how God can possibly rebuild us to where He needs us to be. We look at the ruins of our lives and wonder if it can ever be enough. All that we have left, is enough for God. We ask God for help, and when He responds, too often we think that it is not enough and we do not follow through because we do not understand the answer. We have to learn how to trust God and not try to understand His ways. We complicate things by asking questions. Questions are not bad, but when we spend so much time tiring to understand and asking why, we lose focus on God’s plan by trying to understand that which cannot be understood. Even if we have all the answers, there will still be more questions. God is about to rebuild things that we did not think were possible. In human terms, it is not possible, but with God, nothing is impossible. Many seek the will of God and want the will of God in their lives. More still ask why or how when they receive an answer from God. Some have fallen short of God’s standard and question if they can ever return to the place they once were. We understa… Landon Long 2376 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21583740/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thefinishingtouchestothemaster/id/939324.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21583740 Scripture: Romans 13:11-13:15, Series: How Do You Rebuild A Masterpiece Part#3 Thu, 30 Apr 2020 03:09:00 +0000 Landon Long Many seek the will of God and want the will of God in their lives. More still ask why or how when they receive an answer from God. Some have fallen short of God’s standard and question if they can ever return to the place they once were. We understand that we are God’s masterpiece, but we question how God can possibly rebuild us to where He needs us to be. We look at the ruins of our lives and wonder if it can ever be enough. All that we have left, is enough for God. We ask God for help, and when He responds, too often we think that it is not enough and we do not follow through because we do not understand the answer. We have to learn how to trust God and not try to understand His ways. We complicate things by asking questions. Questions are not bad, but when we spend so much time tiring to understand and asking why, we lose focus on God’s plan by trying to understand that which cannot be understood. Even if we have all the answers, there will still be more questions. God is about to rebuild things that we did not think were possible. In human terms, it is not possible, but with God, nothing is impossible. Many seek the will of God and want the will of God in their lives. More still ask why or how when they receive an answer from God. Some have fallen short of God’s standard and question if they can ever return to the place they once were. We understand that we are God’s masterpiece, but we question how God can possibly rebuild us to where He needs us to be. We look at the ruins of our lives and wonder if it can ever be enough. All that we have left, is enough for God. We ask God for help, and when He responds, too often we think that it is not enough and we do not follow through because we do not understand the answer. We have to learn how to trust God and not try to understand His ways. We complicate things by asking questions. Questions are not bad, but when we spend so much time tiring to understand and asking why, we lose focus on God’s plan by trying to understand that which cannot be understood. Even if we have all the answers, there will still be more questions. God is about to rebuild things that we did not think were possible. In human terms, it is not possible, but with God, nothing is impossible. Many seek the will of God and want the will of God in their lives. More still ask why or how when they receive an answer from God. Some have fallen short of God’s standard and question if they can ever return to the place they once were. We understa… Landon Long 2376 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21583740/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thefinishingtouchestothemaster/id/3471144.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21583740 Scripture: Romans 13:11-13:15, Series: How Do You Rebuild A Masterpiece Part#3 Sun, 26 Apr 2020 19:04:26 +0000 Mark Hughes The season of Lent is the forty days preceding Easter. During this time, people give up something to prepare themselves for the resurrection. The problem is that, once Easter comes, many people resume doing the thing they gave up, and there is no change. Bro. Hughes continues his series of the resurrection and how things are changed because of it. We have the awesome privilege of living in the power of his resurrection. Our text is a great promise, but we have to go back to chapter 7 for context. In chapter 7, Paul had a conversation with himself about the contrast between knowing what he needed to do and the controlling desires of his humanity and his flesh. Christ freed him, but Paul was trapped by his old sinful nature. The answer is in the power of the resurrected Lord. Jesus has the power to free us from the burden of our sins. The reason for that power is because He came out of the grave. The resurrection power will cut loose the things that have caused misery and shame. That is how Paul can declare in verse 8 that there is therefore now NO condemnation! The reason we celebrate today is that Jesus has lifted a burden from us that we could not lift from ourselves. Because He suffered the condemnation of the cross, we are free from the condemnation of sin. The season of Lent is the forty days preceding Easter. During this time, people give up something to prepare themselves for the resurrection. The problem is that, once Easter comes, many people resume doing the thing they gave up, and there is no change. Bro. Hughes continues his series of the resurrection and how things are changed because of it. We have the awesome privilege of living in the power of his resurrection. Our text is a great promise, but we have to go back to chapter 7 for context. In chapter 7, Paul had a conversation with himself about the contrast between knowing what he needed to do and the controlling desires of his humanity and his flesh. Christ freed him, but Paul was trapped by his old sinful nature. The answer is in the power of the resurrected Lord. Jesus has the power to free us from the burden of our sins. The reason for that power is because He came out of the grave. The resurrection power will cut loose the things that have caused misery and shame. That is how Paul can declare in verse 8 that there is therefore now NO condemnation! The reason we celebrate today is that Jesus has lifted a burden from us that we could not lift from ourselves. Because He suffered the condemnation of the cross, we are free from the condemnation of sin. The season of Lent is the forty days preceding Easter. During this time, people give up something to prepare themselves for the resurrection. The problem is that, once Easter comes, many people resume doing the thing they gave up, and there is no cha… Mark Hughes 1410 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21581863/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_resurrectionpower/id/938417.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21581863 Scripture: Romans 8:1, Romans 7:15-7:20, Series: The Changes of the Resurrection Part#2 Sun, 26 Apr 2020 19:04:26 +0000 Mark Hughes The season of Lent is the forty days preceding Easter. During this time, people give up something to prepare themselves for the resurrection. The problem is that, once Easter comes, many people resume doing the thing they gave up, and there is no change. Bro. Hughes continues his series of the resurrection and how things are changed because of it. We have the awesome privilege of living in the power of his resurrection. Our text is a great promise, but we have to go back to chapter 7 for context. In chapter 7, Paul had a conversation with himself about the contrast between knowing what he needed to do and the controlling desires of his humanity and his flesh. Christ freed him, but Paul was trapped by his old sinful nature. The answer is in the power of the resurrected Lord. Jesus has the power to free us from the burden of our sins. The reason for that power is because He came out of the grave. The resurrection power will cut loose the things that have caused misery and shame. That is how Paul can declare in verse 8 that there is therefore now NO condemnation! The reason we celebrate today is that Jesus has lifted a burden from us that we could not lift from ourselves. Because He suffered the condemnation of the cross, we are free from the condemnation of sin. The season of Lent is the forty days preceding Easter. During this time, people give up something to prepare themselves for the resurrection. The problem is that, once Easter comes, many people resume doing the thing they gave up, and there is no change. Bro. Hughes continues his series of the resurrection and how things are changed because of it. We have the awesome privilege of living in the power of his resurrection. Our text is a great promise, but we have to go back to chapter 7 for context. In chapter 7, Paul had a conversation with himself about the contrast between knowing what he needed to do and the controlling desires of his humanity and his flesh. Christ freed him, but Paul was trapped by his old sinful nature. The answer is in the power of the resurrected Lord. Jesus has the power to free us from the burden of our sins. The reason for that power is because He came out of the grave. The resurrection power will cut loose the things that have caused misery and shame. That is how Paul can declare in verse 8 that there is therefore now NO condemnation! The reason we celebrate today is that Jesus has lifted a burden from us that we could not lift from ourselves. Because He suffered the condemnation of the cross, we are free from the condemnation of sin. The season of Lent is the forty days preceding Easter. During this time, people give up something to prepare themselves for the resurrection. The problem is that, once Easter comes, many people resume doing the thing they gave up, and there is no cha… Mark Hughes 1410 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21581863/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_resurrectionpower/id/3469329.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21581863 Scripture: Romans 8:1, Romans 7:15-7:20, Series: The Changes of the Resurrection Part#2 Thu, 23 Apr 2020 02:53:21 +0000 Mark Hughes In the first message in this series, Bro. Hughes outlined seven things that are required to rebuild a masterpiece. The first was a desire to undertake the project. From the moment that sin entered the garden, God had a plan to restore His creation because of His great love for us. Ephesians 1 is a recounting of all the wonders of God’s great love for us. The love of God is poured out for us freely. We may have failed, but we are not a failure, and because of His love, God is unwilling to let go or to stop working to restore us. No matter how destroyed we may be, we are not too far gone for God’s love to restore us to our place as his masterpiece. In the first message in this series, Bro. Hughes outlined seven things that are required to rebuild a masterpiece. The first was a desire to undertake the project. From the moment that sin entered the garden, God had a plan to restore His creation because of His great love for us. Ephesians 1 is a recounting of all the wonders of God’s great love for us. The love of God is poured out for us freely. We may have failed, but we are not a failure, and because of His love, God is unwilling to let go or to stop working to restore us. No matter how destroyed we may be, we are not too far gone for God’s love to restore us to our place as his masterpiece. In the first message in this series, Bro. Hughes outlined seven things that are required to rebuild a masterpiece. The first was a desire to undertake the project. From the moment that sin entered the garden, God had a plan to restore His creation be… Mark Hughes 2051 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21579482/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_apassionfortherestoration/id/937009.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21579482 Scripture: Ephesians 1:1-1:7, Series: How Do You Rebuild A Masterpiece Part#2 Thu, 23 Apr 2020 02:53:21 +0000 Mark Hughes In the first message in this series, Bro. Hughes outlined seven things that are required to rebuild a masterpiece. The first was a desire to undertake the project. From the moment that sin entered the garden, God had a plan to restore His creation because of His great love for us. Ephesians 1 is a recounting of all the wonders of God’s great love for us. The love of God is poured out for us freely. We may have failed, but we are not a failure, and because of His love, God is unwilling to let go or to stop working to restore us. No matter how destroyed we may be, we are not too far gone for God’s love to restore us to our place as his masterpiece. In the first message in this series, Bro. Hughes outlined seven things that are required to rebuild a masterpiece. The first was a desire to undertake the project. From the moment that sin entered the garden, God had a plan to restore His creation because of His great love for us. Ephesians 1 is a recounting of all the wonders of God’s great love for us. The love of God is poured out for us freely. We may have failed, but we are not a failure, and because of His love, God is unwilling to let go or to stop working to restore us. No matter how destroyed we may be, we are not too far gone for God’s love to restore us to our place as his masterpiece. In the first message in this series, Bro. Hughes outlined seven things that are required to rebuild a masterpiece. The first was a desire to undertake the project. From the moment that sin entered the garden, God had a plan to restore His creation be… Mark Hughes 2051 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21579482/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_apassionfortherestoration/id/3467213.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21579482 Scripture: Ephesians 1:1-1:7, Series: How Do You Rebuild A Masterpiece Part#2 Sun, 19 Apr 2020 20:12:49 +0000 Mark Hughes Phrases and saying have a way of weaving themselves into life and becoming part of our collective understanding. One such phrase was coined in the 1930s from the card game bridge. Game-changer refers to something that significantly changes the expected outcome of the event. It is a shift and a turn of events that result in the unexpected. Though not in these exact words, game-changer is found in our text. It occurs in verse 30: But God. The word but is a conjunction. We know from our the rules of literature that conjunctions connect two clauses. In this case, but is more than just a conjunction, it is a game-changer. This one word changes everything and connects the sin of man to the salvation of Jesus. The crucifixion was man at his worst, but the resurrection was God at His best. There was a change because of the resurrection. We celebrated Easter last weekend. Easter marks the change between two different periods of time. It is the change between our past and our future. It is the change between our failure and our future. Our life is different today because of the resurrection. Where would we be if not for But God? God is the ultimate game-changer. Phrases and saying have a way of weaving themselves into life and becoming part of our collective understanding. One such phrase was coined in the 1930s from the card game bridge. Game-changer refers to something that significantly changes the expected outcome of the event. It is a shift and a turn of events that result in the unexpected. Though not in these exact words, game-changer is found in our text. It occurs in verse 30: But God. The word but is a conjunction. We know from our the rules of literature that conjunctions connect two clauses. In this case, but is more than just a conjunction, it is a game-changer. This one word changes everything and connects the sin of man to the salvation of Jesus. The crucifixion was man at his worst, but the resurrection was God at His best. There was a change because of the resurrection. We celebrated Easter last weekend. Easter marks the change between two different periods of time. It is the change between our past and our future. It is the change between our failure and our future. Our life is different today because of the resurrection. Where would we be if not for But God? God is the ultimate game-changer. Phrases and saying have a way of weaving themselves into life and becoming part of our collective understanding. One such phrase was coined in the 1930s from the card game bridge. Game-changer refers to something that significantly changes the expec… Mark Hughes 1770 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21577890/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_gamechanger/id/936118.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21577890 Scripture: Acts 13:28-13:30, Series: The Changes of the Resurrection Sun, 19 Apr 2020 20:12:49 +0000 Mark Hughes Phrases and saying have a way of weaving themselves into life and becoming part of our collective understanding. One such phrase was coined in the 1930s from the card game bridge. Game-changer refers to something that significantly changes the expected outcome of the event. It is a shift and a turn of events that result in the unexpected. Though not in these exact words, game-changer is found in our text. It occurs in verse 30: But God. The word but is a conjunction. We know from our the rules of literature that conjunctions connect two clauses. In this case, but is more than just a conjunction, it is a game-changer. This one word changes everything and connects the sin of man to the salvation of Jesus. The crucifixion was man at his worst, but the resurrection was God at His best. There was a change because of the resurrection. We celebrated Easter last weekend. Easter marks the change between two different periods of time. It is the change between our past and our future. It is the change between our failure and our future. Our life is different today because of the resurrection. Where would we be if not for But God? God is the ultimate game-changer. Phrases and saying have a way of weaving themselves into life and becoming part of our collective understanding. One such phrase was coined in the 1930s from the card game bridge. Game-changer refers to something that significantly changes the expected outcome of the event. It is a shift and a turn of events that result in the unexpected. Though not in these exact words, game-changer is found in our text. It occurs in verse 30: But God. The word but is a conjunction. We know from our the rules of literature that conjunctions connect two clauses. In this case, but is more than just a conjunction, it is a game-changer. This one word changes everything and connects the sin of man to the salvation of Jesus. The crucifixion was man at his worst, but the resurrection was God at His best. There was a change because of the resurrection. We celebrated Easter last weekend. Easter marks the change between two different periods of time. It is the change between our past and our future. It is the change between our failure and our future. Our life is different today because of the resurrection. Where would we be if not for But God? God is the ultimate game-changer. Phrases and saying have a way of weaving themselves into life and becoming part of our collective understanding. One such phrase was coined in the 1930s from the card game bridge. Game-changer refers to something that significantly changes the expec… Mark Hughes 1770 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21577890/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_gamechanger/id/3465671.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21577890 Scripture: Acts 13:28-13:30, Series: The Changes of the Resurrection Thu, 16 Apr 2020 02:24:45 +0000 Mark Hughes The cathedral at Notre Dame began construction in 1163 and took 182 years to complete. It is a grand structure that has many spectacular features and amazing beauty. In April of 2019, a fire broke out in the building and the world watched as a beautiful, historic building was destroyed by fire. After the fire was extinguished, they set about saving what could be saved, and shoring up what needed so that no further damage would occur. Officials began to ask questions about how to rebuild. How could they restore it to the former glory? Is it even possible to restore and to retain the historical significance of the cathedral? Bro. Hughes begins his series on rebuilding a masterpiece, by talking about another masterpiece. God created many things in the beginning. Mountains, valleys, and oceans. But none of these things compared to His greatest creation: man. Unlike the other creations that were spoken into existence, man was formed and formed in God’s own image. God Himself breathed life into man. When sin would mar that creation, God had a plan to restore His masterpiece. We are all works in progress. The world, and sometimes even we ourselves, judge us too harshly. God has a purpose to for His creation and we are all in various stages of restoration. The devil wants to keep us feeling like a mess than cannot be saved, but every one of us has a God-ordained destiny. The story of the restoration of Notre Dame is a study in how to conduct a restoration project. The first step is to have a passion for the work. Those who undertake the project have to have a love for the work and an intense desire to see it in its former glory. Secondly, the team working on the restoration have to have great skill. They must have a plan to set about the work in an orderly manner. Finally, to restore a masterpiece, we have to have the means to conduct the project. The cathedral at Notre Dame began construction in 1163 and took 182 years to complete. It is a grand structure that has many spectacular features and amazing beauty. In April of 2019, a fire broke out in the building and the world watched as a beautiful, historic building was destroyed by fire. After the fire was extinguished, they set about saving what could be saved, and shoring up what needed so that no further damage would occur. Officials began to ask questions about how to rebuild. How could they restore it to the former glory? Is it even possible to restore and to retain the historical significance of the cathedral? Bro. Hughes begins his series on rebuilding a masterpiece, by talking about another masterpiece. God created many things in the beginning. Mountains, valleys, and oceans. But none of these things compared to His greatest creation: man. Unlike the other creations that were spoken into existence, man was formed and formed in God’s own image. God Himself breathed life into man. When sin would mar that creation, God had a plan to restore His masterpiece. We are all works in progress. The world, and sometimes even we ourselves, judge us too harshly. God has a purpose to for His creation and we are all in various stages of restoration. The devil wants to keep us feeling like a mess than cannot be saved, but every one of us has a God-ordained destiny. The story of the restoration of Notre Dame is a study in how to conduct a restoration project. The first step is to have a passion for the work. Those who undertake the project have to have a love for the work and an intense desire to see it in its former glory. Secondly, the team working on the restoration have to have great skill. They must have a plan to set about the work in an orderly manner. Finally, to restore a masterpiece, we have to have the means to conduct the project. The cathedral at Notre Dame began construction in 1163 and took 182 years to complete. It is a grand structure that has many spectacular features and amazing beauty. In April of 2019, a fire broke out in the building and the world watched as a beauti… Mark Hughes 2038 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21575366/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_wearegodsmasterpiece/id/934546.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21575366 Scripture: Psalms 139, Ephesians 2:10, Series: How Do You Rebuild A Masterpiece Part#1 Thu, 16 Apr 2020 02:24:45 +0000 Mark Hughes The cathedral at Notre Dame began construction in 1163 and took 182 years to complete. It is a grand structure that has many spectacular features and amazing beauty. In April of 2019, a fire broke out in the building and the world watched as a beautiful, historic building was destroyed by fire. After the fire was extinguished, they set about saving what could be saved, and shoring up what needed so that no further damage would occur. Officials began to ask questions about how to rebuild. How could they restore it to the former glory? Is it even possible to restore and to retain the historical significance of the cathedral? Bro. Hughes begins his series on rebuilding a masterpiece, by talking about another masterpiece. God created many things in the beginning. Mountains, valleys, and oceans. But none of these things compared to His greatest creation: man. Unlike the other creations that were spoken into existence, man was formed and formed in God’s own image. God Himself breathed life into man. When sin would mar that creation, God had a plan to restore His masterpiece. We are all works in progress. The world, and sometimes even we ourselves, judge us too harshly. God has a purpose to for His creation and we are all in various stages of restoration. The devil wants to keep us feeling like a mess than cannot be saved, but every one of us has a God-ordained destiny. The story of the restoration of Notre Dame is a study in how to conduct a restoration project. The first step is to have a passion for the work. Those who undertake the project have to have a love for the work and an intense desire to see it in its former glory. Secondly, the team working on the restoration have to have great skill. They must have a plan to set about the work in an orderly manner. Finally, to restore a masterpiece, we have to have the means to conduct the project. The cathedral at Notre Dame began construction in 1163 and took 182 years to complete. It is a grand structure that has many spectacular features and amazing beauty. In April of 2019, a fire broke out in the building and the world watched as a beautiful, historic building was destroyed by fire. After the fire was extinguished, they set about saving what could be saved, and shoring up what needed so that no further damage would occur. Officials began to ask questions about how to rebuild. How could they restore it to the former glory? Is it even possible to restore and to retain the historical significance of the cathedral? Bro. Hughes begins his series on rebuilding a masterpiece, by talking about another masterpiece. God created many things in the beginning. Mountains, valleys, and oceans. But none of these things compared to His greatest creation: man. Unlike the other creations that were spoken into existence, man was formed and formed in God’s own image. God Himself breathed life into man. When sin would mar that creation, God had a plan to restore His masterpiece. We are all works in progress. The world, and sometimes even we ourselves, judge us too harshly. God has a purpose to for His creation and we are all in various stages of restoration. The devil wants to keep us feeling like a mess than cannot be saved, but every one of us has a God-ordained destiny. The story of the restoration of Notre Dame is a study in how to conduct a restoration project. The first step is to have a passion for the work. Those who undertake the project have to have a love for the work and an intense desire to see it in its former glory. Secondly, the team working on the restoration have to have great skill. They must have a plan to set about the work in an orderly manner. Finally, to restore a masterpiece, we have to have the means to conduct the project. The cathedral at Notre Dame began construction in 1163 and took 182 years to complete. It is a grand structure that has many spectacular features and amazing beauty. In April of 2019, a fire broke out in the building and the world watched as a beauti… Mark Hughes 2038 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21575366/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wearegodsmasterpiece/id/3463101.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21575366 Scripture: Psalms 139, Ephesians 2:10, Series: How Do You Rebuild A Masterpiece Part#1 Sun, 12 Apr 2020 19:53:54 +0000 Mark Hughes We celebrate Easter today in a way that we never thought would be possible. Because of the global health crisis forces us to be separated from each other. In some ways, we are experiencing Easter in a way similar to the first Easter. There are no crowds today at houses of worship, and on that first Easter, there were no crowds at the tomb. Easter’s glory and story are not tied to crowds and are not defined by our circumstances. Disease and economic uncertainty do not diminish the message that He has risen; He is Alive! We celebrate Easter today in a way that we never thought would be possible. Because of the global health crisis forces us to be separated from each other. In some ways, we are experiencing Easter in a way similar to the first Easter. There are no crowds today at houses of worship, and on that first Easter, there were no crowds at the tomb. Easter’s glory and story are not tied to crowds and are not defined by our circumstances. Disease and economic uncertainty do not diminish the message that He has risen; He is Alive! We celebrate Easter today in a way that we never thought would be possible. Because of the global health crisis forces us to be separated from each other. In some ways, we are experiencing Easter in a way similar to the first Easter. There are no cr… Mark Hughes 1267 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21573707/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_themessageofeaster/id/933679.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21573707 Scripture: Hebrews 13:20-13:21 Sun, 12 Apr 2020 19:53:54 +0000 Mark Hughes We celebrate Easter today in a way that we never thought would be possible. Because of the global health crisis forces us to be separated from each other. In some ways, we are experiencing Easter in a way similar to the first Easter. There are no crowds today at houses of worship, and on that first Easter, there were no crowds at the tomb. Easter’s glory and story are not tied to crowds and are not defined by our circumstances. Disease and economic uncertainty do not diminish the message that He has risen; He is Alive! We celebrate Easter today in a way that we never thought would be possible. Because of the global health crisis forces us to be separated from each other. In some ways, we are experiencing Easter in a way similar to the first Easter. There are no crowds today at houses of worship, and on that first Easter, there were no crowds at the tomb. Easter’s glory and story are not tied to crowds and are not defined by our circumstances. Disease and economic uncertainty do not diminish the message that He has risen; He is Alive! We celebrate Easter today in a way that we never thought would be possible. Because of the global health crisis forces us to be separated from each other. In some ways, we are experiencing Easter in a way similar to the first Easter. There are no cr… Mark Hughes 1267 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21573707/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_themessageofeaster/id/3461515.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21573707 Scripture: Hebrews 13:20-13:21 Thu, 09 Apr 2020 02:53:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The story of Joseph is one of the most powerful in the bible. Joseph’s story contains many power principles for life. Our text picks up with the end of Jacob’s life where he admonishes Joseph to forgive his brothers. It is here that Joseph tells his brothers “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.” The twists and turns of life can be likened to a thread. The thread weaves in and out in an intricate pattern. The weaving of these treads forms a garment. Life will weave a garment for us. We do not get to pick or choose the circumstances that life brings our way. What we do get to choose is how we respond to the things life brings. We get to choose who is the tailor of the garment that live weaves. If we focus on the wrong, the unfairness, and all that is not right, the world will weave our garment. But God’s garment is one of purpose. If we allow it, God will take the very things that life brings that can make us bitter, and turn it into a garment of praise. He can turn it into something about which we can rejoice and see that all things work together for the good. Our world is gripped by fear of this present circumstance. If we are not careful, the thread of this global pandemic can become a garment of fear, uncertainty, and panic. Now is not a time to be discouraged, it is a time to look to God to do what God does best: Bless His people. We must not let the present circumstances cause us to lose sight of the hand of God in all of this that is working to turn what others meant for evil and use it for good. The story of Joseph is one of the most powerful in the bible. Joseph’s story contains many power principles for life. Our text picks up with the end of Jacob’s life where he admonishes Joseph to forgive his brothers. It is here that Joseph tells his brothers “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.” The twists and turns of life can be likened to a thread. The thread weaves in and out in an intricate pattern. The weaving of these treads forms a garment. Life will weave a garment for us. We do not get to pick or choose the circumstances that life brings our way. What we do get to choose is how we respond to the things life brings. We get to choose who is the tailor of the garment that live weaves. If we focus on the wrong, the unfairness, and all that is not right, the world will weave our garment. But God’s garment is one of purpose. If we allow it, God will take the very things that life brings that can make us bitter, and turn it into a garment of praise. He can turn it into something about which we can rejoice and see that all things work together for the good. Our world is gripped by fear of this present circumstance. If we are not careful, the thread of this global pandemic can become a garment of fear, uncertainty, and panic. Now is not a time to be discouraged, it is a time to look to God to do what God does best: Bless His people. We must not let the present circumstances cause us to lose sight of the hand of God in all of this that is working to turn what others meant for evil and use it for good. The story of Joseph is one of the most powerful in the bible. Joseph’s story contains many power principles for life. Our text picks up with the end of Jacob’s life where he admonishes Joseph to forgive his brothers. It is here that Joseph tells his… Mark Hughes 2041 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21572390/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whoisyourtailor/id/932825.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21572390 Scripture: Genesis 50:16-50:21 Thu, 09 Apr 2020 02:53:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The story of Joseph is one of the most powerful in the bible. Joseph’s story contains many power principles for life. Our text picks up with the end of Jacob’s life where he admonishes Joseph to forgive his brothers. It is here that Joseph tells his brothers “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.” The twists and turns of life can be likened to a thread. The thread weaves in and out in an intricate pattern. The weaving of these treads forms a garment. Life will weave a garment for us. We do not get to pick or choose the circumstances that life brings our way. What we do get to choose is how we respond to the things life brings. We get to choose who is the tailor of the garment that live weaves. If we focus on the wrong, the unfairness, and all that is not right, the world will weave our garment. But God’s garment is one of purpose. If we allow it, God will take the very things that life brings that can make us bitter, and turn it into a garment of praise. He can turn it into something about which we can rejoice and see that all things work together for the good. Our world is gripped by fear of this present circumstance. If we are not careful, the thread of this global pandemic can become a garment of fear, uncertainty, and panic. Now is not a time to be discouraged, it is a time to look to God to do what God does best: Bless His people. We must not let the present circumstances cause us to lose sight of the hand of God in all of this that is working to turn what others meant for evil and use it for good. The story of Joseph is one of the most powerful in the bible. Joseph’s story contains many power principles for life. Our text picks up with the end of Jacob’s life where he admonishes Joseph to forgive his brothers. It is here that Joseph tells his brothers “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.” The twists and turns of life can be likened to a thread. The thread weaves in and out in an intricate pattern. The weaving of these treads forms a garment. Life will weave a garment for us. We do not get to pick or choose the circumstances that life brings our way. What we do get to choose is how we respond to the things life brings. We get to choose who is the tailor of the garment that live weaves. If we focus on the wrong, the unfairness, and all that is not right, the world will weave our garment. But God’s garment is one of purpose. If we allow it, God will take the very things that life brings that can make us bitter, and turn it into a garment of praise. He can turn it into something about which we can rejoice and see that all things work together for the good. Our world is gripped by fear of this present circumstance. If we are not careful, the thread of this global pandemic can become a garment of fear, uncertainty, and panic. Now is not a time to be discouraged, it is a time to look to God to do what God does best: Bless His people. We must not let the present circumstances cause us to lose sight of the hand of God in all of this that is working to turn what others meant for evil and use it for good. The story of Joseph is one of the most powerful in the bible. Joseph’s story contains many power principles for life. Our text picks up with the end of Jacob’s life where he admonishes Joseph to forgive his brothers. It is here that Joseph tells his… Mark Hughes 2041 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21572390/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whoisyourtailor/id/3460310.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21572390 Scripture: Genesis 50:16-50:21 Sun, 05 Apr 2020 20:10:02 +0000 Mark Hughes his pandemic has moved the entire world from their comfort zone. There is something going on beyond what we can see in the natural world. There is an effort in the spiritual world to break open a dam. This spirit has unleased a fear in our world. We no longer feel safe. Bro. Hughes has begun to question “When will feel safe again?” Will it be when the CDC says so? Will it be when the President announces that we can return to normal? The message that God spoke so clearly in Isiah was that the people had replaced God with Man. They had moved from God Led, God Worshiping and God Trusting to Man led, man worshiping and man trusting. There are many parallels between our text and our world. The first thing noted is that they were trusting in their military and their government. Our text says that the people had become worshipers of man-made idols. All of these idols would be cast away. Our text concludes with a stark statement: Man cannot save you. Our current situation demonstrates plainly, that no matter what we have built or orchestrated as humans, is not enough; we have to rely on God. The danger of trusting man to do what only God can do is disastrous. Who or what is keeping us safe? Is it the news? Is it the masks, or hand sanitizer? This is not about masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer. Anything that displaces God as our security, will fail. We need to obey the law of the land, but we have to trust in God for our salvation. We need to elevate our eyes from what man can do to what God can do. When will we feel safe? When we place our trust in the one who can do abundantly beyond all that we can ask or think. If we look to the world to feel safe, we never will. What is going on down here is temporal, what is going on up there is eternal. We must fix our eyes on the eternal to feel safe again. his pandemic has moved the entire world from their comfort zone. There is something going on beyond what we can see in the natural world. There is an effort in the spiritual world to break open a dam. This spirit has unleased a fear in our world. We no longer feel safe. Bro. Hughes has begun to question “When will feel safe again?” Will it be when the CDC says so? Will it be when the President announces that we can return to normal? The message that God spoke so clearly in Isiah was that the people had replaced God with Man. They had moved from God Led, God Worshiping and God Trusting to Man led, man worshiping and man trusting. There are many parallels between our text and our world. The first thing noted is that they were trusting in their military and their government. Our text says that the people had become worshipers of man-made idols. All of these idols would be cast away. Our text concludes with a stark statement: Man cannot save you. Our current situation demonstrates plainly, that no matter what we have built or orchestrated as humans, is not enough; we have to rely on God. The danger of trusting man to do what only God can do is disastrous. Who or what is keeping us safe? Is it the news? Is it the masks, or hand sanitizer? This is not about masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer. Anything that displaces God as our security, will fail. We need to obey the law of the land, but we have to trust in God for our salvation. We need to elevate our eyes from what man can do to what God can do. When will we feel safe? When we place our trust in the one who can do abundantly beyond all that we can ask or think. If we look to the world to feel safe, we never will. What is going on down here is temporal, what is going on up there is eternal. We must fix our eyes on the eternal to feel safe again. his pandemic has moved the entire world from their comfort zone. There is something going on beyond what we can see in the natural world. There is an effort in the spiritual world to break open a dam. This spirit has unleased a fear in our world. W… Mark Hughes 1866 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21568022/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_wherewillwefeelsafe/id/930219.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21568022 Scripture: Isaiah 2 Sun, 05 Apr 2020 20:10:02 +0000 Mark Hughes his pandemic has moved the entire world from their comfort zone. There is something going on beyond what we can see in the natural world. There is an effort in the spiritual world to break open a dam. This spirit has unleased a fear in our world. We no longer feel safe. Bro. Hughes has begun to question “When will feel safe again?” Will it be when the CDC says so? Will it be when the President announces that we can return to normal? The message that God spoke so clearly in Isiah was that the people had replaced God with Man. They had moved from God Led, God Worshiping and God Trusting to Man led, man worshiping and man trusting. There are many parallels between our text and our world. The first thing noted is that they were trusting in their military and their government. Our text says that the people had become worshipers of man-made idols. All of these idols would be cast away. Our text concludes with a stark statement: Man cannot save you. Our current situation demonstrates plainly, that no matter what we have built or orchestrated as humans, is not enough; we have to rely on God. The danger of trusting man to do what only God can do is disastrous. Who or what is keeping us safe? Is it the news? Is it the masks, or hand sanitizer? This is not about masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer. Anything that displaces God as our security, will fail. We need to obey the law of the land, but we have to trust in God for our salvation. We need to elevate our eyes from what man can do to what God can do. When will we feel safe? When we place our trust in the one who can do abundantly beyond all that we can ask or think. If we look to the world to feel safe, we never will. What is going on down here is temporal, what is going on up there is eternal. We must fix our eyes on the eternal to feel safe again. his pandemic has moved the entire world from their comfort zone. There is something going on beyond what we can see in the natural world. There is an effort in the spiritual world to break open a dam. This spirit has unleased a fear in our world. We no longer feel safe. Bro. Hughes has begun to question “When will feel safe again?” Will it be when the CDC says so? Will it be when the President announces that we can return to normal? The message that God spoke so clearly in Isiah was that the people had replaced God with Man. They had moved from God Led, God Worshiping and God Trusting to Man led, man worshiping and man trusting. There are many parallels between our text and our world. The first thing noted is that they were trusting in their military and their government. Our text says that the people had become worshipers of man-made idols. All of these idols would be cast away. Our text concludes with a stark statement: Man cannot save you. Our current situation demonstrates plainly, that no matter what we have built or orchestrated as humans, is not enough; we have to rely on God. The danger of trusting man to do what only God can do is disastrous. Who or what is keeping us safe? Is it the news? Is it the masks, or hand sanitizer? This is not about masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer. Anything that displaces God as our security, will fail. We need to obey the law of the land, but we have to trust in God for our salvation. We need to elevate our eyes from what man can do to what God can do. When will we feel safe? When we place our trust in the one who can do abundantly beyond all that we can ask or think. If we look to the world to feel safe, we never will. What is going on down here is temporal, what is going on up there is eternal. We must fix our eyes on the eternal to feel safe again. his pandemic has moved the entire world from their comfort zone. There is something going on beyond what we can see in the natural world. There is an effort in the spiritual world to break open a dam. This spirit has unleased a fear in our world. W… Mark Hughes 1866 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21568022/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wherewillwefeelsafe/id/3456797.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21568022 Scripture: Isaiah 2 Sun, 05 Apr 2020 20:01:38 +0000 James Hughes Our two texts tonight are connected. In Samuel, David was dealing with a stressful situation because of bad choices. The grief that David and his men were great and they wept until they had no more strength. When David calls out to God, he is not simply praying, but actually screaming to God for help. But then the tone of the text changes and the bible tells us that David encouraged himself. He did this by remembering all that God had done for him. Dr. Hughes uses this story to teach us to encourage ourselves. Our two texts tonight are connected. In Samuel, David was dealing with a stressful situation because of bad choices. The grief that David and his men were great and they wept until they had no more strength. When David calls out to God, he is not simply praying, but actually screaming to God for help. But then the tone of the text changes and the bible tells us that David encouraged himself. He did this by remembering all that God had done for him. Dr. Hughes uses this story to teach us to encourage ourselves. Our two texts tonight are connected. In Samuel, David was dealing with a stressful situation because of bad choices. The grief that David and his men were great and they wept until they had no more strength. When David calls out to God, he is not si… James Hughes 2577 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21568011/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_learninghowtoencourageyourself/id/930204.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21568011 Scripture: 1 Samuel 30:6-30:7, Psalms 4 Sun, 05 Apr 2020 20:01:38 +0000 James Hughes Our two texts tonight are connected. In Samuel, David was dealing with a stressful situation because of bad choices. The grief that David and his men were great and they wept until they had no more strength. When David calls out to God, he is not simply praying, but actually screaming to God for help. But then the tone of the text changes and the bible tells us that David encouraged himself. He did this by remembering all that God had done for him. Dr. Hughes uses this story to teach us to encourage ourselves. Our two texts tonight are connected. In Samuel, David was dealing with a stressful situation because of bad choices. The grief that David and his men were great and they wept until they had no more strength. When David calls out to God, he is not simply praying, but actually screaming to God for help. But then the tone of the text changes and the bible tells us that David encouraged himself. He did this by remembering all that God had done for him. Dr. Hughes uses this story to teach us to encourage ourselves. Our two texts tonight are connected. In Samuel, David was dealing with a stressful situation because of bad choices. The grief that David and his men were great and they wept until they had no more strength. When David calls out to God, he is not si… James Hughes 2577 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21568011/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_learninghowtoencourageyourself/id/3456773.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21568011 Scripture: 1 Samuel 30:6-30:7, Psalms 4 Sun, 29 Mar 2020 21:06:36 +0000 Mark Hughes It is amazing how quickly our lives have been turned upside down by this global crisis. Many people live in fear of not what has happened, but what might happen. We are being tried on so many levels, patience, peace, confidence. Some speculate that this is the fulfillment of the end times. It may or may not be, but there are spirits and forces working today that are trying to take advantage of an opportunity. We can be certain of one thing; this event is a wake-up call. Now is the time for the church to work for God harder than we have before. Times like this show us what is important. Home, family, and relationships are more important than money, possessions, and things. Some many temporal things occupied our lives, and this pandemic has shown us what is truly important. We are looking at life through a different filter than before. This situation has shown us the debris and things in our lives that are not necessary and that we can do without. We have poured our lives into things that we believed were important, and lost sight of the things that truly matter. Situations like these serve as an opportunity to refocus us. It causes us to evaluate where our hope is anchored. We can clearly see where our priorities are centered. In shaking times, God speaks and it is critical that we listen for that voice. What is God saying to us right now? With all the changes in life, and the removal of the noise that we have had, what is God saying? Our lives have all been shaken. The shaking removes the things that don’t need to be there. With all that gone, what is God telling us? This shaking reveals what has eternal significance. The shaking reveals what is important. It is amazing how quickly our lives have been turned upside down by this global crisis. Many people live in fear of not what has happened, but what might happen. We are being tried on so many levels, patience, peace, confidence. Some speculate that this is the fulfillment of the end times. It may or may not be, but there are spirits and forces working today that are trying to take advantage of an opportunity. We can be certain of one thing; this event is a wake-up call. Now is the time for the church to work for God harder than we have before. Times like this show us what is important. Home, family, and relationships are more important than money, possessions, and things. Some many temporal things occupied our lives, and this pandemic has shown us what is truly important. We are looking at life through a different filter than before. This situation has shown us the debris and things in our lives that are not necessary and that we can do without. We have poured our lives into things that we believed were important, and lost sight of the things that truly matter. Situations like these serve as an opportunity to refocus us. It causes us to evaluate where our hope is anchored. We can clearly see where our priorities are centered. In shaking times, God speaks and it is critical that we listen for that voice. What is God saying to us right now? With all the changes in life, and the removal of the noise that we have had, what is God saying? Our lives have all been shaken. The shaking removes the things that don’t need to be there. With all that gone, what is God telling us? This shaking reveals what has eternal significance. The shaking reveals what is important. It is amazing how quickly our lives have been turned upside down by this global crisis. Many people live in fear of not what has happened, but what might happen. We are being tried on so many levels, patience, peace, confidence. Some speculate that … Mark Hughes 2128 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21562923/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_hearingthevoiceofgodamidthecha/id/926826.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21562923 Scripture: Hebrews 12:25-12:29 Sun, 29 Mar 2020 21:06:36 +0000 Mark Hughes It is amazing how quickly our lives have been turned upside down by this global crisis. Many people live in fear of not what has happened, but what might happen. We are being tried on so many levels, patience, peace, confidence. Some speculate that this is the fulfillment of the end times. It may or may not be, but there are spirits and forces working today that are trying to take advantage of an opportunity. We can be certain of one thing; this event is a wake-up call. Now is the time for the church to work for God harder than we have before. Times like this show us what is important. Home, family, and relationships are more important than money, possessions, and things. Some many temporal things occupied our lives, and this pandemic has shown us what is truly important. We are looking at life through a different filter than before. This situation has shown us the debris and things in our lives that are not necessary and that we can do without. We have poured our lives into things that we believed were important, and lost sight of the things that truly matter. Situations like these serve as an opportunity to refocus us. It causes us to evaluate where our hope is anchored. We can clearly see where our priorities are centered. In shaking times, God speaks and it is critical that we listen for that voice. What is God saying to us right now? With all the changes in life, and the removal of the noise that we have had, what is God saying? Our lives have all been shaken. The shaking removes the things that don’t need to be there. With all that gone, what is God telling us? This shaking reveals what has eternal significance. The shaking reveals what is important. It is amazing how quickly our lives have been turned upside down by this global crisis. Many people live in fear of not what has happened, but what might happen. We are being tried on so many levels, patience, peace, confidence. Some speculate that this is the fulfillment of the end times. It may or may not be, but there are spirits and forces working today that are trying to take advantage of an opportunity. We can be certain of one thing; this event is a wake-up call. Now is the time for the church to work for God harder than we have before. Times like this show us what is important. Home, family, and relationships are more important than money, possessions, and things. Some many temporal things occupied our lives, and this pandemic has shown us what is truly important. We are looking at life through a different filter than before. This situation has shown us the debris and things in our lives that are not necessary and that we can do without. We have poured our lives into things that we believed were important, and lost sight of the things that truly matter. Situations like these serve as an opportunity to refocus us. It causes us to evaluate where our hope is anchored. We can clearly see where our priorities are centered. In shaking times, God speaks and it is critical that we listen for that voice. What is God saying to us right now? With all the changes in life, and the removal of the noise that we have had, what is God saying? Our lives have all been shaken. The shaking removes the things that don’t need to be there. With all that gone, what is God telling us? This shaking reveals what has eternal significance. The shaking reveals what is important. It is amazing how quickly our lives have been turned upside down by this global crisis. Many people live in fear of not what has happened, but what might happen. We are being tried on so many levels, patience, peace, confidence. Some speculate that … Mark Hughes 2128 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21562923/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hearingthevoiceofgodamidthecha/id/3452656.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21562923 Scripture: Hebrews 12:25-12:29 Thu, 26 Mar 2020 02:12:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The path to where we want to be is often through someplace that we do not want to be. As we all find ourselves self-quarantined and isolated, we can look forward to returning to a brand new building in which to worship. We are at this place, because of an unwanted flood. As we cleaned up after that flood, little did we realize what God had for us and where He would lead us. We prayed for God’s direction and when He revealed it, the path to the new building has not been easy or comfortable. There have been disruptions, fear, work, and frustrations to get to the place where we are about to realize a great blessing of God. In our text, Paul describes a path to favor with God. It begins with tribulation. None of us would want to start with tribulation, but that is often the case. The word tribulation traces its origin back to a device used to separate the wheat from the chaff on the threshing floor. The grain of wheat does not want to be threshed, but it is a required step to make it into something that is useful. Our text is an encouragement to not be discouraged by our present circumstances. We cannot become trapped at the moment. Whatever the current pressure may be, it will not last forever. Out text tells us to not limit our life based on our current situation. Finally, our text tells us not to become lost in what we may be living through at the moment. It will produce something Good. Joseph said what you meant for evil, God meant for good. God can take any circumstance and use it for His glory. If we will continue on the journey, God will see us through to something better. The path to where we want to be is often through someplace that we do not want to be. As we all find ourselves self-quarantined and isolated, we can look forward to returning to a brand new building in which to worship. We are at this place, because of an unwanted flood. As we cleaned up after that flood, little did we realize what God had for us and where He would lead us. We prayed for God’s direction and when He revealed it, the path to the new building has not been easy or comfortable. There have been disruptions, fear, work, and frustrations to get to the place where we are about to realize a great blessing of God. In our text, Paul describes a path to favor with God. It begins with tribulation. None of us would want to start with tribulation, but that is often the case. The word tribulation traces its origin back to a device used to separate the wheat from the chaff on the threshing floor. The grain of wheat does not want to be threshed, but it is a required step to make it into something that is useful. Our text is an encouragement to not be discouraged by our present circumstances. We cannot become trapped at the moment. Whatever the current pressure may be, it will not last forever. Out text tells us to not limit our life based on our current situation. Finally, our text tells us not to become lost in what we may be living through at the moment. It will produce something Good. Joseph said what you meant for evil, God meant for good. God can take any circumstance and use it for His glory. If we will continue on the journey, God will see us through to something better. The path to where we want to be is often through someplace that we do not want to be. As we all find ourselves self-quarantined and isolated, we can look forward to returning to a brand new building in which to worship. We are at this place, because … Mark Hughes 2522 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21560279/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thepaththroughtoughtimes/id/925292.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21560279 Scripture: Romans 5:1-5:4 Thu, 26 Mar 2020 02:12:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The path to where we want to be is often through someplace that we do not want to be. As we all find ourselves self-quarantined and isolated, we can look forward to returning to a brand new building in which to worship. We are at this place, because of an unwanted flood. As we cleaned up after that flood, little did we realize what God had for us and where He would lead us. We prayed for God’s direction and when He revealed it, the path to the new building has not been easy or comfortable. There have been disruptions, fear, work, and frustrations to get to the place where we are about to realize a great blessing of God. In our text, Paul describes a path to favor with God. It begins with tribulation. None of us would want to start with tribulation, but that is often the case. The word tribulation traces its origin back to a device used to separate the wheat from the chaff on the threshing floor. The grain of wheat does not want to be threshed, but it is a required step to make it into something that is useful. Our text is an encouragement to not be discouraged by our present circumstances. We cannot become trapped at the moment. Whatever the current pressure may be, it will not last forever. Out text tells us to not limit our life based on our current situation. Finally, our text tells us not to become lost in what we may be living through at the moment. It will produce something Good. Joseph said what you meant for evil, God meant for good. God can take any circumstance and use it for His glory. If we will continue on the journey, God will see us through to something better. The path to where we want to be is often through someplace that we do not want to be. As we all find ourselves self-quarantined and isolated, we can look forward to returning to a brand new building in which to worship. We are at this place, because of an unwanted flood. As we cleaned up after that flood, little did we realize what God had for us and where He would lead us. We prayed for God’s direction and when He revealed it, the path to the new building has not been easy or comfortable. There have been disruptions, fear, work, and frustrations to get to the place where we are about to realize a great blessing of God. In our text, Paul describes a path to favor with God. It begins with tribulation. None of us would want to start with tribulation, but that is often the case. The word tribulation traces its origin back to a device used to separate the wheat from the chaff on the threshing floor. The grain of wheat does not want to be threshed, but it is a required step to make it into something that is useful. Our text is an encouragement to not be discouraged by our present circumstances. We cannot become trapped at the moment. Whatever the current pressure may be, it will not last forever. Out text tells us to not limit our life based on our current situation. Finally, our text tells us not to become lost in what we may be living through at the moment. It will produce something Good. Joseph said what you meant for evil, God meant for good. God can take any circumstance and use it for His glory. If we will continue on the journey, God will see us through to something better. The path to where we want to be is often through someplace that we do not want to be. As we all find ourselves self-quarantined and isolated, we can look forward to returning to a brand new building in which to worship. We are at this place, because … Mark Hughes 2522 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21560279/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thepaththroughtoughtimes/id/3450097.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21560279 Scripture: Romans 5:1-5:4 Sun, 22 Mar 2020 21:05:16 +0000 Mark Hughes With the worldwide impact of the Coronavirus, we have lost so much. The stock market is down, and many are facing economic challenges. We are concerned about being infected by the virus, but we are more likely to be infected by a greater threat: fear. It is times like this than can define us. It is moments like this that we have to look and focus on the things that really matter. The best lessons we learn come in times of trouble and trial. Our text today was written at a time when Isreal had come out of a time of adversity. The psalmist knew things would get better, and he was envisioning in his mind how things would look. Our text also highlights the challenge before him. In order to get to the place where he needed to go, he would have to pass through the valley of Baca. Scholars do not know the exact location of Baca, but they agree that the journey was through a difficult place. Our attitude about the situation will determine how we walk through that valley. Many will complain the whole time, and that will make the journey that much more difficult. The psalmist chose to be optimistic. It is more than just an attitude that it will get better. We have to make a little bit of heaven in the midst of our current hell. In the midst of misery, let there be music and singing. If we simply look around, there is a divine opportunity where we are right now. We may have to look for it, but we have to make up our minds to find the blessing in every situation. We are going somewhere. There is a purpose and a plan. We do not move through life randomly, we are being led somewhere. God is not surprised by this global pandemic. He has a plan and direction for all of this. We are not here by accident, it is a passageway to someplace He wants us to be. Too many people are standing around waiting for something to happen, we have to make something happen. What we make of life is more important than what we find in life. These times are not just to be endured, but to learn and grow. It is hard to have a vision in the valley. It is easier to see a vision on the mountain top, but it is more important to have a vision in the valley. We have to do more than get through this, we have to let it make us better. We should come out of this a better person, a better saint, a better child of God. Israel faced the treacherous journey without a map, a compass, or a GPS. All they had was God, and that was enough. They made the journey without the loss of one person. God took care of all their needs and He will take care of ours. God got them to their promised land, and He will get us to ours if we trust and seek Him just as Isreal did. With the worldwide impact of the Coronavirus, we have lost so much. The stock market is down, and many are facing economic challenges. We are concerned about being infected by the virus, but we are more likely to be infected by a greater threat: fear. It is times like this than can define us. It is moments like this that we have to look and focus on the things that really matter. The best lessons we learn come in times of trouble and trial. Our text today was written at a time when Isreal had come out of a time of adversity. The psalmist knew things would get better, and he was envisioning in his mind how things would look. Our text also highlights the challenge before him. In order to get to the place where he needed to go, he would have to pass through the valley of Baca. Scholars do not know the exact location of Baca, but they agree that the journey was through a difficult place. Our attitude about the situation will determine how we walk through that valley. Many will complain the whole time, and that will make the journey that much more difficult. The psalmist chose to be optimistic. It is more than just an attitude that it will get better. We have to make a little bit of heaven in the midst of our current hell. In the midst of misery, let there be music and singing. If we simply look around, there is a divine opportunity where we are right now. We may have to look for it, but we have to make up our minds to find the blessing in every situation. We are going somewhere. There is a purpose and a plan. We do not move through life randomly, we are being led somewhere. God is not surprised by this global pandemic. He has a plan and direction for all of this. We are not here by accident, it is a passageway to someplace He wants us to be. Too many people are standing around waiting for something to happen, we have to make something happen. What we make of life is more important than what we find in life. These times are not just to be endured, but to learn and grow. It is hard to have a vision in the valley. It is easier to see a vision on the mountain top, but it is more important to have a vision in the valley. We have to do more than get through this, we have to let it make us better. We should come out of this a better person, a better saint, a better child of God. Israel faced the treacherous journey without a map, a compass, or a GPS. All they had was God, and that was enough. They made the journey without the loss of one person. God took care of all their needs and He will take care of ours. God got them to their promised land, and He will get us to ours if we trust and seek Him just as Isreal did. With the worldwide impact of the Coronavirus, we have lost so much. The stock market is down, and many are facing economic challenges. We are concerned about being infected by the virus, but we are more likely to be infected by a greater threat: fea… Mark Hughes 2432 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21557041/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_makingthebestoftheworst/id/924106.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21557041 Making The Best of the Worst Sun, 22 Mar 2020 21:05:16 +0000 Mark Hughes With the worldwide impact of the Coronavirus, we have lost so much. The stock market is down, and many are facing economic challenges. We are concerned about being infected by the virus, but we are more likely to be infected by a greater threat: fear. It is times like this than can define us. It is moments like this that we have to look and focus on the things that really matter. The best lessons we learn come in times of trouble and trial. Our text today was written at a time when Isreal had come out of a time of adversity. The psalmist knew things would get better, and he was envisioning in his mind how things would look. Our text also highlights the challenge before him. In order to get to the place where he needed to go, he would have to pass through the valley of Baca. Scholars do not know the exact location of Baca, but they agree that the journey was through a difficult place. Our attitude about the situation will determine how we walk through that valley. Many will complain the whole time, and that will make the journey that much more difficult. The psalmist chose to be optimistic. It is more than just an attitude that it will get better. We have to make a little bit of heaven in the midst of our current hell. In the midst of misery, let there be music and singing. If we simply look around, there is a divine opportunity where we are right now. We may have to look for it, but we have to make up our minds to find the blessing in every situation. We are going somewhere. There is a purpose and a plan. We do not move through life randomly, we are being led somewhere. God is not surprised by this global pandemic. He has a plan and direction for all of this. We are not here by accident, it is a passageway to someplace He wants us to be. Too many people are standing around waiting for something to happen, we have to make something happen. What we make of life is more important than what we find in life. These times are not just to be endured, but to learn and grow. It is hard to have a vision in the valley. It is easier to see a vision on the mountain top, but it is more important to have a vision in the valley. We have to do more than get through this, we have to let it make us better. We should come out of this a better person, a better saint, a better child of God. Israel faced the treacherous journey without a map, a compass, or a GPS. All they had was God, and that was enough. They made the journey without the loss of one person. God took care of all their needs and He will take care of ours. God got them to their promised land, and He will get us to ours if we trust and seek Him just as Isreal did. With the worldwide impact of the Coronavirus, we have lost so much. The stock market is down, and many are facing economic challenges. We are concerned about being infected by the virus, but we are more likely to be infected by a greater threat: fear. It is times like this than can define us. It is moments like this that we have to look and focus on the things that really matter. The best lessons we learn come in times of trouble and trial. Our text today was written at a time when Isreal had come out of a time of adversity. The psalmist knew things would get better, and he was envisioning in his mind how things would look. Our text also highlights the challenge before him. In order to get to the place where he needed to go, he would have to pass through the valley of Baca. Scholars do not know the exact location of Baca, but they agree that the journey was through a difficult place. Our attitude about the situation will determine how we walk through that valley. Many will complain the whole time, and that will make the journey that much more difficult. The psalmist chose to be optimistic. It is more than just an attitude that it will get better. We have to make a little bit of heaven in the midst of our current hell. In the midst of misery, let there be music and singing. If we simply look around, there is a divine opportunity where we are right now. We may have to look for it, but we have to make up our minds to find the blessing in every situation. We are going somewhere. There is a purpose and a plan. We do not move through life randomly, we are being led somewhere. God is not surprised by this global pandemic. He has a plan and direction for all of this. We are not here by accident, it is a passageway to someplace He wants us to be. Too many people are standing around waiting for something to happen, we have to make something happen. What we make of life is more important than what we find in life. These times are not just to be endured, but to learn and grow. It is hard to have a vision in the valley. It is easier to see a vision on the mountain top, but it is more important to have a vision in the valley. We have to do more than get through this, we have to let it make us better. We should come out of this a better person, a better saint, a better child of God. Israel faced the treacherous journey without a map, a compass, or a GPS. All they had was God, and that was enough. They made the journey without the loss of one person. God took care of all their needs and He will take care of ours. God got them to their promised land, and He will get us to ours if we trust and seek Him just as Isreal did. With the worldwide impact of the Coronavirus, we have lost so much. The stock market is down, and many are facing economic challenges. We are concerned about being infected by the virus, but we are more likely to be infected by a greater threat: fea… Mark Hughes 2432 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21557041/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_makingthebestoftheworst/id/3447130.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21557041 Making The Best of the Worst Mon, 16 Mar 2020 01:52:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Sometimes life calls for us to walk through difficult to understand places. The dictionary defines strange as unexpected. Strange is a place where we are ill at ease. At some point in life, we will all walk through a strange place. When there is so much unexplained in our lives, it is easy to question if we are living in the will of God. Strange places are places to live through not to give up. The place may be strange to us, but it is not to God. The word of God proves the answer to the strange times in which we live. Peter says to rejoice. The word rejoice is more than being cheerful and acting like everything is okay. It literally means to be calm. When we find ourselves in a strange place, we must remain calm because God is with us every step of the way. Abraham teaches us that when we are in a strange place, we walk by faith and not by sight. In a strange place, we have to live by what we know, not what we hear in the moment. Finally, Psalms 137 teaches us to keep singing the Lord’s praises. Even in a strange land, we have to sing and rejoice to the Lord. If there is ever a time that we need to sing, it is in a strange place. When we can sing the song of the redeemed in the presence of our enemies, we send a powerful message that they have not won! When we are in a strange place, that is when we need to sing the loudest. Sometimes life calls for us to walk through difficult to understand places. The dictionary defines strange as unexpected. Strange is a place where we are ill at ease. At some point in life, we will all walk through a strange place. When there is so much unexplained in our lives, it is easy to question if we are living in the will of God. Strange places are places to live through not to give up. The place may be strange to us, but it is not to God. The word of God proves the answer to the strange times in which we live. Peter says to rejoice. The word rejoice is more than being cheerful and acting like everything is okay. It literally means to be calm. When we find ourselves in a strange place, we must remain calm because God is with us every step of the way. Abraham teaches us that when we are in a strange place, we walk by faith and not by sight. In a strange place, we have to live by what we know, not what we hear in the moment. Finally, Psalms 137 teaches us to keep singing the Lord’s praises. Even in a strange land, we have to sing and rejoice to the Lord. If there is ever a time that we need to sing, it is in a strange place. When we can sing the song of the redeemed in the presence of our enemies, we send a powerful message that they have not won! When we are in a strange place, that is when we need to sing the loudest. Sometimes life calls for us to walk through difficult to understand places. The dictionary defines strange as unexpected. Strange is a place where we are ill at ease. At some point in life, we will all walk through a strange place. When there is so … Mark Hughes 2117 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21552467/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_livingthroughstrange/id/921529.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21552467 Scripture: Psalms 137:1-137:4, 1 Peter 4:12-4:13, Hebrews 11:8-11:9 Mon, 16 Mar 2020 01:52:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Sometimes life calls for us to walk through difficult to understand places. The dictionary defines strange as unexpected. Strange is a place where we are ill at ease. At some point in life, we will all walk through a strange place. When there is so much unexplained in our lives, it is easy to question if we are living in the will of God. Strange places are places to live through not to give up. The place may be strange to us, but it is not to God. The word of God proves the answer to the strange times in which we live. Peter says to rejoice. The word rejoice is more than being cheerful and acting like everything is okay. It literally means to be calm. When we find ourselves in a strange place, we must remain calm because God is with us every step of the way. Abraham teaches us that when we are in a strange place, we walk by faith and not by sight. In a strange place, we have to live by what we know, not what we hear in the moment. Finally, Psalms 137 teaches us to keep singing the Lord’s praises. Even in a strange land, we have to sing and rejoice to the Lord. If there is ever a time that we need to sing, it is in a strange place. When we can sing the song of the redeemed in the presence of our enemies, we send a powerful message that they have not won! When we are in a strange place, that is when we need to sing the loudest. Sometimes life calls for us to walk through difficult to understand places. The dictionary defines strange as unexpected. Strange is a place where we are ill at ease. At some point in life, we will all walk through a strange place. When there is so much unexplained in our lives, it is easy to question if we are living in the will of God. Strange places are places to live through not to give up. The place may be strange to us, but it is not to God. The word of God proves the answer to the strange times in which we live. Peter says to rejoice. The word rejoice is more than being cheerful and acting like everything is okay. It literally means to be calm. When we find ourselves in a strange place, we must remain calm because God is with us every step of the way. Abraham teaches us that when we are in a strange place, we walk by faith and not by sight. In a strange place, we have to live by what we know, not what we hear in the moment. Finally, Psalms 137 teaches us to keep singing the Lord’s praises. Even in a strange land, we have to sing and rejoice to the Lord. If there is ever a time that we need to sing, it is in a strange place. When we can sing the song of the redeemed in the presence of our enemies, we send a powerful message that they have not won! When we are in a strange place, that is when we need to sing the loudest. Sometimes life calls for us to walk through difficult to understand places. The dictionary defines strange as unexpected. Strange is a place where we are ill at ease. At some point in life, we will all walk through a strange place. When there is so … Mark Hughes 2117 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21552467/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_livingthroughstrange/id/3443197.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21552467 Scripture: Psalms 137:1-137:4, 1 Peter 4:12-4:13, Hebrews 11:8-11:9 Sun, 15 Mar 2020 19:16:09 +0000 Mark Hughes We live in a world under siege. Fear comes down the streets of every city orchestrated by evil minds bent on tearing down God’s creation. Troubling times sometimes bring out the worst in people. Our world is now consumed with the spread of the Coronavirus. If there has ever been an hour for the church to shine a light to the world, it is now. None of us are immune to trouble and adversity, but we can all live in peace in these troubled times because of the presence of God. Our text today was written during a time of national crisis and is a source of great encouragement. Amid the perils of life’s journey, this Psalm describes the attitude we must have in troubling times. It is more than the assurance that God can keep us from trouble, but that He can keep us amid trouble. It is not an advocation of being reckless and assuming that God will protect. We can, and should, live pragmatically and with wisdom, but doing all the pragmatic and wise things will not keep things from coming into our life. God’s promise in Psalms 91 is that, even amid peril and disease, faith shows itself to be a reliable source of peace and preservation. If we can learn to live in faith like described in Psalm 91, we can have peace and calm in troubling times. It is time to let faith speak. We live in a world under siege. Fear comes down the streets of every city orchestrated by evil minds bent on tearing down God’s creation. Troubling times sometimes bring out the worst in people. Our world is now consumed with the spread of the Coronavirus. If there has ever been an hour for the church to shine a light to the world, it is now. None of us are immune to trouble and adversity, but we can all live in peace in these troubled times because of the presence of God. Our text today was written during a time of national crisis and is a source of great encouragement. Amid the perils of life’s journey, this Psalm describes the attitude we must have in troubling times. It is more than the assurance that God can keep us from trouble, but that He can keep us amid trouble. It is not an advocation of being reckless and assuming that God will protect. We can, and should, live pragmatically and with wisdom, but doing all the pragmatic and wise things will not keep things from coming into our life. God’s promise in Psalms 91 is that, even amid peril and disease, faith shows itself to be a reliable source of peace and preservation. If we can learn to live in faith like described in Psalm 91, we can have peace and calm in troubling times. It is time to let faith speak. We live in a world under siege. Fear comes down the streets of every city orchestrated by evil minds bent on tearing down God’s creation. Troubling times sometimes bring out the worst in people. Our world is now consumed with the spread of the Coron… Mark Hughes 2938 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21551383/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_lettingfaithspeak/id/921185.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21551383 Scripture: Psalms 91:1-91:16 Sun, 15 Mar 2020 19:16:09 +0000 Mark Hughes We live in a world under siege. Fear comes down the streets of every city orchestrated by evil minds bent on tearing down God’s creation. Troubling times sometimes bring out the worst in people. Our world is now consumed with the spread of the Coronavirus. If there has ever been an hour for the church to shine a light to the world, it is now. None of us are immune to trouble and adversity, but we can all live in peace in these troubled times because of the presence of God. Our text today was written during a time of national crisis and is a source of great encouragement. Amid the perils of life’s journey, this Psalm describes the attitude we must have in troubling times. It is more than the assurance that God can keep us from trouble, but that He can keep us amid trouble. It is not an advocation of being reckless and assuming that God will protect. We can, and should, live pragmatically and with wisdom, but doing all the pragmatic and wise things will not keep things from coming into our life. God’s promise in Psalms 91 is that, even amid peril and disease, faith shows itself to be a reliable source of peace and preservation. If we can learn to live in faith like described in Psalm 91, we can have peace and calm in troubling times. It is time to let faith speak. We live in a world under siege. Fear comes down the streets of every city orchestrated by evil minds bent on tearing down God’s creation. Troubling times sometimes bring out the worst in people. Our world is now consumed with the spread of the Coronavirus. If there has ever been an hour for the church to shine a light to the world, it is now. None of us are immune to trouble and adversity, but we can all live in peace in these troubled times because of the presence of God. Our text today was written during a time of national crisis and is a source of great encouragement. Amid the perils of life’s journey, this Psalm describes the attitude we must have in troubling times. It is more than the assurance that God can keep us from trouble, but that He can keep us amid trouble. It is not an advocation of being reckless and assuming that God will protect. We can, and should, live pragmatically and with wisdom, but doing all the pragmatic and wise things will not keep things from coming into our life. God’s promise in Psalms 91 is that, even amid peril and disease, faith shows itself to be a reliable source of peace and preservation. If we can learn to live in faith like described in Psalm 91, we can have peace and calm in troubling times. It is time to let faith speak. We live in a world under siege. Fear comes down the streets of every city orchestrated by evil minds bent on tearing down God’s creation. Troubling times sometimes bring out the worst in people. Our world is now consumed with the spread of the Coron… Mark Hughes 2938 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21551383/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lettingfaithspeak/id/3442248.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21551383 Scripture: Psalms 91:1-91:16 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 02:16:00 +0000 Landon Long The story goes that on February second if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. Phil has a fifty-fifty chance of being right, but over time, he only has a thirty-nine percent success rate. People invest a lot of hope in the groundhog not seeing his shadow and therefore predicting an early spring. The truth is that spring will come no matter if Phil sees his shadow or not. In the midst of the long winter, it seems that it will never end. So it is with seasons in life. Our text says to everything there is a season. There are seasons to plant, and seasons to reap. The text also says that there is a time for everything. So often in life, timing is important. God is in the business of strategically positing us exactly where He needs us to be and precisely the moment He needs us to be there. Solomon, writing here in Ecclesiastes lists, twenty-eight instances of seasons and timing in God’s economy. While none of us like trials and hard seasons, it is encouraging to know that these seasons will only last for a time until God orchestrates the situation to exactly where it needs to be. It is important to know what season we are in. If we try to plant when it is time to harvest, we are wasting our time. We cannot worry about the season others are in, because we are all in our own journey. For some, it may be time to harvest while we are planting. If we are in a planting season, we have to concentrate on that. We have to evaluate our own season and have a conversation with God on how to deal with our own season. It is not easy to understand God’s timing, and it is even harder to wait for it. But waiting for it is always worth it. We put too much emphasis on the season. We worry too much about what the groundhogs in life predict. Our text tells us that seasons come and seasons go, but there is a time when everything will begin to make sense. Winter will end and spring will come. Stop trusting that groundhog. The story goes that on February second if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. Phil has a fifty-fifty chance of being right, but over time, he only has a thirty-nine percent success rate. People invest a lot of hope in the groundhog not seeing his shadow and therefore predicting an early spring. The truth is that spring will come no matter if Phil sees his shadow or not. In the midst of the long winter, it seems that it will never end. So it is with seasons in life. Our text says to everything there is a season. There are seasons to plant, and seasons to reap. The text also says that there is a time for everything. So often in life, timing is important. God is in the business of strategically positing us exactly where He needs us to be and precisely the moment He needs us to be there. Solomon, writing here in Ecclesiastes lists, twenty-eight instances of seasons and timing in God’s economy. While none of us like trials and hard seasons, it is encouraging to know that these seasons will only last for a time until God orchestrates the situation to exactly where it needs to be. It is important to know what season we are in. If we try to plant when it is time to harvest, we are wasting our time. We cannot worry about the season others are in, because we are all in our own journey. For some, it may be time to harvest while we are planting. If we are in a planting season, we have to concentrate on that. We have to evaluate our own season and have a conversation with God on how to deal with our own season. It is not easy to understand God’s timing, and it is even harder to wait for it. But waiting for it is always worth it. We put too much emphasis on the season. We worry too much about what the groundhogs in life predict. Our text tells us that seasons come and seasons go, but there is a time when everything will begin to make sense. Winter will end and spring will come. Stop trusting that groundhog. The story goes that on February second if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. Phil has a fifty-fifty chance of being right, but over time, he only has a thirty-nine percent success rate. People invest a lot of h… Landon Long 2930 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21549493/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_stoptrustinggroundhogs/id/920334.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21549493 Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-3:8 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 02:16:00 +0000 Landon Long The story goes that on February second if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. Phil has a fifty-fifty chance of being right, but over time, he only has a thirty-nine percent success rate. People invest a lot of hope in the groundhog not seeing his shadow and therefore predicting an early spring. The truth is that spring will come no matter if Phil sees his shadow or not. In the midst of the long winter, it seems that it will never end. So it is with seasons in life. Our text says to everything there is a season. There are seasons to plant, and seasons to reap. The text also says that there is a time for everything. So often in life, timing is important. God is in the business of strategically positing us exactly where He needs us to be and precisely the moment He needs us to be there. Solomon, writing here in Ecclesiastes lists, twenty-eight instances of seasons and timing in God’s economy. While none of us like trials and hard seasons, it is encouraging to know that these seasons will only last for a time until God orchestrates the situation to exactly where it needs to be. It is important to know what season we are in. If we try to plant when it is time to harvest, we are wasting our time. We cannot worry about the season others are in, because we are all in our own journey. For some, it may be time to harvest while we are planting. If we are in a planting season, we have to concentrate on that. We have to evaluate our own season and have a conversation with God on how to deal with our own season. It is not easy to understand God’s timing, and it is even harder to wait for it. But waiting for it is always worth it. We put too much emphasis on the season. We worry too much about what the groundhogs in life predict. Our text tells us that seasons come and seasons go, but there is a time when everything will begin to make sense. Winter will end and spring will come. Stop trusting that groundhog. The story goes that on February second if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. Phil has a fifty-fifty chance of being right, but over time, he only has a thirty-nine percent success rate. People invest a lot of hope in the groundhog not seeing his shadow and therefore predicting an early spring. The truth is that spring will come no matter if Phil sees his shadow or not. In the midst of the long winter, it seems that it will never end. So it is with seasons in life. Our text says to everything there is a season. There are seasons to plant, and seasons to reap. The text also says that there is a time for everything. So often in life, timing is important. God is in the business of strategically positing us exactly where He needs us to be and precisely the moment He needs us to be there. Solomon, writing here in Ecclesiastes lists, twenty-eight instances of seasons and timing in God’s economy. While none of us like trials and hard seasons, it is encouraging to know that these seasons will only last for a time until God orchestrates the situation to exactly where it needs to be. It is important to know what season we are in. If we try to plant when it is time to harvest, we are wasting our time. We cannot worry about the season others are in, because we are all in our own journey. For some, it may be time to harvest while we are planting. If we are in a planting season, we have to concentrate on that. We have to evaluate our own season and have a conversation with God on how to deal with our own season. It is not easy to understand God’s timing, and it is even harder to wait for it. But waiting for it is always worth it. We put too much emphasis on the season. We worry too much about what the groundhogs in life predict. Our text tells us that seasons come and seasons go, but there is a time when everything will begin to make sense. Winter will end and spring will come. Stop trusting that groundhog. The story goes that on February second if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. Phil has a fifty-fifty chance of being right, but over time, he only has a thirty-nine percent success rate. People invest a lot of h… Landon Long 2930 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21549493/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_stoptrustinggroundhogs/id/3440467.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21549493 Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-3:8 Mon, 09 Mar 2020 03:29:54 +0000 Paul Rivero Nascondino is the Italian word for the children’s game of hide and seek. We can argue that the first game of Nascondino was played in the garden with Adam and Eve. After the fall, Adam tried to hide from God out of shame. Saul tried to hide from God’s will. Jonah ran from God and tried to hide. The Psalmist says even if he made his bed in hell, he would not be hidden from God. Adam and others have tried to hide from God out of shame. It is not possible to hide from God. He is all-seeing and all-knowing. God’s goal is not condemnation but redemption. God wants to take the weight of sin that does so easily beset us away from us. We cannot hide our failings and our downfalls from God. But what about the things that God hides from us? God is omnipotent. God has never faced a situation that puzzled Him. God is never surprised. He specializes in the impossible. While our circumstances look impossible, God is working to make a way. Though we do not see it, the hidden hand of God continually works to orchestrate things to make a way through our impossible situation. Nascondino is the Italian word for the children’s game of hide and seek. We can argue that the first game of Nascondino was played in the garden with Adam and Eve. After the fall, Adam tried to hide from God out of shame. Saul tried to hide from God’s will. Jonah ran from God and tried to hide. The Psalmist says even if he made his bed in hell, he would not be hidden from God. Adam and others have tried to hide from God out of shame. It is not possible to hide from God. He is all-seeing and all-knowing. God’s goal is not condemnation but redemption. God wants to take the weight of sin that does so easily beset us away from us. We cannot hide our failings and our downfalls from God. But what about the things that God hides from us? God is omnipotent. God has never faced a situation that puzzled Him. God is never surprised. He specializes in the impossible. While our circumstances look impossible, God is working to make a way. Though we do not see it, the hidden hand of God continually works to orchestrate things to make a way through our impossible situation. Nascondino is the Italian word for the children’s game of hide and seek. We can argue that the first game of Nascondino was played in the garden with Adam and Eve. After the fall, Adam tried to hide from God out of shame. Saul tried to hide from God… Paul Rivero 2720 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21547636/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thehiddenhandofgod/id/919854.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21547636 Scripture: Job 23:8-23:13 Mon, 09 Mar 2020 03:29:54 +0000 Paul Rivero Nascondino is the Italian word for the children’s game of hide and seek. We can argue that the first game of Nascondino was played in the garden with Adam and Eve. After the fall, Adam tried to hide from God out of shame. Saul tried to hide from God’s will. Jonah ran from God and tried to hide. The Psalmist says even if he made his bed in hell, he would not be hidden from God. Adam and others have tried to hide from God out of shame. It is not possible to hide from God. He is all-seeing and all-knowing. God’s goal is not condemnation but redemption. God wants to take the weight of sin that does so easily beset us away from us. We cannot hide our failings and our downfalls from God. But what about the things that God hides from us? God is omnipotent. God has never faced a situation that puzzled Him. God is never surprised. He specializes in the impossible. While our circumstances look impossible, God is working to make a way. Though we do not see it, the hidden hand of God continually works to orchestrate things to make a way through our impossible situation. Nascondino is the Italian word for the children’s game of hide and seek. We can argue that the first game of Nascondino was played in the garden with Adam and Eve. After the fall, Adam tried to hide from God out of shame. Saul tried to hide from God’s will. Jonah ran from God and tried to hide. The Psalmist says even if he made his bed in hell, he would not be hidden from God. Adam and others have tried to hide from God out of shame. It is not possible to hide from God. He is all-seeing and all-knowing. God’s goal is not condemnation but redemption. God wants to take the weight of sin that does so easily beset us away from us. We cannot hide our failings and our downfalls from God. But what about the things that God hides from us? God is omnipotent. God has never faced a situation that puzzled Him. God is never surprised. He specializes in the impossible. While our circumstances look impossible, God is working to make a way. Though we do not see it, the hidden hand of God continually works to orchestrate things to make a way through our impossible situation. Nascondino is the Italian word for the children’s game of hide and seek. We can argue that the first game of Nascondino was played in the garden with Adam and Eve. After the fall, Adam tried to hide from God out of shame. Saul tried to hide from God… Paul Rivero 2720 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21547636/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thehiddenhandofgod/id/3438668.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21547636 Scripture: Job 23:8-23:13 Sun, 08 Mar 2020 19:22:34 +0000 Mark Hughes So often we view Jesus through the framework of the stories and accounts in the bible. We have a more difficult time seeing Jesus in the framework of our lives as we experience it today. We find it hard to view God in our modern times as the one who spoke the world into existence, who opened blind eyes, raised the dead, and died for our sins on a cross. Too many of us have God neatly framed in the bible, but that is not where He wants to exist. He wants to come into our lives, our problems, and our disorder to bring greater life, solutions, and order. We need Him out of the book and into our world. Our text is about two blind men who followed Jesus after he healed Jiarias’ daughter. They refer to HIm as “Son of David” which indicates that they knew about him, but did not know Him well. Jesus asks if they believe that He could heal them. They immediately respond that they did. Jesus responds that according to their faith, they would be healed. Without faith, it is not possible to please God. Faith is the confidence that God will do what He said He could do. Faith is the currency of the exchange between our life and the supernatural. When we have faith, we open the door for God to connect His world to ours. Faith is what connects our flawed world with His perfect world. God gives us the opportunity to alter the outcome of our life. Jesus’ response to the blind men is that the size of their miracle was determined by their level of faith. Our world puts great influence on fate and chance, but our story tells us that faith is the greater influence. Fear has a great influence on our lives. Fear of the unknown, fear of the past, fear of failure paralyze too many people. God did not give us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. God’s promise is life, and life more abundantly. When we believe that promise and have faith in that promise, the grip of fear is loosed. This chapter in our text contains three miracles. In each case, the people had an imperfect view of God, but in each case, the little faith that they had, resulted in a miracle. God is not looking for perfect faith, just a little faith will do. When we have just a little faith, it allows God to be God. If we allow God to be God, how richly will our life be blessed? That is the influence of the Divine. So often we view Jesus through the framework of the stories and accounts in the bible. We have a more difficult time seeing Jesus in the framework of our lives as we experience it today. We find it hard to view God in our modern times as the one who spoke the world into existence, who opened blind eyes, raised the dead, and died for our sins on a cross. Too many of us have God neatly framed in the bible, but that is not where He wants to exist. He wants to come into our lives, our problems, and our disorder to bring greater life, solutions, and order. We need Him out of the book and into our world. Our text is about two blind men who followed Jesus after he healed Jiarias’ daughter. They refer to HIm as “Son of David” which indicates that they knew about him, but did not know Him well. Jesus asks if they believe that He could heal them. They immediately respond that they did. Jesus responds that according to their faith, they would be healed. Without faith, it is not possible to please God. Faith is the confidence that God will do what He said He could do. Faith is the currency of the exchange between our life and the supernatural. When we have faith, we open the door for God to connect His world to ours. Faith is what connects our flawed world with His perfect world. God gives us the opportunity to alter the outcome of our life. Jesus’ response to the blind men is that the size of their miracle was determined by their level of faith. Our world puts great influence on fate and chance, but our story tells us that faith is the greater influence. Fear has a great influence on our lives. Fear of the unknown, fear of the past, fear of failure paralyze too many people. God did not give us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. God’s promise is life, and life more abundantly. When we believe that promise and have faith in that promise, the grip of fear is loosed. This chapter in our text contains three miracles. In each case, the people had an imperfect view of God, but in each case, the little faith that they had, resulted in a miracle. God is not looking for perfect faith, just a little faith will do. When we have just a little faith, it allows God to be God. If we allow God to be God, how richly will our life be blessed? That is the influence of the Divine. So often we view Jesus through the framework of the stories and accounts in the bible. We have a more difficult time seeing Jesus in the framework of our lives as we experience it today. We find it hard to view God in our modern times as the one who … Mark Hughes 1831 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21547170/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theinfluenceofthedivine/id/919718.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21547170 Faith, Scripture: Matthew 9:27-9:30 Sun, 08 Mar 2020 19:22:34 +0000 Mark Hughes So often we view Jesus through the framework of the stories and accounts in the bible. We have a more difficult time seeing Jesus in the framework of our lives as we experience it today. We find it hard to view God in our modern times as the one who spoke the world into existence, who opened blind eyes, raised the dead, and died for our sins on a cross. Too many of us have God neatly framed in the bible, but that is not where He wants to exist. He wants to come into our lives, our problems, and our disorder to bring greater life, solutions, and order. We need Him out of the book and into our world. Our text is about two blind men who followed Jesus after he healed Jiarias’ daughter. They refer to HIm as “Son of David” which indicates that they knew about him, but did not know Him well. Jesus asks if they believe that He could heal them. They immediately respond that they did. Jesus responds that according to their faith, they would be healed. Without faith, it is not possible to please God. Faith is the confidence that God will do what He said He could do. Faith is the currency of the exchange between our life and the supernatural. When we have faith, we open the door for God to connect His world to ours. Faith is what connects our flawed world with His perfect world. God gives us the opportunity to alter the outcome of our life. Jesus’ response to the blind men is that the size of their miracle was determined by their level of faith. Our world puts great influence on fate and chance, but our story tells us that faith is the greater influence. Fear has a great influence on our lives. Fear of the unknown, fear of the past, fear of failure paralyze too many people. God did not give us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. God’s promise is life, and life more abundantly. When we believe that promise and have faith in that promise, the grip of fear is loosed. This chapter in our text contains three miracles. In each case, the people had an imperfect view of God, but in each case, the little faith that they had, resulted in a miracle. God is not looking for perfect faith, just a little faith will do. When we have just a little faith, it allows God to be God. If we allow God to be God, how richly will our life be blessed? That is the influence of the Divine. So often we view Jesus through the framework of the stories and accounts in the bible. We have a more difficult time seeing Jesus in the framework of our lives as we experience it today. We find it hard to view God in our modern times as the one who spoke the world into existence, who opened blind eyes, raised the dead, and died for our sins on a cross. Too many of us have God neatly framed in the bible, but that is not where He wants to exist. He wants to come into our lives, our problems, and our disorder to bring greater life, solutions, and order. We need Him out of the book and into our world. Our text is about two blind men who followed Jesus after he healed Jiarias’ daughter. They refer to HIm as “Son of David” which indicates that they knew about him, but did not know Him well. Jesus asks if they believe that He could heal them. They immediately respond that they did. Jesus responds that according to their faith, they would be healed. Without faith, it is not possible to please God. Faith is the confidence that God will do what He said He could do. Faith is the currency of the exchange between our life and the supernatural. When we have faith, we open the door for God to connect His world to ours. Faith is what connects our flawed world with His perfect world. God gives us the opportunity to alter the outcome of our life. Jesus’ response to the blind men is that the size of their miracle was determined by their level of faith. Our world puts great influence on fate and chance, but our story tells us that faith is the greater influence. Fear has a great influence on our lives. Fear of the unknown, fear of the past, fear of failure paralyze too many people. God did not give us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. God’s promise is life, and life more abundantly. When we believe that promise and have faith in that promise, the grip of fear is loosed. This chapter in our text contains three miracles. In each case, the people had an imperfect view of God, but in each case, the little faith that they had, resulted in a miracle. God is not looking for perfect faith, just a little faith will do. When we have just a little faith, it allows God to be God. If we allow God to be God, how richly will our life be blessed? That is the influence of the Divine. So often we view Jesus through the framework of the stories and accounts in the bible. We have a more difficult time seeing Jesus in the framework of our lives as we experience it today. We find it hard to view God in our modern times as the one who … Mark Hughes 1831 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21547170/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theinfluenceofthedivine/id/3438216.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21547170 Faith, Scripture: Matthew 9:27-9:30 Thu, 05 Mar 2020 03:08:43 +0000 Mark Hughes Starbucks Coffee, Southwest Airlines and Federal Express have all redefined their industries. They did this by focusing on one thing that was vital to their success. By focusing on Coffee, economy travel and overnight shipping, these companies have developed a successful business and a fanatical following. Focus is a biblical principle. Focus is a critical element to so much that we desire and long for in our lives. Keeping the main thing the main thing is difficult in a world full of things that vie for our attention. Paul was focused: “This one thing I do….'' He was focused on knowing Jesus. To achieve this focus, some things have to fade into the background. When we focus on the right thing, our choices and priorities become obvious. When our priorities are in the right place, we can concentrate our efforts on the things that really matter. When we get the one thing right, it helps us know what to do with the many things that are still in our lives. When we settle the question of focus, it protects us from the trap of the things in our past. Too often we spend time looking back over our shoulders trying to fix the mistakes in our past. When we keep the main thing the main thing, it motivates us to continue to move forward the goal. It will help us to get through the tough times in life. By focusing on the main thing, we can get all that God has for us. Starbucks Coffee, Southwest Airlines and Federal Express have all redefined their industries. They did this by focusing on one thing that was vital to their success. By focusing on Coffee, economy travel and overnight shipping, these companies have developed a successful business and a fanatical following. Focus is a biblical principle. Focus is a critical element to so much that we desire and long for in our lives. Keeping the main thing the main thing is difficult in a world full of things that vie for our attention. Paul was focused: “This one thing I do….'' He was focused on knowing Jesus. To achieve this focus, some things have to fade into the background. When we focus on the right thing, our choices and priorities become obvious. When our priorities are in the right place, we can concentrate our efforts on the things that really matter. When we get the one thing right, it helps us know what to do with the many things that are still in our lives. When we settle the question of focus, it protects us from the trap of the things in our past. Too often we spend time looking back over our shoulders trying to fix the mistakes in our past. When we keep the main thing the main thing, it motivates us to continue to move forward the goal. It will help us to get through the tough times in life. By focusing on the main thing, we can get all that God has for us. Starbucks Coffee, Southwest Airlines and Federal Express have all redefined their industries. They did this by focusing on one thing that was vital to their success. By focusing on Coffee, economy travel and overnight shipping, these companies have de… Mark Hughes 3017 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21544678/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_howtogetallgodhasforyou/id/918998.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21544678 Scripture: Philippians 3:13-3:15 Thu, 05 Mar 2020 03:08:43 +0000 Mark Hughes Starbucks Coffee, Southwest Airlines and Federal Express have all redefined their industries. They did this by focusing on one thing that was vital to their success. By focusing on Coffee, economy travel and overnight shipping, these companies have developed a successful business and a fanatical following. Focus is a biblical principle. Focus is a critical element to so much that we desire and long for in our lives. Keeping the main thing the main thing is difficult in a world full of things that vie for our attention. Paul was focused: “This one thing I do….'' He was focused on knowing Jesus. To achieve this focus, some things have to fade into the background. When we focus on the right thing, our choices and priorities become obvious. When our priorities are in the right place, we can concentrate our efforts on the things that really matter. When we get the one thing right, it helps us know what to do with the many things that are still in our lives. When we settle the question of focus, it protects us from the trap of the things in our past. Too often we spend time looking back over our shoulders trying to fix the mistakes in our past. When we keep the main thing the main thing, it motivates us to continue to move forward the goal. It will help us to get through the tough times in life. By focusing on the main thing, we can get all that God has for us. Starbucks Coffee, Southwest Airlines and Federal Express have all redefined their industries. They did this by focusing on one thing that was vital to their success. By focusing on Coffee, economy travel and overnight shipping, these companies have developed a successful business and a fanatical following. Focus is a biblical principle. Focus is a critical element to so much that we desire and long for in our lives. Keeping the main thing the main thing is difficult in a world full of things that vie for our attention. Paul was focused: “This one thing I do….'' He was focused on knowing Jesus. To achieve this focus, some things have to fade into the background. When we focus on the right thing, our choices and priorities become obvious. When our priorities are in the right place, we can concentrate our efforts on the things that really matter. When we get the one thing right, it helps us know what to do with the many things that are still in our lives. When we settle the question of focus, it protects us from the trap of the things in our past. Too often we spend time looking back over our shoulders trying to fix the mistakes in our past. When we keep the main thing the main thing, it motivates us to continue to move forward the goal. It will help us to get through the tough times in life. By focusing on the main thing, we can get all that God has for us. Starbucks Coffee, Southwest Airlines and Federal Express have all redefined their industries. They did this by focusing on one thing that was vital to their success. By focusing on Coffee, economy travel and overnight shipping, these companies have de… Mark Hughes 3017 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21544678/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtogetallgodhasforyou/id/3436503.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21544678 Scripture: Philippians 3:13-3:15 Sun, 01 Mar 2020 23:36:58 +0000 Mark Hughes Our human body is a complex, and intricate creation of individual parts and systems that function together. Our text paints a vivid picture of how the parts of a church work together like the parts of a body to function as a whole. If the various systems work in harmony, we say that we are healthy. The healthy body has a miraculous way of protecting and healing itself from imbalances and infections. When we begin to understand how important our body is, we strive to take better care of it. Paul describes the church as a body. The illustration shows the various parts working together to achieve God’s plan. Paul describes three qualities of the body. First is unity. Any part of the body that gets cut off will die. We have to stay connected to the body of Christ to survive. As important as unity is, diversity is just as important. Each part serves a distinct purpose. We can walk on our hands, but our feet are better suited to walking. When we discover who we are and the role that we play, we discover a power that is unstoppable. Our usefulness is in our understanding of our role and the part we play for a greater purpose. In a healthy body, there is no reason for competition. There is room for everybody in the body. An eye cannot hear, a nose cannot see, and hears cannot feel, but all are necessary. Humanity judges things from the top down, but God judges from the inside out. If we can realize our part, and be the best we can be at that part, there is nothing that we cannot do. In a human body, the various parts cooperate and compensate for each other. The same is true in the body of Christ. We need each other as part of the body. Our human body is a complex, and intricate creation of individual parts and systems that function together. Our text paints a vivid picture of how the parts of a church work together like the parts of a body to function as a whole. If the various systems work in harmony, we say that we are healthy. The healthy body has a miraculous way of protecting and healing itself from imbalances and infections. When we begin to understand how important our body is, we strive to take better care of it. Paul describes the church as a body. The illustration shows the various parts working together to achieve God’s plan. Paul describes three qualities of the body. First is unity. Any part of the body that gets cut off will die. We have to stay connected to the body of Christ to survive. As important as unity is, diversity is just as important. Each part serves a distinct purpose. We can walk on our hands, but our feet are better suited to walking. When we discover who we are and the role that we play, we discover a power that is unstoppable. Our usefulness is in our understanding of our role and the part we play for a greater purpose. In a healthy body, there is no reason for competition. There is room for everybody in the body. An eye cannot hear, a nose cannot see, and hears cannot feel, but all are necessary. Humanity judges things from the top down, but God judges from the inside out. If we can realize our part, and be the best we can be at that part, there is nothing that we cannot do. In a human body, the various parts cooperate and compensate for each other. The same is true in the body of Christ. We need each other as part of the body. Our human body is a complex, and intricate creation of individual parts and systems that function together. Our text paints a vivid picture of how the parts of a church work together like the parts of a body to function as a whole. If the various sys… Mark Hughes 2750 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21542959/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thebody/id/918578.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21542959 Scripture: Romans 12:3-12:6, 1 Corinthians 12:12-12:27 Sun, 01 Mar 2020 23:36:58 +0000 Mark Hughes Our human body is a complex, and intricate creation of individual parts and systems that function together. Our text paints a vivid picture of how the parts of a church work together like the parts of a body to function as a whole. If the various systems work in harmony, we say that we are healthy. The healthy body has a miraculous way of protecting and healing itself from imbalances and infections. When we begin to understand how important our body is, we strive to take better care of it. Paul describes the church as a body. The illustration shows the various parts working together to achieve God’s plan. Paul describes three qualities of the body. First is unity. Any part of the body that gets cut off will die. We have to stay connected to the body of Christ to survive. As important as unity is, diversity is just as important. Each part serves a distinct purpose. We can walk on our hands, but our feet are better suited to walking. When we discover who we are and the role that we play, we discover a power that is unstoppable. Our usefulness is in our understanding of our role and the part we play for a greater purpose. In a healthy body, there is no reason for competition. There is room for everybody in the body. An eye cannot hear, a nose cannot see, and hears cannot feel, but all are necessary. Humanity judges things from the top down, but God judges from the inside out. If we can realize our part, and be the best we can be at that part, there is nothing that we cannot do. In a human body, the various parts cooperate and compensate for each other. The same is true in the body of Christ. We need each other as part of the body. Our human body is a complex, and intricate creation of individual parts and systems that function together. Our text paints a vivid picture of how the parts of a church work together like the parts of a body to function as a whole. If the various systems work in harmony, we say that we are healthy. The healthy body has a miraculous way of protecting and healing itself from imbalances and infections. When we begin to understand how important our body is, we strive to take better care of it. Paul describes the church as a body. The illustration shows the various parts working together to achieve God’s plan. Paul describes three qualities of the body. First is unity. Any part of the body that gets cut off will die. We have to stay connected to the body of Christ to survive. As important as unity is, diversity is just as important. Each part serves a distinct purpose. We can walk on our hands, but our feet are better suited to walking. When we discover who we are and the role that we play, we discover a power that is unstoppable. Our usefulness is in our understanding of our role and the part we play for a greater purpose. In a healthy body, there is no reason for competition. There is room for everybody in the body. An eye cannot hear, a nose cannot see, and hears cannot feel, but all are necessary. Humanity judges things from the top down, but God judges from the inside out. If we can realize our part, and be the best we can be at that part, there is nothing that we cannot do. In a human body, the various parts cooperate and compensate for each other. The same is true in the body of Christ. We need each other as part of the body. Our human body is a complex, and intricate creation of individual parts and systems that function together. Our text paints a vivid picture of how the parts of a church work together like the parts of a body to function as a whole. If the various sys… Mark Hughes 2750 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21542959/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thebody/id/3434821.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21542959 Scripture: Romans 12:3-12:6, 1 Corinthians 12:12-12:27 Thu, 27 Feb 2020 03:16:59 +0000 James Oddo There were two trees in the Garden of Eden: The Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The fruit of these trees produces very different results. Bro. Oddo goes back to the very beginning and uses these two trees to describe our relationship with God and the cyclic pattern that relationship takes. There were two trees in the Garden of Eden: The Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The fruit of these trees produces very different results. Bro. Oddo goes back to the very beginning and uses these two trees to describe our relationship with God and the cyclic pattern that relationship takes. There were two trees in the Garden of Eden: The Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The fruit of these trees produces very different results. Bro. Oddo goes back to the very beginning and uses these two trees to describe our … James Oddo 3585 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21541010/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_godsexpandingkingdom/id/917912.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21541010 Scripture: Genesis 3:1-3:10, Isaiah 9:5-9:7 Thu, 27 Feb 2020 03:16:59 +0000 James Oddo There were two trees in the Garden of Eden: The Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The fruit of these trees produces very different results. Bro. Oddo goes back to the very beginning and uses these two trees to describe our relationship with God and the cyclic pattern that relationship takes. There were two trees in the Garden of Eden: The Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The fruit of these trees produces very different results. Bro. Oddo goes back to the very beginning and uses these two trees to describe our relationship with God and the cyclic pattern that relationship takes. There were two trees in the Garden of Eden: The Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The fruit of these trees produces very different results. Bro. Oddo goes back to the very beginning and uses these two trees to describe our … James Oddo 3585 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21541010/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godsexpandingkingdom/id/3432975.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21541010 Scripture: Genesis 3:1-3:10, Isaiah 9:5-9:7 Mon, 24 Feb 2020 04:50:00 +0000 Mark Hughes amson was one of the most powerful men in the bible. When God’s spirit came on him, Samson had great strength and could do extraordinary things. However, Samson’s life is a contradiction. So many of the things he did were contrary to what God proposed for his life. He struggled with an unaccountable spirit. Charles Spurgeon noted that Samson’s life was a series of miracles and follies. How could a man who was chosen and used by God fall into the enemy’s hands? First, Samson chose to ignore signs and warnings when those were contrary to what he wanted to do. Secondly, Samson could not control his passions and his flesh. He could conquer his enemies, but he never learned to conquer himself. We do not read that Samson had a prayer life. We do not see him ask for wisdom or guidance. Fourth, Samson lived very close to the edge. He did not honor the boundaries and often played too close to the edge of God’s will. Another interesting fact of Samson’s life is the direction he often took. The bible says that he went down. We do not often read that he went up. We find that Samson toyed with things that weakened him. He played games with things that weakened his resolve. It is dangerous to continually entertain the things that weaken us. When we do that, we will soon step over the lines that we should not cross. When we play with things we shouldn’t play with, and sooner or later, it will hurt us. Samson kept going back to Delilah. He toyed with her at first, but eventually, she was too clever for him. He thought he was strong enough or smart enough to be safe, but he was not. He failed to factor in that his heart was deceiving him. Samson’s downfall began when he disagreed with his parents about marrying the Philistine girl. It was against God’s law to marry a philistine. But Samson ignored this and thought he knew what he was doing. His downfall came because he thought he could get by with it because he had won so many great victories. Samson never did understand the true source of his power. It was not the long hair; it was the consecration and vow of separation. Samson lost his consecration when he began to play with his separation. Our consecration and separation are what keep our humanity from destroying us. amson was one of the most powerful men in the bible. When God’s spirit came on him, Samson had great strength and could do extraordinary things. However, Samson’s life is a contradiction. So many of the things he did were contrary to what God proposed for his life. He struggled with an unaccountable spirit. Charles Spurgeon noted that Samson’s life was a series of miracles and follies. How could a man who was chosen and used by God fall into the enemy’s hands? First, Samson chose to ignore signs and warnings when those were contrary to what he wanted to do. Secondly, Samson could not control his passions and his flesh. He could conquer his enemies, but he never learned to conquer himself. We do not read that Samson had a prayer life. We do not see him ask for wisdom or guidance. Fourth, Samson lived very close to the edge. He did not honor the boundaries and often played too close to the edge of God’s will. Another interesting fact of Samson’s life is the direction he often took. The bible says that he went down. We do not often read that he went up. We find that Samson toyed with things that weakened him. He played games with things that weakened his resolve. It is dangerous to continually entertain the things that weaken us. When we do that, we will soon step over the lines that we should not cross. When we play with things we shouldn’t play with, and sooner or later, it will hurt us. Samson kept going back to Delilah. He toyed with her at first, but eventually, she was too clever for him. He thought he was strong enough or smart enough to be safe, but he was not. He failed to factor in that his heart was deceiving him. Samson’s downfall began when he disagreed with his parents about marrying the Philistine girl. It was against God’s law to marry a philistine. But Samson ignored this and thought he knew what he was doing. His downfall came because he thought he could get by with it because he had won so many great victories. Samson never did understand the true source of his power. It was not the long hair; it was the consecration and vow of separation. Samson lost his consecration when he began to play with his separation. Our consecration and separation are what keep our humanity from destroying us. amson was one of the most powerful men in the bible. When God’s spirit came on him, Samson had great strength and could do extraordinary things. However, Samson’s life is a contradiction. So many of the things he did were contrary to what God propose… Mark Hughes 3545 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21540165/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thesecretofyourstrength/id/917686.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21540165 Scripture: Judges 16:4-16:6 Mon, 24 Feb 2020 04:50:00 +0000 Mark Hughes amson was one of the most powerful men in the bible. When God’s spirit came on him, Samson had great strength and could do extraordinary things. However, Samson’s life is a contradiction. So many of the things he did were contrary to what God proposed for his life. He struggled with an unaccountable spirit. Charles Spurgeon noted that Samson’s life was a series of miracles and follies. How could a man who was chosen and used by God fall into the enemy’s hands? First, Samson chose to ignore signs and warnings when those were contrary to what he wanted to do. Secondly, Samson could not control his passions and his flesh. He could conquer his enemies, but he never learned to conquer himself. We do not read that Samson had a prayer life. We do not see him ask for wisdom or guidance. Fourth, Samson lived very close to the edge. He did not honor the boundaries and often played too close to the edge of God’s will. Another interesting fact of Samson’s life is the direction he often took. The bible says that he went down. We do not often read that he went up. We find that Samson toyed with things that weakened him. He played games with things that weakened his resolve. It is dangerous to continually entertain the things that weaken us. When we do that, we will soon step over the lines that we should not cross. When we play with things we shouldn’t play with, and sooner or later, it will hurt us. Samson kept going back to Delilah. He toyed with her at first, but eventually, she was too clever for him. He thought he was strong enough or smart enough to be safe, but he was not. He failed to factor in that his heart was deceiving him. Samson’s downfall began when he disagreed with his parents about marrying the Philistine girl. It was against God’s law to marry a philistine. But Samson ignored this and thought he knew what he was doing. His downfall came because he thought he could get by with it because he had won so many great victories. Samson never did understand the true source of his power. It was not the long hair; it was the consecration and vow of separation. Samson lost his consecration when he began to play with his separation. Our consecration and separation are what keep our humanity from destroying us. amson was one of the most powerful men in the bible. When God’s spirit came on him, Samson had great strength and could do extraordinary things. However, Samson’s life is a contradiction. So many of the things he did were contrary to what God proposed for his life. He struggled with an unaccountable spirit. Charles Spurgeon noted that Samson’s life was a series of miracles and follies. How could a man who was chosen and used by God fall into the enemy’s hands? First, Samson chose to ignore signs and warnings when those were contrary to what he wanted to do. Secondly, Samson could not control his passions and his flesh. He could conquer his enemies, but he never learned to conquer himself. We do not read that Samson had a prayer life. We do not see him ask for wisdom or guidance. Fourth, Samson lived very close to the edge. He did not honor the boundaries and often played too close to the edge of God’s will. Another interesting fact of Samson’s life is the direction he often took. The bible says that he went down. We do not often read that he went up. We find that Samson toyed with things that weakened him. He played games with things that weakened his resolve. It is dangerous to continually entertain the things that weaken us. When we do that, we will soon step over the lines that we should not cross. When we play with things we shouldn’t play with, and sooner or later, it will hurt us. Samson kept going back to Delilah. He toyed with her at first, but eventually, she was too clever for him. He thought he was strong enough or smart enough to be safe, but he was not. He failed to factor in that his heart was deceiving him. Samson’s downfall began when he disagreed with his parents about marrying the Philistine girl. It was against God’s law to marry a philistine. But Samson ignored this and thought he knew what he was doing. His downfall came because he thought he could get by with it because he had won so many great victories. Samson never did understand the true source of his power. It was not the long hair; it was the consecration and vow of separation. Samson lost his consecration when he began to play with his separation. Our consecration and separation are what keep our humanity from destroying us. amson was one of the most powerful men in the bible. When God’s spirit came on him, Samson had great strength and could do extraordinary things. However, Samson’s life is a contradiction. So many of the things he did were contrary to what God propose… Mark Hughes 3545 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21540165/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thesecretofyourstrength/id/3432174.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21540165 Scripture: Judges 16:4-16:6 Thu, 20 Feb 2020 03:24:17 +0000 Mark Hughes The book of Hebrews are words of encouragement to the first-century church. The early believers were getting weary in their journey. There was a great war of faith and many were wanting to give up. The words of Hebrews were to help settle them and sustain them in their faith. The writer uses the analogy of a race to make his point. The chapter begins with an admonishment to cast off the things that were weighing them down and preventing them from progressing. We each have our own personal weights that impede our progress. Paul goes on to advise that they lay aside the sin that could trip them up. He refers to those convenient and close sins that are easily getting in the way. These are not necessarily the big things, but the simple small things that trip us up and are always around. These besetting sins could be prayerlessness, fear, doubt, or distractions. But perhaps the most dangerous besetting sin is the sin of giving up. We have all experienced the frustration of the resistance and been tempted to give up. The one thing that could have derailed everything that Jesus did, it would have been the temptation to give up. They taunted Him that if He came down off the cross, they would believe Him. Jesus asked that the cup pass from Him. Quitting when we are so close is the most dangerous sin. Our flesh is weak. Often if we listened to our flesh, we would turn around and go home. The pressure to give up is relentless. Paul offers Jesus as the example of how to overcome the urge to give up. How did Jesus keep going in the face of mockery, ridicule, physical torture, and ultimately death? When we feel ourselves getting weary, we need to go back and study Jesus’ story. The book of Hebrews are words of encouragement to the first-century church. The early believers were getting weary in their journey. There was a great war of faith and many were wanting to give up. The words of Hebrews were to help settle them and sustain them in their faith. The writer uses the analogy of a race to make his point. The chapter begins with an admonishment to cast off the things that were weighing them down and preventing them from progressing. We each have our own personal weights that impede our progress. Paul goes on to advise that they lay aside the sin that could trip them up. He refers to those convenient and close sins that are easily getting in the way. These are not necessarily the big things, but the simple small things that trip us up and are always around. These besetting sins could be prayerlessness, fear, doubt, or distractions. But perhaps the most dangerous besetting sin is the sin of giving up. We have all experienced the frustration of the resistance and been tempted to give up. The one thing that could have derailed everything that Jesus did, it would have been the temptation to give up. They taunted Him that if He came down off the cross, they would believe Him. Jesus asked that the cup pass from Him. Quitting when we are so close is the most dangerous sin. Our flesh is weak. Often if we listened to our flesh, we would turn around and go home. The pressure to give up is relentless. Paul offers Jesus as the example of how to overcome the urge to give up. How did Jesus keep going in the face of mockery, ridicule, physical torture, and ultimately death? When we feel ourselves getting weary, we need to go back and study Jesus’ story. The book of Hebrews are words of encouragement to the first-century church. The early believers were getting weary in their journey. There was a great war of faith and many were wanting to give up. The words of Hebrews were to help settle them and s… Mark Hughes 2446 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21537085/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_removingthehandicaps/id/916581.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21537085 Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-12:4 Thu, 20 Feb 2020 03:24:17 +0000 Mark Hughes The book of Hebrews are words of encouragement to the first-century church. The early believers were getting weary in their journey. There was a great war of faith and many were wanting to give up. The words of Hebrews were to help settle them and sustain them in their faith. The writer uses the analogy of a race to make his point. The chapter begins with an admonishment to cast off the things that were weighing them down and preventing them from progressing. We each have our own personal weights that impede our progress. Paul goes on to advise that they lay aside the sin that could trip them up. He refers to those convenient and close sins that are easily getting in the way. These are not necessarily the big things, but the simple small things that trip us up and are always around. These besetting sins could be prayerlessness, fear, doubt, or distractions. But perhaps the most dangerous besetting sin is the sin of giving up. We have all experienced the frustration of the resistance and been tempted to give up. The one thing that could have derailed everything that Jesus did, it would have been the temptation to give up. They taunted Him that if He came down off the cross, they would believe Him. Jesus asked that the cup pass from Him. Quitting when we are so close is the most dangerous sin. Our flesh is weak. Often if we listened to our flesh, we would turn around and go home. The pressure to give up is relentless. Paul offers Jesus as the example of how to overcome the urge to give up. How did Jesus keep going in the face of mockery, ridicule, physical torture, and ultimately death? When we feel ourselves getting weary, we need to go back and study Jesus’ story. The book of Hebrews are words of encouragement to the first-century church. The early believers were getting weary in their journey. There was a great war of faith and many were wanting to give up. The words of Hebrews were to help settle them and sustain them in their faith. The writer uses the analogy of a race to make his point. The chapter begins with an admonishment to cast off the things that were weighing them down and preventing them from progressing. We each have our own personal weights that impede our progress. Paul goes on to advise that they lay aside the sin that could trip them up. He refers to those convenient and close sins that are easily getting in the way. These are not necessarily the big things, but the simple small things that trip us up and are always around. These besetting sins could be prayerlessness, fear, doubt, or distractions. But perhaps the most dangerous besetting sin is the sin of giving up. We have all experienced the frustration of the resistance and been tempted to give up. The one thing that could have derailed everything that Jesus did, it would have been the temptation to give up. They taunted Him that if He came down off the cross, they would believe Him. Jesus asked that the cup pass from Him. Quitting when we are so close is the most dangerous sin. Our flesh is weak. Often if we listened to our flesh, we would turn around and go home. The pressure to give up is relentless. Paul offers Jesus as the example of how to overcome the urge to give up. How did Jesus keep going in the face of mockery, ridicule, physical torture, and ultimately death? When we feel ourselves getting weary, we need to go back and study Jesus’ story. The book of Hebrews are words of encouragement to the first-century church. The early believers were getting weary in their journey. There was a great war of faith and many were wanting to give up. The words of Hebrews were to help settle them and s… Mark Hughes 2446 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21537085/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_removingthehandicaps/id/3429166.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21537085 Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-12:4 Tue, 18 Feb 2020 02:24:03 +0000 Mark Hughes In our text, Joshua is almost 100 years old. Israel had spent the last seven years moving and possessing the promised land. Even so, God comes to remind Joshua that there was much left to do. It was not a time to be comfortable with what they had done, because there was so much more the God had promised. Our church is in a building program as a result of damage from Hurricane Harvey. We have come far, but there is so much more to do. The new building is a goal, but that goal is there to prepare us for the harvest that God will bring. These words were spoken to inspire Israel, not chastise it. It was to remind them of His promise and encourage them to press on. Our text is a reminder to us to continue to seek the promise that God has for us. Joshua realized that his days were numbers, but he did not allow his dream to die. For us to be satisfied with less than what God has promised is unimaginable. We must quiet the voices that limit us and keep us from realizing the blessings that God told us He would provide. In our text, Joshua is almost 100 years old. Israel had spent the last seven years moving and possessing the promised land. Even so, God comes to remind Joshua that there was much left to do. It was not a time to be comfortable with what they had done, because there was so much more the God had promised. Our church is in a building program as a result of damage from Hurricane Harvey. We have come far, but there is so much more to do. The new building is a goal, but that goal is there to prepare us for the harvest that God will bring. These words were spoken to inspire Israel, not chastise it. It was to remind them of His promise and encourage them to press on. Our text is a reminder to us to continue to seek the promise that God has for us. Joshua realized that his days were numbers, but he did not allow his dream to die. For us to be satisfied with less than what God has promised is unimaginable. We must quiet the voices that limit us and keep us from realizing the blessings that God told us He would provide. In our text, Joshua is almost 100 years old. Israel had spent the last seven years moving and possessing the promised land. Even so, God comes to remind Joshua that there was much left to do. It was not a time to be comfortable with what they had do… Mark Hughes 1697 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21536201/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thereismuch/id/916392.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21536201 Scripture: Joshua 13:1 Tue, 18 Feb 2020 02:24:03 +0000 Mark Hughes In our text, Joshua is almost 100 years old. Israel had spent the last seven years moving and possessing the promised land. Even so, God comes to remind Joshua that there was much left to do. It was not a time to be comfortable with what they had done, because there was so much more the God had promised. Our church is in a building program as a result of damage from Hurricane Harvey. We have come far, but there is so much more to do. The new building is a goal, but that goal is there to prepare us for the harvest that God will bring. These words were spoken to inspire Israel, not chastise it. It was to remind them of His promise and encourage them to press on. Our text is a reminder to us to continue to seek the promise that God has for us. Joshua realized that his days were numbers, but he did not allow his dream to die. For us to be satisfied with less than what God has promised is unimaginable. We must quiet the voices that limit us and keep us from realizing the blessings that God told us He would provide. In our text, Joshua is almost 100 years old. Israel had spent the last seven years moving and possessing the promised land. Even so, God comes to remind Joshua that there was much left to do. It was not a time to be comfortable with what they had done, because there was so much more the God had promised. Our church is in a building program as a result of damage from Hurricane Harvey. We have come far, but there is so much more to do. The new building is a goal, but that goal is there to prepare us for the harvest that God will bring. These words were spoken to inspire Israel, not chastise it. It was to remind them of His promise and encourage them to press on. Our text is a reminder to us to continue to seek the promise that God has for us. Joshua realized that his days were numbers, but he did not allow his dream to die. For us to be satisfied with less than what God has promised is unimaginable. We must quiet the voices that limit us and keep us from realizing the blessings that God told us He would provide. In our text, Joshua is almost 100 years old. Israel had spent the last seven years moving and possessing the promised land. Even so, God comes to remind Joshua that there was much left to do. It was not a time to be comfortable with what they had do… Mark Hughes 1697 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21536201/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thereismuch/id/3428324.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21536201 Scripture: Joshua 13:1 Sun, 09 Feb 2020 19:57:19 +0000 Mark Hughes In our text, Jesus had been alone in the wilderness for forty days and nights. There, He fasted and prayed. The bible says “he was hungry.” The devil came to Jesus to tempt Him three times. In two of the three temptations, the enemy questions Jesus’ identity; “If thou be….” The devil knew who Jesus was. One of the devil’s oldest tricks is to make us question who we are. The devil always puts an “if” on what God has declared for us. If he can place that doubt in us, he can neutralize the threat we represent to his kingdom. The greatest temptation in life is that temptation to doubt what God has declared for our life. If he can get us to question any part of God’s promise, the devil can build on that to cause us to question everything. The devil’s poison arrows will attack our mind and soul with the subtle suggestion that God’s love does not apply to us because of our past. Jesus did not respond with His feelings, but with the Word. Our feelings can get us in trouble, but the word never will. Everything that Jesus did, or would do flow out of His identity. If the devil can ever get an “if” inserted into our mind about our identity, we will never have a ministry or an impact on our world. When we question our identity, we lose all the authority that comes with that identity. Knowing who we are is the key to success in life. The beliefs we have about our identity influences our thoughts, emotions, and how we respond to the opportunities that come our way. The great temptation is not for us to walk away from God, but to allow the devil to cause us to question our identity. If we ever embrace the if, we lose focus of what God designed us to be. People who embrace a lie about their identity will constantly struggle with confusion and inconsistency. Our feelings will betray us. If we rely on our feelings, we will be on a constant roller coaster. Feelings will deceive. Like feelings, our thoughts can betray us. Rather than letting our feelings and our thoughts define us, we need to let God define us. What God wants us to understand is what He thinks about us, not what our feelings, the devil, or our world thinks about us. God wants to erase the ifs. The great temptation is to doubt what God says we are and to live in confusion and worry. In our text, Jesus had been alone in the wilderness for forty days and nights. There, He fasted and prayed. The bible says “he was hungry.” The devil came to Jesus to tempt Him three times. In two of the three temptations, the enemy questions Jesus’ identity; “If thou be….” The devil knew who Jesus was. One of the devil’s oldest tricks is to make us question who we are. The devil always puts an “if” on what God has declared for us. If he can place that doubt in us, he can neutralize the threat we represent to his kingdom. The greatest temptation in life is that temptation to doubt what God has declared for our life. If he can get us to question any part of God’s promise, the devil can build on that to cause us to question everything. The devil’s poison arrows will attack our mind and soul with the subtle suggestion that God’s love does not apply to us because of our past. Jesus did not respond with His feelings, but with the Word. Our feelings can get us in trouble, but the word never will. Everything that Jesus did, or would do flow out of His identity. If the devil can ever get an “if” inserted into our mind about our identity, we will never have a ministry or an impact on our world. When we question our identity, we lose all the authority that comes with that identity. Knowing who we are is the key to success in life. The beliefs we have about our identity influences our thoughts, emotions, and how we respond to the opportunities that come our way. The great temptation is not for us to walk away from God, but to allow the devil to cause us to question our identity. If we ever embrace the if, we lose focus of what God designed us to be. People who embrace a lie about their identity will constantly struggle with confusion and inconsistency. Our feelings will betray us. If we rely on our feelings, we will be on a constant roller coaster. Feelings will deceive. Like feelings, our thoughts can betray us. Rather than letting our feelings and our thoughts define us, we need to let God define us. What God wants us to understand is what He thinks about us, not what our feelings, the devil, or our world thinks about us. God wants to erase the ifs. The great temptation is to doubt what God says we are and to live in confusion and worry. In our text, Jesus had been alone in the wilderness for forty days and nights. There, He fasted and prayed. The bible says “he was hungry.” The devil came to Jesus to tempt Him three times. In two of the three temptations, the enemy questions Jes… Mark Hughes 2998 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21531639/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thegreatesttemptation/id/915038.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21531639 Scripture: Matthew 4:1-4:6, Luke 4:1-4:12, Psalms 139 Sun, 09 Feb 2020 19:57:19 +0000 Mark Hughes In our text, Jesus had been alone in the wilderness for forty days and nights. There, He fasted and prayed. The bible says “he was hungry.” The devil came to Jesus to tempt Him three times. In two of the three temptations, the enemy questions Jesus’ identity; “If thou be….” The devil knew who Jesus was. One of the devil’s oldest tricks is to make us question who we are. The devil always puts an “if” on what God has declared for us. If he can place that doubt in us, he can neutralize the threat we represent to his kingdom. The greatest temptation in life is that temptation to doubt what God has declared for our life. If he can get us to question any part of God’s promise, the devil can build on that to cause us to question everything. The devil’s poison arrows will attack our mind and soul with the subtle suggestion that God’s love does not apply to us because of our past. Jesus did not respond with His feelings, but with the Word. Our feelings can get us in trouble, but the word never will. Everything that Jesus did, or would do flow out of His identity. If the devil can ever get an “if” inserted into our mind about our identity, we will never have a ministry or an impact on our world. When we question our identity, we lose all the authority that comes with that identity. Knowing who we are is the key to success in life. The beliefs we have about our identity influences our thoughts, emotions, and how we respond to the opportunities that come our way. The great temptation is not for us to walk away from God, but to allow the devil to cause us to question our identity. If we ever embrace the if, we lose focus of what God designed us to be. People who embrace a lie about their identity will constantly struggle with confusion and inconsistency. Our feelings will betray us. If we rely on our feelings, we will be on a constant roller coaster. Feelings will deceive. Like feelings, our thoughts can betray us. Rather than letting our feelings and our thoughts define us, we need to let God define us. What God wants us to understand is what He thinks about us, not what our feelings, the devil, or our world thinks about us. God wants to erase the ifs. The great temptation is to doubt what God says we are and to live in confusion and worry. In our text, Jesus had been alone in the wilderness for forty days and nights. There, He fasted and prayed. The bible says “he was hungry.” The devil came to Jesus to tempt Him three times. In two of the three temptations, the enemy questions Jesus’ identity; “If thou be….” The devil knew who Jesus was. One of the devil’s oldest tricks is to make us question who we are. The devil always puts an “if” on what God has declared for us. If he can place that doubt in us, he can neutralize the threat we represent to his kingdom. The greatest temptation in life is that temptation to doubt what God has declared for our life. If he can get us to question any part of God’s promise, the devil can build on that to cause us to question everything. The devil’s poison arrows will attack our mind and soul with the subtle suggestion that God’s love does not apply to us because of our past. Jesus did not respond with His feelings, but with the Word. Our feelings can get us in trouble, but the word never will. Everything that Jesus did, or would do flow out of His identity. If the devil can ever get an “if” inserted into our mind about our identity, we will never have a ministry or an impact on our world. When we question our identity, we lose all the authority that comes with that identity. Knowing who we are is the key to success in life. The beliefs we have about our identity influences our thoughts, emotions, and how we respond to the opportunities that come our way. The great temptation is not for us to walk away from God, but to allow the devil to cause us to question our identity. If we ever embrace the if, we lose focus of what God designed us to be. People who embrace a lie about their identity will constantly struggle with confusion and inconsistency. Our feelings will betray us. If we rely on our feelings, we will be on a constant roller coaster. Feelings will deceive. Like feelings, our thoughts can betray us. Rather than letting our feelings and our thoughts define us, we need to let God define us. What God wants us to understand is what He thinks about us, not what our feelings, the devil, or our world thinks about us. God wants to erase the ifs. The great temptation is to doubt what God says we are and to live in confusion and worry. In our text, Jesus had been alone in the wilderness for forty days and nights. There, He fasted and prayed. The bible says “he was hungry.” The devil came to Jesus to tempt Him three times. In two of the three temptations, the enemy questions Jes… Mark Hughes 2998 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21531639/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegreatesttemptation/id/3423848.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21531639 Scripture: Matthew 4:1-4:6, Luke 4:1-4:12, Psalms 139 Thu, 06 Feb 2020 03:08:24 +0000 Mark Hughes Discouragement can be defined as the loss of motivation to complete what we have started. When we talk about being discouraged, we are talking about losing heart, our desire, and our courage. We feel a sense of defeat. It is a universal problem; everyone will experience it. Usually, we start out strong. It is not there that we will experience discouragement. Nor, are we likely to be discouraged when the finish line is in sight. No, most of us will become discouraged in the middle. If we are not careful, we listen to the wrong voices that cause us to lose perspective. We cannot eliminate these voices, but we can learn to insulate ourselves from them and to protect our minds from the negative messages. In our text, Nehemiah led Israel in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. They did this in an astounding fifty-two days. Even in such a short time, the enemy came in and attempted to discourage them in their work. Our text mentions several things that were a discouragement to them. First is simple fatigue. The bible says the strength of the laborer is gone. They were human and needed rest in order to continue performing. When we are physically tired, it is easy to become mentally exhausted. Another factor was the sense of frustration. There was so much debris and rubble that they had to move in order to begin the reconstruction work. When there is so much rubble, it is easy to lose sight of the end goal and become discouraged. When all we see is trouble and more trouble, it is a good indication that we need renewal. There is nothing easy about rebuilding. When we begin to rebuild, the enemy will make sure that trouble comes our way. At some point, as they got to this middle part of the project, they began to second guess themselves. They grappled with fear. The enemy was all around them, and they became more focused on that than anything. When we allow the voices of the enemy to overrule our own thoughts, we put ourselves at a great disadvantage. Our fears will trick us into believing that we cannot do what God called us to do. So how did they deal with these things? First, they regrouped. Nehemia called them together and organized them by family. This provided comfort. Psalms 34 contains the key to overcoming discouragement: I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Worship is the key to overcoming discouragement. Praise will give us a fresh perspective. We cannot stay discouraged when we are praising. Discouragement can be defined as the loss of motivation to complete what we have started. When we talk about being discouraged, we are talking about losing heart, our desire, and our courage. We feel a sense of defeat. It is a universal problem; everyone will experience it. Usually, we start out strong. It is not there that we will experience discouragement. Nor, are we likely to be discouraged when the finish line is in sight. No, most of us will become discouraged in the middle. If we are not careful, we listen to the wrong voices that cause us to lose perspective. We cannot eliminate these voices, but we can learn to insulate ourselves from them and to protect our minds from the negative messages. In our text, Nehemiah led Israel in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. They did this in an astounding fifty-two days. Even in such a short time, the enemy came in and attempted to discourage them in their work. Our text mentions several things that were a discouragement to them. First is simple fatigue. The bible says the strength of the laborer is gone. They were human and needed rest in order to continue performing. When we are physically tired, it is easy to become mentally exhausted. Another factor was the sense of frustration. There was so much debris and rubble that they had to move in order to begin the reconstruction work. When there is so much rubble, it is easy to lose sight of the end goal and become discouraged. When all we see is trouble and more trouble, it is a good indication that we need renewal. There is nothing easy about rebuilding. When we begin to rebuild, the enemy will make sure that trouble comes our way. At some point, as they got to this middle part of the project, they began to second guess themselves. They grappled with fear. The enemy was all around them, and they became more focused on that than anything. When we allow the voices of the enemy to overrule our own thoughts, we put ourselves at a great disadvantage. Our fears will trick us into believing that we cannot do what God called us to do. So how did they deal with these things? First, they regrouped. Nehemia called them together and organized them by family. This provided comfort. Psalms 34 contains the key to overcoming discouragement: I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Worship is the key to overcoming discouragement. Praise will give us a fresh perspective. We cannot stay discouraged when we are praising. Discouragement can be defined as the loss of motivation to complete what we have started. When we talk about being discouraged, we are talking about losing heart, our desire, and our courage. We feel a sense of defeat. It is a universal problem; ev… Mark Hughes 2651 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21529908/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_howtoovercomediscouragement/id/914439.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21529908 Scripture: Nehemiah 4:1-4:11 Thu, 06 Feb 2020 03:08:24 +0000 Mark Hughes Discouragement can be defined as the loss of motivation to complete what we have started. When we talk about being discouraged, we are talking about losing heart, our desire, and our courage. We feel a sense of defeat. It is a universal problem; everyone will experience it. Usually, we start out strong. It is not there that we will experience discouragement. Nor, are we likely to be discouraged when the finish line is in sight. No, most of us will become discouraged in the middle. If we are not careful, we listen to the wrong voices that cause us to lose perspective. We cannot eliminate these voices, but we can learn to insulate ourselves from them and to protect our minds from the negative messages. In our text, Nehemiah led Israel in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. They did this in an astounding fifty-two days. Even in such a short time, the enemy came in and attempted to discourage them in their work. Our text mentions several things that were a discouragement to them. First is simple fatigue. The bible says the strength of the laborer is gone. They were human and needed rest in order to continue performing. When we are physically tired, it is easy to become mentally exhausted. Another factor was the sense of frustration. There was so much debris and rubble that they had to move in order to begin the reconstruction work. When there is so much rubble, it is easy to lose sight of the end goal and become discouraged. When all we see is trouble and more trouble, it is a good indication that we need renewal. There is nothing easy about rebuilding. When we begin to rebuild, the enemy will make sure that trouble comes our way. At some point, as they got to this middle part of the project, they began to second guess themselves. They grappled with fear. The enemy was all around them, and they became more focused on that than anything. When we allow the voices of the enemy to overrule our own thoughts, we put ourselves at a great disadvantage. Our fears will trick us into believing that we cannot do what God called us to do. So how did they deal with these things? First, they regrouped. Nehemia called them together and organized them by family. This provided comfort. Psalms 34 contains the key to overcoming discouragement: I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Worship is the key to overcoming discouragement. Praise will give us a fresh perspective. We cannot stay discouraged when we are praising. Discouragement can be defined as the loss of motivation to complete what we have started. When we talk about being discouraged, we are talking about losing heart, our desire, and our courage. We feel a sense of defeat. It is a universal problem; everyone will experience it. Usually, we start out strong. It is not there that we will experience discouragement. Nor, are we likely to be discouraged when the finish line is in sight. No, most of us will become discouraged in the middle. If we are not careful, we listen to the wrong voices that cause us to lose perspective. We cannot eliminate these voices, but we can learn to insulate ourselves from them and to protect our minds from the negative messages. In our text, Nehemiah led Israel in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. They did this in an astounding fifty-two days. Even in such a short time, the enemy came in and attempted to discourage them in their work. Our text mentions several things that were a discouragement to them. First is simple fatigue. The bible says the strength of the laborer is gone. They were human and needed rest in order to continue performing. When we are physically tired, it is easy to become mentally exhausted. Another factor was the sense of frustration. There was so much debris and rubble that they had to move in order to begin the reconstruction work. When there is so much rubble, it is easy to lose sight of the end goal and become discouraged. When all we see is trouble and more trouble, it is a good indication that we need renewal. There is nothing easy about rebuilding. When we begin to rebuild, the enemy will make sure that trouble comes our way. At some point, as they got to this middle part of the project, they began to second guess themselves. They grappled with fear. The enemy was all around them, and they became more focused on that than anything. When we allow the voices of the enemy to overrule our own thoughts, we put ourselves at a great disadvantage. Our fears will trick us into believing that we cannot do what God called us to do. So how did they deal with these things? First, they regrouped. Nehemia called them together and organized them by family. This provided comfort. Psalms 34 contains the key to overcoming discouragement: I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Worship is the key to overcoming discouragement. Praise will give us a fresh perspective. We cannot stay discouraged when we are praising. Discouragement can be defined as the loss of motivation to complete what we have started. When we talk about being discouraged, we are talking about losing heart, our desire, and our courage. We feel a sense of defeat. It is a universal problem; ev… Mark Hughes 2651 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21529908/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtoovercomediscouragement/id/3422173.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21529908 Scripture: Nehemiah 4:1-4:11 Mon, 03 Feb 2020 03:13:00 +0000 James Hughes We all need love. Without love, we fall into survival mode. We are never at our best when we resort to survival mode. Dr. Hughes draws from his extensive history as a bible scholar and expertise in human behavior to explore the terrible things that come into our lives as love’s replacement. We all need love. Without love, we fall into survival mode. We are never at our best when we resort to survival mode. Dr. Hughes draws from his extensive history as a bible scholar and expertise in human behavior to explore the terrible things that come into our lives as love’s replacement. We all need love. Without love, we fall into survival mode. We are never at our best when we resort to survival mode. Dr. Hughes draws from his extensive history as a bible scholar and expertise in human behavior to explore the terrible things that… James Hughes 2972 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21529166/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_lovesreplacment/id/914254.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21529166 Scripture: Revelation 2:1-2:4, Revelation 3:14-3:19 Mon, 03 Feb 2020 03:13:00 +0000 James Hughes We all need love. Without love, we fall into survival mode. We are never at our best when we resort to survival mode. Dr. Hughes draws from his extensive history as a bible scholar and expertise in human behavior to explore the terrible things that come into our lives as love’s replacement. We all need love. Without love, we fall into survival mode. We are never at our best when we resort to survival mode. Dr. Hughes draws from his extensive history as a bible scholar and expertise in human behavior to explore the terrible things that come into our lives as love’s replacement. We all need love. Without love, we fall into survival mode. We are never at our best when we resort to survival mode. Dr. Hughes draws from his extensive history as a bible scholar and expertise in human behavior to explore the terrible things that… James Hughes 2972 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21529166/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lovesreplacment/id/3421435.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21529166 Scripture: Revelation 2:1-2:4, Revelation 3:14-3:19 Sun, 02 Feb 2020 21:01:30 +0000 Kenneth Baker Most people have asked the question “Who am I” The answer to that question gives a sense of purpose and meaning. It speaks to our identity. Our identity drives our focus or efforts and our work. Our identity gives significance and value to what we do. Without an identity, we are adrift without direction. When we know who we are and what we have been called to do, it will affect how we act, live, and work toward. When God called Moses, he was struggling with his own identity. He asks God, “Who Am I?” God responds by defining His own identity; I AM. I am a statement of confidence and boldness. When we know who we are, it eliminates doubt and worries about our position. So what is Greater Life Church? It is more than a building. It is more than a place to sing, fellowship, or serve in some capacity. If Greater Life Church is to impact our community, we have to have a new mindset. Greater Life Church is not just a place we attend; it is who we are. It is not part of our life; it is our life. When we say “I am Greater Life,” it becomes personal. I am Greater Life is a statement of ownership. I am Greater Life Most people have asked the question “Who am I” The answer to that question gives a sense of purpose and meaning. It speaks to our identity. Our identity drives our focus or efforts and our work. Our identity gives significance and value to what we do. Without an identity, we are adrift without direction. When we know who we are and what we have been called to do, it will affect how we act, live, and work toward. When God called Moses, he was struggling with his own identity. He asks God, “Who Am I?” God responds by defining His own identity; I AM. I am a statement of confidence and boldness. When we know who we are, it eliminates doubt and worries about our position. So what is Greater Life Church? It is more than a building. It is more than a place to sing, fellowship, or serve in some capacity. If Greater Life Church is to impact our community, we have to have a new mindset. Greater Life Church is not just a place we attend; it is who we are. It is not part of our life; it is our life. When we say “I am Greater Life,” it becomes personal. I am Greater Life is a statement of ownership. I am Greater Life Most people have asked the question “Who am I” The answer to that question gives a sense of purpose and meaning. It speaks to our identity. Our identity drives our focus or efforts and our work. Our identity gives significance and value to what we … Kenneth Baker 3037 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21528156/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_iamgreaterlife/id/914253.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21528156 I Am Greater Life Sun, 02 Feb 2020 21:01:30 +0000 Kenneth Baker Most people have asked the question “Who am I” The answer to that question gives a sense of purpose and meaning. It speaks to our identity. Our identity drives our focus or efforts and our work. Our identity gives significance and value to what we do. Without an identity, we are adrift without direction. When we know who we are and what we have been called to do, it will affect how we act, live, and work toward. When God called Moses, he was struggling with his own identity. He asks God, “Who Am I?” God responds by defining His own identity; I AM. I am a statement of confidence and boldness. When we know who we are, it eliminates doubt and worries about our position. So what is Greater Life Church? It is more than a building. It is more than a place to sing, fellowship, or serve in some capacity. If Greater Life Church is to impact our community, we have to have a new mindset. Greater Life Church is not just a place we attend; it is who we are. It is not part of our life; it is our life. When we say “I am Greater Life,” it becomes personal. I am Greater Life is a statement of ownership. I am Greater Life Most people have asked the question “Who am I” The answer to that question gives a sense of purpose and meaning. It speaks to our identity. Our identity drives our focus or efforts and our work. Our identity gives significance and value to what we do. Without an identity, we are adrift without direction. When we know who we are and what we have been called to do, it will affect how we act, live, and work toward. When God called Moses, he was struggling with his own identity. He asks God, “Who Am I?” God responds by defining His own identity; I AM. I am a statement of confidence and boldness. When we know who we are, it eliminates doubt and worries about our position. So what is Greater Life Church? It is more than a building. It is more than a place to sing, fellowship, or serve in some capacity. If Greater Life Church is to impact our community, we have to have a new mindset. Greater Life Church is not just a place we attend; it is who we are. It is not part of our life; it is our life. When we say “I am Greater Life,” it becomes personal. I am Greater Life is a statement of ownership. I am Greater Life Most people have asked the question “Who am I” The answer to that question gives a sense of purpose and meaning. It speaks to our identity. Our identity drives our focus or efforts and our work. Our identity gives significance and value to what we … Kenneth Baker 3037 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21528156/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_iamgreaterlife/id/3421428.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21528156 I Am Greater Life Thu, 30 Jan 2020 03:20:09 +0000 Todd Baumann Life is full of choices. Some are automatic and some require thought. Some are easy and some are hard. Some are convenient, and some are challenging. Some choices are like doors that lead us into different rooms. In our text, Jonah makes some choices. He chose to flee from God and what He told him to do. Jonah was called and anointed, but when God called, Jonah said no. We know from our Sunday School lessons, that God brought a storm into Jonah’s life. Even in the midst of the storm and trouble, we see God’s grace and provision in Jonah’s story. God had a plan for Jonah, even in the face of his disobedience. God still had a use for Jonah, and when Jonah finally said yes, God allows him to fulfill that purpose. Like Jonah, we have to say yes to God because His plan is better than ours. Life is full of choices. Some are automatic and some require thought. Some are easy and some are hard. Some are convenient, and some are challenging. Some choices are like doors that lead us into different rooms. In our text, Jonah makes some choices. He chose to flee from God and what He told him to do. Jonah was called and anointed, but when God called, Jonah said no. We know from our Sunday School lessons, that God brought a storm into Jonah’s life. Even in the midst of the storm and trouble, we see God’s grace and provision in Jonah’s story. God had a plan for Jonah, even in the face of his disobedience. God still had a use for Jonah, and when Jonah finally said yes, God allows him to fulfill that purpose. Like Jonah, we have to say yes to God because His plan is better than ours. Life is full of choices. Some are automatic and some require thought. Some are easy and some are hard. Some are convenient, and some are challenging. Some choices are like doors that lead us into different rooms. In our text, Jonah makes some choi… Todd Baumann 2921 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21526399/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_sayingyestogod/id/913451.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21526399 Scripture: Jonah 1 Thu, 30 Jan 2020 03:20:09 +0000 Todd Baumann Life is full of choices. Some are automatic and some require thought. Some are easy and some are hard. Some are convenient, and some are challenging. Some choices are like doors that lead us into different rooms. In our text, Jonah makes some choices. He chose to flee from God and what He told him to do. Jonah was called and anointed, but when God called, Jonah said no. We know from our Sunday School lessons, that God brought a storm into Jonah’s life. Even in the midst of the storm and trouble, we see God’s grace and provision in Jonah’s story. God had a plan for Jonah, even in the face of his disobedience. God still had a use for Jonah, and when Jonah finally said yes, God allows him to fulfill that purpose. Like Jonah, we have to say yes to God because His plan is better than ours. Life is full of choices. Some are automatic and some require thought. Some are easy and some are hard. Some are convenient, and some are challenging. Some choices are like doors that lead us into different rooms. In our text, Jonah makes some choices. He chose to flee from God and what He told him to do. Jonah was called and anointed, but when God called, Jonah said no. We know from our Sunday School lessons, that God brought a storm into Jonah’s life. Even in the midst of the storm and trouble, we see God’s grace and provision in Jonah’s story. God had a plan for Jonah, even in the face of his disobedience. God still had a use for Jonah, and when Jonah finally said yes, God allows him to fulfill that purpose. Like Jonah, we have to say yes to God because His plan is better than ours. Life is full of choices. Some are automatic and some require thought. Some are easy and some are hard. Some are convenient, and some are challenging. Some choices are like doors that lead us into different rooms. In our text, Jonah makes some choi… Todd Baumann 2921 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21526399/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sayingyestogod/id/3418795.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21526399 Scripture: Jonah 1 Mon, 27 Jan 2020 02:07:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Often one word can change everything. This is especially true in the word of God. Out text contains one of these times. A previously unknown prophet, Elijah shows up and tells the King that, beginning immediately, there would be no rain or even any dew. Then he goes away. When he goes away, God speaks to Elijah and gives him explicit instructions. He begins with “Get thee hence....” Hence indicates an immediacy; as in right now! God tells Elijah to get there as quickly as possible. This instruction is important because “there” was the difference between survival and death. Something significant was tied to that place. God had commanded the ravens to feed him there. God can use the most unlikely source to fulfill the need in our life. We do not have to understand it; we must only obey. If God tells us to get there, we have to get there as soon as possible, because it is there that He will bless us. There is the place of God’s purpose. There might not be the place we expected, but there is where God needs us to be to fulfill His purpose. There is the most important place in the world. Often one word can change everything. This is especially true in the word of God. Out text contains one of these times. A previously unknown prophet, Elijah shows up and tells the King that, beginning immediately, there would be no rain or even any dew. Then he goes away. When he goes away, God speaks to Elijah and gives him explicit instructions. He begins with “Get thee hence....” Hence indicates an immediacy; as in right now! God tells Elijah to get there as quickly as possible. This instruction is important because “there” was the difference between survival and death. Something significant was tied to that place. God had commanded the ravens to feed him there. God can use the most unlikely source to fulfill the need in our life. We do not have to understand it; we must only obey. If God tells us to get there, we have to get there as soon as possible, because it is there that He will bless us. There is the place of God’s purpose. There might not be the place we expected, but there is where God needs us to be to fulfill His purpose. There is the most important place in the world. Often one word can change everything. This is especially true in the word of God. Out text contains one of these times. A previously unknown prophet, Elijah shows up and tells the King that, beginning immediately, there would be no rain or even any d… Mark Hughes 2888 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21525603/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_themostimportantplaceintheworl/id/913238.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21525603 Scripture: 1 Kings 17:1-17:11 Mon, 27 Jan 2020 02:07:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Often one word can change everything. This is especially true in the word of God. Out text contains one of these times. A previously unknown prophet, Elijah shows up and tells the King that, beginning immediately, there would be no rain or even any dew. Then he goes away. When he goes away, God speaks to Elijah and gives him explicit instructions. He begins with “Get thee hence....” Hence indicates an immediacy; as in right now! God tells Elijah to get there as quickly as possible. This instruction is important because “there” was the difference between survival and death. Something significant was tied to that place. God had commanded the ravens to feed him there. God can use the most unlikely source to fulfill the need in our life. We do not have to understand it; we must only obey. If God tells us to get there, we have to get there as soon as possible, because it is there that He will bless us. There is the place of God’s purpose. There might not be the place we expected, but there is where God needs us to be to fulfill His purpose. There is the most important place in the world. Often one word can change everything. This is especially true in the word of God. Out text contains one of these times. A previously unknown prophet, Elijah shows up and tells the King that, beginning immediately, there would be no rain or even any dew. Then he goes away. When he goes away, God speaks to Elijah and gives him explicit instructions. He begins with “Get thee hence....” Hence indicates an immediacy; as in right now! God tells Elijah to get there as quickly as possible. This instruction is important because “there” was the difference between survival and death. Something significant was tied to that place. God had commanded the ravens to feed him there. God can use the most unlikely source to fulfill the need in our life. We do not have to understand it; we must only obey. If God tells us to get there, we have to get there as soon as possible, because it is there that He will bless us. There is the place of God’s purpose. There might not be the place we expected, but there is where God needs us to be to fulfill His purpose. There is the most important place in the world. Often one word can change everything. This is especially true in the word of God. Out text contains one of these times. A previously unknown prophet, Elijah shows up and tells the King that, beginning immediately, there would be no rain or even any d… Mark Hughes 2888 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21525603/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_themostimportantplaceintheworl/id/3418032.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21525603 Scripture: 1 Kings 17:1-17:11 Sun, 26 Jan 2020 20:46:42 +0000 Mark Hughes We build walls in our society. Physical walls for physical security and emotional walls for emotional security. Isreal returned to their homeland after many years of Babylonian captivity. They rebuilt their alter with no opposition. They rebuilt their temple with minimal opposition, but when they turned their attention to rebuilding the walls of the city, that changed. City walls in biblical times were important for safety against attacks from enemies. There is an enemy who will oppose any attempt to better ourselves because they do not want to see a rebuilt us. The enemy does not mind us having an altar to or a temple, but when we seek to build walls and draw boundaries to protect ourselves from him, he will increase his attack. Our enemy does not want us to be whole. He doesn’t care if we are healed, but if we are made whole, we are protected from him. When we have walls, we make decisions about what we allow in our life. By keeping certain things out of our life, we protect ourselves from the negative effects of those things. Walls define a purpose. They limit access to our life. They represent boundaries that prevent our enemy from having free access to our life. Walls define ownership and the value we place on things. Walls define what we are willing to protect; they are a sign to the enemy about what we are willing to fight to protect. Walls exist for many reasons. As we develop in our walk with God, we have to understand the value of walls. We build walls in our society. Physical walls for physical security and emotional walls for emotional security. Isreal returned to their homeland after many years of Babylonian captivity. They rebuilt their alter with no opposition. They rebuilt their temple with minimal opposition, but when they turned their attention to rebuilding the walls of the city, that changed. City walls in biblical times were important for safety against attacks from enemies. There is an enemy who will oppose any attempt to better ourselves because they do not want to see a rebuilt us. The enemy does not mind us having an altar to or a temple, but when we seek to build walls and draw boundaries to protect ourselves from him, he will increase his attack. Our enemy does not want us to be whole. He doesn’t care if we are healed, but if we are made whole, we are protected from him. When we have walls, we make decisions about what we allow in our life. By keeping certain things out of our life, we protect ourselves from the negative effects of those things. Walls define a purpose. They limit access to our life. They represent boundaries that prevent our enemy from having free access to our life. Walls define ownership and the value we place on things. Walls define what we are willing to protect; they are a sign to the enemy about what we are willing to fight to protect. Walls exist for many reasons. As we develop in our walk with God, we have to understand the value of walls. We build walls in our society. Physical walls for physical security and emotional walls for emotional security. Isreal returned to their homeland after many years of Babylonian captivity. They rebuilt their alter with no opposition. They rebuilt th… Mark Hughes 3046 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21524519/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thevalueofwalls/id/913002.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21524519 Scripture: Nehemiah 1:1-1:3, Nehemiah 2:17, Nehemiah 4:1-4:6 Sun, 26 Jan 2020 20:46:42 +0000 Mark Hughes We build walls in our society. Physical walls for physical security and emotional walls for emotional security. Isreal returned to their homeland after many years of Babylonian captivity. They rebuilt their alter with no opposition. They rebuilt their temple with minimal opposition, but when they turned their attention to rebuilding the walls of the city, that changed. City walls in biblical times were important for safety against attacks from enemies. There is an enemy who will oppose any attempt to better ourselves because they do not want to see a rebuilt us. The enemy does not mind us having an altar to or a temple, but when we seek to build walls and draw boundaries to protect ourselves from him, he will increase his attack. Our enemy does not want us to be whole. He doesn’t care if we are healed, but if we are made whole, we are protected from him. When we have walls, we make decisions about what we allow in our life. By keeping certain things out of our life, we protect ourselves from the negative effects of those things. Walls define a purpose. They limit access to our life. They represent boundaries that prevent our enemy from having free access to our life. Walls define ownership and the value we place on things. Walls define what we are willing to protect; they are a sign to the enemy about what we are willing to fight to protect. Walls exist for many reasons. As we develop in our walk with God, we have to understand the value of walls. We build walls in our society. Physical walls for physical security and emotional walls for emotional security. Isreal returned to their homeland after many years of Babylonian captivity. They rebuilt their alter with no opposition. They rebuilt their temple with minimal opposition, but when they turned their attention to rebuilding the walls of the city, that changed. City walls in biblical times were important for safety against attacks from enemies. There is an enemy who will oppose any attempt to better ourselves because they do not want to see a rebuilt us. The enemy does not mind us having an altar to or a temple, but when we seek to build walls and draw boundaries to protect ourselves from him, he will increase his attack. Our enemy does not want us to be whole. He doesn’t care if we are healed, but if we are made whole, we are protected from him. When we have walls, we make decisions about what we allow in our life. By keeping certain things out of our life, we protect ourselves from the negative effects of those things. Walls define a purpose. They limit access to our life. They represent boundaries that prevent our enemy from having free access to our life. Walls define ownership and the value we place on things. Walls define what we are willing to protect; they are a sign to the enemy about what we are willing to fight to protect. Walls exist for many reasons. As we develop in our walk with God, we have to understand the value of walls. We build walls in our society. Physical walls for physical security and emotional walls for emotional security. Isreal returned to their homeland after many years of Babylonian captivity. They rebuilt their alter with no opposition. They rebuilt th… Mark Hughes 3046 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21524519/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thevalueofwalls/id/3416969.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21524519 Scripture: Nehemiah 1:1-1:3, Nehemiah 2:17, Nehemiah 4:1-4:6 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 03:12:51 +0000 Mark Hughes Taking hold of something in the physical sense means to grasp securely and with force. In a spiritual sense, taking hold is an intentional decision and an effort to be diligent about something. If we are going to live wisely and victoriously, we have to take hold of spiritual principles. If we are to live that life, we have to be word driven, not culturally driven. Isaiah talks about pursuing and laying hold of the strength of God. When we take hold of the right thing it can bring us into the right place. Taking hold of something in the physical sense means to grasp securely and with force. In a spiritual sense, taking hold is an intentional decision and an effort to be diligent about something. If we are going to live wisely and victoriously, we have to take hold of spiritual principles. If we are to live that life, we have to be word driven, not culturally driven. Isaiah talks about pursuing and laying hold of the strength of God. When we take hold of the right thing it can bring us into the right place. Taking hold of something in the physical sense means to grasp securely and with force. In a spiritual sense, taking hold is an intentional decision and an effort to be diligent about something. If we are going to live wisely and victoriously, we have… Mark Hughes 2547 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21522872/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_takinghold/id/912427.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21522872 Scripture: Isaiah 56, Isaiah 64:7 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 03:12:51 +0000 Mark Hughes Taking hold of something in the physical sense means to grasp securely and with force. In a spiritual sense, taking hold is an intentional decision and an effort to be diligent about something. If we are going to live wisely and victoriously, we have to take hold of spiritual principles. If we are to live that life, we have to be word driven, not culturally driven. Isaiah talks about pursuing and laying hold of the strength of God. When we take hold of the right thing it can bring us into the right place. Taking hold of something in the physical sense means to grasp securely and with force. In a spiritual sense, taking hold is an intentional decision and an effort to be diligent about something. If we are going to live wisely and victoriously, we have to take hold of spiritual principles. If we are to live that life, we have to be word driven, not culturally driven. Isaiah talks about pursuing and laying hold of the strength of God. When we take hold of the right thing it can bring us into the right place. Taking hold of something in the physical sense means to grasp securely and with force. In a spiritual sense, taking hold is an intentional decision and an effort to be diligent about something. If we are going to live wisely and victoriously, we have… Mark Hughes 2547 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21522872/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_takinghold/id/3415331.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21522872 Scripture: Isaiah 56, Isaiah 64:7 Sun, 19 Jan 2020 21:12:00 +0000 Jason Huckaby Abraham and Lot had grown so prosperous that they could no longer stay together; the land would not support them. When they separated, Lot chose the well-watered plains and moved toward Sodom. Sodom and Gamora were large metropolitan areas. Lot is drawn to Sodom and begins to assimilate into their culture. There is nothing inherently wrong with Lot wanting the well-watered plain, but at some point, He began to listen to voices other than his uncle Abraham who was the man of God in his life. Lot was richly blessed because of his association with Abraham. He did not do it on his own. God determined to destroy Sodom and Gamora because of their wickedness. Abraham begins to negotiate with God not to destroy the city if they can find some righteous men. Lot and his family were spared because of a father that would not let go. Abraham and Lot had grown so prosperous that they could no longer stay together; the land would not support them. When they separated, Lot chose the well-watered plains and moved toward Sodom. Sodom and Gamora were large metropolitan areas. Lot is drawn to Sodom and begins to assimilate into their culture. There is nothing inherently wrong with Lot wanting the well-watered plain, but at some point, He began to listen to voices other than his uncle Abraham who was the man of God in his life. Lot was richly blessed because of his association with Abraham. He did not do it on his own. God determined to destroy Sodom and Gamora because of their wickedness. Abraham begins to negotiate with God not to destroy the city if they can find some righteous men. Lot and his family were spared because of a father that would not let go. Abraham and Lot had grown so prosperous that they could no longer stay together; the land would not support them. When they separated, Lot chose the well-watered plains and moved toward Sodom. Sodom and Gamora were large metropolitan areas. Lot is d… Jason Huckaby 2646 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21521915/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thefatherwhowontletgo/id/912214.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21521915 Scripture: Genesis 19:15-19:23 Sun, 19 Jan 2020 21:12:00 +0000 Jason Huckaby Abraham and Lot had grown so prosperous that they could no longer stay together; the land would not support them. When they separated, Lot chose the well-watered plains and moved toward Sodom. Sodom and Gamora were large metropolitan areas. Lot is drawn to Sodom and begins to assimilate into their culture. There is nothing inherently wrong with Lot wanting the well-watered plain, but at some point, He began to listen to voices other than his uncle Abraham who was the man of God in his life. Lot was richly blessed because of his association with Abraham. He did not do it on his own. God determined to destroy Sodom and Gamora because of their wickedness. Abraham begins to negotiate with God not to destroy the city if they can find some righteous men. Lot and his family were spared because of a father that would not let go. Abraham and Lot had grown so prosperous that they could no longer stay together; the land would not support them. When they separated, Lot chose the well-watered plains and moved toward Sodom. Sodom and Gamora were large metropolitan areas. Lot is drawn to Sodom and begins to assimilate into their culture. There is nothing inherently wrong with Lot wanting the well-watered plain, but at some point, He began to listen to voices other than his uncle Abraham who was the man of God in his life. Lot was richly blessed because of his association with Abraham. He did not do it on his own. God determined to destroy Sodom and Gamora because of their wickedness. Abraham begins to negotiate with God not to destroy the city if they can find some righteous men. Lot and his family were spared because of a father that would not let go. Abraham and Lot had grown so prosperous that they could no longer stay together; the land would not support them. When they separated, Lot chose the well-watered plains and moved toward Sodom. Sodom and Gamora were large metropolitan areas. Lot is d… Jason Huckaby 2646 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21521915/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thefatherwhowontletgo/id/3414423.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21521915 Scripture: Genesis 19:15-19:23 Sun, 19 Jan 2020 17:31:00 +0000 Jason Huckaby When God calls a man or woman, He knows what he is doing. He does not make mistakes. Saul was brilliant and able to lead. The tragedy of Saul’s life is not that he was ill-prepared or lacking in resources, but that Saul misunderstood the calling on his life. God did not call Saul to be king, but to be a captain on the battlefield for God’s people. Saul circumvented Samuel and went his own way. It is never wise to go around the man of God in your life. Even after God chose David to be king, Saul continued to hold on to a role that was never meant to be his. Bro. Huckaby preaches on the tragedy of a misplaced purpose. When God calls a man or woman, He knows what he is doing. He does not make mistakes. Saul was brilliant and able to lead. The tragedy of Saul’s life is not that he was ill-prepared or lacking in resources, but that Saul misunderstood the calling on his life. God did not call Saul to be king, but to be a captain on the battlefield for God’s people. Saul circumvented Samuel and went his own way. It is never wise to go around the man of God in your life. Even after God chose David to be king, Saul continued to hold on to a role that was never meant to be his. Bro. Huckaby preaches on the tragedy of a misplaced purpose. When God calls a man or woman, He knows what he is doing. He does not make mistakes. Saul was brilliant and able to lead. The tragedy of Saul’s life is not that he was ill-prepared or lacking in resources, but that Saul misunderstood the calling on … Jason Huckaby 3317 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21521789/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thetragedyofmisplacedpurpose/id/912189.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21521789 The Tragedy of Misplaced Purpose Sun, 19 Jan 2020 17:31:00 +0000 Jason Huckaby When God calls a man or woman, He knows what he is doing. He does not make mistakes. Saul was brilliant and able to lead. The tragedy of Saul’s life is not that he was ill-prepared or lacking in resources, but that Saul misunderstood the calling on his life. God did not call Saul to be king, but to be a captain on the battlefield for God’s people. Saul circumvented Samuel and went his own way. It is never wise to go around the man of God in your life. Even after God chose David to be king, Saul continued to hold on to a role that was never meant to be his. Bro. Huckaby preaches on the tragedy of a misplaced purpose. When God calls a man or woman, He knows what he is doing. He does not make mistakes. Saul was brilliant and able to lead. The tragedy of Saul’s life is not that he was ill-prepared or lacking in resources, but that Saul misunderstood the calling on his life. God did not call Saul to be king, but to be a captain on the battlefield for God’s people. Saul circumvented Samuel and went his own way. It is never wise to go around the man of God in your life. Even after God chose David to be king, Saul continued to hold on to a role that was never meant to be his. Bro. Huckaby preaches on the tragedy of a misplaced purpose. When God calls a man or woman, He knows what he is doing. He does not make mistakes. Saul was brilliant and able to lead. The tragedy of Saul’s life is not that he was ill-prepared or lacking in resources, but that Saul misunderstood the calling on … Jason Huckaby 3317 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21521789/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thetragedyofmisplacedpurpose/id/3414304.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21521789 The Tragedy of Misplaced Purpose Thu, 16 Jan 2020 03:23:04 +0000 Mark Hughes Greater Life Church Greater Life Church Greater Life Church… Mark Hughes 2848 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21519291/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thekeystopossibility/id/911440.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21519291 Scripture: John 5:1-5:9, Matthew 19:26, Mark 9:23 Thu, 16 Jan 2020 03:23:04 +0000 Mark Hughes Greater Life Church Greater Life Church Greater Life Church… Mark Hughes 2848 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21519291/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thekeystopossibility/id/3412048.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21519291 Scripture: John 5:1-5:9, Matthew 19:26, Mark 9:23 Sun, 12 Jan 2020 21:03:32 +0000 Mark Hughes This is a time for us to get things right in life. Right order. Right priority and right focus. It is time to quit wasting time, energy, and talent on things that do not matter. These may be good things, but not every good thing is of God. We are at a time when we must discern the difference. Our text is from a time when God’s people were rebuilding after years on captivity. Even while in captivity, God was orchestrating the day of rebuilding. Before we even think about it, God is preparing for the things that come into our life. God prepared it. No matter how broken and shattered their life had been, God set in motion a plan to rebuild. For Jerelesuem to be whole, they needed an altar, a temple, and walls The rebuilt them in order. There was no opposition when they built the altar, but when they began to rebuild the temple, the enemy took notice. The alter speaks of death, but the temple speaks of life. The enemy does not care that they had a place die, but when they began to rebuild a place of resurrection, he takes notice. The thing that hells hates about the temple is the opportunity to raise out of our troubles. As long as we wallow in our disfunction, the enemy is happy. The reason the devil fights so hard when we move from altar building to temple building is that when we do, we move from the blood of death to the blood of atonement. The reason the devil hates the Holy Ghost is because of what it represents in our life. If we get to where God wants to take us, the devil knows that he has lost. That is the opportunity that terrifies hell. This is a time for us to get things right in life. Right order. Right priority and right focus. It is time to quit wasting time, energy, and talent on things that do not matter. These may be good things, but not every good thing is of God. We are at a time when we must discern the difference. Our text is from a time when God’s people were rebuilding after years on captivity. Even while in captivity, God was orchestrating the day of rebuilding. Before we even think about it, God is preparing for the things that come into our life. God prepared it. No matter how broken and shattered their life had been, God set in motion a plan to rebuild. For Jerelesuem to be whole, they needed an altar, a temple, and walls The rebuilt them in order. There was no opposition when they built the altar, but when they began to rebuild the temple, the enemy took notice. The alter speaks of death, but the temple speaks of life. The enemy does not care that they had a place die, but when they began to rebuild a place of resurrection, he takes notice. The thing that hells hates about the temple is the opportunity to raise out of our troubles. As long as we wallow in our disfunction, the enemy is happy. The reason the devil fights so hard when we move from altar building to temple building is that when we do, we move from the blood of death to the blood of atonement. The reason the devil hates the Holy Ghost is because of what it represents in our life. If we get to where God wants to take us, the devil knows that he has lost. That is the opportunity that terrifies hell. This is a time for us to get things right in life. Right order. Right priority and right focus. It is time to quit wasting time, energy, and talent on things that do not matter. These may be good things, but not every good thing is of God. We are … Mark Hughes 2293 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21517480/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_ouropportunitythatterrifieshel/id/911009.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21517480 Scripture: Ezra 3:8-3:13, 1 Corinthians 3:16-3:17 Sun, 12 Jan 2020 21:03:32 +0000 Mark Hughes This is a time for us to get things right in life. Right order. Right priority and right focus. It is time to quit wasting time, energy, and talent on things that do not matter. These may be good things, but not every good thing is of God. We are at a time when we must discern the difference. Our text is from a time when God’s people were rebuilding after years on captivity. Even while in captivity, God was orchestrating the day of rebuilding. Before we even think about it, God is preparing for the things that come into our life. God prepared it. No matter how broken and shattered their life had been, God set in motion a plan to rebuild. For Jerelesuem to be whole, they needed an altar, a temple, and walls The rebuilt them in order. There was no opposition when they built the altar, but when they began to rebuild the temple, the enemy took notice. The alter speaks of death, but the temple speaks of life. The enemy does not care that they had a place die, but when they began to rebuild a place of resurrection, he takes notice. The thing that hells hates about the temple is the opportunity to raise out of our troubles. As long as we wallow in our disfunction, the enemy is happy. The reason the devil fights so hard when we move from altar building to temple building is that when we do, we move from the blood of death to the blood of atonement. The reason the devil hates the Holy Ghost is because of what it represents in our life. If we get to where God wants to take us, the devil knows that he has lost. That is the opportunity that terrifies hell. This is a time for us to get things right in life. Right order. Right priority and right focus. It is time to quit wasting time, energy, and talent on things that do not matter. These may be good things, but not every good thing is of God. We are at a time when we must discern the difference. Our text is from a time when God’s people were rebuilding after years on captivity. Even while in captivity, God was orchestrating the day of rebuilding. Before we even think about it, God is preparing for the things that come into our life. God prepared it. No matter how broken and shattered their life had been, God set in motion a plan to rebuild. For Jerelesuem to be whole, they needed an altar, a temple, and walls The rebuilt them in order. There was no opposition when they built the altar, but when they began to rebuild the temple, the enemy took notice. The alter speaks of death, but the temple speaks of life. The enemy does not care that they had a place die, but when they began to rebuild a place of resurrection, he takes notice. The thing that hells hates about the temple is the opportunity to raise out of our troubles. As long as we wallow in our disfunction, the enemy is happy. The reason the devil fights so hard when we move from altar building to temple building is that when we do, we move from the blood of death to the blood of atonement. The reason the devil hates the Holy Ghost is because of what it represents in our life. If we get to where God wants to take us, the devil knows that he has lost. That is the opportunity that terrifies hell. This is a time for us to get things right in life. Right order. Right priority and right focus. It is time to quit wasting time, energy, and talent on things that do not matter. These may be good things, but not every good thing is of God. We are … Mark Hughes 2293 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21517480/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ouropportunitythatterrifieshel/id/3410315.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21517480 Scripture: Ezra 3:8-3:13, 1 Corinthians 3:16-3:17 Thu, 09 Jan 2020 03:14:29 +0000 Mark Hughes Our writing is taken from Paul’s last journey to Asia. He dearly loved these people and knew the trials that were coming for them. He tells them to strengthen themselves with the word of God. There is no greater source for help than the word of God. Our writing is taken from Paul’s last journey to Asia. He dearly loved these people and knew the trials that were coming for them. He tells them to strengthen themselves with the word of God. There is no greater source for help than the word of God. Our writing is taken from Paul’s last journey to Asia. He dearly loved these people and knew the trials that were coming for them. He tells them to strengthen themselves with the word of God. There is no greater source for help than the word of God.… Mark Hughes 3071 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21515807/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thebuilderssource/id/910463.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21515807 The Builder’s Source Thu, 09 Jan 2020 03:14:29 +0000 Mark Hughes Our writing is taken from Paul’s last journey to Asia. He dearly loved these people and knew the trials that were coming for them. He tells them to strengthen themselves with the word of God. There is no greater source for help than the word of God. Our writing is taken from Paul’s last journey to Asia. He dearly loved these people and knew the trials that were coming for them. He tells them to strengthen themselves with the word of God. There is no greater source for help than the word of God. Our writing is taken from Paul’s last journey to Asia. He dearly loved these people and knew the trials that were coming for them. He tells them to strengthen themselves with the word of God. There is no greater source for help than the word of God.… Mark Hughes 3071 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21515807/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thebuilderssource/id/3408738.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21515807 The Builder’s Source Mon, 06 Jan 2020 04:30:00 +0000 Mark Hughes here is nothing in God that does not come from thirst and hunger. God honors diligence and effort to become closer to Him. If there is anything that God desires from us, is that we discover who He is. We are still connected to the blood and a cross. Many churches have eliminated those things from their ministry because they are upsetting. But the truth is that the cross was upsetting and is integral to salvation. Our texts tonight are from the beginning and the end of rebuilding by Israel after many years of Babylonian captivity. They went back to the original laws handed down and given to Israel when they entered the promised land. The altar is important to God. An altar is a place of atonement. We all need a place to bring our sins and failures. It is a place where we can make amends and find reconciliation. It is a place of sacrifice. It is a place of blessing. The altar is a place to bring offerings of thanks. Ezra 3 makes an important statement about their rebuilding. It says that they went back to the original foundation. After seventy years of neglect and destruction, the temple was a mess of rocks and debris. For most people, when they start to rebuild something that has been neglected, they will want to improve it and make it better. But Israel knew that they could not improve on God’s design. here is nothing in God that does not come from thirst and hunger. God honors diligence and effort to become closer to Him. If there is anything that God desires from us, is that we discover who He is. We are still connected to the blood and a cross. Many churches have eliminated those things from their ministry because they are upsetting. But the truth is that the cross was upsetting and is integral to salvation. Our texts tonight are from the beginning and the end of rebuilding by Israel after many years of Babylonian captivity. They went back to the original laws handed down and given to Israel when they entered the promised land. The altar is important to God. An altar is a place of atonement. We all need a place to bring our sins and failures. It is a place where we can make amends and find reconciliation. It is a place of sacrifice. It is a place of blessing. The altar is a place to bring offerings of thanks. Ezra 3 makes an important statement about their rebuilding. It says that they went back to the original foundation. After seventy years of neglect and destruction, the temple was a mess of rocks and debris. For most people, when they start to rebuild something that has been neglected, they will want to improve it and make it better. But Israel knew that they could not improve on God’s design. here is nothing in God that does not come from thirst and hunger. God honors diligence and effort to become closer to Him. If there is anything that God desires from us, is that we discover who He is. We are still connected to the blood and a cross.… Mark Hughes 2255 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21514979/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thepriorityofthetime/id/910313.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21514979 The Priority of the Time Mon, 06 Jan 2020 04:30:00 +0000 Mark Hughes here is nothing in God that does not come from thirst and hunger. God honors diligence and effort to become closer to Him. If there is anything that God desires from us, is that we discover who He is. We are still connected to the blood and a cross. Many churches have eliminated those things from their ministry because they are upsetting. But the truth is that the cross was upsetting and is integral to salvation. Our texts tonight are from the beginning and the end of rebuilding by Israel after many years of Babylonian captivity. They went back to the original laws handed down and given to Israel when they entered the promised land. The altar is important to God. An altar is a place of atonement. We all need a place to bring our sins and failures. It is a place where we can make amends and find reconciliation. It is a place of sacrifice. It is a place of blessing. The altar is a place to bring offerings of thanks. Ezra 3 makes an important statement about their rebuilding. It says that they went back to the original foundation. After seventy years of neglect and destruction, the temple was a mess of rocks and debris. For most people, when they start to rebuild something that has been neglected, they will want to improve it and make it better. But Israel knew that they could not improve on God’s design. here is nothing in God that does not come from thirst and hunger. God honors diligence and effort to become closer to Him. If there is anything that God desires from us, is that we discover who He is. We are still connected to the blood and a cross. Many churches have eliminated those things from their ministry because they are upsetting. But the truth is that the cross was upsetting and is integral to salvation. Our texts tonight are from the beginning and the end of rebuilding by Israel after many years of Babylonian captivity. They went back to the original laws handed down and given to Israel when they entered the promised land. The altar is important to God. An altar is a place of atonement. We all need a place to bring our sins and failures. It is a place where we can make amends and find reconciliation. It is a place of sacrifice. It is a place of blessing. The altar is a place to bring offerings of thanks. Ezra 3 makes an important statement about their rebuilding. It says that they went back to the original foundation. After seventy years of neglect and destruction, the temple was a mess of rocks and debris. For most people, when they start to rebuild something that has been neglected, they will want to improve it and make it better. But Israel knew that they could not improve on God’s design. here is nothing in God that does not come from thirst and hunger. God honors diligence and effort to become closer to Him. If there is anything that God desires from us, is that we discover who He is. We are still connected to the blood and a cross.… Mark Hughes 2255 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21514979/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thepriorityofthetime/id/3407925.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21514979 The Priority of the Time Sun, 05 Jan 2020 21:41:32 +0000 Mark Hughes As we begin the new year, we all look with anticipation to see what is coming. Current events in the middle east are certainly part of the end-time prophecy. Learned men predicted many things for the twenty-first century and to some extent, many of these predictions have come to pass, while others are laughable. Spiritually, we have much to look forward to. God’s plan is still God’s plan and He will bring it to pass in His time. Since Hurricane Harvey, we have been in a rebuilding mode physically. Bro. Hughes believes that we have to extend that rebuilding to the spiritual realm. Our text is from a time of rebuilding in Israel. After many years of Babylonian captivity, Isreal was returning to their homeland. After seventy years of neglect, Jerelesum was in ruin. As they began to sort out the chaos, they realized that there had to be the right beginning. Rebuilding, yes, but where to start? If they were to reclaim and recover, they had to start at the right place. They began at the alter. When we need to start over; When we need to repossess something that has been lost; we have to begin at the altar of God. There are a great many places that they could have started, but when all is in ruin, the place to begin recovery is at the altar. The book stores and the internet are full of self-help programs that promise a better life. If we want 2020 to be a blessed year, we must begin at the altar. Ezra tells us that as they rebuilt the altar, God strengthened their hands in their work. When we reconnect to the altar, God will give us the strength to repair the other areas of our life. Rebuilding the altar is the priority for the times. As we begin the new year, we all look with anticipation to see what is coming. Current events in the middle east are certainly part of the end-time prophecy. Learned men predicted many things for the twenty-first century and to some extent, many of these predictions have come to pass, while others are laughable. Spiritually, we have much to look forward to. God’s plan is still God’s plan and He will bring it to pass in His time. Since Hurricane Harvey, we have been in a rebuilding mode physically. Bro. Hughes believes that we have to extend that rebuilding to the spiritual realm. Our text is from a time of rebuilding in Israel. After many years of Babylonian captivity, Isreal was returning to their homeland. After seventy years of neglect, Jerelesum was in ruin. As they began to sort out the chaos, they realized that there had to be the right beginning. Rebuilding, yes, but where to start? If they were to reclaim and recover, they had to start at the right place. They began at the alter. When we need to start over; When we need to repossess something that has been lost; we have to begin at the altar of God. There are a great many places that they could have started, but when all is in ruin, the place to begin recovery is at the altar. The book stores and the internet are full of self-help programs that promise a better life. If we want 2020 to be a blessed year, we must begin at the altar. Ezra tells us that as they rebuilt the altar, God strengthened their hands in their work. When we reconnect to the altar, God will give us the strength to repair the other areas of our life. Rebuilding the altar is the priority for the times. As we begin the new year, we all look with anticipation to see what is coming. Current events in the middle east are certainly part of the end-time prophecy. Learned men predicted many things for the twenty-first century and to some extent, many of t… Mark Hughes 2474 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21514010/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_ourpriorityforthetimes/id/910085.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21514010 Our Priority for the Times Sun, 05 Jan 2020 21:41:32 +0000 Mark Hughes As we begin the new year, we all look with anticipation to see what is coming. Current events in the middle east are certainly part of the end-time prophecy. Learned men predicted many things for the twenty-first century and to some extent, many of these predictions have come to pass, while others are laughable. Spiritually, we have much to look forward to. God’s plan is still God’s plan and He will bring it to pass in His time. Since Hurricane Harvey, we have been in a rebuilding mode physically. Bro. Hughes believes that we have to extend that rebuilding to the spiritual realm. Our text is from a time of rebuilding in Israel. After many years of Babylonian captivity, Isreal was returning to their homeland. After seventy years of neglect, Jerelesum was in ruin. As they began to sort out the chaos, they realized that there had to be the right beginning. Rebuilding, yes, but where to start? If they were to reclaim and recover, they had to start at the right place. They began at the alter. When we need to start over; When we need to repossess something that has been lost; we have to begin at the altar of God. There are a great many places that they could have started, but when all is in ruin, the place to begin recovery is at the altar. The book stores and the internet are full of self-help programs that promise a better life. If we want 2020 to be a blessed year, we must begin at the altar. Ezra tells us that as they rebuilt the altar, God strengthened their hands in their work. When we reconnect to the altar, God will give us the strength to repair the other areas of our life. Rebuilding the altar is the priority for the times. As we begin the new year, we all look with anticipation to see what is coming. Current events in the middle east are certainly part of the end-time prophecy. Learned men predicted many things for the twenty-first century and to some extent, many of these predictions have come to pass, while others are laughable. Spiritually, we have much to look forward to. God’s plan is still God’s plan and He will bring it to pass in His time. Since Hurricane Harvey, we have been in a rebuilding mode physically. Bro. Hughes believes that we have to extend that rebuilding to the spiritual realm. Our text is from a time of rebuilding in Israel. After many years of Babylonian captivity, Isreal was returning to their homeland. After seventy years of neglect, Jerelesum was in ruin. As they began to sort out the chaos, they realized that there had to be the right beginning. Rebuilding, yes, but where to start? If they were to reclaim and recover, they had to start at the right place. They began at the alter. When we need to start over; When we need to repossess something that has been lost; we have to begin at the altar of God. There are a great many places that they could have started, but when all is in ruin, the place to begin recovery is at the altar. The book stores and the internet are full of self-help programs that promise a better life. If we want 2020 to be a blessed year, we must begin at the altar. Ezra tells us that as they rebuilt the altar, God strengthened their hands in their work. When we reconnect to the altar, God will give us the strength to repair the other areas of our life. Rebuilding the altar is the priority for the times. As we begin the new year, we all look with anticipation to see what is coming. Current events in the middle east are certainly part of the end-time prophecy. Learned men predicted many things for the twenty-first century and to some extent, many of t… Mark Hughes 2474 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21514010/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ourpriorityforthetimes/id/3406971.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21514010 Our Priority for the Times Sun, 29 Dec 2019 20:51:00 +0000 James Hughes Dr. James Hughes preaches on A God That Strategizes for Your LIfe Dr. James Hughes preaches on A God That Strategizes for Your LIfe Dr. James Hughes preaches on A God That Strategizes for Your LIfe… James Hughes 2765 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21513956/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_agodthatstrategizesforyourlife/id/910055.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21513956 A God That Strategizes for Your LIfe Sun, 29 Dec 2019 20:51:00 +0000 James Hughes Dr. James Hughes preaches on A God That Strategizes for Your LIfe Dr. James Hughes preaches on A God That Strategizes for Your LIfe Dr. James Hughes preaches on A God That Strategizes for Your LIfe… James Hughes 2765 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21513956/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_agodthatstrategizesforyourlife/id/3406897.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21513956 A God That Strategizes for Your LIfe Mon, 23 Dec 2019 04:15:31 +0000 Landon Long At the turn of the last century, as electricity began to come to homes across the country, some found that this new marvel of electric lights illuminated just how dirty their homes were. Some were embarrassed by this fact and vowed to never have such an illumination shed on their homes. Others embraced the blessing that the illumination that allowed them to clean out the things they had unknowingly lived with for years. Too many in our world are like those neighbors who did not want the light of God shown on their lives. In our texts tonight, the writers all recount the same story that tells the truth that no man hides a light in their home but put it up high to light up as much as possible. We are the light of the world. We must hold our light up high so that it shines brightly. We must be careful not to hide our light. Our world is in desperate need of the light that God brings. The gospel writers all say that men do not hide their lights under a bushel. We each have our own bushels, but we must overcome those to share the truth we know with a desperate and dying world. For some, our bushel is a bad attitude. For others, it is a spirit of apathy and laziness. Maybe the bushel is fear. No matter the bushel, there is a dark world that needs the light that we have. At the turn of the last century, as electricity began to come to homes across the country, some found that this new marvel of electric lights illuminated just how dirty their homes were. Some were embarrassed by this fact and vowed to never have such an illumination shed on their homes. Others embraced the blessing that the illumination that allowed them to clean out the things they had unknowingly lived with for years. Too many in our world are like those neighbors who did not want the light of God shown on their lives. In our texts tonight, the writers all recount the same story that tells the truth that no man hides a light in their home but put it up high to light up as much as possible. We are the light of the world. We must hold our light up high so that it shines brightly. We must be careful not to hide our light. Our world is in desperate need of the light that God brings. The gospel writers all say that men do not hide their lights under a bushel. We each have our own bushels, but we must overcome those to share the truth we know with a desperate and dying world. For some, our bushel is a bad attitude. For others, it is a spirit of apathy and laziness. Maybe the bushel is fear. No matter the bushel, there is a dark world that needs the light that we have. At the turn of the last century, as electricity began to come to homes across the country, some found that this new marvel of electric lights illuminated just how dirty their homes were. Some were embarrassed by this fact and vowed to never have such … Landon Long 1951 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21507715/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_sheddinglightonmybushel/id/908245.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21507715 Scripture: Matthew 5:15, Mark 4:21, Luke 11:33 Mon, 23 Dec 2019 04:15:31 +0000 Landon Long At the turn of the last century, as electricity began to come to homes across the country, some found that this new marvel of electric lights illuminated just how dirty their homes were. Some were embarrassed by this fact and vowed to never have such an illumination shed on their homes. Others embraced the blessing that the illumination that allowed them to clean out the things they had unknowingly lived with for years. Too many in our world are like those neighbors who did not want the light of God shown on their lives. In our texts tonight, the writers all recount the same story that tells the truth that no man hides a light in their home but put it up high to light up as much as possible. We are the light of the world. We must hold our light up high so that it shines brightly. We must be careful not to hide our light. Our world is in desperate need of the light that God brings. The gospel writers all say that men do not hide their lights under a bushel. We each have our own bushels, but we must overcome those to share the truth we know with a desperate and dying world. For some, our bushel is a bad attitude. For others, it is a spirit of apathy and laziness. Maybe the bushel is fear. No matter the bushel, there is a dark world that needs the light that we have. At the turn of the last century, as electricity began to come to homes across the country, some found that this new marvel of electric lights illuminated just how dirty their homes were. Some were embarrassed by this fact and vowed to never have such an illumination shed on their homes. Others embraced the blessing that the illumination that allowed them to clean out the things they had unknowingly lived with for years. Too many in our world are like those neighbors who did not want the light of God shown on their lives. In our texts tonight, the writers all recount the same story that tells the truth that no man hides a light in their home but put it up high to light up as much as possible. We are the light of the world. We must hold our light up high so that it shines brightly. We must be careful not to hide our light. Our world is in desperate need of the light that God brings. The gospel writers all say that men do not hide their lights under a bushel. We each have our own bushels, but we must overcome those to share the truth we know with a desperate and dying world. For some, our bushel is a bad attitude. For others, it is a spirit of apathy and laziness. Maybe the bushel is fear. No matter the bushel, there is a dark world that needs the light that we have. At the turn of the last century, as electricity began to come to homes across the country, some found that this new marvel of electric lights illuminated just how dirty their homes were. Some were embarrassed by this fact and vowed to never have such … Landon Long 1951 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21507715/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sheddinglightonmybushel/id/3401047.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21507715 Scripture: Matthew 5:15, Mark 4:21, Luke 11:33 Sun, 22 Dec 2019 20:53:04 +0000 Mark Hughes This week is Christmas week. We often observe that the true reason for this season is often lost in the frenzy of shopping and spending. Many people will overspend and under-appreciate this season. We have to be careful to focus our celebration on the greatest gift ever given: Jesus Christ. The Message translation of our text says that the Word became flesh and moved into the neighborhood. When our world was broken beyond repair, God moved into the neighborhood to save us. Brokeness is not the final stage for any of us, God came so that we can have life, and have it more abundantly. Because He came to our world, we are invited to partake in His world. The hope that we have this Christmas is because He brought light to replace darkness. Peace came to replace strife. Healing came to replace hurting. Oh, what a difference because Jesus moved into the neighborhood. This week is Christmas week. We often observe that the true reason for this season is often lost in the frenzy of shopping and spending. Many people will overspend and under-appreciate this season. We have to be careful to focus our celebration on the greatest gift ever given: Jesus Christ. The Message translation of our text says that the Word became flesh and moved into the neighborhood. When our world was broken beyond repair, God moved into the neighborhood to save us. Brokeness is not the final stage for any of us, God came so that we can have life, and have it more abundantly. Because He came to our world, we are invited to partake in His world. The hope that we have this Christmas is because He brought light to replace darkness. Peace came to replace strife. Healing came to replace hurting. Oh, what a difference because Jesus moved into the neighborhood. This week is Christmas week. We often observe that the true reason for this season is often lost in the frenzy of shopping and spending. Many people will overspend and under-appreciate this season. We have to be careful to focus our celebration on th… Mark Hughes 1712 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21507380/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_lookwhosmovedintotheneighborho/id/908135.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21507380 Scripture: John 1:10-1:14 Sun, 22 Dec 2019 20:53:04 +0000 Mark Hughes This week is Christmas week. We often observe that the true reason for this season is often lost in the frenzy of shopping and spending. Many people will overspend and under-appreciate this season. We have to be careful to focus our celebration on the greatest gift ever given: Jesus Christ. The Message translation of our text says that the Word became flesh and moved into the neighborhood. When our world was broken beyond repair, God moved into the neighborhood to save us. Brokeness is not the final stage for any of us, God came so that we can have life, and have it more abundantly. Because He came to our world, we are invited to partake in His world. The hope that we have this Christmas is because He brought light to replace darkness. Peace came to replace strife. Healing came to replace hurting. Oh, what a difference because Jesus moved into the neighborhood. This week is Christmas week. We often observe that the true reason for this season is often lost in the frenzy of shopping and spending. Many people will overspend and under-appreciate this season. We have to be careful to focus our celebration on the greatest gift ever given: Jesus Christ. The Message translation of our text says that the Word became flesh and moved into the neighborhood. When our world was broken beyond repair, God moved into the neighborhood to save us. Brokeness is not the final stage for any of us, God came so that we can have life, and have it more abundantly. Because He came to our world, we are invited to partake in His world. The hope that we have this Christmas is because He brought light to replace darkness. Peace came to replace strife. Healing came to replace hurting. Oh, what a difference because Jesus moved into the neighborhood. This week is Christmas week. We often observe that the true reason for this season is often lost in the frenzy of shopping and spending. Many people will overspend and under-appreciate this season. We have to be careful to focus our celebration on th… Mark Hughes 1712 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21507380/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lookwhosmovedintotheneighborho/id/3400737.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21507380 Scripture: John 1:10-1:14 Thu, 19 Dec 2019 04:07:21 +0000 Mark Hughes Our society is amid a tremendous spiritual decline. We have lost contact with the eternal, and most of the world lives in the immediate, material world. We need an awakening in our country. Our text describes a people who had lost contact with the eternal. The could see and hear in the natural world but could not see or hear what God was saying. More to the point, they could see and hear, but they chose to ignore what they saw and heard. Their hearts had become hardened to what God was saying. They had tuned God out. As a result, God was unable to help them. We have to make sure that the channels that God has given to communicate with us are never compromised. Our society is amid a tremendous spiritual decline. We have lost contact with the eternal, and most of the world lives in the immediate, material world. We need an awakening in our country. Our text describes a people who had lost contact with the eternal. The could see and hear in the natural world but could not see or hear what God was saying. More to the point, they could see and hear, but they chose to ignore what they saw and heard. Their hearts had become hardened to what God was saying. They had tuned God out. As a result, God was unable to help them. We have to make sure that the channels that God has given to communicate with us are never compromised. Our society is amid a tremendous spiritual decline. We have lost contact with the eternal, and most of the world lives in the immediate, material world. We need an awakening in our country. Our text describes a people who had lost contact with the e… Mark Hughes 2647 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21505741/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thedangerofunresponsiveness/id/907571.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21505741 The Danger Of Unresponsiveness Thu, 19 Dec 2019 04:07:21 +0000 Mark Hughes Our society is amid a tremendous spiritual decline. We have lost contact with the eternal, and most of the world lives in the immediate, material world. We need an awakening in our country. Our text describes a people who had lost contact with the eternal. The could see and hear in the natural world but could not see or hear what God was saying. More to the point, they could see and hear, but they chose to ignore what they saw and heard. Their hearts had become hardened to what God was saying. They had tuned God out. As a result, God was unable to help them. We have to make sure that the channels that God has given to communicate with us are never compromised. Our society is amid a tremendous spiritual decline. We have lost contact with the eternal, and most of the world lives in the immediate, material world. We need an awakening in our country. Our text describes a people who had lost contact with the eternal. The could see and hear in the natural world but could not see or hear what God was saying. More to the point, they could see and hear, but they chose to ignore what they saw and heard. Their hearts had become hardened to what God was saying. They had tuned God out. As a result, God was unable to help them. We have to make sure that the channels that God has given to communicate with us are never compromised. Our society is amid a tremendous spiritual decline. We have lost contact with the eternal, and most of the world lives in the immediate, material world. We need an awakening in our country. Our text describes a people who had lost contact with the e… Mark Hughes 2647 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21505741/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thedangerofunresponsiveness/id/3399161.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21505741 The Danger Of Unresponsiveness Thu, 12 Dec 2019 03:48:04 +0000 Mark Hughes We live in an impatient age. We do not like to wait. Waiting is the hardest and most challenging thing to do for most of us. Yet, we are called to do a lot of waiting in life. The bible is rife with instances of waiting. Adam and Eve were given a promise that their seed would bruise the head of the serpent, but Jesus was not born for several hundred years. Abraham was promised that he would be the father of nations, but it was decades before he would have a child. Joseph waited twenty years for his dream to be fulfilled. The word wait, or some form of it, is used in the bible over one hundred sixty times. Biblical waiting is not passive inactivity. It is not becoming complacent and just killing time. Instead, waiting is a confident trust that God will fulfill His promise. Biblical waiting involves an expectancy. It is a readiness and forward-thinking thought about something better than our current situation. Our text tonight from the Christmas story is about Simeon. We do not know much about him. We can deduce that he is an older man somewhere between 113-200 years old. Simeon was a priest and was the son of a priest. He had been told all his life that the Messiah was coming. Many had believed in the coming of the Messiah, but Simeon had the added promise that he would not die until he had seen it. Simeon may have lived for 100 years with that promise. For 100 years, Simeon went to church with the expectation that he would see the Messiah. What does it take to live through the wait? What do we do when God makes us wait on our answer? Simeon waited for at least 100 years, and he was spiritual in that wait. One day, all that waiting paid off. How did Simeon keep his faith alive for over 100 years? He kept believing. He kept serving. He gave it his best every day. He lived with the mystery, but he enjoyed the majesty. Some people are angry because they have not seen the prophecy they received. Simeon teaches us how to wait on the Lord. When God’s timeline worked out, He did not miss it. On that day, Jesus came in the form of a baby, but Simeon recognized it for the blessing he was expecting. The rest of the world missed it because the Messiah did not come in the form they expected. Waiting is not easy. God had been silent for over four hundred years before Simeon received his word, and then it was another hundred years before he saw that promise in the flesh. God’s time is not our time. He works in ways that we are not expecting, but if we wait, He will work. Through the bible, we see people that God made to wait, and in that waiting, He was preparing them to receive His blessing. If we are waiting on something, maybe it is that God is preparing us to receive it. Waiting is one of the most challenging things to do in life, but the way we wait is as important as the promise. We live in an impatient age. We do not like to wait. Waiting is the hardest and most challenging thing to do for most of us. Yet, we are called to do a lot of waiting in life. The bible is rife with instances of waiting. Adam and Eve were given a promise that their seed would bruise the head of the serpent, but Jesus was not born for several hundred years. Abraham was promised that he would be the father of nations, but it was decades before he would have a child. Joseph waited twenty years for his dream to be fulfilled. The word wait, or some form of it, is used in the bible over one hundred sixty times. Biblical waiting is not passive inactivity. It is not becoming complacent and just killing time. Instead, waiting is a confident trust that God will fulfill His promise. Biblical waiting involves an expectancy. It is a readiness and forward-thinking thought about something better than our current situation. Our text tonight from the Christmas story is about Simeon. We do not know much about him. We can deduce that he is an older man somewhere between 113-200 years old. Simeon was a priest and was the son of a priest. He had been told all his life that the Messiah was coming. Many had believed in the coming of the Messiah, but Simeon had the added promise that he would not die until he had seen it. Simeon may have lived for 100 years with that promise. For 100 years, Simeon went to church with the expectation that he would see the Messiah. What does it take to live through the wait? What do we do when God makes us wait on our answer? Simeon waited for at least 100 years, and he was spiritual in that wait. One day, all that waiting paid off. How did Simeon keep his faith alive for over 100 years? He kept believing. He kept serving. He gave it his best every day. He lived with the mystery, but he enjoyed the majesty. Some people are angry because they have not seen the prophecy they received. Simeon teaches us how to wait on the Lord. When God’s timeline worked out, He did not miss it. On that day, Jesus came in the form of a baby, but Simeon recognized it for the blessing he was expecting. The rest of the world missed it because the Messiah did not come in the form they expected. Waiting is not easy. God had been silent for over four hundred years before Simeon received his word, and then it was another hundred years before he saw that promise in the flesh. God’s time is not our time. He works in ways that we are not expecting, but if we wait, He will work. Through the bible, we see people that God made to wait, and in that waiting, He was preparing them to receive His blessing. If we are waiting on something, maybe it is that God is preparing us to receive it. Waiting is one of the most challenging things to do in life, but the way we wait is as important as the promise. We live in an impatient age. We do not like to wait. Waiting is the hardest and most challenging thing to do for most of us. Yet, we are called to do a lot of waiting in life. The bible is rife with instances of waiting. Adam and Eve were given a … Mark Hughes 3058 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21502157/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_lifesmostexcruciatingexperienc/id/906592.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21502157 Scripture: Luke 2:21-2:29 Thu, 12 Dec 2019 03:48:04 +0000 Mark Hughes We live in an impatient age. We do not like to wait. Waiting is the hardest and most challenging thing to do for most of us. Yet, we are called to do a lot of waiting in life. The bible is rife with instances of waiting. Adam and Eve were given a promise that their seed would bruise the head of the serpent, but Jesus was not born for several hundred years. Abraham was promised that he would be the father of nations, but it was decades before he would have a child. Joseph waited twenty years for his dream to be fulfilled. The word wait, or some form of it, is used in the bible over one hundred sixty times. Biblical waiting is not passive inactivity. It is not becoming complacent and just killing time. Instead, waiting is a confident trust that God will fulfill His promise. Biblical waiting involves an expectancy. It is a readiness and forward-thinking thought about something better than our current situation. Our text tonight from the Christmas story is about Simeon. We do not know much about him. We can deduce that he is an older man somewhere between 113-200 years old. Simeon was a priest and was the son of a priest. He had been told all his life that the Messiah was coming. Many had believed in the coming of the Messiah, but Simeon had the added promise that he would not die until he had seen it. Simeon may have lived for 100 years with that promise. For 100 years, Simeon went to church with the expectation that he would see the Messiah. What does it take to live through the wait? What do we do when God makes us wait on our answer? Simeon waited for at least 100 years, and he was spiritual in that wait. One day, all that waiting paid off. How did Simeon keep his faith alive for over 100 years? He kept believing. He kept serving. He gave it his best every day. He lived with the mystery, but he enjoyed the majesty. Some people are angry because they have not seen the prophecy they received. Simeon teaches us how to wait on the Lord. When God’s timeline worked out, He did not miss it. On that day, Jesus came in the form of a baby, but Simeon recognized it for the blessing he was expecting. The rest of the world missed it because the Messiah did not come in the form they expected. Waiting is not easy. God had been silent for over four hundred years before Simeon received his word, and then it was another hundred years before he saw that promise in the flesh. God’s time is not our time. He works in ways that we are not expecting, but if we wait, He will work. Through the bible, we see people that God made to wait, and in that waiting, He was preparing them to receive His blessing. If we are waiting on something, maybe it is that God is preparing us to receive it. Waiting is one of the most challenging things to do in life, but the way we wait is as important as the promise. We live in an impatient age. We do not like to wait. Waiting is the hardest and most challenging thing to do for most of us. Yet, we are called to do a lot of waiting in life. The bible is rife with instances of waiting. Adam and Eve were given a promise that their seed would bruise the head of the serpent, but Jesus was not born for several hundred years. Abraham was promised that he would be the father of nations, but it was decades before he would have a child. Joseph waited twenty years for his dream to be fulfilled. The word wait, or some form of it, is used in the bible over one hundred sixty times. Biblical waiting is not passive inactivity. It is not becoming complacent and just killing time. Instead, waiting is a confident trust that God will fulfill His promise. Biblical waiting involves an expectancy. It is a readiness and forward-thinking thought about something better than our current situation. Our text tonight from the Christmas story is about Simeon. We do not know much about him. We can deduce that he is an older man somewhere between 113-200 years old. Simeon was a priest and was the son of a priest. He had been told all his life that the Messiah was coming. Many had believed in the coming of the Messiah, but Simeon had the added promise that he would not die until he had seen it. Simeon may have lived for 100 years with that promise. For 100 years, Simeon went to church with the expectation that he would see the Messiah. What does it take to live through the wait? What do we do when God makes us wait on our answer? Simeon waited for at least 100 years, and he was spiritual in that wait. One day, all that waiting paid off. How did Simeon keep his faith alive for over 100 years? He kept believing. He kept serving. He gave it his best every day. He lived with the mystery, but he enjoyed the majesty. Some people are angry because they have not seen the prophecy they received. Simeon teaches us how to wait on the Lord. When God’s timeline worked out, He did not miss it. On that day, Jesus came in the form of a baby, but Simeon recognized it for the blessing he was expecting. The rest of the world missed it because the Messiah did not come in the form they expected. Waiting is not easy. God had been silent for over four hundred years before Simeon received his word, and then it was another hundred years before he saw that promise in the flesh. God’s time is not our time. He works in ways that we are not expecting, but if we wait, He will work. Through the bible, we see people that God made to wait, and in that waiting, He was preparing them to receive His blessing. If we are waiting on something, maybe it is that God is preparing us to receive it. Waiting is one of the most challenging things to do in life, but the way we wait is as important as the promise. We live in an impatient age. We do not like to wait. Waiting is the hardest and most challenging thing to do for most of us. Yet, we are called to do a lot of waiting in life. The bible is rife with instances of waiting. Adam and Eve were given a … Mark Hughes 3058 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21502157/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lifesmostexcruciatingexperienc/id/3395720.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21502157 Scripture: Luke 2:21-2:29 Mon, 09 Dec 2019 02:25:00 +0000 Craig Ashcraft Bro. Ashcraft outlines tools for triumph Bro. Ashcraft outlines tools for triumph Bro. Ashcraft outlines tools for triumph … Craig Ashcraft 3162 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21501306/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_toolsfortriumph/id/906409.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21501306 Tools For Triumph Mon, 09 Dec 2019 02:25:00 +0000 Craig Ashcraft Bro. Ashcraft outlines tools for triumph Bro. Ashcraft outlines tools for triumph Bro. Ashcraft outlines tools for triumph … Craig Ashcraft 3162 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21501306/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_toolsfortriumph/id/3394895.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21501306 Tools For Triumph Sun, 08 Dec 2019 21:00:46 +0000 Landon Long We celebrate many things about Christmas. Trees, presents, snow, and St. Nicholas are all integral to the Christmas season. The original reason for the Christmas celebration is often a minor part of the world’s observance of Christmas. The phrase Jesus is the reason for the season has come to serve as a call to return the attention to the real reason for Christmas. The coming of Jesus was not a plan B after the failure in the garden. God had this plan worked out from the beginning of time. Under Moses’ law, dove, bull, and ram’s blood served as the price for sin, but no matter how much ram’s blood was shed, it was not enough to cover all the sins. God’s plan for the perfect lamb would pay that cost forever. Our text is the announcement of the beginning of that plan’s unfolding. Jesus is not only the reason for the Christmas season, but He is the reason for all seasons in life. No matter what circumstance or season we may be in, Jesus is the reason for that, and He is the way. The angel in our text declares that this plan is for all, not just the Jews. Jesus is here not only for Christians but for all people, no matter the state of their lives. Jesus came to save and to deliver. Jesus came on that day because the world needed a savior. He came on that day because someone today needs a savior. We are the reason that He will leave the ninety-nine. We are the reason that He will walk into the storm. We are the reason he came. We celebrate many things about Christmas. Trees, presents, snow, and St. Nicholas are all integral to the Christmas season. The original reason for the Christmas celebration is often a minor part of the world’s observance of Christmas. The phrase Jesus is the reason for the season has come to serve as a call to return the attention to the real reason for Christmas. The coming of Jesus was not a plan B after the failure in the garden. God had this plan worked out from the beginning of time. Under Moses’ law, dove, bull, and ram’s blood served as the price for sin, but no matter how much ram’s blood was shed, it was not enough to cover all the sins. God’s plan for the perfect lamb would pay that cost forever. Our text is the announcement of the beginning of that plan’s unfolding. Jesus is not only the reason for the Christmas season, but He is the reason for all seasons in life. No matter what circumstance or season we may be in, Jesus is the reason for that, and He is the way. The angel in our text declares that this plan is for all, not just the Jews. Jesus is here not only for Christians but for all people, no matter the state of their lives. Jesus came to save and to deliver. Jesus came on that day because the world needed a savior. He came on that day because someone today needs a savior. We are the reason that He will leave the ninety-nine. We are the reason that He will walk into the storm. We are the reason he came. We celebrate many things about Christmas. Trees, presents, snow, and St. Nicholas are all integral to the Christmas season. The original reason for the Christmas celebration is often a minor part of the world’s observance of Christmas. The phrase Je… Landon Long 2336 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21500276/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thereasonhecame/id/906186.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21500276 The Reason He Came Sun, 08 Dec 2019 21:00:46 +0000 Landon Long We celebrate many things about Christmas. Trees, presents, snow, and St. Nicholas are all integral to the Christmas season. The original reason for the Christmas celebration is often a minor part of the world’s observance of Christmas. The phrase Jesus is the reason for the season has come to serve as a call to return the attention to the real reason for Christmas. The coming of Jesus was not a plan B after the failure in the garden. God had this plan worked out from the beginning of time. Under Moses’ law, dove, bull, and ram’s blood served as the price for sin, but no matter how much ram’s blood was shed, it was not enough to cover all the sins. God’s plan for the perfect lamb would pay that cost forever. Our text is the announcement of the beginning of that plan’s unfolding. Jesus is not only the reason for the Christmas season, but He is the reason for all seasons in life. No matter what circumstance or season we may be in, Jesus is the reason for that, and He is the way. The angel in our text declares that this plan is for all, not just the Jews. Jesus is here not only for Christians but for all people, no matter the state of their lives. Jesus came to save and to deliver. Jesus came on that day because the world needed a savior. He came on that day because someone today needs a savior. We are the reason that He will leave the ninety-nine. We are the reason that He will walk into the storm. We are the reason he came. We celebrate many things about Christmas. Trees, presents, snow, and St. Nicholas are all integral to the Christmas season. The original reason for the Christmas celebration is often a minor part of the world’s observance of Christmas. The phrase Jesus is the reason for the season has come to serve as a call to return the attention to the real reason for Christmas. The coming of Jesus was not a plan B after the failure in the garden. God had this plan worked out from the beginning of time. Under Moses’ law, dove, bull, and ram’s blood served as the price for sin, but no matter how much ram’s blood was shed, it was not enough to cover all the sins. God’s plan for the perfect lamb would pay that cost forever. Our text is the announcement of the beginning of that plan’s unfolding. Jesus is not only the reason for the Christmas season, but He is the reason for all seasons in life. No matter what circumstance or season we may be in, Jesus is the reason for that, and He is the way. The angel in our text declares that this plan is for all, not just the Jews. Jesus is here not only for Christians but for all people, no matter the state of their lives. Jesus came to save and to deliver. Jesus came on that day because the world needed a savior. He came on that day because someone today needs a savior. We are the reason that He will leave the ninety-nine. We are the reason that He will walk into the storm. We are the reason he came. We celebrate many things about Christmas. Trees, presents, snow, and St. Nicholas are all integral to the Christmas season. The original reason for the Christmas celebration is often a minor part of the world’s observance of Christmas. The phrase Je… Landon Long 2336 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21500276/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thereasonhecame/id/3393910.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21500276 The Reason He Came Thu, 05 Dec 2019 03:29:04 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text tonight speaks of a select group of people: those who fear the Lord. Men and women who want and strive to do right. The prophet says of these righteous people that they walk in darkness. Life has its seasons of darkness, where it seems that God is nowhere near. No matter how closely we walk with God, we will all experience times of darkness in our life. Perhaps one of the best illustrations of this concept is the story of Peter walking to Jesus on the water. Peter went from a position of demonstrating great faith to sinking in less time than it took to type this sentence. God was right there to catch him. We can walk through the darkness and know that we are not alone. There is one who will walk with us in the darkness until we emerge into the light. We are not alone. That knowledge is a great comfort when we find ourselves walking in the dark. Our text tonight speaks of a select group of people: those who fear the Lord. Men and women who want and strive to do right. The prophet says of these righteous people that they walk in darkness. Life has its seasons of darkness, where it seems that God is nowhere near. No matter how closely we walk with God, we will all experience times of darkness in our life. Perhaps one of the best illustrations of this concept is the story of Peter walking to Jesus on the water. Peter went from a position of demonstrating great faith to sinking in less time than it took to type this sentence. God was right there to catch him. We can walk through the darkness and know that we are not alone. There is one who will walk with us in the darkness until we emerge into the light. We are not alone. That knowledge is a great comfort when we find ourselves walking in the dark. Our text tonight speaks of a select group of people: those who fear the Lord. Men and women who want and strive to do right. The prophet says of these righteous people that they walk in darkness. Life has its seasons of darkness, where it seems that … Mark Hughes 2288 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21498538/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_walkinginthedark/id/905563.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21498538 Walking in the Dark Thu, 05 Dec 2019 03:29:04 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text tonight speaks of a select group of people: those who fear the Lord. Men and women who want and strive to do right. The prophet says of these righteous people that they walk in darkness. Life has its seasons of darkness, where it seems that God is nowhere near. No matter how closely we walk with God, we will all experience times of darkness in our life. Perhaps one of the best illustrations of this concept is the story of Peter walking to Jesus on the water. Peter went from a position of demonstrating great faith to sinking in less time than it took to type this sentence. God was right there to catch him. We can walk through the darkness and know that we are not alone. There is one who will walk with us in the darkness until we emerge into the light. We are not alone. That knowledge is a great comfort when we find ourselves walking in the dark. Our text tonight speaks of a select group of people: those who fear the Lord. Men and women who want and strive to do right. The prophet says of these righteous people that they walk in darkness. Life has its seasons of darkness, where it seems that God is nowhere near. No matter how closely we walk with God, we will all experience times of darkness in our life. Perhaps one of the best illustrations of this concept is the story of Peter walking to Jesus on the water. Peter went from a position of demonstrating great faith to sinking in less time than it took to type this sentence. God was right there to catch him. We can walk through the darkness and know that we are not alone. There is one who will walk with us in the darkness until we emerge into the light. We are not alone. That knowledge is a great comfort when we find ourselves walking in the dark. Our text tonight speaks of a select group of people: those who fear the Lord. Men and women who want and strive to do right. The prophet says of these righteous people that they walk in darkness. Life has its seasons of darkness, where it seems that … Mark Hughes 2288 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21498538/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_walkinginthedark/id/3392250.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21498538 Walking in the Dark Mon, 18 Nov 2019 04:24:37 +0000 Mark Hughes Most bible scholars believe that this psalm was a participation song that reinforced the believer’s relationship with God. It indicates that there is a connection between opening our mouth and participating in worship and being connected to God. This Psalm parallels Nehemiah’s day. It is likely tied to the rebuilding of the walls of Jerelesum. Nehemiah was surrounded by hatred and opposition, but he built anyway. This psalm was probably a celebration of the favor of God they had while they continued to build. We each have a song. Only we know what God has seen us through. Only we know the victory that God had delivered to us. This psalm reminds us to sing and celebrate to the Lord, especially during troubled times. Our song is important. That is why the enemy works so hard to silence it. He knows that if we can quiet our song, it will inhibit God’s work in our life. It does not matter how much experience tries to push us down and put us in prison; the sound of our praise reaches God’s ears. Bible scholars believe that when Jesus left the last supper, He was singing this psalm. He was on His way to fulfilling his mission to die on a cross. In the next few hours, His disciples would fall asleep while He prayed. One would betray Him. He would be arrested. The disciples would deny Him and leave him. He would face Pilot and would ultimately be hung on a cross to die. With all that was ahead of Him, Jesus sang a song of victory and deliverance. Our song is powerful, and God wants to hear it from our lips. Most bible scholars believe that this psalm was a participation song that reinforced the believer’s relationship with God. It indicates that there is a connection between opening our mouth and participating in worship and being connected to God. This Psalm parallels Nehemiah’s day. It is likely tied to the rebuilding of the walls of Jerelesum. Nehemiah was surrounded by hatred and opposition, but he built anyway. This psalm was probably a celebration of the favor of God they had while they continued to build. We each have a song. Only we know what God has seen us through. Only we know the victory that God had delivered to us. This psalm reminds us to sing and celebrate to the Lord, especially during troubled times. Our song is important. That is why the enemy works so hard to silence it. He knows that if we can quiet our song, it will inhibit God’s work in our life. It does not matter how much experience tries to push us down and put us in prison; the sound of our praise reaches God’s ears. Bible scholars believe that when Jesus left the last supper, He was singing this psalm. He was on His way to fulfilling his mission to die on a cross. In the next few hours, His disciples would fall asleep while He prayed. One would betray Him. He would be arrested. The disciples would deny Him and leave him. He would face Pilot and would ultimately be hung on a cross to die. With all that was ahead of Him, Jesus sang a song of victory and deliverance. Our song is powerful, and God wants to hear it from our lips. Most bible scholars believe that this psalm was a participation song that reinforced the believer’s relationship with God. It indicates that there is a connection between opening our mouth and participating in worship and being connected to God. This… Mark Hughes 2674 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21489866/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_lessonsfortheourney/id/903446.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21489866 Lessons for the Journey Mon, 18 Nov 2019 04:24:37 +0000 Mark Hughes Most bible scholars believe that this psalm was a participation song that reinforced the believer’s relationship with God. It indicates that there is a connection between opening our mouth and participating in worship and being connected to God. This Psalm parallels Nehemiah’s day. It is likely tied to the rebuilding of the walls of Jerelesum. Nehemiah was surrounded by hatred and opposition, but he built anyway. This psalm was probably a celebration of the favor of God they had while they continued to build. We each have a song. Only we know what God has seen us through. Only we know the victory that God had delivered to us. This psalm reminds us to sing and celebrate to the Lord, especially during troubled times. Our song is important. That is why the enemy works so hard to silence it. He knows that if we can quiet our song, it will inhibit God’s work in our life. It does not matter how much experience tries to push us down and put us in prison; the sound of our praise reaches God’s ears. Bible scholars believe that when Jesus left the last supper, He was singing this psalm. He was on His way to fulfilling his mission to die on a cross. In the next few hours, His disciples would fall asleep while He prayed. One would betray Him. He would be arrested. The disciples would deny Him and leave him. He would face Pilot and would ultimately be hung on a cross to die. With all that was ahead of Him, Jesus sang a song of victory and deliverance. Our song is powerful, and God wants to hear it from our lips. Most bible scholars believe that this psalm was a participation song that reinforced the believer’s relationship with God. It indicates that there is a connection between opening our mouth and participating in worship and being connected to God. This Psalm parallels Nehemiah’s day. It is likely tied to the rebuilding of the walls of Jerelesum. Nehemiah was surrounded by hatred and opposition, but he built anyway. This psalm was probably a celebration of the favor of God they had while they continued to build. We each have a song. Only we know what God has seen us through. Only we know the victory that God had delivered to us. This psalm reminds us to sing and celebrate to the Lord, especially during troubled times. Our song is important. That is why the enemy works so hard to silence it. He knows that if we can quiet our song, it will inhibit God’s work in our life. It does not matter how much experience tries to push us down and put us in prison; the sound of our praise reaches God’s ears. Bible scholars believe that when Jesus left the last supper, He was singing this psalm. He was on His way to fulfilling his mission to die on a cross. In the next few hours, His disciples would fall asleep while He prayed. One would betray Him. He would be arrested. The disciples would deny Him and leave him. He would face Pilot and would ultimately be hung on a cross to die. With all that was ahead of Him, Jesus sang a song of victory and deliverance. Our song is powerful, and God wants to hear it from our lips. Most bible scholars believe that this psalm was a participation song that reinforced the believer’s relationship with God. It indicates that there is a connection between opening our mouth and participating in worship and being connected to God. This… Mark Hughes 2674 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21489866/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lessonsfortheourney/id/3383910.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21489866 Lessons for the Journey Thu, 14 Nov 2019 04:12:38 +0000 Landon Long Our world spends a lot of time trying to find out who we are. To know who we are, we must know God. If we do not know God, it is too easy to become confused. As important as it is to know who we are, it is just as important to know who we are not. The world wants to put labels on us, but sometimes we have to declare that we are not what they say. Life has a way of dragging us through the mud, but we are not what we have been drug through. In our text, Paul reminds us that we will experience trouble, but that our troubles do not define us. Life will press us, but not crush us. We can be perplexed. We will encounter people who do not believe in us, and even worse, that will attack us because of what we believe. Even if we live a good, Godly life, we will encounter hard places in life. The answer is that Jesus can and will make a way. When we try to do good, the enemy will come against us to knock us down. Our text is clear that we may be pressed, perplexed, trapped, and cast down. But it is also clear that these He makes a way through all of those things and more. We do not know why these things happen, but we do know that He is there and that He wants what is best for us. Just because we are cast down, does not mean that we are cast out. The bible says in Michah when I fall. That means that it will happen. But it goes on to say, “I shall arise.” There is something special about someone who falls but will get back up. If we get back up, we cannot be defeated. The world, and often our flesh tells us that we are a failure, that we are not worthy, that we are defeated. Paul tells us that we may be some of those things, but more importantly, he tells us what we are not. Stand today and declare: I Am Not! Our world spends a lot of time trying to find out who we are. To know who we are, we must know God. If we do not know God, it is too easy to become confused. As important as it is to know who we are, it is just as important to know who we are not. The world wants to put labels on us, but sometimes we have to declare that we are not what they say. Life has a way of dragging us through the mud, but we are not what we have been drug through. In our text, Paul reminds us that we will experience trouble, but that our troubles do not define us. Life will press us, but not crush us. We can be perplexed. We will encounter people who do not believe in us, and even worse, that will attack us because of what we believe. Even if we live a good, Godly life, we will encounter hard places in life. The answer is that Jesus can and will make a way. When we try to do good, the enemy will come against us to knock us down. Our text is clear that we may be pressed, perplexed, trapped, and cast down. But it is also clear that these He makes a way through all of those things and more. We do not know why these things happen, but we do know that He is there and that He wants what is best for us. Just because we are cast down, does not mean that we are cast out. The bible says in Michah when I fall. That means that it will happen. But it goes on to say, “I shall arise.” There is something special about someone who falls but will get back up. If we get back up, we cannot be defeated. The world, and often our flesh tells us that we are a failure, that we are not worthy, that we are defeated. Paul tells us that we may be some of those things, but more importantly, he tells us what we are not. Stand today and declare: I Am Not! Our world spends a lot of time trying to find out who we are. To know who we are, we must know God. If we do not know God, it is too easy to become confused. As important as it is to know who we are, it is just as important to know who we are not. … Landon Long 2809 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21487257/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_iamnot/id/902640.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21487257 I Am Not Thu, 14 Nov 2019 04:12:38 +0000 Landon Long Our world spends a lot of time trying to find out who we are. To know who we are, we must know God. If we do not know God, it is too easy to become confused. As important as it is to know who we are, it is just as important to know who we are not. The world wants to put labels on us, but sometimes we have to declare that we are not what they say. Life has a way of dragging us through the mud, but we are not what we have been drug through. In our text, Paul reminds us that we will experience trouble, but that our troubles do not define us. Life will press us, but not crush us. We can be perplexed. We will encounter people who do not believe in us, and even worse, that will attack us because of what we believe. Even if we live a good, Godly life, we will encounter hard places in life. The answer is that Jesus can and will make a way. When we try to do good, the enemy will come against us to knock us down. Our text is clear that we may be pressed, perplexed, trapped, and cast down. But it is also clear that these He makes a way through all of those things and more. We do not know why these things happen, but we do know that He is there and that He wants what is best for us. Just because we are cast down, does not mean that we are cast out. The bible says in Michah when I fall. That means that it will happen. But it goes on to say, “I shall arise.” There is something special about someone who falls but will get back up. If we get back up, we cannot be defeated. The world, and often our flesh tells us that we are a failure, that we are not worthy, that we are defeated. Paul tells us that we may be some of those things, but more importantly, he tells us what we are not. Stand today and declare: I Am Not! Our world spends a lot of time trying to find out who we are. To know who we are, we must know God. If we do not know God, it is too easy to become confused. As important as it is to know who we are, it is just as important to know who we are not. The world wants to put labels on us, but sometimes we have to declare that we are not what they say. Life has a way of dragging us through the mud, but we are not what we have been drug through. In our text, Paul reminds us that we will experience trouble, but that our troubles do not define us. Life will press us, but not crush us. We can be perplexed. We will encounter people who do not believe in us, and even worse, that will attack us because of what we believe. Even if we live a good, Godly life, we will encounter hard places in life. The answer is that Jesus can and will make a way. When we try to do good, the enemy will come against us to knock us down. Our text is clear that we may be pressed, perplexed, trapped, and cast down. But it is also clear that these He makes a way through all of those things and more. We do not know why these things happen, but we do know that He is there and that He wants what is best for us. Just because we are cast down, does not mean that we are cast out. The bible says in Michah when I fall. That means that it will happen. But it goes on to say, “I shall arise.” There is something special about someone who falls but will get back up. If we get back up, we cannot be defeated. The world, and often our flesh tells us that we are a failure, that we are not worthy, that we are defeated. Paul tells us that we may be some of those things, but more importantly, he tells us what we are not. Stand today and declare: I Am Not! Our world spends a lot of time trying to find out who we are. To know who we are, we must know God. If we do not know God, it is too easy to become confused. As important as it is to know who we are, it is just as important to know who we are not. … Landon Long 2809 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21487257/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_iamnot/id/3381407.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21487257 I Am Not Mon, 11 Nov 2019 03:55:52 +0000 James Hughes Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth was written to deal with an issue they had with their flesh. He reminds them that the weapons we use in our battle with the enemy are not physical. The devil cannot read our minds. He controls the world, but he cannot control or know our thoughts. The only way he can know our thoughts are through our actions. God has equipped us to be as successful as we need to be. Because of Jesus’ death on the cross, the devil is defeated. He does not have the power to wreck our lives unless we give it to him. John records Jesus’ last words on the cross as “It is finished.” It was not a meek admission of defeat; it was a victor’s scream of triumph. Because of the death on the cross, we also have the victory. Because of the death on the cross, we can conquer anything that comes against us. The bible says to resist the devil, and he WILL flee from us. We have the authority through Jesus’ name to cast the devil away, and he MUST obey. The first weapon of our spiritual warfare is thankfulness. The second is peace. The greatest weapon we have is our praise because when we start praising, the devil has to fall on his face and worship the creator. Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth was written to deal with an issue they had with their flesh. He reminds them that the weapons we use in our battle with the enemy are not physical. The devil cannot read our minds. He controls the world, but he cannot control or know our thoughts. The only way he can know our thoughts are through our actions. God has equipped us to be as successful as we need to be. Because of Jesus’ death on the cross, the devil is defeated. He does not have the power to wreck our lives unless we give it to him. John records Jesus’ last words on the cross as “It is finished.” It was not a meek admission of defeat; it was a victor’s scream of triumph. Because of the death on the cross, we also have the victory. Because of the death on the cross, we can conquer anything that comes against us. The bible says to resist the devil, and he WILL flee from us. We have the authority through Jesus’ name to cast the devil away, and he MUST obey. The first weapon of our spiritual warfare is thankfulness. The second is peace. The greatest weapon we have is our praise because when we start praising, the devil has to fall on his face and worship the creator. Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth was written to deal with an issue they had with their flesh. He reminds them that the weapons we use in our battle with the enemy are not physical. The devil cannot read our minds. He controls the world, but he… James Hughes 2804 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21485741/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theweaponsofourwarfare/id/902316.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21485741 The Weapons of Our Warfare Mon, 11 Nov 2019 03:55:52 +0000 James Hughes Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth was written to deal with an issue they had with their flesh. He reminds them that the weapons we use in our battle with the enemy are not physical. The devil cannot read our minds. He controls the world, but he cannot control or know our thoughts. The only way he can know our thoughts are through our actions. God has equipped us to be as successful as we need to be. Because of Jesus’ death on the cross, the devil is defeated. He does not have the power to wreck our lives unless we give it to him. John records Jesus’ last words on the cross as “It is finished.” It was not a meek admission of defeat; it was a victor’s scream of triumph. Because of the death on the cross, we also have the victory. Because of the death on the cross, we can conquer anything that comes against us. The bible says to resist the devil, and he WILL flee from us. We have the authority through Jesus’ name to cast the devil away, and he MUST obey. The first weapon of our spiritual warfare is thankfulness. The second is peace. The greatest weapon we have is our praise because when we start praising, the devil has to fall on his face and worship the creator. Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth was written to deal with an issue they had with their flesh. He reminds them that the weapons we use in our battle with the enemy are not physical. The devil cannot read our minds. He controls the world, but he cannot control or know our thoughts. The only way he can know our thoughts are through our actions. God has equipped us to be as successful as we need to be. Because of Jesus’ death on the cross, the devil is defeated. He does not have the power to wreck our lives unless we give it to him. John records Jesus’ last words on the cross as “It is finished.” It was not a meek admission of defeat; it was a victor’s scream of triumph. Because of the death on the cross, we also have the victory. Because of the death on the cross, we can conquer anything that comes against us. The bible says to resist the devil, and he WILL flee from us. We have the authority through Jesus’ name to cast the devil away, and he MUST obey. The first weapon of our spiritual warfare is thankfulness. The second is peace. The greatest weapon we have is our praise because when we start praising, the devil has to fall on his face and worship the creator. Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth was written to deal with an issue they had with their flesh. He reminds them that the weapons we use in our battle with the enemy are not physical. The devil cannot read our minds. He controls the world, but he… James Hughes 2804 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21485741/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theweaponsofourwarfare/id/3379916.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21485741 The Weapons of Our Warfare Sun, 10 Nov 2019 20:46:22 +0000 Mark Hughes The book of Revelation is a place to find encouragement and strength. John introduces himself in our text, not as one who is higher, but as one of us. He has been where we are and have suffered what we have suffered. John is writing from the isle of Patmos. Patmos is an island located in the south Asian sea. It is barren and isolated. In his imprisonment, Paul was bound and forced to work in the quarry. However, if we read the book of Revelation, we do not read about the harsh conditions or his suffering, but about his revelation. Not only did John not talk about it, but he also did not let his circumstances control him. He had no control over what was happening around him, but he could control what was happening inside him. We do not always get to choose what we are in, but we can choose how we respond to it. Something happened in the spirit that so transformed John, that he was carried through the entire two years he suffered on Patmos. John never viewed himself as a prisoner. He referred to himself as a brother in tribulation. He refused to be identified by his circumstances. How we see ourselves determine so much of what will happen in our life. If we identify as a victim, we will be a victim. If we see ourselves as an overcomer, we will be an overcomer. If we are not careful we can become a prisoner of our circumstances and problems. John proves that it is possible to live in a place that is supposed to kill us but to not only survive but thrive. The key to this is being in the spirit. John said he was in the spirit. The word used in the Greek is in one of continuous action. He was not in the spirit just on that Lord’s day, but he remained in the spirit. The spirit took control of John and he remained there. The key to surviving adversity is to get in the spirit and stay there. The book of Revelation is a place to find encouragement and strength. John introduces himself in our text, not as one who is higher, but as one of us. He has been where we are and have suffered what we have suffered. John is writing from the isle of Patmos. Patmos is an island located in the south Asian sea. It is barren and isolated. In his imprisonment, Paul was bound and forced to work in the quarry. However, if we read the book of Revelation, we do not read about the harsh conditions or his suffering, but about his revelation. Not only did John not talk about it, but he also did not let his circumstances control him. He had no control over what was happening around him, but he could control what was happening inside him. We do not always get to choose what we are in, but we can choose how we respond to it. Something happened in the spirit that so transformed John, that he was carried through the entire two years he suffered on Patmos. John never viewed himself as a prisoner. He referred to himself as a brother in tribulation. He refused to be identified by his circumstances. How we see ourselves determine so much of what will happen in our life. If we identify as a victim, we will be a victim. If we see ourselves as an overcomer, we will be an overcomer. If we are not careful we can become a prisoner of our circumstances and problems. John proves that it is possible to live in a place that is supposed to kill us but to not only survive but thrive. The key to this is being in the spirit. John said he was in the spirit. The word used in the Greek is in one of continuous action. He was not in the spirit just on that Lord’s day, but he remained in the spirit. The spirit took control of John and he remained there. The key to surviving adversity is to get in the spirit and stay there. The book of Revelation is a place to find encouragement and strength. John introduces himself in our text, not as one who is higher, but as one of us. He has been where we are and have suffered what we have suffered. John is writing from the isle of … Mark Hughes 2440 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21485322/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_gettinginandstayingin/id/902203.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21485322 Scripture: Revelation 1:9-1:11 Sun, 10 Nov 2019 20:46:22 +0000 Mark Hughes The book of Revelation is a place to find encouragement and strength. John introduces himself in our text, not as one who is higher, but as one of us. He has been where we are and have suffered what we have suffered. John is writing from the isle of Patmos. Patmos is an island located in the south Asian sea. It is barren and isolated. In his imprisonment, Paul was bound and forced to work in the quarry. However, if we read the book of Revelation, we do not read about the harsh conditions or his suffering, but about his revelation. Not only did John not talk about it, but he also did not let his circumstances control him. He had no control over what was happening around him, but he could control what was happening inside him. We do not always get to choose what we are in, but we can choose how we respond to it. Something happened in the spirit that so transformed John, that he was carried through the entire two years he suffered on Patmos. John never viewed himself as a prisoner. He referred to himself as a brother in tribulation. He refused to be identified by his circumstances. How we see ourselves determine so much of what will happen in our life. If we identify as a victim, we will be a victim. If we see ourselves as an overcomer, we will be an overcomer. If we are not careful we can become a prisoner of our circumstances and problems. John proves that it is possible to live in a place that is supposed to kill us but to not only survive but thrive. The key to this is being in the spirit. John said he was in the spirit. The word used in the Greek is in one of continuous action. He was not in the spirit just on that Lord’s day, but he remained in the spirit. The spirit took control of John and he remained there. The key to surviving adversity is to get in the spirit and stay there. The book of Revelation is a place to find encouragement and strength. John introduces himself in our text, not as one who is higher, but as one of us. He has been where we are and have suffered what we have suffered. John is writing from the isle of Patmos. Patmos is an island located in the south Asian sea. It is barren and isolated. In his imprisonment, Paul was bound and forced to work in the quarry. However, if we read the book of Revelation, we do not read about the harsh conditions or his suffering, but about his revelation. Not only did John not talk about it, but he also did not let his circumstances control him. He had no control over what was happening around him, but he could control what was happening inside him. We do not always get to choose what we are in, but we can choose how we respond to it. Something happened in the spirit that so transformed John, that he was carried through the entire two years he suffered on Patmos. John never viewed himself as a prisoner. He referred to himself as a brother in tribulation. He refused to be identified by his circumstances. How we see ourselves determine so much of what will happen in our life. If we identify as a victim, we will be a victim. If we see ourselves as an overcomer, we will be an overcomer. If we are not careful we can become a prisoner of our circumstances and problems. John proves that it is possible to live in a place that is supposed to kill us but to not only survive but thrive. The key to this is being in the spirit. John said he was in the spirit. The word used in the Greek is in one of continuous action. He was not in the spirit just on that Lord’s day, but he remained in the spirit. The spirit took control of John and he remained there. The key to surviving adversity is to get in the spirit and stay there. The book of Revelation is a place to find encouragement and strength. John introduces himself in our text, not as one who is higher, but as one of us. He has been where we are and have suffered what we have suffered. John is writing from the isle of … Mark Hughes 2440 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21485322/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_gettinginandstayingin/id/3379512.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21485322 Scripture: Revelation 1:9-1:11 Thu, 07 Nov 2019 03:42:46 +0000 Mark Hughes While we cherish new revelations, we also need to value old wisdom. Some bible scholars regard the book of James as the New Testament equivalent of the book of Proverbs. In our text, James couples two words that are not generally thought of together: Joy and Trouble. In our humanity, we cannot associate a blessing with a reprimand. But in God’s economy, He uses this to accomplish a higher purpose. There is no growth without resistance. How can we look at the trial that we encounter as an opportunity? God does not challenge us to embarrass us or knock us down, but rather to move us to a place where He can bless us. There are things that trials will do in our lives. First, God wants to prove our faith. Prove, in this case, means to refine, like gold in the fire. Second, they will improve our patience. Trials are always directed toward a goal. There is something that God is trying to accomplish to get us to the desired outcome. Our testing is an opportunity for joy. There is an opportunity in our trial to grow. They are an opportunity for God to take us to a place that He wants us to go. While we cherish new revelations, we also need to value old wisdom. Some bible scholars regard the book of James as the New Testament equivalent of the book of Proverbs. In our text, James couples two words that are not generally thought of together: Joy and Trouble. In our humanity, we cannot associate a blessing with a reprimand. But in God’s economy, He uses this to accomplish a higher purpose. There is no growth without resistance. How can we look at the trial that we encounter as an opportunity? God does not challenge us to embarrass us or knock us down, but rather to move us to a place where He can bless us. There are things that trials will do in our lives. First, God wants to prove our faith. Prove, in this case, means to refine, like gold in the fire. Second, they will improve our patience. Trials are always directed toward a goal. There is something that God is trying to accomplish to get us to the desired outcome. Our testing is an opportunity for joy. There is an opportunity in our trial to grow. They are an opportunity for God to take us to a place that He wants us to go. While we cherish new revelations, we also need to value old wisdom. Some bible scholars regard the book of James as the New Testament equivalent of the book of Proverbs. In our text, James couples two words that are not generally thought of together:… Mark Hughes 2974 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21483408/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_anewattitudetowardanoldproblem/id/901584.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21483408 A New Attitude Toward An Old Problem Thu, 07 Nov 2019 03:42:46 +0000 Mark Hughes While we cherish new revelations, we also need to value old wisdom. Some bible scholars regard the book of James as the New Testament equivalent of the book of Proverbs. In our text, James couples two words that are not generally thought of together: Joy and Trouble. In our humanity, we cannot associate a blessing with a reprimand. But in God’s economy, He uses this to accomplish a higher purpose. There is no growth without resistance. How can we look at the trial that we encounter as an opportunity? God does not challenge us to embarrass us or knock us down, but rather to move us to a place where He can bless us. There are things that trials will do in our lives. First, God wants to prove our faith. Prove, in this case, means to refine, like gold in the fire. Second, they will improve our patience. Trials are always directed toward a goal. There is something that God is trying to accomplish to get us to the desired outcome. Our testing is an opportunity for joy. There is an opportunity in our trial to grow. They are an opportunity for God to take us to a place that He wants us to go. While we cherish new revelations, we also need to value old wisdom. Some bible scholars regard the book of James as the New Testament equivalent of the book of Proverbs. In our text, James couples two words that are not generally thought of together: Joy and Trouble. In our humanity, we cannot associate a blessing with a reprimand. But in God’s economy, He uses this to accomplish a higher purpose. There is no growth without resistance. How can we look at the trial that we encounter as an opportunity? God does not challenge us to embarrass us or knock us down, but rather to move us to a place where He can bless us. There are things that trials will do in our lives. First, God wants to prove our faith. Prove, in this case, means to refine, like gold in the fire. Second, they will improve our patience. Trials are always directed toward a goal. There is something that God is trying to accomplish to get us to the desired outcome. Our testing is an opportunity for joy. There is an opportunity in our trial to grow. They are an opportunity for God to take us to a place that He wants us to go. While we cherish new revelations, we also need to value old wisdom. Some bible scholars regard the book of James as the New Testament equivalent of the book of Proverbs. In our text, James couples two words that are not generally thought of together:… Mark Hughes 2974 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21483408/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_anewattitudetowardanoldproblem/id/3377741.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21483408 A New Attitude Toward An Old Problem Tue, 05 Nov 2019 03:06:38 +0000 Mark Hughes God has given this church a great promise. Bro. Hughes asks if we are ready to receive that which God has prepared. Our text is known as the parable of the prodigal son. The truth is, that it should be known as the parable of the loving father. The way that the father responded to his son’s return is the same way that we must respond to those lost and wayward souls that will return to our door. Even now, there are hearts that are turning back to what they had once loved. We are on the precipice of a revival of prodigals that we cannot even comprehend. These people that once occupied the pews of a church are realizing emptiness in their lives and they are stirring to find what they once had. They are going to come with issues and problems bigger than their sins. They will come like the prodigal son in our familiar story only wanting to be close to the house of God. They are not certain that they are welcome. Sin has broken their self-image to the point that they are not sure that God can love them. We must show them an experience like the father in our story gave to his wayward son. These prodigals know what they walked away from. They will be looking for what they left. We must make sure that we have not left the things that they are coming back to. In our text, Jesus paints a picture of what they should find when they get here. The bible says that the father saw the son when he was a great way off. This implies that the father was looking for. The father had hope and anticipation that his son would return. He had prepared for that moment. He told the servant to get the fatted calf. That implies that they had been holding and preparing that animal for the son’s eventual return. Are we prepared for the revival that God is sending us? Everything we do should be in preparation for what God is sending us. Are we really ready for who God is going to send? We have to welcome them all, even the ones that may have caused problems. We must be willing to set aside history and replace it with His Story. The truth is that many of us do not deserve to be here, but we are. Those that are coming need to be here just as desperately as we do. God has given this church a great promise. Bro. Hughes asks if we are ready to receive that which God has prepared. Our text is known as the parable of the prodigal son. The truth is, that it should be known as the parable of the loving father. The way that the father responded to his son’s return is the same way that we must respond to those lost and wayward souls that will return to our door. Even now, there are hearts that are turning back to what they had once loved. We are on the precipice of a revival of prodigals that we cannot even comprehend. These people that once occupied the pews of a church are realizing emptiness in their lives and they are stirring to find what they once had. They are going to come with issues and problems bigger than their sins. They will come like the prodigal son in our familiar story only wanting to be close to the house of God. They are not certain that they are welcome. Sin has broken their self-image to the point that they are not sure that God can love them. We must show them an experience like the father in our story gave to his wayward son. These prodigals know what they walked away from. They will be looking for what they left. We must make sure that we have not left the things that they are coming back to. In our text, Jesus paints a picture of what they should find when they get here. The bible says that the father saw the son when he was a great way off. This implies that the father was looking for. The father had hope and anticipation that his son would return. He had prepared for that moment. He told the servant to get the fatted calf. That implies that they had been holding and preparing that animal for the son’s eventual return. Are we prepared for the revival that God is sending us? Everything we do should be in preparation for what God is sending us. Are we really ready for who God is going to send? We have to welcome them all, even the ones that may have caused problems. We must be willing to set aside history and replace it with His Story. The truth is that many of us do not deserve to be here, but we are. Those that are coming need to be here just as desperately as we do. God has given this church a great promise. Bro. Hughes asks if we are ready to receive that which God has prepared. Our text is known as the parable of the prodigal son. The truth is, that it should be known as the parable of the loving father. The… Mark Hughes 2780 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21482549/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_arewereadyfortheprodigalsretur/id/901389.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21482549 Are We Ready For The Prodigal’s Return? Tue, 05 Nov 2019 03:06:38 +0000 Mark Hughes God has given this church a great promise. Bro. Hughes asks if we are ready to receive that which God has prepared. Our text is known as the parable of the prodigal son. The truth is, that it should be known as the parable of the loving father. The way that the father responded to his son’s return is the same way that we must respond to those lost and wayward souls that will return to our door. Even now, there are hearts that are turning back to what they had once loved. We are on the precipice of a revival of prodigals that we cannot even comprehend. These people that once occupied the pews of a church are realizing emptiness in their lives and they are stirring to find what they once had. They are going to come with issues and problems bigger than their sins. They will come like the prodigal son in our familiar story only wanting to be close to the house of God. They are not certain that they are welcome. Sin has broken their self-image to the point that they are not sure that God can love them. We must show them an experience like the father in our story gave to his wayward son. These prodigals know what they walked away from. They will be looking for what they left. We must make sure that we have not left the things that they are coming back to. In our text, Jesus paints a picture of what they should find when they get here. The bible says that the father saw the son when he was a great way off. This implies that the father was looking for. The father had hope and anticipation that his son would return. He had prepared for that moment. He told the servant to get the fatted calf. That implies that they had been holding and preparing that animal for the son’s eventual return. Are we prepared for the revival that God is sending us? Everything we do should be in preparation for what God is sending us. Are we really ready for who God is going to send? We have to welcome them all, even the ones that may have caused problems. We must be willing to set aside history and replace it with His Story. The truth is that many of us do not deserve to be here, but we are. Those that are coming need to be here just as desperately as we do. God has given this church a great promise. Bro. Hughes asks if we are ready to receive that which God has prepared. Our text is known as the parable of the prodigal son. The truth is, that it should be known as the parable of the loving father. The way that the father responded to his son’s return is the same way that we must respond to those lost and wayward souls that will return to our door. Even now, there are hearts that are turning back to what they had once loved. We are on the precipice of a revival of prodigals that we cannot even comprehend. These people that once occupied the pews of a church are realizing emptiness in their lives and they are stirring to find what they once had. They are going to come with issues and problems bigger than their sins. They will come like the prodigal son in our familiar story only wanting to be close to the house of God. They are not certain that they are welcome. Sin has broken their self-image to the point that they are not sure that God can love them. We must show them an experience like the father in our story gave to his wayward son. These prodigals know what they walked away from. They will be looking for what they left. We must make sure that we have not left the things that they are coming back to. In our text, Jesus paints a picture of what they should find when they get here. The bible says that the father saw the son when he was a great way off. This implies that the father was looking for. The father had hope and anticipation that his son would return. He had prepared for that moment. He told the servant to get the fatted calf. That implies that they had been holding and preparing that animal for the son’s eventual return. Are we prepared for the revival that God is sending us? Everything we do should be in preparation for what God is sending us. Are we really ready for who God is going to send? We have to welcome them all, even the ones that may have caused problems. We must be willing to set aside history and replace it with His Story. The truth is that many of us do not deserve to be here, but we are. Those that are coming need to be here just as desperately as we do. God has given this church a great promise. Bro. Hughes asks if we are ready to receive that which God has prepared. Our text is known as the parable of the prodigal son. The truth is, that it should be known as the parable of the loving father. The… Mark Hughes 2780 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21482549/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_arewereadyfortheprodigalsretur/id/3376893.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21482549 Are We Ready For The Prodigal’s Return? Thu, 31 Oct 2019 02:45:24 +0000 Mark Hughes We live in troubling times. We do not need to be intimidated by our times, but we must know how to live in what Paul calls this present evil world. Paul had a close connection to the Galatian church. He was concerned about a spirit pushing the adherence to the Mosaic law. He was worried about the attack that was coming against the faith of the new believers. Paul determined that the best was to set the record straight, was to go straight to the record. Paul begins his letter not by railing against what was happening, but by harkening back to the fundamentals of their belief. He begins by talking about grace. Grace is undeserved generosity from God. We cannot do anything to earn or deserve grace, but God gives it to us freely. Next, Paul reminds them of the peace that God brought them. What a blessing it is to have God’s peace every day. Paul prayed for a release of the blessing and peace of God in their life. The answer to combating the spirit of this age is the acceptance of God’s grace and peace. We live in troubling times. We do not need to be intimidated by our times, but we must know how to live in what Paul calls this present evil world. Paul had a close connection to the Galatian church. He was concerned about a spirit pushing the adherence to the Mosaic law. He was worried about the attack that was coming against the faith of the new believers. Paul determined that the best was to set the record straight, was to go straight to the record. Paul begins his letter not by railing against what was happening, but by harkening back to the fundamentals of their belief. He begins by talking about grace. Grace is undeserved generosity from God. We cannot do anything to earn or deserve grace, but God gives it to us freely. Next, Paul reminds them of the peace that God brought them. What a blessing it is to have God’s peace every day. Paul prayed for a release of the blessing and peace of God in their life. The answer to combating the spirit of this age is the acceptance of God’s grace and peace. We live in troubling times. We do not need to be intimidated by our times, but we must know how to live in what Paul calls this present evil world. Paul had a close connection to the Galatian church. He was concerned about a spirit pushing the adheren… Mark Hughes 2178 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21479616/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theanswertothespiritofthisage/id/900603.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21479616 The Answer to the Spirit of This Age Thu, 31 Oct 2019 02:45:24 +0000 Mark Hughes We live in troubling times. We do not need to be intimidated by our times, but we must know how to live in what Paul calls this present evil world. Paul had a close connection to the Galatian church. He was concerned about a spirit pushing the adherence to the Mosaic law. He was worried about the attack that was coming against the faith of the new believers. Paul determined that the best was to set the record straight, was to go straight to the record. Paul begins his letter not by railing against what was happening, but by harkening back to the fundamentals of their belief. He begins by talking about grace. Grace is undeserved generosity from God. We cannot do anything to earn or deserve grace, but God gives it to us freely. Next, Paul reminds them of the peace that God brought them. What a blessing it is to have God’s peace every day. Paul prayed for a release of the blessing and peace of God in their life. The answer to combating the spirit of this age is the acceptance of God’s grace and peace. We live in troubling times. We do not need to be intimidated by our times, but we must know how to live in what Paul calls this present evil world. Paul had a close connection to the Galatian church. He was concerned about a spirit pushing the adherence to the Mosaic law. He was worried about the attack that was coming against the faith of the new believers. Paul determined that the best was to set the record straight, was to go straight to the record. Paul begins his letter not by railing against what was happening, but by harkening back to the fundamentals of their belief. He begins by talking about grace. Grace is undeserved generosity from God. We cannot do anything to earn or deserve grace, but God gives it to us freely. Next, Paul reminds them of the peace that God brought them. What a blessing it is to have God’s peace every day. Paul prayed for a release of the blessing and peace of God in their life. The answer to combating the spirit of this age is the acceptance of God’s grace and peace. We live in troubling times. We do not need to be intimidated by our times, but we must know how to live in what Paul calls this present evil world. Paul had a close connection to the Galatian church. He was concerned about a spirit pushing the adheren… Mark Hughes 2178 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21479616/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theanswertothespiritofthisage/id/3374097.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21479616 The Answer to the Spirit of This Age Mon, 28 Oct 2019 03:36:00 +0000 Landon Long In our story, everyone knew that the girl was dead. We can only imagine what Jairus experienced in the course of this story. He goes to find Jesus to help his dying daughter. Jesus agrees to go, but along the way, they are delayed by the woman with the issue of blood. After Jesus helps her, word comes that his daughter was dead. Jesus tells him to fear not, and they continue their journey to his home. Jesus tells them that she is not dead but only sleeping. All there knew, she was dead and mocked Jesus for saying that she only slept. When God gets involved, it does not matter what we know, because God is not limited by what we know. When Jesus shows up on the scene, what we know does not matter. What matters is what Jesus can do. Education and experience are not a waste of time, but sometimes we have to put aside what we know and trust in God’s word. When we know Him, then everything else will fall into place. In our story, everyone knew that the girl was dead. We can only imagine what Jairus experienced in the course of this story. He goes to find Jesus to help his dying daughter. Jesus agrees to go, but along the way, they are delayed by the woman with the issue of blood. After Jesus helps her, word comes that his daughter was dead. Jesus tells him to fear not, and they continue their journey to his home. Jesus tells them that she is not dead but only sleeping. All there knew, she was dead and mocked Jesus for saying that she only slept. When God gets involved, it does not matter what we know, because God is not limited by what we know. When Jesus shows up on the scene, what we know does not matter. What matters is what Jesus can do. Education and experience are not a waste of time, but sometimes we have to put aside what we know and trust in God’s word. When we know Him, then everything else will fall into place. In our story, everyone knew that the girl was dead. We can only imagine what Jairus experienced in the course of this story. He goes to find Jesus to help his dying daughter. Jesus agrees to go, but along the way, they are delayed by the woman with the… Landon Long 1887 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21477981/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_whenwhatiknowdoesntmatter/id/900178.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21477981 Scripture: Luke 8:51-8:56 Mon, 28 Oct 2019 03:36:00 +0000 Landon Long In our story, everyone knew that the girl was dead. We can only imagine what Jairus experienced in the course of this story. He goes to find Jesus to help his dying daughter. Jesus agrees to go, but along the way, they are delayed by the woman with the issue of blood. After Jesus helps her, word comes that his daughter was dead. Jesus tells him to fear not, and they continue their journey to his home. Jesus tells them that she is not dead but only sleeping. All there knew, she was dead and mocked Jesus for saying that she only slept. When God gets involved, it does not matter what we know, because God is not limited by what we know. When Jesus shows up on the scene, what we know does not matter. What matters is what Jesus can do. Education and experience are not a waste of time, but sometimes we have to put aside what we know and trust in God’s word. When we know Him, then everything else will fall into place. In our story, everyone knew that the girl was dead. We can only imagine what Jairus experienced in the course of this story. He goes to find Jesus to help his dying daughter. Jesus agrees to go, but along the way, they are delayed by the woman with the issue of blood. After Jesus helps her, word comes that his daughter was dead. Jesus tells him to fear not, and they continue their journey to his home. Jesus tells them that she is not dead but only sleeping. All there knew, she was dead and mocked Jesus for saying that she only slept. When God gets involved, it does not matter what we know, because God is not limited by what we know. When Jesus shows up on the scene, what we know does not matter. What matters is what Jesus can do. Education and experience are not a waste of time, but sometimes we have to put aside what we know and trust in God’s word. When we know Him, then everything else will fall into place. In our story, everyone knew that the girl was dead. We can only imagine what Jairus experienced in the course of this story. He goes to find Jesus to help his dying daughter. Jesus agrees to go, but along the way, they are delayed by the woman with the… Landon Long 1887 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21477981/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenwhatiknowdoesntmatter/id/3372482.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21477981 Scripture: Luke 8:51-8:56 Sun, 27 Oct 2019 20:49:00 +0000 Stephen Judd Today Rev. Stephen and Sis. Emma Judd from Tupelo Children’s Mansion minister to the congregation. The enemy wants to steal from us, but not our things. He has no need for our physical things, but He wants our spiritual things. The devil attacks our minds to cause us to question our beliefs and values. The bible says that the devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy. It all starts with stealing. The devil wants to take our love for the Lord. Was there a time that we loved God more than we do now? If so, the devil has begun to steal that from us. The church at Ephesus did many things right, but the bible said that “I have one thing against you, you have left your first love.” They had full heads, busy hands, but empty hearts. Satan steals that hot ember of devotion. If he can cause us to become complacent and not excited about the kingdom of God, he has accomplished his goal. God’s intention is that we stay on fire for Him. Some started with a dream and a calling. But over time, that fire died down because the devil stole it. The enemy loves to take away from us the gifts that God has given us. The devil will attack our marriages and our families. The devil wants to steal our faith. Our text from 1 Samuel is a story of faith about when something precious is stolen. The enemy stole all that David’s men held dear while they are on the battlefield serving God. They are heartbroken and angered by the thought that their wives and children were gone. Their first action was to consider stoning David. The bible says that David encouraged himself in the Lord. He did not look internally, or to self-help books, but he looked to the Lord. No matter how low it is, or how bad it is, God able to encourage. David went first to God. God told David to go after the enemy. He did and God provided a great victory. They recovered it all. Today Rev. Stephen and Sis. Emma Judd from Tupelo Children’s Mansion minister to the congregation. The enemy wants to steal from us, but not our things. He has no need for our physical things, but He wants our spiritual things. The devil attacks our minds to cause us to question our beliefs and values. The bible says that the devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy. It all starts with stealing. The devil wants to take our love for the Lord. Was there a time that we loved God more than we do now? If so, the devil has begun to steal that from us. The church at Ephesus did many things right, but the bible said that “I have one thing against you, you have left your first love.” They had full heads, busy hands, but empty hearts. Satan steals that hot ember of devotion. If he can cause us to become complacent and not excited about the kingdom of God, he has accomplished his goal. God’s intention is that we stay on fire for Him. Some started with a dream and a calling. But over time, that fire died down because the devil stole it. The enemy loves to take away from us the gifts that God has given us. The devil will attack our marriages and our families. The devil wants to steal our faith. Our text from 1 Samuel is a story of faith about when something precious is stolen. The enemy stole all that David’s men held dear while they are on the battlefield serving God. They are heartbroken and angered by the thought that their wives and children were gone. Their first action was to consider stoning David. The bible says that David encouraged himself in the Lord. He did not look internally, or to self-help books, but he looked to the Lord. No matter how low it is, or how bad it is, God able to encourage. David went first to God. God told David to go after the enemy. He did and God provided a great victory. They recovered it all. Today Rev. Stephen and Sis. Emma Judd from Tupelo Children’s Mansion minister to the congregation. The enemy wants to steal from us, but not our things. He has no need for our physical things, but He wants our spiritual things. The devil attacks ou… Stephen Judd 3162 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21477597/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_recoveringitall/id/900084.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21477597 Scripture: John 10:10, 1 Samuel 30:1-30:19 Sun, 27 Oct 2019 20:49:00 +0000 Stephen Judd Today Rev. Stephen and Sis. Emma Judd from Tupelo Children’s Mansion minister to the congregation. The enemy wants to steal from us, but not our things. He has no need for our physical things, but He wants our spiritual things. The devil attacks our minds to cause us to question our beliefs and values. The bible says that the devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy. It all starts with stealing. The devil wants to take our love for the Lord. Was there a time that we loved God more than we do now? If so, the devil has begun to steal that from us. The church at Ephesus did many things right, but the bible said that “I have one thing against you, you have left your first love.” They had full heads, busy hands, but empty hearts. Satan steals that hot ember of devotion. If he can cause us to become complacent and not excited about the kingdom of God, he has accomplished his goal. God’s intention is that we stay on fire for Him. Some started with a dream and a calling. But over time, that fire died down because the devil stole it. The enemy loves to take away from us the gifts that God has given us. The devil will attack our marriages and our families. The devil wants to steal our faith. Our text from 1 Samuel is a story of faith about when something precious is stolen. The enemy stole all that David’s men held dear while they are on the battlefield serving God. They are heartbroken and angered by the thought that their wives and children were gone. Their first action was to consider stoning David. The bible says that David encouraged himself in the Lord. He did not look internally, or to self-help books, but he looked to the Lord. No matter how low it is, or how bad it is, God able to encourage. David went first to God. God told David to go after the enemy. He did and God provided a great victory. They recovered it all. Today Rev. Stephen and Sis. Emma Judd from Tupelo Children’s Mansion minister to the congregation. The enemy wants to steal from us, but not our things. He has no need for our physical things, but He wants our spiritual things. The devil attacks our minds to cause us to question our beliefs and values. The bible says that the devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy. It all starts with stealing. The devil wants to take our love for the Lord. Was there a time that we loved God more than we do now? If so, the devil has begun to steal that from us. The church at Ephesus did many things right, but the bible said that “I have one thing against you, you have left your first love.” They had full heads, busy hands, but empty hearts. Satan steals that hot ember of devotion. If he can cause us to become complacent and not excited about the kingdom of God, he has accomplished his goal. God’s intention is that we stay on fire for Him. Some started with a dream and a calling. But over time, that fire died down because the devil stole it. The enemy loves to take away from us the gifts that God has given us. The devil will attack our marriages and our families. The devil wants to steal our faith. Our text from 1 Samuel is a story of faith about when something precious is stolen. The enemy stole all that David’s men held dear while they are on the battlefield serving God. They are heartbroken and angered by the thought that their wives and children were gone. Their first action was to consider stoning David. The bible says that David encouraged himself in the Lord. He did not look internally, or to self-help books, but he looked to the Lord. No matter how low it is, or how bad it is, God able to encourage. David went first to God. God told David to go after the enemy. He did and God provided a great victory. They recovered it all. Today Rev. Stephen and Sis. Emma Judd from Tupelo Children’s Mansion minister to the congregation. The enemy wants to steal from us, but not our things. He has no need for our physical things, but He wants our spiritual things. The devil attacks ou… Stephen Judd 3162 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21477597/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_recoveringitall/id/3372153.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21477597 Scripture: John 10:10, 1 Samuel 30:1-30:19 Thu, 24 Oct 2019 03:34:33 +0000 James Hughes Matthew's account of the sermon on the mount occurs in one place in his gospel. Luke and Mark record multiple instances of this message and different locations. The language Matthew uses indicates that Jesus preached this sermon on numerous occasions. The accounts of Jesus’ life recorded in the bible only describe twenty-eight days. Given that Luke records five times of Jesus teaching this message, It is possible that, in three years, Jesus preached this message 40-50 times. It was that important. Jesus likened whoever hears these things and do them to a wise man. If we listen and do, we are wise. If we listen and do not do, we are fools. We must be doers. Dr. Hughes digs into the parable about the house built on sand and the house built on rock and provides a different perspective on the way that this story is usually taught. The house built on sand represents taking the easy path while building on the rock takes more effort. The result is obvious. Taking the easy way leads to destruction, while the more difficult way leads to reward. Matthew's account of the sermon on the mount occurs in one place in his gospel. Luke and Mark record multiple instances of this message and different locations. The language Matthew uses indicates that Jesus preached this sermon on numerous occasions. The accounts of Jesus’ life recorded in the bible only describe twenty-eight days. Given that Luke records five times of Jesus teaching this message, It is possible that, in three years, Jesus preached this message 40-50 times. It was that important. Jesus likened whoever hears these things and do them to a wise man. If we listen and do, we are wise. If we listen and do not do, we are fools. We must be doers. Dr. Hughes digs into the parable about the house built on sand and the house built on rock and provides a different perspective on the way that this story is usually taught. The house built on sand represents taking the easy path while building on the rock takes more effort. The result is obvious. Taking the easy way leads to destruction, while the more difficult way leads to reward. Matthew's account of the sermon on the mount occurs in one place in his gospel. Luke and Mark record multiple instances of this message and different locations. The language Matthew uses indicates that Jesus preached this sermon on numerous occasions… James Hughes 2782 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21475709/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_theconclusionofthesermononthem/id/899483.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21475709 Scripture: Matthew 7:1-7:4, Matthew 7:21-7:29 Thu, 24 Oct 2019 03:34:33 +0000 James Hughes Matthew's account of the sermon on the mount occurs in one place in his gospel. Luke and Mark record multiple instances of this message and different locations. The language Matthew uses indicates that Jesus preached this sermon on numerous occasions. The accounts of Jesus’ life recorded in the bible only describe twenty-eight days. Given that Luke records five times of Jesus teaching this message, It is possible that, in three years, Jesus preached this message 40-50 times. It was that important. Jesus likened whoever hears these things and do them to a wise man. If we listen and do, we are wise. If we listen and do not do, we are fools. We must be doers. Dr. Hughes digs into the parable about the house built on sand and the house built on rock and provides a different perspective on the way that this story is usually taught. The house built on sand represents taking the easy path while building on the rock takes more effort. The result is obvious. Taking the easy way leads to destruction, while the more difficult way leads to reward. Matthew's account of the sermon on the mount occurs in one place in his gospel. Luke and Mark record multiple instances of this message and different locations. The language Matthew uses indicates that Jesus preached this sermon on numerous occasions. The accounts of Jesus’ life recorded in the bible only describe twenty-eight days. Given that Luke records five times of Jesus teaching this message, It is possible that, in three years, Jesus preached this message 40-50 times. It was that important. Jesus likened whoever hears these things and do them to a wise man. If we listen and do, we are wise. If we listen and do not do, we are fools. We must be doers. Dr. Hughes digs into the parable about the house built on sand and the house built on rock and provides a different perspective on the way that this story is usually taught. The house built on sand represents taking the easy path while building on the rock takes more effort. The result is obvious. Taking the easy way leads to destruction, while the more difficult way leads to reward. Matthew's account of the sermon on the mount occurs in one place in his gospel. Luke and Mark record multiple instances of this message and different locations. The language Matthew uses indicates that Jesus preached this sermon on numerous occasions… James Hughes 2782 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21475709/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theconclusionofthesermononthem/id/3370334.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21475709 Scripture: Matthew 7:1-7:4, Matthew 7:21-7:29 Mon, 21 Oct 2019 02:13:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Greater Life Church Greater Life Church Greater Life Church… Mark Hughes 1461 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21501318/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_thecrisisofhiscoming/id/906411.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21501318 The Crisis of His Coming Mon, 21 Oct 2019 02:13:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Greater Life Church Greater Life Church Greater Life Church… Mark Hughes 1461 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21501318/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thecrisisofhiscoming/id/3394898.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21501318 The Crisis of His Coming Thu, 17 Oct 2019 03:05:58 +0000 Mark Hughes Bro. Hughes continues his series from he Sermon on the Mount. In our text tonight, Jesus states that he is the fulfillment of the law. Jesus said that not one jot or tiddle would pass from the law. What He said is in contradiction to what He did. The law that Jesus talked about was very different from the law that religious leaders talked about. They meant the scribal and oral law that had been passed from generation to generation. It had grown so large that it took books to explain the explanations. The law as the Jews knew it were rules. The original law that Jesus referenced were principles. The Pharisees took the original principles and devised rules to address every possible action that could take place. For instance, the original law said to keep the Sabbath. That became interpreted that no work could be done. That leads to having to define work. Once work was defined, they had to define a burden, because carrying a burden was work. The simple act of writing was determined to be work. By the time Jesus came along, the original ten commandments had become the Mishnah that, if it were written in English, it would be 800 pages. The Pharisee’s service to God was keeping these thousands of rules and regulations as if they were life and death. They had forgotten the most important part of that God had originally given them. So when Jesus said that no part of the law would pass, He took them back to the original law. The ten commandments can be boiled down to two words: Reverence and Respect. The reverence of God, God’s purpose, and God’s gifts. Respect for property, truth, fellow man, and self. These two things are the two foundations on which all laws must be based. Humans are good at keeping rules but not having a relationship. When we elevate rules above relationships, we have created a monster. When Israel elevated the rules to the status of being a law, they removed the relationship that the original law intended. Jesus did not come to cause a conflict between the old and the new, he came to show what those rules that had been interpreted should look like. The real law does not begin on the outside, it begins on the inside. Bro. Hughes continues his series from he Sermon on the Mount. In our text tonight, Jesus states that he is the fulfillment of the law. Jesus said that not one jot or tiddle would pass from the law. What He said is in contradiction to what He did. The law that Jesus talked about was very different from the law that religious leaders talked about. They meant the scribal and oral law that had been passed from generation to generation. It had grown so large that it took books to explain the explanations. The law as the Jews knew it were rules. The original law that Jesus referenced were principles. The Pharisees took the original principles and devised rules to address every possible action that could take place. For instance, the original law said to keep the Sabbath. That became interpreted that no work could be done. That leads to having to define work. Once work was defined, they had to define a burden, because carrying a burden was work. The simple act of writing was determined to be work. By the time Jesus came along, the original ten commandments had become the Mishnah that, if it were written in English, it would be 800 pages. The Pharisee’s service to God was keeping these thousands of rules and regulations as if they were life and death. They had forgotten the most important part of that God had originally given them. So when Jesus said that no part of the law would pass, He took them back to the original law. The ten commandments can be boiled down to two words: Reverence and Respect. The reverence of God, God’s purpose, and God’s gifts. Respect for property, truth, fellow man, and self. These two things are the two foundations on which all laws must be based. Humans are good at keeping rules but not having a relationship. When we elevate rules above relationships, we have created a monster. When Israel elevated the rules to the status of being a law, they removed the relationship that the original law intended. Jesus did not come to cause a conflict between the old and the new, he came to show what those rules that had been interpreted should look like. The real law does not begin on the outside, it begins on the inside. Bro. Hughes continues his series from he Sermon on the Mount. In our text tonight, Jesus states that he is the fulfillment of the law. Jesus said that not one jot or tiddle would pass from the law. What He said is in contradiction to what He did. T… Mark Hughes 3097 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21471845/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_kingdomprinciplesparttwo/id/898432.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21471845 Series: Kingdom Principles Part#2 Thu, 17 Oct 2019 03:05:58 +0000 Mark Hughes Bro. Hughes continues his series from he Sermon on the Mount. In our text tonight, Jesus states that he is the fulfillment of the law. Jesus said that not one jot or tiddle would pass from the law. What He said is in contradiction to what He did. The law that Jesus talked about was very different from the law that religious leaders talked about. They meant the scribal and oral law that had been passed from generation to generation. It had grown so large that it took books to explain the explanations. The law as the Jews knew it were rules. The original law that Jesus referenced were principles. The Pharisees took the original principles and devised rules to address every possible action that could take place. For instance, the original law said to keep the Sabbath. That became interpreted that no work could be done. That leads to having to define work. Once work was defined, they had to define a burden, because carrying a burden was work. The simple act of writing was determined to be work. By the time Jesus came along, the original ten commandments had become the Mishnah that, if it were written in English, it would be 800 pages. The Pharisee’s service to God was keeping these thousands of rules and regulations as if they were life and death. They had forgotten the most important part of that God had originally given them. So when Jesus said that no part of the law would pass, He took them back to the original law. The ten commandments can be boiled down to two words: Reverence and Respect. The reverence of God, God’s purpose, and God’s gifts. Respect for property, truth, fellow man, and self. These two things are the two foundations on which all laws must be based. Humans are good at keeping rules but not having a relationship. When we elevate rules above relationships, we have created a monster. When Israel elevated the rules to the status of being a law, they removed the relationship that the original law intended. Jesus did not come to cause a conflict between the old and the new, he came to show what those rules that had been interpreted should look like. The real law does not begin on the outside, it begins on the inside. Bro. Hughes continues his series from he Sermon on the Mount. In our text tonight, Jesus states that he is the fulfillment of the law. Jesus said that not one jot or tiddle would pass from the law. What He said is in contradiction to what He did. The law that Jesus talked about was very different from the law that religious leaders talked about. They meant the scribal and oral law that had been passed from generation to generation. It had grown so large that it took books to explain the explanations. The law as the Jews knew it were rules. The original law that Jesus referenced were principles. The Pharisees took the original principles and devised rules to address every possible action that could take place. For instance, the original law said to keep the Sabbath. That became interpreted that no work could be done. That leads to having to define work. Once work was defined, they had to define a burden, because carrying a burden was work. The simple act of writing was determined to be work. By the time Jesus came along, the original ten commandments had become the Mishnah that, if it were written in English, it would be 800 pages. The Pharisee’s service to God was keeping these thousands of rules and regulations as if they were life and death. They had forgotten the most important part of that God had originally given them. So when Jesus said that no part of the law would pass, He took them back to the original law. The ten commandments can be boiled down to two words: Reverence and Respect. The reverence of God, God’s purpose, and God’s gifts. Respect for property, truth, fellow man, and self. These two things are the two foundations on which all laws must be based. Humans are good at keeping rules but not having a relationship. When we elevate rules above relationships, we have created a monster. When Israel elevated the rules to the status of being a law, they removed the relationship that the original law intended. Jesus did not come to cause a conflict between the old and the new, he came to show what those rules that had been interpreted should look like. The real law does not begin on the outside, it begins on the inside. Bro. Hughes continues his series from he Sermon on the Mount. In our text tonight, Jesus states that he is the fulfillment of the law. Jesus said that not one jot or tiddle would pass from the law. What He said is in contradiction to what He did. T… Mark Hughes 3097 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21471845/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_kingdomprinciplesparttwo/id/3366612.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21471845 Series: Kingdom Principles Part#2 Mon, 14 Oct 2019 02:58:36 +0000 Mark Hughes Most people want to feel like the matter. At some point, we all wonder if our hurts, our wants, and our efforts are noticed. More than that, we want to know if God knows; if God cares. Our text contains a great truth. It reveals an insight into the very nature of God. In teaching this lesson, Jesus does not reference a scripture but appeals to the natural human emotions of relationships. He asks about responding to our children’s needs and safety, about helping a lost animal. The lesson is trying to make a connection between His world and our world. It is hard for us to understand how much God loves us. It is difficult for us to comprehend that God has such care and love for His creation. We should not be afraid to bring our needs to Him but to come boldly to ask for help in times of need. As parents, we do not mock our children’s needs. We do our best to meet that need. So it is, with God. He does not mock our needs, but to meet those needs. We are often our own worst enemy. We put ourselves down and beat ourselves up over our mistakes. God understands these mistakes and wants to help us get past them. As humans, we know how to take care of those that we love. If we do that, how much more will God take care of His creation? God will not mock or ridicule but will pour out His mercy and grace. God does not want to leave us in our failure. He loves us enough to reach out and help us up. Why is it that we doubt God’s love? Why is it that we think that God’s love does not apply to us? For the soul that needs Him, for the one who has wandered away, His love is there. No one cares for us like Jesus. We cannot imagine not doing something to help those that we love. If we as sinners feel that way, how much more will God help us? Most people want to feel like the matter. At some point, we all wonder if our hurts, our wants, and our efforts are noticed. More than that, we want to know if God knows; if God cares. Our text contains a great truth. It reveals an insight into the very nature of God. In teaching this lesson, Jesus does not reference a scripture but appeals to the natural human emotions of relationships. He asks about responding to our children’s needs and safety, about helping a lost animal. The lesson is trying to make a connection between His world and our world. It is hard for us to understand how much God loves us. It is difficult for us to comprehend that God has such care and love for His creation. We should not be afraid to bring our needs to Him but to come boldly to ask for help in times of need. As parents, we do not mock our children’s needs. We do our best to meet that need. So it is, with God. He does not mock our needs, but to meet those needs. We are often our own worst enemy. We put ourselves down and beat ourselves up over our mistakes. God understands these mistakes and wants to help us get past them. As humans, we know how to take care of those that we love. If we do that, how much more will God take care of His creation? God will not mock or ridicule but will pour out His mercy and grace. God does not want to leave us in our failure. He loves us enough to reach out and help us up. Why is it that we doubt God’s love? Why is it that we think that God’s love does not apply to us? For the soul that needs Him, for the one who has wandered away, His love is there. No one cares for us like Jesus. We cannot imagine not doing something to help those that we love. If we as sinners feel that way, how much more will God help us? Most people want to feel like the matter. At some point, we all wonder if our hurts, our wants, and our efforts are noticed. More than that, we want to know if God knows; if God cares. Our text contains a great truth. It reveals an insight into the ver… Mark Hughes 1955 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21470202/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_howmuchmore/id/898038.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21470202 How Much More Mon, 14 Oct 2019 02:58:36 +0000 Mark Hughes Most people want to feel like the matter. At some point, we all wonder if our hurts, our wants, and our efforts are noticed. More than that, we want to know if God knows; if God cares. Our text contains a great truth. It reveals an insight into the very nature of God. In teaching this lesson, Jesus does not reference a scripture but appeals to the natural human emotions of relationships. He asks about responding to our children’s needs and safety, about helping a lost animal. The lesson is trying to make a connection between His world and our world. It is hard for us to understand how much God loves us. It is difficult for us to comprehend that God has such care and love for His creation. We should not be afraid to bring our needs to Him but to come boldly to ask for help in times of need. As parents, we do not mock our children’s needs. We do our best to meet that need. So it is, with God. He does not mock our needs, but to meet those needs. We are often our own worst enemy. We put ourselves down and beat ourselves up over our mistakes. God understands these mistakes and wants to help us get past them. As humans, we know how to take care of those that we love. If we do that, how much more will God take care of His creation? God will not mock or ridicule but will pour out His mercy and grace. God does not want to leave us in our failure. He loves us enough to reach out and help us up. Why is it that we doubt God’s love? Why is it that we think that God’s love does not apply to us? For the soul that needs Him, for the one who has wandered away, His love is there. No one cares for us like Jesus. We cannot imagine not doing something to help those that we love. If we as sinners feel that way, how much more will God help us? Most people want to feel like the matter. At some point, we all wonder if our hurts, our wants, and our efforts are noticed. More than that, we want to know if God knows; if God cares. Our text contains a great truth. It reveals an insight into the very nature of God. In teaching this lesson, Jesus does not reference a scripture but appeals to the natural human emotions of relationships. He asks about responding to our children’s needs and safety, about helping a lost animal. The lesson is trying to make a connection between His world and our world. It is hard for us to understand how much God loves us. It is difficult for us to comprehend that God has such care and love for His creation. We should not be afraid to bring our needs to Him but to come boldly to ask for help in times of need. As parents, we do not mock our children’s needs. We do our best to meet that need. So it is, with God. He does not mock our needs, but to meet those needs. We are often our own worst enemy. We put ourselves down and beat ourselves up over our mistakes. God understands these mistakes and wants to help us get past them. As humans, we know how to take care of those that we love. If we do that, how much more will God take care of His creation? God will not mock or ridicule but will pour out His mercy and grace. God does not want to leave us in our failure. He loves us enough to reach out and help us up. Why is it that we doubt God’s love? Why is it that we think that God’s love does not apply to us? For the soul that needs Him, for the one who has wandered away, His love is there. No one cares for us like Jesus. We cannot imagine not doing something to help those that we love. If we as sinners feel that way, how much more will God help us? Most people want to feel like the matter. At some point, we all wonder if our hurts, our wants, and our efforts are noticed. More than that, we want to know if God knows; if God cares. Our text contains a great truth. It reveals an insight into the ver… Mark Hughes 1955 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21470202/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howmuchmore/id/3365004.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21470202 How Much More Sun, 13 Oct 2019 19:20:40 +0000 Mark Hughes The scene that is the setting of our text, is perhaps one of the most remarkable in David’s life. He was in a very low place. He was on the run from Saul and surrounded by a band of supporters. He is in a cave that was very familiar to him. His enemy occupied a place that belonged to him. Looking out of the cave down to the well of Bethlehem, David was taken back to a time when he was in a better place. At that moment, only one thing mattered to David; the water from that well. The bible says that he longed. The site of that well triggered a long-suppressed memory in his spiritual life. Life had taken David far from Bethlehem, but at that moment, we nostalgia triggered a powerful desire. The words used in the bible are not just that David said something, it says that he cried out for a drink of water from that well. Would that a longing like that would be triggered in us to reach for something from God. Life has a way of pushing us along, and sometimes we need to find a moment of longing for something from God. In the midst of one of his lowest points, David realized that he needed a drink from that well. David had drunk from other wells, but he longed for a drink from that well. That well was surrounded by a garrison of soldiers, but when David cried out, God made a way to get to it. When we cry out to God, He will make a way to satisfy our soul. That same power that was with David is with us. If we will open our mouth and cry out, God will make a way. Life can become distorted and convoluted. The enemy will lie and try to cloud our thoughts. When we have that moment of clarity and call out to HIm, he will make a way. The scene that is the setting of our text, is perhaps one of the most remarkable in David’s life. He was in a very low place. He was on the run from Saul and surrounded by a band of supporters. He is in a cave that was very familiar to him. His enemy occupied a place that belonged to him. Looking out of the cave down to the well of Bethlehem, David was taken back to a time when he was in a better place. At that moment, only one thing mattered to David; the water from that well. The bible says that he longed. The site of that well triggered a long-suppressed memory in his spiritual life. Life had taken David far from Bethlehem, but at that moment, we nostalgia triggered a powerful desire. The words used in the bible are not just that David said something, it says that he cried out for a drink of water from that well. Would that a longing like that would be triggered in us to reach for something from God. Life has a way of pushing us along, and sometimes we need to find a moment of longing for something from God. In the midst of one of his lowest points, David realized that he needed a drink from that well. David had drunk from other wells, but he longed for a drink from that well. That well was surrounded by a garrison of soldiers, but when David cried out, God made a way to get to it. When we cry out to God, He will make a way to satisfy our soul. That same power that was with David is with us. If we will open our mouth and cry out, God will make a way. Life can become distorted and convoluted. The enemy will lie and try to cloud our thoughts. When we have that moment of clarity and call out to HIm, he will make a way. The scene that is the setting of our text, is perhaps one of the most remarkable in David’s life. He was in a very low place. He was on the run from Saul and surrounded by a band of supporters. He is in a cave that was very familiar to him. His ene… Mark Hughes 1926 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21469804/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_asoulslonging/id/897913.mp4 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21469804 Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:14-23:16 Sun, 13 Oct 2019 19:20:40 +0000 Mark Hughes The scene that is the setting of our text, is perhaps one of the most remarkable in David’s life. He was in a very low place. He was on the run from Saul and surrounded by a band of supporters. He is in a cave that was very familiar to him. His enemy occupied a place that belonged to him. Looking out of the cave down to the well of Bethlehem, David was taken back to a time when he was in a better place. At that moment, only one thing mattered to David; the water from that well. The bible says that he longed. The site of that well triggered a long-suppressed memory in his spiritual life. Life had taken David far from Bethlehem, but at that moment, we nostalgia triggered a powerful desire. The words used in the bible are not just that David said something, it says that he cried out for a drink of water from that well. Would that a longing like that would be triggered in us to reach for something from God. Life has a way of pushing us along, and sometimes we need to find a moment of longing for something from God. In the midst of one of his lowest points, David realized that he needed a drink from that well. David had drunk from other wells, but he longed for a drink from that well. That well was surrounded by a garrison of soldiers, but when David cried out, God made a way to get to it. When we cry out to God, He will make a way to satisfy our soul. That same power that was with David is with us. If we will open our mouth and cry out, God will make a way. Life can become distorted and convoluted. The enemy will lie and try to cloud our thoughts. When we have that moment of clarity and call out to HIm, he will make a way. The scene that is the setting of our text, is perhaps one of the most remarkable in David’s life. He was in a very low place. He was on the run from Saul and surrounded by a band of supporters. He is in a cave that was very familiar to him. His enemy occupied a place that belonged to him. Looking out of the cave down to the well of Bethlehem, David was taken back to a time when he was in a better place. At that moment, only one thing mattered to David; the water from that well. The bible says that he longed. The site of that well triggered a long-suppressed memory in his spiritual life. Life had taken David far from Bethlehem, but at that moment, we nostalgia triggered a powerful desire. The words used in the bible are not just that David said something, it says that he cried out for a drink of water from that well. Would that a longing like that would be triggered in us to reach for something from God. Life has a way of pushing us along, and sometimes we need to find a moment of longing for something from God. In the midst of one of his lowest points, David realized that he needed a drink from that well. David had drunk from other wells, but he longed for a drink from that well. That well was surrounded by a garrison of soldiers, but when David cried out, God made a way to get to it. When we cry out to God, He will make a way to satisfy our soul. That same power that was with David is with us. If we will open our mouth and cry out, God will make a way. Life can become distorted and convoluted. The enemy will lie and try to cloud our thoughts. When we have that moment of clarity and call out to HIm, he will make a way. The scene that is the setting of our text, is perhaps one of the most remarkable in David’s life. He was in a very low place. He was on the run from Saul and surrounded by a band of supporters. He is in a cave that was very familiar to him. His ene… Mark Hughes 1926 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21469804/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_asoulslonging/id/3364584.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21469804 Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:14-23:16 Sun, 13 Oct 2019 19:20:40 +0000 Mark Hughes The scene that is the setting of our text, is perhaps one of the most remarkable in David’s life. He was in a very low place. He was on the run from Saul and surrounded by a band of supporters. He is in a cave that was very familiar to him. His enemy occupied a place that belonged to him. Looking out of the cave down to the well of Bethlehem, David was taken back to a time when he was in a better place. At that moment, only one thing mattered to David; the water from that well. The bible says that he longed. The site of that well triggered a long-suppressed memory in his spiritual life. Life had taken David far from Bethlehem, but at that moment, we nostalgia triggered a powerful desire. The words used in the bible are not just that David said something, it says that he cried out for a drink of water from that well. Would that a longing like that would be triggered in us to reach for something from God. Life has a way of pushing us along, and sometimes we need to find a moment of longing for something from God. In the midst of one of his lowest points, David realized that he needed a drink from that well. David had drunk from other wells, but he longed for a drink from that well. That well was surrounded by a garrison of soldiers, but when David cried out, God made a way to get to it. When we cry out to God, He will make a way to satisfy our soul. That same power that was with David is with us. If we will open our mouth and cry out, God will make a way. Life can become distorted and convoluted. The enemy will lie and try to cloud our thoughts. When we have that moment of clarity and call out to HIm, he will make a way. The scene that is the setting of our text, is perhaps one of the most remarkable in David’s life. He was in a very low place. He was on the run from Saul and surrounded by a band of supporters. He is in a cave that was very familiar to him. His enemy occupied a place that belonged to him. Looking out of the cave down to the well of Bethlehem, David was taken back to a time when he was in a better place. At that moment, only one thing mattered to David; the water from that well. The bible says that he longed. The site of that well triggered a long-suppressed memory in his spiritual life. Life had taken David far from Bethlehem, but at that moment, we nostalgia triggered a powerful desire. The words used in the bible are not just that David said something, it says that he cried out for a drink of water from that well. Would that a longing like that would be triggered in us to reach for something from God. Life has a way of pushing us along, and sometimes we need to find a moment of longing for something from God. In the midst of one of his lowest points, David realized that he needed a drink from that well. David had drunk from other wells, but he longed for a drink from that well. That well was surrounded by a garrison of soldiers, but when David cried out, God made a way to get to it. When we cry out to God, He will make a way to satisfy our soul. That same power that was with David is with us. If we will open our mouth and cry out, God will make a way. Life can become distorted and convoluted. The enemy will lie and try to cloud our thoughts. When we have that moment of clarity and call out to HIm, he will make a way. The scene that is the setting of our text, is perhaps one of the most remarkable in David’s life. He was in a very low place. He was on the run from Saul and surrounded by a band of supporters. He is in a cave that was very familiar to him. His ene… Mark Hughes 1890 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21469765/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_asoulslonging/id/3364524.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21469765 A Soul’s Longing Thu, 10 Oct 2019 02:43:02 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is known as the beatitudes. It is a compendium of His doctrine. Some believe that when Jesus went into this setting, he was there for a week or more. Luke’s telling of these events is spread out across the whole book, while Matthew condenses these events from Jesus’ ministry and compiled them in chapters five, six, and seven of his gospel. The principles spoken here are a picture of what it is to live for God. Every aspect of life and living are discussed in these three chapters. Brother Hughes outlines the principles found in these chapters and sets the stage for a series of Wednesday night lessons on Kingdom Principles. Our text is known as the beatitudes. It is a compendium of His doctrine. Some believe that when Jesus went into this setting, he was there for a week or more. Luke’s telling of these events is spread out across the whole book, while Matthew condenses these events from Jesus’ ministry and compiled them in chapters five, six, and seven of his gospel. The principles spoken here are a picture of what it is to live for God. Every aspect of life and living are discussed in these three chapters. Brother Hughes outlines the principles found in these chapters and sets the stage for a series of Wednesday night lessons on Kingdom Principles. Our text is known as the beatitudes. It is a compendium of His doctrine. Some believe that when Jesus went into this setting, he was there for a week or more. Luke’s telling of these events is spread out across the whole book, while Matthew condense… Mark Hughes 2809 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21467706/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_kingdomprinciplesintroduction/id/3362660.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21467706 Series: Kingdom Principles Part#1 Sun, 06 Oct 2019 20:32:40 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is a great message of hope. God has equipped us to move forward from where we are with what we have. God wants to give us the fresh opportunity of a new beginning today. He wants us to know that that is unquestionably possible to do that today. Third, God wants to remind us that there are enemies of that possibility. The biggest enemy is our own mind that recalls all the times before we have tried and failed. In our text, Joshua stands at the bank of the Jordan river looking at the promised land. He had been here before forty years ago, but could only look. Now he is standing looking at a promise that is about to be delivered. There would be physical issues to occupy the land, but today the greatest challenge Israel faced was their own fear and doubt. In preparation for their move into their new beginning, God gives words of encouragement and words of warning. Joshua had an entire generation of people who were the descendants of the generation that had failed some forty years before. This new generation faced the same problem as the old one. They had to deal with the reality of what is. That keeps many people trapped in their situation. Joshua’s current reality was that Moses was dead. He now had to lead his people without the leadership on which he had depended for so long. God lets Joshua know that even though Moses was gone, His purpose was still the same. God gives words of encouragement in His Promise, His Words, and His presence. Three times God encourages Joshua. This encouragement was also a warning. It was a warning to be aware of their weaknesses and the area where they are the most vulnerable. Three times, He says Be Strong, and of Good Courage. In doing this, God also let them know about two things that could stop us from moving forward and embracing our future. God tells Joshua: Be not afraid, neither dismayed. These two things are the greatest obstacles to realizing a new beginning. Both will work on our spirit and our mind. While Israel was in Egypt their enemy was around them. When the fled and crossed the red sea, their enemy was behind them. When they came to the Jordan the first time, their enemy was in front of them. On this day, their enemy was inside their own head. The greatest enemy of spiritual progress is not the people around us, our background, or our circumstances, it is in our own head. The word afraid speaks of harassment of the mind. Our minds will talk us out of a blessing by paralyzing us in fear. Living for God does not mean an absence of challenges. God's words to Joshua to be strong and courageous apply to us today. We may not feel up to the challenge, but if we were not, God would not have brought us to this place. The very fact that Israel was on the bank of the Jordan that day, was a testament to HIs promise. If they were not ready, He would not have brought them there. Moses was gone, but God had equipped Joshua to continue. Israel was ready to move into its promise that day. And God was ready to deliver. It’s Moving Day. Our text is a great message of hope. God has equipped us to move forward from where we are with what we have. God wants to give us the fresh opportunity of a new beginning today. He wants us to know that that is unquestionably possible to do that today. Third, God wants to remind us that there are enemies of that possibility. The biggest enemy is our own mind that recalls all the times before we have tried and failed. In our text, Joshua stands at the bank of the Jordan river looking at the promised land. He had been here before forty years ago, but could only look. Now he is standing looking at a promise that is about to be delivered. There would be physical issues to occupy the land, but today the greatest challenge Israel faced was their own fear and doubt. In preparation for their move into their new beginning, God gives words of encouragement and words of warning. Joshua had an entire generation of people who were the descendants of the generation that had failed some forty years before. This new generation faced the same problem as the old one. They had to deal with the reality of what is. That keeps many people trapped in their situation. Joshua’s current reality was that Moses was dead. He now had to lead his people without the leadership on which he had depended for so long. God lets Joshua know that even though Moses was gone, His purpose was still the same. God gives words of encouragement in His Promise, His Words, and His presence. Three times God encourages Joshua. This encouragement was also a warning. It was a warning to be aware of their weaknesses and the area where they are the most vulnerable. Three times, He says Be Strong, and of Good Courage. In doing this, God also let them know about two things that could stop us from moving forward and embracing our future. God tells Joshua: Be not afraid, neither dismayed. These two things are the greatest obstacles to realizing a new beginning. Both will work on our spirit and our mind. While Israel was in Egypt their enemy was around them. When the fled and crossed the red sea, their enemy was behind them. When they came to the Jordan the first time, their enemy was in front of them. On this day, their enemy was inside their own head. The greatest enemy of spiritual progress is not the people around us, our background, or our circumstances, it is in our own head. The word afraid speaks of harassment of the mind. Our minds will talk us out of a blessing by paralyzing us in fear. Living for God does not mean an absence of challenges. God's words to Joshua to be strong and courageous apply to us today. We may not feel up to the challenge, but if we were not, God would not have brought us to this place. The very fact that Israel was on the bank of the Jordan that day, was a testament to HIs promise. If they were not ready, He would not have brought them there. Moses was gone, but God had equipped Joshua to continue. Israel was ready to move into its promise that day. And God was ready to deliver. It’s Moving Day. Our text is a great message of hope. God has equipped us to move forward from where we are with what we have. God wants to give us the fresh opportunity of a new beginning today. He wants us to know that that is unquestionably possible to do that to… Mark Hughes 2552 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21465746/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itsmovingday/id/3360733.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21465746 It’s Moving Day Thu, 03 Oct 2019 02:42:49 +0000 Mark Hughes If we were to have had the choice, most of us would not have chosen many of the paths we have taken in life. We would have preferred a less dark or rocky path. This hindsight is not a luxury that we have. Life often happens on dark and rocky roads. Paul knew his way. He knew the hardships that awaited him in Jerusalem. He said, “I go bound.” We are also bound to things in life. We cannot escape the suffering, heartache, and pain that life will bring. Despite what was ahead of him, Paul was going to to to Jerusalem. “None of those things move me.” Nothing was going to change who he was and deter him from his mission. Paul shows us how to face the known and the unknown. Paul was not perplexed by what was ahead of him because he knew who was ahead of him. When He got to Jerusalem, it did not matter how much people hated him, because Paul knew how much God loved him. Bro. Hughes makes several observations drawn from tonight’s text that will allow us to finish with joy. If we were to have had the choice, most of us would not have chosen many of the paths we have taken in life. We would have preferred a less dark or rocky path. This hindsight is not a luxury that we have. Life often happens on dark and rocky roads. Paul knew his way. He knew the hardships that awaited him in Jerusalem. He said, “I go bound.” We are also bound to things in life. We cannot escape the suffering, heartache, and pain that life will bring. Despite what was ahead of him, Paul was going to to to Jerusalem. “None of those things move me.” Nothing was going to change who he was and deter him from his mission. Paul shows us how to face the known and the unknown. Paul was not perplexed by what was ahead of him because he knew who was ahead of him. When He got to Jerusalem, it did not matter how much people hated him, because Paul knew how much God loved him. Bro. Hughes makes several observations drawn from tonight’s text that will allow us to finish with joy. If we were to have had the choice, most of us would not have chosen many of the paths we have taken in life. We would have preferred a less dark or rocky path. This hindsight is not a luxury that we have. Life often happens on dark and rocky roads. … Mark Hughes 2406 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21463656/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_finishingwithoy/id/3358795.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21463656 Finishing With Joy Mon, 30 Sep 2019 03:04:48 +0000 Landon Long In biblical times, oxen were the primary tools of agriculture. Oxen are not pretty. They are large, strong, and messy. To have the benefit, we have to live with the mess. If we want to harvest revival, we have to live with the mess. We cannot reap the harvest without the mess of the oxen. The cost of a clean stable is the loss of the harvest. In biblical times, oxen were the primary tools of agriculture. Oxen are not pretty. They are large, strong, and messy. To have the benefit, we have to live with the mess. If we want to harvest revival, we have to live with the mess. We cannot reap the harvest without the mess of the oxen. The cost of a clean stable is the loss of the harvest. In biblical times, oxen were the primary tools of agriculture. Oxen are not pretty. They are large, strong, and messy. To have the benefit, we have to live with the mess. If we want to harvest revival, we have to live with the mess. We cannot reap… Landon Long 1837 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21462146/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thecostofacleanstable/id/3357315.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21462146 The Cost Of A Clean Stable Mon, 30 Sep 2019 01:56:08 +0000 Landon Long Wait is a word that we despise. No one likes to wait. We want what we want, and we want it now. It is even more frustrating when we do not know the time of the wait. Not knowing how or when is frustrating to our flesh. Waiting is painful, but it is not the wait that is painful. It is the humanity of our flesh in the waiting that is the problem. The word wait, or some form of it, occurs in the bible many more times than we realize. Our Inpatients is triggered when we have a goal, but it will cost much more than we anticipated to realize it. We do not want to go through the work, but we want the results that the work will yield. This waiting can cause us to change our goals, or our path to get there. Things were not happening the way that Abram and Sarah thought they would, so they tried to work it out on their own. That decision changed the course of the world, and not necessarily in a good way. God does not need our help in the process. If He does, He will let us know. We like the results, but we do not like the process to get there. God has a pace and a process that we do not understand. There is a reason for the waiting. The bible tells us that He is prepared a place for us. The place is prepared, but He is preparing us to receive that place. The waiting is necessary for Him to prepare us for His blessing. If we are not hearing from the Lord right now, it is likely because it is not time for Him to speak. His silence speaks volumes that we need to trust Him and wait until He does speak. God used the wilderness to prove the children of Israel. It was a testing place to demonstrate that He was enough and that they would trust Him. Israel perceived the waiting as punishment and they complained about the process. God used forty years of wandering in the wilderness to prove them and prepare them to take the promised land. The wilderness is not a place of exile, it is a place where He leads us while He works on us. Job, Moses, and Abraham all had to deal with the waiting in a wilderness. It took Noah 120 years to build the ark. Jacob had to wait fourteen years for Leah. David did not become king the day that he was anointed. Joseph had to wait many years between the dream and Pharo’s house. We are tired of waiting for the promise. We expect God to work on our timeframe. God is not punishing us by keeping us waiting. The weight of the wait is heavy, but it is necessary to prepare us for the blessing that He has promised. Wait is a word that we despise. No one likes to wait. We want what we want, and we want it now. It is even more frustrating when we do not know the time of the wait. Not knowing how or when is frustrating to our flesh. Waiting is painful, but it is not the wait that is painful. It is the humanity of our flesh in the waiting that is the problem. The word wait, or some form of it, occurs in the bible many more times than we realize. Our Inpatients is triggered when we have a goal, but it will cost much more than we anticipated to realize it. We do not want to go through the work, but we want the results that the work will yield. This waiting can cause us to change our goals, or our path to get there. Things were not happening the way that Abram and Sarah thought they would, so they tried to work it out on their own. That decision changed the course of the world, and not necessarily in a good way. God does not need our help in the process. If He does, He will let us know. We like the results, but we do not like the process to get there. God has a pace and a process that we do not understand. There is a reason for the waiting. The bible tells us that He is prepared a place for us. The place is prepared, but He is preparing us to receive that place. The waiting is necessary for Him to prepare us for His blessing. If we are not hearing from the Lord right now, it is likely because it is not time for Him to speak. His silence speaks volumes that we need to trust Him and wait until He does speak. God used the wilderness to prove the children of Israel. It was a testing place to demonstrate that He was enough and that they would trust Him. Israel perceived the waiting as punishment and they complained about the process. God used forty years of wandering in the wilderness to prove them and prepare them to take the promised land. The wilderness is not a place of exile, it is a place where He leads us while He works on us. Job, Moses, and Abraham all had to deal with the waiting in a wilderness. It took Noah 120 years to build the ark. Jacob had to wait fourteen years for Leah. David did not become king the day that he was anointed. Joseph had to wait many years between the dream and Pharo’s house. We are tired of waiting for the promise. We expect God to work on our timeframe. God is not punishing us by keeping us waiting. The weight of the wait is heavy, but it is necessary to prepare us for the blessing that He has promised. Wait is a word that we despise. No one likes to wait. We want what we want, and we want it now. It is even more frustrating when we do not know the time of the wait. Not knowing how or when is frustrating to our flesh. Waiting is painful, but it i… Landon Long 2199 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21462100/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theweightofthewait/id/3357271.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21462100 Scripture: Exodus 23:20-23:29 Tue, 24 Sep 2019 01:08:42 +0000 Mark Hughes To be used by God is one of the greatest blessings that any man could receive. We say that we want to be used, but few understand the process that results in us being useful to God. The miracle of the loaves and fishes is told in all the gospels. That God could do so much with so little is so illustrative of how He uses things for His glory. All they had was a boy’s lunch that was five loaves and two small fish. Jesus used what they had. Even though it was so little, it was enough in His hands. The disciples knew that it was not enough, but they brought it anyway. How many of us say that we do not have enough? Many do not offer what they have, because they do not believe it is sufficient. None of us are adequate, but God uses what we have to serve his purpose. If the boy had not given his lunch, there would have been no miracle. God cannot bless what we do not give to Him. When we get to the place where we yield to Him, He will bless us. The bible says Jesus broke the bread. It had to be broken to be a blessing. For God to use us, we have to be broken. When we are willing to be broken and submit to God’s process, we position ourselves to be used for His glory. Nothing feels blessed when it is being broken, but it is the brokenness that leads to the blessing. If we cannot be broken, we cannot be used by God. We do not understand God’s process. We believe that if we are broken, we cannot be used, but it is just the opposite. There is a blessing in the brokenness. To be used by God is one of the greatest blessings that any man could receive. We say that we want to be used, but few understand the process that results in us being useful to God. The miracle of the loaves and fishes is told in all the gospels. That God could do so much with so little is so illustrative of how He uses things for His glory. All they had was a boy’s lunch that was five loaves and two small fish. Jesus used what they had. Even though it was so little, it was enough in His hands. The disciples knew that it was not enough, but they brought it anyway. How many of us say that we do not have enough? Many do not offer what they have, because they do not believe it is sufficient. None of us are adequate, but God uses what we have to serve his purpose. If the boy had not given his lunch, there would have been no miracle. God cannot bless what we do not give to Him. When we get to the place where we yield to Him, He will bless us. The bible says Jesus broke the bread. It had to be broken to be a blessing. For God to use us, we have to be broken. When we are willing to be broken and submit to God’s process, we position ourselves to be used for His glory. Nothing feels blessed when it is being broken, but it is the brokenness that leads to the blessing. If we cannot be broken, we cannot be used by God. We do not understand God’s process. We believe that if we are broken, we cannot be used, but it is just the opposite. There is a blessing in the brokenness. To be used by God is one of the greatest blessings that any man could receive. We say that we want to be used, but few understand the process that results in us being useful to God. The miracle of the loaves and fishes is told in all the gospels. Th… Mark Hughes 2094 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21458984/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theblessingofbrokenness/id/3354365.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21458984 The Blessing of Brokenness Sun, 22 Sep 2019 22:46:00 +0000 Mark Hughes It is easy for us to lose our bearing and direction in life. We are affected and confronted by so much, that we make mistakes and choices that complicate life even more. Everyday life has a way of causing questions to arise and can dislodge us from our comfort zone. On the road of life, we sometimes hit a pothole that causes our alignment to change. Like our cars, we have to maintain it to keep it in good working order. In God’s economy, the sanctuary is a place of maintenance. It is a place where people could recover from spiritual potholes and mistakes. The sanctuary is a place to regain balance and allow us to become centered again. Troubles in life can push to make decisions and go in directions that we which we had not done. Abraham was called and was obedient, but still found himself in a place of famine. He had gotten in trouble with Pharo, but our text tells us that He knew where he needed to go to get straightened out. He went to the alter to get re-centered. The psalmist who penned our text today found himself in struggles while wicked people were blessed. He began to question why. It is easy to begin to make poor decisions to allow things in our life that should not be there. The psalmist found resolution when he went into the sanctuary of the Lord. There he experienced a great calm, and he had a revelation of his path. The took his eyes off the present moment and placed them on God’s vision. We need a place of centering where we can regain our balance. We need to return to the centering place. It is easy for us to lose our bearing and direction in life. We are affected and confronted by so much, that we make mistakes and choices that complicate life even more. Everyday life has a way of causing questions to arise and can dislodge us from our comfort zone. On the road of life, we sometimes hit a pothole that causes our alignment to change. Like our cars, we have to maintain it to keep it in good working order. In God’s economy, the sanctuary is a place of maintenance. It is a place where people could recover from spiritual potholes and mistakes. The sanctuary is a place to regain balance and allow us to become centered again. Troubles in life can push to make decisions and go in directions that we which we had not done. Abraham was called and was obedient, but still found himself in a place of famine. He had gotten in trouble with Pharo, but our text tells us that He knew where he needed to go to get straightened out. He went to the alter to get re-centered. The psalmist who penned our text today found himself in struggles while wicked people were blessed. He began to question why. It is easy to begin to make poor decisions to allow things in our life that should not be there. The psalmist found resolution when he went into the sanctuary of the Lord. There he experienced a great calm, and he had a revelation of his path. The took his eyes off the present moment and placed them on God’s vision. We need a place of centering where we can regain our balance. We need to return to the centering place. It is easy for us to lose our bearing and direction in life. We are affected and confronted by so much, that we make mistakes and choices that complicate life even more. Everyday life has a way of causing questions to arise and can dislodge us from o… Mark Hughes 2403 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21458940/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thecenteringplace/id/3354316.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21458940 Scripture: Genesis 13:1-13:4, Psalms 73:15-73:17, John 10:40 Sun, 15 Sep 2019 19:34:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text today is a foreshadowing of the gospel message. It defines the transforming power of God’s spirit in our lives. It is a passage of hope and a prophecy of better things to come. It declares an everlasting truth: that when God is our lives, there is a transforming power that is not found anywhere else. Isiah talks about thorns. This is a reminder to the result of the fall in the garden. Isiah mentions thorns. Thorns are difficult and painful. Our text says thorns would be replaced by something good. When we desire change, we make adjustments and alterations, but they do not work. We cut things out, but that does not solve the problem; they grow back. The changes we make do not result in the right outcome because the right thing did not change. The text does not say that he digs up the thorns and plants the myrtle or fir tree. The scripture says instead. Thorns are indigenous to the soil of life. This scripture tells us that the SOIL of life will change. If we can let God change the soil of our life, joy will replace pain, hurt, frustration. Real change happens in the soil, in the nature of life. God can change the circumstances, but unless we change, those changed circumstances will still result in frustration. All the self-help books will not result in real change. We have to yield to God and let Him change us. A physical change does not always result in spiritual transformation, but spiritual change will always result in physical change. We have to be changed from the inside out. That is where real change happens. Our text today is a foreshadowing of the gospel message. It defines the transforming power of God’s spirit in our lives. It is a passage of hope and a prophecy of better things to come. It declares an everlasting truth: that when God is our lives, there is a transforming power that is not found anywhere else. Isiah talks about thorns. This is a reminder to the result of the fall in the garden. Isiah mentions thorns. Thorns are difficult and painful. Our text says thorns would be replaced by something good. When we desire change, we make adjustments and alterations, but they do not work. We cut things out, but that does not solve the problem; they grow back. The changes we make do not result in the right outcome because the right thing did not change. The text does not say that he digs up the thorns and plants the myrtle or fir tree. The scripture says instead. Thorns are indigenous to the soil of life. This scripture tells us that the SOIL of life will change. If we can let God change the soil of our life, joy will replace pain, hurt, frustration. Real change happens in the soil, in the nature of life. God can change the circumstances, but unless we change, those changed circumstances will still result in frustration. All the self-help books will not result in real change. We have to yield to God and let Him change us. A physical change does not always result in spiritual transformation, but spiritual change will always result in physical change. We have to be changed from the inside out. That is where real change happens. Our text today is a foreshadowing of the gospel message. It defines the transforming power of God’s spirit in our lives. It is a passage of hope and a prophecy of better things to come. It declares an everlasting truth: that when God is our lives, … Mark Hughes 1749 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21453630/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whererealchangehappens/id/3349372.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21453630 Scripture: Isaiah 55:12-55:13 Thu, 12 Sep 2019 03:30:00 +0000 James Hughes The sermon on the mount is the subject of many sermons. Matthew’s recording lets us know that this message was not a single occurrence. The Greek word taught that is used, is continuous action. The illustration of building a house that Jesus uses is powerful. The difference between the two houses is the foundation on which it is built. The illustration of the rock and the sand is often portrayed as the rock being stronger. Dr. Hughes points out that sand is actually more stable than rock, but the true difference is sand’s location. Sand is in the lowlands, or by the seashore. The rock on which one of the men built his house, was actually a tall cliff. The house on the sand is in the lowlands. When the storms of life come, the house in the lowlands can become overwhelmed. The choice to build a house on the sand in the lowlands is convenience. It takes more effort to build a house in the high rock, but that man never has to worry about the storms of life flooding his house. The choice to build the house in the lowlands is based on it being easier. It takes the minimum effort. When the man built his house with minimum effort, he chose how much chaos he could live with. He allowed minimums to define his life. That same concept has crept into our culture. We have learned to take the easy path, and similarly choose how much chaos we can live with. When we are hearers of the word, but not doers of the word, we start trying to figure out the easiest way to get by. We are blessed with great preaching in our church, but if all we do is hear that preaching, but do not put it into practice, we will only find chaos. This was such an issue in Jesus’ time, he repeated the sermon on the mount message at least five times, and perhaps many more. When we start accepting minimums in life, we begin to accept lower standards, and can easily become spiritually lazy. The bible is clear that by doing the minimum, we invite chaos into our lives. When the storms of life come along, the man with minimum standards can easily be washed away. The sermon on the mount is the subject of many sermons. Matthew’s recording lets us know that this message was not a single occurrence. The Greek word taught that is used, is continuous action. The illustration of building a house that Jesus uses is powerful. The difference between the two houses is the foundation on which it is built. The illustration of the rock and the sand is often portrayed as the rock being stronger. Dr. Hughes points out that sand is actually more stable than rock, but the true difference is sand’s location. Sand is in the lowlands, or by the seashore. The rock on which one of the men built his house, was actually a tall cliff. The house on the sand is in the lowlands. When the storms of life come, the house in the lowlands can become overwhelmed. The choice to build a house on the sand in the lowlands is convenience. It takes more effort to build a house in the high rock, but that man never has to worry about the storms of life flooding his house. The choice to build the house in the lowlands is based on it being easier. It takes the minimum effort. When the man built his house with minimum effort, he chose how much chaos he could live with. He allowed minimums to define his life. That same concept has crept into our culture. We have learned to take the easy path, and similarly choose how much chaos we can live with. When we are hearers of the word, but not doers of the word, we start trying to figure out the easiest way to get by. We are blessed with great preaching in our church, but if all we do is hear that preaching, but do not put it into practice, we will only find chaos. This was such an issue in Jesus’ time, he repeated the sermon on the mount message at least five times, and perhaps many more. When we start accepting minimums in life, we begin to accept lower standards, and can easily become spiritually lazy. The bible is clear that by doing the minimum, we invite chaos into our lives. When the storms of life come along, the man with minimum standards can easily be washed away. The sermon on the mount is the subject of many sermons. Matthew’s recording lets us know that this message was not a single occurrence. The Greek word taught that is used, is continuous action. The illustration of building a house that Jesus uses is… James Hughes 3181 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21452234/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_minimums/id/3348095.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21452234 Scripture: Matthew 7:24-7:29 Mon, 09 Sep 2019 02:17:00 +0000 Landon Long Our text says that the stuff they had was enough. Another translation says that they had more than enough. No matter the situation we may be in, God has given us enough to see it through. Some feel like what we have to offer has no value. The boy with the five barley loaves and two small fish must have thought he did not have anything to offer, but in the hands of Jesus, it was more than enough. The bible also says they had enough stuff to do the work, but in addition to that, they used their skills. We have enough for the job, but now it is time to use it for the kingdom of God. Just having the net does not catch fish. Just having the hammer, does not build the building. There must be workers who will put their hand to the plow and work for the kingdom of God. Coming with gifting and talent is fine, but it must be put to use to make a difference. The stuff we’ve got is sufficient, and we must use that stuff to use to further the kingdom of God. Our text says that the stuff they had was enough. Another translation says that they had more than enough. No matter the situation we may be in, God has given us enough to see it through. Some feel like what we have to offer has no value. The boy with the five barley loaves and two small fish must have thought he did not have anything to offer, but in the hands of Jesus, it was more than enough. The bible also says they had enough stuff to do the work, but in addition to that, they used their skills. We have enough for the job, but now it is time to use it for the kingdom of God. Just having the net does not catch fish. Just having the hammer, does not build the building. There must be workers who will put their hand to the plow and work for the kingdom of God. Coming with gifting and talent is fine, but it must be put to use to make a difference. The stuff we’ve got is sufficient, and we must use that stuff to use to further the kingdom of God. Our text says that the stuff they had was enough. Another translation says that they had more than enough. No matter the situation we may be in, God has given us enough to see it through. Some feel like what we have to offer has no value. The boy w… Landon Long 2359 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21449922/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thestuffwevegotissufficient/id/3345890.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21449922 Scripture: Exodus 36:1-36:7 Sun, 08 Sep 2019 19:25:00 +0000 Mark Hughes At first glance, our texts this morning seem to be disconnected. However, if we discover what the people in our text discovered, life would be forever changed. Each of these people had problems; something difficult in their lives to deal with: Empty nets, withered limbs, and even death itself. In all of these cases, their problems defined them. Their lives were greatly affected by what was wrong with them. In each of these cases, Jesus challenged their problems and issues. It is what he spoke to these people that changed their situations from what it was, to an overflowing abundance. The words indicate a beginning or starting point. No matter what had come before, they would experience a new day. With His words, each of these people received a new outlook on life. With His words, He moved them beyond past mistakes, past limitations, and even past death itself. He challenged them to change their way of thinking, acting, and living. For too many of us, we focus on what has been. We are held back by what we have known before. With His words, He moves past impossibility and hopelessness. He sets aside what has been, and opens what can be. In each of these situations, there were a thousand voices saying why it would not work, but there was one voice that was saying what could be! He challenged these people to question their doubts, fears, and limitations and have the courage to believe that, with God, nothing is impossible. Jesus wants to change our thinking. In most of these cases, the people offered a response about what did not work, or how they had failed. Jesus did not look back on what didn’t work but looked forward to a new reality. When God deals with us, He does not deal with us looking backward. When we look forward, we see a new us. He is trying to get us to see past the bed of misery we are laying in to see a vision of ourselves that is not held captive by that bed. God is more interested in what can be that what has been. Jesus does not want us to live a life of constantly looking back at mistakes, failures and shortcomings. Jesus wants to challenge us to change. At first glance, our texts this morning seem to be disconnected. However, if we discover what the people in our text discovered, life would be forever changed. Each of these people had problems; something difficult in their lives to deal with: Empty nets, withered limbs, and even death itself. In all of these cases, their problems defined them. Their lives were greatly affected by what was wrong with them. In each of these cases, Jesus challenged their problems and issues. It is what he spoke to these people that changed their situations from what it was, to an overflowing abundance. The words indicate a beginning or starting point. No matter what had come before, they would experience a new day. With His words, each of these people received a new outlook on life. With His words, He moved them beyond past mistakes, past limitations, and even past death itself. He challenged them to change their way of thinking, acting, and living. For too many of us, we focus on what has been. We are held back by what we have known before. With His words, He moves past impossibility and hopelessness. He sets aside what has been, and opens what can be. In each of these situations, there were a thousand voices saying why it would not work, but there was one voice that was saying what could be! He challenged these people to question their doubts, fears, and limitations and have the courage to believe that, with God, nothing is impossible. Jesus wants to change our thinking. In most of these cases, the people offered a response about what did not work, or how they had failed. Jesus did not look back on what didn’t work but looked forward to a new reality. When God deals with us, He does not deal with us looking backward. When we look forward, we see a new us. He is trying to get us to see past the bed of misery we are laying in to see a vision of ourselves that is not held captive by that bed. God is more interested in what can be that what has been. Jesus does not want us to live a life of constantly looking back at mistakes, failures and shortcomings. Jesus wants to challenge us to change. At first glance, our texts this morning seem to be disconnected. However, if we discover what the people in our text discovered, life would be forever changed. Each of these people had problems; something difficult in their lives to deal with: Empty… Mark Hughes 1960 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21449429/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_challengedtochange/id/3345405.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21449429 Scripture: Luke 5:4-5:24, Luke 6:6-6:10, Luke 7:12-7:13 Sun, 01 Sep 2019 19:57:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Verse 17 of our text says “My Father worketh hitherto.” That is present tense. God IS working in our lives. God is active. In the ancient Greek's view, Gods lived far away and were not concerned about the affairs of men. That is not the biblical view of our God. Our God is ever-present in times of trouble and will always work. He is both immanent and transcendent. He is everywhere, and He is right here. God is working even now. God knows exactly where we are and what we need. The Pharisees and Sadducees believed in a God who created the world in seven days and then rested. The problem is that they believed that He rested from everything. The truth is that His work continued. There are no holidays with God; He is constantly working. The devil is extremely busy, but even with all the efforts of him and his minions, they cannot outdo what God has orchestrated. He is here right now to help with our problems and address our needs. That is Life’s Great Assurance. Verse 17 of our text says “My Father worketh hitherto.” That is present tense. God IS working in our lives. God is active. In the ancient Greek's view, Gods lived far away and were not concerned about the affairs of men. That is not the biblical view of our God. Our God is ever-present in times of trouble and will always work. He is both immanent and transcendent. He is everywhere, and He is right here. God is working even now. God knows exactly where we are and what we need. The Pharisees and Sadducees believed in a God who created the world in seven days and then rested. The problem is that they believed that He rested from everything. The truth is that His work continued. There are no holidays with God; He is constantly working. The devil is extremely busy, but even with all the efforts of him and his minions, they cannot outdo what God has orchestrated. He is here right now to help with our problems and address our needs. That is Life’s Great Assurance. Verse 17 of our text says “My Father worketh hitherto.” That is present tense. God IS working in our lives. God is active. In the ancient Greek's view, Gods lived far away and were not concerned about the affairs of men. That is not the biblical v… Mark Hughes 1561 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21445821/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lifesgreatassurance/id/3341955.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21445821 Scripture: John 5:15-5:18 Thu, 29 Aug 2019 14:14:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Dr. Hughes teaches from the story of Jesus speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well. As Jesus talks to this woman He knew about her background, but He treated her with respect and honor. Jesus tells her true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth. In order to worship in truth, we have to strive to be like Jesus. To do that, we have to understand the nature of Jesus. Only by being like Jesus can we be true worshipers. Dr. Hughes teaches from the story of Jesus speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well. As Jesus talks to this woman He knew about her background, but He treated her with respect and honor. Jesus tells her true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth. In order to worship in truth, we have to strive to be like Jesus. To do that, we have to understand the nature of Jesus. Only by being like Jesus can we be true worshipers. Dr. Hughes teaches from the story of Jesus speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well. As Jesus talks to this woman He knew about her background, but He treated her with respect and honor. Jesus tells her true worshippers shall worship the Father in… Kenneth Baker 3460 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21444039/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_trueworship/id/3340309.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21444039 True Worship Mon, 26 Aug 2019 02:03:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The lives of Israel was defined by the laws that God passed down during their passage from Egypt and their wanderings in the desert. One of the laws handed down dealt with land ownership. Land ownership was established by the placement of a physical landmark. These landmarks served as a reference point for the boundaries of the property, and therefore the ownership. These reference points could easily be moved by someone who was trying to be dishonest. At times during their journey, God commanded the Israelites to erect a landmark at places that He wanted them to remember. The placement and location of these memorials were important. Our text is plain that someone who moved a landmark was to be cursed. We live in a time when old, established landmarks are being torn down. We have seen a gradual erosion of principles of life that have resulted in a society in chaos. God intended for us to understand the importance and purpose of boundaries. God’s boundaries are protection, not a hindrance. God’s landmarks are unchanging. They are a point of reference. When we see a landmark, we must know that it is there for a reason. The bible is clear, that a landmark is important. Landmarks tell a story of victories won, deliverances given, and blessings bestowed. We live in a culture that is doing everything that it can to erase the landmarks that God has established. We must remember the value of a landmark. The lives of Israel was defined by the laws that God passed down during their passage from Egypt and their wanderings in the desert. One of the laws handed down dealt with land ownership. Land ownership was established by the placement of a physical landmark. These landmarks served as a reference point for the boundaries of the property, and therefore the ownership. These reference points could easily be moved by someone who was trying to be dishonest. At times during their journey, God commanded the Israelites to erect a landmark at places that He wanted them to remember. The placement and location of these memorials were important. Our text is plain that someone who moved a landmark was to be cursed. We live in a time when old, established landmarks are being torn down. We have seen a gradual erosion of principles of life that have resulted in a society in chaos. God intended for us to understand the importance and purpose of boundaries. God’s boundaries are protection, not a hindrance. God’s landmarks are unchanging. They are a point of reference. When we see a landmark, we must know that it is there for a reason. The bible is clear, that a landmark is important. Landmarks tell a story of victories won, deliverances given, and blessings bestowed. We live in a culture that is doing everything that it can to erase the landmarks that God has established. We must remember the value of a landmark. The lives of Israel was defined by the laws that God passed down during their passage from Egypt and their wanderings in the desert. One of the laws handed down dealt with land ownership. Land ownership was established by the placement of a physical … Mark Hughes 3148 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21442350/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thevalueofalandmark/id/3338684.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21442350 Scripture: Deuteronomy 19:14-19, Deuteronomy 27:17-27, Proverbs 22:28-22 Sun, 25 Aug 2019 19:38:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text tells us that Abraham accepted God’s invitation to travel by faith into a new land. This journey and what sustained him became the cornerstone of the new testament believer's life. Abraham is known as the father of the faithful. In verse four we see where faith begins. In verse five we learn about the character of faith. Beginning in verse seven we see what it is like to live a life of faith. Saying that we live by faith is entirely different than actually living by faith. It is this working out of faith with which we struggle. Living by faith sometimes puts us to the test. When we live by faith, sometimes we have to live without other things. By definition, living by faith means not knowing. Faith can only be exercised in the element of the unknown or unseen. We question things that we do not understand, but it is often the process of God exercising our faith. This is where life tries to challenge our beliefs and questions our passion. It is in these moments that we struggle with doubt because we do not understand what we feel like we should understand. The story of Abraham is a picture of what walking with God really looks like. Sometimes we have to live with silence. Sometimes we have to live through a season of barrenness. Abraham’s life was changed forever by one conversation with God. He received a word of great blessing and a long lineage. Abraham begins with a spirit of obedience. The promises that God spoke into Abraham’s life were so unbelievable, but the bible says that Abraham was not staggered by them. If God said it, He can do it. God already sees the end. God calls us something before He makes us something. He calls us something to help us understand our potential. Then He has to navigate us through the path to get us there. Living by faith is not knowing, but still going. Human nature does not like the unknown. Abraham embraced the promise in the midst of his trouble and adversity. The key to living by faith is in where we are looking and what we are looking for. Abraham saw a city while he was living in a tent. Living by faith is not easy, but in Abraham, we have an example of what living by faith really looks like. Our text tells us that Abraham accepted God’s invitation to travel by faith into a new land. This journey and what sustained him became the cornerstone of the new testament believer's life. Abraham is known as the father of the faithful. In verse four we see where faith begins. In verse five we learn about the character of faith. Beginning in verse seven we see what it is like to live a life of faith. Saying that we live by faith is entirely different than actually living by faith. It is this working out of faith with which we struggle. Living by faith sometimes puts us to the test. When we live by faith, sometimes we have to live without other things. By definition, living by faith means not knowing. Faith can only be exercised in the element of the unknown or unseen. We question things that we do not understand, but it is often the process of God exercising our faith. This is where life tries to challenge our beliefs and questions our passion. It is in these moments that we struggle with doubt because we do not understand what we feel like we should understand. The story of Abraham is a picture of what walking with God really looks like. Sometimes we have to live with silence. Sometimes we have to live through a season of barrenness. Abraham’s life was changed forever by one conversation with God. He received a word of great blessing and a long lineage. Abraham begins with a spirit of obedience. The promises that God spoke into Abraham’s life were so unbelievable, but the bible says that Abraham was not staggered by them. If God said it, He can do it. God already sees the end. God calls us something before He makes us something. He calls us something to help us understand our potential. Then He has to navigate us through the path to get us there. Living by faith is not knowing, but still going. Human nature does not like the unknown. Abraham embraced the promise in the midst of his trouble and adversity. The key to living by faith is in where we are looking and what we are looking for. Abraham saw a city while he was living in a tent. Living by faith is not easy, but in Abraham, we have an example of what living by faith really looks like. Our text tells us that Abraham accepted God’s invitation to travel by faith into a new land. This journey and what sustained him became the cornerstone of the new testament believer's life. Abraham is known as the father of the faithful. In verse fo… Mark Hughes 3060 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21441882/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatlivingbyfaithreallylooksli/id/3338214.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21441882 Scripture: Hebrews 11:8-11:13 Thu, 22 Aug 2019 02:49:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Paul spent his life trying to help people understand the principles and promises of God. People misunderstood his life, his ministry, and his passion for the gospel. He begins the chapter with an explanation of all of it. There were four things that Paul prayed that the Ephesian church could experience. First, he prayed that they would have an encounter that would change their life. Second, Paul prayed that they would experience the fullness of God’s power. Third, Paul wanted them to embrace the eternal purpose of God’s plan. Finally, he wanted them to enjoy the blessings that God wanted them to have. Paul spent his life trying to help people understand the principles and promises of God. People misunderstood his life, his ministry, and his passion for the gospel. He begins the chapter with an explanation of all of it. There were four things that Paul prayed that the Ephesian church could experience. First, he prayed that they would have an encounter that would change their life. Second, Paul prayed that they would experience the fullness of God’s power. Third, Paul wanted them to embrace the eternal purpose of God’s plan. Finally, he wanted them to enjoy the blessings that God wanted them to have. Paul spent his life trying to help people understand the principles and promises of God. People misunderstood his life, his ministry, and his passion for the gospel. He begins the chapter with an explanation of all of it. There were four things that… Mark Hughes 3190 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21440028/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_aprayerforyou/id/3336508.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21440028 Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-3:21 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 19:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes After spending hundreds of years in slavery, God freed the children if Israel in one night. He brought them to the border of the promised land, but because of Israel's choices, they were not able to possess the blessing that God had for them. Despite their unbelief, God protected and provided for them during their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. Out text is taken from the end of that wondering and Israel is at the border of the promised land again. Moses took time to instruct and prepare them for what would come. Moses knew that he would not be able to enter the promised land himself. The entire book of Deuteronomy is Moses’ farewell address to Israel. He tried to equip them with the wisdom and knowledge that they would need to move forward. The land had everything that they needed. Their enjoyment of these things was tied to something that only they could control. If they did not make the right choices or decisions, it would jeopardize all that God had delivered to them. He is a God who will provide and supply, but our access to those provisions are affected by the choices we make every day. Moses was trying to make the children of Israel understand that the law of God was not restrictive, but it was liberating and freeing so that they could truly enjoy the blessings He had provided. The victory and blessing of Israel were tied to their response to His covenant. The lesson of His law is this: When we appropriately respond to that law, blessings will automatically come. The bible says that if we obey HIs covenants, the blessings WILL come. The fighting of daily battles and conquering of our enemies is all wrapped up in our choice to honor God’s covenants daily. It must be a daily choice. It is not a Sunday only thing. We cannot live one way on Sunday and live contrary to that the rest of the week. If it does not govern our lives daily, then it does not matter what God has provided. If we make the wrong choice, the bible is clear, that we will not be blessed. Every day we live, we are blessing or cursing our life dependant upon the decisions and choices we make that day. We are releasing the hand of God to bless, or restricting that hand. After spending hundreds of years in slavery, God freed the children if Israel in one night. He brought them to the border of the promised land, but because of Israel's choices, they were not able to possess the blessing that God had for them. Despite their unbelief, God protected and provided for them during their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. Out text is taken from the end of that wondering and Israel is at the border of the promised land again. Moses took time to instruct and prepare them for what would come. Moses knew that he would not be able to enter the promised land himself. The entire book of Deuteronomy is Moses’ farewell address to Israel. He tried to equip them with the wisdom and knowledge that they would need to move forward. The land had everything that they needed. Their enjoyment of these things was tied to something that only they could control. If they did not make the right choices or decisions, it would jeopardize all that God had delivered to them. He is a God who will provide and supply, but our access to those provisions are affected by the choices we make every day. Moses was trying to make the children of Israel understand that the law of God was not restrictive, but it was liberating and freeing so that they could truly enjoy the blessings He had provided. The victory and blessing of Israel were tied to their response to His covenant. The lesson of His law is this: When we appropriately respond to that law, blessings will automatically come. The bible says that if we obey HIs covenants, the blessings WILL come. The fighting of daily battles and conquering of our enemies is all wrapped up in our choice to honor God’s covenants daily. It must be a daily choice. It is not a Sunday only thing. We cannot live one way on Sunday and live contrary to that the rest of the week. If it does not govern our lives daily, then it does not matter what God has provided. If we make the wrong choice, the bible is clear, that we will not be blessed. Every day we live, we are blessing or cursing our life dependant upon the decisions and choices we make that day. We are releasing the hand of God to bless, or restricting that hand. After spending hundreds of years in slavery, God freed the children if Israel in one night. He brought them to the border of the promised land, but because of Israel's choices, they were not able to possess the blessing that God had for them. Despite… Mark Hughes 2551 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21438024/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_mydestinysdilemma/id/3334559.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21438024 Scripture: Deuteronomy 27:11-27:13, Deuteronomy 28:1-28:15, Deuteronomy 27:4-27:5 Thu, 15 Aug 2019 02:40:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The water system in our community is capable of supplying millions of gallons of water per day to our residents. There is a massive supply of water available, but the size of the pipe into the house limits the amount of water we can get into our homes. If we want to get more water into the building, we must install a larger pipe. There is a spiritual parallel. God’s possibilities are immeasurable, but most of us live a life limited by the capacity we have to receive it. The problem is not whether God can do it, the problem that we no not have the capacity to receive it. Our text introduces us, Jabez. We know very little about Jabez, but what we do know is that he was more honorable than his brethren and more respected than his kin. We also know that he had some pain in his past. God singled Jabez out for a specific reason. Jabez was not satisfied being known by his past. When Jabez began to pray over his life, he didn’t dwell on his past. He concentrated on the future that God had for him. He had great faith that God, not fate rules the affairs of man. To realize the fullness of what God has for us, we must increase the pipe that connects us to Him. The only way to do that is through prayer. The water system in our community is capable of supplying millions of gallons of water per day to our residents. There is a massive supply of water available, but the size of the pipe into the house limits the amount of water we can get into our homes. If we want to get more water into the building, we must install a larger pipe. There is a spiritual parallel. God’s possibilities are immeasurable, but most of us live a life limited by the capacity we have to receive it. The problem is not whether God can do it, the problem that we no not have the capacity to receive it. Our text introduces us, Jabez. We know very little about Jabez, but what we do know is that he was more honorable than his brethren and more respected than his kin. We also know that he had some pain in his past. God singled Jabez out for a specific reason. Jabez was not satisfied being known by his past. When Jabez began to pray over his life, he didn’t dwell on his past. He concentrated on the future that God had for him. He had great faith that God, not fate rules the affairs of man. To realize the fullness of what God has for us, we must increase the pipe that connects us to Him. The only way to do that is through prayer. The water system in our community is capable of supplying millions of gallons of water per day to our residents. There is a massive supply of water available, but the size of the pipe into the house limits the amount of water we can get into our homes… Mark Hughes 2654 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21436448/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_alifeanditslesson/id/3333137.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21436448 Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:9-4:10, Isaiah 54:1-54:4 Mon, 12 Aug 2019 03:47:00 +0000 Dale Welch Intellect can only take you so far in finding God. In order to find a place or a greater place with God, we have to be drawn there by the spirit. When the spirit moves, we too often try to analyze it from a human perspective. Reason and logic have their place, but we have to be very careful in applying them to spiritual things. When we start applying logic and reason spiritual things, we run the risk of missing the purpose God has for us. On the day of Pentecost when God’s spirit was poured out, those watching asked the meaning. The upper room could not contain the spiritual movement that was happening. Those that received the Holy Ghost followed their heart out of the upper room and into the streets of Jerelesum. When the spirit moves in our heart, we have to move. Intellect can only take you so far in finding God. In order to find a place or a greater place with God, we have to be drawn there by the spirit. When the spirit moves, we too often try to analyze it from a human perspective. Reason and logic have their place, but we have to be very careful in applying them to spiritual things. When we start applying logic and reason spiritual things, we run the risk of missing the purpose God has for us. On the day of Pentecost when God’s spirit was poured out, those watching asked the meaning. The upper room could not contain the spiritual movement that was happening. Those that received the Holy Ghost followed their heart out of the upper room and into the streets of Jerelesum. When the spirit moves in our heart, we have to move. Intellect can only take you so far in finding God. In order to find a place or a greater place with God, we have to be drawn there by the spirit. When the spirit moves, we too often try to analyze it from a human perspective. Reason and logic have t… Dale Welch 1810 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21434886/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itsaheartthing/id/3331609.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21434886 Scripture: Psalms 27:8-27, Isaiah 55:6-55:9 Sun, 11 Aug 2019 19:32:00 +0000 Dale Welch God can heal our sickness. He can touch our need, and He can do it right now. He can do it as easily as He could yesterday, or that He could do tomorrow. In our text, we read desperation in the calling of blind Bartimaeus. The bible does not describe him by his name but as Blind Bartimaeus. He had become known by his problem. If we become known by our problem, we have allowed our problem to become bigger than God. It is evident of a distance from the Lord. Bartimaeus knew of Jesus. He had heard what Jesus could do and believed that if Jesus could do it for somebody else, He could do it for him. Bartimaeus was desperate, but Jesus was just as desperate to reach him. Jesus wants to touch us as badly as we want to be touched. Bartimaeus was tired of living a life filled with his troubles. The crowd tried to silence him, but he cried even louder. His right now needs, prompted a right now miracle. God can heal our sickness. He can touch our need, and He can do it right now. He can do it as easily as He could yesterday, or that He could do tomorrow. In our text, we read desperation in the calling of blind Bartimaeus. The bible does not describe him by his name but as Blind Bartimaeus. He had become known by his problem. If we become known by our problem, we have allowed our problem to become bigger than God. It is evident of a distance from the Lord. Bartimaeus knew of Jesus. He had heard what Jesus could do and believed that if Jesus could do it for somebody else, He could do it for him. Bartimaeus was desperate, but Jesus was just as desperate to reach him. Jesus wants to touch us as badly as we want to be touched. Bartimaeus was tired of living a life filled with his troubles. The crowd tried to silence him, but he cried even louder. His right now needs, prompted a right now miracle. God can heal our sickness. He can touch our need, and He can do it right now. He can do it as easily as He could yesterday, or that He could do tomorrow. In our text, we read desperation in the calling of blind Bartimaeus. The bible does not descri… Dale Welch 1040 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21434397/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_rightnow/id/3331137.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21434397 Scripture: Mark 10:45-10:52 Sun, 04 Aug 2019 19:00:00 +0000 Dale Welch Our text is the story of Jesus overturning the tables of the money changers in the temple. The Bible tells us that Jesus would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. Jesus decided to give them an object lesson that just because you carry it into the temple, does not mean you have to carry it out. Just because you come to church with a burden, does not mean that you have to leave with it. Jesus can deliver us from these burdens. As a church, we have to make it safe for people to lay down their burdens. We must create a climate of deliverance. Our text is the story of Jesus overturning the tables of the money changers in the temple. The Bible tells us that Jesus would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. Jesus decided to give them an object lesson that just because you carry it into the temple, does not mean you have to carry it out. Just because you come to church with a burden, does not mean that you have to leave with it. Jesus can deliver us from these burdens. As a church, we have to make it safe for people to lay down their burdens. We must create a climate of deliverance. Our text is the story of Jesus overturning the tables of the money changers in the temple. The Bible tells us that Jesus would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. Jesus decided to give them an object lesson that just … Dale Welch 1384 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21430485/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_creatingaclimateofdeliverance/id/3327429.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21430485 Scripture: Mark 11:11-11:19 Sun, 28 Jul 2019 19:53:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Our text is familiar to those who have been around the church for long. Paul’s words describing the communion are among the holiest we have. The description of the events of the last supper, the betrayal, and the subsequent trial and execution are core to our faith. Paul reminds us that Jesus’ description of communion occurred on the same day that Jesus would fulfill His purpose. Jesus knew as he sat with these chosen disciples that they would betray HIm, would fail Him and would deny Him. Even in the midst of this, Jesus offers them that which they did not deserve. At the moment when treachery and deceit were at its highest, Jesus broke bread and offered to each of them His body. Here is forgiveness, love, and grace in the face of great adversity. He was broken in so many ways, but at this moment, He gives them the greatest gift they could ever receive; His unmerited favor. The bread was symbolic, but He was literally offering them His body as a living sacrifice for their sin. He gave what they could not give so that they (and we) can enjoy what they do not deserve. He put His body in our hands. He gave us His best. He offers forgiveness of sin. He offers truth. Why would anyone not want to receive that? When He gave them the bread, he gave them all the forgiveness they would ever need. It was all the mercy that they would ever need. All the grace, encouragement, love, healing, strength, and help that they would ever need. He has given to us all that He is and all the power that He possesses. He did it when hatred, treachery, and deceit was at its highest. And He did it for us. He did it because we needed it. He was willing to be beaten that we might be healed. His love is stronger than our failure, and He gives it without measure. That is love's greatest offer. Our text is familiar to those who have been around the church for long. Paul’s words describing the communion are among the holiest we have. The description of the events of the last supper, the betrayal, and the subsequent trial and execution are core to our faith. Paul reminds us that Jesus’ description of communion occurred on the same day that Jesus would fulfill His purpose. Jesus knew as he sat with these chosen disciples that they would betray HIm, would fail Him and would deny Him. Even in the midst of this, Jesus offers them that which they did not deserve. At the moment when treachery and deceit were at its highest, Jesus broke bread and offered to each of them His body. Here is forgiveness, love, and grace in the face of great adversity. He was broken in so many ways, but at this moment, He gives them the greatest gift they could ever receive; His unmerited favor. The bread was symbolic, but He was literally offering them His body as a living sacrifice for their sin. He gave what they could not give so that they (and we) can enjoy what they do not deserve. He put His body in our hands. He gave us His best. He offers forgiveness of sin. He offers truth. Why would anyone not want to receive that? When He gave them the bread, he gave them all the forgiveness they would ever need. It was all the mercy that they would ever need. All the grace, encouragement, love, healing, strength, and help that they would ever need. He has given to us all that He is and all the power that He possesses. He did it when hatred, treachery, and deceit was at its highest. And He did it for us. He did it because we needed it. He was willing to be beaten that we might be healed. His love is stronger than our failure, and He gives it without measure. That is love's greatest offer. Our text is familiar to those who have been around the church for long. Paul’s words describing the communion are among the holiest we have. The description of the events of the last supper, the betrayal, and the subsequent trial and execution are cor… Kenneth Baker 2131 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21426658/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lovesgreatestoffer/id/3323814.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21426658 Love’s Greatest Offer Thu, 25 Jul 2019 02:53:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We do not often speak of the providence of God, but is evident from His word, that God provides for His people. God is always governing, guiding and providing for His people. There is a will of God that is working out in each of our lives. He is in control of everything and if we rely upon Him, He will see us through. The bible tells us that the steps of a good man are ordered. No matter where we may go, God has prepared a path for us. God is able to and WILL take care of us. There are times when God’s influence in our life is obvious. At other times, it is hard to see God in the trials and challenges in life. We easily lose sight of the very thing we need to be focused on: God is ever helping us to get to a better place. Whatever we are going through right now, God has planned an orchestrated it to put us into a place to build our faith and to confess that faith to someone else who needs to hear it in the midst of their own trial. Our text shows that the very thing that God uses to provide for us in a time of famine, could dry up. God wants us to learn not to rely on the gift, but to rely on the giver. Some people cannot hear the voice of God because of the brook. The education of our faith is incomplete until we learn that the Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. He does not take away to hurt us, but to prepare us for something better. We do not often speak of the providence of God, but is evident from His word, that God provides for His people. God is always governing, guiding and providing for His people. There is a will of God that is working out in each of our lives. He is in control of everything and if we rely upon Him, He will see us through. The bible tells us that the steps of a good man are ordered. No matter where we may go, God has prepared a path for us. God is able to and WILL take care of us. There are times when God’s influence in our life is obvious. At other times, it is hard to see God in the trials and challenges in life. We easily lose sight of the very thing we need to be focused on: God is ever helping us to get to a better place. Whatever we are going through right now, God has planned an orchestrated it to put us into a place to build our faith and to confess that faith to someone else who needs to hear it in the midst of their own trial. Our text shows that the very thing that God uses to provide for us in a time of famine, could dry up. God wants us to learn not to rely on the gift, but to rely on the giver. Some people cannot hear the voice of God because of the brook. The education of our faith is incomplete until we learn that the Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. He does not take away to hurt us, but to prepare us for something better. We do not often speak of the providence of God, but is evident from His word, that God provides for His people. God is always governing, guiding and providing for His people. There is a will of God that is working out in each of our lives. He is in … Mark Hughes 3308 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21425337/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenthebrookdriesup/id/3322565.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21425337 Scripture: 1 Kings 17:1-17:16 Mon, 22 Jul 2019 02:29:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is set at Simon’s house. Many were there including Lazurus, the Disciples, and Mary. As they sat at the table, Mary came to Jesus and anointed Him with a costly ointment. Most historians value the spikenard at one year’s wages. The fragrance of the ointment filled the room. This selfless act of sacrifice spoke of a deep and profound love that many did not understand. The moment is broken by the words of a cold, heartless man. The bible tells us that Judas did not speak out of any concern for the poor, but out of selfishness. Judas was a man who did not have a sense of sacred things. He was so used to getting, that he did not comprehend the act of someone who was giving out of love. In his carnality, Judas judged Mary’s gift to be a waste. More than just inconsiderate, Judas’ complaint was anti-spiritual. Some would say that Judas had a business view, but the reality was that he was ignorant of the priceless. He missed a divine moment. It is all too possible to be lost in the secondary and miss the primary importance of an act of worship. What is our salvation worth? What kind of sin or transgression did God have to forgive? What did He have to wash away? What is the value of that forgiveness? Judas missed an eternal truth in Simon’s house that day: There are some things that money cannot buy. Money cannot buy peace, joy, or hope. Judas’ sin was not in knowing the price of the spikenard, it was not seeing the significance of the worship that Mary offered. Judas knew much about money, but he did not know the miraculous work of God’s grace. There are moments when we cannot focus on the cost of something because it cannot compare to the priceless value of worshiping God. The spiritual value of the worship of the woman who gave the two mites was greater than the value of all who gave out of their plenty. There are some things that are too beautiful to be sold, no matter what the price. We cannot exchange His presence for anything. We are involved with eternal things. Every soul that walks through our door has eternal consequences. We cannot sacrifice the sacred for secular things. It is essential that we understand the priceless Our text is set at Simon’s house. Many were there including Lazurus, the Disciples, and Mary. As they sat at the table, Mary came to Jesus and anointed Him with a costly ointment. Most historians value the spikenard at one year’s wages. The fragrance of the ointment filled the room. This selfless act of sacrifice spoke of a deep and profound love that many did not understand. The moment is broken by the words of a cold, heartless man. The bible tells us that Judas did not speak out of any concern for the poor, but out of selfishness. Judas was a man who did not have a sense of sacred things. He was so used to getting, that he did not comprehend the act of someone who was giving out of love. In his carnality, Judas judged Mary’s gift to be a waste. More than just inconsiderate, Judas’ complaint was anti-spiritual. Some would say that Judas had a business view, but the reality was that he was ignorant of the priceless. He missed a divine moment. It is all too possible to be lost in the secondary and miss the primary importance of an act of worship. What is our salvation worth? What kind of sin or transgression did God have to forgive? What did He have to wash away? What is the value of that forgiveness? Judas missed an eternal truth in Simon’s house that day: There are some things that money cannot buy. Money cannot buy peace, joy, or hope. Judas’ sin was not in knowing the price of the spikenard, it was not seeing the significance of the worship that Mary offered. Judas knew much about money, but he did not know the miraculous work of God’s grace. There are moments when we cannot focus on the cost of something because it cannot compare to the priceless value of worshiping God. The spiritual value of the worship of the woman who gave the two mites was greater than the value of all who gave out of their plenty. There are some things that are too beautiful to be sold, no matter what the price. We cannot exchange His presence for anything. We are involved with eternal things. Every soul that walks through our door has eternal consequences. We cannot sacrifice the sacred for secular things. It is essential that we understand the priceless Our text is set at Simon’s house. Many were there including Lazurus, the Disciples, and Mary. As they sat at the table, Mary came to Jesus and anointed Him with a costly ointment. Most historians value the spikenard at one year’s wages. The fragran… Mark Hughes 1971 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21425332/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_understandingthepriceless/id/3322560.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21425332 Scripture: John 12:1-12:13 Mon, 15 Jul 2019 15:00:00 +0000 Lee Stoneking Bro. Stoneking shares stories from his many years of ministry where he has seen miraculous healing based on his faith of: “Lord it is in the book, and I have preached it; you have to do it.” Almost in mid-sentence, the power of God stopped the service and took over. Bro. Stoneking shares stories from his many years of ministry where he has seen miraculous healing based on his faith of: “Lord it is in the book, and I have preached it; you have to do it.” Almost in mid-sentence, the power of God stopped the service and took over. Bro. Stoneking shares stories from his many years of ministry where he has seen miraculous healing based on his faith of: “Lord it is in the book, and I have preached it; you have to do it.” Almost in mid-sentence, the power of God stopped the service… Lee Stoneking 2754 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21419724/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_miraculoushealing/id/3317353.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21419724 Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-35:6, Matthew 7:7-7:18 Mon, 15 Jul 2019 14:34:00 +0000 Lee Stoneking Rev. Stoneking shares the experience of his address to the UN General Assembly and how he was able to use that to share the gospel with them, and by extention, millions around the world. Rev. Stoneking shares the experience of his address to the UN General Assembly and how he was able to use that to share the gospel with them, and by extention, millions around the world. Rev. Stoneking shares the experience of his address to the UN General Assembly and how he was able to use that to share the gospel with them, and by extention, millions around the world. … Lee Stoneking 2482 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21419690/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_beforegovernorsandkings/id/3317316.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21419690 Scripture: Proverbs 22:29-22, Matthew 10:18-10, Matthew 24:14-24 Tue, 09 Jul 2019 02:10:00 +0000 James Hughes Recent research has drawn attention to the importance of awe in our lives. Dr. Hughes received a prophecy twenty years ago, that awe of the Lord has been replaced by the awe of self. Awe will either draw us toward or move us away from something. Scientists have discovered that awe has a physical effect on us. It changes the nervous system. It causes goosebumps and reduces inflammation. Awe also has a cognitive and emotional effect. The feeling of awe brings us into a place where we can compare ourselves to others. It helps people feel a connection to humanity. I can improve a sense of satisfaction and dampens the feelings of materialism. When we are in awe of Him, we lose touch with our world and get in touch with His world. An awe of God changes everything about our life. Unfortunately, the prophecy that Dr. Hughes received twenty years ago is coming to pass. Too many no longer have an awe of God. Man has begun to replace awe of God with the awe of his own accomplishments. We must get our eyes off of people and get them back on Him. It is time to return to an awe of God. Recent research has drawn attention to the importance of awe in our lives. Dr. Hughes received a prophecy twenty years ago, that awe of the Lord has been replaced by the awe of self. Awe will either draw us toward or move us away from something. Scientists have discovered that awe has a physical effect on us. It changes the nervous system. It causes goosebumps and reduces inflammation. Awe also has a cognitive and emotional effect. The feeling of awe brings us into a place where we can compare ourselves to others. It helps people feel a connection to humanity. I can improve a sense of satisfaction and dampens the feelings of materialism. When we are in awe of Him, we lose touch with our world and get in touch with His world. An awe of God changes everything about our life. Unfortunately, the prophecy that Dr. Hughes received twenty years ago is coming to pass. Too many no longer have an awe of God. Man has begun to replace awe of God with the awe of his own accomplishments. We must get our eyes off of people and get them back on Him. It is time to return to an awe of God. Recent research has drawn attention to the importance of awe in our lives. Dr. Hughes received a prophecy twenty years ago, that awe of the Lord has been replaced by the awe of self. Awe will either draw us toward or move us away from something. Sci… James Hughes 3252 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21416067/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_awe/id/3313875.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21416067 Scripture: Psalms 33:8-33, Psalms 1:1-1:6 Sun, 07 Jul 2019 19:11:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text today is recorded differently in the other three gospels. Mark was written by John Mark as dictated by Peter. Peter’s perspective is different than the other disciples because of his denial. Despite vehemently denying to Jesus that he would never leave or forsake Him, Peter did just that in a moment of weakness. How low and lost must Peter have felt in that time of his life. Jesus’ words here spoke more to Peter than the others. The specific inclusion of Peter communicated mercy, forgiveness, and inclusion that was a rejuvenation of Peter’s life. Jesus’ words reconnected Peters failure, with His perfection. The enemy will attack us in any way he can. He will target our greatest vulnerabilities and whisper lies into our ears that our failures are final, and there is no recovery. Somehow, God makes a path back from our failure. We have an enemy that is far worse than the Devil, or any person we know. It is ourselves. Our mind can replay every detail; even the ones that no one knows. Peter lived with his failure for a long time. Surly retelling the details to John Mark drug up many painful memories. Likely only John was in that courtyard that day. No one else knew the whole story, but Peter knew. His mind had replayed the scene over and over. We have a way of magnifying our mistakes, but God minimizes them and magnifies His mercy. God’s message is that He still has a place and a plan for us. No matter how bad our fall has been, His hand is still there to catch us and put us back on our feet. God’s love for us is greater than our failures or mistakes. Peter was singled out that day, not to separate him, but to include him. Love sends a special message, that in the depth of our needs, we will find the depth of His love. Like Peter, we may have stumbled. And, like Peter, God’s love reaches to us to include us in that never dying love. That is Mercy’s message. Our text today is recorded differently in the other three gospels. Mark was written by John Mark as dictated by Peter. Peter’s perspective is different than the other disciples because of his denial. Despite vehemently denying to Jesus that he would never leave or forsake Him, Peter did just that in a moment of weakness. How low and lost must Peter have felt in that time of his life. Jesus’ words here spoke more to Peter than the others. The specific inclusion of Peter communicated mercy, forgiveness, and inclusion that was a rejuvenation of Peter’s life. Jesus’ words reconnected Peters failure, with His perfection. The enemy will attack us in any way he can. He will target our greatest vulnerabilities and whisper lies into our ears that our failures are final, and there is no recovery. Somehow, God makes a path back from our failure. We have an enemy that is far worse than the Devil, or any person we know. It is ourselves. Our mind can replay every detail; even the ones that no one knows. Peter lived with his failure for a long time. Surly retelling the details to John Mark drug up many painful memories. Likely only John was in that courtyard that day. No one else knew the whole story, but Peter knew. His mind had replayed the scene over and over. We have a way of magnifying our mistakes, but God minimizes them and magnifies His mercy. God’s message is that He still has a place and a plan for us. No matter how bad our fall has been, His hand is still there to catch us and put us back on our feet. God’s love for us is greater than our failures or mistakes. Peter was singled out that day, not to separate him, but to include him. Love sends a special message, that in the depth of our needs, we will find the depth of His love. Like Peter, we may have stumbled. And, like Peter, God’s love reaches to us to include us in that never dying love. That is Mercy’s message. Our text today is recorded differently in the other three gospels. Mark was written by John Mark as dictated by Peter. Peter’s perspective is different than the other disciples because of his denial. Despite vehemently denying to Jesus that he would… Mark Hughes 2021 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21414989/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_mercysmessage/id/3312827.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21414989 Scripture: Mark 16:7-16 Mon, 01 Jul 2019 01:56:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The church has been called many things: The body of Christ, the church of the living God, the bride of Christ. It is a spiritual house, a habitation of God, the household of God. Matthew tells us that Jesus is the one who will build the church against which the gates of hell will not prevail. Our church is a fire that was ignited by God Himself that cannot be put out. It is more than an institution, organization or society. It has a beauty all its own; not of material things, but of spiritual things. Many have criticized the church, and it is certainly not without its faults and failures because flawed people are involved with it. Our local church is not without it faults, but we are true to our apostolic roots. The same spirit that pushed into the upper room on the day of Pentecost, ushers into our services today. We have faced some challenges in the past few years, but God has great plans for this church body. There is a lot to love about our church. Bro. Hughes explains and outlines the history, growth, and ministry of our church. There are a lot of things to love about our church. The church has been called many things: The body of Christ, the church of the living God, the bride of Christ. It is a spiritual house, a habitation of God, the household of God. Matthew tells us that Jesus is the one who will build the church against which the gates of hell will not prevail. Our church is a fire that was ignited by God Himself that cannot be put out. It is more than an institution, organization or society. It has a beauty all its own; not of material things, but of spiritual things. Many have criticized the church, and it is certainly not without its faults and failures because flawed people are involved with it. Our local church is not without it faults, but we are true to our apostolic roots. The same spirit that pushed into the upper room on the day of Pentecost, ushers into our services today. We have faced some challenges in the past few years, but God has great plans for this church body. There is a lot to love about our church. Bro. Hughes explains and outlines the history, growth, and ministry of our church. There are a lot of things to love about our church. The church has been called many things: The body of Christ, the church of the living God, the bride of Christ. It is a spiritual house, a habitation of God, the household of God. Matthew tells us that Jesus is the one who will build the church again… Mark Hughes 1912 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21411832/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whyyoushouldloveyourchurch/id/3309863.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21411832 Scripture: Ephesians 5:25-5:27 Sun, 30 Jun 2019 19:01:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text today contains a phrase that is almost foreign to our world. Freely Given. God has freely given salvation, blessings, grace, and mercy. God’s rain benefits even the most undeserving and uncaring as well as the just. All this is our simply because God has a heart that is generous and loving. There is no limit to God’s generosity and compassion. We are not worthy of the blessing and favor that we enjoy, but nonetheless, it is ours. It is frightening to think what life would be like without a mercy seat; without a throne of grace. Everything that we have that matters, we have because God willed to give it to us. We all stumble. God sees every fault, but He freely gives his blessing to us despite our failings. He gives it not because we deserve it, but because we need it! The only reason we are here today is that “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son….” The word give (or some form of it) is used many times in the bible, and it is because of that freely given sacrifice, we have hope. Our text today contains a phrase that is almost foreign to our world. Freely Given. God has freely given salvation, blessings, grace, and mercy. God’s rain benefits even the most undeserving and uncaring as well as the just. All this is our simply because God has a heart that is generous and loving. There is no limit to God’s generosity and compassion. We are not worthy of the blessing and favor that we enjoy, but nonetheless, it is ours. It is frightening to think what life would be like without a mercy seat; without a throne of grace. Everything that we have that matters, we have because God willed to give it to us. We all stumble. God sees every fault, but He freely gives his blessing to us despite our failings. He gives it not because we deserve it, but because we need it! The only reason we are here today is that “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son….” The word give (or some form of it) is used many times in the bible, and it is because of that freely given sacrifice, we have hope. Our text today contains a phrase that is almost foreign to our world. Freely Given. God has freely given salvation, blessings, grace, and mercy. God’s rain benefits even the most undeserving and uncaring as well as the just. All this is our simply … Mark Hughes 2609 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21411374/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thingsfreelygiven/id/3309400.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21411374 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:12-2, 2 Timothy 1:7-1:9, Philippians 1:28-1:29 Thu, 27 Jun 2019 02:54:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The circumstances of life can change very quickly. Things can be calm one moment, and in tumult in the next. In our text, the cloud came on the disciples suddenly and produce fear. Scripture describes many effects that fear has on a person. Defeating, demoralizing, paralyzing, or silencing their testimony. The circumstances in our text came on so quickly, that it overwhelmed Peter, James, and John. While they were fearful, the voice of God came out of that cloud and calmed them. God’s voice always tries to focus us back onto what really matters. Moses and Elijah were important, but not as important as Jesus. There is nothing that the enemy would like to see more is to have us so confused that we do not know what to do. If he can distract us, he can keep us from being effective. The voice of God will bring us back to what matters. The circumstances of life can change very quickly. Things can be calm one moment, and in tumult in the next. In our text, the cloud came on the disciples suddenly and produce fear. Scripture describes many effects that fear has on a person. Defeating, demoralizing, paralyzing, or silencing their testimony. The circumstances in our text came on so quickly, that it overwhelmed Peter, James, and John. While they were fearful, the voice of God came out of that cloud and calmed them. God’s voice always tries to focus us back onto what really matters. Moses and Elijah were important, but not as important as Jesus. There is nothing that the enemy would like to see more is to have us so confused that we do not know what to do. If he can distract us, he can keep us from being effective. The voice of God will bring us back to what matters. The circumstances of life can change very quickly. Things can be calm one moment, and in tumult in the next. In our text, the cloud came on the disciples suddenly and produce fear. Scripture describes many effects that fear has on a person. Defeati… Mark Hughes 2272 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21409606/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thevoicethatanswersourfears/id/3307767.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21409606 Scripture: Luke 9:28-9:36 Mon, 24 Jun 2019 03:49:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Time is a strange thing. It is expressed in days, weeks, and months. We cannot prevent time from advancing. Some would say that times are hard or difficult. The wise man observed in our text, that better is the end of a thing than the beginning. Why do we say that the former days were better than these? Other translations of our text say that finishing something is better than in the beginning. We are not very good at understanding the meaning of the times in which we live. We misinterpret life's purpose and meaning. For many people, their best life is over. Life for them is as good as it will get. For these people, the best days are behind them and they feel like they have to endure the rest of their life. This mindset belittles God and prevents Him from being a blessing in life. Many yearn for the “good old days.” The truth is that the good old days, were not always that good. Our memories are selective, and tend to forget the troubles and challenges of the “good old days.” Out text declares that is not wise to yearn for the “good old days.” When we glorify the past, we diminish God. God is not limited by time. If God did it then, He can do it again. God is a present help in time of trouble. When we glorify the past, we limit the present. God is not past tense. A child of God should always believe that our best days are ahead. The terror of the times is that the enemy can keep us focused on the past with no hope for the future. The hope of the times is just the opposite; God has better things in store for us all. Time is a strange thing. It is expressed in days, weeks, and months. We cannot prevent time from advancing. Some would say that times are hard or difficult. The wise man observed in our text, that better is the end of a thing than the beginning. Why do we say that the former days were better than these? Other translations of our text say that finishing something is better than in the beginning. We are not very good at understanding the meaning of the times in which we live. We misinterpret life's purpose and meaning. For many people, their best life is over. Life for them is as good as it will get. For these people, the best days are behind them and they feel like they have to endure the rest of their life. This mindset belittles God and prevents Him from being a blessing in life. Many yearn for the “good old days.” The truth is that the good old days, were not always that good. Our memories are selective, and tend to forget the troubles and challenges of the “good old days.” Out text declares that is not wise to yearn for the “good old days.” When we glorify the past, we diminish God. God is not limited by time. If God did it then, He can do it again. God is a present help in time of trouble. When we glorify the past, we limit the present. God is not past tense. A child of God should always believe that our best days are ahead. The terror of the times is that the enemy can keep us focused on the past with no hope for the future. The hope of the times is just the opposite; God has better things in store for us all. Time is a strange thing. It is expressed in days, weeks, and months. We cannot prevent time from advancing. Some would say that times are hard or difficult. The wise man observed in our text, that better is the end of a thing than the beginning. W… Mark Hughes 2226 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21408097/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theterrorandhopeofthetimes/id/3306293.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21408097 Scripture: Ecclesiastes 7:8-7:10 Sun, 23 Jun 2019 19:41:00 +0000 Landon Long Our world is in desperate need. The news brings us stores of suffering, depression, and hurting. We look around and see people that are suffering and hurting from situations in their lives. We have become experts at hiding that pain. Many face shame and hurt from past failures or situations that cannot be forgotten. Even people who were raised in the church all their lives, and appear to have perfect lives, struggle with hidden truths of addiction, lust or some other sin. How many are teaching Sunday school, singing on the platform, or sitting on a pew are hiding a pain that they are slowing dying from? We find ourselves at our wit's end. The enemy wants to keep us there and he will use lies and deception to keep us there. People make mistakes and we do not easily let them get past these mistakes. We label and judge them. This is not how Jesus treated people who needed help. He told the woman accused of adultery to “go and sin no more.” One act of grace can take the worst moment into a turning point in life. Our text describes the two men as malefactors. Other gospels refer to them as thieves. It is clear that they were not good people. They were labeled and waiting for their fate. In the final moments, one asks Jesus to remember him. It is never too late to respond to Jesus. No one is too far gone for Jesus to reach them. God wants all to be saved no matter when they respond. One of the men crucified with Jesus came to the end as a doubter. The other knew he was not worthy, but responded to Jesus knowing He was the Christ. It is never too late to respond. Our world is in desperate need. The news brings us stores of suffering, depression, and hurting. We look around and see people that are suffering and hurting from situations in their lives. We have become experts at hiding that pain. Many face shame and hurt from past failures or situations that cannot be forgotten. Even people who were raised in the church all their lives, and appear to have perfect lives, struggle with hidden truths of addiction, lust or some other sin. How many are teaching Sunday school, singing on the platform, or sitting on a pew are hiding a pain that they are slowing dying from? We find ourselves at our wit's end. The enemy wants to keep us there and he will use lies and deception to keep us there. People make mistakes and we do not easily let them get past these mistakes. We label and judge them. This is not how Jesus treated people who needed help. He told the woman accused of adultery to “go and sin no more.” One act of grace can take the worst moment into a turning point in life. Our text describes the two men as malefactors. Other gospels refer to them as thieves. It is clear that they were not good people. They were labeled and waiting for their fate. In the final moments, one asks Jesus to remember him. It is never too late to respond to Jesus. No one is too far gone for Jesus to reach them. God wants all to be saved no matter when they respond. One of the men crucified with Jesus came to the end as a doubter. The other knew he was not worthy, but responded to Jesus knowing He was the Christ. It is never too late to respond. Our world is in desperate need. The news brings us stores of suffering, depression, and hurting. We look around and see people that are suffering and hurting from situations in their lives. We have become experts at hiding that pain. Many face sham… Landon Long 2770 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21407619/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_acalltothelastresponders/id/3305817.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21407619 Scripture: Luke 23:32-23:43, 2 Corinthians 6:9-6:11 Mon, 17 Jun 2019 02:40:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text describes a group of men; loyal to David; as mighty men. They were warriors. They were men of courage who were experts with weapons and waging war. The bible says they were famous in their own families. Of all the places we should want to be famous, and to excel, is in our own families. Men are successful in other areas, but a failure in their own families, is truly a failure. This does not imply perfection, simply to be the man that God created us to be. The world defines masculinity as physical strength, sexual prowess or financial success. If we look to the world’s definition of success; it will be wrong. In the Hebrew text, the word has several references. The first definition refers to Adam. Man means God’s creation. God created us in His image, and to compare manhood to something else is inaccurate. Adam had two responsibilities: to keep the garden clean and to protect it. Man’s purpose is to keep the home clean and to keep it safe. The other word used for man is a gender reference. It draws a distinction between a man and a woman. There should be no confusion about how God created us and what those roles should be. The world will try to rewrite our identity, but that is contrary to God’s definition. The third definition of a man used in scripture depicts his strength. God created men to be protectors of his family. God created us to have dominion and authority; not to be dominating, but to be a leader. To be a hero and be famous, start in our own family. Our text describes a group of men; loyal to David; as mighty men. They were warriors. They were men of courage who were experts with weapons and waging war. The bible says they were famous in their own families. Of all the places we should want to be famous, and to excel, is in our own families. Men are successful in other areas, but a failure in their own families, is truly a failure. This does not imply perfection, simply to be the man that God created us to be. The world defines masculinity as physical strength, sexual prowess or financial success. If we look to the world’s definition of success; it will be wrong. In the Hebrew text, the word has several references. The first definition refers to Adam. Man means God’s creation. God created us in His image, and to compare manhood to something else is inaccurate. Adam had two responsibilities: to keep the garden clean and to protect it. Man’s purpose is to keep the home clean and to keep it safe. The other word used for man is a gender reference. It draws a distinction between a man and a woman. There should be no confusion about how God created us and what those roles should be. The world will try to rewrite our identity, but that is contrary to God’s definition. The third definition of a man used in scripture depicts his strength. God created men to be protectors of his family. God created us to have dominion and authority; not to be dominating, but to be a leader. To be a hero and be famous, start in our own family. Our text describes a group of men; loyal to David; as mighty men. They were warriors. They were men of courage who were experts with weapons and waging war. The bible says they were famous in their own families. Of all the places we should want to … Mark Hughes 2111 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21404158/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtobefamouswhereitmatters/id/3302419.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21404158 Scripture: 1 Chronicles 12:1-12:30 Thu, 13 Jun 2019 03:06:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Many people who are facing a challenge will react to that challenge with much activity. The thinking that doing something is better than doing nothing. That is not necessarily the case. Doing something that is effective is better than doing much something that is ineffective. Good intentions do not equate to desirable outcomes. We need purposed action, not just motion. We must be intentional with our seeking God. Paul, writing to the church at Corinth, gives us a key to being effective in our spiritual battle. He says that he is fighting, but “not as one that beateth the air.” The word in the Greek means to fight by swinging wildly. Paul was fighting but fighting effectively. We cannot afford to waste our energy on empty punches. In our spiritual battle, every punch must count. Many people who are facing a challenge will react to that challenge with much activity. The thinking that doing something is better than doing nothing. That is not necessarily the case. Doing something that is effective is better than doing much something that is ineffective. Good intentions do not equate to desirable outcomes. We need purposed action, not just motion. We must be intentional with our seeking God. Paul, writing to the church at Corinth, gives us a key to being effective in our spiritual battle. He says that he is fighting, but “not as one that beateth the air.” The word in the Greek means to fight by swinging wildly. Paul was fighting but fighting effectively. We cannot afford to waste our energy on empty punches. In our spiritual battle, every punch must count. Many people who are facing a challenge will react to that challenge with much activity. The thinking that doing something is better than doing nothing. That is not necessarily the case. Doing something that is effective is better than doing much som… Mark Hughes 2522 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21401957/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thekeytomypersonalvictory/id/3300311.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21401957 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:26-9 Mon, 10 Jun 2019 03:17:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Life is filled with defining moments. Often we are not successful in these moments. The choices we make related to these defining moments are what define us. Life's situations are, at times, unbearable. However, if we allow the moment to define us, the moment will defeat us. This is not God's will. None of us are without a struggle in life. Our battles will cause us to do one of two things: We will despise ourselves, or we will let those moments push us to be better. The disciples were in such a moment in tonight's text. Jesus asks them to pray with him for an hour, but three times, they were unable to stay awake. The final time Jesus returned and found them asleep He said: It is enough. This means it was time to move on from that failure. For some of us, it is time to declare a finality to a failure that is keeping us down. We may have gotten past the moment, but that moment has a hold on us. We are where we are because of choices. Past failures torment some, and Jesus is saying It Is Enough! Let the past be what it is, and let's move forward because Jesus has a future for us. Jesus had His hour. Betrayed by one of his own, Jesus says something profound: "this is your hour and the power of darkness." Jesus recognized that as bad as what He was about to endure, it was not going to hinder His purpose. He was going to submit to the situation, but it was not going to define Him. Are we going to be limited by what life has pushed upon us, or will we live beyond the moment and be an overcomer? There are hours of darkness in any life, but we must not stay in that hour. Many have lived through the hour, but the effects of that hour linger. God is saying to someone: "Enough of that!" Don't Let An Hour Define You Life is filled with defining moments. Often we are not successful in these moments. The choices we make related to these defining moments are what define us. Life's situations are, at times, unbearable. However, if we allow the moment to define us, the moment will defeat us. This is not God's will. None of us are without a struggle in life. Our battles will cause us to do one of two things: We will despise ourselves, or we will let those moments push us to be better. The disciples were in such a moment in tonight's text. Jesus asks them to pray with him for an hour, but three times, they were unable to stay awake. The final time Jesus returned and found them asleep He said: It is enough. This means it was time to move on from that failure. For some of us, it is time to declare a finality to a failure that is keeping us down. We may have gotten past the moment, but that moment has a hold on us. We are where we are because of choices. Past failures torment some, and Jesus is saying It Is Enough! Let the past be what it is, and let's move forward because Jesus has a future for us. Jesus had His hour. Betrayed by one of his own, Jesus says something profound: "this is your hour and the power of darkness." Jesus recognized that as bad as what He was about to endure, it was not going to hinder His purpose. He was going to submit to the situation, but it was not going to define Him. Are we going to be limited by what life has pushed upon us, or will we live beyond the moment and be an overcomer? There are hours of darkness in any life, but we must not stay in that hour. Many have lived through the hour, but the effects of that hour linger. God is saying to someone: "Enough of that!" Don't Let An Hour Define You Life is filled with defining moments. Often we are not successful in these moments. The choices we make related to these defining moments are what define us. Life's situations are, at times, unbearable. However, if we allow the moment to define us, … Mark Hughes 2083 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21400599/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dontletanhourdefineyou/id/3298975.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21400599 Scripture: Mark 14:33-14:42, Luke 22:53-22:55, Psalms 37:13-37 Sun, 09 Jun 2019 19:42:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The word Pentecost is only used three times in the new testament. It has its roots in the old testament in the Feast of the Harvest. Every fifty years, the celebration of the Feast of the Harvest was known as the year of jubilee when debts were forgiven. Pentecost is a celebration of a spiritual truth. Some view Pentecost as a metaphor. Others marginalize it because “it is beyond the scope of historical inquiry.” Skeptics say there is no such thing, and many churches deny its existence, or they believe it is a piece of antiquity. Despite the denial, dismissal, and disbelief, Pentecost is alive and well. There is meaning in the moving of God’s spirit. We can enjoy the same experience, as they felt in the first century. Pentecost was the watershed moment when God’s word had come to full fruition. Pentecost does not mark the birth of a denomination, but the pouring out of God’s spirit upon his children that is still flowing today. Because of the transforming power of the Holy Ghost, we are not the same person we were. The book of Acts should not be a historical account for us, because what He began in the book of Acts was just the beginning. Those 120 men received the same Holy Ghost that day that each of us feels today. The same mighty rushing wind still blows today. Five words describe what happened in that upper room. The first word is suddenly. One moment changed everything. The second word is sound. The word is from the Greek word that means echo. God speaks, and that sound is reflected through us. The third word is wind. The word means breath. God breathed into us and fills our soul. You cannot see the wind, but we can feel its effect. When the spirit moves, it ought to move us. The fourth word is rushing. It means to move rapidly. The speed with which God’s influence spreads is mind-boggling. It does not creep and crawl along; it moves swiftly. Finally, the word mighty. God’s spirit is powerful, but mighty means more than pure power, but orderly and directed power. When God sets His spirit in motion, it is with purpose and focused. The word Pentecost is only used three times in the new testament. It has its roots in the old testament in the Feast of the Harvest. Every fifty years, the celebration of the Feast of the Harvest was known as the year of jubilee when debts were forgiven. Pentecost is a celebration of a spiritual truth. Some view Pentecost as a metaphor. Others marginalize it because “it is beyond the scope of historical inquiry.” Skeptics say there is no such thing, and many churches deny its existence, or they believe it is a piece of antiquity. Despite the denial, dismissal, and disbelief, Pentecost is alive and well. There is meaning in the moving of God’s spirit. We can enjoy the same experience, as they felt in the first century. Pentecost was the watershed moment when God’s word had come to full fruition. Pentecost does not mark the birth of a denomination, but the pouring out of God’s spirit upon his children that is still flowing today. Because of the transforming power of the Holy Ghost, we are not the same person we were. The book of Acts should not be a historical account for us, because what He began in the book of Acts was just the beginning. Those 120 men received the same Holy Ghost that day that each of us feels today. The same mighty rushing wind still blows today. Five words describe what happened in that upper room. The first word is suddenly. One moment changed everything. The second word is sound. The word is from the Greek word that means echo. God speaks, and that sound is reflected through us. The third word is wind. The word means breath. God breathed into us and fills our soul. You cannot see the wind, but we can feel its effect. When the spirit moves, it ought to move us. The fourth word is rushing. It means to move rapidly. The speed with which God’s influence spreads is mind-boggling. It does not creep and crawl along; it moves swiftly. Finally, the word mighty. God’s spirit is powerful, but mighty means more than pure power, but orderly and directed power. When God sets His spirit in motion, it is with purpose and focused. The word Pentecost is only used three times in the new testament. It has its roots in the old testament in the Feast of the Harvest. Every fifty years, the celebration of the Feast of the Harvest was known as the year of jubilee when debts were forgi… Mark Hughes 2994 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21400150/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_retainingthemeaningofpentecost/id/3298528.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21400150 Scripture: Acts 2:1-2:12 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 02:54:00 +0000 Landon Long We often seek out opinions and reviews of places, products, and services. We rely on these anonymous people who have left reviews on various social media platforms. It is not uncommon to see a wide range of opinions from one star to five stars. Often, these five-star reviews are right above other reviews that only gave it one lead. We base our decisions on these reviews, but with so much noise, it is difficult to know what is what. Whom we listen to is essential. It is important that we have a trusted voice in life. Everyone loves to give their opinion. The anonymity of the internet provides many the belief that they say whatever they want, and offer their advice as the authority on the subject. When a big newsworthy event happens, the “experts” will appear on social media and contribute their “wisdom” to all that will listen. As with restaurants, products, and news events, there are no end of opinions and advice on God’s world. There is an expert to whom we should listen. This expert created all the heavens and the earth. If there is any advice we should heed, it is the creator. We have to be careful about whose advice we take into our life. We have to be cautious of the voices in our lives and what they are saying. We must also be mindful of how many voices are influencing us. There are enough distractions and noise in the world; we do not need anymore. The voice we must seek and heed is that still small voice of God. Take heed to the voice you heed. We often seek out opinions and reviews of places, products, and services. We rely on these anonymous people who have left reviews on various social media platforms. It is not uncommon to see a wide range of opinions from one star to five stars. Often, these five-star reviews are right above other reviews that only gave it one lead. We base our decisions on these reviews, but with so much noise, it is difficult to know what is what. Whom we listen to is essential. It is important that we have a trusted voice in life. Everyone loves to give their opinion. The anonymity of the internet provides many the belief that they say whatever they want, and offer their advice as the authority on the subject. When a big newsworthy event happens, the “experts” will appear on social media and contribute their “wisdom” to all that will listen. As with restaurants, products, and news events, there are no end of opinions and advice on God’s world. There is an expert to whom we should listen. This expert created all the heavens and the earth. If there is any advice we should heed, it is the creator. We have to be careful about whose advice we take into our life. We have to be cautious of the voices in our lives and what they are saying. We must also be mindful of how many voices are influencing us. There are enough distractions and noise in the world; we do not need anymore. The voice we must seek and heed is that still small voice of God. Take heed to the voice you heed. We often seek out opinions and reviews of places, products, and services. We rely on these anonymous people who have left reviews on various social media platforms. It is not uncommon to see a wide range of opinions from one star to five stars. Often… Landon Long 2953 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21398129/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_takeheedtothevoiceyouheed/id/3296694.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21398129 Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:1-4, Matthew 24:4-24, Mark 13:5-13 Sun, 02 Jun 2019 19:48:00 +0000 Landon Long It was no secret that Joseph was Jacob’s favorite. It not just assumed, it is stated in scripture. Because he was the most loved, Joseph was given a coat of many colors. This coat was a symbol of Joseph being the chosen heir. Joseph’s brothers despised him and plotted to kill him. But for Reuben, they would have killed him. To cover their deception, Joseph’s brothers took his coat and destroyed it. They took the blood-stained garment and presented it to their father. Jacob knew it was is son’s coat and his mind took the fragment of truth that the brothers presented and surmised that Joseph had been killed by an evil beast. He believes the lies and his mind filled in the false details. The bible says that Jacob was consumed by grief and would not think of anything else. He refused any attempts by his family to console him. We know how the story of Joseph ends. We know that it ends triumphantly with thou meant it for evil, but God meant it for good. But Jacob did not know the end of the story. We have all been handed fragments of coats in our life. We believe what we see and react just like Jacob. We believe the reality we see in front of us, but it may not be true. We know God has promised us things, but all we can see is what in front of us. We see the bloody and tattered coat, and cannot see past the loss that we “know” has happened. The evidence said Joseph was dead, but the reality was different. While we are looking at what is, know that it is not. While he did not have a perfect coat, somewhere Joseph was alive. God was writing a story that was not told by that tattered coat. Not only was the son that he thought was dead was alive, but he was also being elevated and placed in a place of blessing. When the famine comes, Joseph’s brothers travel to Egypt to buy food. We know the story and when Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers, he sends wagons back to bring his father and family to Egypt. Jacob did not believe his sons at first. Their words were not enough, but when Jacob saw the wagons, he knew that his sons were telling the truth and that Joseph was alive. He did not believe the word, but he believed the wagons. Like Jacob, we believe a lie for years, but God is sending wagons. If we can believe the coat, we can believe the wagons. It was no secret that Joseph was Jacob’s favorite. It not just assumed, it is stated in scripture. Because he was the most loved, Joseph was given a coat of many colors. This coat was a symbol of Joseph being the chosen heir. Joseph’s brothers despised him and plotted to kill him. But for Reuben, they would have killed him. To cover their deception, Joseph’s brothers took his coat and destroyed it. They took the blood-stained garment and presented it to their father. Jacob knew it was is son’s coat and his mind took the fragment of truth that the brothers presented and surmised that Joseph had been killed by an evil beast. He believes the lies and his mind filled in the false details. The bible says that Jacob was consumed by grief and would not think of anything else. He refused any attempts by his family to console him. We know how the story of Joseph ends. We know that it ends triumphantly with thou meant it for evil, but God meant it for good. But Jacob did not know the end of the story. We have all been handed fragments of coats in our life. We believe what we see and react just like Jacob. We believe the reality we see in front of us, but it may not be true. We know God has promised us things, but all we can see is what in front of us. We see the bloody and tattered coat, and cannot see past the loss that we “know” has happened. The evidence said Joseph was dead, but the reality was different. While we are looking at what is, know that it is not. While he did not have a perfect coat, somewhere Joseph was alive. God was writing a story that was not told by that tattered coat. Not only was the son that he thought was dead was alive, but he was also being elevated and placed in a place of blessing. When the famine comes, Joseph’s brothers travel to Egypt to buy food. We know the story and when Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers, he sends wagons back to bring his father and family to Egypt. Jacob did not believe his sons at first. Their words were not enough, but when Jacob saw the wagons, he knew that his sons were telling the truth and that Joseph was alive. He did not believe the word, but he believed the wagons. Like Jacob, we believe a lie for years, but God is sending wagons. If we can believe the coat, we can believe the wagons. It was no secret that Joseph was Jacob’s favorite. It not just assumed, it is stated in scripture. Because he was the most loved, Joseph was given a coat of many colors. This coat was a symbol of Joseph being the chosen heir. Joseph’s brothers desp… Landon Long 2803 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21396146/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ificanbelievethecoaticanbeliev/id/3294739.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21396146 Scripture: Genesis 37:31-37:35, Genesis 45:25-45:28 Sun, 26 May 2019 20:25:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker There is in all of us a weakness. We tend to forget and often take for granted all the blessing we enjoy. We are a blessed people. We are blessed to enjoy the freedoms that we, as Americans, enjoy. In our text, Israel had been on a long journey. It was not difficult because of the terrain, but because of themselves. They had made it much more complicated than it had to be. Because of their stubbornness and rebellion, their journey had lasted forty years. The entire book of Deuteronomy was a recounting of their forty-year journey. God reminded His people that when their lives were blessed, to remember the source of that blessing. Multiple times throughout the book, Moses urges them to remember or not to forget. God wanted them to remember that they had been delivered from slavery in Egypt. He wanted them to remember from where they had come. When we remember where we come from, it has a way of keeping us humble. Too many of us have forgotten from where God brought us. Some have forgotten the fear of being lost or the pain and suffering of sin. God wants to remind us that what intimidates us, does not intimidate Him. He can save by many or by few. Look beyond our current situation and know that God is in control. God tells his people all the ways He had led them. Every twist and turn that brought us to where we are has been required to get us where God needs us to be. That winding road leads to a better place. No matter how long the journey, it will be worth it. We do not like the twists and turns or the ups and downs, but God has a purpose in all of it. In chapter 8, God reminds them that he is the source of their wealth and increase. That is counter to what our world tells us. Our society promotes the self-made man, but God made all of us. The truth is, everything we have is because of the blessings of God. People do not realize that they will spend their entire life trying to achieve the impossible. In chapter 32, God says to remember the days of old and to consider the years of many generations. Our culture caters to young people, but the truth is that we need to cherish the generations that have come before us. We need the voice and experience of our elders. Moses reminds the children of Israel that they had seen miracles and wonders in their wandering. If we forget the miracles we have seen, we become disconnected from the power of God. Moses admonished them not to forget the covenant. What and who we worship matters. Most of us know whom we worship, but some struggle with the what. That connection to God is more important than any other relationship we have in life. God is the source of every success and blessing in our lives, and we must not forget that. There is in all of us a weakness. We tend to forget and often take for granted all the blessing we enjoy. We are a blessed people. We are blessed to enjoy the freedoms that we, as Americans, enjoy. In our text, Israel had been on a long journey. It was not difficult because of the terrain, but because of themselves. They had made it much more complicated than it had to be. Because of their stubbornness and rebellion, their journey had lasted forty years. The entire book of Deuteronomy was a recounting of their forty-year journey. God reminded His people that when their lives were blessed, to remember the source of that blessing. Multiple times throughout the book, Moses urges them to remember or not to forget. God wanted them to remember that they had been delivered from slavery in Egypt. He wanted them to remember from where they had come. When we remember where we come from, it has a way of keeping us humble. Too many of us have forgotten from where God brought us. Some have forgotten the fear of being lost or the pain and suffering of sin. God wants to remind us that what intimidates us, does not intimidate Him. He can save by many or by few. Look beyond our current situation and know that God is in control. God tells his people all the ways He had led them. Every twist and turn that brought us to where we are has been required to get us where God needs us to be. That winding road leads to a better place. No matter how long the journey, it will be worth it. We do not like the twists and turns or the ups and downs, but God has a purpose in all of it. In chapter 8, God reminds them that he is the source of their wealth and increase. That is counter to what our world tells us. Our society promotes the self-made man, but God made all of us. The truth is, everything we have is because of the blessings of God. People do not realize that they will spend their entire life trying to achieve the impossible. In chapter 32, God says to remember the days of old and to consider the years of many generations. Our culture caters to young people, but the truth is that we need to cherish the generations that have come before us. We need the voice and experience of our elders. Moses reminds the children of Israel that they had seen miracles and wonders in their wandering. If we forget the miracles we have seen, we become disconnected from the power of God. Moses admonished them not to forget the covenant. What and who we worship matters. Most of us know whom we worship, but some struggle with the what. That connection to God is more important than any other relationship we have in life. God is the source of every success and blessing in our lives, and we must not forget that. There is in all of us a weakness. We tend to forget and often take for granted all the blessing we enjoy. We are a blessed people. We are blessed to enjoy the freedoms that we, as Americans, enjoy. In our text, Israel had been on a long journey. I… Kenneth Baker 3051 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21391039/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lestweforget/id/3290995.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21391039 Lest We Forget Mon, 20 May 2019 03:16:00 +0000 Ethan Barger Tonight Greater Life Church honors our 2019 high school and college graduates. Kodi Jenkins, Elizabeth Diaz, Kale Jacks, Elijah Wimberly, and Carson Minton are all moving into a new phase in life after completing college or high school studies. Youth Pastor, Ethan Barger offers advice to the graduates drawn from his own experiences to help prepare the graduates for what lies ahead. Tonight Greater Life Church honors our 2019 high school and college graduates. Kodi Jenkins, Elizabeth Diaz, Kale Jacks, Elijah Wimberly, and Carson Minton are all moving into a new phase in life after completing college or high school studies. Youth Pastor, Ethan Barger offers advice to the graduates drawn from his own experiences to help prepare the graduates for what lies ahead. Tonight Greater Life Church honors our 2019 high school and college graduates. Kodi Jenkins, Elizabeth Diaz, Kale Jacks, Elijah Wimberly, and Carson Minton are all moving into a new phase in life after completing college or high school studies. Youth… Ethan Barger 1641 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21387185/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_fivethingstoexpectaftergraduat/id/3287325.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21387185 Five Things To Expect After Graduation Sun, 19 May 2019 19:46:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Today’s text is often taken out of context. It can be misused if it is not properly understood. We must be careful not to suggest things that are not here. Jesus speaks here (and in other places in Matthew) that what we bind on earth will also be bound in heaven and what we loose will be loosed also in heaven. In our text, God grants us the power of decision. There is something available to us, or something that is withheld to us. The decisions we make determine what is withheld and what is available. He gives us the opportunity to literally access heaven and open an eternal realm based on what we bind or what we loose. The key is in our hand. What we access or what we do not access is up to us. By our choices, we decide what we give over to God and what we withhold from Him. Jesus conveys a privilege to each of us. How many times have we tied God’s hands by our decisions? By our decisions, we either bind or loose God. We have joy, peace, blessing, and favor available to us. What are we binding? What are we loosing? It is your choice. Today’s text is often taken out of context. It can be misused if it is not properly understood. We must be careful not to suggest things that are not here. Jesus speaks here (and in other places in Matthew) that what we bind on earth will also be bound in heaven and what we loose will be loosed also in heaven. In our text, God grants us the power of decision. There is something available to us, or something that is withheld to us. The decisions we make determine what is withheld and what is available. He gives us the opportunity to literally access heaven and open an eternal realm based on what we bind or what we loose. The key is in our hand. What we access or what we do not access is up to us. By our choices, we decide what we give over to God and what we withhold from Him. Jesus conveys a privilege to each of us. How many times have we tied God’s hands by our decisions? By our decisions, we either bind or loose God. We have joy, peace, blessing, and favor available to us. What are we binding? What are we loosing? It is your choice. Today’s text is often taken out of context. It can be misused if it is not properly understood. We must be careful not to suggest things that are not here. Jesus speaks here (and in other places in Matthew) that what we bind on earth will also be bo… Mark Hughes 1807 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21386532/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_yourchoice/id/3286679.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21386532 Scripture: Matthew 18:18-18:20 Thu, 16 May 2019 02:47:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Life is full of surprises. Things happen in life. Sometimes things happen for a reason, but sometimes, things just happen. Life is a test. It has a way of taking us down paths and roads that we did not anticipate. Often God does this to test our character and to see if we will obey His commands. We know that our text was written by David. We do not know when it was written We do know that David had been the victim of a wrong. Perhaps it was written when David was running for his life from Saul. Maybe it was when his own son was trying to undermine his leadership and ultimately trying to kill him. David did not deserve what was happening to him, but it was happening anyway, and this Psalm is a glimpse into that experience. David was trying to pass along some wisdom in this Psalm. Simply put, David is telling us that even when life has done us wrong, we must maintain our character. David was determined, in the face of all that was happening to him, to trust in God. The sting of unjust treatment is difficult, but we cannot let that sting determine who we are. Sometimes we have to live through these things to build our character. Life is full of surprises. Things happen in life. Sometimes things happen for a reason, but sometimes, things just happen. Life is a test. It has a way of taking us down paths and roads that we did not anticipate. Often God does this to test our character and to see if we will obey His commands. We know that our text was written by David. We do not know when it was written We do know that David had been the victim of a wrong. Perhaps it was written when David was running for his life from Saul. Maybe it was when his own son was trying to undermine his leadership and ultimately trying to kill him. David did not deserve what was happening to him, but it was happening anyway, and this Psalm is a glimpse into that experience. David was trying to pass along some wisdom in this Psalm. Simply put, David is telling us that even when life has done us wrong, we must maintain our character. David was determined, in the face of all that was happening to him, to trust in God. The sting of unjust treatment is difficult, but we cannot let that sting determine who we are. Sometimes we have to live through these things to build our character. Life is full of surprises. Things happen in life. Sometimes things happen for a reason, but sometimes, things just happen. Life is a test. It has a way of taking us down paths and roads that we did not anticipate. Often God does this to test our c… Kenneth Baker 3384 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21384324/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_doingrightwhenlifedoesyouwrong/id/3284609.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21384324 Doing Right When Life Does You Wrong Sun, 12 May 2019 20:32:00 +0000 Mark Hughes In the 1940s the DC Comics line was dominated by superpower-endowed male characters. At the urging of his wife, Charles Moulton set out to create a new superhero, one who would conquer not with fists or firepower, but with love. The result was the character we now know as Wonder Woman. But long before Charles Moulton's creation, there was a wonder woman identified in scripture. Our text describes two kinds of women. The book of Revelation describes both of the women as women of wonder. The word in Greek describes a thing that is unique. These women were wonders for different reasons. One for all the right reasons, and the other for all the wrong. One had all the outward appearance of value, but inside she is empty and void. Her beauty is contrived. She is showy and dresses to impress. She looked good, but looks are deceiving. Her beauty concealed something deceitful and dark. All her outward appearance is required to hide what she truly is. This is the world that the world projects and holds as the standard. She has the best that the world can present, but nothing of what Heaven has. The true wonder woman is described in Revelation 17. The influences in her life are from a heavenly perspective. She is the only woman to survive the chaotic end of the world described elsewhere in Revelation. Her character has a heavenly touch. Her beauty does not come from what she wears or puts on, but from God. It is more important to have a touch of heaven than a touch of gold. It is more important to be clothed in a beauty that is in covenant with God. Revelation describes two women of wonder, but only one is The True Wonder Woman. In the 1940s the DC Comics line was dominated by superpower-endowed male characters. At the urging of his wife, Charles Moulton set out to create a new superhero, one who would conquer not with fists or firepower, but with love. The result was the character we now know as Wonder Woman. But long before Charles Moulton's creation, there was a wonder woman identified in scripture. Our text describes two kinds of women. The book of Revelation describes both of the women as women of wonder. The word in Greek describes a thing that is unique. These women were wonders for different reasons. One for all the right reasons, and the other for all the wrong. One had all the outward appearance of value, but inside she is empty and void. Her beauty is contrived. She is showy and dresses to impress. She looked good, but looks are deceiving. Her beauty concealed something deceitful and dark. All her outward appearance is required to hide what she truly is. This is the world that the world projects and holds as the standard. She has the best that the world can present, but nothing of what Heaven has. The true wonder woman is described in Revelation 17. The influences in her life are from a heavenly perspective. She is the only woman to survive the chaotic end of the world described elsewhere in Revelation. Her character has a heavenly touch. Her beauty does not come from what she wears or puts on, but from God. It is more important to have a touch of heaven than a touch of gold. It is more important to be clothed in a beauty that is in covenant with God. Revelation describes two women of wonder, but only one is The True Wonder Woman. In the 1940s the DC Comics line was dominated by superpower-endowed male characters. At the urging of his wife, Charles Moulton set out to create a new superhero, one who would conquer not with fists or firepower, but with love. The result was the ch… Mark Hughes 2302 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21382408/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thetruewonderwoman/id/3282693.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21382408 Scripture: Revelation 12:1-12, Revelation 17:3-17:6 Thu, 09 May 2019 02:43:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker The intent of the writer of Psalm 119 was to set before us the excellence of God. Our text tonight is a unique Psalm that was written in a way that could be easily memorized. It was organized into 22 sections, each with eight verses. The 22 sections correspond to the 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet, and the first word of each section begins with the letter of the Hebrew alphabet in order. We do not know who wrote this Psalm, or when it was written. We know that the writer rejoiced in what he had. He found courage, peace, and wisdom to navigate life successfully. It is interesting to know that the writer did not have the benefit of the whole old testament to study. It is evident from what he wrote, that the writer took what he had and made the best of it. The effect and influence of God’s word in this man’s life were profound. For every situation, trouble, and every trial, the word ministered to this man. It led him, it provoked him, it challenged him, it comforted him. The answer to every dilemma or situation we face is found in God’s word. The word works. The intent of the writer of Psalm 119 was to set before us the excellence of God. Our text tonight is a unique Psalm that was written in a way that could be easily memorized. It was organized into 22 sections, each with eight verses. The 22 sections correspond to the 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet, and the first word of each section begins with the letter of the Hebrew alphabet in order. We do not know who wrote this Psalm, or when it was written. We know that the writer rejoiced in what he had. He found courage, peace, and wisdom to navigate life successfully. It is interesting to know that the writer did not have the benefit of the whole old testament to study. It is evident from what he wrote, that the writer took what he had and made the best of it. The effect and influence of God’s word in this man’s life were profound. For every situation, trouble, and every trial, the word ministered to this man. It led him, it provoked him, it challenged him, it comforted him. The answer to every dilemma or situation we face is found in God’s word. The word works. The intent of the writer of Psalm 119 was to set before us the excellence of God. Our text tonight is a unique Psalm that was written in a way that could be easily memorized. It was organized into 22 sections, each with eight verses. The 22 sections… Kenneth Baker 2408 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21380078/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thewordworks/id/3280484.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21380078 The Word Works Mon, 06 May 2019 02:25:00 +0000 Craig Ashcraft For many churches, we see the supernatural on Sundays and Wednesdays, but on the other days, they rely on their own understanding. That is not God’s plan. God wants us to operate in the supernatural in every aspect of our life. We cannot achieve that by reading a one minute devotional in the morning before we go out the door each morning. The disciples suffered from this same mentality. They were exposed to works and wonders daily in Jesus’ ministry, but when confronted with situations, they still did not expect the supernatural. There are times we have a powerful move of God in our service, but often that is a feeling. Spirituality is more than a feeling. We open the doors to the supernatural when we add works to our faith. When we are in need, we have to know two things: What is our word, and what is our work? There has to be an action to go with the word and what it tells us. Moses had to raise his staff to part the Red Sea. The priests had to step into the Jordan to stop the flow upstream. The widow had to feed the prophet before the meal barrel continued to provide. The door to the supernatural is opened by obedience to His word. For many churches, we see the supernatural on Sundays and Wednesdays, but on the other days, they rely on their own understanding. That is not God’s plan. God wants us to operate in the supernatural in every aspect of our life. We cannot achieve that by reading a one minute devotional in the morning before we go out the door each morning. The disciples suffered from this same mentality. They were exposed to works and wonders daily in Jesus’ ministry, but when confronted with situations, they still did not expect the supernatural. There are times we have a powerful move of God in our service, but often that is a feeling. Spirituality is more than a feeling. We open the doors to the supernatural when we add works to our faith. When we are in need, we have to know two things: What is our word, and what is our work? There has to be an action to go with the word and what it tells us. Moses had to raise his staff to part the Red Sea. The priests had to step into the Jordan to stop the flow upstream. The widow had to feed the prophet before the meal barrel continued to provide. The door to the supernatural is opened by obedience to His word. For many churches, we see the supernatural on Sundays and Wednesdays, but on the other days, they rely on their own understanding. That is not God’s plan. God wants us to operate in the supernatural in every aspect of our life. We cannot achieve tha… Craig Ashcraft 2168 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21379605/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_openingthedoorstothesupernatur/id/3280034.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21379605 Scripture: James 2:14-2:17 Sun, 05 May 2019 20:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We all want the blessings of God in our lives. We want the transformative experience with God that will make a real difference. The problem is that most of us do not want to go through the process that God requires to realize that process. God’s process will push us out of our comfort zone. We do not always understand the process. In our text, God uses recognizable symbols to illustrate His process. The mother eagle shelters her nest but pushes the eaglets out to turn them into mature eagles. The eaglets do not understand the process, but the mother knows that what is in her, is also in her young and she pushes them to be what they were meant to be. God did not create us to be sheltered. What we see in us, is not what God sees in us. God sees us on another dimension. God sees us where we are, but He is not content to leave us where there. Our text is a glimpse into what God needs us to understand about Him and ourselves. If we are left to ourselves, our life will continue to spiral downward. We need the stirring to move us toward our purpose. God is more interested in our purpose than our comfort. God loves us enough to push us out of the chaos of our lives toward the order and design He has for our life. God is trying to transform darkness into light and chaos into order. Our potential is greater than our present position, but to reach that potential, we have to move out of our comfort zone. All of the pain, storms, and trials we go through are designed to move us to the purpose that God has for us. God is not angry with us; He is trying to get us to the place He has designed for us. We all want the blessings of God in our lives. We want the transformative experience with God that will make a real difference. The problem is that most of us do not want to go through the process that God requires to realize that process. God’s process will push us out of our comfort zone. We do not always understand the process. In our text, God uses recognizable symbols to illustrate His process. The mother eagle shelters her nest but pushes the eaglets out to turn them into mature eagles. The eaglets do not understand the process, but the mother knows that what is in her, is also in her young and she pushes them to be what they were meant to be. God did not create us to be sheltered. What we see in us, is not what God sees in us. God sees us on another dimension. God sees us where we are, but He is not content to leave us where there. Our text is a glimpse into what God needs us to understand about Him and ourselves. If we are left to ourselves, our life will continue to spiral downward. We need the stirring to move us toward our purpose. God is more interested in our purpose than our comfort. God loves us enough to push us out of the chaos of our lives toward the order and design He has for our life. God is trying to transform darkness into light and chaos into order. Our potential is greater than our present position, but to reach that potential, we have to move out of our comfort zone. All of the pain, storms, and trials we go through are designed to move us to the purpose that God has for us. God is not angry with us; He is trying to get us to the place He has designed for us. We all want the blessings of God in our lives. We want the transformative experience with God that will make a real difference. The problem is that most of us do not want to go through the process that God requires to realize that process. God’s pro… Mark Hughes 2887 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21378020/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thepainfulprocessofpurpose/id/3278462.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21378020 Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:10-32:12 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 13:51:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Bro. Ashcraft looks at two areas where we as children of God have some room for improvement. The first is that we give up too quickly. We pray our prayers, and when they do not come to pass, we write them off as if they were a lottery ticket that was not the winner. When prayer does not result in an answer, we rationalize that it was not the Lord’s will. The second fault that we have is living by our feelings as a spiritual barometer. The spirit of the Lord without the Word is like concrete without steel reinforcement in it. When we experience the presence of the Lord, we must also experience it with the Word so that it will keep us solid in times of trouble. If all we have are our feelings, we have no foundation. Many use the word as a morality check. It is a book of codes and rules that have come down from our parents and grandparents. The word is more than that. There are two keys to increasing our percentage of victory. The first is found in John 15:7. We must saturate ourselves in the word. That is more than just reading. It is searching the word for scriptures that address the areas of our life that are troubling us. Most of us have enough word to keep us moral, but not enough to get us to miraculous. When we saturate ourselves in the word, we will see ourselves as He sees us. The second key is activation. We read about miracles and we pray for and believe for our miracles, but often do nothing about it. Faith without work is dead. The nobleman who asked Jesus to come lay hands on his child so he would be healed. Jesus told him, to go home that his child was well. The nobleman acted on Jesus’ word and went home to find his child well. To increase our percentage of victory, we must saturate ourselves in the Word and put our faith into action. Bro. Ashcraft looks at two areas where we as children of God have some room for improvement. The first is that we give up too quickly. We pray our prayers, and when they do not come to pass, we write them off as if they were a lottery ticket that was not the winner. When prayer does not result in an answer, we rationalize that it was not the Lord’s will. The second fault that we have is living by our feelings as a spiritual barometer. The spirit of the Lord without the Word is like concrete without steel reinforcement in it. When we experience the presence of the Lord, we must also experience it with the Word so that it will keep us solid in times of trouble. If all we have are our feelings, we have no foundation. Many use the word as a morality check. It is a book of codes and rules that have come down from our parents and grandparents. The word is more than that. There are two keys to increasing our percentage of victory. The first is found in John 15:7. We must saturate ourselves in the word. That is more than just reading. It is searching the word for scriptures that address the areas of our life that are troubling us. Most of us have enough word to keep us moral, but not enough to get us to miraculous. When we saturate ourselves in the word, we will see ourselves as He sees us. The second key is activation. We read about miracles and we pray for and believe for our miracles, but often do nothing about it. Faith without work is dead. The nobleman who asked Jesus to come lay hands on his child so he would be healed. Jesus told him, to go home that his child was well. The nobleman acted on Jesus’ word and went home to find his child well. To increase our percentage of victory, we must saturate ourselves in the Word and put our faith into action. Bro. Ashcraft looks at two areas where we as children of God have some room for improvement. The first is that we give up too quickly. We pray our prayers, and when they do not come to pass, we write them off as if they were a lottery ticket that was… Kenneth Baker 2433 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21374776/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_increaseyourpercentageofvictor/id/3275430.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21374776 Increase Your Percentage of Victory Sun, 21 Apr 2019 20:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We are not here to celebrate a holiday, but to acknowledge the truth that the resurrection changes everything. All of our hopes, dreams, and anticipations find their roots in the resurrection. If not for that event, how different would our life be? The resurrection changes not only our life, but also our death. When Jesus came out of the tomb, He defeated the greatest enemy of humanity since the fall in the garden: death. Because Jesus lives, there is hope. The resurrection tells us that not only did God work, but He is working! With this knowledge, we do not fear the future. It is the resurrection that gives us the hope we have. He is Alive, and we are forgiven! We are not here to celebrate a holiday, but to acknowledge the truth that the resurrection changes everything. All of our hopes, dreams, and anticipations find their roots in the resurrection. If not for that event, how different would our life be? The resurrection changes not only our life, but also our death. When Jesus came out of the tomb, He defeated the greatest enemy of humanity since the fall in the garden: death. Because Jesus lives, there is hope. The resurrection tells us that not only did God work, but He is working! With this knowledge, we do not fear the future. It is the resurrection that gives us the hope we have. He is Alive, and we are forgiven! We are not here to celebrate a holiday, but to acknowledge the truth that the resurrection changes everything. All of our hopes, dreams, and anticipations find their roots in the resurrection. If not for that event, how different would our life be? … Mark Hughes 1441 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21368813/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_resurrectionthatchangeseveryth/id/3269685.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21368813 Scripture: Acts 2:22-2:24 Thu, 11 Apr 2019 03:07:00 +0000 Mark Hughes One of the greatest failures of a child of God is a failure to understand God’s favor in our life. If we could understand that God’s attitude toward us is for our good, there is nothing that we could not face. Paul tells us to be transformed. The word used is the same one used to describe how Jesus was changed on the mount of transfiguration. The only way for us to be transformed is through the renewing of the mind. If we can learn to manage our thoughts, there will be a miraculous transformation. The key to a transformed life is a change in our mind. It is critical to understand that God has a part, and we have a part in this transformation. God will change us when we learn how to work on our own mind. One of the greatest failures of a child of God is a failure to understand God’s favor in our life. If we could understand that God’s attitude toward us is for our good, there is nothing that we could not face. Paul tells us to be transformed. The word used is the same one used to describe how Jesus was changed on the mount of transfiguration. The only way for us to be transformed is through the renewing of the mind. If we can learn to manage our thoughts, there will be a miraculous transformation. The key to a transformed life is a change in our mind. It is critical to understand that God has a part, and we have a part in this transformation. God will change us when we learn how to work on our own mind. One of the greatest failures of a child of God is a failure to understand God’s favor in our life. If we could understand that God’s attitude toward us is for our good, there is nothing that we could not face. Paul tells us to be transformed. The wo… Mark Hughes 3665 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21362943/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godsbestforyoupart2/id/3264095.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21362943 Scripture: Romans 12:1-12:2, Series: God's Best For You Part#2 Sun, 07 Apr 2019 19:27:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Paul’s words convey a message of the things that we will encounter in life. Trouble, pressure, and struggle. But he also provides encouragement to help us deal with those things. God wants us to be reminded of something so simple and profound: What is on the inside of us, is greater than what is going on on the outside. God has placed something in us that will see us through all that life has to bring. What He has placed is divine, and He puts it into a flawed container. What is on the inside is worth more than the entire world. The essence of what Paul is saying is that it is not what life does to us that is the problem, it is what we do in response to life that causes us the most harm. Life’s journey perplexes us. There are things about life that we will never understand. If we are not careful we allow life to push us into a corner and we make decisions that are not in our best interest. We have to understand that when we are at the end of our rope, God is just beginning. The problem is that, often, we never get to the God part. We have to remember that God is the God of possibilities. Just on the other side of what we see as impossible, is a God that will step in and do the impossible. Distress happens in life. We get to places that we do not know what to do or to say. Instead of relying on God in when we get to that point, we try to solve the problem ourselves. If we would God do it, He would work it out to our blessing. It is not the things that life brings that are our downfall. Often our downfall is the things that we do to ourselves. Paul’s words convey a message of the things that we will encounter in life. Trouble, pressure, and struggle. But he also provides encouragement to help us deal with those things. God wants us to be reminded of something so simple and profound: What is on the inside of us, is greater than what is going on on the outside. God has placed something in us that will see us through all that life has to bring. What He has placed is divine, and He puts it into a flawed container. What is on the inside is worth more than the entire world. The essence of what Paul is saying is that it is not what life does to us that is the problem, it is what we do in response to life that causes us the most harm. Life’s journey perplexes us. There are things about life that we will never understand. If we are not careful we allow life to push us into a corner and we make decisions that are not in our best interest. We have to understand that when we are at the end of our rope, God is just beginning. The problem is that, often, we never get to the God part. We have to remember that God is the God of possibilities. Just on the other side of what we see as impossible, is a God that will step in and do the impossible. Distress happens in life. We get to places that we do not know what to do or to say. Instead of relying on God in when we get to that point, we try to solve the problem ourselves. If we would God do it, He would work it out to our blessing. It is not the things that life brings that are our downfall. Often our downfall is the things that we do to ourselves. Paul’s words convey a message of the things that we will encounter in life. Trouble, pressure, and struggle. But he also provides encouragement to help us deal with those things. God wants us to be reminded of something so simple and profound: What… Mark Hughes 2263 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21360810/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thethingswedotoourselves/id/3261993.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21360810 Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-4:9 Thu, 04 Apr 2019 02:58:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Change is a constant in life. However, not all change is beneficial. So what changes are good and will bless our life and make it better? Change must be leading us to a better place. In our text, Paul identifies two kinds of change that can occur in a person’s life. Of those two changes, one will bring the best result. Paul says “be not conformed.” There are things going on in our life that are trying to influence us. This influence will either benefit us or it will not benefit us. There are two worlds that are fighting for our attention. The world’s way is in opposition to God’s Way. Paul tells us “be not conformed to this world.” He is not speaking of a world, but specifically THIS world. He means the present state of things; the things that are going on in OUR world right now. The reason God is getting us to focus on our world, because, our world is affecting how we respond to life. How are our present circumstances affecting us? What are our circumstances influencing our thoughts, emotions, morals, and standards? Is it fostering in us a better relationship with God, or is it pushing us away? Is our current state of life affecting our happiness and peace? If so, we are in trouble. Because change is going to happen. When we allow our current circumstances to have that kind of impact, we are conforming to the world, not God’s world. Paul is telling us not to let THIS world have influence over our lives, but let God’s world have the influence. The state of things in our life do not have to influence our happiness and peace. We need to stop letting our lives be affected by the world and let the word affect us. What we need is a total and complete change of our mind. When the mind becomes transformed, it changes our attitude about life. The renewing of our mind transforms our life. When there is a new us, there is a new outlook. Allowing our minds to be transformed is the secret to God’s best for us. Change is a constant in life. However, not all change is beneficial. So what changes are good and will bless our life and make it better? Change must be leading us to a better place. In our text, Paul identifies two kinds of change that can occur in a person’s life. Of those two changes, one will bring the best result. Paul says “be not conformed.” There are things going on in our life that are trying to influence us. This influence will either benefit us or it will not benefit us. There are two worlds that are fighting for our attention. The world’s way is in opposition to God’s Way. Paul tells us “be not conformed to this world.” He is not speaking of a world, but specifically THIS world. He means the present state of things; the things that are going on in OUR world right now. The reason God is getting us to focus on our world, because, our world is affecting how we respond to life. How are our present circumstances affecting us? What are our circumstances influencing our thoughts, emotions, morals, and standards? Is it fostering in us a better relationship with God, or is it pushing us away? Is our current state of life affecting our happiness and peace? If so, we are in trouble. Because change is going to happen. When we allow our current circumstances to have that kind of impact, we are conforming to the world, not God’s world. Paul is telling us not to let THIS world have influence over our lives, but let God’s world have the influence. The state of things in our life do not have to influence our happiness and peace. We need to stop letting our lives be affected by the world and let the word affect us. What we need is a total and complete change of our mind. When the mind becomes transformed, it changes our attitude about life. The renewing of our mind transforms our life. When there is a new us, there is a new outlook. Allowing our minds to be transformed is the secret to God’s best for us. Change is a constant in life. However, not all change is beneficial. So what changes are good and will bless our life and make it better? Change must be leading us to a better place. In our text, Paul identifies two kinds of change that can occur i… Mark Hughes 3070 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21358999/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godsbestforyou/id/3260356.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21358999 Transformed, Scripture: Romans 12:1-12:2 Mon, 01 Apr 2019 03:41:00 +0000 Landon Long There is one thing that is paramount in our lives. We must be saved. Our text tells us that the highway to hell is broad and the gate is wide. It seems that our world is paving the highway even wider with more lanes. If we took a poll and ask people if they wanted to go to Heaven or Hell, we would likely get a majority that says they want to go to Heaven. But those same people make choices every day that put them on that broad highway. Too many people have ignored signs and directions that would tell them that they are traveling the wrong way. For some, they can only see one road, so they take it. The highway may seem like a sensible way, but there is another road. In Matthew, we read the parable of the wealthy man who entrusts talents to three of his servants. Two of the servants invest wisely and double what they have been given, while the third holds onto his talent but does nothing with it. The servant returns and praises the first two, but tells the third that he is wicked and slothful. The third man is cast into darkness. It is not enough to hold onto what God has given us, but we must invest and grow His blessings to us. In our final text tonight, the writer in revelation has a vision of the book of life. Those whose names do not appear in the book of life are cast into the fire. It is not enough that we travel on the right road, and that we invest God’s talents wisely. There is nothing more important in life than being saved. In order to do that, we must travel on the right road, and maintain a relationship with God such that our name appears in the book of life. There is one thing that is paramount in our lives. We must be saved. Our text tells us that the highway to hell is broad and the gate is wide. It seems that our world is paving the highway even wider with more lanes. If we took a poll and ask people if they wanted to go to Heaven or Hell, we would likely get a majority that says they want to go to Heaven. But those same people make choices every day that put them on that broad highway. Too many people have ignored signs and directions that would tell them that they are traveling the wrong way. For some, they can only see one road, so they take it. The highway may seem like a sensible way, but there is another road. In Matthew, we read the parable of the wealthy man who entrusts talents to three of his servants. Two of the servants invest wisely and double what they have been given, while the third holds onto his talent but does nothing with it. The servant returns and praises the first two, but tells the third that he is wicked and slothful. The third man is cast into darkness. It is not enough to hold onto what God has given us, but we must invest and grow His blessings to us. In our final text tonight, the writer in revelation has a vision of the book of life. Those whose names do not appear in the book of life are cast into the fire. It is not enough that we travel on the right road, and that we invest God’s talents wisely. There is nothing more important in life than being saved. In order to do that, we must travel on the right road, and maintain a relationship with God such that our name appears in the book of life. There is one thing that is paramount in our lives. We must be saved. Our text tells us that the highway to hell is broad and the gate is wide. It seems that our world is paving the highway even wider with more lanes. If we took a poll and ask peopl… Landon Long 2177 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21357452/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_anotherroadanotherbook/id/3258847.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21357452 Scripture: Matthew 7:13-7:14, Matthew 25:20-25:30, Revelation 20:12-20:15 Mon, 01 Apr 2019 03:05:00 +0000 Mark Hughes God’s word is full of dichotomies. To live we must die. To lead we must serve. To gain all, we must give up all. There is a conflict in God’s work in us that is confusing to us. We come into the presence of God and enjoy his glory, but we are still surrounded by all the weaknesses, problems and challenges that are our human life. No matter how great the Glory of God may be that we enjoy, we are still a fragile, cracked earthen vessel. Our text highlights this concept. It points out the difference between what is us, and that which He has put in us. That which He has put in us is a treasure of immeasurable value. Our human body is not worthy of housing such a treasure, but He put it there anyway. Our mortal body is weak. Despite all the advances in modern science, we cannot prevent sickness and disease. We cannot stop life from happening. That is the earthen part of us. Being spirit filled does not exempt us from life. The presence of God in us is so that others can see Him in us despite our earthly circumstances. Our text highlights some of these circumstances. We do not get to choose these circumstances, but we get to choose how we respond to them. Paul says we are troubled on every side. We feel pressures from all angles. Life can press us, but it cannot pin us. Paul said We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed. That little word changes everything. Life may hinder us, but it cannot stop us. Life can crowd us, but it cannot trap us. No matter what life brings, we still have an option. Paul and Silas were beaten, bound and in the inner prison, but they still had an option. They used their mouth to praise God and that was all that was needed. That is all that we need. If we will just open our mouth, we can change our outcome. We may be limited right now. Limited in health issues, job issues, financial issues, or relationship issues. But none of us are without hope. What is inside of us is more important than what is happening to the outside of us. No matter what the circumstance, God has provided a way out. If all that we have is our mouth, that is enough. A praise on our lips is enough to see us through. God’s word is full of dichotomies. To live we must die. To lead we must serve. To gain all, we must give up all. There is a conflict in God’s work in us that is confusing to us. We come into the presence of God and enjoy his glory, but we are still surrounded by all the weaknesses, problems and challenges that are our human life. No matter how great the Glory of God may be that we enjoy, we are still a fragile, cracked earthen vessel. Our text highlights this concept. It points out the difference between what is us, and that which He has put in us. That which He has put in us is a treasure of immeasurable value. Our human body is not worthy of housing such a treasure, but He put it there anyway. Our mortal body is weak. Despite all the advances in modern science, we cannot prevent sickness and disease. We cannot stop life from happening. That is the earthen part of us. Being spirit filled does not exempt us from life. The presence of God in us is so that others can see Him in us despite our earthly circumstances. Our text highlights some of these circumstances. We do not get to choose these circumstances, but we get to choose how we respond to them. Paul says we are troubled on every side. We feel pressures from all angles. Life can press us, but it cannot pin us. Paul said We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed. That little word changes everything. Life may hinder us, but it cannot stop us. Life can crowd us, but it cannot trap us. No matter what life brings, we still have an option. Paul and Silas were beaten, bound and in the inner prison, but they still had an option. They used their mouth to praise God and that was all that was needed. That is all that we need. If we will just open our mouth, we can change our outcome. We may be limited right now. Limited in health issues, job issues, financial issues, or relationship issues. But none of us are without hope. What is inside of us is more important than what is happening to the outside of us. No matter what the circumstance, God has provided a way out. If all that we have is our mouth, that is enough. A praise on our lips is enough to see us through. God’s word is full of dichotomies. To live we must die. To lead we must serve. To gain all, we must give up all. There is a conflict in God’s work in us that is confusing to us. We come into the presence of God and enjoy his glory, but we are still… Mark Hughes 2705 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21357441/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thedifferencebetweenwhatwearea/id/3258835.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21357441 Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-4:9 Sun, 24 Mar 2019 19:57:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Many of us fail to understand the indispensable value of hope in our lives. Hope is expectation of good. To wait on something better. Hope is all about our future. The bible describes hope as many things. It is described as living, good, a better thing, and a blessed thing. Hope produces many good things in our life, purity, joy, salvation, assurance, salvation, and many more. Hope impacts us in so many ways that we cannot enumerate them all. Our attitude is influenced by hope. Our courage is affected by hope. Faith is heavily influenced by hope. Sometimes in life hope gets sick. Life can even kill hope at times. Lamentations is one of the saddest books of the Bible. Included in all that sadness, is the star of hope that gives us encouragement. Lamentations is an eyewitness account of the aftermath of the fall of Jerusalem fall to Babylon. The most horrific things had happened to the writer, and Jeremiah describes what he saw when he walked through the rubble of the once proud city. He saw a city in ruin. Nothing was left untouched. What Jeremiah saw affected what he said. The people had either been killed or taken away as slaves. Only a few, sad stragglers remained in the once bustling city. Jeremiah describes the city as being cast aside like a dirty rag. The people who were left, searched for bread, but there was none to be had. Children died in their mother’s arms because there was no food. Jeremiah says that he will never forget this awful time: wounds as deep as the sea. He said, “my hope has vanished.” Then once verse changes the entire tone of the chapter. “This I recall to my mind; therefore, have I hope.” Some people cannot make that jump. They cannot get past what has happened to them or the mistake they have made. They go back to that point in their life and rehearse and rehash that situation over and over. When Jeremiah began to recall, he didn’t stop with the failures and rebellion, he went to the mercies of God. When he got back to God, hope came back to life. The problem is that when some people go back to rehearse their failures, they do not go back far enough. If we go back past our failures, we find a God that was merciful then, and He is merciful now. Back past our failures, there is a God that loves us unconditionally. Our failures are not all that is going to be in our life. When Jeremiah first came into the fallen city, all that he could see was destruction and failure. He began to speak out of what he saw. When he paused long enough to allow God in, he saw a future that was past the failure. Our flesh (and our world) will tell us that we will never be more than we are now, but God has a different story. When Jeremiah considered God’s mercy over his misery, he began to speak a different story. When he took his eyes off what he was seeing, his entire attitude changed. He was able to lift his eyes off of the brokenness that was in front of him and see a God who is unbroken. We must quit focusing on our past and, focus in His past. What has He been? He has been merciful, He has been forgiving, He has been the provider. Do not waste another day on our past, focus on His past. Stop focusing on the failure and start focusing on the future. When we go far enough back, we find a God who loves, forgives and encourages. That is how to revive hope. Many of us fail to understand the indispensable value of hope in our lives. Hope is expectation of good. To wait on something better. Hope is all about our future. The bible describes hope as many things. It is described as living, good, a better thing, and a blessed thing. Hope produces many good things in our life, purity, joy, salvation, assurance, salvation, and many more. Hope impacts us in so many ways that we cannot enumerate them all. Our attitude is influenced by hope. Our courage is affected by hope. Faith is heavily influenced by hope. Sometimes in life hope gets sick. Life can even kill hope at times. Lamentations is one of the saddest books of the Bible. Included in all that sadness, is the star of hope that gives us encouragement. Lamentations is an eyewitness account of the aftermath of the fall of Jerusalem fall to Babylon. The most horrific things had happened to the writer, and Jeremiah describes what he saw when he walked through the rubble of the once proud city. He saw a city in ruin. Nothing was left untouched. What Jeremiah saw affected what he said. The people had either been killed or taken away as slaves. Only a few, sad stragglers remained in the once bustling city. Jeremiah describes the city as being cast aside like a dirty rag. The people who were left, searched for bread, but there was none to be had. Children died in their mother’s arms because there was no food. Jeremiah says that he will never forget this awful time: wounds as deep as the sea. He said, “my hope has vanished.” Then once verse changes the entire tone of the chapter. “This I recall to my mind; therefore, have I hope.” Some people cannot make that jump. They cannot get past what has happened to them or the mistake they have made. They go back to that point in their life and rehearse and rehash that situation over and over. When Jeremiah began to recall, he didn’t stop with the failures and rebellion, he went to the mercies of God. When he got back to God, hope came back to life. The problem is that when some people go back to rehearse their failures, they do not go back far enough. If we go back past our failures, we find a God that was merciful then, and He is merciful now. Back past our failures, there is a God that loves us unconditionally. Our failures are not all that is going to be in our life. When Jeremiah first came into the fallen city, all that he could see was destruction and failure. He began to speak out of what he saw. When he paused long enough to allow God in, he saw a future that was past the failure. Our flesh (and our world) will tell us that we will never be more than we are now, but God has a different story. When Jeremiah considered God’s mercy over his misery, he began to speak a different story. When he took his eyes off what he was seeing, his entire attitude changed. He was able to lift his eyes off of the brokenness that was in front of him and see a God who is unbroken. We must quit focusing on our past and, focus in His past. What has He been? He has been merciful, He has been forgiving, He has been the provider. Do not waste another day on our past, focus on His past. Stop focusing on the failure and start focusing on the future. When we go far enough back, we find a God who loves, forgives and encourages. That is how to revive hope. Many of us fail to understand the indispensable value of hope in our lives. Hope is expectation of good. To wait on something better. Hope is all about our future. The bible describes hope as many things. It is described as living, good, a better t… Mark Hughes 2842 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21352791/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatcanrevivehope/id/3254402.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21352791 Scripture: Lamentations 3:15-3:24 Thu, 21 Mar 2019 03:18:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Paul’s writing to the church at Corinth indicates that there were deep-seated problems there. There seemed to be a spirit of entitlement and arrogance. They seemed to have the attitude that everything the did, even if it was sinful, was covered by God’s grace. Paul writes to them to deal with this attitude of arrogance. In our text, Paul reminds the Corinthians of the history of Israel. He reminded them of the parting of the Red Sea, the provision of manna, water being produced from the rock. Paul reminds them that they had the cover of a cloud during the day and a tower of fire at night. As we know, despite all the blessings that God bestowed on Israel, they completely failed to follow God’s commands and who grumbled and complained often. Common wisdom would tell us that blessed people would not be tempted. Common wisdom is wrong. God’s blessings do not exempt us from being tempted. Paul goes on to list the ways that Israel was tempted. First is that they were tempted to let other things become more important than God: Idolatry. It is very easy to let our blessing become the object of our affection. We can easily come to worship the thing that is our blessing and forget the One that provided the blessing. Second, Paul talks to them about the temptation of the flesh. When we are blessed, there is a temptation to give in to the carnal man. Third, they began to test God. There were several times that Israel tested God to the point that He was ready to wipe them from the face of the earth. One way Israel tested God was with unbelief. Despite all the blessings and demonstration of God’s power, and yet, Israel continued to doubt that Him and His power. The other thing that tested God was Israel’s lack of obedience. The fourth temptation was the temptation to complain. They found fault with quail. They found fault with quail. One of the temptations of being blessed is the feeling that we deserve more. Will all of the things we have, if we are not careful, we will still find something to complain about. Paul reminded them all of these things as a reminder and for instruction. Ironically it is when we are blessed, that we must be most on guard against temptation. Paul’s writing to the church at Corinth indicates that there were deep-seated problems there. There seemed to be a spirit of entitlement and arrogance. They seemed to have the attitude that everything the did, even if it was sinful, was covered by God’s grace. Paul writes to them to deal with this attitude of arrogance. In our text, Paul reminds the Corinthians of the history of Israel. He reminded them of the parting of the Red Sea, the provision of manna, water being produced from the rock. Paul reminds them that they had the cover of a cloud during the day and a tower of fire at night. As we know, despite all the blessings that God bestowed on Israel, they completely failed to follow God’s commands and who grumbled and complained often. Common wisdom would tell us that blessed people would not be tempted. Common wisdom is wrong. God’s blessings do not exempt us from being tempted. Paul goes on to list the ways that Israel was tempted. First is that they were tempted to let other things become more important than God: Idolatry. It is very easy to let our blessing become the object of our affection. We can easily come to worship the thing that is our blessing and forget the One that provided the blessing. Second, Paul talks to them about the temptation of the flesh. When we are blessed, there is a temptation to give in to the carnal man. Third, they began to test God. There were several times that Israel tested God to the point that He was ready to wipe them from the face of the earth. One way Israel tested God was with unbelief. Despite all the blessings and demonstration of God’s power, and yet, Israel continued to doubt that Him and His power. The other thing that tested God was Israel’s lack of obedience. The fourth temptation was the temptation to complain. They found fault with quail. They found fault with quail. One of the temptations of being blessed is the feeling that we deserve more. Will all of the things we have, if we are not careful, we will still find something to complain about. Paul reminded them all of these things as a reminder and for instruction. Ironically it is when we are blessed, that we must be most on guard against temptation. Paul’s writing to the church at Corinth indicates that there were deep-seated problems there. There seemed to be a spirit of entitlement and arrogance. They seemed to have the attitude that everything the did, even if it was sinful, was covered by God… Mark Hughes 3430 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21350949/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_temptationofourblessings/id/3252668.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21350949 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-10:15 Mon, 18 Mar 2019 02:57:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Our text tonight is David’s second attempt to return the ark of God to Jerelusum. His first attempt resulted in failure because God was not in the center of it. Bro. Hughes preached last Sunday about this first attempt. David had the crowd and the showmanship, but he did not have the blessing of God. Many churches today are consumed with stage presence, presentation, and talent but God is not central to what they are doing. Like David, many churches have good presentation and talent, but God is not in it. They have good intentions and motives, but the focus is on success as defined by man, not as defined by God. Between David’s first attempt and the one we read in 1 Chronicle 15, he prayed and found out how God wanted it to be done. First, he assembled the priesthood to lead the procession. In biblical times the priesthood represented God’s word. Church must be lead by God’s word. Everything we do in church is in preparation for the word of God to be heard. Therefore, we must make the word of God the starting place for everything we do. Our efforts must be word-centered, not emotion centered. In this second attempt, the Levites carried the ark as they were supposed to. In his first attempt, David used a cart to carry the ark. That was the Philistines way of doing it. God appointed men to carry the ark. God works through men, not machines. God’s church is not a machine, it is operated by the men to glorify Him. In the first attempt, there was no sacrifice. They had music and singing, but there was no blood to accompany the procession and God was not pleased. Israel had been so long without this in their life, that they forgot that sacrifice was part of God’s plan. It is the blood that redeems and gives victory. If we eliminate the blood, we eliminate the life of the church. David had good intentions in his first attempt. There is nothing wrong with having a crowd, good singing, and good music. But if God is not glorified, it is all for nothing. Our text tonight is David’s second attempt to return the ark of God to Jerelusum. His first attempt resulted in failure because God was not in the center of it. Bro. Hughes preached last Sunday about this first attempt. David had the crowd and the showmanship, but he did not have the blessing of God. Many churches today are consumed with stage presence, presentation, and talent but God is not central to what they are doing. Like David, many churches have good presentation and talent, but God is not in it. They have good intentions and motives, but the focus is on success as defined by man, not as defined by God. Between David’s first attempt and the one we read in 1 Chronicle 15, he prayed and found out how God wanted it to be done. First, he assembled the priesthood to lead the procession. In biblical times the priesthood represented God’s word. Church must be lead by God’s word. Everything we do in church is in preparation for the word of God to be heard. Therefore, we must make the word of God the starting place for everything we do. Our efforts must be word-centered, not emotion centered. In this second attempt, the Levites carried the ark as they were supposed to. In his first attempt, David used a cart to carry the ark. That was the Philistines way of doing it. God appointed men to carry the ark. God works through men, not machines. God’s church is not a machine, it is operated by the men to glorify Him. In the first attempt, there was no sacrifice. They had music and singing, but there was no blood to accompany the procession and God was not pleased. Israel had been so long without this in their life, that they forgot that sacrifice was part of God’s plan. It is the blood that redeems and gives victory. If we eliminate the blood, we eliminate the life of the church. David had good intentions in his first attempt. There is nothing wrong with having a crowd, good singing, and good music. But if God is not glorified, it is all for nothing. Our text tonight is David’s second attempt to return the ark of God to Jerelusum. His first attempt resulted in failure because God was not in the center of it. Bro. Hughes preached last Sunday about this first attempt. David had the crowd and the s… Kenneth Baker 2605 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21349263/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_gettingitrightdoingchurchgodsw/id/3251032.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21349263 Getting It Right; Doing Church God's Way Sun, 17 Mar 2019 19:19:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Abram and Sarai were frustrated. God had made great promises to them, that had not yet come to past. The promise of God was long in coming. There was no indication of any movement on God’s part in at least ten years. Sarai suggests that Hagar could fulfill that promise of a child that had not yet provided. In their frustration, Abram and Sarai tried to help God fulfill His promise. How often do we create something in our frustration, problems for time to come? Often the problems resulting from acting in these frustrations affect more than just us. The bible says Sarai gave Hagar to Abram, but then came to despise her. Sarai treated Hagar harshly. How are we treating people harshly out of our frustration? How often do our frustrations drive our actions to hurt people? We do not understand God’s plans. We question God in His timing. Abram and Sarai were getting older. They could not understand how God could bring the promised child to them in their advanced age. They began to believe that it was never going to happen. When God’s timing is slow in coming, we become frustrated because He is not working things out in the way that we thought He would. This is a challenge to our faith. We get frustrated withGod’s pace. When that happens, something happens to our faith. Fear begins to replace faith. When we let frustration stay too long, it is not long until our faith is pushed out and fear comes rushing in. Fear is to faith as water is to fire: it will put it out. Fear and faith cannot reside in the same household. Abram and Sarai had let fear replace the faith they had in God’s plan. We do not always understand God’s plan, but we do not need to understand it. We simply have to trust Him that He will work it out in His time. What happens when we become frustrated? We become more aware of what is not working. God had made many promises to Abram. Most of those promises were coming to pass in his life. But the point of chapter 16 is one promise: “I will make you a great nation.” Because God was slow in delivering one promise, Abram and Sarai became frustrated When we become frustrated with God, we lose focus on what is working. We need to take a look at what is working in life and not focus on what is not. God had blessed Abram and Sarai greatly, but all they could focus on was one thing. They did not see that God was providing all of the other things He promised. That should have been evidence enough that He would provide the one thing they were missing. Sarai had become so focused on what she couldn’t do, that she failed to realize that His promises are yea and amen. Frustration will steal our praise and replace it with complaining. What are we doing the most of in life: complaining or praising? Look at what God has already done. Until God brings the promise to pass, trust HIm. We need to get our eyes off of what it not right in life and concentrate on what is right. Until God delivers on HIs promise, do not give in to frustration. Abram and Sarai were frustrated. God had made great promises to them, that had not yet come to past. The promise of God was long in coming. There was no indication of any movement on God’s part in at least ten years. Sarai suggests that Hagar could fulfill that promise of a child that had not yet provided. In their frustration, Abram and Sarai tried to help God fulfill His promise. How often do we create something in our frustration, problems for time to come? Often the problems resulting from acting in these frustrations affect more than just us. The bible says Sarai gave Hagar to Abram, but then came to despise her. Sarai treated Hagar harshly. How are we treating people harshly out of our frustration? How often do our frustrations drive our actions to hurt people? We do not understand God’s plans. We question God in His timing. Abram and Sarai were getting older. They could not understand how God could bring the promised child to them in their advanced age. They began to believe that it was never going to happen. When God’s timing is slow in coming, we become frustrated because He is not working things out in the way that we thought He would. This is a challenge to our faith. We get frustrated withGod’s pace. When that happens, something happens to our faith. Fear begins to replace faith. When we let frustration stay too long, it is not long until our faith is pushed out and fear comes rushing in. Fear is to faith as water is to fire: it will put it out. Fear and faith cannot reside in the same household. Abram and Sarai had let fear replace the faith they had in God’s plan. We do not always understand God’s plan, but we do not need to understand it. We simply have to trust Him that He will work it out in His time. What happens when we become frustrated? We become more aware of what is not working. God had made many promises to Abram. Most of those promises were coming to pass in his life. But the point of chapter 16 is one promise: “I will make you a great nation.” Because God was slow in delivering one promise, Abram and Sarai became frustrated When we become frustrated with God, we lose focus on what is working. We need to take a look at what is working in life and not focus on what is not. God had blessed Abram and Sarai greatly, but all they could focus on was one thing. They did not see that God was providing all of the other things He promised. That should have been evidence enough that He would provide the one thing they were missing. Sarai had become so focused on what she couldn’t do, that she failed to realize that His promises are yea and amen. Frustration will steal our praise and replace it with complaining. What are we doing the most of in life: complaining or praising? Look at what God has already done. Until God brings the promise to pass, trust HIm. We need to get our eyes off of what it not right in life and concentrate on what is right. Until God delivers on HIs promise, do not give in to frustration. Abram and Sarai were frustrated. God had made great promises to them, that had not yet come to past. The promise of God was long in coming. There was no indication of any movement on God’s part in at least ten years. Sarai suggests that Hagar could … Mark Hughes 2804 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21348671/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_frustration/id/3250450.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21348671 Scripture: Genesis 16:1-16:6 Thu, 14 Mar 2019 02:47:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Bible scholars believe the Peter did not write 1 Peter but dictated it to someone else who wrote down what Peter said. However 2 Peter is very different, and most Bible scholars do not believe it was written by the same person but was most likely penned by Peter himself. In the opening of this letter, the writer refers to himself as Simon Peter. Peter was not Peter’s given name, but one that was given to him by Jesus. By addressing himself at Simon Peter, he calls to attention the importance of what he had to say. He reminds them that “we share a like precious faith” We all have the same opportunity to have a relationship with Jesus. None are preferred over another; all can experience the exact same relationship as anyone else. We can have the same relationship with God as He had with Peter, Paul, James, or any of the other apostles. Bro. James Hughes explores this concept of like precious faith and the equality that it brings. Bible scholars believe the Peter did not write 1 Peter but dictated it to someone else who wrote down what Peter said. However 2 Peter is very different, and most Bible scholars do not believe it was written by the same person but was most likely penned by Peter himself. In the opening of this letter, the writer refers to himself as Simon Peter. Peter was not Peter’s given name, but one that was given to him by Jesus. By addressing himself at Simon Peter, he calls to attention the importance of what he had to say. He reminds them that “we share a like precious faith” We all have the same opportunity to have a relationship with Jesus. None are preferred over another; all can experience the exact same relationship as anyone else. We can have the same relationship with God as He had with Peter, Paul, James, or any of the other apostles. Bro. James Hughes explores this concept of like precious faith and the equality that it brings. Bible scholars believe the Peter did not write 1 Peter but dictated it to someone else who wrote down what Peter said. However 2 Peter is very different, and most Bible scholars do not believe it was written by the same person but was most likely penn… Kenneth Baker 2884 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21346838/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_likepreciousfaith/id/3248775.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21346838 Like Precious Faith Mon, 11 Mar 2019 03:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker We live in a time when some are confused about what church is supposed to be and what produces growth and revival. Many churches are concerned with things that will make their church successful. The definition of success should be what God wants. If man defines success differently than God, he is wrong and God is right. In our text, David made two attempts to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to Israel. The Ark of the Covenant had been in the hands of the Philistines between 40-70 years. David was anxious to return it to its proper place. His first attempt was born of noble intentions, but the way in which he went about it was not God-centered. David had a plan and an idea of how to accomplish the task, but it was not the way that God wanted it to happen. When we look at David’s first attempt, we see all of the things that man would judge to be the right ingredients. First he had a crowd. By the world’s standard, a crowd is the measure of success. A crown does not guarantee the blessing of God. We must make sure to measure by God’s measure, not man’s measure. It is little value to gather a crowd if we are doing things that are displeasing to God. In addition to a crowd, he had pomp and showmanship. David called all the prominent people. While talent and abilities are important, if God is not glorified by the talent and abilites, they are not valuable to Him. Next David had new equipment. The problem is that The Ark of the Covenant was never intended to be on a cart, but to be carried by His people. The Philistines had carried it on a cart, so David chose to do the same. We do not need the Philistines defining church for us. By man’s definition, David had all the pieces. They had a crowd, they had new equipment, they had excitement, they had the best musicians. But man’s definition was not what was required. God is not opposed to talent, equipment, or crowds. However, but the underlying motive has to be God-centered. David’s first attempt to bring the Ark home was a failure. Uza lost his life trying to steady the Ark on its journey. David was shaken and left the Ark in the home of Obededom. There it remained from between four to seven years. During that time, Obededom’s house was blessed. Finally, David decides to bring the Ark home again. This time, he focused on what was pleasing to God. People driven measures will always fail. We will fail whenever we are more concerned with what pleases people and less concerned with what pleases God. It would have been a lot wiser for David to consult God before he gathered the crowd and the new cart. If we will pray as hard as we play, God will be glorified. We live in a time when some are confused about what church is supposed to be and what produces growth and revival. Many churches are concerned with things that will make their church successful. The definition of success should be what God wants. If man defines success differently than God, he is wrong and God is right. In our text, David made two attempts to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to Israel. The Ark of the Covenant had been in the hands of the Philistines between 40-70 years. David was anxious to return it to its proper place. His first attempt was born of noble intentions, but the way in which he went about it was not God-centered. David had a plan and an idea of how to accomplish the task, but it was not the way that God wanted it to happen. When we look at David’s first attempt, we see all of the things that man would judge to be the right ingredients. First he had a crowd. By the world’s standard, a crowd is the measure of success. A crown does not guarantee the blessing of God. We must make sure to measure by God’s measure, not man’s measure. It is little value to gather a crowd if we are doing things that are displeasing to God. In addition to a crowd, he had pomp and showmanship. David called all the prominent people. While talent and abilities are important, if God is not glorified by the talent and abilites, they are not valuable to Him. Next David had new equipment. The problem is that The Ark of the Covenant was never intended to be on a cart, but to be carried by His people. The Philistines had carried it on a cart, so David chose to do the same. We do not need the Philistines defining church for us. By man’s definition, David had all the pieces. They had a crowd, they had new equipment, they had excitement, they had the best musicians. But man’s definition was not what was required. God is not opposed to talent, equipment, or crowds. However, but the underlying motive has to be God-centered. David’s first attempt to bring the Ark home was a failure. Uza lost his life trying to steady the Ark on its journey. David was shaken and left the Ark in the home of Obededom. There it remained from between four to seven years. During that time, Obededom’s house was blessed. Finally, David decides to bring the Ark home again. This time, he focused on what was pleasing to God. People driven measures will always fail. We will fail whenever we are more concerned with what pleases people and less concerned with what pleases God. It would have been a lot wiser for David to consult God before he gathered the crowd and the new cart. If we will pray as hard as we play, God will be glorified. We live in a time when some are confused about what church is supposed to be and what produces growth and revival. Many churches are concerned with things that will make their church successful. The definition of success should be what God wants. If … Kenneth Baker 3555 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21344936/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_letsgetitright/id/3247153.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21344936 Let's Get It Right! Sun, 10 Mar 2019 19:15:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our title seems like an oxymoron. If it is right, why is it hard to do? If we could answer that question, a great deal of trouble would be cleared up. The trouble is not with the thing, but with the person that is behind the thing. We like to blame our issues and situations on things. But the truth is, that most of the trouble we experience in life is because of us. Our text is a glimpse into the thought of God. It is as if He is talking to us personally. In this case, God asks if a man falls, won’t he get back up, or if he is going the wrong way, he will return. This is the expectation, but spiritually that is not always the case. In the natural realm, if we make a wrong turn and go the wrong way, we will correct our course and move in the proper direction. In our text, God questions why Israel was not behaving spiritually as they would in the natural realm. Why is it that we find it so hard to do something spiritually that is so easy naturally. If we get knocked down, we get up, but some get knocked down spiritually and stay down. If we make a wrong turn on a journey we turn around, but spiritually, some people continue to go the wrong way. Why is it so hard to recognize that we are in the wrong environment and then do something to change that? Why do men stay down when they fall? Why do men continue to travel the wrong way? God reveals the reason. He says that we hold fast to the wrong thing. One of the problems with doing the right thing is that we hold fast to the lies that we tell ourselves about our situation: “I’m not lost”, “ I know where I’m going”, “I know how to get back”, “I know what I am doing.” Our flesh likes to tell us what we want to hear. Most times, our flesh will tell us something is okay when we know that God says it is not. The reason it is hard to do the right thing because of the lies we tell ourselves. The second reason it is hard to do the right thing is that we are unwilling to accept and actively denying that things are as bad as they are. We allow our minds to believe that things are alright. Because we deny it, we do not realize that we have fallen, or that we are off track. We stubbornly cling to our own thoughts and are resistant to any suggestion that we humble ourselves and listen to God. The third thing that makesdoing the right the right thing hard is the most evil and hard to overcome: Pride. Pride has a way of trapping us in our failure. It is hard to admit we have failed. It is hard to go to an alter because “everyone will see me.” Getting back on track starts with overcoming pride. All it takes to get back on track, it for us to confess it to God, and ask for forgiveness. Pride keeps us wrapped in chains, and keeps us down. It steals peace, sabotages joy and destroys hope. What could be repaired if we would simply ask for forgiveness? God can release us from bitterness, hatred, and darkness if we will simply give Him the opportunity. Our title seems like an oxymoron. If it is right, why is it hard to do? If we could answer that question, a great deal of trouble would be cleared up. The trouble is not with the thing, but with the person that is behind the thing. We like to blame our issues and situations on things. But the truth is, that most of the trouble we experience in life is because of us. Our text is a glimpse into the thought of God. It is as if He is talking to us personally. In this case, God asks if a man falls, won’t he get back up, or if he is going the wrong way, he will return. This is the expectation, but spiritually that is not always the case. In the natural realm, if we make a wrong turn and go the wrong way, we will correct our course and move in the proper direction. In our text, God questions why Israel was not behaving spiritually as they would in the natural realm. Why is it that we find it so hard to do something spiritually that is so easy naturally. If we get knocked down, we get up, but some get knocked down spiritually and stay down. If we make a wrong turn on a journey we turn around, but spiritually, some people continue to go the wrong way. Why is it so hard to recognize that we are in the wrong environment and then do something to change that? Why do men stay down when they fall? Why do men continue to travel the wrong way? God reveals the reason. He says that we hold fast to the wrong thing. One of the problems with doing the right thing is that we hold fast to the lies that we tell ourselves about our situation: “I’m not lost”, “ I know where I’m going”, “I know how to get back”, “I know what I am doing.” Our flesh likes to tell us what we want to hear. Most times, our flesh will tell us something is okay when we know that God says it is not. The reason it is hard to do the right thing because of the lies we tell ourselves. The second reason it is hard to do the right thing is that we are unwilling to accept and actively denying that things are as bad as they are. We allow our minds to believe that things are alright. Because we deny it, we do not realize that we have fallen, or that we are off track. We stubbornly cling to our own thoughts and are resistant to any suggestion that we humble ourselves and listen to God. The third thing that makesdoing the right the right thing hard is the most evil and hard to overcome: Pride. Pride has a way of trapping us in our failure. It is hard to admit we have failed. It is hard to go to an alter because “everyone will see me.” Getting back on track starts with overcoming pride. All it takes to get back on track, it for us to confess it to God, and ask for forgiveness. Pride keeps us wrapped in chains, and keeps us down. It steals peace, sabotages joy and destroys hope. What could be repaired if we would simply ask for forgiveness? God can release us from bitterness, hatred, and darkness if we will simply give Him the opportunity. Our title seems like an oxymoron. If it is right, why is it hard to do? If we could answer that question, a great deal of trouble would be cleared up. The trouble is not with the thing, but with the person that is behind the thing. We like to blame… Mark Hughes 2500 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21344390/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whyisitsohardtodotherightthing/id/3246584.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21344390 Scripture: Jeremiah 8:4-8 Thu, 07 Mar 2019 04:10:00 +0000 Landon Long Tonight’s text is often quoted: “You have not, because you ask not” and “If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it” The part about that that we forget is that these things have to be asked in Jesus name. There is also the concept that, even if it is asked in Jesus name we have to ask for it in the right context. Selfish and self-service prayers are not likely to be answered. We have a list of reasons why we do not ask for things in prayer. Sometimes we feel that it is too insignificant for His attention. On the other end of that spectrum is the idea that our situation is too big a thing to ask. There is nothing too small for God to care about, or too large that He cannot do. He will get the glory for answered prayers. These answered prayers provide an opportunity for testimony. We can take everything to God; great or small, and He will care about it. If it matters to us, it matters to God. In Philippians, the bible tells us to take everything to God in prayer. We must not be hesitant to pray, as the bible says about everhtying; even the big things. It is our Father’s good pleasure to grant our prayers; even the very large things. Tonight’s text is often quoted: “You have not, because you ask not” and “If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it” The part about that that we forget is that these things have to be asked in Jesus name. There is also the concept that, even if it is asked in Jesus name we have to ask for it in the right context. Selfish and self-service prayers are not likely to be answered. We have a list of reasons why we do not ask for things in prayer. Sometimes we feel that it is too insignificant for His attention. On the other end of that spectrum is the idea that our situation is too big a thing to ask. There is nothing too small for God to care about, or too large that He cannot do. He will get the glory for answered prayers. These answered prayers provide an opportunity for testimony. We can take everything to God; great or small, and He will care about it. If it matters to us, it matters to God. In Philippians, the bible tells us to take everything to God in prayer. We must not be hesitant to pray, as the bible says about everhtying; even the big things. It is our Father’s good pleasure to grant our prayers; even the very large things. Tonight’s text is often quoted: “You have not, because you ask not” and “If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it” The part about that that we forget is that these things have to be asked in Jesus name. There is also the concept that, even … Landon Long 2978 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21342295/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_prayingformyelephant/id/3244651.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21342295 Scripture: John 14:13-14:14, James 4:1-4:3, 1 Peter 5:6-5:7 Mon, 04 Mar 2019 03:42:00 +0000 Mark Hughes It takes a lifetime of living to appreciate how amazing the word of God is. It saves us from spiritual failure. It becomes a confidence builder and comfort as we deal with the ups and downs of life. There is nothing in the word that is insignificant. Every word is God ordained and inspired. Perhaps the most amazing thing is that not only is it His word, but it is His word to us. Some would say that it is old fashion or a book of history. But His word is a living word that is relevant to our life today. Our text has been the basis for many messages. Bro. Hughes returns to this familiar text tonight to remind us that God is not satisfied with our failure. To the casual observer, Jesus’ walking resulted in a chance encounter with some men. This meeting was not a chance encounter, but a divined meeting. The setting indicates that these fishermen were done for the day. They were washing their nets and preparing for tomorrow. But, God comes along and declares that He is not finished with today. How often have we decided that we are done for the day? Jesus tells Simon “now” it is time to launch out to the deep. Simon begins to tell Jesus that they had worked all night, but had not been successful. Jesus tells Simon to get the nets back out to receive a blessing that was greater than could be imagined. How many services have we been in trying to pray through, but to no avail? We give up and start to prepare for another day. God is not satisfied with waiting until tomorrow. God said today. He wants to help today. He wants to strengthen and bless today. In order for Him to do it now, we have to let Him in. Simon protested at first but said “nevertheless I will do as you say” The response to God’s invitation will determine the outcome. God is calling us to get our nets out. Even though we do not think it will be productive, God has better plans. Don’t put up your nets quite yet. It takes a lifetime of living to appreciate how amazing the word of God is. It saves us from spiritual failure. It becomes a confidence builder and comfort as we deal with the ups and downs of life. There is nothing in the word that is insignificant. Every word is God ordained and inspired. Perhaps the most amazing thing is that not only is it His word, but it is His word to us. Some would say that it is old fashion or a book of history. But His word is a living word that is relevant to our life today. Our text has been the basis for many messages. Bro. Hughes returns to this familiar text tonight to remind us that God is not satisfied with our failure. To the casual observer, Jesus’ walking resulted in a chance encounter with some men. This meeting was not a chance encounter, but a divined meeting. The setting indicates that these fishermen were done for the day. They were washing their nets and preparing for tomorrow. But, God comes along and declares that He is not finished with today. How often have we decided that we are done for the day? Jesus tells Simon “now” it is time to launch out to the deep. Simon begins to tell Jesus that they had worked all night, but had not been successful. Jesus tells Simon to get the nets back out to receive a blessing that was greater than could be imagined. How many services have we been in trying to pray through, but to no avail? We give up and start to prepare for another day. God is not satisfied with waiting until tomorrow. God said today. He wants to help today. He wants to strengthen and bless today. In order for Him to do it now, we have to let Him in. Simon protested at first but said “nevertheless I will do as you say” The response to God’s invitation will determine the outcome. God is calling us to get our nets out. Even though we do not think it will be productive, God has better plans. Don’t put up your nets quite yet. It takes a lifetime of living to appreciate how amazing the word of God is. It saves us from spiritual failure. It becomes a confidence builder and comfort as we deal with the ups and downs of life. There is nothing in the word that is insignificant… Mark Hughes 1856 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21340517/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dontputupyournetsyet/id/3242895.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21340517 Scripture: Luke 5:1-5:11 Sun, 03 Mar 2019 20:14:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Jesus uses a sparrow to speak a powerful truth to his Apostles. The sparrow is one of the least significant of all the birds. Jesus begins by addressing fears. Everyone can relate to fear. All have experienced fear and had to deal with it. In the text, Jesus addresses two of the greatest fears that man will encounter in life. First is how we will be treated by others. We are all fearful of how others will treat us. We go through life in a certain protective mode to keep us from getting hurt by others. Some of us do things that are not wise in order to fit in with others. Jesus admonishes the apostles to not let others opinion of us to trump God’s opinion of us. The second fear he addresses is the fear of insignificance. This is perhaps the most prevalent fear we have: Do I matter? Our opinion of our worth is influenced by the fear of how others treat us. Our vision and view of our worth has been warped by others. God is clear in our text that we are worth so much to Him. There are a lot of people who have let how others have treated them, depreciate their perception of their value. Jesus says that even the lowly sparrow is forgotten; Not one of them. We fear nothing more than we fear insignificance. We can easily be overwhelmed by the bigness of life, and the smallness of ourselves. We feel that we have made too many mistakes to recover. We see the path ahead, and doubt that we can make it. God speaks plainly to us that we matter. The lies that people have told us about who we are, are just that. God says that we really do matter to Him, and that is all that matters. No one will be forgotten. Jesus uses a sparrow to speak a powerful truth to his Apostles. The sparrow is one of the least significant of all the birds. Jesus begins by addressing fears. Everyone can relate to fear. All have experienced fear and had to deal with it. In the text, Jesus addresses two of the greatest fears that man will encounter in life. First is how we will be treated by others. We are all fearful of how others will treat us. We go through life in a certain protective mode to keep us from getting hurt by others. Some of us do things that are not wise in order to fit in with others. Jesus admonishes the apostles to not let others opinion of us to trump God’s opinion of us. The second fear he addresses is the fear of insignificance. This is perhaps the most prevalent fear we have: Do I matter? Our opinion of our worth is influenced by the fear of how others treat us. Our vision and view of our worth has been warped by others. God is clear in our text that we are worth so much to Him. There are a lot of people who have let how others have treated them, depreciate their perception of their value. Jesus says that even the lowly sparrow is forgotten; Not one of them. We fear nothing more than we fear insignificance. We can easily be overwhelmed by the bigness of life, and the smallness of ourselves. We feel that we have made too many mistakes to recover. We see the path ahead, and doubt that we can make it. God speaks plainly to us that we matter. The lies that people have told us about who we are, are just that. God says that we really do matter to Him, and that is all that matters. No one will be forgotten. Jesus uses a sparrow to speak a powerful truth to his Apostles. The sparrow is one of the least significant of all the birds. Jesus begins by addressing fears. Everyone can relate to fear. All have experienced fear and had to deal with it. In the … Mark Hughes 2571 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21339997/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_noneareforgotten/id/3242362.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21339997 Scripture: Luke 12:1-12:7, Matthew 10:29-10 Sun, 03 Mar 2019 02:13:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The great wall of China is an imposing structure. It was built to protect China from attacking enemies. When looking at it, we would expect that it would protect that portion of the country from attack. But the fact is that China has been invaded seven times across that wall. The failure is not the wall, but a failure of the gatekeeper to maintain his post. God can, and does, build a wall of protection around us. However, if we as the gatekeeper of our life do not maintain a diligent watch, that wall will fail to protect us. The writer of Jude was writing to a people that had allowed Greek culture to infiltrate the doctrine of the Church to the point that many had begun to question the authenticity of the Gospel and the physical presence of Jesus on earth. He begins by reminding them of the faith they had received and that faith still makes a difference in their lives. Because of the gospel of Jesus, we are changed and do not live, talk, and think like the rest of the world. It is up to maintain our guard against the enemy. That begins with building on a solid foundation of faith. The writer tells them to pray in the Holy Ghost. It is that prayer life that builds that solid foundation. The great wall of China is an imposing structure. It was built to protect China from attacking enemies. When looking at it, we would expect that it would protect that portion of the country from attack. But the fact is that China has been invaded seven times across that wall. The failure is not the wall, but a failure of the gatekeeper to maintain his post. God can, and does, build a wall of protection around us. However, if we as the gatekeeper of our life do not maintain a diligent watch, that wall will fail to protect us. The writer of Jude was writing to a people that had allowed Greek culture to infiltrate the doctrine of the Church to the point that many had begun to question the authenticity of the Gospel and the physical presence of Jesus on earth. He begins by reminding them of the faith they had received and that faith still makes a difference in their lives. Because of the gospel of Jesus, we are changed and do not live, talk, and think like the rest of the world. It is up to maintain our guard against the enemy. That begins with building on a solid foundation of faith. The writer tells them to pray in the Holy Ghost. It is that prayer life that builds that solid foundation. The great wall of China is an imposing structure. It was built to protect China from attacking enemies. When looking at it, we would expect that it would protect that portion of the country from attack. But the fact is that China has been invaded se… Mark Hughes 3162 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21338839/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whilewewait/id/3241306.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21338839 Scripture: Jude 1:2-1:21 Mon, 25 Feb 2019 04:40:00 +0000 Bobby Edwards Our text is familiar and has been used many times in pulpits as a message of encouragement. Living for God is easy when times are good, but when times are tough, our human nature makes it much more difficult. John the Baptist was one of the greatest preachers there has ever been. John’s passion and boldness to speak the truth cost him his life. Some people think they have to hear from God every today. John was sitting in prison and had not heard from Jesus in some time. He began to doubt what he had heard from God much earlier in his life. John’s disciples go to Jesus and question if He is the one, or should they wait for another. Jesus’ simple reply is “Go tell John what you have seen.” John had the answer in the word he already had from God. When we cannot hear the voice of God, we have to rely on the last word we received. When we have that doubt and want to quit, we have to find comfort and encouragement in the Holy Ghost. The same John that preached so forcefully, asked “is this Him?” Even this John had doubt. John had a meaning an a purpose in his life. He was sent to prepare the way for Jesus. When we know the purpose for our life, we enjoy a confidence. When God removes the confusion, He replaces it with confidence. Our text is familiar and has been used many times in pulpits as a message of encouragement. Living for God is easy when times are good, but when times are tough, our human nature makes it much more difficult. John the Baptist was one of the greatest preachers there has ever been. John’s passion and boldness to speak the truth cost him his life. Some people think they have to hear from God every today. John was sitting in prison and had not heard from Jesus in some time. He began to doubt what he had heard from God much earlier in his life. John’s disciples go to Jesus and question if He is the one, or should they wait for another. Jesus’ simple reply is “Go tell John what you have seen.” John had the answer in the word he already had from God. When we cannot hear the voice of God, we have to rely on the last word we received. When we have that doubt and want to quit, we have to find comfort and encouragement in the Holy Ghost. The same John that preached so forcefully, asked “is this Him?” Even this John had doubt. John had a meaning an a purpose in his life. He was sent to prepare the way for Jesus. When we know the purpose for our life, we enjoy a confidence. When God removes the confusion, He replaces it with confidence. Our text is familiar and has been used many times in pulpits as a message of encouragement. Living for God is easy when times are good, but when times are tough, our human nature makes it much more difficult. John the Baptist was one of the greatest … Bobby Edwards 2472 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21336386/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenyouwanttoquit/id/3238958.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21336386 Scripture: Matthew 11:2-11:4 Mon, 25 Feb 2019 04:15:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker We all need someone to whom we can confess our secrets. But, no matter how close we may be to someone, there are some secrets that we do not tell others. Some people are trustworthy, and will never reveal a secret. Others cannot wait to tell what they know. The Bible tells us that when we repent, God takes our secrets and casts them into the sea of forgetfulness. God has the ability to forget past sins, but humans do not have that ability. We have all told things to God that we would not tell to anyone else. There are times when we have to get away and tell God a secret; most often that secret is how we have fallen short. The devil will remind us of all our failures, but God will not do that. When God forgives, it is forever forgiven. No matter how many times, we ask God for forgiveness, He will do it. Jesus came to heal the broken-hearted. Every broken heart represents a secret. The fact that there are things in life that we have not conquered, does not mean that God does not love us. We have become masters of disguise. We put on a good face and smile, but behind that smile is brokenness and guilt. God knows this and is here to forgive and love. God is about to reveal himself to us in a spectacular way. God knows where we are, and He knows when we touch Him. The woman with the issue of blood could not reach him, but He stopped and she was able to reach Him. Jesus stops for us so that we can reach Him. Jesus ask “Who touched me?” The crowd was thronging around Him, but He knew how to touch the one who needed him. God is able to heal people who have been bruised and hurt. He can heal from the things that we keep hidden way down inside us. If we confess these deep down hurts to Jesus, He can heal. He will heal us from the inside. That healing begins with forgiveness. This is not Jesus forgiving us, but we must forgive the one that hurt us. We will never get any further than we are now until we forgive. We may put on a good act, but the keeper of all secrets knows the truth. We trust God with our finances and our future, but there are some things that we hold back. We have to trust the keeper of all secrets We all need someone to whom we can confess our secrets. But, no matter how close we may be to someone, there are some secrets that we do not tell others. Some people are trustworthy, and will never reveal a secret. Others cannot wait to tell what they know. The Bible tells us that when we repent, God takes our secrets and casts them into the sea of forgetfulness. God has the ability to forget past sins, but humans do not have that ability. We have all told things to God that we would not tell to anyone else. There are times when we have to get away and tell God a secret; most often that secret is how we have fallen short. The devil will remind us of all our failures, but God will not do that. When God forgives, it is forever forgiven. No matter how many times, we ask God for forgiveness, He will do it. Jesus came to heal the broken-hearted. Every broken heart represents a secret. The fact that there are things in life that we have not conquered, does not mean that God does not love us. We have become masters of disguise. We put on a good face and smile, but behind that smile is brokenness and guilt. God knows this and is here to forgive and love. God is about to reveal himself to us in a spectacular way. God knows where we are, and He knows when we touch Him. The woman with the issue of blood could not reach him, but He stopped and she was able to reach Him. Jesus stops for us so that we can reach Him. Jesus ask “Who touched me?” The crowd was thronging around Him, but He knew how to touch the one who needed him. God is able to heal people who have been bruised and hurt. He can heal from the things that we keep hidden way down inside us. If we confess these deep down hurts to Jesus, He can heal. He will heal us from the inside. That healing begins with forgiveness. This is not Jesus forgiving us, but we must forgive the one that hurt us. We will never get any further than we are now until we forgive. We may put on a good act, but the keeper of all secrets knows the truth. We trust God with our finances and our future, but there are some things that we hold back. We have to trust the keeper of all secrets We all need someone to whom we can confess our secrets. But, no matter how close we may be to someone, there are some secrets that we do not tell others. Some people are trustworthy, and will never reveal a secret. Others cannot wait to tell what th… Kenneth Baker 2446 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21336368/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thekeeperofsecrets/id/3238942.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21336368 The Keeper of Secrets Thu, 21 Feb 2019 04:01:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Sometimes we wonder why we are still here. We question what our purpose in being is. We are in a battle. This is not a physical battle, but a spiritual one. It might be easier if we battled the physical realm. A battle against unseen enemies seems impossible to endure. It is in this context, that Paul attempted to help Timothy in tonight’s text. From other writing, we can deduce that Timothy suffered from a sense of inadequacy. Paul reminds Timothy that he was not there by accident. God had placed, and positioned Timothy in his position for a purpose. God saw something in Timothy that was worthy of investing in him. Like Timothy, we are chosen. God chose us, positioned us, and prepared us for His purpose. We have been given a great trust. We may feel unworthy, and weak, but that does not come from God. Paul tells Timothy to use the prophecy and the word that has been spoken over his life as a weapon in the spiritual battle. All of the preaching, all of the prayers, and all of the words spoken over our life have prepared us for this moment. When the fear, uncertainty, and doubt come at us, God tells us to use the power that He as put in us to battle that opposition. We have a lifetime of God’s mercy, love, and blessing to draw from in our battle. The devil has no hope against these weapons. Sometimes we wonder why we are still here. We question what our purpose in being is. We are in a battle. This is not a physical battle, but a spiritual one. It might be easier if we battled the physical realm. A battle against unseen enemies seems impossible to endure. It is in this context, that Paul attempted to help Timothy in tonight’s text. From other writing, we can deduce that Timothy suffered from a sense of inadequacy. Paul reminds Timothy that he was not there by accident. God had placed, and positioned Timothy in his position for a purpose. God saw something in Timothy that was worthy of investing in him. Like Timothy, we are chosen. God chose us, positioned us, and prepared us for His purpose. We have been given a great trust. We may feel unworthy, and weak, but that does not come from God. Paul tells Timothy to use the prophecy and the word that has been spoken over his life as a weapon in the spiritual battle. All of the preaching, all of the prayers, and all of the words spoken over our life have prepared us for this moment. When the fear, uncertainty, and doubt come at us, God tells us to use the power that He as put in us to battle that opposition. We have a lifetime of God’s mercy, love, and blessing to draw from in our battle. The devil has no hope against these weapons. Sometimes we wonder why we are still here. We question what our purpose in being is. We are in a battle. This is not a physical battle, but a spiritual one. It might be easier if we battled the physical realm. A battle against unseen enemies seems… Mark Hughes 2818 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21333377/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_weaponsforourbattle/id/3236156.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21333377 Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:18-1:19 Mon, 18 Feb 2019 04:27:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Most of us can quote the 23 Psalm by heart. In the third verse, David says “He Restoreth My Soul.” To restore something is to put something back to how it was; to make it as new. There is nothing more valuable, or important than a soul. When David wrote the 23 Psalm, there was something in his life that drew him away from the innocence of that shepherd boy. In the midst of that, David declares that “He Restoreth My Soul.” Living for God is not always a mountaintop experience. There are times in life that, like David, we need the Lord to restore our soul. Sometimes we need a blessing that lasts more than Sunday to Sunday. When He restores something in us, He gives us something that will last for an eternity. When God restores, He reminds us of the dream we had when we first came to God. In Daniel, King Nebekenezer had a dream that he needed to understand. None of his wise men could do it. Finally Daniel interpreted the dream. He could have made up the interpretation, but that would not have restored the dream. The world does not need a church that makes up the interpretation of the dream. The world needs to hear the truth to restore the dream of the gospel message. Most of us can quote the 23 Psalm by heart. In the third verse, David says “He Restoreth My Soul.” To restore something is to put something back to how it was; to make it as new. There is nothing more valuable, or important than a soul. When David wrote the 23 Psalm, there was something in his life that drew him away from the innocence of that shepherd boy. In the midst of that, David declares that “He Restoreth My Soul.” Living for God is not always a mountaintop experience. There are times in life that, like David, we need the Lord to restore our soul. Sometimes we need a blessing that lasts more than Sunday to Sunday. When He restores something in us, He gives us something that will last for an eternity. When God restores, He reminds us of the dream we had when we first came to God. In Daniel, King Nebekenezer had a dream that he needed to understand. None of his wise men could do it. Finally Daniel interpreted the dream. He could have made up the interpretation, but that would not have restored the dream. The world does not need a church that makes up the interpretation of the dream. The world needs to hear the truth to restore the dream of the gospel message. Most of us can quote the 23 Psalm by heart. In the third verse, David says “He Restoreth My Soul.” To restore something is to put something back to how it was; to make it as new. There is nothing more valuable, or important than a soul. When David… Kenneth Baker 2448 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21331798/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_herestorethmysoul/id/3234562.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21331798 He Restoreth My Soul Sun, 17 Feb 2019 20:12:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker How we respond to God’s touch is important. We sing songs and have good worship in our church. We are blessed with talented musicians and singers, but if we do not respond to the call of God, we have missed it. We must be easily touched and moved in the spirit. Like the man in our text today, we are waiting on the stirring of the pool. In this familiar story, the first to get into the pool would be healed. In order to get to God, we have to get the timing right. We have to act when we are stirring. We do not always feel the pull in a service. We cannot wait when the opportunity is right. When God starts moving, we need to respond and begin to call out. Like the pool at Bethesda, there are others waiting to step in and claim God’s blessing, so we have to respond when we feel the presence of God. Sometimes, His move on us is subtle. Elijah was moved by a small cloud the size of a man’s hand. That small cloud was the beginning of the end of a three-year drought. Gideon moved because he had had enough. The enemy kept stealing what God had provided until he had had enough! Absolum moved because of force. When he did not respond to David’s invitation to come to see him, David ordered that the barley fields be burned. If all other ways that God can move us fail, He will resort to force. God wants us to move; to respond to Him How we respond to God’s touch is important. We sing songs and have good worship in our church. We are blessed with talented musicians and singers, but if we do not respond to the call of God, we have missed it. We must be easily touched and moved in the spirit. Like the man in our text today, we are waiting on the stirring of the pool. In this familiar story, the first to get into the pool would be healed. In order to get to God, we have to get the timing right. We have to act when we are stirring. We do not always feel the pull in a service. We cannot wait when the opportunity is right. When God starts moving, we need to respond and begin to call out. Like the pool at Bethesda, there are others waiting to step in and claim God’s blessing, so we have to respond when we feel the presence of God. Sometimes, His move on us is subtle. Elijah was moved by a small cloud the size of a man’s hand. That small cloud was the beginning of the end of a three-year drought. Gideon moved because he had had enough. The enemy kept stealing what God had provided until he had had enough! Absolum moved because of force. When he did not respond to David’s invitation to come to see him, David ordered that the barley fields be burned. If all other ways that God can move us fail, He will resort to force. God wants us to move; to respond to Him How we respond to God’s touch is important. We sing songs and have good worship in our church. We are blessed with talented musicians and singers, but if we do not respond to the call of God, we have missed it. We must be easily touched and moved in … Kenneth Baker 1876 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21331209/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howgodmovesonus/id/3233950.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21331209 How God Moves On Us Thu, 14 Feb 2019 04:27:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text begins with the word only. This is translated from the original text in various ways, but the consensus is that Paul was saying that what he was about to say as the most important thing no matter what else might happen. He goes on to say, if he came, or did not come, it was important for them to live a certain way. He tells them to live in the present circumstances, rather than in some future possibility or contingency. When faced with difficulties, we often say “I could hand it if….” Paul is saying that we must handle it even if IF does not happen. We often excuse ourselves based on what might be: “If things were better, I would live better.” What happens if things do not get better? Can we still live like we need to live if it doesn’t? Can we still worship Him even if we are in the midst of troubles and there is no sign of those troubles changing? The better testimony is not what we COULD do, but what we WILL do in the current circumstances. If we quit complaining about what is, and just live in what is, God will change what is. Paul goes on to tell them to live consistently. He tells them to stand fast and to strive together for the faith of the gospel. No matter the circumstances, we must live in a manner that brings glory to the Gospel. Finally, he tells them to face their adversaries without backing down. That in itself will cause the enemy to crumble. We need to get to a place where no matter what happens to us, that we do not even flinch. Whatever happens in life, there is only one thing that matters, that we live faithfully, consistently and fearlessly. Our text begins with the word only. This is translated from the original text in various ways, but the consensus is that Paul was saying that what he was about to say as the most important thing no matter what else might happen. He goes on to say, if he came, or did not come, it was important for them to live a certain way. He tells them to live in the present circumstances, rather than in some future possibility or contingency. When faced with difficulties, we often say “I could hand it if….” Paul is saying that we must handle it even if IF does not happen. We often excuse ourselves based on what might be: “If things were better, I would live better.” What happens if things do not get better? Can we still live like we need to live if it doesn’t? Can we still worship Him even if we are in the midst of troubles and there is no sign of those troubles changing? The better testimony is not what we COULD do, but what we WILL do in the current circumstances. If we quit complaining about what is, and just live in what is, God will change what is. Paul goes on to tell them to live consistently. He tells them to stand fast and to strive together for the faith of the gospel. No matter the circumstances, we must live in a manner that brings glory to the Gospel. Finally, he tells them to face their adversaries without backing down. That in itself will cause the enemy to crumble. We need to get to a place where no matter what happens to us, that we do not even flinch. Whatever happens in life, there is only one thing that matters, that we live faithfully, consistently and fearlessly. Our text begins with the word only. This is translated from the original text in various ways, but the consensus is that Paul was saying that what he was about to say as the most important thing no matter what else might happen. He goes on to say, if… Mark Hughes 2605 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21329323/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_atestimonyfortroubledtimes/id/3232270.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21329323 Scripture: Philippians 1:27-1:30 Thu, 07 Feb 2019 03:58:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The new testament definition of beware is to restrain or guard oneself from anything that may be dangerous. In many of Paul’s letters, he warned the first-century believers (and us) to beware of issues. In this letter to the church at Philippi, he is encouraging them (and us) to be strong in the faith. Then here in the beginning of the third chapter, Paul stops and offers a stark warning: Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. These three things represent spirits, attitudes and mindsets that we will encounter in our life and our journey to heaven. FIrst dogs. He was not talking about four legged dogs, but something much deeper. The word used in the Greek means a mind that is impure. Dogs can be known for biting, eating, attacking, barking and annoying. This spirit, when manifested in life, it dangerous. Second, Paul says to beware of evil workers. In this context evil refers to a malicious, spiteful way of dealing with people that will try to warp what God is trying to do in our lives. Finally, he says to beware of concision. Concision is literally cutting away. Circumcision was a symbol of God’s covenant with Israel. In the new testament, the circumcision was of the heart. It was an inward spiritual covenant, rather than an external, physical symbol. There are those that have an outward appearance of holiness and Godliness, but inside, they are anything but those things. Our holiness has to go deeper than our outward appearance. The new testament definition of beware is to restrain or guard oneself from anything that may be dangerous. In many of Paul’s letters, he warned the first-century believers (and us) to beware of issues. In this letter to the church at Philippi, he is encouraging them (and us) to be strong in the faith. Then here in the beginning of the third chapter, Paul stops and offers a stark warning: Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. These three things represent spirits, attitudes and mindsets that we will encounter in our life and our journey to heaven. FIrst dogs. He was not talking about four legged dogs, but something much deeper. The word used in the Greek means a mind that is impure. Dogs can be known for biting, eating, attacking, barking and annoying. This spirit, when manifested in life, it dangerous. Second, Paul says to beware of evil workers. In this context evil refers to a malicious, spiteful way of dealing with people that will try to warp what God is trying to do in our lives. Finally, he says to beware of concision. Concision is literally cutting away. Circumcision was a symbol of God’s covenant with Israel. In the new testament, the circumcision was of the heart. It was an inward spiritual covenant, rather than an external, physical symbol. There are those that have an outward appearance of holiness and Godliness, but inside, they are anything but those things. Our holiness has to go deeper than our outward appearance. The new testament definition of beware is to restrain or guard oneself from anything that may be dangerous. In many of Paul’s letters, he warned the first-century believers (and us) to beware of issues. In this letter to the church at Philippi, he i… Mark Hughes 3999 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21325199/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_beware/id/3228328.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21325199 Scripture: Philippians 3:1-3:4 Mon, 04 Feb 2019 04:35:00 +0000 Bobby Edwards We have all had prayers answered. Yet, we also have some prayers that are, as yet, unanswered. We know that God can, we know that God will and we know that He has before. But, there is still part of us that has doubt. We are believers. We believe scripture, we believe doctrine. We believe the things documented in the Bible. But there is still that other part. In our text, this man was pleading for Jesus to save his Son. He believed, but there was still that little bit left, and he asks Jesus to forgive his unbelief. The unbelief of the father did not stop Jesus from doing the miracle. The devil is quick to tell us that if we do not get a victory over a situation, it is because we have no faith. This story tells us that there is help for our unbelief. Just because it has not happened, does not mean that we are backslid. We cannot track when God is going to move, heal or bless, but we can trust God that He will. We just have to believe and ask Him to help our unbelief. We have all had prayers answered. Yet, we also have some prayers that are, as yet, unanswered. We know that God can, we know that God will and we know that He has before. But, there is still part of us that has doubt. We are believers. We believe scripture, we believe doctrine. We believe the things documented in the Bible. But there is still that other part. In our text, this man was pleading for Jesus to save his Son. He believed, but there was still that little bit left, and he asks Jesus to forgive his unbelief. The unbelief of the father did not stop Jesus from doing the miracle. The devil is quick to tell us that if we do not get a victory over a situation, it is because we have no faith. This story tells us that there is help for our unbelief. Just because it has not happened, does not mean that we are backslid. We cannot track when God is going to move, heal or bless, but we can trust God that He will. We just have to believe and ask Him to help our unbelief. We have all had prayers answered. Yet, we also have some prayers that are, as yet, unanswered. We know that God can, we know that God will and we know that He has before. But, there is still part of us that has doubt. We are believers. We believe … Bobby Edwards 1452 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21323626/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_helpmyunbelief/id/3226788.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21323626 Scripture: Mark 9:23-9:24, John 20:29-20 Sun, 03 Feb 2019 21:26:00 +0000 Bobby Edwards If we set out to drive across Texas, we are in for quite a journey. It is a very large state. But, perhaps the greatest journey ever described was the journey that Israel took from Egypt to the promised land. They followed a pillar of cloud by day and a tower of fire by night. It was a difficult journey. The Israelites had to trust one man: Moses. From Egypt to Canaan was only about 300 miles in a straight line. There were perhaps 3 million people on this journey along with their livestock. It was so large that the line of people could have been continuous from Egypt to Canaan. But, God did not take them in a straight line. Because of disobedience, God took them on a 40-year journey through the wilderness. God’s path is not always in a straight line. Our journey in life is not straight. Sometimes this journey causes us to ask God why? Why was there sickness and heartache? He did not promise that the journey would be easy, but He did promise that He would never leave or forsake us. In our text, Elijah was on the run in fear of his life. He is asleep and wakes up to find a meal to refresh him. God encourages him to continue the journey, but Elijah is afraid and goes back to sleep. God wakes him again and this time there was meat and water. The bible says that Elijah went on the strength of that meal for 40 days and 40 nights. The journey gets long, the opportunity is before us. We are blessed with great preaching in this church. Those messages do not have an expiration date. The meat that God providesin these messages, will sustain us on our journey. During the journey, there are mountains and valleys. There are blessings and surprises. We do not like the surprises, but God provides what we need to live through the surprises. God provides, but we must reach out and take hold of it. If we set out to drive across Texas, we are in for quite a journey. It is a very large state. But, perhaps the greatest journey ever described was the journey that Israel took from Egypt to the promised land. They followed a pillar of cloud by day and a tower of fire by night. It was a difficult journey. The Israelites had to trust one man: Moses. From Egypt to Canaan was only about 300 miles in a straight line. There were perhaps 3 million people on this journey along with their livestock. It was so large that the line of people could have been continuous from Egypt to Canaan. But, God did not take them in a straight line. Because of disobedience, God took them on a 40-year journey through the wilderness. God’s path is not always in a straight line. Our journey in life is not straight. Sometimes this journey causes us to ask God why? Why was there sickness and heartache? He did not promise that the journey would be easy, but He did promise that He would never leave or forsake us. In our text, Elijah was on the run in fear of his life. He is asleep and wakes up to find a meal to refresh him. God encourages him to continue the journey, but Elijah is afraid and goes back to sleep. God wakes him again and this time there was meat and water. The bible says that Elijah went on the strength of that meal for 40 days and 40 nights. The journey gets long, the opportunity is before us. We are blessed with great preaching in this church. Those messages do not have an expiration date. The meat that God providesin these messages, will sustain us on our journey. During the journey, there are mountains and valleys. There are blessings and surprises. We do not like the surprises, but God provides what we need to live through the surprises. God provides, but we must reach out and take hold of it. If we set out to drive across Texas, we are in for quite a journey. It is a very large state. But, perhaps the greatest journey ever described was the journey that Israel took from Egypt to the promised land. They followed a pillar of cloud by day a… Bobby Edwards 2481 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21323252/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theourney/id/3226388.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21323252 Scripture: 1 Kings 19:6-19:8 Thu, 31 Jan 2019 03:39:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Paul often mentions the word wisdom in his writings. James too defines wisdom in a beautiful way. Bro. Hughes considers the idea of walking in wisdom. What does walking in wisdom look like in everyday living? What is the evidence in our lives that we walk in wisdom? In previous messages in this series, we learn that walking refers to a way of living. In part two of our series, we find that there are two kinds of wisdom: man’s wisdom and a higher wisdom. When we talk in wisdom we are talking about a life that is shaped and controlled by the highest principles; God’s principles. Wisdom is something that must be sought after. We are not born with God’s wisdom; we must seek it. James says that if we lack wisdom, we must ask for it. We are walking in wisdom, it will affect every aspect in our life. The rewards for living wisley are all through the Bible. The reward for living in wisdom is a blessed life. Paul mentions wisdom all through his writing to the church at Colossae. In doing so, he contrasts the wisdom of the world versus the wisdom of God. So why do we follow wisdom’s path? Because it brings us into harmony with God’s will, His word, and His purpose for our life. Paul often mentions the word wisdom in his writings. James too defines wisdom in a beautiful way. Bro. Hughes considers the idea of walking in wisdom. What does walking in wisdom look like in everyday living? What is the evidence in our lives that we walk in wisdom? In previous messages in this series, we learn that walking refers to a way of living. In part two of our series, we find that there are two kinds of wisdom: man’s wisdom and a higher wisdom. When we talk in wisdom we are talking about a life that is shaped and controlled by the highest principles; God’s principles. Wisdom is something that must be sought after. We are not born with God’s wisdom; we must seek it. James says that if we lack wisdom, we must ask for it. We are walking in wisdom, it will affect every aspect in our life. The rewards for living wisley are all through the Bible. The reward for living in wisdom is a blessed life. Paul mentions wisdom all through his writing to the church at Colossae. In doing so, he contrasts the wisdom of the world versus the wisdom of God. So why do we follow wisdom’s path? Because it brings us into harmony with God’s will, His word, and His purpose for our life. Paul often mentions the word wisdom in his writings. James too defines wisdom in a beautiful way. Bro. Hughes considers the idea of walking in wisdom. What does walking in wisdom look like in everyday living? What is the evidence in our lives that … Mark Hughes 3618 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21321259/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wisdomswalkpart4/id/3224535.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21321259 Scripture: Colossians 4:5-4:6, Series: Wisdom's Walk Part#4 Mon, 28 Jan 2019 03:52:00 +0000 Mark Hughes So many of God’s blessing and power are wrapped up in the simplest instructions. He uses words like ask, seek, and knock. God says to call on Him and He will be there. Even a child can understand that. The word call in the Hebrew means to accost someone. So in this context, it is urgent and passionate. God says that if we call out, He will act. He will restore, He will heal, He will move. The Message translation of our text describes many things that God was going to do and all it would take to put it in motion was to call out to Him. God wants to work in our life and all we have to do is call out to Him. So many of God’s blessing and power are wrapped up in the simplest instructions. He uses words like ask, seek, and knock. God says to call on Him and He will be there. Even a child can understand that. The word call in the Hebrew means to accost someone. So in this context, it is urgent and passionate. God says that if we call out, He will act. He will restore, He will heal, He will move. The Message translation of our text describes many things that God was going to do and all it would take to put it in motion was to call out to Him. God wants to work in our life and all we have to do is call out to Him. So many of God’s blessing and power are wrapped up in the simplest instructions. He uses words like ask, seek, and knock. God says to call on Him and He will be there. Even a child can understand that. The word call in the Hebrew means to accost so… Mark Hughes 1225 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21319502/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_calluntome/id/3222823.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21319502 Scripture: Jeremiah 33:3-33 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 20:25:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Bro. Hughes speaks of the opportunities that are before us in this year. The first opportunity we have is time. Time not in the sense of minutes and seconds, but of a season and situations. We must lay claim to every opportunity for ministry that God has placed in the coming year. Opportunities will often come disguised as adversaries. The devil does not want us to succeed or to be blessed, so he will come against any opportunities we have, sometimes even before we see the opportunity ourselves. Our text says to redeem the time. We must redeem and lay claim to the opportunities that God has in store for us. We have to speak it, confess it and lay hold to it. In this new year, Bro. Hughes encourages us to see the opportunities that God has set before us. Bro. Hughes speaks of the opportunities that are before us in this year. The first opportunity we have is time. Time not in the sense of minutes and seconds, but of a season and situations. We must lay claim to every opportunity for ministry that God has placed in the coming year. Opportunities will often come disguised as adversaries. The devil does not want us to succeed or to be blessed, so he will come against any opportunities we have, sometimes even before we see the opportunity ourselves. Our text says to redeem the time. We must redeem and lay claim to the opportunities that God has in store for us. We have to speak it, confess it and lay hold to it. In this new year, Bro. Hughes encourages us to see the opportunities that God has set before us. Bro. Hughes speaks of the opportunities that are before us in this year. The first opportunity we have is time. Time not in the sense of minutes and seconds, but of a season and situations. We must lay claim to every opportunity for ministry that God… Mark Hughes 2131 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21318989/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_yearofopportunity/id/3222290.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21318989 Scripture: Ephesians 5:14-5:16 Thu, 24 Jan 2019 03:44:00 +0000 James Hughes The subject of wisdom is one of the more common subjects in the New Testament. By the time of the birth of Christ, man thought himself to be quite wise. Dr. Hughes continues our study of earthly wisdom versus God’s wisdom and brings a different perspective and thorough examination of the subject from the perspective of history and the culture in Biblical times. The subject of wisdom is one of the more common subjects in the New Testament. By the time of the birth of Christ, man thought himself to be quite wise. Dr. Hughes continues our study of earthly wisdom versus God’s wisdom and brings a different perspective and thorough examination of the subject from the perspective of history and the culture in Biblical times. The subject of wisdom is one of the more common subjects in the New Testament. By the time of the birth of Christ, man thought himself to be quite wise. Dr. Hughes continues our study of earthly wisdom versus God’s wisdom and brings a different persp… James Hughes 3648 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21317094/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wisdomswalkpart3/id/3220554.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21317094 Scripture: James 3:13-3:18, Series: Wisdom's Walk Part#3 Mon, 21 Jan 2019 05:16:00 +0000 Bobby Edwards God often used famine to punish Israel for their disobedience. The famine that was occurring in our text was man-made; the result of a siege. There are times in our spiritual life where we experience a spiritual famine. To make it through these dry times, we have to find some encouragement. We have to draw from the good times to make it through the bad times. In our text, the famine had endured for a long time. People were desperate. The prophet declared that within 24 hours, the famine would be over. God was about to break the drought. First He used the word through the prophet Elijah. Outside the city, there were four leapers. They said, “why sit we here until we die?” When they stood up, heaven rejoiced. God amplified the sound of their footsteps, and the enemy thought they were being overrun. The four men found an empty camp and plenty of food. They soon realized that they needed to tell the people in the city about it. Our church is in revival. Like the four leapers, we cannot keep this to ourselves. We must get outside and bring this revival to our world. God often used famine to punish Israel for their disobedience. The famine that was occurring in our text was man-made; the result of a siege. There are times in our spiritual life where we experience a spiritual famine. To make it through these dry times, we have to find some encouragement. We have to draw from the good times to make it through the bad times. In our text, the famine had endured for a long time. People were desperate. The prophet declared that within 24 hours, the famine would be over. God was about to break the drought. First He used the word through the prophet Elijah. Outside the city, there were four leapers. They said, “why sit we here until we die?” When they stood up, heaven rejoiced. God amplified the sound of their footsteps, and the enemy thought they were being overrun. The four men found an empty camp and plenty of food. They soon realized that they needed to tell the people in the city about it. Our church is in revival. Like the four leapers, we cannot keep this to ourselves. We must get outside and bring this revival to our world. God often used famine to punish Israel for their disobedience. The famine that was occurring in our text was man-made; the result of a siege. There are times in our spiritual life where we experience a spiritual famine. To make it through these dry … Bobby Edwards 2351 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21315547/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtoovercomeafamine/id/3219071.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21315547 Scripture: 2 Kings 7:3-7 Sun, 20 Jan 2019 20:55:00 +0000 Bobby Edwards We often say that we are seeking God. God is calling today. The Bible tells us that we must seek Him when He can be found. This implies that there will be times when He cannot be found. The time to respond to God is when He is calling. We cannot get right with God after we die. In Luke 16 we read the story of a rich man that dies and is in hell. He sees Lazarus resting with Abraham. He begs to communicate with his brothers so that they did not fall into the same fate. We often try to negotiate with God, but this story tells us that we have to respond to God while He may be found. We often say that we are seeking God. God is calling today. The Bible tells us that we must seek Him when He can be found. This implies that there will be times when He cannot be found. The time to respond to God is when He is calling. We cannot get right with God after we die. In Luke 16 we read the story of a rich man that dies and is in hell. He sees Lazarus resting with Abraham. He begs to communicate with his brothers so that they did not fall into the same fate. We often try to negotiate with God, but this story tells us that we have to respond to God while He may be found. We often say that we are seeking God. God is calling today. The Bible tells us that we must seek Him when He can be found. This implies that there will be times when He cannot be found. The time to respond to God is when He is calling. We cannot g… Bobby Edwards 1619 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21315172/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whilehemaybefound/id/3218683.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21315172 Scripture: Isaiah 55:6-55, Luke 16:19-16:31 Thu, 17 Jan 2019 03:42:00 +0000 Mark Hughes There are influences in life that will affect the outcome. How we yield to these influences determine how we end up. Bro. Hughes is captured by the phrase “Walking in wisdom” That should be the goal: To elevate our lives to a higher plane and align with God’s plan for our life. Paul writing to the Colossians says to redeem the time. The literal translation is to take advantage of every opportunity. Bro. Hughes returns to our study of the two wisdoms presented in James 3 and hits close to home in eveluating how we as a church demonstrate that wisdom in our ministry. There are influences in life that will affect the outcome. How we yield to these influences determine how we end up. Bro. Hughes is captured by the phrase “Walking in wisdom” That should be the goal: To elevate our lives to a higher plane and align with God’s plan for our life. Paul writing to the Colossians says to redeem the time. The literal translation is to take advantage of every opportunity. Bro. Hughes returns to our study of the two wisdoms presented in James 3 and hits close to home in eveluating how we as a church demonstrate that wisdom in our ministry. There are influences in life that will affect the outcome. How we yield to these influences determine how we end up. Bro. Hughes is captured by the phrase “Walking in wisdom” That should be the goal: To elevate our lives to a higher plane and align… Mark Hughes 3414 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21313375/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wisdomswalkpart2/id/3217054.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21313375 Scripture: Colossians 4:5-4:6, James 3:13-3:18, Matthew 23:13-23:16, Series: Wisdom's Walk Part#2 Mon, 14 Jan 2019 04:37:00 +0000 G. R. Edwards In our text, Jesus was with the disciple celebrating the Passover feast. As an act of service, Jesus began to wash the feet of each disciple. When Jesus got to Peter, protested because he knew that he should be washing Jesus’ feet. Jesus rebukes him and tells him that if he would not allow Him to wash his feet there would be no relationship. Peter then declares that he wants more. It is possible to have the wrong attitude about the right thing. The same Peter that asks for more in this scene, denied Jesus several chapters later. Peter had the right intention, but the wrong attitude. When Jesus corrects him, Peter quickly changed his attitude and declares that if washing his feet was required, then he wanted to have his head and hands washed to be fully involved. The right attitude will get you to where you need to be with God. Attitude is everything. In our text, Jesus was with the disciple celebrating the Passover feast. As an act of service, Jesus began to wash the feet of each disciple. When Jesus got to Peter, protested because he knew that he should be washing Jesus’ feet. Jesus rebukes him and tells him that if he would not allow Him to wash his feet there would be no relationship. Peter then declares that he wants more. It is possible to have the wrong attitude about the right thing. The same Peter that asks for more in this scene, denied Jesus several chapters later. Peter had the right intention, but the wrong attitude. When Jesus corrects him, Peter quickly changed his attitude and declares that if washing his feet was required, then he wanted to have his head and hands washed to be fully involved. The right attitude will get you to where you need to be with God. Attitude is everything. In our text, Jesus was with the disciple celebrating the Passover feast. As an act of service, Jesus began to wash the feet of each disciple. When Jesus got to Peter, protested because he knew that he should be washing Jesus’ feet. Jesus rebukes him… G. R. Edwards 2197 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21311633/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_attitudeiseverything/id/3215311.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21311633 Scripture: John 13:8-13:9 Thu, 10 Jan 2019 03:57:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Paul uses two words in our text that open a treasure trove of blessing to us if we can understand them. Those words are walk and wisdom. He is speaking about more than just a mode of transportation and knowledge. There are several meanings in the Greek used for our word walk. There are things we need to talk toward or away from. One translation of walk means to occupy. There are things with which we need to be consumed. Walk can also mean to align with. There are things with which we need to conform, and many more with which we should not. We need to walk in a purposeful manner. We need to walk in a way that brings honor and glory to Him. The second word is wisdom. The word wisdom is powerful. It literally refers to practical skills. In Greek, it means higher or lower; worldly or spiritually. There are two types of wisdom: There is wisdom about man and then there is wisdom from God. One of these two wisdoms is influencing us and directing us in life. One of these wisdoms determines how we are walking. Each kind of wisdom has an effect. Bro. Hughes asks which kind of wisdom do we want to influence our life? Paul uses two words in our text that open a treasure trove of blessing to us if we can understand them. Those words are walk and wisdom. He is speaking about more than just a mode of transportation and knowledge. There are several meanings in the Greek used for our word walk. There are things we need to talk toward or away from. One translation of walk means to occupy. There are things with which we need to be consumed. Walk can also mean to align with. There are things with which we need to conform, and many more with which we should not. We need to walk in a purposeful manner. We need to walk in a way that brings honor and glory to Him. The second word is wisdom. The word wisdom is powerful. It literally refers to practical skills. In Greek, it means higher or lower; worldly or spiritually. There are two types of wisdom: There is wisdom about man and then there is wisdom from God. One of these two wisdoms is influencing us and directing us in life. One of these wisdoms determines how we are walking. Each kind of wisdom has an effect. Bro. Hughes asks which kind of wisdom do we want to influence our life? Paul uses two words in our text that open a treasure trove of blessing to us if we can understand them. Those words are walk and wisdom. He is speaking about more than just a mode of transportation and knowledge. There are several meanings in the Gr… Mark Hughes 3816 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21308490/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wisdomswalkpart1/id/3212328.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21308490 Scripture: Colossians 4:5-4:6, James 3:13-3:18, Series: Wisdom's Walk Part#1 Mon, 07 Jan 2019 04:44:00 +0000 G. R. Edwards As a church begins to move into revival, it will encounter resistance. That resistance will not be physical, but spiritual. We must be mindful of this and learn to recognize the efforts of the enemy to hinder God’s movement. Sometimes this takes the form of disguising itself as church problems where there are none. Our text mentions being careful with the pregnant. Bro. Edwards uses this text to draw comparisons to the challenges that a church encounters when it is moving into revival. As a church begins to move into revival, it will encounter resistance. That resistance will not be physical, but spiritual. We must be mindful of this and learn to recognize the efforts of the enemy to hinder God’s movement. Sometimes this takes the form of disguising itself as church problems where there are none. Our text mentions being careful with the pregnant. Bro. Edwards uses this text to draw comparisons to the challenges that a church encounters when it is moving into revival. As a church begins to move into revival, it will encounter resistance. That resistance will not be physical, but spiritual. We must be mindful of this and learn to recognize the efforts of the enemy to hinder God’s movement. Sometimes this takes the f… G. R. Edwards 2060 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21306804/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thebirthingofrevival/id/3210655.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21306804 Scripture: Isaiah 40:11-40 Sun, 06 Jan 2019 20:31:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker God can, and often does, speak to a congregation. He also can and often does, speak to us individually. Sometimes, both of these happen at the same time. God can speak to a packed room, and at the same time, speak to a single person in that room. God is interested in us and our lives on a personal level. The bible has many stories of the Lord passing over and going to great lengths to affect the life of a single person. In Mark 5, Jesus traveled a great distance to find the man possessed by a legion of devils. Many had tried to help him. Some had tried to bind him, but Legion continued to be possessed. Jesus had traveled a great distance, but if we are to get to where He is, we will have to move also. When Jesus stepped off the boat, the possed man ran toward Him. The town people had gotten used to it, but the demoniac was desperate and ran toward Jesus. When the master stepped in, things began to happen for the good. The new year is a time for renewal. The new year is a time for starting fresh. God is has come a great distance to meet us and we must move toward Him. God can, and often does, speak to a congregation. He also can and often does, speak to us individually. Sometimes, both of these happen at the same time. God can speak to a packed room, and at the same time, speak to a single person in that room. God is interested in us and our lives on a personal level. The bible has many stories of the Lord passing over and going to great lengths to affect the life of a single person. In Mark 5, Jesus traveled a great distance to find the man possessed by a legion of devils. Many had tried to help him. Some had tried to bind him, but Legion continued to be possessed. Jesus had traveled a great distance, but if we are to get to where He is, we will have to move also. When Jesus stepped off the boat, the possed man ran toward Him. The town people had gotten used to it, but the demoniac was desperate and ran toward Jesus. When the master stepped in, things began to happen for the good. The new year is a time for renewal. The new year is a time for starting fresh. God is has come a great distance to meet us and we must move toward Him. God can, and often does, speak to a congregation. He also can and often does, speak to us individually. Sometimes, both of these happen at the same time. God can speak to a packed room, and at the same time, speak to a single person in that room. G… Kenneth Baker 1881 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21306256/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_movefromwhereyouare/id/3210095.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21306256 Move from where you are Thu, 20 Dec 2018 04:57:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Elvis had a big hit with Blue Christmas. Why during this joyous time of year, does such a song strike a note with so many people. Statistically, the holidays are the most stressful time of year. For many reasons, people feel frustration and anxiousness in life. In all the business and hectic pace of the season, many forget that His birth represents peace on earth and goodwill toward men. Our text tonight offers help to chase away the blues, not only during the holidays but at any time of the year. Bro. Hughes explores multiple translations to draw four things from our text that are guaranteed to chase away the blues. First, Paul says: Do not worry about anything. He was saying to not allow life to drive us to distraction. Life can get so intense that we become so distressed that we cannot think clearly. Paul tells us to remain focused on what truly matters. God has promised that He will take care of us. That is easy to say, but he also gives the way to do thatwith the second thing: pray about everything. We have no problems taking the big things to God, but he says to pray about everything! God is interested in our everything. God is concerned about the things that concern us. Third, our text tells us to tell God what we need. God is interested in the details of our life. God is a god of the details. Finally, Paul tells us to thank God for all that He has done. By doing this, we are reminded of what He has done, and therefore, we know that if He did it before, He will do it again. Our text says that if we do these four things, we will experience the peace of God that is beyond anything that we can understand. The way to keep the blues away is to talk to God, praise Him and let Him love us the way He wants to love us. Elvis had a big hit with Blue Christmas. Why during this joyous time of year, does such a song strike a note with so many people. Statistically, the holidays are the most stressful time of year. For many reasons, people feel frustration and anxiousness in life. In all the business and hectic pace of the season, many forget that His birth represents peace on earth and goodwill toward men. Our text tonight offers help to chase away the blues, not only during the holidays but at any time of the year. Bro. Hughes explores multiple translations to draw four things from our text that are guaranteed to chase away the blues. First, Paul says: Do not worry about anything. He was saying to not allow life to drive us to distraction. Life can get so intense that we become so distressed that we cannot think clearly. Paul tells us to remain focused on what truly matters. God has promised that He will take care of us. That is easy to say, but he also gives the way to do thatwith the second thing: pray about everything. We have no problems taking the big things to God, but he says to pray about everything! God is interested in our everything. God is concerned about the things that concern us. Third, our text tells us to tell God what we need. God is interested in the details of our life. God is a god of the details. Finally, Paul tells us to thank God for all that He has done. By doing this, we are reminded of what He has done, and therefore, we know that if He did it before, He will do it again. Our text says that if we do these four things, we will experience the peace of God that is beyond anything that we can understand. The way to keep the blues away is to talk to God, praise Him and let Him love us the way He wants to love us. Elvis had a big hit with Blue Christmas. Why during this joyous time of year, does such a song strike a note with so many people. Statistically, the holidays are the most stressful time of year. For many reasons, people feel frustration and anxiousne… Mark Hughes 3343 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21297315/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtokeepthebluesaway/id/3201645.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21297315 Scripture: Philippians 4:6-4:7, Psalms 11:3-11:4 Thu, 13 Dec 2018 04:19:00 +0000 Mark Hughes It can be easy to read our text tonight without feeling the full impact of Paul’s words. It is the prelude to the greatest and most moving passage the Paul wrote about Christ Jesus which describes the depth of the love Christ had for us, and the sacrifice He made. Often the real focus of Chapter 2 is the end, so we may hurry through the first four verses in order to get that part. This time, Bro. Hughes reads Philippians 2 with greater interest. The message is provoking and should become the foundation on all that we do. Every action, intention, plan, and purpose should be filtered through this lens. In our humanity, it is easy to become self-centered. We become concerned about our agenda and interests. Paul tells us to be more concerned about His interests than our own. A great fear that Paul had was that the church would become self-centered and self-focused. He knew that the greatest danger of every church is the spirit of selfishness. In the opening verses of this chapter, Paul asks that if the Love of God has made an impact on our lives, to do him a favor and love one another as Christ has loved us. He offered four points for us to consider. First, we are all in Christ. We may not all be as close as we need to be, but we are all saved by the same blood. We are all sinners saved by grace. Secondly, everything that we do should be motivated by the power of love. His love for me has never sought anything for us but good and never based on our merit. His love is based on his mercy for us. We do not deserve His love, and our love for others must be based on that same love. Third, we all share the same Holy Ghost. Finally, we must love based on human compassion. We all want mercy, therefore, we have to extend mercy. We did not have to earn Christ’s mercy, nor could we. We have to extend mercy to others in the same way that Christ has extended mercy to us. It can be easy to read our text tonight without feeling the full impact of Paul’s words. It is the prelude to the greatest and most moving passage the Paul wrote about Christ Jesus which describes the depth of the love Christ had for us, and the sacrifice He made. Often the real focus of Chapter 2 is the end, so we may hurry through the first four verses in order to get that part. This time, Bro. Hughes reads Philippians 2 with greater interest. The message is provoking and should become the foundation on all that we do. Every action, intention, plan, and purpose should be filtered through this lens. In our humanity, it is easy to become self-centered. We become concerned about our agenda and interests. Paul tells us to be more concerned about His interests than our own. A great fear that Paul had was that the church would become self-centered and self-focused. He knew that the greatest danger of every church is the spirit of selfishness. In the opening verses of this chapter, Paul asks that if the Love of God has made an impact on our lives, to do him a favor and love one another as Christ has loved us. He offered four points for us to consider. First, we are all in Christ. We may not all be as close as we need to be, but we are all saved by the same blood. We are all sinners saved by grace. Secondly, everything that we do should be motivated by the power of love. His love for me has never sought anything for us but good and never based on our merit. His love is based on his mercy for us. We do not deserve His love, and our love for others must be based on that same love. Third, we all share the same Holy Ghost. Finally, we must love based on human compassion. We all want mercy, therefore, we have to extend mercy. We did not have to earn Christ’s mercy, nor could we. We have to extend mercy to others in the same way that Christ has extended mercy to us. It can be easy to read our text tonight without feeling the full impact of Paul’s words. It is the prelude to the greatest and most moving passage the Paul wrote about Christ Jesus which describes the depth of the love Christ had for us, and the sacri… Mark Hughes 3081 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21293584/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_doyourselfafavor/id/3198086.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21293584 Scripture: Philippians 2:1-2:4 Mon, 10 Dec 2018 04:30:00 +0000 G. R. Edwards We know a lot about God. We know about the parting of the Red Sea. We know about blind eyes open, deaf ears unstopped, and healings. We know about blessing and provision and making a way when there is no way. In our text, Mary went to the tomb to find Jesus, but he was not there. He appeared standing behind her, but she did not know Him. She should have recognized Him. He was still God, but she did not recognize Him. Job knew God, but at some point, he looked around and could not see Him. God was there, but Job did not recognize what God was doing. We know God. We know that God can do all the things in the opening sentences of this text, but sometimes He does not. He is still God. Mary should have recognized Jesus, but she did not. The cross was brutal. The last time she had seen Jesus, he was bloodied on the cross and in agony. She had watched them take Him down from the cross and lay him in the tomb as a bloody pulp. She knew that God, but she did not know the resurrected God. Just because we do not recognize what God is doing, does not mean that He is not working on our behalf. Mary did not recognize Him because He had a resurrected body. Standing in front of her was the fulfillment of over 300 prophecies about the coming of the Messiah. She was looking the Jesus that had walked the earth for three and a half years, but now He was the God that reached across was pulling all of the prophecies into the present. He was not the same God that she had known. We may have known God in a different time. Perhaps we once felt closer to God, or used of God, or led by God, but now we do not. God is the same. It is we who have changed. God is still there. He is still working on our behalf, even if we cannot see it. Like Mary and Job, we must get to a place where we can recognize Him again. We have to rediscover the God that we do not know. We know a lot about God. We know about the parting of the Red Sea. We know about blind eyes open, deaf ears unstopped, and healings. We know about blessing and provision and making a way when there is no way. In our text, Mary went to the tomb to find Jesus, but he was not there. He appeared standing behind her, but she did not know Him. She should have recognized Him. He was still God, but she did not recognize Him. Job knew God, but at some point, he looked around and could not see Him. God was there, but Job did not recognize what God was doing. We know God. We know that God can do all the things in the opening sentences of this text, but sometimes He does not. He is still God. Mary should have recognized Jesus, but she did not. The cross was brutal. The last time she had seen Jesus, he was bloodied on the cross and in agony. She had watched them take Him down from the cross and lay him in the tomb as a bloody pulp. She knew that God, but she did not know the resurrected God. Just because we do not recognize what God is doing, does not mean that He is not working on our behalf. Mary did not recognize Him because He had a resurrected body. Standing in front of her was the fulfillment of over 300 prophecies about the coming of the Messiah. She was looking the Jesus that had walked the earth for three and a half years, but now He was the God that reached across was pulling all of the prophecies into the present. He was not the same God that she had known. We may have known God in a different time. Perhaps we once felt closer to God, or used of God, or led by God, but now we do not. God is the same. It is we who have changed. God is still there. He is still working on our behalf, even if we cannot see it. Like Mary and Job, we must get to a place where we can recognize Him again. We have to rediscover the God that we do not know. We know a lot about God. We know about the parting of the Red Sea. We know about blind eyes open, deaf ears unstopped, and healings. We know about blessing and provision and making a way when there is no way. In our text, Mary went to the tomb to f… G. R. Edwards 2616 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21292018/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegodthatwedonotknow/id/3196553.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21292018 Scripture: John 1:13-20:14 Sun, 09 Dec 2018 21:21:00 +0000 Landon Long Time, waiting and patience are all difficult things for us in our humanity. We want things to happen, but we want them to happen on our schedule and when we are ready. Many stand and declare that the Lord has a purpose and does miracles. We know these things, but some think that He does not do them for us. We often blame ourselves not being good enough to deserve these things. In Genesis 11, we meet Abram and Sarai. In verse 30, the Bible calls out Sarai’s problem: She was barren. God made a covenant with Abram that he would make his seed into a great nation. But to those looking on, God had made a mistake. Either God chose the wrong man, or Abram had the wrong wife. In chapter 12, God commands Abram to move and again promises to make his seed into a great nation. Abram never hesitated and followed God’s direction. By chapter 15, Abram was still unsure of how the covenant would play out since he did not have a child, and he questions God on how it will come to pass. God reminds Abram of the promise but does not offer an answer about how. In chapter 16, Abram and Sarai take matters into their own hands, and try to have a child with Hagar saying “it may be that I may obtain children by her.” We cannot live life by maybe. The enemy wants us to get to the point of maybe. This course did not work out the way that they thought it would. That is always the case when we take matters out of God’s hands. How frustrating it must have been for Abram and Sarai to be following all of God’s direction, but not see the blessing that God had promised. How the enemy must have whispered in their ears about how they were not worthy. Like a haunting memory, it must have poisoned Sarai’s mind. In chapter 15, Abram is 99; thirteen years older than the previous chapter. Thirteen years past when they thought they were too old. In this chapter, God begins to speak a word for Sarai. He says that her name will be Sarah and specifically says that He would give her a son. This leads us to our text this morning. Our text says they laughed when God tells them that Sarah would have a child. They didn’t question or laugh when God tells them to move. But, this time they laugh because this promise involved them. Before, they just had to trust God, but now this part of the promise involves them. The doubt playing in their minds was telling them that they were not good enough. Too many people give up on the promise not because it is too big for God, but because it is too big for us. Some of us have tried to defer our calling because we do not think we are capable. Right in the middle of our text is God’s answer to that doubt: “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” In Genesis 21, the Bible declares “and the Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did unto Sarah as he had spoken.” How many times have we been Sarah who agreed with God, but inside we laughed because of our own limitations? If God says it, we can count on it. We may not know when, we may not know how, we may not know the time frame, but it will happen. If God says it, it will happen. We may be limited, but our God is not! Time, waiting and patience are all difficult things for us in our humanity. We want things to happen, but we want them to happen on our schedule and when we are ready. Many stand and declare that the Lord has a purpose and does miracles. We know these things, but some think that He does not do them for us. We often blame ourselves not being good enough to deserve these things. In Genesis 11, we meet Abram and Sarai. In verse 30, the Bible calls out Sarai’s problem: She was barren. God made a covenant with Abram that he would make his seed into a great nation. But to those looking on, God had made a mistake. Either God chose the wrong man, or Abram had the wrong wife. In chapter 12, God commands Abram to move and again promises to make his seed into a great nation. Abram never hesitated and followed God’s direction. By chapter 15, Abram was still unsure of how the covenant would play out since he did not have a child, and he questions God on how it will come to pass. God reminds Abram of the promise but does not offer an answer about how. In chapter 16, Abram and Sarai take matters into their own hands, and try to have a child with Hagar saying “it may be that I may obtain children by her.” We cannot live life by maybe. The enemy wants us to get to the point of maybe. This course did not work out the way that they thought it would. That is always the case when we take matters out of God’s hands. How frustrating it must have been for Abram and Sarai to be following all of God’s direction, but not see the blessing that God had promised. How the enemy must have whispered in their ears about how they were not worthy. Like a haunting memory, it must have poisoned Sarai’s mind. In chapter 15, Abram is 99; thirteen years older than the previous chapter. Thirteen years past when they thought they were too old. In this chapter, God begins to speak a word for Sarai. He says that her name will be Sarah and specifically says that He would give her a son. This leads us to our text this morning. Our text says they laughed when God tells them that Sarah would have a child. They didn’t question or laugh when God tells them to move. But, this time they laugh because this promise involved them. Before, they just had to trust God, but now this part of the promise involves them. The doubt playing in their minds was telling them that they were not good enough. Too many people give up on the promise not because it is too big for God, but because it is too big for us. Some of us have tried to defer our calling because we do not think we are capable. Right in the middle of our text is God’s answer to that doubt: “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” In Genesis 21, the Bible declares “and the Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did unto Sarah as he had spoken.” How many times have we been Sarah who agreed with God, but inside we laughed because of our own limitations? If God says it, we can count on it. We may not know when, we may not know how, we may not know the time frame, but it will happen. If God says it, it will happen. We may be limited, but our God is not! Time, waiting and patience are all difficult things for us in our humanity. We want things to happen, but we want them to happen on our schedule and when we are ready. Many stand and declare that the Lord has a purpose and does miracles. We know the… Landon Long 2556 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21291568/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sarahshallhaveason/id/3196100.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21291568 Scripture: Genesis 1:11-18:14 Thu, 06 Dec 2018 03:34:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Each day we are presented with hundreds or thousands of things that require that we choose a course, action or reaction. Life is filled with a myriad of influences that must be sifted and evaluated. By our choices we define our lives now and for the future. Far too many people’s future is soured by the decisions they are making in the present. They do not even realize the trouble that lies in their future that they are creating right now. Our society lives in the moment and pays no attention to the future. Our text speaks of the life of Moses and the choices he made in his life that led him to great heights and accomplishments. He could have enjoyed the power, influence, and pleasures that would have been his life as a grandchild of Pharaoh. Instead, he chose a harder path that took him far higher than he ever could in the house of Pharaoh. Moses’ choices were more than about him, but they affected the entire nation of Israel. He valued the payoff of suffering more than the power of Egypt’s wealth. How did he resist the intoxicating influence of wealth and power to choose a life of suffering? It was not skill, wisdom or willpower that allowed Moses to make that decision; It was faith. Moses’ faith enabled him to see things in a better light. What are the principles that influence our choices? Faith enables us to truly evaluate the important things in life. The Bible tells us that Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He was mindful of the words spoken about him. That which we allow spoken into our lives has a control over us. Faith allows us to properly evaluate things that are seasonal issues. Faith allowed Moses to not let power, money, and fame influence his decisions. The course of Moses’ life and, ultimately the lives of millions of God’s people were determined by the choices he made as a young man. The course of the world hung in the balance of Moses’ choices. The course of our life lies in refusing and choosing. Each day we are presented with hundreds or thousands of things that require that we choose a course, action or reaction. Life is filled with a myriad of influences that must be sifted and evaluated. By our choices we define our lives now and for the future. Far too many people’s future is soured by the decisions they are making in the present. They do not even realize the trouble that lies in their future that they are creating right now. Our society lives in the moment and pays no attention to the future. Our text speaks of the life of Moses and the choices he made in his life that led him to great heights and accomplishments. He could have enjoyed the power, influence, and pleasures that would have been his life as a grandchild of Pharaoh. Instead, he chose a harder path that took him far higher than he ever could in the house of Pharaoh. Moses’ choices were more than about him, but they affected the entire nation of Israel. He valued the payoff of suffering more than the power of Egypt’s wealth. How did he resist the intoxicating influence of wealth and power to choose a life of suffering? It was not skill, wisdom or willpower that allowed Moses to make that decision; It was faith. Moses’ faith enabled him to see things in a better light. What are the principles that influence our choices? Faith enables us to truly evaluate the important things in life. The Bible tells us that Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He was mindful of the words spoken about him. That which we allow spoken into our lives has a control over us. Faith allows us to properly evaluate things that are seasonal issues. Faith allowed Moses to not let power, money, and fame influence his decisions. The course of Moses’ life and, ultimately the lives of millions of God’s people were determined by the choices he made as a young man. The course of the world hung in the balance of Moses’ choices. The course of our life lies in refusing and choosing. Each day we are presented with hundreds or thousands of things that require that we choose a course, action or reaction. Life is filled with a myriad of influences that must be sifted and evaluated. By our choices we define our lives now and for the … Mark Hughes 3332 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21289725/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_refusingandchoosing/id/3194390.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21289725 Scripture: Hebrews 11:23-11:29 Mon, 03 Dec 2018 04:24:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text tonight is possibly one of the most mournful and sad in the entire Bible. Something was missed. At first pass, we see that the writer is speaking of a missed opportunity. Our text from Jeremiah is not written from the perspective of the prophet, but from the perspective of Israel. From this brief text, we see a people who are frustrated with the lack of change in their situation. The tragedy of this statement is in the fact that they had failed to realize that what needed to change was not their situation, but themselves. God was trying to change Israel so that He could change their situation. Like Israel, we want God to change our situation, but God wants to change us in order to facilitate the change in our life. If we go on waiting for the world to change, our circumstances will not get better. The truth is that God could change our situation, but if we do not change, we will bring our same bad attitude to the new situation and we will soon find ourselves unhappy in that situation. The tragedy of missed opportunities is great indeed, but far greater is the tragedy of not being willing to change ourselves in order to allow God to work in our life. What are we waiting for? Our text tonight is possibly one of the most mournful and sad in the entire Bible. Something was missed. At first pass, we see that the writer is speaking of a missed opportunity. Our text from Jeremiah is not written from the perspective of the prophet, but from the perspective of Israel. From this brief text, we see a people who are frustrated with the lack of change in their situation. The tragedy of this statement is in the fact that they had failed to realize that what needed to change was not their situation, but themselves. God was trying to change Israel so that He could change their situation. Like Israel, we want God to change our situation, but God wants to change us in order to facilitate the change in our life. If we go on waiting for the world to change, our circumstances will not get better. The truth is that God could change our situation, but if we do not change, we will bring our same bad attitude to the new situation and we will soon find ourselves unhappy in that situation. The tragedy of missed opportunities is great indeed, but far greater is the tragedy of not being willing to change ourselves in order to allow God to work in our life. What are we waiting for? Our text tonight is possibly one of the most mournful and sad in the entire Bible. Something was missed. At first pass, we see that the writer is speaking of a missed opportunity. Our text from Jeremiah is not written from the perspective of the pro… Mark Hughes 2192 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21288153/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatarewewaitingon/id/3192817.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21288153 Scripture: Jeremiah 8:20-8, Psalms 55:19-55, Jeremiah 48:11-48 Thu, 29 Nov 2018 04:44:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Alignment is an important concept in life. It is the orderly arrangement to allow a proper function and flow. Anything that is out of alignment is difficult to handle and is dangerous to operate. When something is out of alignment, its efficiency is greatly decreased. When things are out of alignment, there is increased friction and resistance. When things are out of alignment, there is an acceleration of wear on the parts that are out of alignment. It is costly to allow things to get out of alignment. A soul that is out of alignment is just as dangerous as a vehicle that is out of alignment. If we have been experiencing extra friction or vibrations in life, we need to work on our alignment. If there is a lot of friction in life, it is time to seek God for help and spend more time in prayer. In our spiritual life, alignment shows itself in many forms. Bro. Hughes visits several scriptures that illustrate ways that we must be mindful of as we strive for spiritual alignment. God desires that we are the most effective and efficient that we can be. In order to do that, we have to be in alignment with His word, His spirit, and His will. Alignment is an important concept in life. It is the orderly arrangement to allow a proper function and flow. Anything that is out of alignment is difficult to handle and is dangerous to operate. When something is out of alignment, its efficiency is greatly decreased. When things are out of alignment, there is increased friction and resistance. When things are out of alignment, there is an acceleration of wear on the parts that are out of alignment. It is costly to allow things to get out of alignment. A soul that is out of alignment is just as dangerous as a vehicle that is out of alignment. If we have been experiencing extra friction or vibrations in life, we need to work on our alignment. If there is a lot of friction in life, it is time to seek God for help and spend more time in prayer. In our spiritual life, alignment shows itself in many forms. Bro. Hughes visits several scriptures that illustrate ways that we must be mindful of as we strive for spiritual alignment. God desires that we are the most effective and efficient that we can be. In order to do that, we have to be in alignment with His word, His spirit, and His will. Alignment is an important concept in life. It is the orderly arrangement to allow a proper function and flow. Anything that is out of alignment is difficult to handle and is dangerous to operate. When something is out of alignment, its efficiency is… Mark Hughes 3554 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21285611/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_aneedfulprayer/id/3190422.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21285611 Scripture: Hebrews 13:20-13:21 Mon, 26 Nov 2018 00:38:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Joseph is one of the truly extraordinary personalities in the Bible. His story is remarkable because of the depth of lessons that it teaches us. The Bible tells us that Joseph was the favored child in the family and, because of that, was despised by his brothers. God blessed Joseph with two divinely inspired dreams that were a prophecy on Joseph’s life. Joseph was to be the link in divine a providence for his people. He made the mistake of sharing those dreams with his brothers which only served to intensify their hatred for him. None of this hatred and all that they would do to him would interrupt God’s plan for Joseph’s life. However before he would reach the heights that the dreams foretold, Joseph would endure many hardships. In the midst of the suffering and conflict in Joseph’s life, it is difficult to see the outcome. It is difficult to see the foretold outcome in the midst of God’s process. Most of the story of Joseph’s life is documented in Genesis, but here in Psalms, we get another account of the hurt and pain that Joseph endured. All that happened to Joseph was part of God’s plan. All that happened surely tried him. The hatred of his brothers, being sold into slavery, being lifted up only to be falsely imprisoned must all have been difficult trials. But our text tells us that what tried him most was the word that God gave him. How can God speak a word of blessing, and yet look at the current pitiful situation? God’s promises and God’s process are always in conflict in our minds. We cannot observe the evil we are in and see the good that God wants to do for us. How can God make such a promise, but allow us to go through such a difficult process? It is the process that makes us able to accept the promise. God’s process is a refining that will prepare us to walk into the promise. If we can learn to live through the pain, the reward will be great. It is the process that God uses to get us to the purpose that is the conflict for us. Joseph is one of the truly extraordinary personalities in the Bible. His story is remarkable because of the depth of lessons that it teaches us. The Bible tells us that Joseph was the favored child in the family and, because of that, was despised by his brothers. God blessed Joseph with two divinely inspired dreams that were a prophecy on Joseph’s life. Joseph was to be the link in divine a providence for his people. He made the mistake of sharing those dreams with his brothers which only served to intensify their hatred for him. None of this hatred and all that they would do to him would interrupt God’s plan for Joseph’s life. However before he would reach the heights that the dreams foretold, Joseph would endure many hardships. In the midst of the suffering and conflict in Joseph’s life, it is difficult to see the outcome. It is difficult to see the foretold outcome in the midst of God’s process. Most of the story of Joseph’s life is documented in Genesis, but here in Psalms, we get another account of the hurt and pain that Joseph endured. All that happened to Joseph was part of God’s plan. All that happened surely tried him. The hatred of his brothers, being sold into slavery, being lifted up only to be falsely imprisoned must all have been difficult trials. But our text tells us that what tried him most was the word that God gave him. How can God speak a word of blessing, and yet look at the current pitiful situation? God’s promises and God’s process are always in conflict in our minds. We cannot observe the evil we are in and see the good that God wants to do for us. How can God make such a promise, but allow us to go through such a difficult process? It is the process that makes us able to accept the promise. God’s process is a refining that will prepare us to walk into the promise. If we can learn to live through the pain, the reward will be great. It is the process that God uses to get us to the purpose that is the conflict for us. Joseph is one of the truly extraordinary personalities in the Bible. His story is remarkable because of the depth of lessons that it teaches us. The Bible tells us that Joseph was the favored child in the family and, because of that, was despised by h… Mark Hughes 3022 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21283731/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theconflictbetweengodspurposea/id/3188581.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21283731 Scripture: Psalms 105:8-105:19 Sun, 18 Nov 2018 21:11:00 +0000 James Hughes Dr. Hughes teaches in the way only he can about the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Dr. Hughes teaches in the way only he can about the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Dr. Hughes teaches in the way only he can about the Gift of the Holy Ghost.… James Hughes 4762 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21283449/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegiftoftheholyghost/id/3188320.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21283449 Scripture: Acts 2:38-2, Romans 8:22-8:27 Sun, 18 Nov 2018 20:52:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Brother Hughes returns to 1 Peter to continue our look at the ministry of Grace Brother Hughes returns to 1 Peter to continue our look at the ministry of Grace Brother Hughes returns to 1 Peter to continue our look at the ministry of Grace… Mark Hughes 2430 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21283414/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theministryofgracecontinued/id/3188273.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21283414 Scripture: 1 Peter 5:10-5 Thu, 15 Nov 2018 03:38:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text talks of a church in Babylon. Babylon represents everything that is opposite of the church. It was a wicked place. We might compare it to the reputation that Las Vegans has in modern time, but even by those standards, Babylon was much worse than Sin City. That there was a church in that wicked culture that was so opposed to all that the church represents is amazing. The church at Babylon serves as an example to all who try to live for God. The did not allow their environment and surroundings to diminish their values or silence who they were. Peter refers to them as an elect group of people Elect people are not watered down or lukewarm Christians. How do we live in a culture that tries daily to unravel all that we believe and who we are? How do we live in an environment but not be of that environment? We cannot lose our identity to conform to the culture. The king of Babylon renamed the three Hebrew boys, but they refused to acknowledge their new names and continued to identify by their given names that related them to God. They maintained their identity. Remembering who they were was vital to them maintaining their identity in a hostile culture. God equips us to not only survive, but to trive. The key to triving in Babylon is to not be affected by the culture. Our text talks of a church in Babylon. Babylon represents everything that is opposite of the church. It was a wicked place. We might compare it to the reputation that Las Vegans has in modern time, but even by those standards, Babylon was much worse than Sin City. That there was a church in that wicked culture that was so opposed to all that the church represents is amazing. The church at Babylon serves as an example to all who try to live for God. The did not allow their environment and surroundings to diminish their values or silence who they were. Peter refers to them as an elect group of people Elect people are not watered down or lukewarm Christians. How do we live in a culture that tries daily to unravel all that we believe and who we are? How do we live in an environment but not be of that environment? We cannot lose our identity to conform to the culture. The king of Babylon renamed the three Hebrew boys, but they refused to acknowledge their new names and continued to identify by their given names that related them to God. They maintained their identity. Remembering who they were was vital to them maintaining their identity in a hostile culture. God equips us to not only survive, but to trive. The key to triving in Babylon is to not be affected by the culture. Our text talks of a church in Babylon. Babylon represents everything that is opposite of the church. It was a wicked place. We might compare it to the reputation that Las Vegans has in modern time, but even by those standards, Babylon was much wor… Mark Hughes 2848 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21277650/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howdoyouthriveinbabylon/id/3182809.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21277650 Scripture: 1 Peter 5:13-5 Sun, 11 Nov 2018 20:48:00 +0000 Mark Hughes So much has been said about grace, and so much more could be said. It is God’s unmerited favor; His unearned goodness. There is nothing we have done or could do that would decrease His grace in our lives. We often talk about grace in how it relates to us, but it is fundamentally about God, not us. It is a window into God’s nature and His love for us. It is not possible to grasp the totality of the meaning of Grace. In spite of all of our shortcomings and mistakes, God continues to pour our out His love for us. In our text, Peter gives us a glimpse of God’s grace. He defines it as the God of ALL grace. This means that in every situation, with every kind of people and no matter what our failure might be, there is grace for that. It is a fountain of infinite love, compassion, and forgiveness. Like the waters over Niagara Falls, His grace just keeps flowing. Every day God’s grace provides and provisions for us what we will need to get through the day. Peter’s description in our text uses a word that we do not normally associate with grace; suffering. God’s grace will provide us with what we need to make it through the challenges of our day. The fact is that we all need grace every day. God wants to help us beyond the current suffering and get us to a place where we can praise Him. So much has been said about grace, and so much more could be said. It is God’s unmerited favor; His unearned goodness. There is nothing we have done or could do that would decrease His grace in our lives. We often talk about grace in how it relates to us, but it is fundamentally about God, not us. It is a window into God’s nature and His love for us. It is not possible to grasp the totality of the meaning of Grace. In spite of all of our shortcomings and mistakes, God continues to pour our out His love for us. In our text, Peter gives us a glimpse of God’s grace. He defines it as the God of ALL grace. This means that in every situation, with every kind of people and no matter what our failure might be, there is grace for that. It is a fountain of infinite love, compassion, and forgiveness. Like the waters over Niagara Falls, His grace just keeps flowing. Every day God’s grace provides and provisions for us what we will need to get through the day. Peter’s description in our text uses a word that we do not normally associate with grace; suffering. God’s grace will provide us with what we need to make it through the challenges of our day. The fact is that we all need grace every day. God wants to help us beyond the current suffering and get us to a place where we can praise Him. So much has been said about grace, and so much more could be said. It is God’s unmerited favor; His unearned goodness. There is nothing we have done or could do that would decrease His grace in our lives. We often talk about grace in how it relates… Mark Hughes 2831 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21275200/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theministryofgrace/id/3180512.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21275200 Scripture: 1 Peter 5:10-5 Thu, 08 Nov 2018 03:35:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Over the past few weeks, we have explored the choices that champions or overcomers make. Tonight Bro. Hughes explores the choice to grow. Physical growth comes automatically, but spiritual and emotional growth is not automatic, it is a choice. Spiritual growth has to be cultivate. We have to want to grow and advance. According to our text, growth involves three things. First is leaving. There are some things that we have to move away from in order to receive what God wants for us. Secondly, growth involves breaking cycles. If we are to grow, we cannot keep repeating the same thing over and over again and really be growing. Finally growth requires movement, but only movement in the right direction. Movement by itself does not signify progress. There is a lot of movement in life, but not all of it moves us to the right place. How do we measure spiritual growth? Peter said to grow in grace. The word used here refers to attractiveness. This implies that we should be growing more like Jesus. Are we growing in our likeness to Him? Does our character resemble him more? Is our temperament becoming a reflection of joy, peace, kindness, compassion, and love? Secondly are we growing in knowledge? Are we learning more about Him? Are we closer to Him today than we were yesterday? Finally, the most important indicator that defines spiritual growth is how often we conquer our flesh. We do not need a devil to be bad. We have enough flesh that can be contrary to the word of God. Our flesh is the greatest battleground we ever encounter. So the best indicator of our spiritual growth is how frequently we conquer our flesh. Our greatest battle is not with someone else, it is simply in saying no to ourselves. If we want to guage if we are growing spiritually, we must be honest with ourselves about how we handle temptation. Over the past few weeks, we have explored the choices that champions or overcomers make. Tonight Bro. Hughes explores the choice to grow. Physical growth comes automatically, but spiritual and emotional growth is not automatic, it is a choice. Spiritual growth has to be cultivate. We have to want to grow and advance. According to our text, growth involves three things. First is leaving. There are some things that we have to move away from in order to receive what God wants for us. Secondly, growth involves breaking cycles. If we are to grow, we cannot keep repeating the same thing over and over again and really be growing. Finally growth requires movement, but only movement in the right direction. Movement by itself does not signify progress. There is a lot of movement in life, but not all of it moves us to the right place. How do we measure spiritual growth? Peter said to grow in grace. The word used here refers to attractiveness. This implies that we should be growing more like Jesus. Are we growing in our likeness to Him? Does our character resemble him more? Is our temperament becoming a reflection of joy, peace, kindness, compassion, and love? Secondly are we growing in knowledge? Are we learning more about Him? Are we closer to Him today than we were yesterday? Finally, the most important indicator that defines spiritual growth is how often we conquer our flesh. We do not need a devil to be bad. We have enough flesh that can be contrary to the word of God. Our flesh is the greatest battleground we ever encounter. So the best indicator of our spiritual growth is how frequently we conquer our flesh. Our greatest battle is not with someone else, it is simply in saying no to ourselves. If we want to guage if we are growing spiritually, we must be honest with ourselves about how we handle temptation. Over the past few weeks, we have explored the choices that champions or overcomers make. Tonight Bro. Hughes explores the choice to grow. Physical growth comes automatically, but spiritual and emotional growth is not automatic, it is a choice. Spir… Mark Hughes 2835 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21273102/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thechoicesofchampions/id/3178603.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21273102 Scripture: Hebrews 6:1-6:3, James 1:12-1:17, Series: The Choices Of Champions Part#5 Mon, 05 Nov 2018 04:37:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Peter writing to the first-century church, was often sounding a warning call against the doctrines that were making their way into the church. Soon after the crucifixion and resurrection, some began to add to the story of the gospel. There were some who began to preach that Jesus was not enough, that there was something else required. The warnings penned so long ago are still valid today. In our first text from Joshua, are instructions to build a memorial to the miracle that God had performed. God wanted them to remember the time and place. It was to be a memorial for future generations to know that something significant had occurred there. It was important that these future generations be taught what God had done that day. It was important for them to know not only what the memorial was, but WHY it was signification. There is a divine purpose in knowing the why. Why is it important to tell future generations these things? Because contained in that story are things that God does not want us to ever forget. The why is powerful. So many people know the what. They know that we live a separated life. They know that we are a peculiar people. The what is important, but it is more important to know the why. We do these things not just because our parents and grandparents did, but because it matters. If we do not know the why and teach the why to our children, we and they will begin to lose grip on the what. The memorial that day on the banks of the Jordan was erected to remind the people that they were in the promised land because of the mighty hand of God. It was a reminder to them that God is a god of the supernatural. God did not want them to ever forget the importance of His presence in their midst. The Jordan did not dry up because of the priest's feet in the water. It dried up because of a supernatural intervention of an almighty God. God commanded Joshua to have the men of Israel construct a memorial so that they would never forget. There are things about our faith and relationship with God that must be remembers and handed down, lest they be forgotten. Why is is it so important to know the why? It is because the stakes are so high. Peter writing to the first-century church, was often sounding a warning call against the doctrines that were making their way into the church. Soon after the crucifixion and resurrection, some began to add to the story of the gospel. There were some who began to preach that Jesus was not enough, that there was something else required. The warnings penned so long ago are still valid today. In our first text from Joshua, are instructions to build a memorial to the miracle that God had performed. God wanted them to remember the time and place. It was to be a memorial for future generations to know that something significant had occurred there. It was important that these future generations be taught what God had done that day. It was important for them to know not only what the memorial was, but WHY it was signification. There is a divine purpose in knowing the why. Why is it important to tell future generations these things? Because contained in that story are things that God does not want us to ever forget. The why is powerful. So many people know the what. They know that we live a separated life. They know that we are a peculiar people. The what is important, but it is more important to know the why. We do these things not just because our parents and grandparents did, but because it matters. If we do not know the why and teach the why to our children, we and they will begin to lose grip on the what. The memorial that day on the banks of the Jordan was erected to remind the people that they were in the promised land because of the mighty hand of God. It was a reminder to them that God is a god of the supernatural. God did not want them to ever forget the importance of His presence in their midst. The Jordan did not dry up because of the priest's feet in the water. It dried up because of a supernatural intervention of an almighty God. God commanded Joshua to have the men of Israel construct a memorial so that they would never forget. There are things about our faith and relationship with God that must be remembers and handed down, lest they be forgotten. Why is is it so important to know the why? It is because the stakes are so high. Peter writing to the first-century church, was often sounding a warning call against the doctrines that were making their way into the church. Soon after the crucifixion and resurrection, some began to add to the story of the gospel. There were some … Mark Hughes 3362 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21271414/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whybecausethestakesaresohigh/id/3176955.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21271414 Scripture: Joshua 4:1-4:7, Joshua 4:21-4:24, 2 Peter 1:12-1:13 Sun, 04 Nov 2018 21:20:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker The book of judges is a chronicle of one of the darkest times in the lives of God’s people. After all the victories and triumphs in Joshua, Judges is a depressing view of what happens when a people stray from God. When entering the promised land, Joshua failed to tear down the idols and strongholds that God had said could not stand. Things that we allow to stand when God tells us to tear them down always come back to be a problem. As a result, Israel became spiritually weak and vulnerable. Israel sunk to a place where they were not living on ownership of the land and were having to sneak around and hide to avoid the harassment of its enemies. Our text is a brief look at the history of Israel during this time. In the midst of all the doom and gloom, it is a story of victory and triumph. The story of the victory seems to not be possible. It was one man against 600. Shamgar was working in the field with oxen when he was beset with Philistines. All he had for a weapon was an ox goad. An Ox goad is not an ideal weapon, but it is what he had, and God provided the victory. There are lessons to be learned from this brief story. The first is that how we face the moment, determines our future. For Israel, they had been stuck in moments of frustration and aggravation, but nothing ever happened. Secondly, God illustrates with this story, that just because it looks impossible, does not mean that it is impossible. Our humanity causes is to look at situations and tell ourselves that it is impossible. But with God, all things are possible. Often we refuse to challenge our current circumstances because it looks impossible. The next lesson is that if we will happily work with what we have; God will provide us with what we desire. Surly Shamgar would have rather had the battle in the mountains where he might have a strategic advantage and with a better weapon, but it didn’t happen that way. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal. Our words are our weapon! Finally, we can go on using what we have the way we have always used them, or we can let God use it to provide a victory. When we look at this story we have to ask how a farm implement could be such a formidable weapon to kill 600 warriors. The reason is that there is someone else interested in the outcome of this story. When Shamgar began to fight, the first swing release something that he didn't’ even know was available. When Shamgar took that first swing God stepped in and took over. We have a weapon at our disposal and if we will use it, God will release what we need and secure the victory. The word begin is not in the text, but it is implied. Everything has to begin somewhere. Every revival, transformation, or renewal has to begin somewhere. The root word of begin from the Hebrew is calal. It means to be sick of. When we get sick enough of what we are dealing with and the friction that it creates, all it takes to change it is is to begin. Quit being intimidated by your circumstance and do something about it. We have to get sick of something before we can make a change. There will come a point when we get sick enough that we will do whatever it takes. Begin using what is at your disposal and keep using it until God gives you the victory. The book of judges is a chronicle of one of the darkest times in the lives of God’s people. After all the victories and triumphs in Joshua, Judges is a depressing view of what happens when a people stray from God. When entering the promised land, Joshua failed to tear down the idols and strongholds that God had said could not stand. Things that we allow to stand when God tells us to tear them down always come back to be a problem. As a result, Israel became spiritually weak and vulnerable. Israel sunk to a place where they were not living on ownership of the land and were having to sneak around and hide to avoid the harassment of its enemies. Our text is a brief look at the history of Israel during this time. In the midst of all the doom and gloom, it is a story of victory and triumph. The story of the victory seems to not be possible. It was one man against 600. Shamgar was working in the field with oxen when he was beset with Philistines. All he had for a weapon was an ox goad. An Ox goad is not an ideal weapon, but it is what he had, and God provided the victory. There are lessons to be learned from this brief story. The first is that how we face the moment, determines our future. For Israel, they had been stuck in moments of frustration and aggravation, but nothing ever happened. Secondly, God illustrates with this story, that just because it looks impossible, does not mean that it is impossible. Our humanity causes is to look at situations and tell ourselves that it is impossible. But with God, all things are possible. Often we refuse to challenge our current circumstances because it looks impossible. The next lesson is that if we will happily work with what we have; God will provide us with what we desire. Surly Shamgar would have rather had the battle in the mountains where he might have a strategic advantage and with a better weapon, but it didn’t happen that way. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal. Our words are our weapon! Finally, we can go on using what we have the way we have always used them, or we can let God use it to provide a victory. When we look at this story we have to ask how a farm implement could be such a formidable weapon to kill 600 warriors. The reason is that there is someone else interested in the outcome of this story. When Shamgar began to fight, the first swing release something that he didn't’ even know was available. When Shamgar took that first swing God stepped in and took over. We have a weapon at our disposal and if we will use it, God will release what we need and secure the victory. The word begin is not in the text, but it is implied. Everything has to begin somewhere. Every revival, transformation, or renewal has to begin somewhere. The root word of begin from the Hebrew is calal. It means to be sick of. When we get sick enough of what we are dealing with and the friction that it creates, all it takes to change it is is to begin. Quit being intimidated by your circumstance and do something about it. We have to get sick of something before we can make a change. There will come a point when we get sick enough that we will do whatever it takes. Begin using what is at your disposal and keep using it until God gives you the victory. The book of judges is a chronicle of one of the darkest times in the lives of God’s people. After all the victories and triumphs in Joshua, Judges is a depressing view of what happens when a people stray from God. When entering the promised land, Jos… Kenneth Baker 2461 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21270995/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenenoughisenough/id/3176536.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21270995 When Enough Is Enough Thu, 01 Nov 2018 02:33:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text uses the phrase Let us lay aside... This implies that we have a choice in the things that are obstacles in our life. None of us are prisoners to our heritage or circumstances. We can choose to lay those things aside and overcome them. Before we were converted and filled with the Holy Ghost, we sinned because it was our nature. But when we sin after receiving the Holy Ghost, it is by a choice. An overcomer is not one with no problems, shortcomings, or failures. An overcomer is one who limits their exposure to those problems, shortcomings, or failures. It is someone who recognizes areas that are dangerous for us and works to not be in situations that would allow our weaknesses to win. It is not a shame to miss the mark. It is a shame to continue to miss the mark. An overcomer does not let their weakness define them. Our text uses the phrase Let us lay aside... This implies that we have a choice in the things that are obstacles in our life. None of us are prisoners to our heritage or circumstances. We can choose to lay those things aside and overcome them. Before we were converted and filled with the Holy Ghost, we sinned because it was our nature. But when we sin after receiving the Holy Ghost, it is by a choice. An overcomer is not one with no problems, shortcomings, or failures. An overcomer is one who limits their exposure to those problems, shortcomings, or failures. It is someone who recognizes areas that are dangerous for us and works to not be in situations that would allow our weaknesses to win. It is not a shame to miss the mark. It is a shame to continue to miss the mark. An overcomer does not let their weakness define them. Our text uses the phrase Let us lay aside... This implies that we have a choice in the things that are obstacles in our life. None of us are prisoners to our heritage or circumstances. We can choose to lay those things aside and overcome them. Befor… Mark Hughes 3017 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21268554/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thechoicesofchampionspart4/id/3174458.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21268554 Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-12:3, Series: The Choices Of Champions Part#4 Mon, 29 Oct 2018 03:12:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Ripley's Believe It or Not! was a newspaper panel (and adapted to Radio, TV and many other formats) written by Robert Ripley that dealt in bizarre events and items so strange and unusual that readers might question the claims. As believers, we all experience seemingly impossible things: healings, deliverance, making a way when there is no way. If we had not experienced it ourselves, we would not believe it. Do we still believe these things? How easy it is to fall into unbelief. As children, we have vivid imaginations. Children believe that anything is possible. When do they move from that state to a state of unbelief? When life happens, it becomes more difficult to live by faith. In our text, the father of the child struck by the dumb spirit had lived with that condition since he was a small child. After years and years, the belief that God would heal him began to fade. It is easy to believe in God when faith is new, but when the struggles of life come along, it becomes more difficult. It is difficult to have the faith that we encourage others to have when we ourselves began to experience a storm in life. It is not that we do not believe in God’s ability or that he is willing. We convince ourselves that this is just the way that it is meant to be. We like to walk around saying that we are a believer, but do we really believe it? Do we believe that He is able to heal? Do we believe that He is able to restore? More than that, do we believe that He WILL do those things. There is more to being a believer than just believing that there is One God. That is a great thing to believe, but there is more. Some wear the title believer as a badge of honor. That it somehow entitles us to special treatment. The Bible tells us that the devil also believes the one god message. It is not enough. In our text, the man believed, but there was still something more. He asks Jesus to forgive his unbelief. We have to do more than just say “I believe”, but to live as we believe. We have to be more than hearers of the word but become doers of the word. Just saying we are a believer is meaningless if we do not live like a believer. Ripley's Believe It or Not! was a newspaper panel (and adapted to Radio, TV and many other formats) written by Robert Ripley that dealt in bizarre events and items so strange and unusual that readers might question the claims. As believers, we all experience seemingly impossible things: healings, deliverance, making a way when there is no way. If we had not experienced it ourselves, we would not believe it. Do we still believe these things? How easy it is to fall into unbelief. As children, we have vivid imaginations. Children believe that anything is possible. When do they move from that state to a state of unbelief? When life happens, it becomes more difficult to live by faith. In our text, the father of the child struck by the dumb spirit had lived with that condition since he was a small child. After years and years, the belief that God would heal him began to fade. It is easy to believe in God when faith is new, but when the struggles of life come along, it becomes more difficult. It is difficult to have the faith that we encourage others to have when we ourselves began to experience a storm in life. It is not that we do not believe in God’s ability or that he is willing. We convince ourselves that this is just the way that it is meant to be. We like to walk around saying that we are a believer, but do we really believe it? Do we believe that He is able to heal? Do we believe that He is able to restore? More than that, do we believe that He WILL do those things. There is more to being a believer than just believing that there is One God. That is a great thing to believe, but there is more. Some wear the title believer as a badge of honor. That it somehow entitles us to special treatment. The Bible tells us that the devil also believes the one god message. It is not enough. In our text, the man believed, but there was still something more. He asks Jesus to forgive his unbelief. We have to do more than just say “I believe”, but to live as we believe. We have to be more than hearers of the word but become doers of the word. Just saying we are a believer is meaningless if we do not live like a believer. Ripley's Believe It or Not! was a newspaper panel (and adapted to Radio, TV and many other formats) written by Robert Ripley that dealt in bizarre events and items so strange and unusual that readers might question the claims. As believers, we all exp… Kenneth Baker 2215 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21266848/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_believeitornot/id/3172809.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21266848 Believe It Or Not Sun, 28 Oct 2018 19:47:00 +0000 Mark Hughes In general, we all desire the same things in life. There are variations in the type of house or job or car, but most people want the same thing: Happiness. It would be very difficult to find someone who did not want peace or joy in their life. We want to live in God’s favor. The problem is that desire is not what separates us. We all desire the same thing. Why then does it seem that some in life are more favored than others? Why do some have a better job, a better marriage, or a better lifestyle than others? It is not about what we desire. Many people are waiting for their ship to come in. They believe that “If I just wait, my time will come.” In our text, Paul says to not get weary in well doing. He goes on to say that in doing that, we will enjoy a blessing at the right season. In verse 10 he gives us the key to unlocking that season. The fulfillment of our desire is not found in just desiring it, but in doing something about it. He says “as we, therefore, have the opportunity, let us do good unto all men. They key to the future is what we do with our present. We are not thankful for what we have now so God cannot bless us with more. Our due season is dependant on the season in which we are now living. In general, we all desire the same things in life. There are variations in the type of house or job or car, but most people want the same thing: Happiness. It would be very difficult to find someone who did not want peace or joy in their life. We want to live in God’s favor. The problem is that desire is not what separates us. We all desire the same thing. Why then does it seem that some in life are more favored than others? Why do some have a better job, a better marriage, or a better lifestyle than others? It is not about what we desire. Many people are waiting for their ship to come in. They believe that “If I just wait, my time will come.” In our text, Paul says to not get weary in well doing. He goes on to say that in doing that, we will enjoy a blessing at the right season. In verse 10 he gives us the key to unlocking that season. The fulfillment of our desire is not found in just desiring it, but in doing something about it. He says “as we, therefore, have the opportunity, let us do good unto all men. They key to the future is what we do with our present. We are not thankful for what we have now so God cannot bless us with more. Our due season is dependant on the season in which we are now living. In general, we all desire the same things in life. There are variations in the type of house or job or car, but most people want the same thing: Happiness. It would be very difficult to find someone who did not want peace or joy in their life. We w… Mark Hughes 3459 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21266441/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thekeytoyourseason/id/3172374.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21266441 Scripture: Galatians 6:9-6:10 Thu, 25 Oct 2018 02:56:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Oprah Winfrey, and Walt Disney have one thing in common. They are all overcomers. They all overcome great trials in their life to be successful. They refused to be defined by their past. The did not let learning disabilities, abuse, or poverty define them. We must be careful what we let define our life. To be an overcomer, by definition, we have to overcome something. In our study of overcomers, we have learned some characteristics of overcomers. We have talked about the choices overcomers make. Last week we explored the attitude of an overcomer. Tonight we look at holding on. When a rodeo cowboy rides the bull, he holds on. But he doesn't hold on to the bull. He holds on to the rope tied around the bull. As long as he holds on to the rope, the bull cannot buck him off. In our text tonight, the writer calls attention to a specific action. He didn’t point out a person's talent, skills or abilities. What he does say is that we must have a grip on the right thing. In our humanity, we look at things like talent, skills, physical conditioning, and experience to define our success. The Bible is clear here that being an overcomer is rooted in holding on. What is it that we need to get a grip on? It is our profession. The profession, in this case, is a spoken utterance. The bible says that the power of life and death is in the tongue. What we speak has power. The devil wants to destroy our life and one of the ways he does that is to cause us to destroy our testimony with our own words. That is why we must be careful the things with which we associate. Our associations will influence our thoughts and words. The power in our life is in what we speak, what we say, what we confess. Our victory is in our mouth. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I have been made to be the head, not the tail. I am a child of God. By choosing our words, we determine the distinctive sound that emanates from our life. We get to chose the quality of our life by the words we use. Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Oprah Winfrey, and Walt Disney have one thing in common. They are all overcomers. They all overcome great trials in their life to be successful. They refused to be defined by their past. The did not let learning disabilities, abuse, or poverty define them. We must be careful what we let define our life. To be an overcomer, by definition, we have to overcome something. In our study of overcomers, we have learned some characteristics of overcomers. We have talked about the choices overcomers make. Last week we explored the attitude of an overcomer. Tonight we look at holding on. When a rodeo cowboy rides the bull, he holds on. But he doesn't hold on to the bull. He holds on to the rope tied around the bull. As long as he holds on to the rope, the bull cannot buck him off. In our text tonight, the writer calls attention to a specific action. He didn’t point out a person's talent, skills or abilities. What he does say is that we must have a grip on the right thing. In our humanity, we look at things like talent, skills, physical conditioning, and experience to define our success. The Bible is clear here that being an overcomer is rooted in holding on. What is it that we need to get a grip on? It is our profession. The profession, in this case, is a spoken utterance. The bible says that the power of life and death is in the tongue. What we speak has power. The devil wants to destroy our life and one of the ways he does that is to cause us to destroy our testimony with our own words. That is why we must be careful the things with which we associate. Our associations will influence our thoughts and words. The power in our life is in what we speak, what we say, what we confess. Our victory is in our mouth. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I have been made to be the head, not the tail. I am a child of God. By choosing our words, we determine the distinctive sound that emanates from our life. We get to chose the quality of our life by the words we use. Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Oprah Winfrey, and Walt Disney have one thing in common. They are all overcomers. They all overcome great trials in their life to be successful. They refused to be defined by their past. The did not let learning … Mark Hughes 2268 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21264326/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_choicesofchampionspart3/id/3170558.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21264326 Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-4, Series: The Choices Of Champions Part#3 Mon, 22 Oct 2018 03:23:00 +0000 Kenny Custer In our text, the bible says that Job was perfect. David was a man after God’s own heart, but it says that Job was perfect. God is a god of rules and laws. He does not tend to the laws of gravity or the patterns of the weather. He set it in motion and it just is. There are spiritual laws too. The wages of sin is death. There is grace and mercy. God’s law is that if we tithe, we will be blessed. If we offer praise He will inhabit our praise. It is not by anything that we have done, but by the laws and rules being put into place. Being blessed, or feeling the touch of God when we worship is not His approval, but an operation of the laws He has put into place. We want to be in his presence and receive his blessings, but there is more to it than that. We can live biblically and still be lost. The bible says that Job was perfect. That means that he did more than just exercise the laws that God has put in place. Job did not just live perfect one day, it was his life. Job went above and beyond. We do not seen an indication that Job had a personal relationship with God. He didn’t enjoy conversation with Him in the cool of the evening. Job did not discuss the building of an arc with God. But, yet Job’s life was called perfect. Through his trial, Job learned to have a relationship with God. God will honor His laws. We can live so well that even your pastor will be proud of you. But God desires a relationship with us. Through his trial, Job never cursed God even though his wife encouraged him to. In verse 42 Job says that he had lived his life by what he had heard about God, but now he said that he sees it. He had come face to face to God through his trial. Job came to know that while he was faithfully keeping the rules and laws that God had proscribed, he lacked the relationship that he needed. When we get to the place where we understand God’s laws are important, but there is more, we put ourselves to be in a close relationship to God. In our text, the bible says that Job was perfect. David was a man after God’s own heart, but it says that Job was perfect. God is a god of rules and laws. He does not tend to the laws of gravity or the patterns of the weather. He set it in motion and it just is. There are spiritual laws too. The wages of sin is death. There is grace and mercy. God’s law is that if we tithe, we will be blessed. If we offer praise He will inhabit our praise. It is not by anything that we have done, but by the laws and rules being put into place. Being blessed, or feeling the touch of God when we worship is not His approval, but an operation of the laws He has put into place. We want to be in his presence and receive his blessings, but there is more to it than that. We can live biblically and still be lost. The bible says that Job was perfect. That means that he did more than just exercise the laws that God has put in place. Job did not just live perfect one day, it was his life. Job went above and beyond. We do not seen an indication that Job had a personal relationship with God. He didn’t enjoy conversation with Him in the cool of the evening. Job did not discuss the building of an arc with God. But, yet Job’s life was called perfect. Through his trial, Job learned to have a relationship with God. God will honor His laws. We can live so well that even your pastor will be proud of you. But God desires a relationship with us. Through his trial, Job never cursed God even though his wife encouraged him to. In verse 42 Job says that he had lived his life by what he had heard about God, but now he said that he sees it. He had come face to face to God through his trial. Job came to know that while he was faithfully keeping the rules and laws that God had proscribed, he lacked the relationship that he needed. When we get to the place where we understand God’s laws are important, but there is more, we put ourselves to be in a close relationship to God. In our text, the bible says that Job was perfect. David was a man after God’s own heart, but it says that Job was perfect. God is a god of rules and laws. He does not tend to the laws of gravity or the patterns of the weather. He set it in motion a… Kenny Custer 2555 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21262629/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_rulesvsrelationship/id/3168873.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21262629 Scripture: Job 1:1-1, Job 42:5-42:6 Sun, 21 Oct 2018 21:17:00 +0000 Mark Hughes It is not specifically recorded in the bible, but it is said that this Psalm is about Goliath. The 144th Psalm is also said to be about Goliath. In that Psalm, David declares that he has a new song to sing. It is a setting of a new tone and sound for his life. David remembered the fear and cowering of God’s people about Goliath. God gave a great victory that day, and David began to sing a new song. We all have Goliaths in our life. The Philistines had long been a source of interruption and disruption of peace. The represented everything that is trying to keep us from enjoying the life that God wants for us. They had come to wage war with Israel and their champion was formattable. The bible describes as a beast of a man who was intimidating both physically and vocally. He loudly challenged God's people for many days. The attack that the enemy made had a dramatic affect on God’s people. It impacted them immediately. They cowered in their tents and they questioned their own validity. He began to challenge and undermine their purpose and identity. Our enemy wants us to be confused about who (and whose) we are. Fear and doubt was the affect, but what was the effect? The result that they were cowering in their tents. The affect of the enemy’s words against us are no different. He comes to question our identity and our right to call ourselves a child of God. The effect on us can be the same as it was on that battlefield. They allowed this enemy to strip them of their ability and their calling. God gave David a song concerning his enemy and God wants us to have a song too. The 8th Psalm is the song that God gave David after he had overcome Goliath. In that song, David confessed these things. We are made by God. We are made by God to be victorious and to stand up to our enemy. Not only are we made by God, but we are crowned by Him to be His children. Third, David says that God have us dominion. He didn't make us to be ruled, but to rule. We have been commissioned and have an anointing on our life. Goliath wanted to make them forget who they were, but God sent David to remind us that we have a position, a calling and an anointing on our life. We encounter Goliath spirits on a daily basis who tries to undermine us and our purpose. David’s song reminds us that we are her for a purpose. We are a divined purposed being that is here for a reason. We may be challenged, but we are not to be changed from who we are. We need a song that will help us to live like we are a child of God. It is not specifically recorded in the bible, but it is said that this Psalm is about Goliath. The 144th Psalm is also said to be about Goliath. In that Psalm, David declares that he has a new song to sing. It is a setting of a new tone and sound for his life. David remembered the fear and cowering of God’s people about Goliath. God gave a great victory that day, and David began to sing a new song. We all have Goliaths in our life. The Philistines had long been a source of interruption and disruption of peace. The represented everything that is trying to keep us from enjoying the life that God wants for us. They had come to wage war with Israel and their champion was formattable. The bible describes as a beast of a man who was intimidating both physically and vocally. He loudly challenged God's people for many days. The attack that the enemy made had a dramatic affect on God’s people. It impacted them immediately. They cowered in their tents and they questioned their own validity. He began to challenge and undermine their purpose and identity. Our enemy wants us to be confused about who (and whose) we are. Fear and doubt was the affect, but what was the effect? The result that they were cowering in their tents. The affect of the enemy’s words against us are no different. He comes to question our identity and our right to call ourselves a child of God. The effect on us can be the same as it was on that battlefield. They allowed this enemy to strip them of their ability and their calling. God gave David a song concerning his enemy and God wants us to have a song too. The 8th Psalm is the song that God gave David after he had overcome Goliath. In that song, David confessed these things. We are made by God. We are made by God to be victorious and to stand up to our enemy. Not only are we made by God, but we are crowned by Him to be His children. Third, David says that God have us dominion. He didn't make us to be ruled, but to rule. We have been commissioned and have an anointing on our life. Goliath wanted to make them forget who they were, but God sent David to remind us that we have a position, a calling and an anointing on our life. We encounter Goliath spirits on a daily basis who tries to undermine us and our purpose. David’s song reminds us that we are her for a purpose. We are a divined purposed being that is here for a reason. We may be challenged, but we are not to be changed from who we are. We need a song that will help us to live like we are a child of God. It is not specifically recorded in the bible, but it is said that this Psalm is about Goliath. The 144th Psalm is also said to be about Goliath. In that Psalm, David declares that he has a new song to sing. It is a setting of a new tone and sound fo… Mark Hughes 2501 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21262278/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_awordconcerningyourgoliath/id/3168525.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21262278 Scripture: Psalms 8:2-8:5, 1 Samuel 17:8-17 Thu, 18 Oct 2018 02:24:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Bro. Hughes returns to his series on the choices of champions. The use of the word champion here is someone who is an overcomer. The phrase in our text that is key is “let us.” These two words speak to the fact that we have choices. We are not limited by our pedigree or station in life. Our choices determine many things in life. Our text says “let us labour therefore to enter into that rest.” The literal meaning of the greek words used means to be diligent forward. This implies that we can be diligent in some other direction. We have to be diligent in the right direction. In order to achieve the better life the He desires for us, there is a labor involved. This is an active tense. It means to make every effort, to persist in working toward the promised land. The choices of an overcome has to do with the mindset with which we chooses to live our life. We can easily become trapped into the mindset that our carnal self constructs rather than relying on the spiritual mindset that through God all things are possible. Our flesh will tell us “you’ve done all you can do” or “you cannot overcome this” when the truth is that God has equipped us to handle anything that comes at us. Our lives must be governed by faith, not by the fear that our carnal self will try to dig up. In order to be a champion, We must choose to live by God’s word, not our whims. Bro. Hughes returns to his series on the choices of champions. The use of the word champion here is someone who is an overcomer. The phrase in our text that is key is “let us.” These two words speak to the fact that we have choices. We are not limited by our pedigree or station in life. Our choices determine many things in life. Our text says “let us labour therefore to enter into that rest.” The literal meaning of the greek words used means to be diligent forward. This implies that we can be diligent in some other direction. We have to be diligent in the right direction. In order to achieve the better life the He desires for us, there is a labor involved. This is an active tense. It means to make every effort, to persist in working toward the promised land. The choices of an overcome has to do with the mindset with which we chooses to live our life. We can easily become trapped into the mindset that our carnal self constructs rather than relying on the spiritual mindset that through God all things are possible. Our flesh will tell us “you’ve done all you can do” or “you cannot overcome this” when the truth is that God has equipped us to handle anything that comes at us. Our lives must be governed by faith, not by the fear that our carnal self will try to dig up. In order to be a champion, We must choose to live by God’s word, not our whims. Bro. Hughes returns to his series on the choices of champions. The use of the word champion here is someone who is an overcomer. The phrase in our text that is key is “let us.” These two words speak to the fact that we have choices. We are not limi… Kenneth Baker 2644 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21260336/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thechoicesofchampions2/id/3166794.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21260336 The Choices Of Champions-2 Mon, 15 Oct 2018 03:16:00 +0000 Landon Long The phrase “It doesn’t amount to a hill of beans” conveys that whatever it is, it is not worth much. Our world values different things. They value things that make them feel good rather than those things that are true and right. Regardless of what they think, biblical prindiples are very big deals when living for the Lord. Our world devalues these things. They say things like “our culture has changed” as a way to dismiss biblical teachings and principles. In text, Jesus ties Old Testament values to New Testament teachings and values. There are many people who look at life and think that because times and seasons have changed, that old fashion biblical values do not amount to a hill of beans. Jesus is clear that those values in the old testament are still relevant in the new testament. Moreover, He adds to the old concepts. These things still have value: prayer, fasting, and reading God’s word. The world may not think these things have value, but we know that they do. To the world, these things don’t amount to a hill of beans, but for the people of God, these things are a hill of beans worth fighting for. The phrase “It doesn’t amount to a hill of beans” conveys that whatever it is, it is not worth much. Our world values different things. They value things that make them feel good rather than those things that are true and right. Regardless of what they think, biblical prindiples are very big deals when living for the Lord. Our world devalues these things. They say things like “our culture has changed” as a way to dismiss biblical teachings and principles. In text, Jesus ties Old Testament values to New Testament teachings and values. There are many people who look at life and think that because times and seasons have changed, that old fashion biblical values do not amount to a hill of beans. Jesus is clear that those values in the old testament are still relevant in the new testament. Moreover, He adds to the old concepts. These things still have value: prayer, fasting, and reading God’s word. The world may not think these things have value, but we know that they do. To the world, these things don’t amount to a hill of beans, but for the people of God, these things are a hill of beans worth fighting for. The phrase “It doesn’t amount to a hill of beans” conveys that whatever it is, it is not worth much. Our world values different things. They value things that make them feel good rather than those things that are true and right. Regardless of what t… Landon Long 2540 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21258570/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ahillofbeansworthfightingfor/id/3165060.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21258570 Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:11-23:12, Matthew 5:21-5:44 Sun, 14 Oct 2018 20:01:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Life is full of distractions, interruptions and diversions. There are always reasons for the detours that we take in life. Sometimes it is that God is protecting us from danger. Other times, it is because He is preparing us for something. How often in life do we get off on side roads and then we get distracted? When we are on these detours, it is wise to follow God’s directions, because it will always get us back to the main road. Some view these detours as something that is spoiling life. We thought we knew where we were going, but now we are changing course. Sometimes we search for someone to blame. The truth is that there is not someone to blame. There are things at work in our life that are attempting to strip away our joy. The enemy will whisper the lies that we are not good enough, that we must have done something wrong to be in this situation. We should be enjoying the best that God has for us, but things have slipped in that are spoiling the blessed life that we are living. We can be spoiled by the things that come into our mind. Anything that comes into our mind that is contrary to the word of God, is a spoiler. Our world is oriented to question all the things that we know are true. The bible says God is the truth and the way! Solomon mentions another spoiler: the little foxes. These little foxes weren’t tall enough to reach the grapes, but they would damage the vines as they jumped to get to the fruit. They didn’t directly steal the fruit, but the destroyed the source of the fruit. The devil is aiming to destroy the source of our joy and happiness. If he can attack our roots, the fruit of our relationship with God will go away. We must be mindful of the spoilers that come in to life and force us to take a detour. What is spoiling your life? Life is full of distractions, interruptions and diversions. There are always reasons for the detours that we take in life. Sometimes it is that God is protecting us from danger. Other times, it is because He is preparing us for something. How often in life do we get off on side roads and then we get distracted? When we are on these detours, it is wise to follow God’s directions, because it will always get us back to the main road. Some view these detours as something that is spoiling life. We thought we knew where we were going, but now we are changing course. Sometimes we search for someone to blame. The truth is that there is not someone to blame. There are things at work in our life that are attempting to strip away our joy. The enemy will whisper the lies that we are not good enough, that we must have done something wrong to be in this situation. We should be enjoying the best that God has for us, but things have slipped in that are spoiling the blessed life that we are living. We can be spoiled by the things that come into our mind. Anything that comes into our mind that is contrary to the word of God, is a spoiler. Our world is oriented to question all the things that we know are true. The bible says God is the truth and the way! Solomon mentions another spoiler: the little foxes. These little foxes weren’t tall enough to reach the grapes, but they would damage the vines as they jumped to get to the fruit. They didn’t directly steal the fruit, but the destroyed the source of the fruit. The devil is aiming to destroy the source of our joy and happiness. If he can attack our roots, the fruit of our relationship with God will go away. We must be mindful of the spoilers that come in to life and force us to take a detour. What is spoiling your life? Life is full of distractions, interruptions and diversions. There are always reasons for the detours that we take in life. Sometimes it is that God is protecting us from danger. Other times, it is because He is preparing us for something. How often… Mark Hughes 2744 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21258113/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatisspoilingyourlife/id/3164602.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21258113 Scripture: Colossians 2:6-2:14 Thu, 11 Oct 2018 01:22:00 +0000 J C Milligan Our culture has been led for some time down a path where once known truths have been questioned and challenged. Today, personal agendas and self-serving ideas rule the day. Truth is costly in that it requires confrontation or it suffers the consequences. Truth is absolute. But it is also possible to hear, repeat and believe a lie for so long, that the lie becomes the truth. Some have distorted truth through choices to compromise it. The result is a world in chaos. A recent study shows that only 4% of millennials have a biblical worldview. Those that reject the absolute truth of Christ have nothing to cling to but the shifting sands of a undergrounded world view. They have no biblical answers to spiritual questions. Many millennials have decided that there is no moral compass with which to navigate life. We have a group in society that is frazzled in trying to understand relationships. When we accept and conform to the absolute truths of God, there is joy and blessing. Our culture has been led for some time down a path where once known truths have been questioned and challenged. Today, personal agendas and self-serving ideas rule the day. Truth is costly in that it requires confrontation or it suffers the consequences. Truth is absolute. But it is also possible to hear, repeat and believe a lie for so long, that the lie becomes the truth. Some have distorted truth through choices to compromise it. The result is a world in chaos. A recent study shows that only 4% of millennials have a biblical worldview. Those that reject the absolute truth of Christ have nothing to cling to but the shifting sands of a undergrounded world view. They have no biblical answers to spiritual questions. Many millennials have decided that there is no moral compass with which to navigate life. We have a group in society that is frazzled in trying to understand relationships. When we accept and conform to the absolute truths of God, there is joy and blessing. Our culture has been led for some time down a path where once known truths have been questioned and challenged. Today, personal agendas and self-serving ideas rule the day. Truth is costly in that it requires confrontation or it suffers the consequen… J C Milligan 2856 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21256671/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_truthorchaos/id/3163269.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21256671 Scripture: Acts 17:28-17, Philippians 2:12-2:14, Matthew 19:23-19:26 Mon, 08 Oct 2018 03:27:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Paul in writing our text tonight speaks of some traits and characteristics of an overcomer. Here is a snapshot of the heroes of faith that we read about in Hebrews 11. These are simple things, but if we incorporate these into our life would make a profound difference. First these heroes of faith surrounded themselves with the right kind of influences. It is all too easy to be brought down by the wrong influences. Overcomers surround themselves with people who lift them up and encourage them strive for better and to be better. We become that with which we fellowship. Secondly, overcomers get rid of things that are holding them back. There are a lot of things in life that are not sin, but are heavy and hold us back. Third, an overcomer is pictured as one who stays focused on what matters. We are all influenced by our surroundings. It does not help our spiritual life when we focus on people. People will disappoint and fail us but God never will. We must keep our eyes focused on what matters. Number four: The most important thing for anyone who wants to be an overcomer is to eliminate the word QUIT from their vocabulary. The bible says “for the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross.” His eyes were beyond all the immediate suffering to the end goal. He was able to endure the suffering because of what was beyond the cross. The trials of life make us better and are taking us to where God wants us to be. If we quit in the midst of the trial, we will never realize the fullness of the blessing that God has planned for us. If we will just continue, we will win. Finally the overcomer never stops reaching. Bro. Hughes shares a story of a blind man who climbed Mt. Everest. Upon reaching the summit, one of his guides said something to him changed his life: “Do not let this be your biggest accomplishment.” This motto propelled the man onto even greater things. By learning the lessons in Hebrews 12, we are equipped to do great things. Our text is truly a portrait of an overcomer Paul in writing our text tonight speaks of some traits and characteristics of an overcomer. Here is a snapshot of the heroes of faith that we read about in Hebrews 11. These are simple things, but if we incorporate these into our life would make a profound difference. First these heroes of faith surrounded themselves with the right kind of influences. It is all too easy to be brought down by the wrong influences. Overcomers surround themselves with people who lift them up and encourage them strive for better and to be better. We become that with which we fellowship. Secondly, overcomers get rid of things that are holding them back. There are a lot of things in life that are not sin, but are heavy and hold us back. Third, an overcomer is pictured as one who stays focused on what matters. We are all influenced by our surroundings. It does not help our spiritual life when we focus on people. People will disappoint and fail us but God never will. We must keep our eyes focused on what matters. Number four: The most important thing for anyone who wants to be an overcomer is to eliminate the word QUIT from their vocabulary. The bible says “for the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross.” His eyes were beyond all the immediate suffering to the end goal. He was able to endure the suffering because of what was beyond the cross. The trials of life make us better and are taking us to where God wants us to be. If we quit in the midst of the trial, we will never realize the fullness of the blessing that God has planned for us. If we will just continue, we will win. Finally the overcomer never stops reaching. Bro. Hughes shares a story of a blind man who climbed Mt. Everest. Upon reaching the summit, one of his guides said something to him changed his life: “Do not let this be your biggest accomplishment.” This motto propelled the man onto even greater things. By learning the lessons in Hebrews 12, we are equipped to do great things. Our text is truly a portrait of an overcomer Paul in writing our text tonight speaks of some traits and characteristics of an overcomer. Here is a snapshot of the heroes of faith that we read about in Hebrews 11. These are simple things, but if we incorporate these into our life would make a pr… Mark Hughes 2388 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21254527/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_portraitofanovercomer/id/3161208.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21254527 Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-12:3 Sun, 07 Oct 2018 20:25:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We are involved in battles both spiritual and in the natural world. At times, life can be hard. During those times, faith can be a struggle. We are in a battle that has eternal proportions and consequences. The devil will attack that what appears to be your anointing. The bible says that when David was anointed King, all the Philistines rose up against him. It goes on to say that David smote them there. Since the garden there has been a battle raging against God’s people and their potential. Fight is not incompatible with faith because there is a battle raging right now as to whether we will fulfil the purpose God has for us. The devil hates faith and when we step out in faith, he will intensify his attack. We will not fulfill our purpose without encountering some sort of battle. We will not get to where God wants us without some kind of fight. The word for the day is Fight! We are involved in battles both spiritual and in the natural world. At times, life can be hard. During those times, faith can be a struggle. We are in a battle that has eternal proportions and consequences. The devil will attack that what appears to be your anointing. The bible says that when David was anointed King, all the Philistines rose up against him. It goes on to say that David smote them there. Since the garden there has been a battle raging against God’s people and their potential. Fight is not incompatible with faith because there is a battle raging right now as to whether we will fulfil the purpose God has for us. The devil hates faith and when we step out in faith, he will intensify his attack. We will not fulfill our purpose without encountering some sort of battle. We will not get to where God wants us without some kind of fight. The word for the day is Fight! We are involved in battles both spiritual and in the natural world. At times, life can be hard. During those times, faith can be a struggle. We are in a battle that has eternal proportions and consequences. The devil will attack that what appears … Mark Hughes 2348 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21254109/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thewordfortheday/id/3160768.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21254109 Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:12-6 Thu, 04 Oct 2018 02:53:00 +0000 James Hughes Bro. Hughes uses the life of David to illustrate how easy it is to be a prisoner to our past. We all spend a lot of time worrying and trying to change the outcome of our past. The truth is there is no way to change what has happened. Like Paul we need to keep reaching for what lies ahead. We can only do that if we make peace with our past. Bro. Hughes uses the life of David to illustrate how easy it is to be a prisoner to our past. We all spend a lot of time worrying and trying to change the outcome of our past. The truth is there is no way to change what has happened. Like Paul we need to keep reaching for what lies ahead. We can only do that if we make peace with our past. Bro. Hughes uses the life of David to illustrate how easy it is to be a prisoner to our past. We all spend a lot of time worrying and trying to change the outcome of our past. The truth is there is no way to change what has happened. Like Paul we ne… James Hughes 3624 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21252000/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_makingpeacewithyourpast/id/3158891.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21252000 Scripture: 1 Chronicles 3:1-3:5, Psalms 51:1-51:10 Mon, 01 Oct 2018 02:43:00 +0000 Landon Long The Mona Lisa is one of the most recognized and valuable pieces of art in the world. Van Gogh's Starlit Night expresses the artist’s emotions in vibrant colors and brush strokes. American Gothic is an image of reassurance in a time of great transition. Whistler’s Mother is more than just another family portrait. These works of art have been the subject of much introspection and in depth study through the years. For most of us, our art education amounts to crafts in school classes. We do not fully appreciate the in depth study that accompanies all of these famous works of art. Today, the modern paintings are sometimes known as abstract art. To most it means nothing, but to the artist, it is an expression of emotion and a pouring out of the soul. People will go to art museums and spend hours looking at paintings and ask “what do you think the artist was trying to say?” Bro. Long admits that he is not one of these people. However, he does ask: when we look at the cross, do we have the same kind of introspection? The cross is why we are here. The cross is a message to us. What was the master trying to say when he painted the portrait of the cross? What does it say to each of us? It means that we were once lost, but now are saved. We deserved the penalty of death, but the cross is a message that the debt has been paid. It means that there is a way when there was no way. It means that we and our family are saved. Notice that the image of the cross is not abstract. It’s meaning is plain. God made it simple so that all could understand. We have been exposed to the Master’s Piece. It’s message transcends generations: Jesus loves me. We cannot make it greater. The love of Jesus is so great that, while we were yet sinners, Christ loved us and died for us. He is not willing that any should perish. We may never paint a famous piece of art, but it is our responsibility to convey the Master’s Piece to a lost and hurting world. There are people who need a clear image of the cross. They need a clear image of Jesus and His love. They need to understand The Master’s Piece. The Mona Lisa is one of the most recognized and valuable pieces of art in the world. Van Gogh's Starlit Night expresses the artist’s emotions in vibrant colors and brush strokes. American Gothic is an image of reassurance in a time of great transition. Whistler’s Mother is more than just another family portrait. These works of art have been the subject of much introspection and in depth study through the years. For most of us, our art education amounts to crafts in school classes. We do not fully appreciate the in depth study that accompanies all of these famous works of art. Today, the modern paintings are sometimes known as abstract art. To most it means nothing, but to the artist, it is an expression of emotion and a pouring out of the soul. People will go to art museums and spend hours looking at paintings and ask “what do you think the artist was trying to say?” Bro. Long admits that he is not one of these people. However, he does ask: when we look at the cross, do we have the same kind of introspection? The cross is why we are here. The cross is a message to us. What was the master trying to say when he painted the portrait of the cross? What does it say to each of us? It means that we were once lost, but now are saved. We deserved the penalty of death, but the cross is a message that the debt has been paid. It means that there is a way when there was no way. It means that we and our family are saved. Notice that the image of the cross is not abstract. It’s meaning is plain. God made it simple so that all could understand. We have been exposed to the Master’s Piece. It’s message transcends generations: Jesus loves me. We cannot make it greater. The love of Jesus is so great that, while we were yet sinners, Christ loved us and died for us. He is not willing that any should perish. We may never paint a famous piece of art, but it is our responsibility to convey the Master’s Piece to a lost and hurting world. There are people who need a clear image of the cross. They need a clear image of Jesus and His love. They need to understand The Master’s Piece. The Mona Lisa is one of the most recognized and valuable pieces of art in the world. Van Gogh's Starlit Night expresses the artist’s emotions in vibrant colors and brush strokes. American Gothic is an image of reassurance in a time of great transitio… Landon Long 2797 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21250269/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_themasterspiece/id/3157169.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21250269 Scripture: Romans 5:6-5:11, Hebrews 12:1-12:2, John 3:2-3:5 Sun, 30 Sep 2018 19:58:00 +0000 Landon Long We all have a favorite time. It may be our birthday. It may be an anniversary. It may be Christmas or Thanksgiving. Some of us look back on the good old days. For some of us our favorite time is 30 years ago. We will all have a different answer to the question of what is our favorite time. God also has a favorite time. Some would speculate that creation was God’s favorite time. Perhaps it is during the time of men of faith who never saw him, but nevertheless had great faith. The time of Noah, Abraham, and Joseph could easily be speculated to be God’s favorite time. Could the time of God coming to dwell among men as a baby is His favorite time? Calvary could easily be said to be God’s favorite time when salvation was fulfilled. As good as all of these times are, they are not God’s favorite time. As humans we are bound by time. Our lives are governed by time. We say time is fleeting. We say that the clock is ticking. We live in this time and are limited bounded by it’s limitations. God does not have the limitation of time. He is in our past, our present and our future. He does not care what day of the week or month of the year may be. God’s favorite days are not yesterday, or some future season. God’s favorite time is now. He wants us to respond now. He wants us to receive our salvation now. He wants us to move now. When He said in His word now, he meant immediately. Jesus’ first miracle was in the immediate. The wedding was out of wine, and Jesus’ mother told the servants to do whatever He said. He told them to fill the pots with water. The servants didn’t ask when. They just responded. God wants us to respond now. The governor of the feast declared that they had held the best for now. That is the way God works. He may have done some great things in the past, but he wants us to experience the best He has now. Do not wait on a season or a time, respond to God now. We all have a favorite time. It may be our birthday. It may be an anniversary. It may be Christmas or Thanksgiving. Some of us look back on the good old days. For some of us our favorite time is 30 years ago. We will all have a different answer to the question of what is our favorite time. God also has a favorite time. Some would speculate that creation was God’s favorite time. Perhaps it is during the time of men of faith who never saw him, but nevertheless had great faith. The time of Noah, Abraham, and Joseph could easily be speculated to be God’s favorite time. Could the time of God coming to dwell among men as a baby is His favorite time? Calvary could easily be said to be God’s favorite time when salvation was fulfilled. As good as all of these times are, they are not God’s favorite time. As humans we are bound by time. Our lives are governed by time. We say time is fleeting. We say that the clock is ticking. We live in this time and are limited bounded by it’s limitations. God does not have the limitation of time. He is in our past, our present and our future. He does not care what day of the week or month of the year may be. God’s favorite days are not yesterday, or some future season. God’s favorite time is now. He wants us to respond now. He wants us to receive our salvation now. He wants us to move now. When He said in His word now, he meant immediately. Jesus’ first miracle was in the immediate. The wedding was out of wine, and Jesus’ mother told the servants to do whatever He said. He told them to fill the pots with water. The servants didn’t ask when. They just responded. God wants us to respond now. The governor of the feast declared that they had held the best for now. That is the way God works. He may have done some great things in the past, but he wants us to experience the best He has now. Do not wait on a season or a time, respond to God now. We all have a favorite time. It may be our birthday. It may be an anniversary. It may be Christmas or Thanksgiving. Some of us look back on the good old days. For some of us our favorite time is 30 years ago. We will all have a different answer t… Landon Long 2278 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21249849/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godsfavoritetime/id/3156745.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21249849 Scripture: John 4:23-4 Mon, 24 Sep 2018 03:50:00 +0000 Landon Long The purpose of the ark of the covenant was to provide a way for God to dwell among his people. The surest presence of God was at the Ark of the covenant. In our text, David is transporting the Ark back to Jereluseum after it had been held captive by the philistines for some time. While in transport, one of the ox stumbled and it began to fall. Uzzah reached up to steady it and was struck down by God. David consider this and decided to place the ark in the home of Obededom for a time. David was worried having just seen what had happened to Uzzah, about what would happen when the Ark was in his home. If we are to accept the presence of God into our home, we will have to rearrange some things and move some things out to make room for His presence. Some of us have guests into our home. We are on our best behavior when a guest in our home. It is hard to do some of the things we usually do when we have a guest. Obededom had a the presence of God as a guest in his home for three months. The bible says it continued, it stayed in the home, for three months. It wasn’t just there on Sunday after church. It was there on Monday when the work week started. Some would see this as an inconvenience. Some of us would have to do some moving around to allow God to be a tenant in our home. But Obededom’s home was blessed. The presence of God was in his home, and his entire household was blessed. When we invite the presence of God into our home, our attitude will change. We invite God into our church service. But how many of us invite Him into OUR home. Does the presence of God that we feel in church follow us home? It is not enough that we experience God on Sunday in church, but we must continue that experience into our homes and our lives. The purpose of the ark of the covenant was to provide a way for God to dwell among his people. The surest presence of God was at the Ark of the covenant. In our text, David is transporting the Ark back to Jereluseum after it had been held captive by the philistines for some time. While in transport, one of the ox stumbled and it began to fall. Uzzah reached up to steady it and was struck down by God. David consider this and decided to place the ark in the home of Obededom for a time. David was worried having just seen what had happened to Uzzah, about what would happen when the Ark was in his home. If we are to accept the presence of God into our home, we will have to rearrange some things and move some things out to make room for His presence. Some of us have guests into our home. We are on our best behavior when a guest in our home. It is hard to do some of the things we usually do when we have a guest. Obededom had a the presence of God as a guest in his home for three months. The bible says it continued, it stayed in the home, for three months. It wasn’t just there on Sunday after church. It was there on Monday when the work week started. Some would see this as an inconvenience. Some of us would have to do some moving around to allow God to be a tenant in our home. But Obededom’s home was blessed. The presence of God was in his home, and his entire household was blessed. When we invite the presence of God into our home, our attitude will change. We invite God into our church service. But how many of us invite Him into OUR home. Does the presence of God that we feel in church follow us home? It is not enough that we experience God on Sunday in church, but we must continue that experience into our homes and our lives. The purpose of the ark of the covenant was to provide a way for God to dwell among his people. The surest presence of God was at the Ark of the covenant. In our text, David is transporting the Ark back to Jereluseum after it had been held captive by … Landon Long 2704 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21246181/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_continuedinmyhouse/id/3153378.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21246181 Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:10-6:12 Mon, 24 Sep 2018 03:08:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Life is filled with many transitions, changes, and shifts. These changes in life often drive us to distraction. Often it is not the changes, but the swiftness and unexpectedness of the change that trips us up. One day we are on top of the world, and the next we are on the bottom. Life is unpredictable. We like things to be settled. We like to understand our circumstances. It is hard to understand the trial while we are in the middle of it. Often we have to remove ourselves from the situation to understand it. In sports they study game films to understand and learn. It is easy to identify the right way to do something when viewing it in the rear view mirror. The truth is that when we are in the middle of something it is hard to think the way we should. Like with the game films, we can learn from history to try to prepare ourselves for similar situations that might best us. One example from which we can learn is found in the life of John. The angels announced his birth and he was predestined to be part of the gospel story proclaiming the coming of Jesus. He was anointed, fearless, faithful and bold. It is hard to imagine all of that and know that this is the same man in our text who is sitting alone in a prison cell. What changed between the picture of John as chosen and anointed and the John we see in the prison who is filled with doubt? First, John let the external circumstances begin to affect his internal issues. He let what was going on around him, start getting to him. He allowed the events in his life to overcome the experiences in his life. He let is mind talk him out of his revelation. The enemy of our soul wants us to be so marked by what we are going through that it affects the knowledge of who we are. We are a child of God. It is the things in life that will derail us. Paul asks “What shall I say to these things?” Bro. Hughes declares, “I will Llve in spite of life!” Life is filled with many transitions, changes, and shifts. These changes in life often drive us to distraction. Often it is not the changes, but the swiftness and unexpectedness of the change that trips us up. One day we are on top of the world, and the next we are on the bottom. Life is unpredictable. We like things to be settled. We like to understand our circumstances. It is hard to understand the trial while we are in the middle of it. Often we have to remove ourselves from the situation to understand it. In sports they study game films to understand and learn. It is easy to identify the right way to do something when viewing it in the rear view mirror. The truth is that when we are in the middle of something it is hard to think the way we should. Like with the game films, we can learn from history to try to prepare ourselves for similar situations that might best us. One example from which we can learn is found in the life of John. The angels announced his birth and he was predestined to be part of the gospel story proclaiming the coming of Jesus. He was anointed, fearless, faithful and bold. It is hard to imagine all of that and know that this is the same man in our text who is sitting alone in a prison cell. What changed between the picture of John as chosen and anointed and the John we see in the prison who is filled with doubt? First, John let the external circumstances begin to affect his internal issues. He let what was going on around him, start getting to him. He allowed the events in his life to overcome the experiences in his life. He let is mind talk him out of his revelation. The enemy of our soul wants us to be so marked by what we are going through that it affects the knowledge of who we are. We are a child of God. It is the things in life that will derail us. Paul asks “What shall I say to these things?” Bro. Hughes declares, “I will Llve in spite of life!” Life is filled with many transitions, changes, and shifts. These changes in life often drive us to distraction. Often it is not the changes, but the swiftness and unexpectedness of the change that trips us up. One day we are on top of the world, and… Mark Hughes 2779 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21246164/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_livinginspiteoflife/id/3153354.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21246164 Scripture: Matthew 11:1-11:4, Luke 7:17-7:19 Thu, 20 Sep 2018 03:17:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The word champion is only used one time in scripture. The term overcomer us used much more frequently. The root of the word in the Greek means the means (way of) success. The word overcome or overcomer is used twenty eight times in the bible to describe the type of life we should live. In order to be an overcomer, we have to develop the traits of an overcomer. One of the traits of an overcomer is an attitude of success. The choices we make in life determine our destiny. We all have choices we make that can transport us to a totally different life. The phrase let us is used thirteen times in the book of Hebrews. The phrase implies a choice. The writer is encouraging us to make the choice to follow God and His ways. The first choice of a champion described in our text is one of an attitude. “Let us therefore fear…” Fear is something that has been lost in our generation. We pride ourselves on eliminating fear. The spiritual application of fear is something that cannot be missed if we are to be an overcomer. We have to fear the right things. Not fear in a sense of terror, but of respect and reverence. There are some thing about which we cannot take lightly. We must walk in an attitude of reverence toward them. So what should we fear? Unfulfilled potential. We should fear of falling short of what God is wanting for us. We should fear that we do not enter into it. If we do not enter in, we cannot enjoy it. We need to fear that we live with a lack of understanding of what is important. We have to fear living with negative thinking. What we need to fear most is losing faith. The word champion is only used one time in scripture. The term overcomer us used much more frequently. The root of the word in the Greek means the means (way of) success. The word overcome or overcomer is used twenty eight times in the bible to describe the type of life we should live. In order to be an overcomer, we have to develop the traits of an overcomer. One of the traits of an overcomer is an attitude of success. The choices we make in life determine our destiny. We all have choices we make that can transport us to a totally different life. The phrase let us is used thirteen times in the book of Hebrews. The phrase implies a choice. The writer is encouraging us to make the choice to follow God and His ways. The first choice of a champion described in our text is one of an attitude. “Let us therefore fear…” Fear is something that has been lost in our generation. We pride ourselves on eliminating fear. The spiritual application of fear is something that cannot be missed if we are to be an overcomer. We have to fear the right things. Not fear in a sense of terror, but of respect and reverence. There are some thing about which we cannot take lightly. We must walk in an attitude of reverence toward them. So what should we fear? Unfulfilled potential. We should fear of falling short of what God is wanting for us. We should fear that we do not enter into it. If we do not enter in, we cannot enjoy it. We need to fear that we live with a lack of understanding of what is important. We have to fear living with negative thinking. What we need to fear most is losing faith. The word champion is only used one time in scripture. The term overcomer us used much more frequently. The root of the word in the Greek means the means (way of) success. The word overcome or overcomer is used twenty eight times in the bible to desc… Mark Hughes 3527 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21244422/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thechoicesofchampionspart1/id/3151776.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21244422 Scripture: Hebrews 4:1-4:11, Series: The Choices Of Champions Part#1 Mon, 17 Sep 2018 03:19:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Genesis is the book of beginnings. It is more than an history lesson. There are a great many truths in this book of beginnings. The story of sin and failure has not changed since this first one. There is influence from the outside. Then there is doubt and questioning, and then there is rebellion. Sin did not come roaring in to this story, but is slithered in quietly. It succeeds because it never shows the other side of our failure. We see the interesting and intriguing things, but we do not see the end. When sin is listened to, there is always the same downward spiral that takes place. First is the distortion. Sin willfully distorts it’s true nature and purpose. When sin begins, it begins with that distortion and deception. Once established the distortion leads to doubt. “Did God really say that?” “Did God really mean that?” Once these questions come, we are on a dangerous slippery slope. Once sin gets us to slip a little down that slope, the doubt leads to denial. “God wouldn’t do that to you.” Finally the realization of the result of sin come rushing in. Sin always takes this same progression. There were many things lost on that day. Though they lost the garden, they had not lost the God of that garden. He was still there and still speaking. They had lost paradise, but they had not lost His love. God wants to provide a way to recovery for all of us who sin. There may be no way back to innocence, but He provided a way forward to triumph. We may have been cut off from some things in our past, but we are not cut off from our future. Though we have made our mistakes and faltered along the way, God has made a way for us to recover even from the worst of failures. He tells us that we can rise again. We have an option for recovery. Genesis is the book of beginnings. It is more than an history lesson. There are a great many truths in this book of beginnings. The story of sin and failure has not changed since this first one. There is influence from the outside. Then there is doubt and questioning, and then there is rebellion. Sin did not come roaring in to this story, but is slithered in quietly. It succeeds because it never shows the other side of our failure. We see the interesting and intriguing things, but we do not see the end. When sin is listened to, there is always the same downward spiral that takes place. First is the distortion. Sin willfully distorts it’s true nature and purpose. When sin begins, it begins with that distortion and deception. Once established the distortion leads to doubt. “Did God really say that?” “Did God really mean that?” Once these questions come, we are on a dangerous slippery slope. Once sin gets us to slip a little down that slope, the doubt leads to denial. “God wouldn’t do that to you.” Finally the realization of the result of sin come rushing in. Sin always takes this same progression. There were many things lost on that day. Though they lost the garden, they had not lost the God of that garden. He was still there and still speaking. They had lost paradise, but they had not lost His love. God wants to provide a way to recovery for all of us who sin. There may be no way back to innocence, but He provided a way forward to triumph. We may have been cut off from some things in our past, but we are not cut off from our future. Though we have made our mistakes and faltered along the way, God has made a way for us to recover even from the worst of failures. He tells us that we can rise again. We have an option for recovery. Genesis is the book of beginnings. It is more than an history lesson. There are a great many truths in this book of beginnings. The story of sin and failure has not changed since this first one. There is influence from the outside. Then there is d… Kenneth Baker 1909 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21241710/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theroadtorecovery/id/3149468.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21241710 The Road To Recovery Thu, 13 Sep 2018 02:45:00 +0000 Mark Hughes In our familiar text, David was under great distress. Their town had been burned, their wives and children had been carried off and his own men were ready to kill him. Through all of this, David encouraged himself in the Lord. As important as it is to have friends who can help us in time of need, it is equally important to be able to encourage ourselves. How did David encourage himself? How did he face all of that situation and encourage himself. The answer may lie in Ephesians 5:19 where the bible says to speak ourselves in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Psalms are songs celebrating all that God had promised to the children of Israel. David encouraged himself by remembering of the promises of God. Hymns are songs written about biblical doctrine and truth. They speak of and celebrate God’s power and might. Hymns remind us of the facts of God and when we remember the facts, there is no room for the fiction about our situation. Finally, David encouraged himself with spiritual songs. These are songs of experience. It is a song that only you can sing, but only you know what God has brought you through. In our familiar text, David was under great distress. Their town had been burned, their wives and children had been carried off and his own men were ready to kill him. Through all of this, David encouraged himself in the Lord. As important as it is to have friends who can help us in time of need, it is equally important to be able to encourage ourselves. How did David encourage himself? How did he face all of that situation and encourage himself. The answer may lie in Ephesians 5:19 where the bible says to speak ourselves in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Psalms are songs celebrating all that God had promised to the children of Israel. David encouraged himself by remembering of the promises of God. Hymns are songs written about biblical doctrine and truth. They speak of and celebrate God’s power and might. Hymns remind us of the facts of God and when we remember the facts, there is no room for the fiction about our situation. Finally, David encouraged himself with spiritual songs. These are songs of experience. It is a song that only you can sing, but only you know what God has brought you through. In our familiar text, David was under great distress. Their town had been burned, their wives and children had been carried off and his own men were ready to kill him. Through all of this, David encouraged himself in the Lord. As important as it is … Mark Hughes 2820 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21239236/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_encourageyourself/id/3147226.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21239236 Scripture: 1 Samuel 30:1-30:6, Ephesians 5:19-5 Mon, 10 Sep 2018 02:08:00 +0000 James Hughes There is a desire in America to see revival. There will be a great revival, but for that to happen, all of us must be prepared for it. If you and I do not believe it will happen, it will not. If it becomes the desire of our life, we will see what God has for us in these last days. Around the world there is incredible revival happening. Bro. Hughes has spoken to 14 pastors in China who pastor churches that minister to over 20,000 people each that have to meet underground to avoid persecution. Just as God is pouring out revival in China, He wants to do that in America too. It it becomes part of our will and desire, it will take place. ONe of the obstacles to great revival in America is the attack and decline on the family. We will not see revival until we address the problems in the American family. In the early times of our movement, church began at home. For far too many people, church only occurs at the church building. For revival to take place, we have to have healing within the family environment. The curse of the garden is that our flesh will try to control us. If we fail to control our flesh, it will destroy our homes and everyone around us. If we ever hope to heal our families, we must learn to control our flesh. There is a desire in America to see revival. There will be a great revival, but for that to happen, all of us must be prepared for it. If you and I do not believe it will happen, it will not. If it becomes the desire of our life, we will see what God has for us in these last days. Around the world there is incredible revival happening. Bro. Hughes has spoken to 14 pastors in China who pastor churches that minister to over 20,000 people each that have to meet underground to avoid persecution. Just as God is pouring out revival in China, He wants to do that in America too. It it becomes part of our will and desire, it will take place. ONe of the obstacles to great revival in America is the attack and decline on the family. We will not see revival until we address the problems in the American family. In the early times of our movement, church began at home. For far too many people, church only occurs at the church building. For revival to take place, we have to have healing within the family environment. The curse of the garden is that our flesh will try to control us. If we fail to control our flesh, it will destroy our homes and everyone around us. If we ever hope to heal our families, we must learn to control our flesh. There is a desire in America to see revival. There will be a great revival, but for that to happen, all of us must be prepared for it. If you and I do not believe it will happen, it will not. If it becomes the desire of our life, we will see what Go… James Hughes 3108 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21238305/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_beingpreparedforrevival/id/3146316.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21238305 Scripture: Ephesians 5:9-5:21 Sun, 09 Sep 2018 20:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The Psalmist almost missed it. Here in this Psalm is a good man in a bad place. He knew things about God, but they did not balance with what he saw in life. In this state, he began to say things that he knew he should not be saying: “Look at all I have done, yet the wicked prosper and I suffer” What we see in life affects what we say about life. It is too easy to take on the attitude of the culture we are in. When we live in the wrong setting long enough, it is easy to let our lives reflect that. The Psalmist was smart enough to keep his thoughts inside. He did not vocalize them because he knew he was on a slippery slope. He then realized that he needed to get to the sanctuary. When we change the tone of our life, it changes our tune. The Psalmist found a solution to his problems in the presence of God. He found his answer in the ministry of the sanctuary. The Psalmist almost missed it. Here in this Psalm is a good man in a bad place. He knew things about God, but they did not balance with what he saw in life. In this state, he began to say things that he knew he should not be saying: “Look at all I have done, yet the wicked prosper and I suffer” What we see in life affects what we say about life. It is too easy to take on the attitude of the culture we are in. When we live in the wrong setting long enough, it is easy to let our lives reflect that. The Psalmist was smart enough to keep his thoughts inside. He did not vocalize them because he knew he was on a slippery slope. He then realized that he needed to get to the sanctuary. When we change the tone of our life, it changes our tune. The Psalmist found a solution to his problems in the presence of God. He found his answer in the ministry of the sanctuary. The Psalmist almost missed it. Here in this Psalm is a good man in a bad place. He knew things about God, but they did not balance with what he saw in life. In this state, he began to say things that he knew he should not be saying: “Look at all I h… Mark Hughes 1595 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21236979/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theministryofthesanctuary/id/3144990.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21236979 Scripture: Psalms 73:16-73:17 Thu, 06 Sep 2018 02:48:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Success or failure in life is found in the simple language of our scripture texts. All three talk about One Thing. Choosing the one thing will determine what will have our attention and focus. To focus on one thing is not to ignore the facts of a situation; but by focusing on one thing we control our emotions. One thing implies a single thing, but it also mean that it is the first thing we consider. One also implies unity. There is one point of focus and effort. Our victory is determined by our decisions. Our texts are from three different events in biblical history, but all three clearly demonstrate that deciding to focus on God is the key to success. If we can get the one thing right, we can deal with the many things that are wrong. When we get the one thing right, we become the director of our emotions, not let them direct us. Success or failure in life is found in the simple language of our scripture texts. All three talk about One Thing. Choosing the one thing will determine what will have our attention and focus. To focus on one thing is not to ignore the facts of a situation; but by focusing on one thing we control our emotions. One thing implies a single thing, but it also mean that it is the first thing we consider. One also implies unity. There is one point of focus and effort. Our victory is determined by our decisions. Our texts are from three different events in biblical history, but all three clearly demonstrate that deciding to focus on God is the key to success. If we can get the one thing right, we can deal with the many things that are wrong. When we get the one thing right, we become the director of our emotions, not let them direct us. Success or failure in life is found in the simple language of our scripture texts. All three talk about One Thing. Choosing the one thing will determine what will have our attention and focus. To focus on one thing is not to ignore the facts of a si… Mark Hughes 3258 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21234907/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_onething/id/3143327.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21234907 Scripture: Psalms 27:4-27:5, Luke 10:41-10:42, Philippians 3:13-3:14 Mon, 27 Aug 2018 03:22:00 +0000 Bobby Stanley Bro. Stanley shares a story of a chance encounter with a former POW from the Vietnam war who was strengthened and encouraged by another prisoner’s expression of faith trough song. The devil tries to steal our song, but we all have a song of praise and victory we can share. Bro. Stanley shares a story of a chance encounter with a former POW from the Vietnam war who was strengthened and encouraged by another prisoner’s expression of faith trough song. The devil tries to steal our song, but we all have a song of praise and victory we can share. Bro. Stanley shares a story of a chance encounter with a former POW from the Vietnam war who was strengthened and encouraged by another prisoner’s expression of faith trough song. The devil tries to steal our song, but we all have a song of praise and… Bobby Stanley 3090 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21228833/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_mynameisvictoryandihaveasong/id/3137459.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21228833 Scripture: Job 35:10-35, Psalms 32:7-32 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 02:58:00 +0000 Bobby Stanley Greater Life Church Greater Life Church Greater Life Church… Bobby Stanley 1915 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21226369/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_giveusfanatics/id/3135179.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21226369 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:9-4:13 Mon, 20 Aug 2018 02:21:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Why does the devil hate the name of Jesus? The devil is jealous. The devil was kicked out of heaven over praise. Bro. Stanley preaches on several reasons why the Devil hates the name of Jesus, and how, because of that, we need to magnify the name of Jesus. Why does the devil hate the name of Jesus? The devil is jealous. The devil was kicked out of heaven over praise. Bro. Stanley preaches on several reasons why the Devil hates the name of Jesus, and how, because of that, we need to magnify the name of Jesus. Why does the devil hate the name of Jesus? The devil is jealous. The devil was kicked out of heaven over praise. Bro. Stanley preaches on several reasons why the Devil hates the name of Jesus, and how, because of that, we need to magnify the name of … Kenneth Baker 3658 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21225421/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_magnifyingthenameofesus/id/3134281.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21225421 Magnifying the name of Jesus Sun, 19 Aug 2018 19:25:00 +0000 Bobby Stanley We have all had times in life when we have felt that we were cheated. No one likes to be cheated and no one likes a cheater. We most often feel that it is others that cheat us, but there are many times when we cheat ourselves. IN our text, two men went to church. One left blessed and full, but the other left cheated and empty. The difference was their attitude. One felt as if he didnt need anything. The other knew that he needed it all. We we walk out of Church not getting what we needed, it is because we have not accepted what God has to offer. We have all had times in life when we have felt that we were cheated. No one likes to be cheated and no one likes a cheater. We most often feel that it is others that cheat us, but there are many times when we cheat ourselves. IN our text, two men went to church. One left blessed and full, but the other left cheated and empty. The difference was their attitude. One felt as if he didnt need anything. The other knew that he needed it all. We we walk out of Church not getting what we needed, it is because we have not accepted what God has to offer. We have all had times in life when we have felt that we were cheated. No one likes to be cheated and no one likes a cheater. We most often feel that it is others that cheat us, but there are many times when we cheat ourselves. IN our text, two men w… Bobby Stanley 2490 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21224174/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_blessedorcheatedinchurch/id/3133028.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21224174 Scripture: Luke 18:9-18:14, Jeremiah 29:11-29:13, Luke 4:16-4:19 Sun, 12 Aug 2018 19:16:00 +0000 Mark Hughes So much of our life is spent wanting to be understood and recognized. We spend a lot of time getting our story out. Most importantly, we want our story to be told correctly. We want people to understand our actions and decisions. Often we cannot do that and are, like Job, judged for the situations in our life. They were never able to see the real truth of Job’s story. The story of our life that we present on social media is not alway the accurate portrayal. We spin the truth to be the most favorable to our situation. We have all experienced the altering of our story by others that cloud the true picture. We have all been judged harshly because of decisions and situations in our life. How many of us have wanted to scream inside as we deal with situations that are hidden from the world? The great burden of life is that we cannot always tell our side of the story. Wouldn’t it be good to know that there will come a day that this will be all be turned around. It is easy to read our text and conclude that in order to have revival, we must make restitution and go back and make it right. It is not about US making it right; HE will make it right. The bible is clear that there will be a day of reckoning for each of us where the true story will be told. One of these days we will all give an account of our life to God. Today’s message is not about judgment and reckoning. It is a message about vindication when God will tell our story correctly. All of the lies, hurts, slander and misrepresentations will fade to the background as God Himself tells the story. Every story will be made right. That day will be a clearing up of all things pertaining to our life. All that the things that people wondered about or questioned will be told that day. All the hidden sorrows and rejections and unseen choices will be explained that day. Try as we might, we cannot get our story out, but God can. I have to trust and live for the day when God will tell My Story. So much of our life is spent wanting to be understood and recognized. We spend a lot of time getting our story out. Most importantly, we want our story to be told correctly. We want people to understand our actions and decisions. Often we cannot do that and are, like Job, judged for the situations in our life. They were never able to see the real truth of Job’s story. The story of our life that we present on social media is not alway the accurate portrayal. We spin the truth to be the most favorable to our situation. We have all experienced the altering of our story by others that cloud the true picture. We have all been judged harshly because of decisions and situations in our life. How many of us have wanted to scream inside as we deal with situations that are hidden from the world? The great burden of life is that we cannot always tell our side of the story. Wouldn’t it be good to know that there will come a day that this will be all be turned around. It is easy to read our text and conclude that in order to have revival, we must make restitution and go back and make it right. It is not about US making it right; HE will make it right. The bible is clear that there will be a day of reckoning for each of us where the true story will be told. One of these days we will all give an account of our life to God. Today’s message is not about judgment and reckoning. It is a message about vindication when God will tell our story correctly. All of the lies, hurts, slander and misrepresentations will fade to the background as God Himself tells the story. Every story will be made right. That day will be a clearing up of all things pertaining to our life. All that the things that people wondered about or questioned will be told that day. All the hidden sorrows and rejections and unseen choices will be explained that day. Try as we might, we cannot get our story out, but God can. I have to trust and live for the day when God will tell My Story. So much of our life is spent wanting to be understood and recognized. We spend a lot of time getting our story out. Most importantly, we want our story to be told correctly. We want people to understand our actions and decisions. Often we cannot do… Mark Hughes 2599 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21220017/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_mystory/id/3129140.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21220017 Scripture: Acts 3:17-3:21, 2 Corinthians 5:10-5, Matthew 19:16-19:30 Thu, 09 Aug 2018 02:46:00 +0000 Mark Hughes God wants us to succeed more than we ourselves want it. That requires a holy obedience. We are not destined to succeed unless we are dedicated to succeed. Too many people believe in predestiny and live their lives as if obedience does not matter. In our text, Israel had come to their destiny. The Jordan lay before them and God gave specific instructions. The next phase of their journey required more preparation than any that had come before. He required that they participate. God will not fulfill our destiny if we are not an obedient participant. At any time of transition, it is important to be in tune with what God is saying. First God addresses the most important part of their journey: Divine guidance. They were instructed to follow the Ark. They were instructed to follow it at a specific distance; not too far behind, and not too close. Then he told them to sanctify themselves. It meant to put away everything that was alien to divine life; to give themselves completely to God. As a people, they were to focus their life on Him and Him alone. If we will follow Him and sanctify ourselves, we will see wonders. God wants us to succeed more than we ourselves want it. That requires a holy obedience. We are not destined to succeed unless we are dedicated to succeed. Too many people believe in predestiny and live their lives as if obedience does not matter. In our text, Israel had come to their destiny. The Jordan lay before them and God gave specific instructions. The next phase of their journey required more preparation than any that had come before. He required that they participate. God will not fulfill our destiny if we are not an obedient participant. At any time of transition, it is important to be in tune with what God is saying. First God addresses the most important part of their journey: Divine guidance. They were instructed to follow the Ark. They were instructed to follow it at a specific distance; not too far behind, and not too close. Then he told them to sanctify themselves. It meant to put away everything that was alien to divine life; to give themselves completely to God. As a people, they were to focus their life on Him and Him alone. If we will follow Him and sanctify ourselves, we will see wonders. God wants us to succeed more than we ourselves want it. That requires a holy obedience. We are not destined to succeed unless we are dedicated to succeed. Too many people believe in predestiny and live their lives as if obedience does not matter. In… Mark Hughes 2398 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21218160/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thetimeisnow/id/3127527.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21218160 Scripture: Joshua 3:1-3:6 Mon, 06 Aug 2018 03:02:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Being a follower is an interesting thing. In our era of social media, followers are an important statistic. In some cases, companies are paying people royalties to people based upon their number of followers in order to gain access to those followers. It implies that these followers care about what you might have to say. Even if you are not on social media, there are a large group of people watching us. Because we say that we are followers of Jesus, the world is watching how we live. In our text, Paul and Silas had been placed into prison. They had been beaten and thrown in to the inner prison of where they were being held. Their feet were shackled and their wounds were untended. Though their feet were held fast in stocks, their voice was not. At midnight, they began to pray and sing. The scripture says that the other prisoners heard them. Whatever we may be going through, or what we think about our situation, we must be mindful that someone is listening to us and how we respond to our troubles. They want to know that what we say we believe is true, and that it is true even in troubling times. The world wants to know that what we profess to believe work during the storm. The world is watching to see how we respond to our troubles and how we behave when storm clouds gather. There is an unintentional effect of our witness. Paul and Silas’’ prayers and singing here heard by all the prisoners. It was so powerful that they converted the jailers! Who is listening in our lives right now. What are we saying by the way we live our lives? What is God doing in our life right now? What kind of unimagined ministry is He trying to move us toward by what we are going through right now? How are we ministering to the people around us. Somebody is listening. Being a follower is an interesting thing. In our era of social media, followers are an important statistic. In some cases, companies are paying people royalties to people based upon their number of followers in order to gain access to those followers. It implies that these followers care about what you might have to say. Even if you are not on social media, there are a large group of people watching us. Because we say that we are followers of Jesus, the world is watching how we live. In our text, Paul and Silas had been placed into prison. They had been beaten and thrown in to the inner prison of where they were being held. Their feet were shackled and their wounds were untended. Though their feet were held fast in stocks, their voice was not. At midnight, they began to pray and sing. The scripture says that the other prisoners heard them. Whatever we may be going through, or what we think about our situation, we must be mindful that someone is listening to us and how we respond to our troubles. They want to know that what we say we believe is true, and that it is true even in troubling times. The world wants to know that what we profess to believe work during the storm. The world is watching to see how we respond to our troubles and how we behave when storm clouds gather. There is an unintentional effect of our witness. Paul and Silas’’ prayers and singing here heard by all the prisoners. It was so powerful that they converted the jailers! Who is listening in our lives right now. What are we saying by the way we live our lives? What is God doing in our life right now? What kind of unimagined ministry is He trying to move us toward by what we are going through right now? How are we ministering to the people around us. Somebody is listening. Being a follower is an interesting thing. In our era of social media, followers are an important statistic. In some cases, companies are paying people royalties to people based upon their number of followers in order to gain access to those followers… Mark Hughes 2328 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21216569/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_somebodyislistening/id/3125927.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21216569 Scripture: Acts 16:20-16:25 Sun, 05 Aug 2018 20:17:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker A testimony is an evidence or statement that carries the weight of experience. It is witness by personal experience. This particular text is known as a historical psalm. A lot of people are dominated and driven by their history. We have all experienced trials and troubles. For some these trials and troubles define them. David lays out the things that were against him in the first verses. It could have easily turned into a psalm of despair, but it David turned it into a psalm of praise. Bro. Hughes notes two things about this text. First this is one of the most compact and brief psalms that David wrote. Secondly, the notes about this psalm indicate that it should be played by “smiting” the strings of the instrument. In the opening verses, David describes how his enemies were smiting him. Somehow he managed to turn that smiting into a praise. This psalm reminds us that our troubles are a vehicle that God uses to move us to a place where He can be revealed. The word Selah was used three times in this text. There are three possible definitions. Most biblical scholars believe that it refers to pausing for emphasis. So in the midst of our troubles, what is God wanting us to pause and put emphasis on? What does God want us to learn from our troubles? David said “They say…” How many things in the kingdom of God have been thwarted by what “they” say. It does not matter what they say; it matters what God says. Living for God does not excuse is from life’s twists and turns. It is through these twists and turns that we learn to rely on God and submit to His will. It is through these twists and turns that we earn a testimony. God wants to give us a testimony. A testimony is an evidence or statement that carries the weight of experience. It is witness by personal experience. This particular text is known as a historical psalm. A lot of people are dominated and driven by their history. We have all experienced trials and troubles. For some these trials and troubles define them. David lays out the things that were against him in the first verses. It could have easily turned into a psalm of despair, but it David turned it into a psalm of praise. Bro. Hughes notes two things about this text. First this is one of the most compact and brief psalms that David wrote. Secondly, the notes about this psalm indicate that it should be played by “smiting” the strings of the instrument. In the opening verses, David describes how his enemies were smiting him. Somehow he managed to turn that smiting into a praise. This psalm reminds us that our troubles are a vehicle that God uses to move us to a place where He can be revealed. The word Selah was used three times in this text. There are three possible definitions. Most biblical scholars believe that it refers to pausing for emphasis. So in the midst of our troubles, what is God wanting us to pause and put emphasis on? What does God want us to learn from our troubles? David said “They say…” How many things in the kingdom of God have been thwarted by what “they” say. It does not matter what they say; it matters what God says. Living for God does not excuse is from life’s twists and turns. It is through these twists and turns that we learn to rely on God and submit to His will. It is through these twists and turns that we earn a testimony. God wants to give us a testimony. A testimony is an evidence or statement that carries the weight of experience. It is witness by personal experience. This particular text is known as a historical psalm. A lot of people are dominated and driven by their history. We have all experie… Kenneth Baker 3622 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21216162/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godwantstogiveyouatestimony/id/3125541.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21216162 God Wants To Give You A Testimony Thu, 02 Aug 2018 02:09:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We cannot read Hebrews 11 and not be encouraged. No matter how low we may be feeling, by the end, all of the references to faith cannot help but encourage us. We see in Hebrews 11 what can happen when we believe in God. Looking at faith through the lens of all the men mentioned in this chapter has an uplifting effect. The bible tells us that we cannot get to God except through faith. There is only one way to attain the kind of faith that is needed: Listening to the word of God. Biblical faith is not something with which we are born, it is only attained by hearing the word of God. When we feed on the word of God, it will fuel our faith. The bible makes us understand that all things are possible if we believe. When we stand on and put our confidence in the word of God, all things are possible. The word of God gives us the opportunity to view our situation from a different perspective. We cannot read Hebrews 11 and not be encouraged. No matter how low we may be feeling, by the end, all of the references to faith cannot help but encourage us. We see in Hebrews 11 what can happen when we believe in God. Looking at faith through the lens of all the men mentioned in this chapter has an uplifting effect. The bible tells us that we cannot get to God except through faith. There is only one way to attain the kind of faith that is needed: Listening to the word of God. Biblical faith is not something with which we are born, it is only attained by hearing the word of God. When we feed on the word of God, it will fuel our faith. The bible makes us understand that all things are possible if we believe. When we stand on and put our confidence in the word of God, all things are possible. The word of God gives us the opportunity to view our situation from a different perspective. We cannot read Hebrews 11 and not be encouraged. No matter how low we may be feeling, by the end, all of the references to faith cannot help but encourage us. We see in Hebrews 11 what can happen when we believe in God. Looking at faith through the … Mark Hughes 2686 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21214611/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_faith/id/3124153.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21214611 Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-11:6 Mon, 30 Jul 2018 03:05:00 +0000 James Hughes Bro. Hughes reflects on Hurricane Harvey and how it affected our church and our community. He notes that in the Bible, often God moved or operated using a wind. God walking in the garden was a wind. The wind blowing meant that God was about to speak. The parting of the read sea was done with wind. At least four times in the life of the apostles, they were in a situation due to wind. The wind is a sign on the day of Pentecost. The wind is a product to a high pressure and low pressure system in the atmosphere. The wind flows from the high pressure to the low. Every time there is a major event where God uses wind, we see a major move of the spirit of God. Bro. Hughes then explores highs and lows and draws parallels to our spiritual life. Bro. Hughes reflects on Hurricane Harvey and how it affected our church and our community. He notes that in the Bible, often God moved or operated using a wind. God walking in the garden was a wind. The wind blowing meant that God was about to speak. The parting of the read sea was done with wind. At least four times in the life of the apostles, they were in a situation due to wind. The wind is a sign on the day of Pentecost. The wind is a product to a high pressure and low pressure system in the atmosphere. The wind flows from the high pressure to the low. Every time there is a major event where God uses wind, we see a major move of the spirit of God. Bro. Hughes then explores highs and lows and draws parallels to our spiritual life. Bro. Hughes reflects on Hurricane Harvey and how it affected our church and our community. He notes that in the Bible, often God moved or operated using a wind. God walking in the garden was a wind. The wind blowing meant that God was about to speak… James Hughes 3319 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21212544/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_highsandlows/id/3122141.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21212544 Scripture: Acts 2:1-2:4 Sun, 29 Jul 2018 19:36:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The woman in our text is recognized by Jesus has having great faith. It is the only time that Jesus would use this particular word to describe someone. In this instance, the word used references teh weight and the mass. There is nothing about this woman’s life that would indicate this faith, but Jesus said it about her. We describe great faith as mountains moved, blindness healed or trials endured. Her faith was not great because of what it had achieved, but what it had overcome. We measure the greatness of life by what we have attained or accomplished. But when Jesus looked at this woman’s faith, He saw a great overcoming. Great was not about the quantity of her faith, but the quality. It was a faith that would not be denied or rebuffed. When the disciples tried to send her away and even when the Lord himself ignored her, she would not be deterred. Her culture was one that did not allow associations with Jews, but something in her heart and spirit said that she would not be denied. When Jesus saw that, He proclaimed it to be great faith. How many times have we come into the house of God with that kind of faith? We come in with our problems on our shoulders. We feel the weight of the world keeping us from raising our hands. We have had to continue to pray even when we do not hear a word from Him. We have had to hold on. God will call that great faith and will respond just as he did to this woman. The woman in our text is recognized by Jesus has having great faith. It is the only time that Jesus would use this particular word to describe someone. In this instance, the word used references teh weight and the mass. There is nothing about this woman’s life that would indicate this faith, but Jesus said it about her. We describe great faith as mountains moved, blindness healed or trials endured. Her faith was not great because of what it had achieved, but what it had overcome. We measure the greatness of life by what we have attained or accomplished. But when Jesus looked at this woman’s faith, He saw a great overcoming. Great was not about the quantity of her faith, but the quality. It was a faith that would not be denied or rebuffed. When the disciples tried to send her away and even when the Lord himself ignored her, she would not be deterred. Her culture was one that did not allow associations with Jews, but something in her heart and spirit said that she would not be denied. When Jesus saw that, He proclaimed it to be great faith. How many times have we come into the house of God with that kind of faith? We come in with our problems on our shoulders. We feel the weight of the world keeping us from raising our hands. We have had to continue to pray even when we do not hear a word from Him. We have had to hold on. God will call that great faith and will respond just as he did to this woman. The woman in our text is recognized by Jesus has having great faith. It is the only time that Jesus would use this particular word to describe someone. In this instance, the word used references teh weight and the mass. There is nothing about this w… Mark Hughes 1900 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21212137/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_greatfaith/id/3121708.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21212137 Scripture: Matthew 15:21-15:28 Thu, 26 Jul 2018 02:49:00 +0000 Mark Hughes There is a physical law in our world of deterioration. Over time, things will wear down or wear out as they get older. A similar thing happens to institutions like the church. Over time various personalities and events began to change the church and cause separation and division. These things had not yet begun to happen in the book of Acts. We read about a church that was in unity and singleness of purpose. In particular, Bro. Hughes calls our attention to verse 32: “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul.” This was a natural outcome of their mind and heart being focused on one thing, not the result of some campaign or set of rules. Something happened in that first century church that it changed he way they viewed things. They sold all they had and used the money to benefit the entire church. No need went unmet. They had gotten to the point where the things they had were not as important as the common good. They gotten to the point where they possessed their things, not the other way around. They realized that they owned nothing, they were simply stewards of it. The thing that unified them was their love for Him. We need to get to a place where our love for Him changes our attitude and opinion about each other. What moved their world was first a devotion to Him not a doctrine. It was their devotion that made their doctrine powerful. They were so in love with Him that it affected how the viewed each other, how they viewed things and how they viewed the world. We need to recapture that love for Him and allow it to change how we view the world. There is a physical law in our world of deterioration. Over time, things will wear down or wear out as they get older. A similar thing happens to institutions like the church. Over time various personalities and events began to change the church and cause separation and division. These things had not yet begun to happen in the book of Acts. We read about a church that was in unity and singleness of purpose. In particular, Bro. Hughes calls our attention to verse 32: “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul.” This was a natural outcome of their mind and heart being focused on one thing, not the result of some campaign or set of rules. Something happened in that first century church that it changed he way they viewed things. They sold all they had and used the money to benefit the entire church. No need went unmet. They had gotten to the point where the things they had were not as important as the common good. They gotten to the point where they possessed their things, not the other way around. They realized that they owned nothing, they were simply stewards of it. The thing that unified them was their love for Him. We need to get to a place where our love for Him changes our attitude and opinion about each other. What moved their world was first a devotion to Him not a doctrine. It was their devotion that made their doctrine powerful. They were so in love with Him that it affected how the viewed each other, how they viewed things and how they viewed the world. We need to recapture that love for Him and allow it to change how we view the world. There is a physical law in our world of deterioration. Over time, things will wear down or wear out as they get older. A similar thing happens to institutions like the church. Over time various personalities and events began to change the church and … Mark Hughes 3009 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21210675/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theworldatitsworstneedsthechur/id/3120439.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21210675 Scripture: Acts 4:31-4:35, Series: The World At its Worst, Needs The Church At i Part#5 Sat, 21 Jul 2018 03:25:11 +0000 Landon Long The bible has many stories of healings and other miracles. As great as everyone was, the purpose of everyone of these signs, and wonders was greater than the immediate display of power or healing. Jesus didn’t come to heal the lame and raise the dead. He did all that, but as wonderful as that is, the purpose of all the signs and wonders was to demonstrate HIs power and to show that He is the one true and living God. God has something greater than miracles, signs and wonders. He wants to save us! Something greater than being healed is being made whole. Something greater than deliverance is salvation. The bible has many stories of healings and other miracles. As great as everyone was, the purpose of everyone of these signs, and wonders was greater than the immediate display of power or healing. Jesus didn’t come to heal the lame and raise the dead. He did all that, but as wonderful as that is, the purpose of all the signs and wonders was to demonstrate HIs power and to show that He is the one true and living God. God has something greater than miracles, signs and wonders. He wants to save us! Something greater than being healed is being made whole. Something greater than deliverance is salvation. The bible has many stories of healings and other miracles. As great as everyone was, the purpose of everyone of these signs, and wonders was greater than the immediate display of power or healing. Jesus didn’t come to heal the lame and raise the dead… Landon Long 1961 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21208620/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_somethinggreaterishere/id/3118473.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21208620 Scripture: Luke 11:29-11:31 Wed, 18 Jul 2018 02:43:38 +0000 James Hughes Communication has been a problem since the beginning. It is obvious that Adam and Eve had a communication problem. Our world has taught us to not listen. We build fences and walls to isolate ourselves from each other. The world at that time was just as isolated as we are or even more. The parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates this. The first century church broke down barriers between people. When we isolate ourselves from each other, we become distrustful of others. This is a protective mechanism. If we in the church are not careful, we can allow this isolation to keep us from reaching people. Fellowship cannot happen without letting people in. My ability to communicate defines my ability to fellowship. If we cannot talk to each other, we do not have the ability to connect with each other. Communication has been a problem since the beginning. It is obvious that Adam and Eve had a communication problem. Our world has taught us to not listen. We build fences and walls to isolate ourselves from each other. The world at that time was just as isolated as we are or even more. The parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates this. The first century church broke down barriers between people. When we isolate ourselves from each other, we become distrustful of others. This is a protective mechanism. If we in the church are not careful, we can allow this isolation to keep us from reaching people. Fellowship cannot happen without letting people in. My ability to communicate defines my ability to fellowship. If we cannot talk to each other, we do not have the ability to connect with each other. Communication has been a problem since the beginning. It is obvious that Adam and Eve had a communication problem. Our world has taught us to not listen. We build fences and walls to isolate ourselves from each other. The world at that time was jus… James Hughes 3151 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21206556/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theimportanceoffellowship/id/3116537.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21206556 Scripture: Acts 2:38-2:42 Sun, 15 Jul 2018 02:10:59 +0000 Landon Long We have all lost things. The keys, the remote, a wallet, etc. No doubt if we lifted the couch cushions or under the bed, we would find some lost things. The parables that Jesus related about lost things give us hope. The parable of the prodigal son is depicts one who lost it all due to poor choices, but who was restored into good favor when he returned to his father’s house. The Father welcomes us home. Then there is the parable of the lost sheep. The shepherd left the ninety-nine, and went to look for the one. God is not willing that any should perish. The shepherd found the lost sheep and carried him home. God will come to where we are and restore us and help carry us home. The story from our text of the lost coin is rather short. Only two lines long. Historians tell us that the value of the coin was about a days wage. This story is a little different than the other two. The prodigal son and the sheep chose to wander off. The coin, however did not become lost outside. It did not become lost on it’s own. It was lost because if fell in a place that was unnoticed. It was lost right where it fell. Some of us are like the coin. We are in church every Sunday. We are in the house, but we still are lost. We are in the house, but we are not in His hand. What a tragedy to be lost in the house. The woman lit a lamp and swept the house until she found the coin. God will not stop searching until we are found. We may feel lost in the house, but there is someone searching. God has us right where He wants us. God has come today to sweep until He finds us where we are: Lost in the house. We have all lost things. The keys, the remote, a wallet, etc. No doubt if we lifted the couch cushions or under the bed, we would find some lost things. The parables that Jesus related about lost things give us hope. The parable of the prodigal son is depicts one who lost it all due to poor choices, but who was restored into good favor when he returned to his father’s house. The Father welcomes us home. Then there is the parable of the lost sheep. The shepherd left the ninety-nine, and went to look for the one. God is not willing that any should perish. The shepherd found the lost sheep and carried him home. God will come to where we are and restore us and help carry us home. The story from our text of the lost coin is rather short. Only two lines long. Historians tell us that the value of the coin was about a days wage. This story is a little different than the other two. The prodigal son and the sheep chose to wander off. The coin, however did not become lost outside. It did not become lost on it’s own. It was lost because if fell in a place that was unnoticed. It was lost right where it fell. Some of us are like the coin. We are in church every Sunday. We are in the house, but we still are lost. We are in the house, but we are not in His hand. What a tragedy to be lost in the house. The woman lit a lamp and swept the house until she found the coin. God will not stop searching until we are found. We may feel lost in the house, but there is someone searching. God has us right where He wants us. God has come today to sweep until He finds us where we are: Lost in the house. We have all lost things. The keys, the remote, a wallet, etc. No doubt if we lifted the couch cushions or under the bed, we would find some lost things. The parables that Jesus related about lost things give us hope. The parable of the prodigal son… Landon Long 2009 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21205429/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lostinthehouse/id/3115436.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21205429 Scripture: Luke 15:8-15:9 Tue, 10 Jul 2018 03:10:57 +0000 Mark Hughes Bro. Hughes returns to his study from the book of Acts where we examine what the church at it’s best looks like. Returning to chapter 2, we notice the progression in verse 46 and 47. The events noted moved from one to another and they build upon each as they move to the next. First it says they were united in one accord. They were together with gladness and singleness of heart. They had one thing on their mind: They wanted to please the Lord in everything they could do. They were praising God in everything. Notice the outcome: They had favor with all the people and God added to the church daily. The church is at its best when she deals with adversity with anointing. We look at opposition as an opportunity not as a hindrance. The church is at its best when it lives and walks in the fear of God There are several references to this in Acts. There is something that is released in the Holy Ghost who has the fear of God to come over them. It opens opportunities in the supernatural that are not possible in the natural word. Fear in this context is not the one that we know as anxiety. It means great awe. It is not just awe of God, but a reverence and respect for God for who He is and every aspect of His character. Imagine what could be released if we lived a life in constant awe of God. We could, as did the first century church, change our world. Bro. Hughes returns to his study from the book of Acts where we examine what the church at it’s best looks like. Returning to chapter 2, we notice the progression in verse 46 and 47. The events noted moved from one to another and they build upon each as they move to the next. First it says they were united in one accord. They were together with gladness and singleness of heart. They had one thing on their mind: They wanted to please the Lord in everything they could do. They were praising God in everything. Notice the outcome: They had favor with all the people and God added to the church daily. The church is at its best when she deals with adversity with anointing. We look at opposition as an opportunity not as a hindrance. The church is at its best when it lives and walks in the fear of God There are several references to this in Acts. There is something that is released in the Holy Ghost who has the fear of God to come over them. It opens opportunities in the supernatural that are not possible in the natural word. Fear in this context is not the one that we know as anxiety. It means great awe. It is not just awe of God, but a reverence and respect for God for who He is and every aspect of His character. Imagine what could be released if we lived a life in constant awe of God. We could, as did the first century church, change our world. Bro. Hughes returns to his study from the book of Acts where we examine what the church at it’s best looks like. Returning to chapter 2, we notice the progression in verse 46 and 47. The events noted moved from one to another and they build upon each… Mark Hughes 3298 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21202150/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theworldatitsworstneedsthechur/id/3112453.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21202150 Scripture: Acts 2:42-2:47, Acts 4:23-4:31, Acts 5:40-5:42, Series: The World At its Worst, Needs The Church At i Part#4 Sun, 08 Jul 2018 01:56:25 +0000 Arlis Glass Bro. Glass rounds out heritage weekend by sharing stories of his time in the Air Force and winning souls on the island of Okinawa. Then he asks the question: When was God at His best? Bro. Glass rounds out heritage weekend by sharing stories of his time in the Air Force and winning souls on the island of Okinawa. Then he asks the question: When was God at His best? Bro. Glass rounds out heritage weekend by sharing stories of his time in the Air Force and winning souls on the island of Okinawa. Then he asks the question: When was God at His best?… Arlis Glass 2904 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21201680/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenwasgodathisbest/id/3112026.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21201680 When was God At His Best Sun, 08 Jul 2018 01:42:27 +0000 Arlis Glass Bro. Glass has been preaching the gospel for almost 70 years. In that time, many have ask questions about the church. The first one is which is the right one. Bro. Glass teaches a lesson on the history of the church and many of the denominations that have come over time. Bro. Glass has been preaching the gospel for almost 70 years. In that time, many have ask questions about the church. The first one is which is the right one. Bro. Glass teaches a lesson on the history of the church and many of the denominations that have come over time. Bro. Glass has been preaching the gospel for almost 70 years. In that time, many have ask questions about the church. The first one is which is the right one. Bro. Glass teaches a lesson on the history of the church and many of the denominations that… Arlis Glass 3407 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21201676/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_questionsaboutthechurch/id/3112023.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21201676 Scripture: Matthew 16:18-16 Sun, 01 Jul 2018 18:33:54 +0000 Mark Hughes The human will is one of the most powerful force that can be dealt with. When someone had something made up in their mind, it is very difficult to change their mind. Once we have made up our mind it improve our situation, there will be enemies that will come against that. The first one is ourselves. Our worst enemy is our own voice. The voice that reminds us of all our failures when we turn to God. We don’t need a devil to tell ourselves that we will not be any better. The devil sits back and lets this happen, but if we make up in our mind that we will change, there is nothing he can do to change it. The enemy of our soul works overtime to keep us depressed, and to exploit our weaknesses. Nehemia came back with a heavy heart because of the state of Jeurlesum. The broken and burn walls were a symbol of a broken and defeated people. Figurative, sculpture often depicts humanity with stones. The burned and scarred stones of the city depicted a people that were wounded and down. Nehemia came to remind a down people what they once were. More accurately, what they were: God’s chosen people. Two words in our text are critical to understanding Bro. Hughes’ message. Sanballat asks “will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?” How many have been burned by life? We may feel that life has cast us aside. Burned by the fires of disappointment, of hatred, jealousy. Of suffering loss. The stones in the city were limestone. When limestone is burned by fire, it sucks the moisture out and it becomes brittle. That can describe many people. They are dry, brittle and broken. However, the first part of Sanballat’s question contains the word revive. Revive means to bring back, to refresh, to make whole again. God wants us to understand that after the fire, we can be revived and brought back. There is hope for those that have been burned. God can revive, restore, and put life back on track. Nehemiah was able to restore the wall and put it back into it’s place of purpose. God wants to restore us to our place of usefulness. The walls in Jerusalem had been laying in ruin for 143 years. It took Nehemiah coming along to revive in Israel a sense of purpose. The Lord says it doesn't matter how long it has been; Revival can change everything. The human will is one of the most powerful force that can be dealt with. When someone had something made up in their mind, it is very difficult to change their mind. Once we have made up our mind it improve our situation, there will be enemies that will come against that. The first one is ourselves. Our worst enemy is our own voice. The voice that reminds us of all our failures when we turn to God. We don’t need a devil to tell ourselves that we will not be any better. The devil sits back and lets this happen, but if we make up in our mind that we will change, there is nothing he can do to change it. The enemy of our soul works overtime to keep us depressed, and to exploit our weaknesses. Nehemia came back with a heavy heart because of the state of Jeurlesum. The broken and burn walls were a symbol of a broken and defeated people. Figurative, sculpture often depicts humanity with stones. The burned and scarred stones of the city depicted a people that were wounded and down. Nehemia came to remind a down people what they once were. More accurately, what they were: God’s chosen people. Two words in our text are critical to understanding Bro. Hughes’ message. Sanballat asks “will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?” How many have been burned by life? We may feel that life has cast us aside. Burned by the fires of disappointment, of hatred, jealousy. Of suffering loss. The stones in the city were limestone. When limestone is burned by fire, it sucks the moisture out and it becomes brittle. That can describe many people. They are dry, brittle and broken. However, the first part of Sanballat’s question contains the word revive. Revive means to bring back, to refresh, to make whole again. God wants us to understand that after the fire, we can be revived and brought back. There is hope for those that have been burned. God can revive, restore, and put life back on track. Nehemiah was able to restore the wall and put it back into it’s place of purpose. God wants to restore us to our place of usefulness. The walls in Jerusalem had been laying in ruin for 143 years. It took Nehemiah coming along to revive in Israel a sense of purpose. The Lord says it doesn't matter how long it has been; Revival can change everything. The human will is one of the most powerful force that can be dealt with. When someone had something made up in their mind, it is very difficult to change their mind. Once we have made up our mind it improve our situation, there will be enemies that wi… Mark Hughes 2000 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21195915/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thehopeoftheburned/id/3106708.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21195915 Scripture: Nehemiah 4:2-4 Sun, 01 Jul 2018 12:19:45 +0000 Mark Hughes Last Spring, Bro & SIs Hughes took a trip to Eastern Europe. That area of the world is experiencing great growth and freedom. That has not always been the case. One person to whom they spoke, told stories of long waiting list for things that we take for granted. Through all of her remarks, Bro. Hughes was struck by her level of gratitude for the things that she is now enjoying and how that it is so different from how it was. Those of us who have enjoyed these freedoms and privileges all of our lives have a difficult time understanding how it was in the former communist bloc countries. Many have become complacent with our freedom. Many have forgotten the how, the why and the cost of what it takes to be free. Collectively as a country, we seem to have lost our way. This reminded Bro. Hughes of the portion of our text that tells us that we have to be ready for an answer to the question of why we are blessed. We are blessed because someone paid a price. The battlefields of Europe are dotted with headstones of those that went before us and paid the ultimate price for us to be able to enjoy the freedom we continue to enjoy. We also have an obligation in the church to be ready with an answer. In verse 12, those observing ask “What does this mean?” Peter was quick with his answer. The noise and sound of our worship is not meaningless or random, but it is ordained by God. There is a reason for our worship. There is a reason for our prayer. There is a reason for services where the Holy Ghost moves in and takes over. It may not make sense to the world, but we must be ready to explain to them why it is necessary. We are about to embark on a building program. It is an ambitious plan. But why are we building it? Because a confused world needs the Church to be the church and bring the Gospel to a lost and dying world. The purpose of God is still relevant to our times. The darker the night, the brighter the light will shine. Our world does not need a watered down, culturally relevant, feel good church. They need to know that there is a God that forgives and has grace and love that is beyond comprehension. They need the full power of the Holy Ghost. Those observing on the day of Pentecost were confused. After Peter gave them the answer, they then ask “What must we do” They were so compelled by the answer that they HAD to get it for themselves. The answer for confused world is the Gospel of Christ. Last Spring, Bro & SIs Hughes took a trip to Eastern Europe. That area of the world is experiencing great growth and freedom. That has not always been the case. One person to whom they spoke, told stories of long waiting list for things that we take for granted. Through all of her remarks, Bro. Hughes was struck by her level of gratitude for the things that she is now enjoying and how that it is so different from how it was. Those of us who have enjoyed these freedoms and privileges all of our lives have a difficult time understanding how it was in the former communist bloc countries. Many have become complacent with our freedom. Many have forgotten the how, the why and the cost of what it takes to be free. Collectively as a country, we seem to have lost our way. This reminded Bro. Hughes of the portion of our text that tells us that we have to be ready for an answer to the question of why we are blessed. We are blessed because someone paid a price. The battlefields of Europe are dotted with headstones of those that went before us and paid the ultimate price for us to be able to enjoy the freedom we continue to enjoy. We also have an obligation in the church to be ready with an answer. In verse 12, those observing ask “What does this mean?” Peter was quick with his answer. The noise and sound of our worship is not meaningless or random, but it is ordained by God. There is a reason for our worship. There is a reason for our prayer. There is a reason for services where the Holy Ghost moves in and takes over. It may not make sense to the world, but we must be ready to explain to them why it is necessary. We are about to embark on a building program. It is an ambitious plan. But why are we building it? Because a confused world needs the Church to be the church and bring the Gospel to a lost and dying world. The purpose of God is still relevant to our times. The darker the night, the brighter the light will shine. Our world does not need a watered down, culturally relevant, feel good church. They need to know that there is a God that forgives and has grace and love that is beyond comprehension. They need the full power of the Holy Ghost. Those observing on the day of Pentecost were confused. After Peter gave them the answer, they then ask “What must we do” They were so compelled by the answer that they HAD to get it for themselves. The answer for confused world is the Gospel of Christ. Last Spring, Bro & SIs Hughes took a trip to Eastern Europe. That area of the world is experiencing great growth and freedom. That has not always been the case. One person to whom they spoke, told stories of long waiting list for things that we take… Mark Hughes 2972 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21196606/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ananswerforaconfusedworld/id/3107460.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21196606 Scripture: Acts 2:1-2:12 Tue, 26 Jun 2018 02:46:55 +0000 Mark Hughes Father's Day Message Father's Day Message Father's Day Message… Mark Hughes 1181 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21194027/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_2018fathersdaymessage/id/3105004.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21194027 Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:8-2 Sun, 24 Jun 2018 03:07:08 +0000 Mark Hughes Truth is a vital part of life. There is no substitute for it. Truth is not always convenient. It will not always make life easier. Often truth comes to us as an awakening or a shaking in life. Many will hear the truth, but because it is different from what they want to hear, they will ignore the parts they do not like. The truth is the truth and ignoring the parts we do not like will not change that. The bible has much to say about the truth. The bible tells us that we should speak the truth, that we should walk in the truth. If we have an ailment in our body we go see the doctor. That doctor will give us the truth, but we do not like that. Not liking the Doctor’s advice doesn’t change the fact that eating blue bell ice cream and not exercising is not good for our body. We have to embrace the truth. Spiritually we have to embrace the truth that the bible conveys. What is it that gives man the idea that he can choose to believe his own truth rather than the real truth? How can someone get to the place that they do not believe the truth? What would allow someone to get the point that they cannot even hear the truth when they hear it? The cause of all of that is that many do not receive a love of the truth. Not that they did not know it or have heard of it, but that they simply did not love the truth. Our relationship with God is more than just knowledge of His word and His truth, but it is dependant on LOVING that truth. The bible says that, at the end, many will be lost. Not because they had not heard the truth, but that they had not loved the truth. Many who are backsliders can quote scripture, but they are just as lost as if they had never heard it because they do not love it. They key to being saved is the truth. Is there room in your life for the truth? Truth is a vital part of life. There is no substitute for it. Truth is not always convenient. It will not always make life easier. Often truth comes to us as an awakening or a shaking in life. Many will hear the truth, but because it is different from what they want to hear, they will ignore the parts they do not like. The truth is the truth and ignoring the parts we do not like will not change that. The bible has much to say about the truth. The bible tells us that we should speak the truth, that we should walk in the truth. If we have an ailment in our body we go see the doctor. That doctor will give us the truth, but we do not like that. Not liking the Doctor’s advice doesn’t change the fact that eating blue bell ice cream and not exercising is not good for our body. We have to embrace the truth. Spiritually we have to embrace the truth that the bible conveys. What is it that gives man the idea that he can choose to believe his own truth rather than the real truth? How can someone get to the place that they do not believe the truth? What would allow someone to get the point that they cannot even hear the truth when they hear it? The cause of all of that is that many do not receive a love of the truth. Not that they did not know it or have heard of it, but that they simply did not love the truth. Our relationship with God is more than just knowledge of His word and His truth, but it is dependant on LOVING that truth. The bible says that, at the end, many will be lost. Not because they had not heard the truth, but that they had not loved the truth. Many who are backsliders can quote scripture, but they are just as lost as if they had never heard it because they do not love it. They key to being saved is the truth. Is there room in your life for the truth? Truth is a vital part of life. There is no substitute for it. Truth is not always convenient. It will not always make life easier. Often truth comes to us as an awakening or a shaking in life. Many will hear the truth, but because it is different … Mark Hughes 1766 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21193571/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_isthereroominyourlifeforthetru/id/3104601.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21193571 Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2:10 Sun, 24 Jun 2018 02:58:58 +0000 Mark Hughes If we had walked through Jerusalem on the day that Nehemiah wrote our text, we would have seen a pitiful sight. It broke Nehemiah’s heart and moved something deep within him. He could not speak, and could only mourn the loss. There was not much there to inspire hope. There were scars and soot left from the burning and destruction. The first thing they did was to walk around and assess what all was wrong. They also talked with one another about the situation. None of this bothered the enemy until they began to DO something about the situation. The devil doesn’t care what we live around or in as long as we keep living around it. Mourn the condition all that we want, but he doesn’t care until we decide to do something about it. A decision can change everything in life. If we are willing to challenge our situation, we are on our way to changing it. Sanballat asks several times “Will they…” He questions their intent. He questioned their qualifications, he questioned their resolve. He didn’t ask can they? There is no limit to what we can do, Sanballat was more worried if they would. Are we willing to do what it takes to change our situation because we are tired of living like we are living? If we can get past the thinking and talking about it, and move to the doing it, we can change our life. It doesn’t matter how impossible it may appear, there is nothing that is beyond hope when we decide to rise up and do something about it. The question this morning is will you? Not can you. Not Should you, but will You? Too many people are trapped because they believe the enemies lies that it is too bad, too far gone. The truth is that we do not have to live trapped. The devil hates people who decide to change. He hates hope, faith and courage. He worked to undermine everything that we do to recover from a fall. He cannot stop what happens when we decide to move from I can, to i will. How did the Jews take broken, burned stones and repair it? They decided to do it, and they did. When we decide to respond to God and accept His love, His grace, and His mercy, there is nothing that the Devil can do to stop it. Will you? If we had walked through Jerusalem on the day that Nehemiah wrote our text, we would have seen a pitiful sight. It broke Nehemiah’s heart and moved something deep within him. He could not speak, and could only mourn the loss. There was not much there to inspire hope. There were scars and soot left from the burning and destruction. The first thing they did was to walk around and assess what all was wrong. They also talked with one another about the situation. None of this bothered the enemy until they began to DO something about the situation. The devil doesn’t care what we live around or in as long as we keep living around it. Mourn the condition all that we want, but he doesn’t care until we decide to do something about it. A decision can change everything in life. If we are willing to challenge our situation, we are on our way to changing it. Sanballat asks several times “Will they…” He questions their intent. He questioned their qualifications, he questioned their resolve. He didn’t ask can they? There is no limit to what we can do, Sanballat was more worried if they would. Are we willing to do what it takes to change our situation because we are tired of living like we are living? If we can get past the thinking and talking about it, and move to the doing it, we can change our life. It doesn’t matter how impossible it may appear, there is nothing that is beyond hope when we decide to rise up and do something about it. The question this morning is will you? Not can you. Not Should you, but will You? Too many people are trapped because they believe the enemies lies that it is too bad, too far gone. The truth is that we do not have to live trapped. The devil hates people who decide to change. He hates hope, faith and courage. He worked to undermine everything that we do to recover from a fall. He cannot stop what happens when we decide to move from I can, to i will. How did the Jews take broken, burned stones and repair it? They decided to do it, and they did. When we decide to respond to God and accept His love, His grace, and His mercy, there is nothing that the Devil can do to stop it. Will you? If we had walked through Jerusalem on the day that Nehemiah wrote our text, we would have seen a pitiful sight. It broke Nehemiah’s heart and moved something deep within him. He could not speak, and could only mourn the loss. There was not much ther… Mark Hughes 1837 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21193569/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_willthey/id/3104599.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21193569 Scripture: Nehemiah 4:1-4 Fri, 15 Jun 2018 02:14:00 +0000 Landon Long Bro. Long appeals to the elders for direction for his generation. Bro. Long appeals to the elders for direction for his generation. Bro. Long appeals to the elders for direction for his generation. … Landon Long 2638 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21186103/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_elderscanyoupointmeintherightd/id/3097785.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21186103 Scripture: Judges 2:7-2:17, Jeremiah 6:16-6 Wed, 13 Jun 2018 02:49:44 +0000 Mark Hughes It is a sad reality that many in the world do not know much about Jesus, His power, or the gospel. In such an indifferent environment, it is easy to think that revival is not possible. But our times are no more indifferent and hostile toward the gospel than the environment in which the first century church was birthed and trived. Before the gospel message can turn our world upside down, it has to turn us upside down. When the church is filled, fresh and favored, you cannot stop revival. They were filled with the Holy Ghost, there was a renewing and then they were favored. These three things make an unstoppable combination for revival. When the church is at its best, it is passionate ,when it is intentional and when it values the things that matter to God. (15 minus) about the message and will of God. Something has to be revived in us that gets us excited about living for God. When the church is at its best, it is intentional about its efforts. The church is at its best when it values the things that matter to God. What matters to God? His Kingdom matters. When His lordship is more important than our leadership. The first century church was not worried about who was up front, who was preaching or who was in charge. They were concerned with spreading the word of God. Peter preached the message on the Day of Pentecost. James became the pastor of the church in Jerusalem. And Paul came after and eclipsed both of them. But nowhere is it written in the bible that there was any arguing or contention for power. The church is at its best when it realizes that the kingdom of God is more important than our agenda, our programs or our position. The first century church valued doctrine. They devoted themselves to their teaching. What did they teach? The answer is in Acts 2:38. They preached repentance, not diversion. The world tells us that all we have to do is believe. Acts 2:38 is very clear, Repent and be Baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and receive the Holy Ghost. It is a sad reality that many in the world do not know much about Jesus, His power, or the gospel. In such an indifferent environment, it is easy to think that revival is not possible. But our times are no more indifferent and hostile toward the gospel than the environment in which the first century church was birthed and trived. Before the gospel message can turn our world upside down, it has to turn us upside down. When the church is filled, fresh and favored, you cannot stop revival. They were filled with the Holy Ghost, there was a renewing and then they were favored. These three things make an unstoppable combination for revival. When the church is at its best, it is passionate ,when it is intentional and when it values the things that matter to God. (15 minus) about the message and will of God. Something has to be revived in us that gets us excited about living for God. When the church is at its best, it is intentional about its efforts. The church is at its best when it values the things that matter to God. What matters to God? His Kingdom matters. When His lordship is more important than our leadership. The first century church was not worried about who was up front, who was preaching or who was in charge. They were concerned with spreading the word of God. Peter preached the message on the Day of Pentecost. James became the pastor of the church in Jerusalem. And Paul came after and eclipsed both of them. But nowhere is it written in the bible that there was any arguing or contention for power. The church is at its best when it realizes that the kingdom of God is more important than our agenda, our programs or our position. The first century church valued doctrine. They devoted themselves to their teaching. What did they teach? The answer is in Acts 2:38. They preached repentance, not diversion. The world tells us that all we have to do is believe. Acts 2:38 is very clear, Repent and be Baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and receive the Holy Ghost. It is a sad reality that many in the world do not know much about Jesus, His power, or the gospel. In such an indifferent environment, it is easy to think that revival is not possible. But our times are no more indifferent and hostile toward the gosp… Mark Hughes 2608 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21193567/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theworldatitsworstneedsthechur/id/3104598.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21193567 Scripture: Acts 2:41-2:47, Series: The World At its Worst, Needs The Church At i Part#3 Sun, 10 Jun 2018 20:59:36 +0000 Mark Hughes Jesus was on the border between Samaria and Jerusalem. It is speculated that he took this route to ensure safety at a time when there was much animosity between the two countries. The law of leprosy at the time was harsh. Having leprosy meant forced quarantine from their people. According to Jewish law, one could not come closer than 50 yards to someone with leprosy. Jesus ignored all of that. The bible tells us that there were 10 men who had leprosy. At least one of them was a Samaritan in this group. Their disease broke down the social and religious customs of the time that Jews and Samaritans did not have any relations. Their need overroad all of this and they called out to Jesus for help. Jesus told them to go and show themselves to the priest. As they went, they were healed. The healing was not immediate, but as they obeyed Jesus’ command the healing occurred. It is not enough to just hear the word, but we must act and obey that word to receive any benefit. As they went, the horrible effects and symptoms of the disease left them. The bible says one man stopped and realized that he was healed. Something inside him made him turn back toward Jesus. When he came back, Jesus was surprised and saddened. Ten received a blessing, but only one was grateful. Like us, they were quick to complain about our suffering, but how slow we are are to recognize and appreciate the blessings we receive. This Symaritan could not enjoy the gift until he had thanked the giver. We think when we have been obedient that we have done all that is required. But more important than obedience, is gratitude. Many people have been healed, but they still have a sick spirit. This man, by going back, opened his life to a full healing. The others were better, but Jesus tells this man, that he was made whole. He was not just cleansed of his problem, but Jesus protected him from things in the future. Perhaps the reason we are not enjoying the fullness of the blessings in our life is that we are not thanking God for the things He has already done. Gratitude is what decides how much more God can do in our life. The nine could be declared healed by the priest, but only one was declared whole by the King of Kings. The nine went in obedience, but the one went beyond obedience and stepped into gratitude. What is God holding in reserve for us when we go beyond obedience? What would happen; what would be made available in our life, if we would simply go back? Jesus was on the border between Samaria and Jerusalem. It is speculated that he took this route to ensure safety at a time when there was much animosity between the two countries. The law of leprosy at the time was harsh. Having leprosy meant forced quarantine from their people. According to Jewish law, one could not come closer than 50 yards to someone with leprosy. Jesus ignored all of that. The bible tells us that there were 10 men who had leprosy. At least one of them was a Samaritan in this group. Their disease broke down the social and religious customs of the time that Jews and Samaritans did not have any relations. Their need overroad all of this and they called out to Jesus for help. Jesus told them to go and show themselves to the priest. As they went, they were healed. The healing was not immediate, but as they obeyed Jesus’ command the healing occurred. It is not enough to just hear the word, but we must act and obey that word to receive any benefit. As they went, the horrible effects and symptoms of the disease left them. The bible says one man stopped and realized that he was healed. Something inside him made him turn back toward Jesus. When he came back, Jesus was surprised and saddened. Ten received a blessing, but only one was grateful. Like us, they were quick to complain about our suffering, but how slow we are are to recognize and appreciate the blessings we receive. This Symaritan could not enjoy the gift until he had thanked the giver. We think when we have been obedient that we have done all that is required. But more important than obedience, is gratitude. Many people have been healed, but they still have a sick spirit. This man, by going back, opened his life to a full healing. The others were better, but Jesus tells this man, that he was made whole. He was not just cleansed of his problem, but Jesus protected him from things in the future. Perhaps the reason we are not enjoying the fullness of the blessings in our life is that we are not thanking God for the things He has already done. Gratitude is what decides how much more God can do in our life. The nine could be declared healed by the priest, but only one was declared whole by the King of Kings. The nine went in obedience, but the one went beyond obedience and stepped into gratitude. What is God holding in reserve for us when we go beyond obedience? What would happen; what would be made available in our life, if we would simply go back? Jesus was on the border between Samaria and Jerusalem. It is speculated that he took this route to ensure safety at a time when there was much animosity between the two countries. The law of leprosy at the time was harsh. Having leprosy meant forced… Mark Hughes 2276 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21183787/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_icannotgoonuntilihavelearnedto/id/3095508.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21183787 Scripture: Luke 17:11-17:19 Thu, 07 Jun 2018 02:55:05 +0000 Kenneth Baker We continue our look at what the church at its best looks like and what the priorities, and focus might be. Acts gives us a clear picture to illustrate those things. Last week we talked about unity and the value of that oneness. The book of Acts describes people who were full of the Holy Ghost. There are many churches full of things, but not the Holy Ghost. Many are full of themselves, full of programs and full of entertainment, but they are lacking the most important thing. There were 120 in the upper room, but only one when Peter met the eunuch on the road. It is not about numbers, but about a spirit of unity and a fullness of God. The church is at its best when it is hungry for more. After the day of pentecost, the bible tells us that they sought more and more about God. Tonight we explore a little more. The book of Acts demonstrates that the life of Jesus did not end with the ascension. The ministry and the miracles continues on through the life of the apostles and lives on today. The Holy Ghost and the operation of the spirit was to become the dominant reality of the early church. There are over 40 mentions to the Holy Ghost in just the first 13 chapters of Acts. When the Church is at her best, she allows the Spirit to dictate the agenda, not man. How much more effective would we be if we yielded more to the Holy Ghost? How much more effective would we be if we would be sent, not just go. Sent implies being on a mission. It is very tempting to act within our own abilities and skills. What we need to be is effective by letting God lead and orchestrate our efforts. The church is at her best when she is being a true witness until Him. Witnessing implies a verbal message. A witness is one that says what he knows, not what he has heard. A true witness has experienced it, not just heard about it. We have to get back to a personal experience with Jesus in order to be a true witness. The second aspect of a witness are the actions. It is more than just words. Our lives are a witness of who we are. Our message to others is conveyed through our lives and actions more than through our words. We cannot promote the truth of Jesus and who He is and live a life that is contradictory to that message. We cannot preach that which we do not live. Living a life that is inconsistent with the teaching of jesus is the largest power drain on the Church. The church is at is best when her message reaches the heart. The message of the early church stirred the whole world. Many churches have flawless and technical perfect services, but they do not reach the heart. The preaching of the message in Acts 2 pricked them to the heart. This is not a show or a performance. This is a place where God can touch a heart and turn it toward Him. They may not be able to explain what they see, but they cannot deny what they feel. We continue our look at what the church at its best looks like and what the priorities, and focus might be. Acts gives us a clear picture to illustrate those things. Last week we talked about unity and the value of that oneness. The book of Acts describes people who were full of the Holy Ghost. There are many churches full of things, but not the Holy Ghost. Many are full of themselves, full of programs and full of entertainment, but they are lacking the most important thing. There were 120 in the upper room, but only one when Peter met the eunuch on the road. It is not about numbers, but about a spirit of unity and a fullness of God. The church is at its best when it is hungry for more. After the day of pentecost, the bible tells us that they sought more and more about God. Tonight we explore a little more. The book of Acts demonstrates that the life of Jesus did not end with the ascension. The ministry and the miracles continues on through the life of the apostles and lives on today. The Holy Ghost and the operation of the spirit was to become the dominant reality of the early church. There are over 40 mentions to the Holy Ghost in just the first 13 chapters of Acts. When the Church is at her best, she allows the Spirit to dictate the agenda, not man. How much more effective would we be if we yielded more to the Holy Ghost? How much more effective would we be if we would be sent, not just go. Sent implies being on a mission. It is very tempting to act within our own abilities and skills. What we need to be is effective by letting God lead and orchestrate our efforts. The church is at her best when she is being a true witness until Him. Witnessing implies a verbal message. A witness is one that says what he knows, not what he has heard. A true witness has experienced it, not just heard about it. We have to get back to a personal experience with Jesus in order to be a true witness. The second aspect of a witness are the actions. It is more than just words. Our lives are a witness of who we are. Our message to others is conveyed through our lives and actions more than through our words. We cannot promote the truth of Jesus and who He is and live a life that is contradictory to that message. We cannot preach that which we do not live. Living a life that is inconsistent with the teaching of jesus is the largest power drain on the Church. The church is at is best when her message reaches the heart. The message of the early church stirred the whole world. Many churches have flawless and technical perfect services, but they do not reach the heart. The preaching of the message in Acts 2 pricked them to the heart. This is not a show or a performance. This is a place where God can touch a heart and turn it toward Him. They may not be able to explain what they see, but they cannot deny what they feel. We continue our look at what the church at its best looks like and what the priorities, and focus might be. Acts gives us a clear picture to illustrate those things. Last week we talked about unity and the value of that oneness. The book of Acts des… Kenneth Baker 2567 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21181869/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thechurchatitsbest/id/3093751.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21181869 The Church at its Best Sun, 03 Jun 2018 21:21:03 +0000 Mark Hughes Human love is something with which all of us can identify. We have all experienced it in some way. But divine love is different. Paul, writing to the church at Ephesus, was trying passionately to reach them about the love of God. The text appears to show that he struggled to find the right words to put some human definition to the love of God. He desperately tries to get them to comprehend this concept. If they could just get it. How many times is God trying to get through to us and sometimes we just do not get it. He further desires that we know the love of God. The word for know here is the same use for an intimate relationship between a man and wife. This passage is like a man jumping up and down waving a flag trying to get our attention. Like Paul, Bro. Hughes is trying to get our attention. We have been so busy with life, we have been so stressed about life that we have lulled to a sense of distraction. In this state we cannot fully enjoy what God wants for us. The love of God has been sent to us today to embrace us. Paul tries to get us to comprehend that we cannot measure the length, breadth, height or depth of God’s love The bible says that even if we make our bed in Hell, God’s love will be there. We cannot go so low that God’s love will not be under us. There is something so powerful about the love of God that we cannot understand it, but it reaches to all. Human love is something with which all of us can identify. We have all experienced it in some way. But divine love is different. Paul, writing to the church at Ephesus, was trying passionately to reach them about the love of God. The text appears to show that he struggled to find the right words to put some human definition to the love of God. He desperately tries to get them to comprehend this concept. If they could just get it. How many times is God trying to get through to us and sometimes we just do not get it. He further desires that we know the love of God. The word for know here is the same use for an intimate relationship between a man and wife. This passage is like a man jumping up and down waving a flag trying to get our attention. Like Paul, Bro. Hughes is trying to get our attention. We have been so busy with life, we have been so stressed about life that we have lulled to a sense of distraction. In this state we cannot fully enjoy what God wants for us. The love of God has been sent to us today to embrace us. Paul tries to get us to comprehend that we cannot measure the length, breadth, height or depth of God’s love The bible says that even if we make our bed in Hell, God’s love will be there. We cannot go so low that God’s love will not be under us. There is something so powerful about the love of God that we cannot understand it, but it reaches to all. Human love is something with which all of us can identify. We have all experienced it in some way. But divine love is different. Paul, writing to the church at Ephesus, was trying passionately to reach them about the love of God. The text appears to… Mark Hughes 2617 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21179787/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatgodwantsallofustounderstan/id/3091677.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21179787 Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-3:21 Thu, 31 May 2018 03:31:19 +0000 Mark Hughes The world may be at its worst right now. The prophecies in the bible are being played out before us in our time. Scripture paints a vivid picture of what the end days will be like. Many of the physical signs referenced in Matthew and Luke are being played out on the evening news. Wars, , nation rising against nation, natural and weather phenomenon and other signs are evident. Paul goes even further and depicts spiritual signs of the end times. He describes perilous times. In his letters to Timothy Paul says that people will be lovers of themselves, Godless, hateful and have no self control. The question Bro. Hughes asks is this: Is the Church at our best? This will not be an easy question to answer. We do not want to be critical or find fault, but we must take a realistic look at where we are and how we are meeting the need of our world. To answer that question, we have to first take a look back at a time when the church was at its best. The book of Acts chronicles the birth and growth of the church at a time that was just as wicked as any time that we can describe. The first century church literally changed the world as they knew it. What does the church look like at her best? How does she function? What are her priorities? To begin this journey, Bro. Hughes challenges us to read and re-read the book of Acts. For the next three months, read the book of Acts each month. Before the day of Pentecost happened, the believers were together in the upper room praying on one accord. In this atmosphere, the bible says Suddenly there was a sound like a rushing mighty wind. Before the suddenly, there was a unity and a prayer in unity that set the stage for the power of God to move. Prayer is the priority. The church is at her best when there is a hunger for more. When we tell God that we need more of Him. When we pray more because we want a greater outpouring of His spirit. This Summer we will be taking a journey through the book of Acts to discover what the church looked like at her bes The world may be at its worst right now. The prophecies in the bible are being played out before us in our time. Scripture paints a vivid picture of what the end days will be like. Many of the physical signs referenced in Matthew and Luke are being played out on the evening news. Wars, , nation rising against nation, natural and weather phenomenon and other signs are evident. Paul goes even further and depicts spiritual signs of the end times. He describes perilous times. In his letters to Timothy Paul says that people will be lovers of themselves, Godless, hateful and have no self control. The question Bro. Hughes asks is this: Is the Church at our best? This will not be an easy question to answer. We do not want to be critical or find fault, but we must take a realistic look at where we are and how we are meeting the need of our world. To answer that question, we have to first take a look back at a time when the church was at its best. The book of Acts chronicles the birth and growth of the church at a time that was just as wicked as any time that we can describe. The first century church literally changed the world as they knew it. What does the church look like at her best? How does she function? What are her priorities? To begin this journey, Bro. Hughes challenges us to read and re-read the book of Acts. For the next three months, read the book of Acts each month. Before the day of Pentecost happened, the believers were together in the upper room praying on one accord. In this atmosphere, the bible says Suddenly there was a sound like a rushing mighty wind. Before the suddenly, there was a unity and a prayer in unity that set the stage for the power of God to move. Prayer is the priority. The church is at her best when there is a hunger for more. When we tell God that we need more of Him. When we pray more because we want a greater outpouring of His spirit. This Summer we will be taking a journey through the book of Acts to discover what the church looked like at her bes The world may be at its worst right now. The prophecies in the bible are being played out before us in our time. Scripture paints a vivid picture of what the end days will be like. Many of the physical signs referenced in Matthew and Luke are being… Mark Hughes 2472 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21177290/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theworldatitsworstneedsthechur/id/3089833.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21177290 Series: The World At its Worst, Needs The Church At i Part#1 Sun, 27 May 2018 19:56:35 +0000 Mark Hughes In life, most of us learn to never say never. Before children, many people say that they will never do things that the do indeed do after having children. If we declare that we will never do something in life, we can exclude a special opportunity from God. The events in Acts chapter nine changed the whole course of the church. For a man like Saul to experience such a change in his life was beyond anyone’s scope of thinking. Paul, as Saul came to be known took the Gospel message to the entire world. When Saul was converted, there was great skepticism. Finally Ananias went to Saul. If left to humanity, Ananias would have done like many of us and avoided Saul with distrust. What Ananias found was a man humbled and broken and at his weakest. Saul had persecuted the church and been its worst enemy. What Analisis did was walk up to this man and refer to him as Brother Saul. Under the circumstances, there were no greater words or actions that could have been spoken. The laying of hands, and the words were an expression of inclusion and forgiveness. By calling him Brother Saul, Ananias confirmed upon Saul admission to the family of God. This is the language of the church. It is a language of welcome. It doesn’t matter what you have done, what you have said, or where you have been, the church should be a welcoming place. When someone walks through the church door, we do not know how hungry, how blind, how lost they may be. The language of the church is to make all who walk through the door welcome. In life, most of us learn to never say never. Before children, many people say that they will never do things that the do indeed do after having children. If we declare that we will never do something in life, we can exclude a special opportunity from God. The events in Acts chapter nine changed the whole course of the church. For a man like Saul to experience such a change in his life was beyond anyone’s scope of thinking. Paul, as Saul came to be known took the Gospel message to the entire world. When Saul was converted, there was great skepticism. Finally Ananias went to Saul. If left to humanity, Ananias would have done like many of us and avoided Saul with distrust. What Ananias found was a man humbled and broken and at his weakest. Saul had persecuted the church and been its worst enemy. What Analisis did was walk up to this man and refer to him as Brother Saul. Under the circumstances, there were no greater words or actions that could have been spoken. The laying of hands, and the words were an expression of inclusion and forgiveness. By calling him Brother Saul, Ananias confirmed upon Saul admission to the family of God. This is the language of the church. It is a language of welcome. It doesn’t matter what you have done, what you have said, or where you have been, the church should be a welcoming place. When someone walks through the church door, we do not know how hungry, how blind, how lost they may be. The language of the church is to make all who walk through the door welcome. In life, most of us learn to never say never. Before children, many people say that they will never do things that the do indeed do after having children. If we declare that we will never do something in life, we can exclude a special opportunity fro… Mark Hughes 1805 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21175257/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thetruelanguageofthechurch/id/3087818.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21175257 Scripture: Acts 9:17-9 Thu, 24 May 2018 02:50:02 +0000 Mark Hughes We spend a lot of time talking about what we do not know. Bro. Hughes is more concerned about the things that we do know, that we are not doing. The bible defines this as a sin. There are five elements listed in our text that, if incorporated into our live, are the key to a successful spiritual life. Peter begins with verse 6 by saying that we must humble ourselves. Pride is one of the areas that the Devil uses to undermine man. It has a way of lulling us into a false sense of security. Pride leads us to believe that we are doing better than we are. Pride will cause us to take credit for our success rather than giving the credit to God. By humbling ourselves and allowing God to steer our live, we set ourselves up for success. The second element is serenity. Peter says in verse 7 that we are to cast all our cares on Him. By casting our cares, worries and troubles on God, we allow Him to take care of the problems that life will bring. We do this, because we know that He cares about us. He wants our fears and worries so that He can show us that He is bigger than our problems. Third Peter admonishes us to be sober and vigilant. If we are to be overcomers, there has to be a sense of awareness and alertness about the things in our life. The word sober is usually related to alcohol, but it is possible to be intoxicate about things in life. Pride for instance can produce a high that is addictive. We must remain vigilant and not let down our guard. When we become distracted or complacent, we open ourselves up to spiritual danger. The fourth thing is found in verse 9 where Peter says we should resist the Devil. The Devil wants to destroy our life and he will never quit working on that. For a soul to be saved, we have to fight that effort every day. This is how we resist the Devil. Peter says it in the text: The way we resist is to stand steadfast in the faith. Our human nature is to fight the devil head on, but the way to fight the devil is to praise God and stand fast and consistent in our faith. Finally, the fifth element is found in verse 10. This is the most difficult element to understand for most people. It is understanding the role of suffering in our life. Many believe that living for God means that life will always be good. That is not the case. Often the pain and suffering that comes into our life is God trying to take us to a next level. Many people spend a life wasting their sorrows because the fight back against what God is trying to do. One of the things that suffering does is that it resorts and mends what has been broken in life. Suffering is designed by God to establish us, not to destroy us. God does not allow us to suffer to find our breaking point, but to demonstrate to us what our strengths are. Suffering is designed to strengthen. It enables us to become stronger. Suffering is to show the Devil that he cannot destroy a child of God. Peter says that suffering will settle us. What God is doing through our suffering, is to remove from our life all the things that do not matter. These five simple concepts that are decisive elements of a victorious life. We spend a lot of time talking about what we do not know. Bro. Hughes is more concerned about the things that we do know, that we are not doing. The bible defines this as a sin. There are five elements listed in our text that, if incorporated into our live, are the key to a successful spiritual life. Peter begins with verse 6 by saying that we must humble ourselves. Pride is one of the areas that the Devil uses to undermine man. It has a way of lulling us into a false sense of security. Pride leads us to believe that we are doing better than we are. Pride will cause us to take credit for our success rather than giving the credit to God. By humbling ourselves and allowing God to steer our live, we set ourselves up for success. The second element is serenity. Peter says in verse 7 that we are to cast all our cares on Him. By casting our cares, worries and troubles on God, we allow Him to take care of the problems that life will bring. We do this, because we know that He cares about us. He wants our fears and worries so that He can show us that He is bigger than our problems. Third Peter admonishes us to be sober and vigilant. If we are to be overcomers, there has to be a sense of awareness and alertness about the things in our life. The word sober is usually related to alcohol, but it is possible to be intoxicate about things in life. Pride for instance can produce a high that is addictive. We must remain vigilant and not let down our guard. When we become distracted or complacent, we open ourselves up to spiritual danger. The fourth thing is found in verse 9 where Peter says we should resist the Devil. The Devil wants to destroy our life and he will never quit working on that. For a soul to be saved, we have to fight that effort every day. This is how we resist the Devil. Peter says it in the text: The way we resist is to stand steadfast in the faith. Our human nature is to fight the devil head on, but the way to fight the devil is to praise God and stand fast and consistent in our faith. Finally, the fifth element is found in verse 10. This is the most difficult element to understand for most people. It is understanding the role of suffering in our life. Many believe that living for God means that life will always be good. That is not the case. Often the pain and suffering that comes into our life is God trying to take us to a next level. Many people spend a life wasting their sorrows because the fight back against what God is trying to do. One of the things that suffering does is that it resorts and mends what has been broken in life. Suffering is designed by God to establish us, not to destroy us. God does not allow us to suffer to find our breaking point, but to demonstrate to us what our strengths are. Suffering is designed to strengthen. It enables us to become stronger. Suffering is to show the Devil that he cannot destroy a child of God. Peter says that suffering will settle us. What God is doing through our suffering, is to remove from our life all the things that do not matter. These five simple concepts that are decisive elements of a victorious life. We spend a lot of time talking about what we do not know. Bro. Hughes is more concerned about the things that we do know, that we are not doing. The bible defines this as a sin. There are five elements listed in our text that, if incorporated in… Mark Hughes 2845 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21173344/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_decisiveelementsofavictoriousl/id/3086080.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21173344 Scripture: 1 Peter 5:6-5:10 Mon, 21 May 2018 02:44:50 +0000 Landon Long The bible references children often. Faith like a child. Being like a child. There are things in life that are childlike and that are qualities that we cannot lose. Not childish, but childlike. The bible says to be like a child who believes that anything is possible and is full of wonder and imagination. Children see world in a much different way that we who have been knocked down by life a few times. Children have to grow up. They have to, as our text says, put away childish things. The writer says “when I was a child.” This is a man who has seen some life and began to look back over his life. He states that some things have to be put away as we grow. Clothes, cribs and favorite toys have to be put away because they simply do not fit any longer, and to continue to use them would be childish. There are however, some things that cannot be put away: We cannot put away a prayer life. The second thing that cannot be put away is the Word. The bible is the best selling book every year, but it is often not read. Reading the word is an important thing that cannot be put away. Third, we must not put the church away. Everyone needs a church, not online, but real church with real people with whom we can fellowship. We also need an alter. We cannot put an alter away. Both physical and spiritual, we need an alter on which we can lay down our lives for God. Our graduates have had to put away Ninja Turtle toys, the high chair and Little Pony shoes. Bro. Long encourages our graduates to put away the childish things, but not the important things. The bible references children often. Faith like a child. Being like a child. There are things in life that are childlike and that are qualities that we cannot lose. Not childish, but childlike. The bible says to be like a child who believes that anything is possible and is full of wonder and imagination. Children see world in a much different way that we who have been knocked down by life a few times. Children have to grow up. They have to, as our text says, put away childish things. The writer says “when I was a child.” This is a man who has seen some life and began to look back over his life. He states that some things have to be put away as we grow. Clothes, cribs and favorite toys have to be put away because they simply do not fit any longer, and to continue to use them would be childish. There are however, some things that cannot be put away: We cannot put away a prayer life. The second thing that cannot be put away is the Word. The bible is the best selling book every year, but it is often not read. Reading the word is an important thing that cannot be put away. Third, we must not put the church away. Everyone needs a church, not online, but real church with real people with whom we can fellowship. We also need an alter. We cannot put an alter away. Both physical and spiritual, we need an alter on which we can lay down our lives for God. Our graduates have had to put away Ninja Turtle toys, the high chair and Little Pony shoes. Bro. Long encourages our graduates to put away the childish things, but not the important things. The bible references children often. Faith like a child. Being like a child. There are things in life that are childlike and that are qualities that we cannot lose. Not childish, but childlike. The bible says to be like a child who believes that any… Landon Long 1760 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21172345/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dontputthatawaygraduaterecogni/id/3085112.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21172345 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:11-13 Sun, 20 May 2018 19:06:24 +0000 Mark Hughes The word of God has been referred to as a seed. There is great power in a seed. From something so small, great things are brought to be. This is only possible when the seed is put into the right environment. If a seed is placed on a shelf, it will never be anything but a seed. But if it is put in the ground and watered, it will sprout and begin to grow. It has to be put into action. In our text, God promises Abram the all the land he can see. That promise was given, but it was not activated until until Abram walked the length and breadth of the land. Because Abram acted on God’s word, the promise came to pass. How many promises never come to pass, because we do not act on God’s word? It is not enough to have a promise; that promise has to be acted on and claimed. We are not waiting for God to do something, He is waiting on us to do something. In the story of Peter walking on the water, Peter did not walk on the water. He walked on the word: come. Too many of us do not experience the miracles that God wants for us because we do not walk on the word that God has given us. We may not have anything else to live for is the Word, but that is enough. Until we put the promise of God in the right atmosphere, nothing will come of it. God promised Abram all the land he could walk on. You’ve got to walk in it before it works. The word of God has been referred to as a seed. There is great power in a seed. From something so small, great things are brought to be. This is only possible when the seed is put into the right environment. If a seed is placed on a shelf, it will never be anything but a seed. But if it is put in the ground and watered, it will sprout and begin to grow. It has to be put into action. In our text, God promises Abram the all the land he can see. That promise was given, but it was not activated until until Abram walked the length and breadth of the land. Because Abram acted on God’s word, the promise came to pass. How many promises never come to pass, because we do not act on God’s word? It is not enough to have a promise; that promise has to be acted on and claimed. We are not waiting for God to do something, He is waiting on us to do something. In the story of Peter walking on the water, Peter did not walk on the water. He walked on the word: come. Too many of us do not experience the miracles that God wants for us because we do not walk on the word that God has given us. We may not have anything else to live for is the Word, but that is enough. Until we put the promise of God in the right atmosphere, nothing will come of it. God promised Abram all the land he could walk on. You’ve got to walk in it before it works. The word of God has been referred to as a seed. There is great power in a seed. From something so small, great things are brought to be. This is only possible when the seed is put into the right environment. If a seed is placed on a shelf, it will n… Mark Hughes 2186 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21170977/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_youvegottowalkinitbeforeitwork/id/3083698.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21170977 Scripture: Genesis 13:14-13:18 Thu, 17 May 2018 03:46:15 +0000 James Hughes The issue that Jesus addresses in Matthew 18 that is of paramount importance. It is not something that is produced by the devil, but we produce it ourselves. If this happens in our lives, we will be bound. This issue is forgiveness. Jesus declares emphatically that this is a heaven or hell issue. When we do not forgive others who offend us, we place ourselves in a prison. If we do not leave offenses behind, they will consume our lives. They will occupy our thoughts and conversations. If we forgive and move on, there is no room for the past to hold on to us. If we are bound, there is no room for God to act in our lives. The issue that Jesus addresses in Matthew 18 that is of paramount importance. It is not something that is produced by the devil, but we produce it ourselves. If this happens in our lives, we will be bound. This issue is forgiveness. Jesus declares emphatically that this is a heaven or hell issue. When we do not forgive others who offend us, we place ourselves in a prison. If we do not leave offenses behind, they will consume our lives. They will occupy our thoughts and conversations. If we forgive and move on, there is no room for the past to hold on to us. If we are bound, there is no room for God to act in our lives. The issue that Jesus addresses in Matthew 18 that is of paramount importance. It is not something that is produced by the devil, but we produce it ourselves. If this happens in our lives, we will be bound. This issue is forgiveness. Jesus declares … James Hughes 3563 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21169020/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_beingbound/id/3081927.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21169020 Scripture: Matthew 7:21-7:23, Matthew 18:1-18:10, Matthew 18:15-18:18 Sun, 13 May 2018 19:57:22 +0000 Mark Hughes On this Mother’s Day, we honor mothers and say thank you. Pastor’s message today is, perhaps a little different for a traditional mother’s day. Our world defines beauty in a away to drive sales and revenue. Women are pressured every day to achieve some standard that is attainable by only a few. To make matters worse, if too many people begin to achieve the definition of beautiful, they change the standard so that women will continue to spend money to achieve the new standard. Beauty is now the beast that rules many women’s lives. Cosmetic surgery is one of the most lucrative field of medicine as women try to achieve the ‘perfect” look. The corollary to all this is that, many women, they feel that they are not beautiful because they do not meet an artificial and ever changing standard. They come to view themselves as failures which leads to further problems and issues. Those that have it are striving to not lose it, and those that don’t have it strive to achieve it. Both are wrong and miss the true definition of beauty. Real beauty is defined in the bible. When Peter wrote todays text, he was addressing the roles of men and women. In the process of writing this letter, he lays out several “beauty tips” than can have a long lasting result. First a beautiful woman knows where to put the right emphasis. She knows that true beauty begins on the inside, not on the outside. She is not preoccupied with the superficial. A Godly woman who has found the secret of true beauty knows that what is on the inside is more important than what she is wearing. When she works from the inside, she is beautiful all over. By understanding what God gave her and respecting herself, she will demonstrate a modest, and Godly appearance. Beautiful women are always ones that have respect from themselves. A woman of beauty is one who carries herself with respect and to put boundaries in her life. Finally our text describes a certain devotion in the live of a beautiful woman. She has been able to determine the things in life with which she must be concerned, and those that can be ignored. A woman of true beauty invests herself in those things that will not decay over time. Specifically, Peter mentions appreciation. There is nothing more beautiful than a thankful heart. He also says that a beautiful has a meek and cheerful spirit. That does not mean that she never says anything or become angry. It does mean that the beautifly woman is able to control her temper. Having a mood or becoming angry is not a bad thing, but if that mood or anger begins to control life, it becomes a problem. As with many things, the world’s definition of beauty is very different from the biblical definition. A woman who lives by the biblical example of beauty will be beautiful indeed. On this Mother’s Day, we honor mothers and say thank you. Pastor’s message today is, perhaps a little different for a traditional mother’s day. Our world defines beauty in a away to drive sales and revenue. Women are pressured every day to achieve some standard that is attainable by only a few. To make matters worse, if too many people begin to achieve the definition of beautiful, they change the standard so that women will continue to spend money to achieve the new standard. Beauty is now the beast that rules many women’s lives. Cosmetic surgery is one of the most lucrative field of medicine as women try to achieve the ‘perfect” look. The corollary to all this is that, many women, they feel that they are not beautiful because they do not meet an artificial and ever changing standard. They come to view themselves as failures which leads to further problems and issues. Those that have it are striving to not lose it, and those that don’t have it strive to achieve it. Both are wrong and miss the true definition of beauty. Real beauty is defined in the bible. When Peter wrote todays text, he was addressing the roles of men and women. In the process of writing this letter, he lays out several “beauty tips” than can have a long lasting result. First a beautiful woman knows where to put the right emphasis. She knows that true beauty begins on the inside, not on the outside. She is not preoccupied with the superficial. A Godly woman who has found the secret of true beauty knows that what is on the inside is more important than what she is wearing. When she works from the inside, she is beautiful all over. By understanding what God gave her and respecting herself, she will demonstrate a modest, and Godly appearance. Beautiful women are always ones that have respect from themselves. A woman of beauty is one who carries herself with respect and to put boundaries in her life. Finally our text describes a certain devotion in the live of a beautiful woman. She has been able to determine the things in life with which she must be concerned, and those that can be ignored. A woman of true beauty invests herself in those things that will not decay over time. Specifically, Peter mentions appreciation. There is nothing more beautiful than a thankful heart. He also says that a beautiful has a meek and cheerful spirit. That does not mean that she never says anything or become angry. It does mean that the beautifly woman is able to control her temper. Having a mood or becoming angry is not a bad thing, but if that mood or anger begins to control life, it becomes a problem. As with many things, the world’s definition of beauty is very different from the biblical definition. A woman who lives by the biblical example of beauty will be beautiful indeed. On this Mother’s Day, we honor mothers and say thank you. Pastor’s message today is, perhaps a little different for a traditional mother’s day. Our world defines beauty in a away to drive sales and revenue. Women are pressured every day to achieve s… Mark Hughes 1912 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21166854/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_isntshebeautifyl/id/3079765.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21166854 Scripture: 1 Peter 3:1-3:4 Thu, 10 May 2018 03:20:26 +0000 Kenneth Baker The Christian life is a life of contradictions. It is a life filled with paradoxes that are hard to understand. For instance, the way to gain is to give. We are called to life, but we face death. We are called to joy, but we live with tears and brokenness. We are called to peace, but we live with conflict. The question is how do we respond to these paradoxes? If we are not careful, everyday can become a battle. If we are not careful each day will be “another one of those days? We become so conditioned to react to life in a certain way: anger, frustration, fear etc. When we live that way, we set ourselves up for a hard time. Paul teaches us through his writing how to address the challenges and problems in life. In fact, Paul doesn’t look at these things as problems, but at opportunities. How different is that from how we usually respond to trouble? What was Paul’s secret to turning these problems into opportunities. Paul had a keen ability to stay on target no matter what storm blew into his life. He realized that He was in the hand of God who ordered the days of his life. He was not victim of fate or circumstance, but he knew that he was in the hand of the almighty God. There are three things that we learn from the life of Paul in dealing with life’s struggles. First, Paul viewed his troubles as opportunities to grow. He saw problems as a way to strengthen his faith and he learned to move in rhythm with them. He found a way to find understanding the reason for each problem that he faced. Secondly, Paul learned to transform his opportunity to learn. He learned to walk in the dark. He learned to sing in the midnight hour. He learned to pray with shackles around his wrists. He learned to be gracious, humble and patient. Third, Paul let his opposition to become an opportunity for awakening. He refused to become complacent. He allow his opposition to be a tool to stir him and get him back in touch with God. Paul faced many unpleasant things in his life. He used those things to strengthen his relationship with God. Rather than fighting against these things, he learned to move in rhythm with his adversity. Paul learned to transform the battle into a dance. The Christian life is a life of contradictions. It is a life filled with paradoxes that are hard to understand. For instance, the way to gain is to give. We are called to life, but we face death. We are called to joy, but we live with tears and brokenness. We are called to peace, but we live with conflict. The question is how do we respond to these paradoxes? If we are not careful, everyday can become a battle. If we are not careful each day will be “another one of those days? We become so conditioned to react to life in a certain way: anger, frustration, fear etc. When we live that way, we set ourselves up for a hard time. Paul teaches us through his writing how to address the challenges and problems in life. In fact, Paul doesn’t look at these things as problems, but at opportunities. How different is that from how we usually respond to trouble? What was Paul’s secret to turning these problems into opportunities. Paul had a keen ability to stay on target no matter what storm blew into his life. He realized that He was in the hand of God who ordered the days of his life. He was not victim of fate or circumstance, but he knew that he was in the hand of the almighty God. There are three things that we learn from the life of Paul in dealing with life’s struggles. First, Paul viewed his troubles as opportunities to grow. He saw problems as a way to strengthen his faith and he learned to move in rhythm with them. He found a way to find understanding the reason for each problem that he faced. Secondly, Paul learned to transform his opportunity to learn. He learned to walk in the dark. He learned to sing in the midnight hour. He learned to pray with shackles around his wrists. He learned to be gracious, humble and patient. Third, Paul let his opposition to become an opportunity for awakening. He refused to become complacent. He allow his opposition to be a tool to stir him and get him back in touch with God. Paul faced many unpleasant things in his life. He used those things to strengthen his relationship with God. Rather than fighting against these things, he learned to move in rhythm with his adversity. Paul learned to transform the battle into a dance. The Christian life is a life of contradictions. It is a life filled with paradoxes that are hard to understand. For instance, the way to gain is to give. We are called to life, but we face death. We are called to joy, but we live with tears and brok… Kenneth Baker 2901 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21164643/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_transformingthebattleintoadanc/id/3077999.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21164643 Transforming The Battle Into A Dance Mon, 07 May 2018 02:46:01 +0000 Mark Hughes In our text Elisha had an encounter with the prophet Elijah. It affected him so profoundly, that he knew that he had to make a connection and try to experience more of what he had felt. The bible describes how Elisha sold out to follow Elijah. Not only did he offer the oxen as a sacrifice, he burned the plow that was his means of making a living. He did not want there to be any reason for him to go back to his former life. Our church is entering into a time of a building program. Not only are we still recovering from Hurricane Harvey, we are experiencing growth due to being in the midst of revival. God has great plans for our church and it will be a large undertaking to accomplish it. If our church is going to be what God wants and needs it to be, it will be because we commit to what God is doing in an all in kind of way. Young people have to experience and buy into the vision. Elders have to continue to pray and to mentor the young people. The future of this church resides in the prayers and efforts of all of us pulling together to accomplish what God has planned. In our text Elisha had an encounter with the prophet Elijah. It affected him so profoundly, that he knew that he had to make a connection and try to experience more of what he had felt. The bible describes how Elisha sold out to follow Elijah. Not only did he offer the oxen as a sacrifice, he burned the plow that was his means of making a living. He did not want there to be any reason for him to go back to his former life. Our church is entering into a time of a building program. Not only are we still recovering from Hurricane Harvey, we are experiencing growth due to being in the midst of revival. God has great plans for our church and it will be a large undertaking to accomplish it. If our church is going to be what God wants and needs it to be, it will be because we commit to what God is doing in an all in kind of way. Young people have to experience and buy into the vision. Elders have to continue to pray and to mentor the young people. The future of this church resides in the prayers and efforts of all of us pulling together to accomplish what God has planned. In our text Elisha had an encounter with the prophet Elijah. It affected him so profoundly, that he knew that he had to make a connection and try to experience more of what he had felt. The bible describes how Elisha sold out to follow Elijah. Not … Mark Hughes 2027 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21162904/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_connectingourpasttoourfuture/id/3076288.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21162904 Scripture: 1 Kings 19:19-19:21 Sun, 06 May 2018 20:21:30 +0000 Kenneth Baker God desires greatness for our lives. He wants us to discover His greatness and not only that, to discover our own greatness. Too often people live way below the potential for their lives. Life is restricted by many things; most often by things we are placing on ourselves. We may have a vision or an idea about something, but we place artificial limits on ourselves that keep us from realizing the greatness that God desires for us. For most of us, we are uncomfortable with describing ourselves as great. Describing ourselves as greatest is even more dunging. Given that, how do we get to the greatness that God desires for us? Bro. Hughes sets out today to remove the excuses we have for not being able to attain what God wants for us. Moving from least to greatest is not an instantaneous thing. The way from least to greatest is down the unpopular path of greater. Greater is different fro Great and Greatest. It is a question of degrees. If we move from least just a little, we are greater than we were. We are not at greatest, but we are further down the path than when we began. Too many see great as unattainable, so they never get away from least. Most of us want instantaneous transportation from least to great; like Clark Kent going into the phone booth and coming out as Superman. The reality is that the journey from least to great or greatest is a long one. In our text, Jesus talks of the man planting the seed. It did not grow into the tree described as greatest overnight. The path to greatness is in doing the little things and putting in the work to move along the path. The reason that we are not where God wants us to be, is that we have not made the journey. We want God to buy into our problems and our desires, but we are not willing to buy into His process. If we want to see greatest, we need to be working on greater. We spend so much time worrying about what we don't have, that we do not recognize what we do have. We must start with what we have and begin to use those to make ourselves greater. We want God to do greater things in our life, but we do not use the things that God has given us to do greater things. The secret to the journey from least to greatest is to do a little more each day. Take what God has given us and use it to be better than yesterday. All God needs is a starting place. God desires greatness for our lives. He wants us to discover His greatness and not only that, to discover our own greatness. Too often people live way below the potential for their lives. Life is restricted by many things; most often by things we are placing on ourselves. We may have a vision or an idea about something, but we place artificial limits on ourselves that keep us from realizing the greatness that God desires for us. For most of us, we are uncomfortable with describing ourselves as great. Describing ourselves as greatest is even more dunging. Given that, how do we get to the greatness that God desires for us? Bro. Hughes sets out today to remove the excuses we have for not being able to attain what God wants for us. Moving from least to greatest is not an instantaneous thing. The way from least to greatest is down the unpopular path of greater. Greater is different fro Great and Greatest. It is a question of degrees. If we move from least just a little, we are greater than we were. We are not at greatest, but we are further down the path than when we began. Too many see great as unattainable, so they never get away from least. Most of us want instantaneous transportation from least to great; like Clark Kent going into the phone booth and coming out as Superman. The reality is that the journey from least to great or greatest is a long one. In our text, Jesus talks of the man planting the seed. It did not grow into the tree described as greatest overnight. The path to greatness is in doing the little things and putting in the work to move along the path. The reason that we are not where God wants us to be, is that we have not made the journey. We want God to buy into our problems and our desires, but we are not willing to buy into His process. If we want to see greatest, we need to be working on greater. We spend so much time worrying about what we don't have, that we do not recognize what we do have. We must start with what we have and begin to use those to make ourselves greater. We want God to do greater things in our life, but we do not use the things that God has given us to do greater things. The secret to the journey from least to greatest is to do a little more each day. Take what God has given us and use it to be better than yesterday. All God needs is a starting place. God desires greatness for our lives. He wants us to discover His greatness and not only that, to discover our own greatness. Too often people live way below the potential for their lives. Life is restricted by many things; most often by things we ar… Kenneth Baker 2501 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21162471/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_aourneyfromleasttogreatest/id/3075857.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21162471 A Journey From Least To Greatest Thu, 03 May 2018 03:24:48 +0000 Mark Hughes The words “It is finished” was a declaration of victory. He didn’t quit or give up, He finished. We should want it to be said of us that we are a finisher, not someone who is finished. We must all learn to live through and beyond IT. We will all experience IT in our lives. Trials, troubles, hardships and storms: We will all experience IT. What is your IT? What is IT that frustrates, angers, or confuses you? What is IT that you have been called to live with or through? IT will often show up at the most inopportune time. Note what Jesus said at this most agonizing time of His life. He said IT is finished. IT had not defeated Him, but He finished IT. How many times have we been distracted by our IT? How many times have we become so consumed with IT, that we forgot to praise? How many times have we been so focused on dealing with IT, that we have forgotten how big our God is? It is not IT that matters, but God that matters. The cross was not the end. IT is not the end, but a passage to a better place. There are seven last statements of Christ from the cross noted in scripture. These statements are an illustration of how to live through the worst of times. Here is how to make it through IT and see a better day: The first and last words uttered from the cross was Father. This reminds us how important it is to stay focused on God when going through difficult times. He said Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.. Forgiveness is a struggle for all of us. Not having forgiveness will make us bitter. Bitterness is a dangerous thing to let take root. The only way to live through troubling times is to maintain a forgiving spirit. They offered him the wine mixed with gall, he refused it, but He accepted the vinegar. He swallowed the bitterness. Scientists have found that vinegar has some health benefits. Jesus shows us that sometimes the things that are good for us are bitter. He cried out to God. He as God in flesh and by crying out as He did, he shows us that when dealing with IT, it is okay to be human. But just because the humanity shows through, does not mean that our humanity wins. It is okay to be vulnerable before the Lord. It is not a sign of weakness to cry out to God. Jesus spoke to the men crucified on either side of Him. Jesus remembered that there were others suffering, not just Him. If we look around, we will find that others are dealing with their own IT and if we turn our attention to helping them, we will be better able to deal with our own IT. The bible tells us that it was dark from noon until 3 PM. Darkness is frightening. Three hours is a long time to be in the dark. But God put a limit on the darkness. No storm lasts forever. The sun will come up. There will be an end to IT. IT will not last forever. Jesus’ entire life was an example to us on how to live. Even in the final moments of His life, He demonstrates to us how to live through even the worst in life. He shows the key to finishing IT; not letting IT finish us. The words “It is finished” was a declaration of victory. He didn’t quit or give up, He finished. We should want it to be said of us that we are a finisher, not someone who is finished. We must all learn to live through and beyond IT. We will all experience IT in our lives. Trials, troubles, hardships and storms: We will all experience IT. What is your IT? What is IT that frustrates, angers, or confuses you? What is IT that you have been called to live with or through? IT will often show up at the most inopportune time. Note what Jesus said at this most agonizing time of His life. He said IT is finished. IT had not defeated Him, but He finished IT. How many times have we been distracted by our IT? How many times have we become so consumed with IT, that we forgot to praise? How many times have we been so focused on dealing with IT, that we have forgotten how big our God is? It is not IT that matters, but God that matters. The cross was not the end. IT is not the end, but a passage to a better place. There are seven last statements of Christ from the cross noted in scripture. These statements are an illustration of how to live through the worst of times. Here is how to make it through IT and see a better day: The first and last words uttered from the cross was Father. This reminds us how important it is to stay focused on God when going through difficult times. He said Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.. Forgiveness is a struggle for all of us. Not having forgiveness will make us bitter. Bitterness is a dangerous thing to let take root. The only way to live through troubling times is to maintain a forgiving spirit. They offered him the wine mixed with gall, he refused it, but He accepted the vinegar. He swallowed the bitterness. Scientists have found that vinegar has some health benefits. Jesus shows us that sometimes the things that are good for us are bitter. He cried out to God. He as God in flesh and by crying out as He did, he shows us that when dealing with IT, it is okay to be human. But just because the humanity shows through, does not mean that our humanity wins. It is okay to be vulnerable before the Lord. It is not a sign of weakness to cry out to God. Jesus spoke to the men crucified on either side of Him. Jesus remembered that there were others suffering, not just Him. If we look around, we will find that others are dealing with their own IT and if we turn our attention to helping them, we will be better able to deal with our own IT. The bible tells us that it was dark from noon until 3 PM. Darkness is frightening. Three hours is a long time to be in the dark. But God put a limit on the darkness. No storm lasts forever. The sun will come up. There will be an end to IT. IT will not last forever. Jesus’ entire life was an example to us on how to live. Even in the final moments of His life, He demonstrates to us how to live through even the worst in life. He shows the key to finishing IT; not letting IT finish us. The words “It is finished” was a declaration of victory. He didn’t quit or give up, He finished. We should want it to be said of us that we are a finisher, not someone who is finished. We must all learn to live through and beyond IT. We will all ex… Mark Hughes 4040 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21160375/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_finishingitnotlettingitfinishy/id/3073975.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21160375 Scripture: John 19:30-19 Sun, 29 Apr 2018 19:22:11 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is a description of a healing that Jesus did on the sabbath. It is one of seven such healings depicted in scripture. As in most of these healings, we do not know the name of the person receiving the miracle. We are introduced to this man simply as the man with the withered hand. This anaomity perhaps indicates to us that the person described could have been any one of us. We do not know how the hand became withered. We know from Mark’s writing of this same story, that this condition was not with him from birth. Luke tells us that it was his right hand. This is significant because in the culture at the time, the right hand was required to shake hands and enter into a contract. The word chosen to describe this man's hand was withered. It comes from a word that means a loss of blood flow; a drying up and wasting away over a period of time. This was not a sudden disaster. He learned to adapt and deal with his loss of function over a period of time. He got used to living that way. That happens to a lot of people. They get used to something and they come to believe that is just the way life is. Some bible scholars have suggested that this man couldn’t work. There is no indication in scripture about this. Likely he could work, but he was not as productive as he once was. He surely had learned to make up with his left hand for that which he could not do with ihs right. The withered hand had not stopped life, but it limited his potential. In spite of his limitations, he continued to live life as normally as he could; Including that he continued to come to the house of God. It did not affect his whole life, only a part. Even with his incapacity, God wanted him to be whole. Many of Jesus’ miracles made people whole. It is not the will of God for us to live at some lesser level and simply get by. He wants us to experience the fullness of His joy. It really doesn’t matter what has happened to us. As painful or uncomfortable as it may have been, God has so much more for us. God can make us whole and put back to a place of usefulness. It is likely not our hand that is withered today. It is probably a wounded spirit. Jesus dealt with more than a withered hand that day. He dealt with men whose hearts had become withered. Withered hearts can come from life’s twists, turns and hurts. God wants to heal those withered hearts too. Maybe it is not our heart that is withered, but our faith. Unanswered prayers. Betrayal. Loss of trust. These things can erode a faith that was once strong. God wants us to trust Him again. Even when we don’t have the strength to stand on our own, God’s hand will hold us up. There is something that God wants to do for us that will totally change the rest of our life. This man did not approach Jesus looking for healing. Jesus called that man out that day knowing what his problem was. The original text indicates that the man was hiding in the back. He may have even been asleep. Jesus called him out to restore his life. God wants to heal a part of our life that has been shriveled up for a long time. What has happened is not as important as what can happen. Our text is a description of a healing that Jesus did on the sabbath. It is one of seven such healings depicted in scripture. As in most of these healings, we do not know the name of the person receiving the miracle. We are introduced to this man simply as the man with the withered hand. This anaomity perhaps indicates to us that the person described could have been any one of us. We do not know how the hand became withered. We know from Mark’s writing of this same story, that this condition was not with him from birth. Luke tells us that it was his right hand. This is significant because in the culture at the time, the right hand was required to shake hands and enter into a contract. The word chosen to describe this man's hand was withered. It comes from a word that means a loss of blood flow; a drying up and wasting away over a period of time. This was not a sudden disaster. He learned to adapt and deal with his loss of function over a period of time. He got used to living that way. That happens to a lot of people. They get used to something and they come to believe that is just the way life is. Some bible scholars have suggested that this man couldn’t work. There is no indication in scripture about this. Likely he could work, but he was not as productive as he once was. He surely had learned to make up with his left hand for that which he could not do with ihs right. The withered hand had not stopped life, but it limited his potential. In spite of his limitations, he continued to live life as normally as he could; Including that he continued to come to the house of God. It did not affect his whole life, only a part. Even with his incapacity, God wanted him to be whole. Many of Jesus’ miracles made people whole. It is not the will of God for us to live at some lesser level and simply get by. He wants us to experience the fullness of His joy. It really doesn’t matter what has happened to us. As painful or uncomfortable as it may have been, God has so much more for us. God can make us whole and put back to a place of usefulness. It is likely not our hand that is withered today. It is probably a wounded spirit. Jesus dealt with more than a withered hand that day. He dealt with men whose hearts had become withered. Withered hearts can come from life’s twists, turns and hurts. God wants to heal those withered hearts too. Maybe it is not our heart that is withered, but our faith. Unanswered prayers. Betrayal. Loss of trust. These things can erode a faith that was once strong. God wants us to trust Him again. Even when we don’t have the strength to stand on our own, God’s hand will hold us up. There is something that God wants to do for us that will totally change the rest of our life. This man did not approach Jesus looking for healing. Jesus called that man out that day knowing what his problem was. The original text indicates that the man was hiding in the back. He may have even been asleep. Jesus called him out to restore his life. God wants to heal a part of our life that has been shriveled up for a long time. What has happened is not as important as what can happen. Our text is a description of a healing that Jesus did on the sabbath. It is one of seven such healings depicted in scripture. As in most of these healings, we do not know the name of the person receiving the miracle. We are introduced to this man si… Mark Hughes 2236 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21158270/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whathashappenedisnotasimportan/id/3071838.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21158270 Scripture: Luke 6:6-6:10 Thu, 26 Apr 2018 03:01:41 +0000 Mark Hughes It is far too easy to get used to living with disfunction. We become accustomed to the stain in the carpet or the leaky faucet. We have a way of filtering things out. It is said that people who live near the train tracks, do not hear the sound of the train going by. We are geared to becoming desensitised to things. Spiritually we can experience the same thing. We can become so used to things being as they are. Because of this, we should look at our lives and the things we are doing and ask the question: Is this pleasing to God? We should remind ourselves of things that are priorities to Him. The temple that Jesus walked into in our text was quite dysfunctional It had drifted so far away from what was intended for the temple, that it was unrecognizable. The temple experience had moved from a sacrificial exercise, but one that was simply matter of convenience. There was still animal sacrifices taking place, but the temple had become a marketplace that did not require much effort on those who came to worship. Just as then, God is still concerned about what goes on under the banner of His name. When Jesus stepped into the temple that day, He did so with the intent of putting things back into their proper order. When we read our text, there are four things that Jesus did to put the house back in order and set the environment for the spiritual experience that should be present in the house of God. First Jesus purified the temple. He purged it of all the things that he considered irrelevant to what should be there. Second He reestablished the purpose for the Temple: My house will be a house or prayer. They were wrong sounds coming from the church. In place of the hawkers trying to sell livestock, there should have been the sound of prayer. Third Jesus demonstrated power by performing miracles by healing people. Finaly, once the temple had been purified, prayers had gone up and God’s power had been released, praise began to erupt from that place. We believe that praise is the beginning, but the truth is that it is opposite of that. When we have cleansed our heart, prayed and submitted to the Power of god, then Praise will be spontaneous. There in this text, are the marks of a healthy church: Purify, Prayer, Power, Praise When these things are present, there will be A Church That Pleases God It is far too easy to get used to living with disfunction. We become accustomed to the stain in the carpet or the leaky faucet. We have a way of filtering things out. It is said that people who live near the train tracks, do not hear the sound of the train going by. We are geared to becoming desensitised to things. Spiritually we can experience the same thing. We can become so used to things being as they are. Because of this, we should look at our lives and the things we are doing and ask the question: Is this pleasing to God? We should remind ourselves of things that are priorities to Him. The temple that Jesus walked into in our text was quite dysfunctional It had drifted so far away from what was intended for the temple, that it was unrecognizable. The temple experience had moved from a sacrificial exercise, but one that was simply matter of convenience. There was still animal sacrifices taking place, but the temple had become a marketplace that did not require much effort on those who came to worship. Just as then, God is still concerned about what goes on under the banner of His name. When Jesus stepped into the temple that day, He did so with the intent of putting things back into their proper order. When we read our text, there are four things that Jesus did to put the house back in order and set the environment for the spiritual experience that should be present in the house of God. First Jesus purified the temple. He purged it of all the things that he considered irrelevant to what should be there. Second He reestablished the purpose for the Temple: My house will be a house or prayer. They were wrong sounds coming from the church. In place of the hawkers trying to sell livestock, there should have been the sound of prayer. Third Jesus demonstrated power by performing miracles by healing people. Finaly, once the temple had been purified, prayers had gone up and God’s power had been released, praise began to erupt from that place. We believe that praise is the beginning, but the truth is that it is opposite of that. When we have cleansed our heart, prayed and submitted to the Power of god, then Praise will be spontaneous. There in this text, are the marks of a healthy church: Purify, Prayer, Power, Praise When these things are present, there will be A Church That Pleases God It is far too easy to get used to living with disfunction. We become accustomed to the stain in the carpet or the leaky faucet. We have a way of filtering things out. It is said that people who live near the train tracks, do not hear the sound of th… Mark Hughes 3423 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21156290/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_achurchthatpleasesgod/id/3070085.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21156290 Scripture: Matthew 21:12-21:16 Mon, 23 Apr 2018 03:20:17 +0000 Mark Hughes Bro and Sis Hughes have just returned from a trip to eastern Europe. They saw many of beautiful basilicas, abbeys and cathedrals. Europe was once the birthplace of the renaissance and a return to Christianity. Now, sadly, very few people attend service and mass. There is a lot of talk of history and Christianity and buildings, but these many beautiful buildings that dot the landscape are now but tourist attractions. How did the birthplace of the great awakening fall back into such a great darkness? Is it possible to lose the true meaning of what we are here for, and not even realize that it is lost? When we put more emphasis on the structure than the soul, it is an indicator of a large problem. There was Saint this and Saint that mentioned in the many tours of these magnificent buildings, but there was no mention of Jesus. We cannot ever take for granted the moves of God in our services. We cannot get so caught up in the music and the programs that we lose sight of the reason for the songs and the programs. No matter how much talent we may have, our talent cannot not replace a sovereign move of God. Europe has become a society that lives in the past. We cannot become a church that lives in our past. Our best days are not behind us. He can still do greater things and that is what He promised. We will not be saved by what was, we will be saved by what is! We cannot live on yesterday’s blessing, we need present miracles. Bro. Hughes saw buildings that would hold 10,000 that had a weekly attendance of about 100. What happened? They allowed things to become more important than Jesus. All the buildings, technology, talent and programs are no replacement for Jesus. Don’t let the fire go out. Bro and Sis Hughes have just returned from a trip to eastern Europe. They saw many of beautiful basilicas, abbeys and cathedrals. Europe was once the birthplace of the renaissance and a return to Christianity. Now, sadly, very few people attend service and mass. There is a lot of talk of history and Christianity and buildings, but these many beautiful buildings that dot the landscape are now but tourist attractions. How did the birthplace of the great awakening fall back into such a great darkness? Is it possible to lose the true meaning of what we are here for, and not even realize that it is lost? When we put more emphasis on the structure than the soul, it is an indicator of a large problem. There was Saint this and Saint that mentioned in the many tours of these magnificent buildings, but there was no mention of Jesus. We cannot ever take for granted the moves of God in our services. We cannot get so caught up in the music and the programs that we lose sight of the reason for the songs and the programs. No matter how much talent we may have, our talent cannot not replace a sovereign move of God. Europe has become a society that lives in the past. We cannot become a church that lives in our past. Our best days are not behind us. He can still do greater things and that is what He promised. We will not be saved by what was, we will be saved by what is! We cannot live on yesterday’s blessing, we need present miracles. Bro. Hughes saw buildings that would hold 10,000 that had a weekly attendance of about 100. What happened? They allowed things to become more important than Jesus. All the buildings, technology, talent and programs are no replacement for Jesus. Don’t let the fire go out. Bro and Sis Hughes have just returned from a trip to eastern Europe. They saw many of beautiful basilicas, abbeys and cathedrals. Europe was once the birthplace of the renaissance and a return to Christianity. Now, sadly, very few people attend serv… Mark Hughes 2031 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21154241/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dontletthefiregoout/id/3068303.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21154241 Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-5:24, Romans 12:9-12:18 Sun, 22 Apr 2018 19:02:05 +0000 Mark Hughes Pearl Fryar http://www.pearlfryar.com/ was born in Clinton, North Carolina, to a sharecropper family. He worked as an engineer at a can factory in Bishopville, South Carolina until his retirement in 2006. Around 1988, he began trimming the evergreen plants around his yard into unusual shapes. In addition to the boxwood and yew found there originally, he began transplanting holly, fir, loblolly pine and other plants as they became available. His living sculptures are astounding feats of artistry and horticulture. Pearl Fryar and his garden are now internationally recognized and have been the subject of numerous newspaper and magazine articles, television shows, and even a documentary. Even more incredible than what he created, is the story of its beginnings. Many of the plants in Pearl’s garden were rescued from the compost pile at local nurseries. With Pearl’s patience and skilled hands, these “throw aways” have thrived and have been transformed into wonderful abstract shapes. When he began working, the “experts” told him that he couldn’t do what he was trying to do with what he had. Ignoring the advice of these experts, he followed his dream. He said that he was determined to not let obstacles get in the way of what he was trying to do. In our text, we are told the story of a gardener who worked for a landowner. One of the plants under his care, was a fig tree that was not bearing fruit. The owner came by expecting a return on his investment. Seeing no evidence that this fig tree was producing, he ordered the gardener to cut the tree down. However the gardner pleads for one more year. The owner had no idea that fig trees took at least three years to bear fruit, but the gardner knew. The gardner knew this and was unwilling to give up on the tree so that it could reach its potential. Sitting in this congregation today are people who are not living up to our potential. Thank God for someone who is tending to us who is not willing to give up on us. Some would want to cut the unproductive trees down and cast them to the trash heap. God knows our potential and continues to work on us until He can get out of us what He knows is inside us. Some have written themselves off just like that land owner wrote off that fig tree. God doesn’t look at us like that. God’s love, compassion and mercy overcomes all of that and saw something better than we or others see. Thank God for the Value of Someone Who Cares. Pearl Fryar http://www.pearlfryar.com/ was born in Clinton, North Carolina, to a sharecropper family. He worked as an engineer at a can factory in Bishopville, South Carolina until his retirement in 2006. Around 1988, he began trimming the evergreen plants around his yard into unusual shapes. In addition to the boxwood and yew found there originally, he began transplanting holly, fir, loblolly pine and other plants as they became available. His living sculptures are astounding feats of artistry and horticulture. Pearl Fryar and his garden are now internationally recognized and have been the subject of numerous newspaper and magazine articles, television shows, and even a documentary. Even more incredible than what he created, is the story of its beginnings. Many of the plants in Pearl’s garden were rescued from the compost pile at local nurseries. With Pearl’s patience and skilled hands, these “throw aways” have thrived and have been transformed into wonderful abstract shapes. When he began working, the “experts” told him that he couldn’t do what he was trying to do with what he had. Ignoring the advice of these experts, he followed his dream. He said that he was determined to not let obstacles get in the way of what he was trying to do. In our text, we are told the story of a gardener who worked for a landowner. One of the plants under his care, was a fig tree that was not bearing fruit. The owner came by expecting a return on his investment. Seeing no evidence that this fig tree was producing, he ordered the gardener to cut the tree down. However the gardner pleads for one more year. The owner had no idea that fig trees took at least three years to bear fruit, but the gardner knew. The gardner knew this and was unwilling to give up on the tree so that it could reach its potential. Sitting in this congregation today are people who are not living up to our potential. Thank God for someone who is tending to us who is not willing to give up on us. Some would want to cut the unproductive trees down and cast them to the trash heap. God knows our potential and continues to work on us until He can get out of us what He knows is inside us. Some have written themselves off just like that land owner wrote off that fig tree. God doesn’t look at us like that. God’s love, compassion and mercy overcomes all of that and saw something better than we or others see. Thank God for the Value of Someone Who Cares. Pearl Fryar http://www.pearlfryar.com/ was born in Clinton, North Carolina, to a sharecropper family. He worked as an engineer at a can factory in Bishopville, South Carolina until his retirement in 2006. Around 1988, he began trimming the evergreen… Mark Hughes 1992 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21153590/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thevalueofonewhocares/id/3067637.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21153590 Scripture: Luke 13:6-13:9 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 03:11:30 +0000 Landon Long Attitude is a settled way of thinking. Often when we say the word attitude, we attach a negative connotation. Attitude is not always a bad thing. It is simply a way of thinking or feeling. We express our attitude through what we do and how we react to things. There is a huge correlation between attitude and success. It is often very difficult to change our attitude. Note that the definition of attitude includes that it is a settled way of thinking. There is a work that has to be done to keep our attitude positive. The world and life will challenge our attitude daily. It is better to maintain a good attitude than to regain one. Some things in life are beyond our control. While we cannot control the things that happen to us, we can control our attitude about those things. Our attitude about these areas that we cannot control will be the difference maker. Sports teams know that keeping a positive attitude toward the game is critical to winning. When the children of Israel, became disgruntled and complained about their situation, they displeased God and ultimately were denied entry to the promised land. Except for Caleb. Caleb went to scout out the land and brought back a good report. Caleb’s attitude was good in the face of all the others who were grumbling and murmuring in their tents. The other men saw defeat, but Caleb saw a land that was just as God had promised. We can easily see how important an attitude is in living for God. The bible is full of stories of people with horrible circumstances, but their attitude in the face of those circumstances remained good. It was the attitude of Abraham, Joseph and David and many others that made the difference. Mary and Martha were both trying to serve Jesus, but they had different attitudes about what they were doing. One had a vision of the big picture, and her attitude was much better. Our attitude about the work being done for God is more important than what we are doing. We have to do what we are doing for God with the right attitude. Are we just doing job, or are we seeing the bigger picture and participating in the much larger work of building God’s kingdom? In Genesis 4, Cain presented some of his crop to the Lord. The command was to make offering to the Lord. Abel also brought a gift; the best portions of the first born of his flocks. God accepted Abel and his gift, but He did not accept Cain or his gift. Both presented gifts, but it was the attitude with which they were presented. Because of the difference in their hearts, one was rejected. The difference was their attitude. When St. Paul’s cathedral in London was being built, the architect talked with some of the workers and noted a marked difference in their answer to the question “What are you doing?” Some replied, “I am laying bricks” Others who had a better attitude replied “I am building a beautiful cathedral” THe latter group had a sense of being part of something larger than themselves. They were in deed laying bricks, but the second group had the attitude that they were creating something while the first group was simply performing task. How are we living for God. Are we just going through the motions? Are we simply responding out of habit? Is our offering to God more like Cain’s or Able’s. Are we simply laying bricks, or are we building a cathedral? Attitude is a settled way of thinking. Often when we say the word attitude, we attach a negative connotation. Attitude is not always a bad thing. It is simply a way of thinking or feeling. We express our attitude through what we do and how we react to things. There is a huge correlation between attitude and success. It is often very difficult to change our attitude. Note that the definition of attitude includes that it is a settled way of thinking. There is a work that has to be done to keep our attitude positive. The world and life will challenge our attitude daily. It is better to maintain a good attitude than to regain one. Some things in life are beyond our control. While we cannot control the things that happen to us, we can control our attitude about those things. Our attitude about these areas that we cannot control will be the difference maker. Sports teams know that keeping a positive attitude toward the game is critical to winning. When the children of Israel, became disgruntled and complained about their situation, they displeased God and ultimately were denied entry to the promised land. Except for Caleb. Caleb went to scout out the land and brought back a good report. Caleb’s attitude was good in the face of all the others who were grumbling and murmuring in their tents. The other men saw defeat, but Caleb saw a land that was just as God had promised. We can easily see how important an attitude is in living for God. The bible is full of stories of people with horrible circumstances, but their attitude in the face of those circumstances remained good. It was the attitude of Abraham, Joseph and David and many others that made the difference. Mary and Martha were both trying to serve Jesus, but they had different attitudes about what they were doing. One had a vision of the big picture, and her attitude was much better. Our attitude about the work being done for God is more important than what we are doing. We have to do what we are doing for God with the right attitude. Are we just doing job, or are we seeing the bigger picture and participating in the much larger work of building God’s kingdom? In Genesis 4, Cain presented some of his crop to the Lord. The command was to make offering to the Lord. Abel also brought a gift; the best portions of the first born of his flocks. God accepted Abel and his gift, but He did not accept Cain or his gift. Both presented gifts, but it was the attitude with which they were presented. Because of the difference in their hearts, one was rejected. The difference was their attitude. When St. Paul’s cathedral in London was being built, the architect talked with some of the workers and noted a marked difference in their answer to the question “What are you doing?” Some replied, “I am laying bricks” Others who had a better attitude replied “I am building a beautiful cathedral” THe latter group had a sense of being part of something larger than themselves. They were in deed laying bricks, but the second group had the attitude that they were creating something while the first group was simply performing task. How are we living for God. Are we just going through the motions? Are we simply responding out of habit? Is our offering to God more like Cain’s or Able’s. Are we simply laying bricks, or are we building a cathedral? Attitude is a settled way of thinking. Often when we say the word attitude, we attach a negative connotation. Attitude is not always a bad thing. It is simply a way of thinking or feeling. We express our attitude through what we do and how we react t… Landon Long 2721 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21151642/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_layingbricksorbuildingcathedra/id/3065956.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21151642 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:31-10, Colossians 3:17-3 Mon, 16 Apr 2018 03:46:15 +0000 Nate Lawrence Our text talks about righteousness. If we read closely, we see that righteousness is expressed with our mouth. God spoke the world into existence and then spoke to divide day from night. We are made in God’s image, so what we speak begins to define our life. When we speak negatively, we will see negatively in our life. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that the power of life and death is in the tongue. The words we speak have power. We make the mistake of worrying about the questions in life but God already has the answer to those questions. That is why we need to pray “not my will, but YOUR will be done.” On the shore of the Red Sea, Moses was already singing about victory as the Egyptian army was closing in on them, and the children of Israel were asking why they had been brought out there to die. Moses didn’t listen to the negative talk, but was speaking to the victory that was on the way. There is nothing too hard for God to do. We have to speak it into existence. What does your mouth say? Our text talks about righteousness. If we read closely, we see that righteousness is expressed with our mouth. God spoke the world into existence and then spoke to divide day from night. We are made in God’s image, so what we speak begins to define our life. When we speak negatively, we will see negatively in our life. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that the power of life and death is in the tongue. The words we speak have power. We make the mistake of worrying about the questions in life but God already has the answer to those questions. That is why we need to pray “not my will, but YOUR will be done.” On the shore of the Red Sea, Moses was already singing about victory as the Egyptian army was closing in on them, and the children of Israel were asking why they had been brought out there to die. Moses didn’t listen to the negative talk, but was speaking to the victory that was on the way. There is nothing too hard for God to do. We have to speak it into existence. What does your mouth say? Our text talks about righteousness. If we read closely, we see that righteousness is expressed with our mouth. God spoke the world into existence and then spoke to divide day from night. We are made in God’s image, so what we speak begins to define… Nate Lawrence 2761 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21149835/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatdoesyourmouthsay/id/3064231.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21149835 Scripture: Romans 10:3-10:11, Proverbs 18:21 Sun, 15 Apr 2018 19:36:52 +0000 Landon Long In the movies, we see the actors performing their roles. At the end of the film, we see many more names in the credits. The list of people behind the scenes that make the whole production possible is many more than the few actors that we see in the spotlight. The actors get the accolades and the praise, but without the sound men, the electricians, the costumers and all the grips and set builders, the production would not be able to be done. Our spiritual life is similar. We feel the presence of God. We feel His presence and observe the prayers answered, and the blessings in our life. We are and should be be thankful for all these things, but know that our relationship with God is influenced by many unseen factors. We have to open our eyes and realize that there is more going on than we realize when we enter into the presence of God. It is easy to worship when we see the victory happening. It is easy to believe when we see it unfolding before our eyes. But what about the things that are happening in the spirit that we cannot see? If we could see these things, we would leave feeling differently about the unknown things in our life. When the doctor gives us a bad report, we can see that, but there is something working in the spirit realm that we cannot see that God is doing for us. God knows our struggles and our adversities, and is preparing a way for us to make it through those. Even when we cannot see it, God is working. He is working when all is going well, and He is working when things are not going well. He is working or our good. Even when we don’t see it, God is working. When we go to the grocery store, we find the shelves stocked to replace things that were bought yesterday. There are people behind the scenes who replace items overnight so that it is available for us when we get there. There are people and things that God has in place that we may never see that are working in our situation. In our text, the king of Syria sent men to capture the prophet Elisha. Many men and chariots went at night and surrounded Elisha and his servent. The next morning, the servant could only see the trouble that they were in. The prophet asks God to open this servant's eyes to the people behind the scenes. God opened his eyes and he was able to see in the spirit all the men and horses on the mountainside ready to come to their aid. God is always working for us. Thank God for the work behind the scenes. In the movies, we see the actors performing their roles. At the end of the film, we see many more names in the credits. The list of people behind the scenes that make the whole production possible is many more than the few actors that we see in the spotlight. The actors get the accolades and the praise, but without the sound men, the electricians, the costumers and all the grips and set builders, the production would not be able to be done. Our spiritual life is similar. We feel the presence of God. We feel His presence and observe the prayers answered, and the blessings in our life. We are and should be be thankful for all these things, but know that our relationship with God is influenced by many unseen factors. We have to open our eyes and realize that there is more going on than we realize when we enter into the presence of God. It is easy to worship when we see the victory happening. It is easy to believe when we see it unfolding before our eyes. But what about the things that are happening in the spirit that we cannot see? If we could see these things, we would leave feeling differently about the unknown things in our life. When the doctor gives us a bad report, we can see that, but there is something working in the spirit realm that we cannot see that God is doing for us. God knows our struggles and our adversities, and is preparing a way for us to make it through those. Even when we cannot see it, God is working. He is working when all is going well, and He is working when things are not going well. He is working or our good. Even when we don’t see it, God is working. When we go to the grocery store, we find the shelves stocked to replace things that were bought yesterday. There are people behind the scenes who replace items overnight so that it is available for us when we get there. There are people and things that God has in place that we may never see that are working in our situation. In our text, the king of Syria sent men to capture the prophet Elisha. Many men and chariots went at night and surrounded Elisha and his servent. The next morning, the servant could only see the trouble that they were in. The prophet asks God to open this servant's eyes to the people behind the scenes. God opened his eyes and he was able to see in the spirit all the men and horses on the mountainside ready to come to their aid. God is always working for us. Thank God for the work behind the scenes. In the movies, we see the actors performing their roles. At the end of the film, we see many more names in the credits. The list of people behind the scenes that make the whole production possible is many more than the few actors that we see in the s… Landon Long 2385 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21149265/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theworkbehindthescenes/id/3063621.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21149265 Scripture: 2 Kings 6:13-6:17 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 03:08:08 +0000 Kenneth Baker Out text tonight was spoken in the upper room on the day of Pentecost. Peter was overcome by the Holy Spirit and preached this simple message after having sinned and denying even knowing Christ. Despite that, by living the very words he was speaking, God enabled Peter to launch a ministry of teaching that would change the world.. It is a simple set of instructions on how to change a life. This is the introduction to the new covenant. It is the only way to enter the kingdom of heaven. Many do not feel that they are called to teach. However, each of us can teach the gospel message in our own way. Not only can we, were are commanded to go and teach the world. Not everyone can preach. Not everyone can hold bible studies. Not everyone can go on the mission field. We can all however teach and minister to those around us in our daily lives. We need teachers. We have to have burden for teaching. Out text tonight was spoken in the upper room on the day of Pentecost. Peter was overcome by the Holy Spirit and preached this simple message after having sinned and denying even knowing Christ. Despite that, by living the very words he was speaking, God enabled Peter to launch a ministry of teaching that would change the world.. It is a simple set of instructions on how to change a life. This is the introduction to the new covenant. It is the only way to enter the kingdom of heaven. Many do not feel that they are called to teach. However, each of us can teach the gospel message in our own way. Not only can we, were are commanded to go and teach the world. Not everyone can preach. Not everyone can hold bible studies. Not everyone can go on the mission field. We can all however teach and minister to those around us in our daily lives. We need teachers. We have to have burden for teaching. Out text tonight was spoken in the upper room on the day of Pentecost. Peter was overcome by the Holy Spirit and preached this simple message after having sinned and denying even knowing Christ. Despite that, by living the very words he was speaking,… Kenneth Baker 2812 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21147336/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_abetterway/id/3061835.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21147336 A Better Way Mon, 09 Apr 2018 02:43:50 +0000 Mark Hughes These few short verses are the keys to understanding God’s purpose on the earth. Jesus’ words that day released a promise that exists even now. He declared that He was not there by accident, but was commissioned to be there. It was no accident that He was in the synagogue that day and no accident that he read from the prophecy of Isaiah. He declared that day that the Gospel that He had been sent to deliver would be the great unifier of humanity. One part of this text that is often overlooked is the last part. In the law handed down from God to Moses, there was the concept of the jubilee. Every 50 years, debts would be forgiven, property would be returned and those sold into slavery would be set free. Jesus saying that he had come at that time to “preach the acceptable year of the Lord” is a reference to the Jubilee. The words used do not indicate an end. We live in a time when we can be forgiven our debts. We can be restored to wholeness if we will but ask. We need to live in it; this is the hour of Jubilee. If we can just wake up and realize that we are surrounded by the forgiving power of God’s love. Too often we limit God with our prayers. We pray as if we are asking God for too much. We ask for God’s blessing as if we are going to cost Him too much. Our God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, He owns the hills and all the gold and precious metals in those hills. How much have we missed because we underestimated how much our God can do? This realization is something that should change the way we worship and have church. We must worship with an expectation. This is an hour of healing, of restoration and release. We need to start thinking differently. These few short verses are the keys to understanding God’s purpose on the earth. Jesus’ words that day released a promise that exists even now. He declared that He was not there by accident, but was commissioned to be there. It was no accident that He was in the synagogue that day and no accident that he read from the prophecy of Isaiah. He declared that day that the Gospel that He had been sent to deliver would be the great unifier of humanity. One part of this text that is often overlooked is the last part. In the law handed down from God to Moses, there was the concept of the jubilee. Every 50 years, debts would be forgiven, property would be returned and those sold into slavery would be set free. Jesus saying that he had come at that time to “preach the acceptable year of the Lord” is a reference to the Jubilee. The words used do not indicate an end. We live in a time when we can be forgiven our debts. We can be restored to wholeness if we will but ask. We need to live in it; this is the hour of Jubilee. If we can just wake up and realize that we are surrounded by the forgiving power of God’s love. Too often we limit God with our prayers. We pray as if we are asking God for too much. We ask for God’s blessing as if we are going to cost Him too much. Our God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, He owns the hills and all the gold and precious metals in those hills. How much have we missed because we underestimated how much our God can do? This realization is something that should change the way we worship and have church. We must worship with an expectation. This is an hour of healing, of restoration and release. We need to start thinking differently. These few short verses are the keys to understanding God’s purpose on the earth. Jesus’ words that day released a promise that exists even now. He declared that He was not there by accident, but was commissioned to be there. It was no accident that … Mark Hughes 3129 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21145353/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itistheseasonofrestoration/id/3059839.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21145353 Scripture: Luke 4:16-4:21 Sun, 08 Apr 2018 19:13:32 +0000 Mark Hughes Last Sunday we discussed the Resurrection Effect. The result of Jesus’ life, ministry, death and resurrection has had a profound effect on the world. The question this week, is what are we doing with the gift that has been given to us? Are we living a life that takes full advantage of the gift of salvation that God has given us? Do we recognize it in our lives? Are we taking hold of the present opportunity that God presents us through His grace? Don’t miss what God is prepared for us now and today. God has offered the opportunity, it is up to us to actively take hold of it. Whatever we are lacking, there is provided to us the opportunity to receive a direction from God Himself. Because of the price that He paid, we have direct access to God. In our text, Paul reaches back to an old testament prophecy and declares that today is the day to lay hold of that promise. God is not bound by time, so the promise He made then, is still true now and will be true tomorrow. Paul’s declaration of today being the day, is as valid right now as it was then. What are we doing with what God has provided? God’s grace gives us every chance and opportunity that we need to succeed. There is no excuse for us to live a life barely getting by. God’s provision is greater than our condition. When we fail to lay hold to that, we are frustrating God’s grace. Some might ask “suppose I fail?” The answer is that with God it does not matter how many times we fall down, but now many times we get backup. If we fail will be because we could not, or that we would not? We cannot come to the end of our life and wonder if we missed an opportunity. Are we enjoying the full benefit of what He purchased on resurrection morning? Are you experiencing the Salvation Effect? Last Sunday we discussed the Resurrection Effect. The result of Jesus’ life, ministry, death and resurrection has had a profound effect on the world. The question this week, is what are we doing with the gift that has been given to us? Are we living a life that takes full advantage of the gift of salvation that God has given us? Do we recognize it in our lives? Are we taking hold of the present opportunity that God presents us through His grace? Don’t miss what God is prepared for us now and today. God has offered the opportunity, it is up to us to actively take hold of it. Whatever we are lacking, there is provided to us the opportunity to receive a direction from God Himself. Because of the price that He paid, we have direct access to God. In our text, Paul reaches back to an old testament prophecy and declares that today is the day to lay hold of that promise. God is not bound by time, so the promise He made then, is still true now and will be true tomorrow. Paul’s declaration of today being the day, is as valid right now as it was then. What are we doing with what God has provided? God’s grace gives us every chance and opportunity that we need to succeed. There is no excuse for us to live a life barely getting by. God’s provision is greater than our condition. When we fail to lay hold to that, we are frustrating God’s grace. Some might ask “suppose I fail?” The answer is that with God it does not matter how many times we fall down, but now many times we get backup. If we fail will be because we could not, or that we would not? We cannot come to the end of our life and wonder if we missed an opportunity. Are we enjoying the full benefit of what He purchased on resurrection morning? Are you experiencing the Salvation Effect? Last Sunday we discussed the Resurrection Effect. The result of Jesus’ life, ministry, death and resurrection has had a profound effect on the world. The question this week, is what are we doing with the gift that has been given to us? Are we living… Mark Hughes 2268 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21144626/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thesalvationeffect/id/3059151.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21144626 Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:1-6:2, Hebrews 3:7-3:15 Thu, 05 Apr 2018 02:30:25 +0000 Kenneth Baker Last week we learned several things from the life of our savior about how to live under pressure. None of us live a life without some pressure. Most of it unwanted and some of it unwarranted, but nonetheless, we will all experience it. The pressure we experience is part of building our character. Jesus’ life, especially at the end, was fraught with pressure. He showed us how to live when things happen that out of our control but that are part of our destiny. The principles that we live by are the principles that keep us when we live under pressure. Last week, Bro. Hughes drew several principles from Jesus’ life to illustrate how to live under pressure. Jesus moved with purpose, not by problems. During pressure that is beyond what any of us could imagine, Jesus prayed. Jesus commanded infinite power, but He chose not to use that power to free him from the situation. As he willingly walked toward His destiny, He sang a song of praise. This week, Bro. Hughes continues his study with more observations from our text. We have to stay focused in the present, not distracted by the present. No matter what is happening, we cannot let it divert us from the purpose God has for our life. Distractions are all around us. That is what gets all of us in trouble. Everything in our world is trying to make our lives as dysfunctional as the rest of the world. Pressure is painful. There is no way for God to extract the pain from life. Pain is an indication of the healing process. If we don’t hurt, there is no way of knowing that we are healing. It is important when under pressure, to maintain an attitude of forgiveness. When we are under pressure, there are hurts and offenses that will come. Most of the time, those committing the offense will not even know they are hurting us. It is important to maintain an attitude of forgiveness. When under pressure and stress, we have to remain sensitive and not be hardened by the things that are against us. Finally Jesus taught us to live by faith and not by fear. Fear cannot decide our peace or our future. How many mistakes do we make because we are reacting to life, rather than walking by faith. Life will try to frighten us and under pressure it is easy to lose sight of our destiny. But if we look to the life of Jesus and especially the last weeks of HIs life, we find a shining example of how to live when living under pressure. Last week we learned several things from the life of our savior about how to live under pressure. None of us live a life without some pressure. Most of it unwanted and some of it unwarranted, but nonetheless, we will all experience it. The pressure we experience is part of building our character. Jesus’ life, especially at the end, was fraught with pressure. He showed us how to live when things happen that out of our control but that are part of our destiny. The principles that we live by are the principles that keep us when we live under pressure. Last week, Bro. Hughes drew several principles from Jesus’ life to illustrate how to live under pressure. Jesus moved with purpose, not by problems. During pressure that is beyond what any of us could imagine, Jesus prayed. Jesus commanded infinite power, but He chose not to use that power to free him from the situation. As he willingly walked toward His destiny, He sang a song of praise. This week, Bro. Hughes continues his study with more observations from our text. We have to stay focused in the present, not distracted by the present. No matter what is happening, we cannot let it divert us from the purpose God has for our life. Distractions are all around us. That is what gets all of us in trouble. Everything in our world is trying to make our lives as dysfunctional as the rest of the world. Pressure is painful. There is no way for God to extract the pain from life. Pain is an indication of the healing process. If we don’t hurt, there is no way of knowing that we are healing. It is important when under pressure, to maintain an attitude of forgiveness. When we are under pressure, there are hurts and offenses that will come. Most of the time, those committing the offense will not even know they are hurting us. It is important to maintain an attitude of forgiveness. When under pressure and stress, we have to remain sensitive and not be hardened by the things that are against us. Finally Jesus taught us to live by faith and not by fear. Fear cannot decide our peace or our future. How many mistakes do we make because we are reacting to life, rather than walking by faith. Life will try to frighten us and under pressure it is easy to lose sight of our destiny. But if we look to the life of Jesus and especially the last weeks of HIs life, we find a shining example of how to live when living under pressure. Last week we learned several things from the life of our savior about how to live under pressure. None of us live a life without some pressure. Most of it unwanted and some of it unwarranted, but nonetheless, we will all experience it. The pressure … Kenneth Baker 2844 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21142438/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_principlesforlivingunderpressu/id/3057330.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21142438 Principles For Living Under Pressure (2) Sun, 01 Apr 2018 18:26:49 +0000 Mark Hughes The butterfly effect is a mathematical weather theory that can be best described as a small change can have a huge effect. In the entire history of the world, the life of Jesus was comparatively small. But the effect of his life, death and resurrection cannot be measured. There is no event that has so profoundly changed the world as the resurrection. The entire course of mankind has been changed because He lives. Because of the resurrection, we view the trials and troubles of our life in a entirely different way. The resurrection even changed worship. In the old testament, even back to Genesis, the day of rest was the 7th day. Saturday was reserved for the day of rest. But Jesus rose on Sunday, the first day of the week. This became the day of worship and praise. Even the language has changed, it is no longer a day of rest, but a day of life! The resurrection changes the way we live. We do not live for this world, but for the eternal. Because of the resurrection, we no longer fear death. Death is not the end, but the beginning of a life with our savior. Because of the resurrection, our life has purpose. Because of the resurrection, we are clean. Our lives were dirty and sin filled, but because of the resurrection, we are washed clean. The resurrection effect delivers a powerful message. Death is powerful, but life is more powerful. Does the the resurrection effect have an affect on our life? If not, we are missing out on the greatest blessing in the world. The butterfly effect is a mathematical weather theory that can be best described as a small change can have a huge effect. In the entire history of the world, the life of Jesus was comparatively small. But the effect of his life, death and resurrection cannot be measured. There is no event that has so profoundly changed the world as the resurrection. The entire course of mankind has been changed because He lives. Because of the resurrection, we view the trials and troubles of our life in a entirely different way. The resurrection even changed worship. In the old testament, even back to Genesis, the day of rest was the 7th day. Saturday was reserved for the day of rest. But Jesus rose on Sunday, the first day of the week. This became the day of worship and praise. Even the language has changed, it is no longer a day of rest, but a day of life! The resurrection changes the way we live. We do not live for this world, but for the eternal. Because of the resurrection, we no longer fear death. Death is not the end, but the beginning of a life with our savior. Because of the resurrection, our life has purpose. Because of the resurrection, we are clean. Our lives were dirty and sin filled, but because of the resurrection, we are washed clean. The resurrection effect delivers a powerful message. Death is powerful, but life is more powerful. Does the the resurrection effect have an affect on our life? If not, we are missing out on the greatest blessing in the world. The butterfly effect is a mathematical weather theory that can be best described as a small change can have a huge effect. In the entire history of the world, the life of Jesus was comparatively small. But the effect of his life, death and resurrecti… Mark Hughes 1968 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21139919/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theresurrectioneffect/id/3054875.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21139919 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-15:4, Philippians 3:10-3:11, 1 Peter 1:3-1, Series: Supernatural Sundays Part#7 Thu, 29 Mar 2018 02:38:03 +0000 Kenneth Baker It is essential that we never forget what transpired the final week of Jesus’ life. It was a lifetime of ministry condensed into just a few days. The events of this one week in time changed life for everyone living then and who would ever live since then. The week begins at dinner on Saturday when a woman broke an alabaster box at His feat. Sunday He enters Jerusalem triumphantly. On Monday He cleans out the tabernacle of all the money changers and begins to heal the sick and lame. Tuesday was His last day in the temple. He shares parables and teaching. It is here that He says the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all your heart. Wednesday was a quiet day at Bethany. Thursday is the preparation for the passover, He shares the last supper and takes the fruit of the vine and the bread and gives the spiritual analogy of what He is about to do. He foretells His betrayal and then goes to the garden of Gethsemane and the agonies there. Finally there is the betrayal, and Peter’s denial. Friday, early in the morning began the first of six trials. Finally the road to the cross, the gambling for His garments, day turned to night and His last gasp of “It is finished.” Saturday He is in the grave. Then Sunday is resurrection day. This brief recounting of the events of the week, we see an unparalleled set of examples for living under pressure. How He reacted, or didn’t react when things were said or done are some of the greatest life lessons that can be described. Listen to what He said, or more importantly what He did not say. Look at what He did, or more importantly, what He did not say. The principles of who we are are the things that will keep us in the end. All of us will live under pressure at some point. How we respond to that pressure is indicative of who we are. All of us will have to suffer in some measure in life things that are not fair or not right. All of us at some point will suffer betrayal, lost of trust, loss of friendship and being forsaken. We will all have to learn to live with loneliness and at some point we will ask God why? Even under all this pressure there were certain things that Jesus did not abandon. These things were key to the victory. He had to see beyond the crucifixion and we have to see beyond our problems. How we die and how we suffer is telling. It is in death that we find a person’s true character. This does not have to be a physical death. When we watched Jesus die, He taught us how to do it and how to do it victoriously. How He viewed Himself through this week is telling. He did not become a victim of His circumstances. He gave His life, they did not take it. How He responded to betrayal, to the failure of His own disciples, to the false accusations and attacks on His character. Here are the life principles that Bro. Hughes oberserves from this week. First from Saturday to the end of Friday He moved with purpose. He was driven by the problem, but led by His purpose. Secondly, He spoke of the cross as His glory. He did not view the cross as something negative, it was the fulfillment of all of God’s promises. When we learn to view our crosses in that way, we are positioned to become what God intended us to be. Third, He prayed. That sounds too easy, but it is important to pray when under pressure. Forth are the things that He said and the things that He would not say. He could have called 10,000 angels; but He did not. He had the power to wipe them all out, but He chose to leave it alone. A real test of character is what you do not do when under pressure. Finally He refused to be brought down to their level. They said things to taunt Him and malk Him. He did not respond to them in any way. When He did speak, He addressed the issues, He did not attack the individuals who were attacking Him. It is essential that we never forget what transpired the final week of Jesus’ life. It was a lifetime of ministry condensed into just a few days. The events of this one week in time changed life for everyone living then and who would ever live since then. The week begins at dinner on Saturday when a woman broke an alabaster box at His feat. Sunday He enters Jerusalem triumphantly. On Monday He cleans out the tabernacle of all the money changers and begins to heal the sick and lame. Tuesday was His last day in the temple. He shares parables and teaching. It is here that He says the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all your heart. Wednesday was a quiet day at Bethany. Thursday is the preparation for the passover, He shares the last supper and takes the fruit of the vine and the bread and gives the spiritual analogy of what He is about to do. He foretells His betrayal and then goes to the garden of Gethsemane and the agonies there. Finally there is the betrayal, and Peter’s denial. Friday, early in the morning began the first of six trials. Finally the road to the cross, the gambling for His garments, day turned to night and His last gasp of “It is finished.” Saturday He is in the grave. Then Sunday is resurrection day. This brief recounting of the events of the week, we see an unparalleled set of examples for living under pressure. How He reacted, or didn’t react when things were said or done are some of the greatest life lessons that can be described. Listen to what He said, or more importantly what He did not say. Look at what He did, or more importantly, what He did not say. The principles of who we are are the things that will keep us in the end. All of us will live under pressure at some point. How we respond to that pressure is indicative of who we are. All of us will have to suffer in some measure in life things that are not fair or not right. All of us at some point will suffer betrayal, lost of trust, loss of friendship and being forsaken. We will all have to learn to live with loneliness and at some point we will ask God why? Even under all this pressure there were certain things that Jesus did not abandon. These things were key to the victory. He had to see beyond the crucifixion and we have to see beyond our problems. How we die and how we suffer is telling. It is in death that we find a person’s true character. This does not have to be a physical death. When we watched Jesus die, He taught us how to do it and how to do it victoriously. How He viewed Himself through this week is telling. He did not become a victim of His circumstances. He gave His life, they did not take it. How He responded to betrayal, to the failure of His own disciples, to the false accusations and attacks on His character. Here are the life principles that Bro. Hughes oberserves from this week. First from Saturday to the end of Friday He moved with purpose. He was driven by the problem, but led by His purpose. Secondly, He spoke of the cross as His glory. He did not view the cross as something negative, it was the fulfillment of all of God’s promises. When we learn to view our crosses in that way, we are positioned to become what God intended us to be. Third, He prayed. That sounds too easy, but it is important to pray when under pressure. Forth are the things that He said and the things that He would not say. He could have called 10,000 angels; but He did not. He had the power to wipe them all out, but He chose to leave it alone. A real test of character is what you do not do when under pressure. Finally He refused to be brought down to their level. They said things to taunt Him and malk Him. He did not respond to them in any way. When He did speak, He addressed the issues, He did not attack the individuals who were attacking Him. It is essential that we never forget what transpired the final week of Jesus’ life. It was a lifetime of ministry condensed into just a few days. The events of this one week in time changed life for everyone living then and who would ever live since … Kenneth Baker 2969 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21137739/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_principlesforlivingunderpressu/id/3052942.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21137739 Principles For Living Under Pressure Mon, 26 Mar 2018 03:07:39 +0000 Gerald Morris Our text tonight is often used to introduce a new plan, proposal, or course of action. Many churches have a vision. However, our text is about more than a program or project. The word vision in the original Hebrew means a dream, but it also means a revelation. Bro. Morris, after much study came to the conclusion that the vision is actually the Word of God. The Word of God is a vision. The Word of God is a revelation. Without this vision, the people cast off restraint. Without this vision, the people perish. We all need this vision and restraint in order to protect us. In 1 Samuel we read about Samuel teaching a young man named Eli. Samuel was the last of the Judges and there was an absence of leadership at that time. The bible tells us that the Word of God was rare and because if that, there was no vision. There was no revelation. The second chapter of Samuel is referred to as Hanna’s song. She spoke prophetically and the Lord spoke through her. How rare was the word of God at this time, Bro. Morris’ research showed it had been over 125 years since there had been a word from God. During these many years, the leadership had moved away from God. Where there is no vision, there is no restraint. Bro. Morris asks, are we being restrained by the Word of God? Are we in the grip of the restraining, saving word of God? The purpose of the vision is to keep us from transgression and sin. Are you in the grip of the vision? Our text tonight is often used to introduce a new plan, proposal, or course of action. Many churches have a vision. However, our text is about more than a program or project. The word vision in the original Hebrew means a dream, but it also means a revelation. Bro. Morris, after much study came to the conclusion that the vision is actually the Word of God. The Word of God is a vision. The Word of God is a revelation. Without this vision, the people cast off restraint. Without this vision, the people perish. We all need this vision and restraint in order to protect us. In 1 Samuel we read about Samuel teaching a young man named Eli. Samuel was the last of the Judges and there was an absence of leadership at that time. The bible tells us that the Word of God was rare and because if that, there was no vision. There was no revelation. The second chapter of Samuel is referred to as Hanna’s song. She spoke prophetically and the Lord spoke through her. How rare was the word of God at this time, Bro. Morris’ research showed it had been over 125 years since there had been a word from God. During these many years, the leadership had moved away from God. Where there is no vision, there is no restraint. Bro. Morris asks, are we being restrained by the Word of God? Are we in the grip of the restraining, saving word of God? The purpose of the vision is to keep us from transgression and sin. Are you in the grip of the vision? Our text tonight is often used to introduce a new plan, proposal, or course of action. Many churches have a vision. However, our text is about more than a program or project. The word vision in the original Hebrew means a dream, but it also means a… Gerald Morris 4542 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21135896/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_areyouinthegripofthevision/id/3051088.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21135896 Scripture: Proverbs 29:18-29, Series: Supernatural Sundays Part#6 Sun, 25 Mar 2018 21:11:11 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is simple. We do not want to read more into it than is there, but we do not want to pass over what is said. The implication of what God is encouraging and commanding in this verse is powerful. It is a command; “LET the weak say, I am strong.” It is bold and a strong declaration about a mind that is made up. There is significance in each word. We must understand a two words: First is WEAK. The original Greek word is someone who is feeble, inadequate or ineffective. The other word is one that changes everything. That one word is SAY. Let the weak SAY I am strong. There is power in the word. It is the power of God’s word that changes everything. The literal translation of this word is to speak back to our situation. It is to challenged and repudiation. It is more than repeating something, but a declaration about a new beginning. It is available right now if we will speak to the challenge or trial in our life and declare that we are strong. This is not commanding God to do something, it it saying something so that God can do something. It is to transform a complaining and fault finding tongue into a one that is praising. If we will just say it, we will release God to act on our situation. Our text is simple. We do not want to read more into it than is there, but we do not want to pass over what is said. The implication of what God is encouraging and commanding in this verse is powerful. It is a command; “LET the weak say, I am strong.” It is bold and a strong declaration about a mind that is made up. There is significance in each word. We must understand a two words: First is WEAK. The original Greek word is someone who is feeble, inadequate or ineffective. The other word is one that changes everything. That one word is SAY. Let the weak SAY I am strong. There is power in the word. It is the power of God’s word that changes everything. The literal translation of this word is to speak back to our situation. It is to challenged and repudiation. It is more than repeating something, but a declaration about a new beginning. It is available right now if we will speak to the challenge or trial in our life and declare that we are strong. This is not commanding God to do something, it it saying something so that God can do something. It is to transform a complaining and fault finding tongue into a one that is praising. If we will just say it, we will release God to act on our situation. Our text is simple. We do not want to read more into it than is there, but we do not want to pass over what is said. The implication of what God is encouraging and commanding in this verse is powerful. It is a command; “LET the weak say, I am strong… Mark Hughes 1868 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21135457/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thechangethatisintheroom/id/3050642.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21135457 Scripture: Joel 3:10-3, Series: Supernatural Sundays Part#6 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 02:54:24 +0000 Mark Hughes Fire is prevalent in the bible and often has great symbolic significance. In the Old Testament, fire served as a primary method that God manifested Himself to man. In the New Testament fire is vitally connected to our spiritual being. In the natural world, fire is important. It is a source of heat, cooking, and light. As wonderful as fire is, there is an undesirable and often disagreeable part of fire. Anyone who as ever sat around a campfire knows that smoke has a way of irritating. It gets in our eyes and our lungs and causes us discomfort. It is evident that whomever wrote the Psalm that is our text is going through things in life that he did not understand. We do not know what those things were, but he gives us a clue about how they affected him. He was hurting, he was afflicted, he was under duress. He describes an exhausted state of mind and body. He says that he has become like a bottle in the smoke. In biblical times, construction was crude. They did not have chimneys as we know them. Often the smoke from the fire that they used to warm themselves or to cook had no way to escape except from the doors and windows or through a hole in the roof. The smoke would coat things in the house. He declares that though he felt like he was coated with soot and dirt from the smoke, he still held fast to God’s laws and statutes. All of the effects of the smoke are on the outside of the bottle. It isn’t what is happening on the outside that will harm us, it is what we let inside that will cause us to fall. The product of the blessing is often some type of adversity. The blessing of fire for warmth and cooking comes with the adversity of smoke. Smoke can only affect the outside. It cannot affect the inside. The literal thing the psalmist was saying was that the things that were happening to him was not affecting his soul. Historians say that these bottles that would be left in the smoke, would shrink. But this shrinking would only happen if the bottles were not full. The best remedy for our spiritual well being is to stay full of the Holy Ghost. It is only way that the smoke will have a negative effect on us is when we are less than full. Historians say that it was not uncommon to use fire to temper the bottles of fermented juice. The smoke would mellow the liquid and make it less bitter. Fire is necessary for many things. Fire is prevalent in the bible and often has great symbolic significance. In the Old Testament, fire served as a primary method that God manifested Himself to man. In the New Testament fire is vitally connected to our spiritual being. In the natural world, fire is important. It is a source of heat, cooking, and light. As wonderful as fire is, there is an undesirable and often disagreeable part of fire. Anyone who as ever sat around a campfire knows that smoke has a way of irritating. It gets in our eyes and our lungs and causes us discomfort. It is evident that whomever wrote the Psalm that is our text is going through things in life that he did not understand. We do not know what those things were, but he gives us a clue about how they affected him. He was hurting, he was afflicted, he was under duress. He describes an exhausted state of mind and body. He says that he has become like a bottle in the smoke. In biblical times, construction was crude. They did not have chimneys as we know them. Often the smoke from the fire that they used to warm themselves or to cook had no way to escape except from the doors and windows or through a hole in the roof. The smoke would coat things in the house. He declares that though he felt like he was coated with soot and dirt from the smoke, he still held fast to God’s laws and statutes. All of the effects of the smoke are on the outside of the bottle. It isn’t what is happening on the outside that will harm us, it is what we let inside that will cause us to fall. The product of the blessing is often some type of adversity. The blessing of fire for warmth and cooking comes with the adversity of smoke. Smoke can only affect the outside. It cannot affect the inside. The literal thing the psalmist was saying was that the things that were happening to him was not affecting his soul. Historians say that these bottles that would be left in the smoke, would shrink. But this shrinking would only happen if the bottles were not full. The best remedy for our spiritual well being is to stay full of the Holy Ghost. It is only way that the smoke will have a negative effect on us is when we are less than full. Historians say that it was not uncommon to use fire to temper the bottles of fermented juice. The smoke would mellow the liquid and make it less bitter. Fire is necessary for many things. Fire is prevalent in the bible and often has great symbolic significance. In the Old Testament, fire served as a primary method that God manifested Himself to man. In the New Testament fire is vitally connected to our spiritual being. In the natural… Mark Hughes 2731 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21132852/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_enoythefirebutendurethesmoke/id/3048232.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21132852 Scripture: Psalms 119:83-119:87 Mon, 19 Mar 2018 03:52:57 +0000 Landon Long People have the best of intentions. A husband promises to work less and spend more time for the family. A mom promises to take the kids to the park. A child promises to clean his room. Sometimes these good intentions do not come to pass. These have come to be known as empty promises . Empty is devastating. There is usually nothing good about the word empty. It literally means nothing is there. To leave empty is to leave with a great sense of disappointment and hopelessness. Easter is upon us. Often in the church we focus on the cross. The cross is important, but for many, the gospel story ends at the cross. As critical as Jesus’ death on the cross is, the empty tomb is even more important. In our text Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to the tomb with spices to anoint the body of Jesus. If they had expected an empty tomb, they would not have brought any spices. The angel meets them and tells them that He is not here. That is the only time in history where the concept the Jesus is not here was something good! The tomb is empty so we have salvation. The tomb is empty so we have life. If He is still in the tomb, we are still lost. If He is still there, none of our sins are forgiven. If he is still there, we are hopeless. When we look at that empty tomb and realize that He endured all that He did for us, we have to rejoice and praise Him because empty never looked so good. People have the best of intentions. A husband promises to work less and spend more time for the family. A mom promises to take the kids to the park. A child promises to clean his room. Sometimes these good intentions do not come to pass. These have come to be known as empty promises . Empty is devastating. There is usually nothing good about the word empty. It literally means nothing is there. To leave empty is to leave with a great sense of disappointment and hopelessness. Easter is upon us. Often in the church we focus on the cross. The cross is important, but for many, the gospel story ends at the cross. As critical as Jesus’ death on the cross is, the empty tomb is even more important. In our text Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to the tomb with spices to anoint the body of Jesus. If they had expected an empty tomb, they would not have brought any spices. The angel meets them and tells them that He is not here. That is the only time in history where the concept the Jesus is not here was something good! The tomb is empty so we have salvation. The tomb is empty so we have life. If He is still in the tomb, we are still lost. If He is still there, none of our sins are forgiven. If he is still there, we are hopeless. When we look at that empty tomb and realize that He endured all that He did for us, we have to rejoice and praise Him because empty never looked so good. People have the best of intentions. A husband promises to work less and spend more time for the family. A mom promises to take the kids to the park. A child promises to clean his room. Sometimes these good intentions do not come to pass. These hav… Landon Long 2125 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21131093/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_emptyneverlookedsogood/id/3046314.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21131093 Scripture: Matthew 28:1-28:7, Series: Supernatural Sundays Part#5 Sun, 18 Mar 2018 21:02:44 +0000 Kenneth Baker We at times get weary. We look our situation and are unable to see anything but the bad. We see the news and we feel that all is bad in the world and that there is no hope. We may have a good service and feel up, but come Monday morning, we find ourselves facing the same problems. The psalms depict similar emotional roller coasters. David had some of the highest highs, but he also writes about the lowest of lows; often in the same psalm. David had his mind made up, but in all of that he still experienced weariness. Through all of this, David knew how to reach God. He knew that in those moments of despair, He could look to God and that He was greater than anything he might be experiencing on earth. Verse 4 of our text is widely used for encouragement: Who am I that you are mindful of me. But before we get to that, we have verse 3 where David says when I consider…” This implies that there were moments of doubt, of questioning, of worry, of weariness. David looks at the ups and downs of his life and proclaims, that when he considers all the great things that God has created, he cannot help but say thank you to God for being concerned about us. Our God is greater than any challenge, struggle, sickness or trial we may be experiencing. No matter what our circumstance, God had blessed us. We may not have what we think we should have, but God has blessed all of us with provision, protection and blessings. Often we fail to see these as blessings, but God has kept us, blessed us, and protected us. When we consider all of this, we have a change of outlook on life. There is an old saying that you are as you consider yourself to be. If we consider ourselves blessed, we will live that way. It all starts with an attitude. When I consider it all, oh how will our perspective change. We at times get weary. We look our situation and are unable to see anything but the bad. We see the news and we feel that all is bad in the world and that there is no hope. We may have a good service and feel up, but come Monday morning, we find ourselves facing the same problems. The psalms depict similar emotional roller coasters. David had some of the highest highs, but he also writes about the lowest of lows; often in the same psalm. David had his mind made up, but in all of that he still experienced weariness. Through all of this, David knew how to reach God. He knew that in those moments of despair, He could look to God and that He was greater than anything he might be experiencing on earth. Verse 4 of our text is widely used for encouragement: Who am I that you are mindful of me. But before we get to that, we have verse 3 where David says when I consider…” This implies that there were moments of doubt, of questioning, of worry, of weariness. David looks at the ups and downs of his life and proclaims, that when he considers all the great things that God has created, he cannot help but say thank you to God for being concerned about us. Our God is greater than any challenge, struggle, sickness or trial we may be experiencing. No matter what our circumstance, God had blessed us. We may not have what we think we should have, but God has blessed all of us with provision, protection and blessings. Often we fail to see these as blessings, but God has kept us, blessed us, and protected us. When we consider all of this, we have a change of outlook on life. There is an old saying that you are as you consider yourself to be. If we consider ourselves blessed, we will live that way. It all starts with an attitude. When I consider it all, oh how will our perspective change. We at times get weary. We look our situation and are unable to see anything but the bad. We see the news and we feel that all is bad in the world and that there is no hope. We may have a good service and feel up, but come Monday morning, we find our… Kenneth Baker 2108 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21130602/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wheniconsider/id/3045802.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21130602 When I Consider Thu, 15 Mar 2018 02:54:38 +0000 Mark Hughes The world is about to experience another royal wedding. Among all the other preparation for the pageantry and the event, Meghan Markle is receiving an intense education on how to be a royal. She will learn all the protocols and expectations of being a princes. The rule are strict and complex. Being a royal is a life that consumes their life and things that they could once do, they are no longer allowed to do. In our text, Paul is trying to address some issues he observed with the family of God. What it means to be a child of the King of Kings comes with certain requirements and expectations. Paul letters to the early church often had a broad audience, but this letter is a more personal message to Titus. Paul gives advice to Titus about selecting leadership to the church in Crete. In the middle of his advice to Titus, Paul lays out one of the clearest visions of what it takes to be in the family of God. Paul notes that none of us were born into the family of God, we had to receive grace to be invited in. There is a lot of misguided thinking regarding grace. A common thinking is that grace has freed us from the law, and that we live now by grace. The world stops with that concept that grace covers all. They use that view of grace to continue to live in sin and look to grace to cover a life that is not in line with the type of life that God desires that we live. Grace is a changing experience and ushers us into the royal family as new creatures. But Paul does not stop there. He goes on to say that grace is more than an experience, but a moral change that occurs in a person’s life. Meghan Markle has to learn all about being a royal before she is allowed to be one, but God allows us to be part of His family and then learn what it takes to be part of it. God knows that we will not understand how to be part of His family, so He pours himself out for us while we were yet sinners. So we get to have the experience part of grace, and then discover the effect part of grace. Grace moves us to another level of living and becomes our instructor in the ways of the royal family. Grace’s education in our life begins with learning to say no. The grace of God that appears to all men educates us on those things to which we should say no. Grace contradicts some things. Grace blocks some things. There are certain actions, tendencies, desires, and attitudes that Grace will teach us to stay away from. Grace teaches us to deny ungodliness. Paul tells us that we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. Soberly means that we should live in control of ourselves. Righteously can be gauged by a simple question: Is it right to do that? Godly means like God. These simple concepts are the education of a child of God. The world is about to experience another royal wedding. Among all the other preparation for the pageantry and the event, Meghan Markle is receiving an intense education on how to be a royal. She will learn all the protocols and expectations of being a princes. The rule are strict and complex. Being a royal is a life that consumes their life and things that they could once do, they are no longer allowed to do. In our text, Paul is trying to address some issues he observed with the family of God. What it means to be a child of the King of Kings comes with certain requirements and expectations. Paul letters to the early church often had a broad audience, but this letter is a more personal message to Titus. Paul gives advice to Titus about selecting leadership to the church in Crete. In the middle of his advice to Titus, Paul lays out one of the clearest visions of what it takes to be in the family of God. Paul notes that none of us were born into the family of God, we had to receive grace to be invited in. There is a lot of misguided thinking regarding grace. A common thinking is that grace has freed us from the law, and that we live now by grace. The world stops with that concept that grace covers all. They use that view of grace to continue to live in sin and look to grace to cover a life that is not in line with the type of life that God desires that we live. Grace is a changing experience and ushers us into the royal family as new creatures. But Paul does not stop there. He goes on to say that grace is more than an experience, but a moral change that occurs in a person’s life. Meghan Markle has to learn all about being a royal before she is allowed to be one, but God allows us to be part of His family and then learn what it takes to be part of it. God knows that we will not understand how to be part of His family, so He pours himself out for us while we were yet sinners. So we get to have the experience part of grace, and then discover the effect part of grace. Grace moves us to another level of living and becomes our instructor in the ways of the royal family. Grace’s education in our life begins with learning to say no. The grace of God that appears to all men educates us on those things to which we should say no. Grace contradicts some things. Grace blocks some things. There are certain actions, tendencies, desires, and attitudes that Grace will teach us to stay away from. Grace teaches us to deny ungodliness. Paul tells us that we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. Soberly means that we should live in control of ourselves. Righteously can be gauged by a simple question: Is it right to do that? Godly means like God. These simple concepts are the education of a child of God. The world is about to experience another royal wedding. Among all the other preparation for the pageantry and the event, Meghan Markle is receiving an intense education on how to be a royal. She will learn all the protocols and expectations of being … Mark Hughes 3405 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21128405/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theeducationofachildofgod/id/3043769.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21128405 Scripture: Titus 2:11-2:15 Wed, 14 Mar 2018 01:48:49 +0000 Mark Hughes Greater Life is in the midst of revival. This revival is changing lives and hopefully causing us to look at life through His eyes. We have to quit looking at our church through human eyes, and begin to view it from a spiritual perspective. Our physical eyes see a rectangular building, but our spiritual eyes have to view it as a gateway to an encounter with the almighty God. When we read God’s word, it has to be more than just words and sentences on a page, but a look into the mind of God. In our text, Jacob experienced an awakening that revealed to him that he was in a holy place. Bro. Hughes asks God for just such a revelation to us at Greater Life Church. Due to the storm, we are meeting in a building in our family life center. Whatever activities may have gone on in this building before, it is no longer a gym, it is a gateway to heaven. We aren’t in just any building, we are in a place where God dwells. Greater Life is in the midst of revival. This revival is changing lives and hopefully causing us to look at life through His eyes. We have to quit looking at our church through human eyes, and begin to view it from a spiritual perspective. Our physical eyes see a rectangular building, but our spiritual eyes have to view it as a gateway to an encounter with the almighty God. When we read God’s word, it has to be more than just words and sentences on a page, but a look into the mind of God. In our text, Jacob experienced an awakening that revealed to him that he was in a holy place. Bro. Hughes asks God for just such a revelation to us at Greater Life Church. Due to the storm, we are meeting in a building in our family life center. Whatever activities may have gone on in this building before, it is no longer a gym, it is a gateway to heaven. We aren’t in just any building, we are in a place where God dwells. Greater Life is in the midst of revival. This revival is changing lives and hopefully causing us to look at life through His eyes. We have to quit looking at our church through human eyes, and begin to view it from a spiritual perspective. Our physi… Mark Hughes 2261 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21127859/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegateofheaven/id/3043253.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21127859 Scripture: Genesis 28:10-28:17, Series: Supernatural Sundays Part#5 Sun, 11 Mar 2018 17:47:05 +0000 Mark Hughes In scripture the word testimony indicates a demonstration or proof of something. It is the personal story of how God had touched us. A testimony is a very powerful thing. There is a distinct message to be conveyed by a testimony. It is a rehearsing and remembering of what God has done. Every provision, every healing, every help is a testimony. Repeatedly in the old testament, God admonished Israel to keep his testimony. The only way to keep a testimony is to speak it and tell it often so that it is not forgotten. It is God’s way of keeping us touch with the supernatural. The testimony of Jesus was everything that he did on earth. John tells us that this is the prophecy of what He still wants to do in our life today. He is not a God of the past. He is the God of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Whatever He did in the past, He wants to do today. His testimony prophecies His present intent. It speaks to His very nature. This is what He is. His testimony then becomes the lens through which we look at our present situation. Impossibilities become opportunities when viewed through this lens. God wants to invade our impossibilities. In scripture the word testimony indicates a demonstration or proof of something. It is the personal story of how God had touched us. A testimony is a very powerful thing. There is a distinct message to be conveyed by a testimony. It is a rehearsing and remembering of what God has done. Every provision, every healing, every help is a testimony. Repeatedly in the old testament, God admonished Israel to keep his testimony. The only way to keep a testimony is to speak it and tell it often so that it is not forgotten. It is God’s way of keeping us touch with the supernatural. The testimony of Jesus was everything that he did on earth. John tells us that this is the prophecy of what He still wants to do in our life today. He is not a God of the past. He is the God of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Whatever He did in the past, He wants to do today. His testimony prophecies His present intent. It speaks to His very nature. This is what He is. His testimony then becomes the lens through which we look at our present situation. Impossibilities become opportunities when viewed through this lens. God wants to invade our impossibilities. In scripture the word testimony indicates a demonstration or proof of something. It is the personal story of how God had touched us. A testimony is a very powerful thing. There is a distinct message to be conveyed by a testimony. It is a rehearsing… Mark Hughes 1556 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21125645/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thetestimonyofesuschrist/id/3040990.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21125645 Scripture: Revelation 19:10, Series: Supernatural Sundays Part#4 Mon, 05 Mar 2018 04:17:31 +0000 Dennis Clark Greater Life Church Greater Life Church Greater Life Church… Dennis Clark 2363 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21121847/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatisthyname/id/3037441.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21121847 Scripture: Luke 8:28-8:30, Series: Supernatural Sundays Thu, 01 Mar 2018 02:03:49 +0000 James Hughes We in the church often encourage new people to get the Holy Ghost because it will change lives. This is not entirely true. Receiving the Holy Ghost will not automatically change people. Change is a choice. It has the potential to change, but In order to activate that potential, we have to choose to be different. Paul gives us a list of things that have to happen in our lives for us to become what God wants us to be. Paul gives a list of six things that we must choose to put aside in order to change, and seven things that we have to put on. The Holy Ghost is not a janitor that follows behind us cleaning up the messes we make. It will not instantly change us into better people. True change requires work and determination to become what God wants us to be. We in the church often encourage new people to get the Holy Ghost because it will change lives. This is not entirely true. Receiving the Holy Ghost will not automatically change people. Change is a choice. It has the potential to change, but In order to activate that potential, we have to choose to be different. Paul gives us a list of things that have to happen in our lives for us to become what God wants us to be. Paul gives a list of six things that we must choose to put aside in order to change, and seven things that we have to put on. The Holy Ghost is not a janitor that follows behind us cleaning up the messes we make. It will not instantly change us into better people. True change requires work and determination to become what God wants us to be. We in the church often encourage new people to get the Holy Ghost because it will change lives. This is not entirely true. Receiving the Holy Ghost will not automatically change people. Change is a choice. It has the potential to change, but In order… James Hughes 3267 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21119086/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whattheholyghostwillnotdo/id/3035079.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21119086 Scripture: Colossians 3:8-3:15 Sun, 25 Feb 2018 20:50:30 +0000 Randy Stanton Desperation is an unusual condition. When someone is in the state of desperation, all rational and normal thought is muted. Instinct takes over and drives a person to be singular in purpose. Desperation like this is not a force to be challenged. Bro. Stanton declares that we must get out of the way of a desperate faith. To do otherwise is to get run over. The woman in our text had been sick for many years. She had endured the treatment of primitive medicine of the time. She had submitted to treatment methods that seem so strange to us, but the desperation to be healed was such, that she was willing to do whatever had to be done. Desperate faith hears what has never been heard before. In desperate faith, she heard in her spirit that she must get near enough to him to touch his garment. The world will tell us that we do not need to worship the way we do. They will tell us that we do not need to dance and shout the way we do. “Why do you have to run the aisles?” Because when we are desperate for a touch of God. We will do whatever needs to be done. Desperate faith doesn’t care what anyone else thinks. A desperate faith will do what has never been done before. Most of us would not think of crawling on our hands and knees to worship the Lord, but it to her, it was the right thing to do. The woman had to press through the crowd to receive what she had never received before. There are still crowds around Jesus today. She tuned out and ignored all the distractions as her desperation drove her toward Jesus. His words rewarded her desperate faith. Desperation is an unusual condition. When someone is in the state of desperation, all rational and normal thought is muted. Instinct takes over and drives a person to be singular in purpose. Desperation like this is not a force to be challenged. Bro. Stanton declares that we must get out of the way of a desperate faith. To do otherwise is to get run over. The woman in our text had been sick for many years. She had endured the treatment of primitive medicine of the time. She had submitted to treatment methods that seem so strange to us, but the desperation to be healed was such, that she was willing to do whatever had to be done. Desperate faith hears what has never been heard before. In desperate faith, she heard in her spirit that she must get near enough to him to touch his garment. The world will tell us that we do not need to worship the way we do. They will tell us that we do not need to dance and shout the way we do. “Why do you have to run the aisles?” Because when we are desperate for a touch of God. We will do whatever needs to be done. Desperate faith doesn’t care what anyone else thinks. A desperate faith will do what has never been done before. Most of us would not think of crawling on our hands and knees to worship the Lord, but it to her, it was the right thing to do. The woman had to press through the crowd to receive what she had never received before. There are still crowds around Jesus today. She tuned out and ignored all the distractions as her desperation drove her toward Jesus. His words rewarded her desperate faith. Desperation is an unusual condition. When someone is in the state of desperation, all rational and normal thought is muted. Instinct takes over and drives a person to be singular in purpose. Desperation like this is not a force to be challenged. Bro… Randy Stanton 2930 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21116113/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_desperatefaith/id/3032080.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21116113 Faith, Desperate, Driven, Longing, Scripture: Mark 5:25-5:28, Series: Supernatural Sundays Part#2 Thu, 22 Feb 2018 03:43:59 +0000 Landon Long The word like has many definitions. In this context, it means that two things are comparable. In our text, Lucifer is declaring that he would be like God. It does not take deep theological study to come to the conclusion that Lucifer is NOTHING like our God. We know this, but in our human weakness, we can be tricked, or manipulated into listening to the whispers that the devil speaks into our lives. Too many people go through life driven by their feelings. The devil can sway those feelings and thus sway how these people end up. Feelings will lead us astray. We have to rely on what we know, not what we feel. Paul warned us several times in his writing to not be deceived by false teaching. He warns that the devil will use every kind of deception to undermine the truth. He will tell us that what he is saying is no different than what God says. He will tell us that what he is teaching is like what is written in God’s word. When we go to the store, there are some items that we will buy the store brand. On other items, the store brand that is like the name brand, is not as good. You can buy Dr. Thunder from from the store, but it will not be as good as Dr. Pepper. It is similar and good enough for people who are not willing to pay the price, but it is not Dr. Pepper. There are a lot of people in the world who will settle for church that is kind of like Christ’s church. It is like church. They have music. They have preaching. People will go to these places and have an experience, but they do are not experiencing a true relationship with God. When the Coke-a-Cola company began, they had a unique beverage, and many tried to copy it. The company realized that they had a problem and needed a way to distinguish their produce from the copycats. They designed a bottle that had such a distinctive shape, that it could be recognized in the dark. This distinctive vessel communicated that what was inside was the real thing. God inhabits our bodys in the form of His spirit. By our lives, we are representing God to the world. Some would say that the cost for living a life like that is too high. The truth is that the cost for the real thing is not too high and it is worth the effort to find the real thing. The word like has many definitions. In this context, it means that two things are comparable. In our text, Lucifer is declaring that he would be like God. It does not take deep theological study to come to the conclusion that Lucifer is NOTHING like our God. We know this, but in our human weakness, we can be tricked, or manipulated into listening to the whispers that the devil speaks into our lives. Too many people go through life driven by their feelings. The devil can sway those feelings and thus sway how these people end up. Feelings will lead us astray. We have to rely on what we know, not what we feel. Paul warned us several times in his writing to not be deceived by false teaching. He warns that the devil will use every kind of deception to undermine the truth. He will tell us that what he is saying is no different than what God says. He will tell us that what he is teaching is like what is written in God’s word. When we go to the store, there are some items that we will buy the store brand. On other items, the store brand that is like the name brand, is not as good. You can buy Dr. Thunder from from the store, but it will not be as good as Dr. Pepper. It is similar and good enough for people who are not willing to pay the price, but it is not Dr. Pepper. There are a lot of people in the world who will settle for church that is kind of like Christ’s church. It is like church. They have music. They have preaching. People will go to these places and have an experience, but they do are not experiencing a true relationship with God. When the Coke-a-Cola company began, they had a unique beverage, and many tried to copy it. The company realized that they had a problem and needed a way to distinguish their produce from the copycats. They designed a bottle that had such a distinctive shape, that it could be recognized in the dark. This distinctive vessel communicated that what was inside was the real thing. God inhabits our bodys in the form of His spirit. By our lives, we are representing God to the world. Some would say that the cost for living a life like that is too high. The truth is that the cost for the real thing is not too high and it is worth the effort to find the real thing. The word like has many definitions. In this context, it means that two things are comparable. In our text, Lucifer is declaring that he would be like God. It does not take deep theological study to come to the conclusion that Lucifer is NOTHING like… Landon Long 2475 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21113223/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thedangerofsomethinglike/id/3029943.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21113223 Like, Similar, Almost as good, Scripture: Isaiah 14:12-14:14 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 20:55:03 +0000 Tyler Stevison Our society has blurred the lines, and has established a false standard about how success is defined. We have allowed our world to dictate to us the definition of success. The world defined success in terms of money, power, position or social standing. In the process, we evaluate ourselves against this standard, and compare ourselves to what is declared to be successful. Social media has delivered a new psychosis: FOMO; the Fear Of Missing Out. Social media is not reality. It is in reality the highlight reel. It is a misrepresentation of what other people’s lives are. It is the view of their life that they want to present. This leads to an unhealthy comparison of what we know our reality is vs, a photoshopped, airbrushed, and wordsmithed life presented by other people. We are living in a world that is driven by pride. We have apps on our phones that apply filters on the selfies we take to make us look better than we really look. There are no filters in the kingdom of God, because they are not needed! God knows what we look like. He desires a close relationship with who we really are, not who we tell other people we are. Too often that concern about what other people think about us come into the church with us: “I can’t shout like that”, or “I can’t dance before the Lord like that.” But when God moves on us, we have to yield to Him. We cannot live a life trying to please men on one side, and God on the other. We try to hide the things with which we struggle, but God sees it all. We have to get over what people think about us, because what matters is our relationship with God. We cannot worry about what people think because as long as we do that, we will be inhibited from giving all that God requires of us. To truly live a Godly life, we have to be set free from what they think about us. Our society has blurred the lines, and has established a false standard about how success is defined. We have allowed our world to dictate to us the definition of success. The world defined success in terms of money, power, position or social standing. In the process, we evaluate ourselves against this standard, and compare ourselves to what is declared to be successful. Social media has delivered a new psychosis: FOMO; the Fear Of Missing Out. Social media is not reality. It is in reality the highlight reel. It is a misrepresentation of what other people’s lives are. It is the view of their life that they want to present. This leads to an unhealthy comparison of what we know our reality is vs, a photoshopped, airbrushed, and wordsmithed life presented by other people. We are living in a world that is driven by pride. We have apps on our phones that apply filters on the selfies we take to make us look better than we really look. There are no filters in the kingdom of God, because they are not needed! God knows what we look like. He desires a close relationship with who we really are, not who we tell other people we are. Too often that concern about what other people think about us come into the church with us: “I can’t shout like that”, or “I can’t dance before the Lord like that.” But when God moves on us, we have to yield to Him. We cannot live a life trying to please men on one side, and God on the other. We try to hide the things with which we struggle, but God sees it all. We have to get over what people think about us, because what matters is our relationship with God. We cannot worry about what people think because as long as we do that, we will be inhibited from giving all that God requires of us. To truly live a Godly life, we have to be set free from what they think about us. Our society has blurred the lines, and has established a false standard about how success is defined. We have allowed our world to dictate to us the definition of success. The world defined success in terms of money, power, position or social standing… Tyler Stevison 2175 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21110767/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_setfreefromwhattheythinkaboutm/id/3027533.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21110767 Pride, Success, Comparison, Scripture: Romans 6:13-6, Galatians 1:10-1, Series: Supernatural Sundays Part#1 Thu, 15 Feb 2018 03:40:34 +0000 Mark Hughes Bro. Hughes offers a powerful message in Wednesday Night Bible Study Bro. Hughes offers a powerful message in Wednesday Night Bible Study Bro. Hughes offers a powerful message in Wednesday Night Bible Study… Mark Hughes 3553 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21112121/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatsomecallaburdenicallabless/id/3028913.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21112121 Scripture: Matthew 11:28-11:30 Mon, 12 Feb 2018 03:26:27 +0000 Landon Long In our text Joshua is chasing after 5 kings. He gets word that they are hold up in a cave. Joshua orders the cave sealed with rocks and posted guards. This was at the end of a day where God had provided great victories. It would have been easy for Joshua to rest his troops for the night after a hard days battle. Instead, Joshua tells his men that it is not time to put the sword up. He tells them to continue chasing and killing the enemies. Our church has just come off of a week of prayer and fasting. We have seen breakthroughs and victories. But like Joshua’s men, now is not the time to put up our swords. We must keep up the fight. God had given them that moment to defeat their enemies. He has given us such a moment. We can take hold of the promise of God if we will not stand but pursue. Many of us knock down our enemy, but we don’t finish the job. David had the giant on the ground. Before the giant had even come to rest on the ground, David ran in and finished the job so that Goliath would never again be a threat. The bible tells us that Joshua left none remaining. There were no prisoners or survivors. The bible says that Joshua left nothing undone. We talk often about the armor of God described in Ephesians. God did not give us armor and weapons so that we can sit back and watch Him do it all. We are in a spiritual battle. We must stand not but pursue. In our text Joshua is chasing after 5 kings. He gets word that they are hold up in a cave. Joshua orders the cave sealed with rocks and posted guards. This was at the end of a day where God had provided great victories. It would have been easy for Joshua to rest his troops for the night after a hard days battle. Instead, Joshua tells his men that it is not time to put the sword up. He tells them to continue chasing and killing the enemies. Our church has just come off of a week of prayer and fasting. We have seen breakthroughs and victories. But like Joshua’s men, now is not the time to put up our swords. We must keep up the fight. God had given them that moment to defeat their enemies. He has given us such a moment. We can take hold of the promise of God if we will not stand but pursue. Many of us knock down our enemy, but we don’t finish the job. David had the giant on the ground. Before the giant had even come to rest on the ground, David ran in and finished the job so that Goliath would never again be a threat. The bible tells us that Joshua left none remaining. There were no prisoners or survivors. The bible says that Joshua left nothing undone. We talk often about the armor of God described in Ephesians. God did not give us armor and weapons so that we can sit back and watch Him do it all. We are in a spiritual battle. We must stand not but pursue. In our text Joshua is chasing after 5 kings. He gets word that they are hold up in a cave. Joshua orders the cave sealed with rocks and posted guards. This was at the end of a day where God had provided great victories. It would have been easy for … Landon Long 1987 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21106621/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_standnotbutpursue/id/3023570.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21106621 Battle, Warfare, Victory, Scripture: Joshua 10:15-10:19 Sun, 11 Feb 2018 21:07:35 +0000 Kenneth Baker Mercy is more than just a word. It is one of the characteristics of God. It is His attitude toward mankind. Mercy is defined as compassion for the miserable. It is the act of being spared judgment. It is when one receives from God that which we do not deserve. It is withheld judgment and punishment. Mercy is simply not getting what we deserve. How many times can we count in our own lives when we have been given mercy? What have we been saved from, but for the mercy of God? Mercy is displayed throughout the bible; men and women who were spared from what they deserve. There is nothing more incredible that the mercies of God. What could be greater than mercy? Bro. Hughes suggests that there is something better than mercy: Grace. Grace is the unmerited favor of God. It is the undeserved love of God. It is not earned, nor is it something to which we are entitled. Grace is what we receive because He loves us. God’s favor is His blessing upon us. Not because of who we are, but because of who He is. It is God offering us something that we do not deserve. God’s grace is greater than our shortcomings; it is greater than our sin. We cannot change yesterday, but God’s grace will allow us to start over fresh every day. Grace allows us to close the door on yesterday and build a new beginning. We do not deserve God’s grace, but oh aren’t we glad that He gives it? Mercy is more than just a word. It is one of the characteristics of God. It is His attitude toward mankind. Mercy is defined as compassion for the miserable. It is the act of being spared judgment. It is when one receives from God that which we do not deserve. It is withheld judgment and punishment. Mercy is simply not getting what we deserve. How many times can we count in our own lives when we have been given mercy? What have we been saved from, but for the mercy of God? Mercy is displayed throughout the bible; men and women who were spared from what they deserve. There is nothing more incredible that the mercies of God. What could be greater than mercy? Bro. Hughes suggests that there is something better than mercy: Grace. Grace is the unmerited favor of God. It is the undeserved love of God. It is not earned, nor is it something to which we are entitled. Grace is what we receive because He loves us. God’s favor is His blessing upon us. Not because of who we are, but because of who He is. It is God offering us something that we do not deserve. God’s grace is greater than our shortcomings; it is greater than our sin. We cannot change yesterday, but God’s grace will allow us to start over fresh every day. Grace allows us to close the door on yesterday and build a new beginning. We do not deserve God’s grace, but oh aren’t we glad that He gives it? Mercy is more than just a word. It is one of the characteristics of God. It is His attitude toward mankind. Mercy is defined as compassion for the miserable. It is the act of being spared judgment. It is when one receives from God that which we do … Kenneth Baker 2189 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21106141/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_somethingbetterthanmercy/id/3023066.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21106141 Mercy, Grace, Favor Tue, 06 Feb 2018 02:50:37 +0000 Mark Hughes In order to keep a fire going, it must be tended. Someone has to be mindful to stir the fire and to continue to add fuel. If left alone a fire will consume all of its fuel and will go out. Our spiritual fire is no different. Paul writing to Timothy reminded him to fan the flames. Just like the Levitical priests in the desert, the fire had to be kept going. Fanning this flame is a daily effort. It is not enough to only fan the flame on Sunday, it is a daily effort the keep the fire burning. In order to keep a fire going, it must be tended. Someone has to be mindful to stir the fire and to continue to add fuel. If left alone a fire will consume all of its fuel and will go out. Our spiritual fire is no different. Paul writing to Timothy reminded him to fan the flames. Just like the Levitical priests in the desert, the fire had to be kept going. Fanning this flame is a daily effort. It is not enough to only fan the flame on Sunday, it is a daily effort the keep the fire burning. In order to keep a fire going, it must be tended. Someone has to be mindful to stir the fire and to continue to add fuel. If left alone a fire will consume all of its fuel and will go out. Our spiritual fire is no different. Paul writing to Timothy… Mark Hughes 2356 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21102944/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_stirringthefire/id/3020121.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21102944 Tending, Stirring, Fire, Scripture: Leviticus 6:12-6:13, 2 Timothy 1:6-1:7 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 20:47:43 +0000 Mark Hughes Demus is a bit of a mystery to us. There are only three verses in the Bible that mention him. His is a story of tragedy. This man showed such potential and prospect that Paul included him in his inner circle. Yet in 2 Timothy 4, we see that Demus did not live up to that trust and privilege. When we are introduced to him in Philemon, Demus is described as a fellow labourer by the Apostle Paul. In Colossians, Paul only refers to him by name. Something happen between these two times that lowered the view of Demus to only a mention. Finally, in 2 Timothy, he is described as someone who had abandoned Paul and walked away because he loved the things of the world. What had to happen for a man who was an insider in the early church to trade the eternal for temporal things? How did he move from involvement, commitment, and working to being a bystander and a deserter? It is not something that happens overnight, but gradually over a period of time. Paul may have seen something in Demus and perhaps even tried to address it, but nevertheless, Demus fell away. Maybe it began with a spirit of complaining. Traveling with Paul was not an easy life. Maybe Demus got tired of the struggle of preaching the word of God in the early church. It could be that Demus began to find fault with the church, Paul, or the others that were traveling together. That initial feeling of irritation then yields to thoughts of unfairness and comparing his life to others. At that point, the attractiveness of the word begins to take greater hold. Initially the draw of the world is euphoric and thrilling. The longer this feeling continues, it begins to quite and then eventually mute the draw of the spirit. Bro. Hughes asks Demus a question this morning: What Happened? Demus might simply reply, “It began with a look.” He might say it began when my attention was diverted from what really mattered to things that were only temporal. When we give ourselves the opportunity to explore what is out there, we open ourselves up to great danger. When we become distracted like that, we look to help from the wrong sources. Demus might go on to say that the next step after I lost focus, was a shift in the things that I love. His body may have been in the present, but his mind was elsewhere. How many of us sit in a church service and think; when will this be over? We may mouth the words to the songs, but our mind is on everything but worshiping God. Demus, if he were in church today might say “I got tired of church.” No doubt, Demus began to find new friends. Friends who did not share his faith. Friends who were not grounded in a belief in God and worshiping Him. Demus likely began to turn to these new friends for encouragement and advice. These friends no doubt told him that “You don’t deserve that” and “You deserve to be happy.” After misplaced attention and misplaced affection, Demus then began to have misplaced allegiances. He began to be more committed to these new friends and what was important to them. This starts when we lose our attention and focus, The devil is doing his best to distract us because he knows how effective that is. The same dangers that Demus faced, are present for us today. We have to guard against Misplaced Attention, Misplaced Affection, and Misplaced Allegiance. Demus is a bit of a mystery to us. There are only three verses in the Bible that mention him. His is a story of tragedy. This man showed such potential and prospect that Paul included him in his inner circle. Yet in 2 Timothy 4, we see that Demus did not live up to that trust and privilege. When we are introduced to him in Philemon, Demus is described as a fellow labourer by the Apostle Paul. In Colossians, Paul only refers to him by name. Something happen between these two times that lowered the view of Demus to only a mention. Finally, in 2 Timothy, he is described as someone who had abandoned Paul and walked away because he loved the things of the world. What had to happen for a man who was an insider in the early church to trade the eternal for temporal things? How did he move from involvement, commitment, and working to being a bystander and a deserter? It is not something that happens overnight, but gradually over a period of time. Paul may have seen something in Demus and perhaps even tried to address it, but nevertheless, Demus fell away. Maybe it began with a spirit of complaining. Traveling with Paul was not an easy life. Maybe Demus got tired of the struggle of preaching the word of God in the early church. It could be that Demus began to find fault with the church, Paul, or the others that were traveling together. That initial feeling of irritation then yields to thoughts of unfairness and comparing his life to others. At that point, the attractiveness of the word begins to take greater hold. Initially the draw of the world is euphoric and thrilling. The longer this feeling continues, it begins to quite and then eventually mute the draw of the spirit. Bro. Hughes asks Demus a question this morning: What Happened? Demus might simply reply, “It began with a look.” He might say it began when my attention was diverted from what really mattered to things that were only temporal. When we give ourselves the opportunity to explore what is out there, we open ourselves up to great danger. When we become distracted like that, we look to help from the wrong sources. Demus might go on to say that the next step after I lost focus, was a shift in the things that I love. His body may have been in the present, but his mind was elsewhere. How many of us sit in a church service and think; when will this be over? We may mouth the words to the songs, but our mind is on everything but worshiping God. Demus, if he were in church today might say “I got tired of church.” No doubt, Demus began to find new friends. Friends who did not share his faith. Friends who were not grounded in a belief in God and worshiping Him. Demus likely began to turn to these new friends for encouragement and advice. These friends no doubt told him that “You don’t deserve that” and “You deserve to be happy.” After misplaced attention and misplaced affection, Demus then began to have misplaced allegiances. He began to be more committed to these new friends and what was important to them. This starts when we lose our attention and focus, The devil is doing his best to distract us because he knows how effective that is. The same dangers that Demus faced, are present for us today. We have to guard against Misplaced Attention, Misplaced Affection, and Misplaced Allegiance. Demus is a bit of a mystery to us. There are only three verses in the Bible that mention him. His is a story of tragedy. This man showed such potential and prospect that Paul included him in his inner circle. Yet in 2 Timothy 4, we see that Demus d… Mark Hughes 2748 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21101615/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_demustellmewhathappened/id/3018745.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21101615 Distracted, Other Affections, Other Allegiances , Scripture: Philemon 1:24-1:25, Colossians 4:14-4, 2 Timothy 4:9-4:10 Fri, 02 Feb 2018 02:54:14 +0000 Mark Hughes Bro. Hughes has designated the first week of February 2018 as a week of prayer and fasting. Greater Life Church is in the midst of revival. A revival like this is sustained with prayer. Our text tonight contains examples of intense prayer. Both Hanna and Elijah prayed to God with an intensity and fervency. Not a simple 10 minute prayer, but an intense prayer that took them to another level. If Greater Life Church is to accomplish the things God has in store, we will have to increase the fervency of our prayer. Please join us the week of February 5 for a week of prayer and fasting. Bro. Hughes has designated the first week of February 2018 as a week of prayer and fasting. Greater Life Church is in the midst of revival. A revival like this is sustained with prayer. Our text tonight contains examples of intense prayer. Both Hanna and Elijah prayed to God with an intensity and fervency. Not a simple 10 minute prayer, but an intense prayer that took them to another level. If Greater Life Church is to accomplish the things God has in store, we will have to increase the fervency of our prayer. Please join us the week of February 5 for a week of prayer and fasting. Bro. Hughes has designated the first week of February 2018 as a week of prayer and fasting. Greater Life Church is in the midst of revival. A revival like this is sustained with prayer. Our text tonight contains examples of intense prayer. Both Hann… Mark Hughes 2649 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21099708/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thiskind/id/3016968.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21099708 Payer, Fasting, Fervent Prayer, Scripture: Mark 9:28-9:29 Mon, 29 Jan 2018 03:48:47 +0000 Mark Hughes When Bro. Hughes was a young person and began to experience some independence, his mother used to send him out the door with the simple statement: “Remember who you are.” This has become part of him and he often passes this wisdom on to our young people as they go out to travel. Paul writing to the church at Ephesus tried to remind them who they were. Ephesus was a wicked place whose people practiced worship in a way that we could only describe as immoral and unGodly. Even so, there was a church that was birthed in Ephesus that experienced a long 2-3 year revival. Paul wrote in his letter to remind them to not be influenced by the cultural norms of that city. He reminded them to not forget that they were children of God. We too bear this designation on our lives. We are children of God and there should be a distinction that separates us from the world and culture in which we live. Paul list several specific things that, as a child of God, we must remember. As children of light, we live by a different set of values. These values are strange to the world, and they will not understand the reason that we live by these values. We live to please God, not the crowd around us. We do not strive to reflect the culture around us, we strive to reflect God. As children of light, we live by a different and distinct set of morals. There is a certain moral code to our live. There are certain boundaries that we do not cross. We do not move the boundry or blur the lines in our life. The world wants to tell us that we can live anyway we want on the outside, the only thing that matters is the inside. Paul tells us that what goes on on the outside, is a reflection of what is going on on the inside. If we try to engage in moral relativism, we are on a slippery slope. The world will tell us that it is okay to do these things, but Paul declares that this should not be among us. There was no respect for the holy in Paul’s day and there is no respect for the holy now. Third as a child of light we live by a higher ethic that the culture in which we live. It is reflected in the way that we treat people. We love people for who they are and despite their shortcomings. How we treat people should reflect the love of God. Jesus ate with sinners and tax collectors and treated them with the same respect and love that He did with those that worshiped Him. As a child of light, we hold a distinct set of beliefs: right and wrong. Our culture does not have room for that stark contrast. The ten commandments are absolutes. There is no ambiguity in Thou shalt not… There is no room for interpretation. The world wants to blur the line of right and wrong and to define right and wrong depending upon the situation. What God defines as sin or an abomination is still that. God has not changed His opinion, sin is still sin and an abomination is still an abomination. Finally a child of light is guided by unchanging principles. Character is a something that our world has thrown by the wayside. There are principles of our character that must not be violated. We must hold onto what we know is right. With God character is more important than talent. We have confused the value of talent and elevated it to a higher status than character. The entertainment industry is rife with people who have great talent, but they misuse that talent due to a faulty character. As children of God, we are different and set apart. The world does not approve of this difference and do not make it easy to live a life that is different and set apart. In this culture, it is important that we Don’t forget who we are. When Bro. Hughes was a young person and began to experience some independence, his mother used to send him out the door with the simple statement: “Remember who you are.” This has become part of him and he often passes this wisdom on to our young people as they go out to travel. Paul writing to the church at Ephesus tried to remind them who they were. Ephesus was a wicked place whose people practiced worship in a way that we could only describe as immoral and unGodly. Even so, there was a church that was birthed in Ephesus that experienced a long 2-3 year revival. Paul wrote in his letter to remind them to not be influenced by the cultural norms of that city. He reminded them to not forget that they were children of God. We too bear this designation on our lives. We are children of God and there should be a distinction that separates us from the world and culture in which we live. Paul list several specific things that, as a child of God, we must remember. As children of light, we live by a different set of values. These values are strange to the world, and they will not understand the reason that we live by these values. We live to please God, not the crowd around us. We do not strive to reflect the culture around us, we strive to reflect God. As children of light, we live by a different and distinct set of morals. There is a certain moral code to our live. There are certain boundaries that we do not cross. We do not move the boundry or blur the lines in our life. The world wants to tell us that we can live anyway we want on the outside, the only thing that matters is the inside. Paul tells us that what goes on on the outside, is a reflection of what is going on on the inside. If we try to engage in moral relativism, we are on a slippery slope. The world will tell us that it is okay to do these things, but Paul declares that this should not be among us. There was no respect for the holy in Paul’s day and there is no respect for the holy now. Third as a child of light we live by a higher ethic that the culture in which we live. It is reflected in the way that we treat people. We love people for who they are and despite their shortcomings. How we treat people should reflect the love of God. Jesus ate with sinners and tax collectors and treated them with the same respect and love that He did with those that worshiped Him. As a child of light, we hold a distinct set of beliefs: right and wrong. Our culture does not have room for that stark contrast. The ten commandments are absolutes. There is no ambiguity in Thou shalt not… There is no room for interpretation. The world wants to blur the line of right and wrong and to define right and wrong depending upon the situation. What God defines as sin or an abomination is still that. God has not changed His opinion, sin is still sin and an abomination is still an abomination. Finally a child of light is guided by unchanging principles. Character is a something that our world has thrown by the wayside. There are principles of our character that must not be violated. We must hold onto what we know is right. With God character is more important than talent. We have confused the value of talent and elevated it to a higher status than character. The entertainment industry is rife with people who have great talent, but they misuse that talent due to a faulty character. As children of God, we are different and set apart. The world does not approve of this difference and do not make it easy to live a life that is different and set apart. In this culture, it is important that we Don’t forget who we are. When Bro. Hughes was a young person and began to experience some independence, his mother used to send him out the door with the simple statement: “Remember who you are.” This has become part of him and he often passes this wisdom on to our young peo… Mark Hughes 3511 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21097139/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dontforgetwhoyouare/id/3014600.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21097139 Morals, Ethics, Standards, Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-5:8, Philippians 3:1-3:2 Sun, 28 Jan 2018 20:50:28 +0000 Mark Hughes For anyone who has played golf, the title of today's message is familiar. In one moment you believe you are doing well, and then you wonder why you even play the game. These usually happen on the same round, or for some of us, even on the same hole. The word of God is dynamic. No matter how many times we may have read a particular part, there is always something that will cause a fresh understanding and insight. It is always important to consider what Jesus said, but it is equally as important to consider what He did NOT say. Our text today is familiar story of Jesus walking to the disciples on the water, and Peter getting out of the boat to meet him. In one moment the disciples are part of an incredible miracle of feeding of the 5000+. The next they are in a dire situation where they were alone and fearful for their situation. The bible describes the winds as contrary. They were tired from fighting against the winds when in the fourth watch, they saw Jesus walking to them on the water. Many a sermon has been preached about Peter’s impetuousness, but it is more important to notice that Peter saw his situation, and that Jesus was the answer. He wanted to be where Jesus was and did not hesitate to get out of the boat when Jesus said “Come.” The winds that had been so much an adversary on their journey, suddenly were not important when Peter climbed out of the boat. The very thing that was the source of his problem were not important when he set out to trust Jesus. But something happened before Peter got to Jesus. “When he saw the winds boisterous,” he began to sink. The winds had not changed from the moment before Jesus even enters this scene until when Peter notices them again. They became a point of distraction. Suddenly there was a disconnect from the word that bid him to come. When the distraction came, Peter lost his sense of focus. In that moment of distraction, Peter turned his mind away from Jesus and finds himself being swallowed by the thing that he had been overcoming. Others may look at us and thing there is no way we can overcome the failure or challenge in front of us, but if we keep our focus on Jesus, we can defeat and overcome any storm that besets us. Peter was doing the impossible because he kept sight on Jesus, but when he became distracted, he began to be overcome by the thing he was overcoming. The winds were overwhelming. That is how the Devil works. He knows he can only distract us by overwhelming us. The bible says “Peter began to sink.” That phrase is odd. Gravity is a constant force. Only in cartoons does gravity not have an immediate effect. If we step out of a boat into the lake, there is no “began to sink.”; Sinking happens before we can even take a breath. But Peter had enough time to call out to Jesus for help as he “began to sink.” This implies that Jesus somehow slowed Peter’s descent into the water long enough for him to call out and be saved. We must remain focused on Jesus to overcome the things that would overcome us. If we become distracted, God will be there to slow our decent to give us time to call out. Peter stepped out in faith to get to Jesus. Even with the distraction, God is gracious enough to provide us an opportunity to get re-focused before a good walk is spoiled. For anyone who has played golf, the title of today's message is familiar. In one moment you believe you are doing well, and then you wonder why you even play the game. These usually happen on the same round, or for some of us, even on the same hole. The word of God is dynamic. No matter how many times we may have read a particular part, there is always something that will cause a fresh understanding and insight. It is always important to consider what Jesus said, but it is equally as important to consider what He did NOT say. Our text today is familiar story of Jesus walking to the disciples on the water, and Peter getting out of the boat to meet him. In one moment the disciples are part of an incredible miracle of feeding of the 5000+. The next they are in a dire situation where they were alone and fearful for their situation. The bible describes the winds as contrary. They were tired from fighting against the winds when in the fourth watch, they saw Jesus walking to them on the water. Many a sermon has been preached about Peter’s impetuousness, but it is more important to notice that Peter saw his situation, and that Jesus was the answer. He wanted to be where Jesus was and did not hesitate to get out of the boat when Jesus said “Come.” The winds that had been so much an adversary on their journey, suddenly were not important when Peter climbed out of the boat. The very thing that was the source of his problem were not important when he set out to trust Jesus. But something happened before Peter got to Jesus. “When he saw the winds boisterous,” he began to sink. The winds had not changed from the moment before Jesus even enters this scene until when Peter notices them again. They became a point of distraction. Suddenly there was a disconnect from the word that bid him to come. When the distraction came, Peter lost his sense of focus. In that moment of distraction, Peter turned his mind away from Jesus and finds himself being swallowed by the thing that he had been overcoming. Others may look at us and thing there is no way we can overcome the failure or challenge in front of us, but if we keep our focus on Jesus, we can defeat and overcome any storm that besets us. Peter was doing the impossible because he kept sight on Jesus, but when he became distracted, he began to be overcome by the thing he was overcoming. The winds were overwhelming. That is how the Devil works. He knows he can only distract us by overwhelming us. The bible says “Peter began to sink.” That phrase is odd. Gravity is a constant force. Only in cartoons does gravity not have an immediate effect. If we step out of a boat into the lake, there is no “began to sink.”; Sinking happens before we can even take a breath. But Peter had enough time to call out to Jesus for help as he “began to sink.” This implies that Jesus somehow slowed Peter’s descent into the water long enough for him to call out and be saved. We must remain focused on Jesus to overcome the things that would overcome us. If we become distracted, God will be there to slow our decent to give us time to call out. Peter stepped out in faith to get to Jesus. Even with the distraction, God is gracious enough to provide us an opportunity to get re-focused before a good walk is spoiled. For anyone who has played golf, the title of today's message is familiar. In one moment you believe you are doing well, and then you wonder why you even play the game. These usually happen on the same round, or for some of us, even on the same hole. … Mark Hughes 2859 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21096554/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_agoodwalkspoiled/id/3013971.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21096554 Winds, Storms, Focus, Salvation, Scripture: Matthew 3:21-21:31 Sat, 27 Jan 2018 20:40:00 +0000 Mark Hughes There are many examples of beautiful architecture around the world. These beautiful works of art began with a detailed set of plans and calculations to achieve the final result. Everything that we can visibly see was documented and drawn out and described on paper. For buildings like the Empire State Building or The Sydney Opera House, there are literally a truck load of paper plans and specifications. Those plans accurately describe the building, but nothing can compare to standing in the presence of one of these works of art. We can read all about it, but nothing can compare to standing and taking in the beauty of what the architect has described. Our text is Paul writing to a young man on the island of Crete. In that day, Crete was not highly regarded. They were regarded as an unintelligent and barbaric people. Paul sent Titus there to preach the gospel. It was clear to Paul that Titus’ witness could only be as effective as his own personal lives were. Before any of the Cretans would hear and believe the doctrine, they would have to see the doctrine. It is not possible to add to the word of God; it is complete unto itself. Yet Paul extols Titus to adorn the doctrine. The gospel message does not simply offer an intellectual creed to follow, but offered the chance at life and life more abundantly. Paul tells Titus to demonstrate the greatness of God by living a life that makes being a follow of Christ attractive. Nothing is so damaging to reaching the lost as living a life that does not demonstrate the goodness of God everyday. Our profession and confession is no more powerful than that which can be observed in our life. The way that people become attracted to the church is not a unique doctrine, but to see in us something that they want to have for their life. We must show the world a life that has been changed and made better by The Word. We must show the world, not a God on paper, but a God that is alive in us. It is not what we say that will convince them, it is what they see that will convince them. We must convince them by making goodness attractive. There are many examples of beautiful architecture around the world. These beautiful works of art began with a detailed set of plans and calculations to achieve the final result. Everything that we can visibly see was documented and drawn out and described on paper. For buildings like the Empire State Building or The Sydney Opera House, there are literally a truck load of paper plans and specifications. Those plans accurately describe the building, but nothing can compare to standing in the presence of one of these works of art. We can read all about it, but nothing can compare to standing and taking in the beauty of what the architect has described. Our text is Paul writing to a young man on the island of Crete. In that day, Crete was not highly regarded. They were regarded as an unintelligent and barbaric people. Paul sent Titus there to preach the gospel. It was clear to Paul that Titus’ witness could only be as effective as his own personal lives were. Before any of the Cretans would hear and believe the doctrine, they would have to see the doctrine. It is not possible to add to the word of God; it is complete unto itself. Yet Paul extols Titus to adorn the doctrine. The gospel message does not simply offer an intellectual creed to follow, but offered the chance at life and life more abundantly. Paul tells Titus to demonstrate the greatness of God by living a life that makes being a follow of Christ attractive. Nothing is so damaging to reaching the lost as living a life that does not demonstrate the goodness of God everyday. Our profession and confession is no more powerful than that which can be observed in our life. The way that people become attracted to the church is not a unique doctrine, but to see in us something that they want to have for their life. We must show the world a life that has been changed and made better by The Word. We must show the world, not a God on paper, but a God that is alive in us. It is not what we say that will convince them, it is what they see that will convince them. We must convince them by making goodness attractive. There are many examples of beautiful architecture around the world. These beautiful works of art began with a detailed set of plans and calculations to achieve the final result. Everything that we can visibly see was documented and drawn out and desc… Mark Hughes 3713 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21094941/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_makinggoodnessattractive/id/3012471.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21094941 Example, Plans, Gospel, Scripture: Titus 2:1-2:10 Sun, 21 Jan 2018 20:33:02 +0000 Mark Hughes It seems sometimes that God has a great sense of humor. When we look at the things and people that He uses to accomplish His purpose, we have to smile. It is not really a sense of humor, but a sense of knowing. He sees things that you and I cannot see, He knows things that you and I cannot know. We look at our lives and conclude that we are not worthy or capable of being used because of our temper, our background, or some other excuse we use to discount our usefulness to the Kingdom. Our world targets and pursues the darkest and lowest part of us. We become convinced that we cannot overcome what we are and who we are, so we limit ourselves by our own doubts, fears and judgements. We wish for ourselves to be different to overcome a temper, shyness, carnality or other thing that we observe about ourselves. We look for solutions to these self inflicted limitations, but we often look in the wrong place. In our first text, the angel of the Lord refers to Gideon as a mighty man of valor. Gideon’s response could have been uttered by one of us as he denied that he was anything close to mighty. The bible says that the Angel appeared to Gideon. The original word from the hebrew that is translated as appeared means that the Angel looked out Gideon. God intentionally sought Gideon with expectancy. In Matthew, Jesus ask the disciples “who do men say I am” Simon responds that “Thou art the Christ.” Jesus turns to Simon and declares that “Thou art Peter” and goes on to describe him as a rock. At that moment, Simon Peter felt that he was anything but a rock. In the coming days, Peter would deny even knowing Jesus. Jesus knew all of this, but still saw the man who would deliver the sermon on the day of Pentecost. Jesus called him in the present, what God was going to make him in the future. What God is saying about us is more important than what people or circumstances are saying about us. Jesus saw below all that was evident on the surface at that moment, and referred to him as he would be in the future. How can we call ourselves anything but what we are? God sees not what we are, where we have been or what we have done, but He sees what we can be. Jesus did not say “You ought to be Peter” He said “You ART Peter” God sees in us something that our sin, and shortcomings cannot cover up. God is here right now and He wants to look us out of what we think we are. The devil will bring up our past, what we have failed to be, and how we have missed the mark. God will never do that, and He sees past all of that to what we can be. God wants to look us out of that. God trying to say to each of us: “Thou Art” It seems sometimes that God has a great sense of humor. When we look at the things and people that He uses to accomplish His purpose, we have to smile. It is not really a sense of humor, but a sense of knowing. He sees things that you and I cannot see, He knows things that you and I cannot know. We look at our lives and conclude that we are not worthy or capable of being used because of our temper, our background, or some other excuse we use to discount our usefulness to the Kingdom. Our world targets and pursues the darkest and lowest part of us. We become convinced that we cannot overcome what we are and who we are, so we limit ourselves by our own doubts, fears and judgements. We wish for ourselves to be different to overcome a temper, shyness, carnality or other thing that we observe about ourselves. We look for solutions to these self inflicted limitations, but we often look in the wrong place. In our first text, the angel of the Lord refers to Gideon as a mighty man of valor. Gideon’s response could have been uttered by one of us as he denied that he was anything close to mighty. The bible says that the Angel appeared to Gideon. The original word from the hebrew that is translated as appeared means that the Angel looked out Gideon. God intentionally sought Gideon with expectancy. In Matthew, Jesus ask the disciples “who do men say I am” Simon responds that “Thou art the Christ.” Jesus turns to Simon and declares that “Thou art Peter” and goes on to describe him as a rock. At that moment, Simon Peter felt that he was anything but a rock. In the coming days, Peter would deny even knowing Jesus. Jesus knew all of this, but still saw the man who would deliver the sermon on the day of Pentecost. Jesus called him in the present, what God was going to make him in the future. What God is saying about us is more important than what people or circumstances are saying about us. Jesus saw below all that was evident on the surface at that moment, and referred to him as he would be in the future. How can we call ourselves anything but what we are? God sees not what we are, where we have been or what we have done, but He sees what we can be. Jesus did not say “You ought to be Peter” He said “You ART Peter” God sees in us something that our sin, and shortcomings cannot cover up. God is here right now and He wants to look us out of what we think we are. The devil will bring up our past, what we have failed to be, and how we have missed the mark. God will never do that, and He sees past all of that to what we can be. God wants to look us out of that. God trying to say to each of us: “Thou Art” It seems sometimes that God has a great sense of humor. When we look at the things and people that He uses to accomplish His purpose, we have to smile. It is not really a sense of humor, but a sense of knowing. He sees things that you and I cannot s… Mark Hughes 1900 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21091467/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thouart/id/3009068.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21091467 Potential, Trust, Willingness, Scripture: Judges 6:12-6, Matthew 16:18-16, Romans 4:12-4:18 Mon, 15 Jan 2018 04:42:41 +0000 Kenneth Baker In our text, the children of Israel were on their journey out of Egypt to the promised land Many no doubt, had not fully considered the length of time or the difficulties that they would encounter along the way. All of us experience have at times looked at this thing called life, and wonder if we have what it takes to finish. There are many things along the journey that are enjoyable; but some are not. There are many who start on the journey to follow God and who fall away because the journey was too difficult. The journey is difficult, but Heaven is worth every step we take. If we are to finish this race, we have to make up our mind up that the destination is worth it. It is not about the journey. In our text, the children of Israel were on their journey out of Egypt to the promised land Many no doubt, had not fully considered the length of time or the difficulties that they would encounter along the way. All of us experience have at times looked at this thing called life, and wonder if we have what it takes to finish. There are many things along the journey that are enjoyable; but some are not. There are many who start on the journey to follow God and who fall away because the journey was too difficult. The journey is difficult, but Heaven is worth every step we take. If we are to finish this race, we have to make up our mind up that the destination is worth it. It is not about the journey. In our text, the children of Israel were on their journey out of Egypt to the promised land Many no doubt, had not fully considered the length of time or the difficulties that they would encounter along the way. All of us experience have at times loo… Kenneth Baker 2593 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21087442/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itsnotabouttheourneyitisaboutt/id/3005199.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21087442 Destination; Journey; Sun, 14 Jan 2018 21:11:22 +0000 Randy Stanton Carlos was a Spanish monk who lived most of his life outside of his native country working for the church. While traveling the countryside, he noticed a strange silence and he recognized something that was not right. He became aware of something moving back and forth that he came to recognize as a snake ready to strike at a bird. The bird was unable to move as he was captured in the gaze of the snake. Carlos wanted to save the bird, but if he move too close, the snake might strike him. He decided to act as if he were preaching and began wave his arms and shout. The snake broke his stare with the bird, and the bird was able to escape. Our world is filled with people who are locked in by the gaze of the serpent. So the importance of the preacher waving his hands and shouting is just as important to the world trapped in the serpent’s gaze as it was for the little bird. Satan uses many different ways to capture and hypnotize people. The world we in which we are living, has its sights set on each of us. It is the Pastor’s responsibility to shout loudly enough and long enough to break the gaze of the enemy. Our text outlines ways giving to break the stare and the trance of the enemy. First is an alter. We have to have an alter. We are in a temporary building, but we need alters even so. The bible has many stores of men who built an altar to God in response to a great deliverance, blessing or revelation. God tells us to build an alter because it is from an alter where all things begin. Without an alter, we have no church. The lack of importance of an alter is a curse to many churches. Second is the flesh hook. The altar had the purpose of holding the offering and providing a surface for the fire and the equipment. The bible tells us that the flesh hooks were to be made of pure gold. They were used to move the burning offering back onto the fire. Other items used at the altar were a mix of other metals, but the flesh hooks were to be made of pure gold. In our times, the preacher fills the role of the flesh hook. It is his job to pull us back from the edge and back to the fire where God can work on us. THe bible is clear that each of us must have a pastor in our lives. We muche each have someone to whom we are accountable. There are numerous examples of the roll that the pastor is to play in our lives. On this occasion of Bro. and Sis. Hughes’ 25th Pastoral anniversary, Bro. Stanton draws two very important roles to demonstrate the Importance of a Pastor. Carlos was a Spanish monk who lived most of his life outside of his native country working for the church. While traveling the countryside, he noticed a strange silence and he recognized something that was not right. He became aware of something moving back and forth that he came to recognize as a snake ready to strike at a bird. The bird was unable to move as he was captured in the gaze of the snake. Carlos wanted to save the bird, but if he move too close, the snake might strike him. He decided to act as if he were preaching and began wave his arms and shout. The snake broke his stare with the bird, and the bird was able to escape. Our world is filled with people who are locked in by the gaze of the serpent. So the importance of the preacher waving his hands and shouting is just as important to the world trapped in the serpent’s gaze as it was for the little bird. Satan uses many different ways to capture and hypnotize people. The world we in which we are living, has its sights set on each of us. It is the Pastor’s responsibility to shout loudly enough and long enough to break the gaze of the enemy. Our text outlines ways giving to break the stare and the trance of the enemy. First is an alter. We have to have an alter. We are in a temporary building, but we need alters even so. The bible has many stores of men who built an altar to God in response to a great deliverance, blessing or revelation. God tells us to build an alter because it is from an alter where all things begin. Without an alter, we have no church. The lack of importance of an alter is a curse to many churches. Second is the flesh hook. The altar had the purpose of holding the offering and providing a surface for the fire and the equipment. The bible tells us that the flesh hooks were to be made of pure gold. They were used to move the burning offering back onto the fire. Other items used at the altar were a mix of other metals, but the flesh hooks were to be made of pure gold. In our times, the preacher fills the role of the flesh hook. It is his job to pull us back from the edge and back to the fire where God can work on us. THe bible is clear that each of us must have a pastor in our lives. We muche each have someone to whom we are accountable. There are numerous examples of the roll that the pastor is to play in our lives. On this occasion of Bro. and Sis. Hughes’ 25th Pastoral anniversary, Bro. Stanton draws two very important roles to demonstrate the Importance of a Pastor. Carlos was a Spanish monk who lived most of his life outside of his native country working for the church. While traveling the countryside, he noticed a strange silence and he recognized something that was not right. He became aware of something movi… Randy Stanton 3013 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21086913/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theimportanceofapreacher/id/3004650.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/21086913 Pastor, Pastoral Anniversary, Scripture: Exodus 27:1-27:4, 1 Chronicles 28:16-28:19, Ephesians 4:11-4:12 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 03:10:55 +0000 Kenneth Baker There are times in life when the tide is in. All in life is going well and all looks bright and fair. Other times, the tide is out. Life looks bleak and impossible. How often we work so hard to fix a problem to no avail. There are forces that we cannot overcome in our selves. There are times in life that the harder we try, the more pain we inflict on ourselves. There is nothing we can do in those situations other than to wait for the tide to turn. In our text, Paul deals with revenge. Who among us has not wanted to extract some revenge? Not a one us! From the youngest child, to the most senior among us want to get back at people who have done us wrong. Paul lays out a better response. He says to leave room for God so that He can work out and resolve the situation. What would happen to our worries, fears, stress and doubt, if we can step back and allow God to step in. When the situation is triggering a response of fear, anger, stress and anxiety, leave room for God. Let God show how strong He is. The story of Elijah and the widow woman illustrates this. THe woman was in a desperate situation. She was prepared to die, but by being obedient to the man of God, she saved herself, her son and Elijah. By being obedient to God, we leave room for Him to be God. We have a choice in our attitude toward life. We can be fearful or faithful. We can worry or we can worship. Will we continue to struggle against our problems, or will we leave room for God? There are times in life when the tide is in. All in life is going well and all looks bright and fair. Other times, the tide is out. Life looks bleak and impossible. How often we work so hard to fix a problem to no avail. There are forces that we cannot overcome in our selves. There are times in life that the harder we try, the more pain we inflict on ourselves. There is nothing we can do in those situations other than to wait for the tide to turn. In our text, Paul deals with revenge. Who among us has not wanted to extract some revenge? Not a one us! From the youngest child, to the most senior among us want to get back at people who have done us wrong. Paul lays out a better response. He says to leave room for God so that He can work out and resolve the situation. What would happen to our worries, fears, stress and doubt, if we can step back and allow God to step in. When the situation is triggering a response of fear, anger, stress and anxiety, leave room for God. Let God show how strong He is. The story of Elijah and the widow woman illustrates this. THe woman was in a desperate situation. She was prepared to die, but by being obedient to the man of God, she saved herself, her son and Elijah. By being obedient to God, we leave room for Him to be God. We have a choice in our attitude toward life. We can be fearful or faithful. We can worry or we can worship. Will we continue to struggle against our problems, or will we leave room for God? There are times in life when the tide is in. All in life is going well and all looks bright and fair. Other times, the tide is out. Life looks bleak and impossible. How often we work so hard to fix a problem to no avail. There are forces that we c… Kenneth Baker 2688 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20974292/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_leaveroomforgod/id/2897222.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20974292 Leave Room For God Sun, 16 Jul 2017 19:34:17 +0000 Kenneth Baker Our text is a Psalm that was written as an instruction. As with many of the great Psalms, it begins with a conclusion: Truly, God is good to Israel. The writer then goes on to describe how he came to that conclusion. He describes how the circumstances in life had affected his mind and how that led him to doubt what he had been taught. He looked at his own life and found a contradiction that wicked men were prospering, while righteous men suffered. He was on the verge of affecting others with his attitude and feelings. Wisely, he chose to keep his feelings to himself. It is clear that he was in a bad place spiritually and it was beginning to affect is life and relationships. Finally he begins to rebuke himself for his thinking and attitude. Then something changed: He went to the house of God. There he began to see things differently. Something happened during worship that he recovered something in his own life. He felt the nearness and love of God. Sitting in the sanctuary, something was revealed to him that saved him from that slippery place. He talks about God being with him, guiding him and giving him strength. What a victory there was that day because he went to church. It was more than sitting in a building. It is one thing to come into a building, but it is another to come into the presence of God. The amazing thing that happened to the Psalmist is that he won a victory over his own shame and regret. He was angry with God, but God was not angry with him. There was cleansing and healing that day as God forgave him his doubt and anger. In the sanctuary, he found a healing for his own failings and sin. God allowed the psalmist to see far enough ahead to discover that those that he thought were prospering, would find their ultimate demise. We have lost sight of the end. There will be a judgement day; a day of reckoning. We are so consumed with the immediate, but the end of this thing is what is going to matter. Where we stand in that moment of judgment will determine our eternity. In the sanctuary, we can discover what really matters. That revelation of what matters in the end is the secret to surviving slippery places. Our text is a Psalm that was written as an instruction. As with many of the great Psalms, it begins with a conclusion: Truly, God is good to Israel. The writer then goes on to describe how he came to that conclusion. He describes how the circumstances in life had affected his mind and how that led him to doubt what he had been taught. He looked at his own life and found a contradiction that wicked men were prospering, while righteous men suffered. He was on the verge of affecting others with his attitude and feelings. Wisely, he chose to keep his feelings to himself. It is clear that he was in a bad place spiritually and it was beginning to affect is life and relationships. Finally he begins to rebuke himself for his thinking and attitude. Then something changed: He went to the house of God. There he began to see things differently. Something happened during worship that he recovered something in his own life. He felt the nearness and love of God. Sitting in the sanctuary, something was revealed to him that saved him from that slippery place. He talks about God being with him, guiding him and giving him strength. What a victory there was that day because he went to church. It was more than sitting in a building. It is one thing to come into a building, but it is another to come into the presence of God. The amazing thing that happened to the Psalmist is that he won a victory over his own shame and regret. He was angry with God, but God was not angry with him. There was cleansing and healing that day as God forgave him his doubt and anger. In the sanctuary, he found a healing for his own failings and sin. God allowed the psalmist to see far enough ahead to discover that those that he thought were prospering, would find their ultimate demise. We have lost sight of the end. There will be a judgement day; a day of reckoning. We are so consumed with the immediate, but the end of this thing is what is going to matter. Where we stand in that moment of judgment will determine our eternity. In the sanctuary, we can discover what really matters. That revelation of what matters in the end is the secret to surviving slippery places. Our text is a Psalm that was written as an instruction. As with many of the great Psalms, it begins with a conclusion: Truly, God is good to Israel. The writer then goes on to describe how he came to that conclusion. He describes how the circumstan… Kenneth Baker 1949 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20971633/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thesecrettosurvivingslipperypl/id/2894732.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20971633 The Secret To Surviving Slippery Places Sun, 09 Jul 2017 21:04:48 +0000 Mark Hughes The story of Jacob is one of the most fascinating and interesting of all the characters in the bible. Jacob was the younger of two brothers. He tricked his brother into selling his birthright. Then later he and his mother tricked his father into passing the blessing to him in place of his brother. WHen all this was found out, Jacob had to flee for his life. It is at this point that our scripture takes place. Jacob meets Rachel the well and he was smote with her. Rachel, was beautiful, and Jacob worked for Laban for seven years to earn Rachel’s hand in marriage. Jacob fulfils his end of the bargain, but Laban tricks him and sends his older daughter Leah to be married. Leah was not pretty. Given Jacob’s history of cheating and trickery, we might say that he got what he deserved. Rachel represented everything Jacob wanted. He saw in her all the desires of his heart fulfilled. Leah represents the undesired things in life. We all plan for Rachel, but there are times that we wake up with Leah. No matter who we are, we will all wake up to a Leah at times. Often in life we get what we did not choose. What do we do when we wake up and find Leah? We can get mad.. We can fight it. We can run from it. We can ignore it and pretend it didn't happen. Or we can allow Leah to do what Leah is supposed to do. Leah produced more things in Jacob’s life than Rachel ever did. We generally do not look for God in the Leah times. Seldom do we look at Leah and thank God for her. What do we learn from Jacob? Jacob asks Laban why have you deceived me? The word used in the Hebrew is the same one used to described what He and his mother had done to Isaac. Most bible scholars believe that this was a revelation to Jacob. In addition to the revelation, through Leah came the most fruitful blessings to God’s people. The truth is that we most often find God not in our pleasure, but in our pain. The lineage of Jesus is traced back to Leah. Rachel only gave Jacob two children. Neither of them amounted to any more in the history of time. By the end of his life, he did not request to be buried with Rachel, he ordered that he be buried with Leah because he had come to understand the blessing that she was in his life. It is through the Leahs in life that God brings about the blessings and growth in our life. The story of Jacob is one of the most fascinating and interesting of all the characters in the bible. Jacob was the younger of two brothers. He tricked his brother into selling his birthright. Then later he and his mother tricked his father into passing the blessing to him in place of his brother. WHen all this was found out, Jacob had to flee for his life. It is at this point that our scripture takes place. Jacob meets Rachel the well and he was smote with her. Rachel, was beautiful, and Jacob worked for Laban for seven years to earn Rachel’s hand in marriage. Jacob fulfils his end of the bargain, but Laban tricks him and sends his older daughter Leah to be married. Leah was not pretty. Given Jacob’s history of cheating and trickery, we might say that he got what he deserved. Rachel represented everything Jacob wanted. He saw in her all the desires of his heart fulfilled. Leah represents the undesired things in life. We all plan for Rachel, but there are times that we wake up with Leah. No matter who we are, we will all wake up to a Leah at times. Often in life we get what we did not choose. What do we do when we wake up and find Leah? We can get mad.. We can fight it. We can run from it. We can ignore it and pretend it didn't happen. Or we can allow Leah to do what Leah is supposed to do. Leah produced more things in Jacob’s life than Rachel ever did. We generally do not look for God in the Leah times. Seldom do we look at Leah and thank God for her. What do we learn from Jacob? Jacob asks Laban why have you deceived me? The word used in the Hebrew is the same one used to described what He and his mother had done to Isaac. Most bible scholars believe that this was a revelation to Jacob. In addition to the revelation, through Leah came the most fruitful blessings to God’s people. The truth is that we most often find God not in our pleasure, but in our pain. The lineage of Jesus is traced back to Leah. Rachel only gave Jacob two children. Neither of them amounted to any more in the history of time. By the end of his life, he did not request to be buried with Rachel, he ordered that he be buried with Leah because he had come to understand the blessing that she was in his life. It is through the Leahs in life that God brings about the blessings and growth in our life. The story of Jacob is one of the most fascinating and interesting of all the characters in the bible. Jacob was the younger of two brothers. He tricked his brother into selling his birthright. Then later he and his mother tricked his father into pas… Mark Hughes 2239 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20967259/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thebeautyintheundesired/id/2890639.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20967259 Scripture: Genesis 29:21-29:31 Sun, 02 Jul 2017 21:09:35 +0000 Landon Long A recipe is a set of instructions for preparing food. Part of the recipe is a list of ingredients. It is important to follow the recipe if we intend to wind up with a dish that resembles the one in the picture. We buy books or search the internet for collections of recipes to try new things. Some recipes are more special. These family recipes are shared from generation to generation. These traditions are handed down because young people help mom or grandma in the kitchen and they see first hand the results of the work. If they do not see it firsthand, they do not learn a reverence and desire to keep those traditions. We have spiritual recipes too. If young people do not see mom and dad and grandparents praying and worshiping, they do not learn the importance of those things in the family recipe. Some ingredients can be left out of some recipes without greatly affecting the meal, but some ingredients are required. God is the main ingredient in our family recipe. A recipe is a set of instructions for preparing food. Part of the recipe is a list of ingredients. It is important to follow the recipe if we intend to wind up with a dish that resembles the one in the picture. We buy books or search the internet for collections of recipes to try new things. Some recipes are more special. These family recipes are shared from generation to generation. These traditions are handed down because young people help mom or grandma in the kitchen and they see first hand the results of the work. If they do not see it firsthand, they do not learn a reverence and desire to keep those traditions. We have spiritual recipes too. If young people do not see mom and dad and grandparents praying and worshiping, they do not learn the importance of those things in the family recipe. Some ingredients can be left out of some recipes without greatly affecting the meal, but some ingredients are required. God is the main ingredient in our family recipe. A recipe is a set of instructions for preparing food. Part of the recipe is a list of ingredients. It is important to follow the recipe if we intend to wind up with a dish that resembles the one in the picture. We buy books or search the internet fo… Landon Long 2297 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20962975/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_themainingredienttoourfamilyre/id/2886447.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20962975 Scripture: Joshua 4:1-4:9, Joshua 4:19-4:24 Thu, 29 Jun 2017 01:23:31 +0000 Kenneth Baker No one likes to lose. We don’t like losing games, our hair, or our marbles. But most of us have lived long enough to understand the phrase “You win some and you lose some.” One of the most frustrating things about losing is giving all that we have, but still losing. Sometimes we lose because we did not try hard enough, but when we have given our all, but still come up short, we find it hard to take. Losing is unfortunately a part of life. Sometimes we fight losing battles. Despite our best effort, the challenge before us is too great. That is often true in the world and worldly problems, but the bible tells us that the battle is already won. God had done so much for Israel: escape from Egypt, passage through the Red Sea, and safe passage to the promised land. Yet even with all this in their memory, the came to a place where the doubted. We are often the same. We know what God says, but we also know what the Doctor says. In our text, God told them to go and possess the land. The decided to send spies into the land to see what they were facing. Sounds like a rational plan, but it was not what God had told them to do. It is easy to look at this story and ask “what were they thinking?” The reality is we do the same thing. We have promises from God in our lives, but we still try to handle things on our own. The spies went on their journey and came back with stories of a land of plenty and more than they could have imagined. But the bible says that they began to murmur in their tents about the challenge before them. The spoke harshly of God’s plan and how it would not work. Before long, they caused dissention and division among the people. Moses tried to encourage the people, but they would not listen to him. God then tells them that He is not with them and turned them away from the Promised Land. THEN they wanted to fight. That was not even what God told them to do. He said to posses the land, not to fight. But they were still taking matters into their hands. God told them not to go, but they went anyway and were destroyed. This familiar story contains the answer to winning a losing battle: Don’t fight it. God said to posses it. God had already given it to them, all they had to do was claim it. God does not need our help or advice. A God that can bring plagues on Egypt, that can split the Red Sea, and can provide cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night does not need our help in His plan to deliver on His promises. When we fight a losing battle we will exhaust ourselves for no benefit. God has given us the victory, so why do we continue to fight? The best way to win a losing battle, is to stay out of it. No one likes to lose. We don’t like losing games, our hair, or our marbles. But most of us have lived long enough to understand the phrase “You win some and you lose some.” One of the most frustrating things about losing is giving all that we have, but still losing. Sometimes we lose because we did not try hard enough, but when we have given our all, but still come up short, we find it hard to take. Losing is unfortunately a part of life. Sometimes we fight losing battles. Despite our best effort, the challenge before us is too great. That is often true in the world and worldly problems, but the bible tells us that the battle is already won. God had done so much for Israel: escape from Egypt, passage through the Red Sea, and safe passage to the promised land. Yet even with all this in their memory, the came to a place where the doubted. We are often the same. We know what God says, but we also know what the Doctor says. In our text, God told them to go and possess the land. The decided to send spies into the land to see what they were facing. Sounds like a rational plan, but it was not what God had told them to do. It is easy to look at this story and ask “what were they thinking?” The reality is we do the same thing. We have promises from God in our lives, but we still try to handle things on our own. The spies went on their journey and came back with stories of a land of plenty and more than they could have imagined. But the bible says that they began to murmur in their tents about the challenge before them. The spoke harshly of God’s plan and how it would not work. Before long, they caused dissention and division among the people. Moses tried to encourage the people, but they would not listen to him. God then tells them that He is not with them and turned them away from the Promised Land. THEN they wanted to fight. That was not even what God told them to do. He said to posses the land, not to fight. But they were still taking matters into their hands. God told them not to go, but they went anyway and were destroyed. This familiar story contains the answer to winning a losing battle: Don’t fight it. God said to posses it. God had already given it to them, all they had to do was claim it. God does not need our help or advice. A God that can bring plagues on Egypt, that can split the Red Sea, and can provide cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night does not need our help in His plan to deliver on His promises. When we fight a losing battle we will exhaust ourselves for no benefit. God has given us the victory, so why do we continue to fight? The best way to win a losing battle, is to stay out of it. No one likes to lose. We don’t like losing games, our hair, or our marbles. But most of us have lived long enough to understand the phrase “You win some and you lose some.” One of the most frustrating things about losing is giving all that we have, … Kenneth Baker 3138 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20961014/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtowinalosingbattle/id/2884632.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20961014 How to Win a Losing Battle Mon, 26 Jun 2017 02:27:59 +0000 Mark Hughes In the game of Monopoly, there is a Get out of Jail Free card. That phrase has become part of our cultural lexicon. It is something that will get us out of a difficult circumstance. A jail is designed to limit freedom and to control the person who is in jail. None of us want to be in a place where those restrictions and limitations are placed on us. There are prisons that are not physical. There are circumstances and issues in life that lock us away just as if we were in a physical prison. Out text says Paul and Silas were in the inner prison. Many people live in an inner prison of fear, anxiety, or stress. Some people are bound by people; they worry more about what people might say about them than what God says about them. People get trapped in prisons of disappointment over something that may have happened many years ago. Another prison that many people fall into is their own failure. We are quick to forgive others of mistakes, but we do not extend that same grace to ourselves. The story that our text brings the answer to escaping these prisons. Paul and Silas did not deserve to be in the prison, but they found themselves there nonetheless. The way that they reacted while there resulted in them regaining their freedom. First, they began to pray. They were in the inner prison and bound with shackles, yet they prayed to God. When we find ourselves in a prison, we have to shift our focus to the right thing and concentrate on that. They may have been in a prison, but their focus and attention were on God. If we want to get out of our prison, we have to turn our focus to God. Secondly, Paul and Silas praised God. They were in a bad place, but they still praised God. The word praise in the original Greek text means celebrate. It is not easy to celebrate when we find ourselves in a prison, but that is just what Paul and Silas did. By singing they refused to acknowledge themselves as prisoners. What comes out of our mouth does more to change circumstances than anything. An attitude of praise, and attitude of gratitude toward God will break those chains and open those doors. In the game of Monopoly, there is a Get out of Jail Free card. That phrase has become part of our cultural lexicon. It is something that will get us out of a difficult circumstance. A jail is designed to limit freedom and to control the person who is in jail. None of us want to be in a place where those restrictions and limitations are placed on us. There are prisons that are not physical. There are circumstances and issues in life that lock us away just as if we were in a physical prison. Out text says Paul and Silas were in the inner prison. Many people live in an inner prison of fear, anxiety, or stress. Some people are bound by people; they worry more about what people might say about them than what God says about them. People get trapped in prisons of disappointment over something that may have happened many years ago. Another prison that many people fall into is their own failure. We are quick to forgive others of mistakes, but we do not extend that same grace to ourselves. The story that our text brings the answer to escaping these prisons. Paul and Silas did not deserve to be in the prison, but they found themselves there nonetheless. The way that they reacted while there resulted in them regaining their freedom. First, they began to pray. They were in the inner prison and bound with shackles, yet they prayed to God. When we find ourselves in a prison, we have to shift our focus to the right thing and concentrate on that. They may have been in a prison, but their focus and attention were on God. If we want to get out of our prison, we have to turn our focus to God. Secondly, Paul and Silas praised God. They were in a bad place, but they still praised God. The word praise in the original Greek text means celebrate. It is not easy to celebrate when we find ourselves in a prison, but that is just what Paul and Silas did. By singing they refused to acknowledge themselves as prisoners. What comes out of our mouth does more to change circumstances than anything. An attitude of praise, and attitude of gratitude toward God will break those chains and open those doors. In the game of Monopoly, there is a Get out of Jail Free card. That phrase has become part of our cultural lexicon. It is something that will get us out of a difficult circumstance. A jail is designed to limit freedom and to control the person who i… Mark Hughes 2576 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20959783/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenyouneedabreakthrough/id/2883414.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20959783 Scripture: Acts 16:19-16:26 Mon, 19 Jun 2017 02:23:25 +0000 Mark Hughes It is increasingly difficult in today’s word to be a good man. In the eyes of many in our culture, manhood is in a tailspin. Technology that replaces labor, the feminist movement and other social trends has produced a steady decline of the view of true manhood. The media and our culture engage in a subtle undermining of reputation of men. Manhood is under attack. Being a true man in our world is a difficult job. It requires courage and determination, because being a true Godly man is to go against our culture. Men in our culture are searching for what it means to be a man because that definition has been blurred and changed by many years of assault by the enemy. As Godly men, we look to the bible for God’s definition of what it means to be a man. Our text contains four concepts that define what it means to be a man. First Paul said to watch. He means to be alert, awake and concerned about where we are at all times. There are many enemies who will come at us. Paul was reminding us to be ever vigilant to remain focused on the most important things in life. We must watch ourselves; our minds and what we allow to come into our mind. When secondary issues become more important than the primary issues, we are in trouble. Our walk with God is chief among these primary issues. We must watch over our house. We must watch what comes in and what we allow to go on in our house. We have to watch against the subtle things that creep in; the temptation that come daily. A true man is one that is watchful about what truly matters. Second Paul said that we must stand fast in the faith. To stand fast is a military term meaning to keep rank; to stay in step with the other soldiers. To be a true man, we have to learn how to keep in step and continue on in the face of adversity. Third Paul reminds us to act like men. It means be courageous in the face of battle. Do not flinch or turn away when facing the enemy. It speaks of a mature stability. God is calling for men who will hold on when it is easier to give up. FInally Paul encourages us to be strong. This is not physical strength, but spiritual strength. What makes a man strong is when he can look at temptation and say no and walk away from it. To become strong in spirit is to become strong in life. We have to be strong enough to close the door that will lead us down the path to where we do not need to be. True manhood is not defined by our culture. God defines true manhood and that has not changed. It take courage for men to be Godly men. It is increasingly difficult in today’s word to be a good man. In the eyes of many in our culture, manhood is in a tailspin. Technology that replaces labor, the feminist movement and other social trends has produced a steady decline of the view of true manhood. The media and our culture engage in a subtle undermining of reputation of men. Manhood is under attack. Being a true man in our world is a difficult job. It requires courage and determination, because being a true Godly man is to go against our culture. Men in our culture are searching for what it means to be a man because that definition has been blurred and changed by many years of assault by the enemy. As Godly men, we look to the bible for God’s definition of what it means to be a man. Our text contains four concepts that define what it means to be a man. First Paul said to watch. He means to be alert, awake and concerned about where we are at all times. There are many enemies who will come at us. Paul was reminding us to be ever vigilant to remain focused on the most important things in life. We must watch ourselves; our minds and what we allow to come into our mind. When secondary issues become more important than the primary issues, we are in trouble. Our walk with God is chief among these primary issues. We must watch over our house. We must watch what comes in and what we allow to go on in our house. We have to watch against the subtle things that creep in; the temptation that come daily. A true man is one that is watchful about what truly matters. Second Paul said that we must stand fast in the faith. To stand fast is a military term meaning to keep rank; to stay in step with the other soldiers. To be a true man, we have to learn how to keep in step and continue on in the face of adversity. Third Paul reminds us to act like men. It means be courageous in the face of battle. Do not flinch or turn away when facing the enemy. It speaks of a mature stability. God is calling for men who will hold on when it is easier to give up. FInally Paul encourages us to be strong. This is not physical strength, but spiritual strength. What makes a man strong is when he can look at temptation and say no and walk away from it. To become strong in spirit is to become strong in life. We have to be strong enough to close the door that will lead us down the path to where we do not need to be. True manhood is not defined by our culture. God defines true manhood and that has not changed. It take courage for men to be Godly men. It is increasingly difficult in today’s word to be a good man. In the eyes of many in our culture, manhood is in a tailspin. Technology that replaces labor, the feminist movement and other social trends has produced a steady decline of the view of tr… Mark Hughes 2323 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20954319/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theelementsoftruemanhood/id/2878212.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20954319 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:13-16:14 Wed, 14 Jun 2017 16:47:01 +0000 Mark Hughes When God gave Israel the plan for the tabernacle, it was very precise and exact. It was to be a place where God and man could connect. Every area of the tabernacle is a sermon that speaks a powerful message. Each area of the tabernacle was designed for a specific purpose to provide a interaction with God. The first thing encountered in when entering the tabernacle was the alter. It was an impressive piece measuring 7 ½ feet square and 4 feet tall. It was overlaid with gold and there were horns on each of the four corners. This was the place where they would place the offering and kill it there as a sacrifice. The altar was (and is) a place of prayer. Prayer is very important. It is the only way for us to communicate with God. The bible tells us to pray. It says pray constantly. Some of us struggle with prayer. More precisely we struggle with some aspects of prayer. Often people will say “I don’t know what to say.” The power of prayer is not in what we say, but that we are saying to Him. Prayer is not about the eloquent words, but the honest communication with our creator. We make prayer about us, but prayer is not about us; It is about Him. We struggle with prayer in that we do not understand what makes prayer successful. Our text tells us that the sacrifice was tied to the corners of the altar with cords. Bro. Hughes offers four things to tie our prayer life. In Genesis 32:12 Jacob is meeting his brother Esau many years after cheating him out of his birthright. Fearful that Esau would make good on his threat to kill him, Jacob begins praying to God. In this prayer, Jacob reminds God that He had promised to make his seed like the sands of the beach. He reminded God of His faithfulness. The first cord to tie our prayers to is God’s faithfulness. In Genesis 18:25, Abraham is pleading with God to save Sodom. In doing this, he reminds God of His righteousness. When we go to God in prayer, we tie our prayer to His righteousness because we know that God will do what is right. The third cord to tie our prayer to is found in 1 Peter 1:17 and that is God’s impartiality. God does not value the prayer of one over another. His desire is for all of us to have a relationship with Him. He listens to all prayers regardless of status, wealth, or position. The final thing to tie our prayer to is that God is a god of Liberality. He gives liberally to all that ask and without chastising us. When we come to God in prayer, we come with the understanding that no need is too great or too small. Prayer is not about us. It is about Him. We do not tie prayer to what we can do, we tie it to what He can do. When God gave Israel the plan for the tabernacle, it was very precise and exact. It was to be a place where God and man could connect. Every area of the tabernacle is a sermon that speaks a powerful message. Each area of the tabernacle was designed for a specific purpose to provide a interaction with God. The first thing encountered in when entering the tabernacle was the alter. It was an impressive piece measuring 7 ½ feet square and 4 feet tall. It was overlaid with gold and there were horns on each of the four corners. This was the place where they would place the offering and kill it there as a sacrifice. The altar was (and is) a place of prayer. Prayer is very important. It is the only way for us to communicate with God. The bible tells us to pray. It says pray constantly. Some of us struggle with prayer. More precisely we struggle with some aspects of prayer. Often people will say “I don’t know what to say.” The power of prayer is not in what we say, but that we are saying to Him. Prayer is not about the eloquent words, but the honest communication with our creator. We make prayer about us, but prayer is not about us; It is about Him. We struggle with prayer in that we do not understand what makes prayer successful. Our text tells us that the sacrifice was tied to the corners of the altar with cords. Bro. Hughes offers four things to tie our prayer life. In Genesis 32:12 Jacob is meeting his brother Esau many years after cheating him out of his birthright. Fearful that Esau would make good on his threat to kill him, Jacob begins praying to God. In this prayer, Jacob reminds God that He had promised to make his seed like the sands of the beach. He reminded God of His faithfulness. The first cord to tie our prayers to is God’s faithfulness. In Genesis 18:25, Abraham is pleading with God to save Sodom. In doing this, he reminds God of His righteousness. When we go to God in prayer, we tie our prayer to His righteousness because we know that God will do what is right. The third cord to tie our prayer to is found in 1 Peter 1:17 and that is God’s impartiality. God does not value the prayer of one over another. His desire is for all of us to have a relationship with Him. He listens to all prayers regardless of status, wealth, or position. The final thing to tie our prayer to is that God is a god of Liberality. He gives liberally to all that ask and without chastising us. When we come to God in prayer, we come with the understanding that no need is too great or too small. Prayer is not about us. It is about Him. We do not tie prayer to what we can do, we tie it to what He can do. When God gave Israel the plan for the tabernacle, it was very precise and exact. It was to be a place where God and man could connect. Every area of the tabernacle is a sermon that speaks a powerful message. Each area of the tabernacle was designed … Mark Hughes 3836 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20952489/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thekeytoheaven/id/2876487.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20952489 Scripture: Psalms 118:27-118, Isaiah 56:7-56, Luke 12:32-12, Series: The Keys Sun, 11 Jun 2017 20:49:23 +0000 Mark Hughes In our text, God has called Abram out of the land of Ir into what we know as the promised land. The journey was around 600 miles that they undertook on foot. Abram stepped out on no more than a promise from God. When he arrived in Bethel, Abram built an alter. Sometime after arriving in the promised land, a famine came on the land. This famine seemed to send a panic into Abram’s life, and in his weakness and flesh, he failed to remember what God had provided. Relying on his own wisdom, Abram goes to Egypt to seek help. In doing this, he set into motion events that result in an out of character situation for him where he almost lost both his wife and his life because of a decision that seemed unrelated at the time, but that he made without God’s intervention. How could someone who had such faith in God get to a point where a secular king would rebuke his faith? Abram left Egypt with his spiritual life injured. When he returned to Bethel after this, the first place he went was the alter he had built. Unlike many of us who would wallow in our misery, or try to cover up what we had done, Abram went to the place where he could recapture what was lost when he went to Egypt. It is at an altar that we can regain what we have lost. It does not matter the poor choices we make in life, what matters is that when we reach that place of brokenness, we can return to an alter. All of us will fall at one time or another. It is important to know during those times, that even if we fall, He has provided a way for us to get back up. That place is an alter. The key to recovery is to return to the altar where it all began. In our text, God has called Abram out of the land of Ir into what we know as the promised land. The journey was around 600 miles that they undertook on foot. Abram stepped out on no more than a promise from God. When he arrived in Bethel, Abram built an alter. Sometime after arriving in the promised land, a famine came on the land. This famine seemed to send a panic into Abram’s life, and in his weakness and flesh, he failed to remember what God had provided. Relying on his own wisdom, Abram goes to Egypt to seek help. In doing this, he set into motion events that result in an out of character situation for him where he almost lost both his wife and his life because of a decision that seemed unrelated at the time, but that he made without God’s intervention. How could someone who had such faith in God get to a point where a secular king would rebuke his faith? Abram left Egypt with his spiritual life injured. When he returned to Bethel after this, the first place he went was the alter he had built. Unlike many of us who would wallow in our misery, or try to cover up what we had done, Abram went to the place where he could recapture what was lost when he went to Egypt. It is at an altar that we can regain what we have lost. It does not matter the poor choices we make in life, what matters is that when we reach that place of brokenness, we can return to an alter. All of us will fall at one time or another. It is important to know during those times, that even if we fall, He has provided a way for us to get back up. That place is an alter. The key to recovery is to return to the altar where it all began. In our text, God has called Abram out of the land of Ir into what we know as the promised land. The journey was around 600 miles that they undertook on foot. Abram stepped out on no more than a promise from God. When he arrived in Bethel, Abram buil… Mark Hughes 1924 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20949671/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thekeytorecovery/id/2873724.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20949671 Scripture: Genesis 13:1-13:4, Series: The Keys Mon, 05 Jun 2017 03:08:31 +0000 Landon Long Our world moves very fast. People are in such a hurry and are busy from day to night. Technology that was supposed to make our lives simpler and connect us with people has had the opposite effect. We used to think of the Christmas season as busy and bustling, but it seems that everyday is like that now. Our lives are overflowing with a busy schedule. We are so busy, that we cannot remember what we did yesterday. Our text from Luke reminds us that our time on earth is limited. It tells us to make the most of every chance we get. We need only to read a newspaper or listen to a news broadcast to conclude that these are desperate times. Even a casual bible scholar can recognize that we are in the end times. Now more than ever, we need to be paying attention to God. We as the church of God, must make the most out of every chance we receive from God. The world says that desperate times call for desperate measures. Quite the opposite. Our text is clear that desperate times require us to slow down and spend more time with God. Our text in Luke is from a desperate time in Jesus’ life. When Mary and Martha heard that Jesus was coming, they began to prepare. Martha busied herself with important tasks, while Mary sat and listened to what Jesus had to say. Martha was busy with important things to make sure things were just right. Too many of us are like Martha. We are busy around the church getting things done. We are involved in many good works, but at some point, we have to stop and simply sit at Jesus’ feet and entertain His presence. Martha was tired. She had worked very hard making sure that everything was perfect for Jesus. How must she have felt when Jesus said that Mary had chosen the better part? Jesus didn’t say that Martha was wrong. He did not say that what she was doing was not important. He reminded her that it is important to come into His presence and simply enjoy being there. One was waiting on Him like a server at a restaurant; the other was waiting on Him to hear what He had to say. There are times when it seems like we are all moving like Martha and God is saying “Sit, be still.” Slow down enough to hear that still small voice. It is hard to hear that voice in our world today. We have to slow down enough that we can simply be in His presence. Our world moves very fast. People are in such a hurry and are busy from day to night. Technology that was supposed to make our lives simpler and connect us with people has had the opposite effect. We used to think of the Christmas season as busy and bustling, but it seems that everyday is like that now. Our lives are overflowing with a busy schedule. We are so busy, that we cannot remember what we did yesterday. Our text from Luke reminds us that our time on earth is limited. It tells us to make the most of every chance we get. We need only to read a newspaper or listen to a news broadcast to conclude that these are desperate times. Even a casual bible scholar can recognize that we are in the end times. Now more than ever, we need to be paying attention to God. We as the church of God, must make the most out of every chance we receive from God. The world says that desperate times call for desperate measures. Quite the opposite. Our text is clear that desperate times require us to slow down and spend more time with God. Our text in Luke is from a desperate time in Jesus’ life. When Mary and Martha heard that Jesus was coming, they began to prepare. Martha busied herself with important tasks, while Mary sat and listened to what Jesus had to say. Martha was busy with important things to make sure things were just right. Too many of us are like Martha. We are busy around the church getting things done. We are involved in many good works, but at some point, we have to stop and simply sit at Jesus’ feet and entertain His presence. Martha was tired. She had worked very hard making sure that everything was perfect for Jesus. How must she have felt when Jesus said that Mary had chosen the better part? Jesus didn’t say that Martha was wrong. He did not say that what she was doing was not important. He reminded her that it is important to come into His presence and simply enjoy being there. One was waiting on Him like a server at a restaurant; the other was waiting on Him to hear what He had to say. There are times when it seems like we are all moving like Martha and God is saying “Sit, be still.” Slow down enough to hear that still small voice. It is hard to hear that voice in our world today. We have to slow down enough that we can simply be in His presence. Our world moves very fast. People are in such a hurry and are busy from day to night. Technology that was supposed to make our lives simpler and connect us with people has had the opposite effect. We used to think of the Christmas season as busy and… Landon Long 2332 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20945585/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thesearedesperatetimes/id/2869822.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20945585 Scripture: Luke 10:38-10:42, Ephesians 5:11-5:16 Sun, 04 Jun 2017 19:44:16 +0000 Landon Long God created every man with a divine purpose. Unfortunately there are factors that interfere with God’s plan for people. Most often these factors are people. People sometimes get in the way of what God wants to do. God created a beautiful paradise. In the book of Genesis, He looked down and said “It is good.” When He created man, He looked down and said “This is very good.” How ironic that the very thing that God said was very good, is the thing that frustrates His plan. The truth is that God already knew about the fall of man and all the times that people would frustrate his plan before he even formed the earth. When Adam and Eve sinned, God was in a unique place. He loved them, but hated sin. Satan must have thought that he had God backed into a corner. But God already had a plan for that. We may feel like God is in a corner, but nothing catches God by surprise. He already has the solution to our problem worked out. That solution has been in motion for centuries to come to conclusion as exactly the right time. When a builder builds a house, he uses a set of plans. If the follows those plans, the result is a physical representation of that plan in real life. God has given a plan of salvation. If we follow that plan and not rely on what man says, then what is written will be transformed into a physical representation of that plan in our life. Jesus gave the plan to his disciples. The first step was to wait. They were to go to the upper room and wait. About 120 of them went to wait and then Peter began to speak. Our text out lines God’s plan: Repent, be baptised in Jesus’ name and receive the holy ghost. The bible tells us that there were 3000 people saved on that day. There are those that say that God’s plan is no longer valid; that times have changed. My bible tells me that God is unchanging. The plan that Peter outlined on that Pentecost Sunday is still the same plan today. That is the plan for every man. God created every man with a divine purpose. Unfortunately there are factors that interfere with God’s plan for people. Most often these factors are people. People sometimes get in the way of what God wants to do. God created a beautiful paradise. In the book of Genesis, He looked down and said “It is good.” When He created man, He looked down and said “This is very good.” How ironic that the very thing that God said was very good, is the thing that frustrates His plan. The truth is that God already knew about the fall of man and all the times that people would frustrate his plan before he even formed the earth. When Adam and Eve sinned, God was in a unique place. He loved them, but hated sin. Satan must have thought that he had God backed into a corner. But God already had a plan for that. We may feel like God is in a corner, but nothing catches God by surprise. He already has the solution to our problem worked out. That solution has been in motion for centuries to come to conclusion as exactly the right time. When a builder builds a house, he uses a set of plans. If the follows those plans, the result is a physical representation of that plan in real life. God has given a plan of salvation. If we follow that plan and not rely on what man says, then what is written will be transformed into a physical representation of that plan in our life. Jesus gave the plan to his disciples. The first step was to wait. They were to go to the upper room and wait. About 120 of them went to wait and then Peter began to speak. Our text out lines God’s plan: Repent, be baptised in Jesus’ name and receive the holy ghost. The bible tells us that there were 3000 people saved on that day. There are those that say that God’s plan is no longer valid; that times have changed. My bible tells me that God is unchanging. The plan that Peter outlined on that Pentecost Sunday is still the same plan today. That is the plan for every man. God created every man with a divine purpose. Unfortunately there are factors that interfere with God’s plan for people. Most often these factors are people. People sometimes get in the way of what God wants to do. God created a beautiful paradise.… Landon Long 2930 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20945080/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theplanforeveryman/id/2869315.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20945080 Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11-29, Acts 2:36-2:39 Thu, 01 Jun 2017 02:03:58 +0000 Mark Hughes A truth of life is that If you don’t use it, you will lose it. We all took algebra in school, but few of us can still work those problems if we do not use them frequently. Life is ever a learning process. As important as is learning, it is just as important that we retain that knowledge. As we go through trials, it is important that now only do we learn something from them. God does not waste opportunities. We however, sometimes forget that God has taught us in the past and we find ourselves repeating the same issue, crises and problems because we have not learned what God has been trying to teach us. Have we learned anything in the past year? Are we better spiritually today than we were this time last year? Are we better for what we have been through, or are we angry or bitter because of what we have been through? The lessons learned through pain, trial and adversity are wasted if we do not changed by them. The key is what we do with what God has invested in us. In our text, Jesus taught a valuable lesson. The statement taken literally is a bit silly. “If a man has ears…” He is not talking about a man who is missing ears, rather Jesus is making a statement about inattentiveness. Literally, the translation should be: “Since you have ears, you should pay attention to what I am saying.” Jesus is saying to pay attention to the situations of life where God is teaching a lesson. His use of the word “heed” emphasizes the point. The phrase is translated to mean “hear like a dying man” The lessons God is trying to teach are a matter of life and death. Our spiritual hearing determines our spiritual health. Our spiritual well being is directly connected to our listening to what God is saying. If we will take what God is trying to say to us and apply it to our life, we will be blessed despite what the circumstances may indicate. According to how we pay attention, will determines how the blessing returns to us. Often we cannot get to where God is trying to take us, because we are not paying attention. A truth of life is that If you don’t use it, you will lose it. We all took algebra in school, but few of us can still work those problems if we do not use them frequently. Life is ever a learning process. As important as is learning, it is just as important that we retain that knowledge. As we go through trials, it is important that now only do we learn something from them. God does not waste opportunities. We however, sometimes forget that God has taught us in the past and we find ourselves repeating the same issue, crises and problems because we have not learned what God has been trying to teach us. Have we learned anything in the past year? Are we better spiritually today than we were this time last year? Are we better for what we have been through, or are we angry or bitter because of what we have been through? The lessons learned through pain, trial and adversity are wasted if we do not changed by them. The key is what we do with what God has invested in us. In our text, Jesus taught a valuable lesson. The statement taken literally is a bit silly. “If a man has ears…” He is not talking about a man who is missing ears, rather Jesus is making a statement about inattentiveness. Literally, the translation should be: “Since you have ears, you should pay attention to what I am saying.” Jesus is saying to pay attention to the situations of life where God is teaching a lesson. His use of the word “heed” emphasizes the point. The phrase is translated to mean “hear like a dying man” The lessons God is trying to teach are a matter of life and death. Our spiritual hearing determines our spiritual health. Our spiritual well being is directly connected to our listening to what God is saying. If we will take what God is trying to say to us and apply it to our life, we will be blessed despite what the circumstances may indicate. According to how we pay attention, will determines how the blessing returns to us. Often we cannot get to where God is trying to take us, because we are not paying attention. A truth of life is that If you don’t use it, you will lose it. We all took algebra in school, but few of us can still work those problems if we do not use them frequently. Life is ever a learning process. As important as is learning, it is just as i… Mark Hughes 3355 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20943779/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thekeytoimprovingyoursituation/id/2868117.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20943779 Scripture: Mark 4:23-4:25, Series: The Keys Sun, 28 May 2017 23:03:32 +0000 Kenneth Baker Everyone at some time or another forgets something. We are not alone in forgetting things. Recent research shows that there 42% of people forget faces. 49% forget what was said. 53% forget words. 57% forget phone numbers, 60% forget where something is, 83% forget names and 38% forget what they did. We all have a problem remembering things. Forgetfulness can be very costly and dangerous. Our nation and our country is quickly forgetting the things that have made us great. There seems to be an agenda to do away with the history and traditions that have made our nation into what it is. Remembering is something that helps us to acknowledge the debt that we owe to those that have come before us and sacrificed so much; even to the extent of their very lives. The truth is there are no self-made men. We all had someone that poured something into us that helped along the way: Parents, Sunday School Teachers, Mentors or grade school teachers. We all can look back over our lives and identify those people who had a word, or a gesture or an influence in our life that steered us in the right direction. We are all here because someone helped move us along the way. We are where we are because along the way someone invested mercy and grace in us. Our text illustrates the effect of forgetfulness. In our text, this part of Joseph’s life contains a great lesson. Joseph interprets the dream and, exchange, asks that the butler remember him when he gets released. But, the butler did just that; he forgot Joseph. For two full (long) years, Joseph remained in prison because someone failed to remember. Failing to remember can keep someone in prison; Often that prisoner is us. There is a high cost to forgetting. There are those who are bound in prison because they have forgotten. What are we forgetting that is keeping us in a prison? What are we forgetting that God has already done that has us bound in a prison of anger and anxiety? There are people battling hatred, or bitterness or anger and they allow that to keep them in a mental prison. We have forgotten what God has brought us through. We forget that God worked a situation out for us then, and He can work it out now. Who could we release from prison if we would remember God’s love and forgiveness? In Psalms 106, Israel forgot that God had parted the Red Sea. They forgot that God provided water from a rock. The forgot that God provided Manna from heaven. They forgot all that God had done and still they grumbled about their situation. When they forgot they became disoriented and the Bible says they wandered. They were without purpose or direction. We are where we are because of the mercy and grace of God, and when we forget that we become like the Israelites and wander and become disoriented. When they forgot, the started grumbling and were ungrateful for what God had already provided. They became impatient and began to follow their own lusts and desires. When we forget, we will ultimately fall into carnal desires. They began to attack Moses and Aaron. When we forget we begin to look around and compare ourselves to others. When jealousy shows up, they began to justify their actions. They allowed disrespect to destroy their lives. Why remember? Because when we forget, we panic. When we panic, we turn away from God. The key to unlocking the prison of forgetfulness is found in Psalms 106:12: Thankfulness and praise. When we thank Him for what He has already done, He will take care of whatever we are experiencing now. When we remember, we praise Him and praise is the key to getting through. Everyone at some time or another forgets something. We are not alone in forgetting things. Recent research shows that there 42% of people forget faces. 49% forget what was said. 53% forget words. 57% forget phone numbers, 60% forget where something is, 83% forget names and 38% forget what they did. We all have a problem remembering things. Forgetfulness can be very costly and dangerous. Our nation and our country is quickly forgetting the things that have made us great. There seems to be an agenda to do away with the history and traditions that have made our nation into what it is. Remembering is something that helps us to acknowledge the debt that we owe to those that have come before us and sacrificed so much; even to the extent of their very lives. The truth is there are no self-made men. We all had someone that poured something into us that helped along the way: Parents, Sunday School Teachers, Mentors or grade school teachers. We all can look back over our lives and identify those people who had a word, or a gesture or an influence in our life that steered us in the right direction. We are all here because someone helped move us along the way. We are where we are because along the way someone invested mercy and grace in us. Our text illustrates the effect of forgetfulness. In our text, this part of Joseph’s life contains a great lesson. Joseph interprets the dream and, exchange, asks that the butler remember him when he gets released. But, the butler did just that; he forgot Joseph. For two full (long) years, Joseph remained in prison because someone failed to remember. Failing to remember can keep someone in prison; Often that prisoner is us. There is a high cost to forgetting. There are those who are bound in prison because they have forgotten. What are we forgetting that is keeping us in a prison? What are we forgetting that God has already done that has us bound in a prison of anger and anxiety? There are people battling hatred, or bitterness or anger and they allow that to keep them in a mental prison. We have forgotten what God has brought us through. We forget that God worked a situation out for us then, and He can work it out now. Who could we release from prison if we would remember God’s love and forgiveness? In Psalms 106, Israel forgot that God had parted the Red Sea. They forgot that God provided water from a rock. The forgot that God provided Manna from heaven. They forgot all that God had done and still they grumbled about their situation. When they forgot they became disoriented and the Bible says they wandered. They were without purpose or direction. We are where we are because of the mercy and grace of God, and when we forget that we become like the Israelites and wander and become disoriented. When they forgot, the started grumbling and were ungrateful for what God had already provided. They became impatient and began to follow their own lusts and desires. When we forget, we will ultimately fall into carnal desires. They began to attack Moses and Aaron. When we forget we begin to look around and compare ourselves to others. When jealousy shows up, they began to justify their actions. They allowed disrespect to destroy their lives. Why remember? Because when we forget, we panic. When we panic, we turn away from God. The key to unlocking the prison of forgetfulness is found in Psalms 106:12: Thankfulness and praise. When we thank Him for what He has already done, He will take care of whatever we are experiencing now. When we remember, we praise Him and praise is the key to getting through. Everyone at some time or another forgets something. We are not alone in forgetting things. Recent research shows that there 42% of people forget faces. 49% forget what was said. 53% forget words. 57% forget phone numbers, 60% forget where something… Kenneth Baker 3322 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20938705/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thekeytounlockingyourprison/id/2863816.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20938705 The Key to Unlocking Your Prison Thu, 25 May 2017 02:35:08 +0000 Mark Hughes We want God to work out things lin our life, but often that working out involves trials and storms. Our humanity does not like this. It is easy to ask “If God loves me, why doe He allow this to happen?” Our natural reaction to trials and problems is to groan and wish that it were not so. It is not easy for us to look at such trials and problems as a gift from God, but our text makes it plain that they are just that: A gift. It does not matter what is going wrong in our life, there is a reason that God has allowed that to come into our life. By the time it reaches us, it has been dipped in God’s love and specifically designed to benefit our life. The question is then, will we continue to fight against these things, or allow them to work for our good? We waste our trials when we focus on the problem and not on the process. There are five keys to not wasting the trials that come into our life. First, the text says to “count” it all joy. Out attitude about things is more critical than the actual situation. That right attitude determines our actions. Secondly he says to “knowing this” We have to understand that He has tried us before and we have come through it for the better. Third, we have to “let patience have her perfect work” We have to surrender to His will and process. We have to cooperate with God. Forth we have to know what to ask for in order to get through. He said “if any lack wisdom” In the midst of a trial, why not ask for grace strength, or deliverance? Why ask for wisdom? Because in the midst of a trial, we have have the wisdom to let God’s process work. Finally, our text tell us to “ask in faith” If we are to properly use the trial that come, we must do so in faith. If we let God utilize these things, He will rework it so that it produces something good in us. None of us like challenges and trials, but it is clear that God uses these things to make us better. Realizing this, we must remember the keys to not wasting our trials. We want God to work out things lin our life, but often that working out involves trials and storms. Our humanity does not like this. It is easy to ask “If God loves me, why doe He allow this to happen?” Our natural reaction to trials and problems is to groan and wish that it were not so. It is not easy for us to look at such trials and problems as a gift from God, but our text makes it plain that they are just that: A gift. It does not matter what is going wrong in our life, there is a reason that God has allowed that to come into our life. By the time it reaches us, it has been dipped in God’s love and specifically designed to benefit our life. The question is then, will we continue to fight against these things, or allow them to work for our good? We waste our trials when we focus on the problem and not on the process. There are five keys to not wasting the trials that come into our life. First, the text says to “count” it all joy. Out attitude about things is more critical than the actual situation. That right attitude determines our actions. Secondly he says to “knowing this” We have to understand that He has tried us before and we have come through it for the better. Third, we have to “let patience have her perfect work” We have to surrender to His will and process. We have to cooperate with God. Forth we have to know what to ask for in order to get through. He said “if any lack wisdom” In the midst of a trial, why not ask for grace strength, or deliverance? Why ask for wisdom? Because in the midst of a trial, we have have the wisdom to let God’s process work. Finally, our text tell us to “ask in faith” If we are to properly use the trial that come, we must do so in faith. If we let God utilize these things, He will rework it so that it produces something good in us. None of us like challenges and trials, but it is clear that God uses these things to make us better. Realizing this, we must remember the keys to not wasting our trials. We want God to work out things lin our life, but often that working out involves trials and storms. Our humanity does not like this. It is easy to ask “If God loves me, why doe He allow this to happen?” Our natural reaction to trials and problems is… Mark Hughes 2800 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20937138/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thekeytonotwastingyourtrials/id/2862333.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20937138 Scripture: James 1:2-1:7 Mon, 22 May 2017 03:00:48 +0000 Mark Hughes Life for many people is frustrating. They expend a lot of effort trying to achieve results or work toward a goal, and seemingly all that effort yields no results. We strive and search for things and live the best that we can but often, despite all our efforts, we do not attain the joy, happiness and peace that we desire. Our text offers a key to dealing with these futile feelings. Paul leads with a strong statement: Be not deceived, God is not mocked. Paul put this in for a reason. He was calling to the forefront that we have to deal with the realities of life. Often our frustrations are the results of out trying to take a shortcut around the principles of life. We cannot blame others, it is our own actions that cause this frustration. Paul outlines one of the most profound principles in scripture: That what a man sows, that shall he also reap. All of the things that we want: the favor, the blessing, the joy, the happiness are in our hands. The key that will unlock the door to all these things is in our hand. We don’t like that. We like to blame others: “My marriage is not better because of my wife.” “I could worship God better if it wasn’t for ….” We love to be able to say “It’s not my fault” The key is not in someone else’s hand, it it is in our hands. It is too easy to blame the messes in life on others, but the truth is that often the mess that is there is because of us. The intimation in our text is that if we plant apple seeds, we will get apples. If we go through life sowing a particular seed, we cannot expect that we will get a different crop? The question becomes, what are we sowing? If we are reaping discontent, and anger, we have to look at what we are sowing. We have to quit blaming what has gone wrong in our life, and look at what we are planting. The key to everything we desire; peace, joy, blessing happiness, is to look at what kind of seed we are sowing. In addition what is in the bag, it matters where we sow it. Jesus told the parable about the seed being sown on four different types of ground, the hard ground, the shallow ground, the weed infested ground and the good ground. The place where we sow the seed it just as important as the seed we are sowing. We have to invest our efforts in the good soil in order to reap the crop we desire. Finally there is one more principle that is in our control. They key to what we want is found in the amount we are willing to invest. If we sow sparingly, we will reap sparingly. We want to God to give us His best, but we are not willing to give Him our best. It does not matter how much we pour into living for God, He will return that back many times over. Many people struggle with their spiritual life, because they limit what they give to God. Life for many people is frustrating. They expend a lot of effort trying to achieve results or work toward a goal, and seemingly all that effort yields no results. We strive and search for things and live the best that we can but often, despite all our efforts, we do not attain the joy, happiness and peace that we desire. Our text offers a key to dealing with these futile feelings. Paul leads with a strong statement: Be not deceived, God is not mocked. Paul put this in for a reason. He was calling to the forefront that we have to deal with the realities of life. Often our frustrations are the results of out trying to take a shortcut around the principles of life. We cannot blame others, it is our own actions that cause this frustration. Paul outlines one of the most profound principles in scripture: That what a man sows, that shall he also reap. All of the things that we want: the favor, the blessing, the joy, the happiness are in our hands. The key that will unlock the door to all these things is in our hand. We don’t like that. We like to blame others: “My marriage is not better because of my wife.” “I could worship God better if it wasn’t for ….” We love to be able to say “It’s not my fault” The key is not in someone else’s hand, it it is in our hands. It is too easy to blame the messes in life on others, but the truth is that often the mess that is there is because of us. The intimation in our text is that if we plant apple seeds, we will get apples. If we go through life sowing a particular seed, we cannot expect that we will get a different crop? The question becomes, what are we sowing? If we are reaping discontent, and anger, we have to look at what we are sowing. We have to quit blaming what has gone wrong in our life, and look at what we are planting. The key to everything we desire; peace, joy, blessing happiness, is to look at what kind of seed we are sowing. In addition what is in the bag, it matters where we sow it. Jesus told the parable about the seed being sown on four different types of ground, the hard ground, the shallow ground, the weed infested ground and the good ground. The place where we sow the seed it just as important as the seed we are sowing. We have to invest our efforts in the good soil in order to reap the crop we desire. Finally there is one more principle that is in our control. They key to what we want is found in the amount we are willing to invest. If we sow sparingly, we will reap sparingly. We want to God to give us His best, but we are not willing to give Him our best. It does not matter how much we pour into living for God, He will return that back many times over. Many people struggle with their spiritual life, because they limit what they give to God. Life for many people is frustrating. They expend a lot of effort trying to achieve results or work toward a goal, and seemingly all that effort yields no results. We strive and search for things and live the best that we can but often, despite all o… Mark Hughes 2679 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20934373/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thekeytoallwedesire/id/2859714.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20934373 Scripture: Galatians 6:7-6, Series: The Keys Mon, 22 May 2017 02:24:05 +0000 Landon Long Young children are given coloring sheets with pictures to be colored. The instructions are usually to stay within the lines. In the younger years, we give children projects with guides and limits. As they grow, they are given assignments with less restrictions. Sometimes we give children blank pieces of paper and allow them the freedom to create and let their minds flow. We want people to grow and succeed. We want to encourage budding artists, but in their younger years, we restrict small children to stay within the lines. In our text, God tells Moses that wherever the soul of their feet touched, He would give them that land. He did not place a limit on His blessing. God told Moses to wander far and wide and that He would give them all that land to possess. The world is open to explorers today. Bro. Long tells our graduates tonight that they can accomplish all that they want as long as they can dream it. We can stick to coloring pages within the lines. We can listen to the critics and stay within the restrictions that those critics place on us, or we can take what has been given and make life’s masterpieces. Take what God has given and make something wonderful with it. Young children are given coloring sheets with pictures to be colored. The instructions are usually to stay within the lines. In the younger years, we give children projects with guides and limits. As they grow, they are given assignments with less restrictions. Sometimes we give children blank pieces of paper and allow them the freedom to create and let their minds flow. We want people to grow and succeed. We want to encourage budding artists, but in their younger years, we restrict small children to stay within the lines. In our text, God tells Moses that wherever the soul of their feet touched, He would give them that land. He did not place a limit on His blessing. God told Moses to wander far and wide and that He would give them all that land to possess. The world is open to explorers today. Bro. Long tells our graduates tonight that they can accomplish all that they want as long as they can dream it. We can stick to coloring pages within the lines. We can listen to the critics and stay within the restrictions that those critics place on us, or we can take what has been given and make life’s masterpieces. Take what God has given and make something wonderful with it. Young children are given coloring sheets with pictures to be colored. The instructions are usually to stay within the lines. In the younger years, we give children projects with guides and limits. As they grow, they are given assignments with less r… Landon Long 1441 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20937131/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_nolimits/id/2862328.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20937131 Scripture: Philippians 4:13-4, Deuteronomy 11:22-11:24 Sun, 14 May 2017 20:45:11 +0000 Mark Hughes Of all the influences in life, there is perhaps no one greater than the influence of a mother. Good or bad, the power of the potential of a mother’s influence cannot be understated. The things that Thomas Edison invented revolutionized our life and have lasting effects even today. As a boy, the school masters thought him to be unteachable. His mother knew better. She had words with the masters and took him home to educate him. Thomas would later look back at that encounter as the time that his mother made him. Her confidence led him to realize that of which he was capable and drove him to accomplish all the things that he did. As a woman, the potential and possibilities of the influence in her children's lives can have world changing results. Our world tells women to do something important, but the bible tells us that mothers are important just in fulfilling their role as a wife and mother. In our text, there is no mention of Timothy’s father. About all that is known of Timothy’s father is that he was a Greek. He appears to have had little or no influence in his life. The bible is quite clear that Timothy’s mother and grandmother had a great influence. They were instrumental in the raising of a man who would be the pastor of the early church in Ephesus. Lois and Eunice passed along a faith that would reach thousands. They taught a courage to face life, and a love for others that is exemplified in scripture over and over. These two ladies made a decision that whatever challenges they had faced in their lives, they were not going to pass those along to the next generation. They invested something in him that has lasting effects even to today. A mother’s influence can change the world. Of all the influences in life, there is perhaps no one greater than the influence of a mother. Good or bad, the power of the potential of a mother’s influence cannot be understated. The things that Thomas Edison invented revolutionized our life and have lasting effects even today. As a boy, the school masters thought him to be unteachable. His mother knew better. She had words with the masters and took him home to educate him. Thomas would later look back at that encounter as the time that his mother made him. Her confidence led him to realize that of which he was capable and drove him to accomplish all the things that he did. As a woman, the potential and possibilities of the influence in her children's lives can have world changing results. Our world tells women to do something important, but the bible tells us that mothers are important just in fulfilling their role as a wife and mother. In our text, there is no mention of Timothy’s father. About all that is known of Timothy’s father is that he was a Greek. He appears to have had little or no influence in his life. The bible is quite clear that Timothy’s mother and grandmother had a great influence. They were instrumental in the raising of a man who would be the pastor of the early church in Ephesus. Lois and Eunice passed along a faith that would reach thousands. They taught a courage to face life, and a love for others that is exemplified in scripture over and over. These two ladies made a decision that whatever challenges they had faced in their lives, they were not going to pass those along to the next generation. They invested something in him that has lasting effects even to today. A mother’s influence can change the world. Of all the influences in life, there is perhaps no one greater than the influence of a mother. Good or bad, the power of the potential of a mother’s influence cannot be understated. The things that Thomas Edison invented revolutionized our life and h… Mark Hughes 1897 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20929304/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thekeytothehome/id/2854920.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20929304 Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:1-1:5, Series: The Keys Thu, 27 Apr 2017 03:23:42 +0000 Zach & Jen Sportsman Burkina Faso is a french speaking country of 17 million people in West Africa. It is about half the size of Texas. In this densly packed country, there are 13 UPCI churches. Zack and Jen Sportsman are missionaries appointed to this work. Tonight, Bro. and Sis. Sportsman bring us details about their work in Burkina Faso as well as a timely message about listening to the whisper of God born of his own experience. The Whisper of God Our world and our culture is crowded with distractions and opportunities to focus our attention on other things. Technology and constant information updates can drown the small voice of God and what He has to say to us. We need to hear God speaking to us; not just in church, but as we go about our daily lives on our jobs, in schools and in the grocery stores. God uses us to reach people. God places people in our lives for a reason, and it is logical to believe that we are placed into other’s lives for a divine purpose. Bro. Sportsman shares a story of how he came to know the Lord by a divine encounter with a friend who listened to the small voice of God. Burkina Faso is a french speaking country of 17 million people in West Africa. It is about half the size of Texas. In this densly packed country, there are 13 UPCI churches. Zack and Jen Sportsman are missionaries appointed to this work. Tonight, Bro. and Sis. Sportsman bring us details about their work in Burkina Faso as well as a timely message about listening to the whisper of God born of his own experience. The Whisper of God Our world and our culture is crowded with distractions and opportunities to focus our attention on other things. Technology and constant information updates can drown the small voice of God and what He has to say to us. We need to hear God speaking to us; not just in church, but as we go about our daily lives on our jobs, in schools and in the grocery stores. God uses us to reach people. God places people in our lives for a reason, and it is logical to believe that we are placed into other’s lives for a divine purpose. Bro. Sportsman shares a story of how he came to know the Lord by a divine encounter with a friend who listened to the small voice of God. Burkina Faso is a french speaking country of 17 million people in West Africa. It is about half the size of Texas. In this densly packed country, there are 13 UPCI churches. Zack and Jen Sportsman are missionaries appointed to this work. Tonig… Zach & Jen Sportsman 4330 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20917797/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_burkinafasomissionarydeputatio/id/2843976.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20917797 Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-3:7, 1 Kings 19:11-19:12 Mon, 24 Apr 2017 03:33:36 +0000 Mark Hughes Tonight, Bro. Hughes continues his series on The Keys. Keys can unlock things or they can secure things for safekeeping. If we have the key not only do we have the power to open something, we have the authority. If we have a key to a house or building, we have the authority to enter. When we have the key, we belong. As children of God, we have the key to the spiritual freedom and liberty we need. The text from Thessalonians contains three simple phrases that are keys to Life Transformation. This morning, Bro. Hughes listed the first key to a transformational life as rejoice evermore. When we turn our life into worship and praise no matter if things are going well or if they are not, we put ourselves into a place where God can bless us. The second verse is to pray unceasingly. This does not imply that we spend all our time on our knees in “prayer.” What Paul meant in this verse was to treat prayer like it is the air. It becomes the atmosphere where we live. We may not be on our knees, but our heart is occupied with the Lord and His will. Atmosphere can refer to a mood, and prayer can transform our mood to one that is always mindful of God. Not only the mood, prayer changes the tone of life. When we live a life of prayer, God can tune things to sound better. Atmosphere can also refer to pressure. A life of continuous prayer regulates the pressure in life. The last key that Paul writes is “in all things, give praise.” Maintain a spirit of gratitude no matter what. The only thing that can mend a hard heart is a spirit of gratitude. Too many get mired in the seasons of life and when things get tough, they forget to be grateful. The spirit of gratitude will release the band from around our heart. These three simple points are the keys to a life transformation. Tonight, Bro. Hughes continues his series on The Keys. Keys can unlock things or they can secure things for safekeeping. If we have the key not only do we have the power to open something, we have the authority. If we have a key to a house or building, we have the authority to enter. When we have the key, we belong. As children of God, we have the key to the spiritual freedom and liberty we need. The text from Thessalonians contains three simple phrases that are keys to Life Transformation. This morning, Bro. Hughes listed the first key to a transformational life as rejoice evermore. When we turn our life into worship and praise no matter if things are going well or if they are not, we put ourselves into a place where God can bless us. The second verse is to pray unceasingly. This does not imply that we spend all our time on our knees in “prayer.” What Paul meant in this verse was to treat prayer like it is the air. It becomes the atmosphere where we live. We may not be on our knees, but our heart is occupied with the Lord and His will. Atmosphere can refer to a mood, and prayer can transform our mood to one that is always mindful of God. Not only the mood, prayer changes the tone of life. When we live a life of prayer, God can tune things to sound better. Atmosphere can also refer to pressure. A life of continuous prayer regulates the pressure in life. The last key that Paul writes is “in all things, give praise.” Maintain a spirit of gratitude no matter what. The only thing that can mend a hard heart is a spirit of gratitude. Too many get mired in the seasons of life and when things get tough, they forget to be grateful. The spirit of gratitude will release the band from around our heart. These three simple points are the keys to a life transformation. Tonight, Bro. Hughes continues his series on The Keys. Keys can unlock things or they can secure things for safekeeping. If we have the key not only do we have the power to open something, we have the authority. If we have a key to a house or build… Mark Hughes 3602 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20915919/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thekeystolifetransformationcon/id/2842111.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20915919 Scripture: Isaiah 22:22-22, Matthew 16:18-16:19, 2 Thessalonians 5:16-5:18, Series: The Keys Sun, 23 Apr 2017 19:23:19 +0000 Mark Hughes The work key comes from the Hebrew word that means opener. It is something that gives access. The power of the key is to open and to close. God gives us the ability to open things in our life for blessing and to close off those things that are not beneficial to our lives. Another definition of key is something that provide a revelation and understanding of a complex situation. When we hold the key to something, we have the control of that situation. With the gift of the Holy Ghost, we all have the keys. When we have a key, that stops all questions about the right of access we have to something. Today, Bro. Hughes begins a series on Keys. Today’s message is Keys to Life Transformation found in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. There are three things mentioned in these three verses, and this morning, Bro. Hughes spoke on the first key which is to rejoice evermore. A positive outlook on life can change any situation. This requires faith. This is not simply a glass half full mentality, but a faith that God is in control and is working it out for our good. Our worship when mixed with faith is a key that gives access to the blessings that God desires for our life. The work key comes from the Hebrew word that means opener. It is something that gives access. The power of the key is to open and to close. God gives us the ability to open things in our life for blessing and to close off those things that are not beneficial to our lives. Another definition of key is something that provide a revelation and understanding of a complex situation. When we hold the key to something, we have the control of that situation. With the gift of the Holy Ghost, we all have the keys. When we have a key, that stops all questions about the right of access we have to something. Today, Bro. Hughes begins a series on Keys. Today’s message is Keys to Life Transformation found in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. There are three things mentioned in these three verses, and this morning, Bro. Hughes spoke on the first key which is to rejoice evermore. A positive outlook on life can change any situation. This requires faith. This is not simply a glass half full mentality, but a faith that God is in control and is working it out for our good. Our worship when mixed with faith is a key that gives access to the blessings that God desires for our life. The work key comes from the Hebrew word that means opener. It is something that gives access. The power of the key is to open and to close. God gives us the ability to open things in our life for blessing and to close off those things that are not b… Mark Hughes 2668 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20915158/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thekeystolifetransformation/id/2841476.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20915158 Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 5:16-5:18, Isaiah 22:22-22, Matthew 16:18-16:19, Series: The Keys Thu, 20 Apr 2017 02:48:05 +0000 Kenneth Baker A common marketing technique is to announce that a product is New and Improved by simply changing the packaging. We like new and improved. Bro. Hughes reads from our text and finds things that can make us new and improved. The things found do not involve a new diet or a self help book. There are bold statements in our text. It says if we do these things, we will never fail. That if we do these things, our lives will become indestructible. When Peter began writing this second letter, he reminded them of who they were. He reminded them of all that God had done and all the things that had transformed in their lives because of God. When we submit ourselves to His word for our life, He will bless us both physically and spiritually. Peter reminds us that we have the opportunity to participate with God in His divine nature. God has a plan to make us the best we can be. He describes the virtues and attributes that, if we do them, we will be a better us. Here is how to live up to our potential. First we must understand that the potential is already in us. We do not have to get something, it is already there. God saw a king in a boy who wasn’t afraid to face the giants in his life. He saw a preacher in a foul mouthed fisherman. Secondly, if we are to reach our potential, we cannot be short sighted or lazy. We cannot be fall into the temptation to believe that our current circumstance is permanent. When we cannot see beyond the mess we might be in, it is too easy to fall into the lie of the devil that this is as good as it can get. We all want a new us, but are not willing to go through the work and effort to get there. There is no magic pill or miracle ointment that will solve all our problems. To become what God says is possible, we have to be willing to put in the work to get there. There are no shortcuts to getting to where God wants us to be. Finally if we are to be a new and improved version, we have to add the right stuff. People are constantly adding to their lives. Life becomes filled with clutter. Not all of that stuff is going to get us to where we need to be. This means that we have to develop the ability to determine what is profitable for our life and what is just weighing us down. The virtues and characteristics that Peter outlines are the building blocks to a better you. A common marketing technique is to announce that a product is New and Improved by simply changing the packaging. We like new and improved. Bro. Hughes reads from our text and finds things that can make us new and improved. The things found do not involve a new diet or a self help book. There are bold statements in our text. It says if we do these things, we will never fail. That if we do these things, our lives will become indestructible. When Peter began writing this second letter, he reminded them of who they were. He reminded them of all that God had done and all the things that had transformed in their lives because of God. When we submit ourselves to His word for our life, He will bless us both physically and spiritually. Peter reminds us that we have the opportunity to participate with God in His divine nature. God has a plan to make us the best we can be. He describes the virtues and attributes that, if we do them, we will be a better us. Here is how to live up to our potential. First we must understand that the potential is already in us. We do not have to get something, it is already there. God saw a king in a boy who wasn’t afraid to face the giants in his life. He saw a preacher in a foul mouthed fisherman. Secondly, if we are to reach our potential, we cannot be short sighted or lazy. We cannot be fall into the temptation to believe that our current circumstance is permanent. When we cannot see beyond the mess we might be in, it is too easy to fall into the lie of the devil that this is as good as it can get. We all want a new us, but are not willing to go through the work and effort to get there. There is no magic pill or miracle ointment that will solve all our problems. To become what God says is possible, we have to be willing to put in the work to get there. There are no shortcuts to getting to where God wants us to be. Finally if we are to be a new and improved version, we have to add the right stuff. People are constantly adding to their lives. Life becomes filled with clutter. Not all of that stuff is going to get us to where we need to be. This means that we have to develop the ability to determine what is profitable for our life and what is just weighing us down. The virtues and characteristics that Peter outlines are the building blocks to a better you. A common marketing technique is to announce that a product is New and Improved by simply changing the packaging. We like new and improved. Bro. Hughes reads from our text and finds things that can make us new and improved. The things found do not inv… Kenneth Baker 2856 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20912831/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thebuildingblockstoabetteryou/id/2839269.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20912831 The Building Blocks to a Better You Sun, 16 Apr 2017 20:50:53 +0000 Mark Hughes We do not celebrate Easter as a past event. We are not mourning the dead, we are celebrating a living God. He is Risen! Beginning with the people in our text and continuing throughout history, many have tried, but they cannot eliminate the truth of Easter: The tomb is empty. Resurrection morning was the day that God drew a line between the beginning and the end. The world that was known ended that day, and it was the beginning of something new. What was has no hold on us because of what is. Because of the resurrection we all have a future and a hope. The four words “He is not here” redefined the world. No one has to be cursed by what was in the past. God’s plan and eternal purpose will be fulfilled. God promised in the very beginning in Genesis what would play out on that first Easter morning. God will not leave unfinished business in our lives; He will finish what He starts. Jesus is a representation of a life that cannot be conquered or defeated. The word rise is used in our text multiple times. In the Greek, that word means to wake up. It also mean to stand up to. God stood up to all the things that terrified humanity from the fall until that point. He stood up to death, to fear, to intimidation, to hopeless, to unworthiness. He stood up to sickness, dead religion, unbelief, to hatred and to worry. By standing up to those things, He turned to us and tells us that WE can stand up to those things too. He rose so that we can also rise and look at the things that torments us and say NO MORE! We do not celebrate Easter as a past event. We are not mourning the dead, we are celebrating a living God. He is Risen! Beginning with the people in our text and continuing throughout history, many have tried, but they cannot eliminate the truth of Easter: The tomb is empty. Resurrection morning was the day that God drew a line between the beginning and the end. The world that was known ended that day, and it was the beginning of something new. What was has no hold on us because of what is. Because of the resurrection we all have a future and a hope. The four words “He is not here” redefined the world. No one has to be cursed by what was in the past. God’s plan and eternal purpose will be fulfilled. God promised in the very beginning in Genesis what would play out on that first Easter morning. God will not leave unfinished business in our lives; He will finish what He starts. Jesus is a representation of a life that cannot be conquered or defeated. The word rise is used in our text multiple times. In the Greek, that word means to wake up. It also mean to stand up to. God stood up to all the things that terrified humanity from the fall until that point. He stood up to death, to fear, to intimidation, to hopeless, to unworthiness. He stood up to sickness, dead religion, unbelief, to hatred and to worry. By standing up to those things, He turned to us and tells us that WE can stand up to those things too. He rose so that we can also rise and look at the things that torments us and say NO MORE! We do not celebrate Easter as a past event. We are not mourning the dead, we are celebrating a living God. He is Risen! Beginning with the people in our text and continuing throughout history, many have tried, but they cannot eliminate the truth of… Mark Hughes 1893 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20910405/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_rise/id/2836846.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20910405 Scripture: Matthew 2:62-28:6 Thu, 13 Apr 2017 03:39:57 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text tonight contains some of the last words of Jesus. The most striking here is the phrase: “It is finished.” There are many sermons that could come from this declaration. It signaled the end of His earthly ministry. They also could refer to his very life. In the closing hours of His life, Jesus showed us how to overcome and to win the victory in whatever we are going through. He did not simply mean that it was over. He did not mean that it was the end. There is a world of difference between ended and completed. He was not uttering words of endurance or perseverance. It was not merely saying that He had survived. When He said It is Finished, He was not simply saying that He had come to the end, but actually was reaching the place of overcoming. Everything had been accomplished. It was an hour of victory and triumph. How do we get to the point of being able to declare It Is Finished in that way? The story of this victory starts well before the cross or the garden. In order to reach the point of victory, we have to learn to live beyond betrayal. Even the ones that are supposed to be closest to us, will let us down or turn on us. We will have to accept the fact that men will fail us, but God never will. Secondly, Jesus had to be able to handle the disappointments from those that were closest to Him. Jesus had sent 3 years with the disciples and poured Himself into them, but in the Garden of Gethsemane, they could not even stay awake while He went to pray. He went to pray a second time, and found them asleep again. He came back a third time to find them asleep. He simply told them to move on as His time was at hand. As the soldiers took him away, the disciples fled. Jesus did not let these multiple failures distract Him. Third, we have to learn to accept some things. The bible says that Jesus drank from a butter cup. He did not want to do that, but He did. He may have drank the bitter cup, but He did not allow it to make Him bitter. Forth, in order to reach the place of it is finished, we have to learn to die. Not in a physical sense, but we have to put down our flesh in order to reach the victory. Fifth when to reach that place, we have to learn to keep our mouth shut. Standing before Pilate, Jesus said not a word. Even though they mocked Him, beat Him and taunted Him, He did not answer. Like keeping His mouth shut, He had to become deaf to some things. They taunted Him saying “come down from the cross and we will believe you.” That was not the plan, so Jesus had to just ignore them in order to get to the place of it is finished. To reach that point, we will have to live some through undeserved paint. We have to learn to refuse some things. At one point on the cross, they offered Him wine mixed with myrrh. That mixture was the pain killer of that time. Jesus took the gall and the vinegar, but refused the thing that might have killed some of the pain. Finally to reach the place of victory, we have to cling to God even when there seems to be no God. Jesus ask why God had forsaken Him. He held onto His faith until the very end. The story of Jesus’ victory begins well before the cross. By applying these principles to our lives, we can also come to the place where we declare victory by saying It Is Finished. Our text tonight contains some of the last words of Jesus. The most striking here is the phrase: “It is finished.” There are many sermons that could come from this declaration. It signaled the end of His earthly ministry. They also could refer to his very life. In the closing hours of His life, Jesus showed us how to overcome and to win the victory in whatever we are going through. He did not simply mean that it was over. He did not mean that it was the end. There is a world of difference between ended and completed. He was not uttering words of endurance or perseverance. It was not merely saying that He had survived. When He said It is Finished, He was not simply saying that He had come to the end, but actually was reaching the place of overcoming. Everything had been accomplished. It was an hour of victory and triumph. How do we get to the point of being able to declare It Is Finished in that way? The story of this victory starts well before the cross or the garden. In order to reach the point of victory, we have to learn to live beyond betrayal. Even the ones that are supposed to be closest to us, will let us down or turn on us. We will have to accept the fact that men will fail us, but God never will. Secondly, Jesus had to be able to handle the disappointments from those that were closest to Him. Jesus had sent 3 years with the disciples and poured Himself into them, but in the Garden of Gethsemane, they could not even stay awake while He went to pray. He went to pray a second time, and found them asleep again. He came back a third time to find them asleep. He simply told them to move on as His time was at hand. As the soldiers took him away, the disciples fled. Jesus did not let these multiple failures distract Him. Third, we have to learn to accept some things. The bible says that Jesus drank from a butter cup. He did not want to do that, but He did. He may have drank the bitter cup, but He did not allow it to make Him bitter. Forth, in order to reach the place of it is finished, we have to learn to die. Not in a physical sense, but we have to put down our flesh in order to reach the victory. Fifth when to reach that place, we have to learn to keep our mouth shut. Standing before Pilate, Jesus said not a word. Even though they mocked Him, beat Him and taunted Him, He did not answer. Like keeping His mouth shut, He had to become deaf to some things. They taunted Him saying “come down from the cross and we will believe you.” That was not the plan, so Jesus had to just ignore them in order to get to the place of it is finished. To reach that point, we will have to live some through undeserved paint. We have to learn to refuse some things. At one point on the cross, they offered Him wine mixed with myrrh. That mixture was the pain killer of that time. Jesus took the gall and the vinegar, but refused the thing that might have killed some of the pain. Finally to reach the place of victory, we have to cling to God even when there seems to be no God. Jesus ask why God had forsaken Him. He held onto His faith until the very end. The story of Jesus’ victory begins well before the cross. By applying these principles to our lives, we can also come to the place where we declare victory by saying It Is Finished. Our text tonight contains some of the last words of Jesus. The most striking here is the phrase: “It is finished.” There are many sermons that could come from this declaration. It signaled the end of His earthly ministry. They also could refer to h… Mark Hughes 3145 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20907787/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itisfinished/id/2834506.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20907787 Scripture: John 19:16-19:30 Sun, 09 Apr 2017 20:22:01 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is from the last week of the earthly walk of Jesus. It was the time of passover. We have come to know this date as Palm Sunday and was Jesus’ triumphant entry to Jerusalem. For three and a half years, life floated along in the world of the disciples, but this week would be a fast forward. In the span of seven days, everything that they had based their life and following on, would change. It is estimated that there were over 2 million people in the city to celebrate the passover that week. Given the throng of people, the instructions that Jesus gives the disciples are all the more incredible. He tells them to find a colt tied up. There was more than one colt but they found the it just as He had said. He uses that colt to ride into town with the throngs singing Hosanna. Later, the disciples ask Jesus about eating the passover. Jesus tells them to go into the city and find a man carrying a water pot. At this time, men didn’t carry water pots; that was work for a woman. As with the colt, they found the man carrying the water just as Jesus had said. It is there in that man’s house that we read about the last supper. It may seem odd that Jesus would set up such important events on the timing of seeming chance encounters. State of the art timekeeping at the time was a sundial, yet somehow, the events and encounters went exactly according to God’s time. These were not chance encounters, this was not accident. God does not work in accidents, He works on appointments. That has not changed. God provides exactly what we need; at exactly the time it is needed just for each of us. In the story of Ruth, she goes to glean in the field and the bible says she happened to be gleaning in the field of Boaz. That was not an accident, God had orchestrated events to bring this woman to the field of Boaz,and in so doing, not only was she saved, but she is also becomes part of the direct lineage of Jesus. What was it about Ruth that positioned her for God to use her and take her tragedy and turn it around to place her in a place of divine appointment? It didn’t just happen. Some people bounce back when they are knocked down; while others just wallow around in their misery. First, Ruth made the right kind of connections. She stuck with Namoi and in doing so, learned about the jewish law and the God of Israel. The kind of people we associate with will either make us or break us. Somehow, Ruth was attracted to the right people so that when tragedy happened, He could turn that heartbreak into a divining blessing. Secondly, Ruth was willing to follow no matter how bleak the future looked. She demonstrated faith in something that she didn’t understand, and did not vary from that. Finally Ruth was not afraid to work. She went into the field and gleaned and was able to provide for her and Naomi. She didn’t sit around a wait for God to bail her out, she was an active participant in her blessing. The bible says that she worked as hard as the men who were reaping. Ruth’s willingness to work put her into a place to meet Boaz. This was not a chance meeting. It was a divine appointment. What is God looking for to turn our mishap into a blessing? He is not looking for the gifted, prettiest, or best dressed. He is looking for someone who is willing to do whatever it takes to make it. Are we waiting on a happy accident to turn our life around, or are we working to be prepared for a divine appointment? Our circumstances are not an accident, it is a setup for God to move us to a place where He can use us for His glory. Are we waiting for an accident or an appointment? Our text is from the last week of the earthly walk of Jesus. It was the time of passover. We have come to know this date as Palm Sunday and was Jesus’ triumphant entry to Jerusalem. For three and a half years, life floated along in the world of the disciples, but this week would be a fast forward. In the span of seven days, everything that they had based their life and following on, would change. It is estimated that there were over 2 million people in the city to celebrate the passover that week. Given the throng of people, the instructions that Jesus gives the disciples are all the more incredible. He tells them to find a colt tied up. There was more than one colt but they found the it just as He had said. He uses that colt to ride into town with the throngs singing Hosanna. Later, the disciples ask Jesus about eating the passover. Jesus tells them to go into the city and find a man carrying a water pot. At this time, men didn’t carry water pots; that was work for a woman. As with the colt, they found the man carrying the water just as Jesus had said. It is there in that man’s house that we read about the last supper. It may seem odd that Jesus would set up such important events on the timing of seeming chance encounters. State of the art timekeeping at the time was a sundial, yet somehow, the events and encounters went exactly according to God’s time. These were not chance encounters, this was not accident. God does not work in accidents, He works on appointments. That has not changed. God provides exactly what we need; at exactly the time it is needed just for each of us. In the story of Ruth, she goes to glean in the field and the bible says she happened to be gleaning in the field of Boaz. That was not an accident, God had orchestrated events to bring this woman to the field of Boaz,and in so doing, not only was she saved, but she is also becomes part of the direct lineage of Jesus. What was it about Ruth that positioned her for God to use her and take her tragedy and turn it around to place her in a place of divine appointment? It didn’t just happen. Some people bounce back when they are knocked down; while others just wallow around in their misery. First, Ruth made the right kind of connections. She stuck with Namoi and in doing so, learned about the jewish law and the God of Israel. The kind of people we associate with will either make us or break us. Somehow, Ruth was attracted to the right people so that when tragedy happened, He could turn that heartbreak into a divining blessing. Secondly, Ruth was willing to follow no matter how bleak the future looked. She demonstrated faith in something that she didn’t understand, and did not vary from that. Finally Ruth was not afraid to work. She went into the field and gleaned and was able to provide for her and Naomi. She didn’t sit around a wait for God to bail her out, she was an active participant in her blessing. The bible says that she worked as hard as the men who were reaping. Ruth’s willingness to work put her into a place to meet Boaz. This was not a chance meeting. It was a divine appointment. What is God looking for to turn our mishap into a blessing? He is not looking for the gifted, prettiest, or best dressed. He is looking for someone who is willing to do whatever it takes to make it. Are we waiting on a happy accident to turn our life around, or are we working to be prepared for a divine appointment? Our circumstances are not an accident, it is a setup for God to move us to a place where He can use us for His glory. Are we waiting for an accident or an appointment? Our text is from the last week of the earthly walk of Jesus. It was the time of passover. We have come to know this date as Palm Sunday and was Jesus’ triumphant entry to Jerusalem. For three and a half years, life floated along in the world of the… Mark Hughes 3021 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20905326/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_accidentorappointment/id/2832022.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20905326 Scripture: Mark 11:1-11:4, Mark 14:12-14, Ruth 2:3-2 Mon, 27 Mar 2017 02:14:14 +0000 Tyler Stevison There is an underlying truth to the statement: If walls could talk. If they could talk, tragedy could be avoided, mysteries would be revealed, scandals would not happen. The truth is that walls do talk. We usually look at this text from the perspective of the people. But what if we looked at it from the perspective of the wall? We know what God said. We know what Joshua said. But what might the wall have said? The wall saw both sides. They saw the children of God and the enemy on the inside. There are walls in our spiritual life too. Walls of depression, of hurt and sin. If the walls of Jericho could talk, they would have said that the enemy is more scared than the children of God. The bible says that the walls were shut up tight because the people of Jericho were scared. The walls we have in our spiritual life are also shut, but we are not fighting an all powerful enemy. God is on our side. The walls tell us that the enemy is more scared of us than we are of him. This story tells us that the enemy never tried to make an offensive attack. The children of Israel were marching around without weapons; Jericho could have attacked at any time, but they did not. Israel kept on marching and it drained the moral of the enemy. Israel was doing something that was unexpected. The walls of Jericho tells us that no matter the size of the wall, it is no match for the sound of a shout to the Lord. Shouting is more than just making noise. It is an expression of worship to God. There is an underlying truth to the statement: If walls could talk. If they could talk, tragedy could be avoided, mysteries would be revealed, scandals would not happen. The truth is that walls do talk. We usually look at this text from the perspective of the people. But what if we looked at it from the perspective of the wall? We know what God said. We know what Joshua said. But what might the wall have said? The wall saw both sides. They saw the children of God and the enemy on the inside. There are walls in our spiritual life too. Walls of depression, of hurt and sin. If the walls of Jericho could talk, they would have said that the enemy is more scared than the children of God. The bible says that the walls were shut up tight because the people of Jericho were scared. The walls we have in our spiritual life are also shut, but we are not fighting an all powerful enemy. God is on our side. The walls tell us that the enemy is more scared of us than we are of him. This story tells us that the enemy never tried to make an offensive attack. The children of Israel were marching around without weapons; Jericho could have attacked at any time, but they did not. Israel kept on marching and it drained the moral of the enemy. Israel was doing something that was unexpected. The walls of Jericho tells us that no matter the size of the wall, it is no match for the sound of a shout to the Lord. Shouting is more than just making noise. It is an expression of worship to God. There is an underlying truth to the statement: If walls could talk. If they could talk, tragedy could be avoided, mysteries would be revealed, scandals would not happen. The truth is that walls do talk. We usually look at this text from the perspec… Tyler Stevison 1642 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20895916/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ifwallscouldtalk/id/2823117.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20895916 Scripture: Joshua 6:1-6:5, Joshua 6:20-6 Sun, 26 Mar 2017 19:08:02 +0000 Tyler Stevison The life of Jesus was very different than any life that had come before or has come since. He was a normal man, but yet without sin. Those around Him marveled at his wisdom and knowledge. In our text, Jesus has sat to eat with sinners and the religious leaders of the time ask the question that many often ask of church people: Why is he sitting with those people? Jesus’ answer was brilliant in it’s simplicity and message: He had come to save the lost, not the faithful. God is not repelled by our problems, He is drawn to us because of our problems. Our dilemmas do not disqualify us from God’s mercy. Everybody needs God, but not everybody wants Him. Nevertheless, God is still attracted to us and our problems. Our inability is not a sign of weakness with God, it is a sign of spiritual maturity. God is the only way out of our mess. Willpower cannot address all the issues in our life. There comes a point, when we have to turn it over to God. Our need is what attracts God to us. That is the law of divine attraction. The life of Jesus was very different than any life that had come before or has come since. He was a normal man, but yet without sin. Those around Him marveled at his wisdom and knowledge. In our text, Jesus has sat to eat with sinners and the religious leaders of the time ask the question that many often ask of church people: Why is he sitting with those people? Jesus’ answer was brilliant in it’s simplicity and message: He had come to save the lost, not the faithful. God is not repelled by our problems, He is drawn to us because of our problems. Our dilemmas do not disqualify us from God’s mercy. Everybody needs God, but not everybody wants Him. Nevertheless, God is still attracted to us and our problems. Our inability is not a sign of weakness with God, it is a sign of spiritual maturity. God is the only way out of our mess. Willpower cannot address all the issues in our life. There comes a point, when we have to turn it over to God. Our need is what attracts God to us. That is the law of divine attraction. The life of Jesus was very different than any life that had come before or has come since. He was a normal man, but yet without sin. Those around Him marveled at his wisdom and knowledge. In our text, Jesus has sat to eat with sinners and the religi… Tyler Stevison 1850 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20895118/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thelawofdivineattraction/id/2822446.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20895118 Scripture: Mark 2:15-2:17 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 20:29:11 +0000 Mark Hughes If someone has 20/20 vision, we say that they have good vision. The bible says that without vision, the people perish. Vision is an important sense to have in the physical realm, but it is equally important in a spiritual setting. In the spiritual world, vision is revelation. It is the communication of God’s desires for our lives. The verse from Proverbs also indicates that when we receive the vision, we also receive the purpose for our lives. Vision is the thing that aligns our talents and skills to God’s purpose. Finally Vision can move us to change our life and helps to align ourselves with God’s plan. A life without vision will lead to trouble, aggravation and turmoil. In verse 20 of our text, there are some principles recorded on how to have clarity of vision. Paul is preparing to leave Ephesus and is reminding the believers there of what he had done. He begins by saying that he had held nothing back that would be helpful to their spiritual journey. Paul said that he would use every opportunity to bring the message of the gospel to whomever he could find. He said he preached to the Jew and the Gentile both. Finally, Paul’s message was the same whether he was in a large crowd, or in a single home. The message of Jesus works in a large crowd or one on one. The message does not change, but the method might. It is the same message, but in a different setting. Paul’s message was that the gospel message had to get outside of the church walls, and into individual homes. Paul used every means possible to propagate the Gospel. For the church to be the most effective, it must have 20/20 vision and that will involve good church at the church building, and good church away from the church building. If someone has 20/20 vision, we say that they have good vision. The bible says that without vision, the people perish. Vision is an important sense to have in the physical realm, but it is equally important in a spiritual setting. In the spiritual world, vision is revelation. It is the communication of God’s desires for our lives. The verse from Proverbs also indicates that when we receive the vision, we also receive the purpose for our lives. Vision is the thing that aligns our talents and skills to God’s purpose. Finally Vision can move us to change our life and helps to align ourselves with God’s plan. A life without vision will lead to trouble, aggravation and turmoil. In verse 20 of our text, there are some principles recorded on how to have clarity of vision. Paul is preparing to leave Ephesus and is reminding the believers there of what he had done. He begins by saying that he had held nothing back that would be helpful to their spiritual journey. Paul said that he would use every opportunity to bring the message of the gospel to whomever he could find. He said he preached to the Jew and the Gentile both. Finally, Paul’s message was the same whether he was in a large crowd, or in a single home. The message of Jesus works in a large crowd or one on one. The message does not change, but the method might. It is the same message, but in a different setting. Paul’s message was that the gospel message had to get outside of the church walls, and into individual homes. Paul used every means possible to propagate the Gospel. For the church to be the most effective, it must have 20/20 vision and that will involve good church at the church building, and good church away from the church building. If someone has 20/20 vision, we say that they have good vision. The bible says that without vision, the people perish. Vision is an important sense to have in the physical realm, but it is equally important in a spiritual setting. In the spiritual w… Mark Hughes 3542 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20893108/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_2020vision/id/2820613.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20893108 Scripture: Acts 20:17-20:21, Proverbs 29:18-29 Sun, 19 Mar 2017 18:48:53 +0000 Tyler Stevison Sight is, without a doubt, one of the most important senses. It is difficult to imagine life without being able to see. When the lights go out, we begin to grope around and try to feel our way around. Spiritually, there are a lot of people living in the dark who are living by what they feel rather than what they know. Do not doubt in the dark what God declared in the light. When we cannot see, we have to live for God by what we know, not what we feel because our feelings will lead us the wrong way. In our text, Bartimaeus could not see his answer, but he knew that it was there. He opened his mouth and called out for what he knew was there. We rely on what we see in the flesh, but in the spiritual world, we must rely on what we know. When Bartimaeus began to call out, those around him tried to quieten him down. He ignored the negative voices around him and did not let that dampen his faith. When we step out in faith, many around us will tell us that we should not. We have to listen to God’s voice not those around us. God’s voice will never lead us the wrong way. God knows where we are and we must have blind faith in His leading. Sight is, without a doubt, one of the most important senses. It is difficult to imagine life without being able to see. When the lights go out, we begin to grope around and try to feel our way around. Spiritually, there are a lot of people living in the dark who are living by what they feel rather than what they know. Do not doubt in the dark what God declared in the light. When we cannot see, we have to live for God by what we know, not what we feel because our feelings will lead us the wrong way. In our text, Bartimaeus could not see his answer, but he knew that it was there. He opened his mouth and called out for what he knew was there. We rely on what we see in the flesh, but in the spiritual world, we must rely on what we know. When Bartimaeus began to call out, those around him tried to quieten him down. He ignored the negative voices around him and did not let that dampen his faith. When we step out in faith, many around us will tell us that we should not. We have to listen to God’s voice not those around us. God’s voice will never lead us the wrong way. God knows where we are and we must have blind faith in His leading. Sight is, without a doubt, one of the most important senses. It is difficult to imagine life without being able to see. When the lights go out, we begin to grope around and try to feel our way around. Spiritually, there are a lot of people living in… Tyler Stevison 1853 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20890068/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_blindfaith/id/2817542.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20890068 Scripture: Mark 10:46-10:52, Romans 4:20-4 Wed, 15 Mar 2017 23:08:11 +0000 Tyler Stevison It is not possible to understate the power and necessity of prayer. Prayer is talking to God. It is not possible to have a relationship without talking, so in order to have a relationship with God we must talk with him. Prayer is the means by which we find out who God is and we develop the relationship. Prayer is made up of many things. Part of prayer should be praise and adoration. Payer includes petition. Prayer can include intersession. One of the most important parts of prayer is giving thanks. We should exercise these elements of prayer, but Bro. Stevision says we must be more aggressive. Our text is the story of Hannah. She was one of two wives of Eli. She was childless, and her adversary taunted and mocked her. She was prayed for a child, but her adversary provoked her to the point that she transcended from prayer in her flesh, to prayer from our soul. There are times in prayer when only weeping will work. Hannah had reached that point. We have to reach that point. There is power of praying in the Spirit. It is not possible to understate the power and necessity of prayer. Prayer is talking to God. It is not possible to have a relationship without talking, so in order to have a relationship with God we must talk with him. Prayer is the means by which we find out who God is and we develop the relationship. Prayer is made up of many things. Part of prayer should be praise and adoration. Payer includes petition. Prayer can include intersession. One of the most important parts of prayer is giving thanks. We should exercise these elements of prayer, but Bro. Stevision says we must be more aggressive. Our text is the story of Hannah. She was one of two wives of Eli. She was childless, and her adversary taunted and mocked her. She was prayed for a child, but her adversary provoked her to the point that she transcended from prayer in her flesh, to prayer from our soul. There are times in prayer when only weeping will work. Hannah had reached that point. We have to reach that point. There is power of praying in the Spirit. It is not possible to understate the power and necessity of prayer. Prayer is talking to God. It is not possible to have a relationship without talking, so in order to have a relationship with God we must talk with him. Prayer is the means by which … Tyler Stevison 1965 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20887703/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thepowerofprayinginthespirit/id/2815522.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20887703 Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:4-1:18, Romans 8:26-8 Mon, 13 Mar 2017 01:42:21 +0000 Kenneth Baker The end time timeline are a hot topic of debate in the church. The truth is that no man knows the time, so we must be ready when it comes. We can all agree that the things of the end time will happen. The fact of judgement cannot be debated. For the unbeliever, judgment will come at the end. However, for the believer, judgment will happen at the beginning. God speaks to us through His word giving us every opportunity to judge OURSELVES so that we can correct them and get realigned with Him. We will be judged by the word either in our earthly walk, or at the rapture of the church. Either way, we will be judged by the word. Since we have this word to guide us, we must ask ourselves questions to make sure we will be judged correctly. What are we building? When we are delivered by God’s spirit, all the things that we have built in our life for the world are torn down. Once we are delivered, we must not begin to rebuild the things that He just tore down in our life. What are we sowing? The bible says we reap what we sow. Are we sowing discord? Are our actions causing discord in the kingdom of God, or are we sowing love, compassion and mercy? What are we being? I Peter 4:15 talks about murders, thieves, and evildoers but it also mentions busybodies. We must mind our own business and not worry about others. If we have time to be critical of others and their life, chances are, we need to pay more attention to our own lives. We have enough to deal with worrying about our own lives before we are concerned with the shortcomings in someone else's life. We judge others by their actions, but judge ourselves by our intentions. We can judge ourselves through the Bible. It is better to judge ourselves by this standard now when we can make corrections, than to be judged by it when it is too late. The end time timeline are a hot topic of debate in the church. The truth is that no man knows the time, so we must be ready when it comes. We can all agree that the things of the end time will happen. The fact of judgement cannot be debated. For the unbeliever, judgment will come at the end. However, for the believer, judgment will happen at the beginning. God speaks to us through His word giving us every opportunity to judge OURSELVES so that we can correct them and get realigned with Him. We will be judged by the word either in our earthly walk, or at the rapture of the church. Either way, we will be judged by the word. Since we have this word to guide us, we must ask ourselves questions to make sure we will be judged correctly. What are we building? When we are delivered by God’s spirit, all the things that we have built in our life for the world are torn down. Once we are delivered, we must not begin to rebuild the things that He just tore down in our life. What are we sowing? The bible says we reap what we sow. Are we sowing discord? Are our actions causing discord in the kingdom of God, or are we sowing love, compassion and mercy? What are we being? I Peter 4:15 talks about murders, thieves, and evildoers but it also mentions busybodies. We must mind our own business and not worry about others. If we have time to be critical of others and their life, chances are, we need to pay more attention to our own lives. We have enough to deal with worrying about our own lives before we are concerned with the shortcomings in someone else's life. We judge others by their actions, but judge ourselves by our intentions. We can judge ourselves through the Bible. It is better to judge ourselves by this standard now when we can make corrections, than to be judged by it when it is too late. The end time timeline are a hot topic of debate in the church. The truth is that no man knows the time, so we must be ready when it comes. We can all agree that the things of the end time will happen. The fact of judgement cannot be debated. For th… Kenneth Baker 2514 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20886595/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegenesisofudgement/id/2814494.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20886595 The Genesis of Judgement Sun, 12 Mar 2017 18:46:13 +0000 Tyler Stevison The social and spiritual climate in which we live is unique. It is complex to the world, but it is simple to a believer. It is the enemy’s plan to remove any perception of right and wrong. If he can remove any line of demarcation between right and wrong, we can engage in moral relativism to justify any and all behaviors. Phrases like “Culture has changed” and “Times have changed” are used to explain away the concepts of right and wrong. The bible is clear, there is a right and a wrong and it is vitally important for us to know where that is and strive to be on the correct side of that line. There is no neutral ground in living for God. We either choose to live for God, or we live for the world. By definition, if we are not living for God, we are living for the world. Bro. Stevision declares “I would rather live on the side of God!” There should be no doubt where we stand. Paul (then known as Saul) was actively engaged in trying to round up the followers of Jesus to kill them. Our text from Acts is the moment when Paul switched sides. Satan works through opposition. When we start to switch sides, things will come into our life to stop us from doing what is right. God works through opportunity. When God brings things into our life, it is to prepare us for Him to show Himself in a greater way. God tells Saul that He was trying to move him somewhere, but Saul kept fighting. We spend all of our energy fighting against what God is trying to do for us. The social and spiritual climate in which we live is unique. It is complex to the world, but it is simple to a believer. It is the enemy’s plan to remove any perception of right and wrong. If he can remove any line of demarcation between right and wrong, we can engage in moral relativism to justify any and all behaviors. Phrases like “Culture has changed” and “Times have changed” are used to explain away the concepts of right and wrong. The bible is clear, there is a right and a wrong and it is vitally important for us to know where that is and strive to be on the correct side of that line. There is no neutral ground in living for God. We either choose to live for God, or we live for the world. By definition, if we are not living for God, we are living for the world. Bro. Stevision declares “I would rather live on the side of God!” There should be no doubt where we stand. Paul (then known as Saul) was actively engaged in trying to round up the followers of Jesus to kill them. Our text from Acts is the moment when Paul switched sides. Satan works through opposition. When we start to switch sides, things will come into our life to stop us from doing what is right. God works through opportunity. When God brings things into our life, it is to prepare us for Him to show Himself in a greater way. God tells Saul that He was trying to move him somewhere, but Saul kept fighting. We spend all of our energy fighting against what God is trying to do for us. The social and spiritual climate in which we live is unique. It is complex to the world, but it is simple to a believer. It is the enemy’s plan to remove any perception of right and wrong. If he can remove any line of demarcation between right and w… Tyler Stevison 1551 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20884374/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thesecrettoswitchingsides/id/2812233.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20884374 Scripture: Acts 9:1-9:6 Wed, 08 Mar 2017 23:44:54 +0000 Tyler Stevison Our society promotes celebrities as heroes and superstars. Our young people grow up encouraged to emulate these sports figures or entertainers. There are many figures in the bible that would make better role models and heroes. Abraham stepped out in faith on only a word from God. David was flawed and made mistakes, but God still called him a man after his own heart. Peter had a temper, but he was loyal. We look at Paul and all the things he endured, and find someone to emulate. There are many others who are worthy, but our text is about a woman that is only mentioned once. Peter knocks at the door, and Rhoda came to the door. She knew the sound of his voice. Before she even saw Peter, she heard him. In the spirit world, sound precedes sight. Our worldly view is that we will not respond until we see it. That is not how God works. God deals in thoughts. How many times have we heard that “voice” in our head and talked ourselves out of what God was trying to do? We have to learn to listen to the voice of God and be prepared to move. God wants to work through us, but if He cannot work through us, He will work around us. We have to develop that willingness to obey even if we do not understand it. We cannot dissect what God is trying to do. We have to step out and obey what He is saying to us. Our society promotes celebrities as heroes and superstars. Our young people grow up encouraged to emulate these sports figures or entertainers. There are many figures in the bible that would make better role models and heroes. Abraham stepped out in faith on only a word from God. David was flawed and made mistakes, but God still called him a man after his own heart. Peter had a temper, but he was loyal. We look at Paul and all the things he endured, and find someone to emulate. There are many others who are worthy, but our text is about a woman that is only mentioned once. Peter knocks at the door, and Rhoda came to the door. She knew the sound of his voice. Before she even saw Peter, she heard him. In the spirit world, sound precedes sight. Our worldly view is that we will not respond until we see it. That is not how God works. God deals in thoughts. How many times have we heard that “voice” in our head and talked ourselves out of what God was trying to do? We have to learn to listen to the voice of God and be prepared to move. God wants to work through us, but if He cannot work through us, He will work around us. We have to develop that willingness to obey even if we do not understand it. We cannot dissect what God is trying to do. We have to step out and obey what He is saying to us. Our society promotes celebrities as heroes and superstars. Our young people grow up encouraged to emulate these sports figures or entertainers. There are many figures in the bible that would make better role models and heroes. Abraham stepped out in… Tyler Stevison 2285 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20883004/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thespiritofrhoda/id/2811016.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20883004 Scripture: Acts 12:12-12:16 Mon, 06 Mar 2017 03:30:48 +0000 Tyler Stevison There is never been, and will never be, a problem with God’s ability to perform the supernatural. God is no different today than he was then and will be tomorrow. Jesus said ask and you shall receive. The word shall is a definitive word. It is an absolute, there is no question in the word shall. The bible has many accounts of God doing the miraculous, and he is no different now than He was then. God embedded a seed of expectation in humanity. We have a reliance upon God and realize that when we are in a situation that is bigger than we can handle, that there is One that can meet that challenge. God cannot fail. If we can expect it; God can perform it. Too often we allow our situation to dictate our expectation, but Jesus said that if we had faith only as a mustard seed, that we could realize the unimaginable. Why are we surprised when God does the miraculous? We should expect it! If we can expect it; God can perform it. We don’t have to understand it. If we try to understand it, we may talk ourselves out of believing that it can be done. We need to work on the restoration of expectation. There is never been, and will never be, a problem with God’s ability to perform the supernatural. God is no different today than he was then and will be tomorrow. Jesus said ask and you shall receive. The word shall is a definitive word. It is an absolute, there is no question in the word shall. The bible has many accounts of God doing the miraculous, and he is no different now than He was then. God embedded a seed of expectation in humanity. We have a reliance upon God and realize that when we are in a situation that is bigger than we can handle, that there is One that can meet that challenge. God cannot fail. If we can expect it; God can perform it. Too often we allow our situation to dictate our expectation, but Jesus said that if we had faith only as a mustard seed, that we could realize the unimaginable. Why are we surprised when God does the miraculous? We should expect it! If we can expect it; God can perform it. We don’t have to understand it. If we try to understand it, we may talk ourselves out of believing that it can be done. We need to work on the restoration of expectation. There is never been, and will never be, a problem with God’s ability to perform the supernatural. God is no different today than he was then and will be tomorrow. Jesus said ask and you shall receive. The word shall is a definitive word. It is an a… Tyler Stevison 1449 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20881635/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_therestorationofexpectation/id/2809738.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20881635 Scripture: Psalms 62:5-62 Sun, 05 Mar 2017 21:15:17 +0000 Tyler Stevison The story is Israel is remarkable. They went to Egypt because of a famine. They prospered and they were treated well. Then there was a change in Pharo's and the new one did not trust Israel and made them slaves. They cried out to the Lord and the Lord raised up Moses. In the process to get Israel out of Egypt, the Lord brought plagues on Pharaoh's house to demonstrate his power. Our text is the story of the plague of frogs. Moses asks Pharaoh when he would like the frogs to be taken away. We would expect that he would say now, but Pharaoh responds “tomorrow.” What’s wrong with right now? Pharaoh was given the choice of when he wanted God to improve his situation and he said tomorrow. Too many saints are given the same choice, and they respond with the same answer: tomorrow. We have an opportunity to choose. There are too many people who are torn between today and tomorrow. Tomorrow has prevented more people from living for God than the devil ever did. The bible tell us that no man knows tomorrow. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. We have to give our all to God right now! Thousands of people woke up yesterday not knowing it would be their last day. The beauty of this story is that Pharo’s delay did not stop God. God kept His word and removed the frogs. God loves us enough to do that. If He will do it for us, why wait for it? What’s wrong with right now? The story is Israel is remarkable. They went to Egypt because of a famine. They prospered and they were treated well. Then there was a change in Pharo's and the new one did not trust Israel and made them slaves. They cried out to the Lord and the Lord raised up Moses. In the process to get Israel out of Egypt, the Lord brought plagues on Pharaoh's house to demonstrate his power. Our text is the story of the plague of frogs. Moses asks Pharaoh when he would like the frogs to be taken away. We would expect that he would say now, but Pharaoh responds “tomorrow.” What’s wrong with right now? Pharaoh was given the choice of when he wanted God to improve his situation and he said tomorrow. Too many saints are given the same choice, and they respond with the same answer: tomorrow. We have an opportunity to choose. There are too many people who are torn between today and tomorrow. Tomorrow has prevented more people from living for God than the devil ever did. The bible tell us that no man knows tomorrow. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. We have to give our all to God right now! Thousands of people woke up yesterday not knowing it would be their last day. The beauty of this story is that Pharo’s delay did not stop God. God kept His word and removed the frogs. God loves us enough to do that. If He will do it for us, why wait for it? What’s wrong with right now? The story is Israel is remarkable. They went to Egypt because of a famine. They prospered and they were treated well. Then there was a change in Pharo's and the new one did not trust Israel and made them slaves. They cried out to the Lord and the L… Tyler Stevison 2357 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20879513/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatswrongwithrightnow/id/2807631.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20879513 Scripture: Exodus 8:8-8:13 Thu, 02 Mar 2017 03:35:01 +0000 Tyler Stevison Our text from Psalms says that the steps of a good man are ordered. It does not say that every step will be good. On this journey of life, we will travel some rough ground. To get where God wants us to be, we have to walk down some hard avenues. With God, it takes the ups and the downs to produce the results He needs. Process always precedes promotion. Our text from Psalms says that the steps of a good man are ordered. It does not say that every step will be good. On this journey of life, we will travel some rough ground. To get where God wants us to be, we have to walk down some hard avenues. With God, it takes the ups and the downs to produce the results He needs. Process always precedes promotion. Our text from Psalms says that the steps of a good man are ordered. It does not say that every step will be good. On this journey of life, we will travel some rough ground. To get where God wants us to be, we have to walk down some hard avenues. … Tyler Stevison 2754 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20878080/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thepathwaytospiritualpromotion/id/2806303.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20878080 Scripture: Psalms 37:23-37, Daniel 3:30-3 Mon, 27 Feb 2017 02:35:15 +0000 Tyler Stevison The question as come up many times through history: Who is God? We can take that question many ways, but we must first ask is God a who or is God a what? When Jesus came to Earth, God became man; that was a who. But we are more interested in the SPIRIT of God. The bible gives us insight into the character of God, but we have no way of describing God with first hand knowledge. The spirit of God encompasus a host of attributes. In Genesis, we see God as a creator: In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth, and it was without form. That is a blank canvas. At auction, people do not purchase a blank canvas or a lump of clay. The beauty and the value of the blank canvas is found in what the artist does to it. When God looks at a life, he sees the potential. The value is not evident to the onlooker, until the artist finishes His work. Each of us fit the description of Genesis 1:1-2. We are all without form and void. God saw something in each of us that no one else could see. As humans we look at people through their past, God looks at us through their future. God has the eye of an artist. He can see things in us that we cannot see. Even if there are blemishes or mistakes, the Artist can make it into something beautiful. That is the beauty of a blank canvas. The question as come up many times through history: Who is God? We can take that question many ways, but we must first ask is God a who or is God a what? When Jesus came to Earth, God became man; that was a who. But we are more interested in the SPIRIT of God. The bible gives us insight into the character of God, but we have no way of describing God with first hand knowledge. The spirit of God encompasus a host of attributes. In Genesis, we see God as a creator: In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth, and it was without form. That is a blank canvas. At auction, people do not purchase a blank canvas or a lump of clay. The beauty and the value of the blank canvas is found in what the artist does to it. When God looks at a life, he sees the potential. The value is not evident to the onlooker, until the artist finishes His work. Each of us fit the description of Genesis 1:1-2. We are all without form and void. God saw something in each of us that no one else could see. As humans we look at people through their past, God looks at us through their future. God has the eye of an artist. He can see things in us that we cannot see. Even if there are blemishes or mistakes, the Artist can make it into something beautiful. That is the beauty of a blank canvas. The question as come up many times through history: Who is God? We can take that question many ways, but we must first ask is God a who or is God a what? When Jesus came to Earth, God became man; that was a who. But we are more interested in the S… Tyler Stevison 2392 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20874690/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thebeautyofablankcanvas/id/2802925.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20874690 Scripture: Genesis 1:1-1:2, 2 Corinthians 5:17-5 Mon, 13 Feb 2017 03:34:02 +0000 Tyler Stevison We live in a time when we have more spiritual opportunities than we have ever had. We have more churches, more preachers, more conferences and more fellowship than we have ever had. At the same time, we have more people on the verge of a breakdown than ever before. We often find ourselves living on the defense rather than on offense. Many people live the “if I can just survive this attack” way of life. These people come to church desperate, but they are robbed of their joy. The devil operates out of intimidation and fear. The bible says that no weapon formed against us will prosper. It does not say that the weapon will not be formed, just that it will not be effective. It may look bad, but God has made a way. We join David and his men as they returned home after a battle to find that their wives and children had been taken away by the enemy. The bible says that they wept until they couldn’t weep any more. They had a break down. Too many people stop when they have a break down. They go to their pastor, they go to their friends, they go in prayer and all they can focus on is their break down. David’s men spoke of stoning him. In the midst of all of that, David encouraged himself in the Lord. Only we can change our minds. Only we can realize that it is not as bad as it looks. Only we can remember all the times God delivered us before. A breakdown focuses on what is wrong; a breakthrough focuses on what is right. When we focus on what is right, we transition from fear to faith. We have to press through the barriers of fear to reach a breakthrough. David had two options: He could weep over what was lost, or he could worship for what was to come. We have those same two options. David told them to bring the garment of praise. Praise transitions the lens through which we see our situation. Are we going to have a breakdown or a breakthrough? We live in a time when we have more spiritual opportunities than we have ever had. We have more churches, more preachers, more conferences and more fellowship than we have ever had. At the same time, we have more people on the verge of a breakdown than ever before. We often find ourselves living on the defense rather than on offense. Many people live the “if I can just survive this attack” way of life. These people come to church desperate, but they are robbed of their joy. The devil operates out of intimidation and fear. The bible says that no weapon formed against us will prosper. It does not say that the weapon will not be formed, just that it will not be effective. It may look bad, but God has made a way. We join David and his men as they returned home after a battle to find that their wives and children had been taken away by the enemy. The bible says that they wept until they couldn’t weep any more. They had a break down. Too many people stop when they have a break down. They go to their pastor, they go to their friends, they go in prayer and all they can focus on is their break down. David’s men spoke of stoning him. In the midst of all of that, David encouraged himself in the Lord. Only we can change our minds. Only we can realize that it is not as bad as it looks. Only we can remember all the times God delivered us before. A breakdown focuses on what is wrong; a breakthrough focuses on what is right. When we focus on what is right, we transition from fear to faith. We have to press through the barriers of fear to reach a breakthrough. David had two options: He could weep over what was lost, or he could worship for what was to come. We have those same two options. David told them to bring the garment of praise. Praise transitions the lens through which we see our situation. Are we going to have a breakdown or a breakthrough? We live in a time when we have more spiritual opportunities than we have ever had. We have more churches, more preachers, more conferences and more fellowship than we have ever had. At the same time, we have more people on the verge of a breakdown th… Tyler Stevison 2191 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20864540/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_breakdownorbreakthrough/id/2793004.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20864540 Breakthrough, Praise, Overcommer, Scripture: 1 Samuel 30:1-30:8, 1 Samuel 1:17-30:19 Sun, 12 Feb 2017 20:06:22 +0000 Tyler Stevison We are living in a world that puts value on labels. What clothes do you wear? What purse do you carry? We let a label dictate a status symbol. We let labels define who we are. Some people use Lord as a label. They believe that if they invoke that label, they will attain a certain status. Our text questions why why they were using the term label, when the lifestyle does not match that label. If He is going to be Lord, we must allow Him to be Lord by doing what He asks us to do. The young ruler came to Jesus and ask what he must do to have eternal life. Jesus told him to sell all he had, give it to the poor, and to follow. The young man went away sad because he had much. He was wanting to call jesus Lord, but not do what He was ask to do. The young man had kept the commandments and wanted to claim the label, but he was not willing to live the lifestyle. What is the difference between label and lifestyle? Our text uses a parable to demonstrate that a label is built on a strong foundation so that we can withstand the storms of life. When the storm of life blows, it reveals who has a life built on a label and who has a life built on a lifestyle. Is Lord just a label? We are living in a world that puts value on labels. What clothes do you wear? What purse do you carry? We let a label dictate a status symbol. We let labels define who we are. Some people use Lord as a label. They believe that if they invoke that label, they will attain a certain status. Our text questions why why they were using the term label, when the lifestyle does not match that label. If He is going to be Lord, we must allow Him to be Lord by doing what He asks us to do. The young ruler came to Jesus and ask what he must do to have eternal life. Jesus told him to sell all he had, give it to the poor, and to follow. The young man went away sad because he had much. He was wanting to call jesus Lord, but not do what He was ask to do. The young man had kept the commandments and wanted to claim the label, but he was not willing to live the lifestyle. What is the difference between label and lifestyle? Our text uses a parable to demonstrate that a label is built on a strong foundation so that we can withstand the storms of life. When the storm of life blows, it reveals who has a life built on a label and who has a life built on a lifestyle. Is Lord just a label? We are living in a world that puts value on labels. What clothes do you wear? What purse do you carry? We let a label dictate a status symbol. We let labels define who we are. Some people use Lord as a label. They believe that if they invoke that… Tyler Stevison 2388 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20863931/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_islordustalabel/id/2792360.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20863931 Labels, Foundation, Lifestyle, Scripture: Luke 6:46-6:49 Fri, 10 Feb 2017 02:41:36 +0000 Tyler Stevison It does not take a spiritual person to recognize that the spiritual landscape of the world is changing. Society is shifting. We fool ourselves if we think that the world is going to get any better. The bible has told us that these things would happen, but we are still surprised when we see the news, or hear of social change that are contrary to our values and beliefs. The church is not here to change the world, it is here to SAVE the world. The church is made up people and people are subject to change. In our text Paul is going to stay in Ephesus because he felt that there was a great opportunity. He also knew that there would be opposition to that work. When we recognize the open door that Paul talked about, we change our view of God’s kingdom. The spiritual world operates differently than the carnal world. When we get in tune with God, we realize that it is about Him and not about us. That is how we know that we are in revival; when we are more concerned about the kingdom than about ourselves. The second sign that we are in revival is when we see our weaknesses are bigger than our strengths. God wants to focus on the things that are hindering our walk with God. God deals with things out of love. This is not always an easy process for us. The third sign of revival is that opposition is met with a church that will not back down. As God deals with things and brings about change, the church in revival does not abandon what God is trying to do. We have to realize that it is not about us, but about God’s kingdom. God will show us the things that we need to work on in our life. God wants to help us with these things so that we can draw closer to Him. It does not take a spiritual person to recognize that the spiritual landscape of the world is changing. Society is shifting. We fool ourselves if we think that the world is going to get any better. The bible has told us that these things would happen, but we are still surprised when we see the news, or hear of social change that are contrary to our values and beliefs. The church is not here to change the world, it is here to SAVE the world. The church is made up people and people are subject to change. In our text Paul is going to stay in Ephesus because he felt that there was a great opportunity. He also knew that there would be opposition to that work. When we recognize the open door that Paul talked about, we change our view of God’s kingdom. The spiritual world operates differently than the carnal world. When we get in tune with God, we realize that it is about Him and not about us. That is how we know that we are in revival; when we are more concerned about the kingdom than about ourselves. The second sign that we are in revival is when we see our weaknesses are bigger than our strengths. God wants to focus on the things that are hindering our walk with God. God deals with things out of love. This is not always an easy process for us. The third sign of revival is that opposition is met with a church that will not back down. As God deals with things and brings about change, the church in revival does not abandon what God is trying to do. We have to realize that it is not about us, but about God’s kingdom. God will show us the things that we need to work on in our life. God wants to help us with these things so that we can draw closer to Him. It does not take a spiritual person to recognize that the spiritual landscape of the world is changing. Society is shifting. We fool ourselves if we think that the world is going to get any better. The bible has told us that these things would happen… Tyler Stevison 2839 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20861918/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_signsofrevival/id/2790516.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20861918 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:5-16:9 Sun, 05 Feb 2017 19:28:30 +0000 Tyler Stevison We can change our behaviors, but we cannot change our hearts. We are all born into sin. We can do everything right, we can be moral upstanding people, but what we cannot do is bathe our own hearts in the blood of Jesus. It is not our works of righteousness that will save us, it takes the blood. Jesus desires a relationship with each of us. He went to each disciple individually and ask them to follow Him. Peter knew the heights of victory and the lows of defeat. One of those highs is part of our text this morning as he preached on the day of Pentecost where he ask the crowd to save themselves from the untoward generation. When Moses lead Israel out of Egypt, God told them to follow the cloud. There were millions of people leaving Egypt. If they had just followed the crowd, they would have been lost. If we want to get where God wants us to be, we cannot follow the crowd. Some people in church will look around at others and let that influence their worship. Peer pressure is real. Studies have shown that many people will go along with the crowd rather than choose what they know is right. The crowd can also make us think that God does not know where we are. Jesus knows where we are. We can change our behaviors, but we cannot change our hearts. We are all born into sin. We can do everything right, we can be moral upstanding people, but what we cannot do is bathe our own hearts in the blood of Jesus. It is not our works of righteousness that will save us, it takes the blood. Jesus desires a relationship with each of us. He went to each disciple individually and ask them to follow Him. Peter knew the heights of victory and the lows of defeat. One of those highs is part of our text this morning as he preached on the day of Pentecost where he ask the crowd to save themselves from the untoward generation. When Moses lead Israel out of Egypt, God told them to follow the cloud. There were millions of people leaving Egypt. If they had just followed the crowd, they would have been lost. If we want to get where God wants us to be, we cannot follow the crowd. Some people in church will look around at others and let that influence their worship. Peer pressure is real. Studies have shown that many people will go along with the crowd rather than choose what they know is right. The crowd can also make us think that God does not know where we are. Jesus knows where we are. We can change our behaviors, but we cannot change our hearts. We are all born into sin. We can do everything right, we can be moral upstanding people, but what we cannot do is bathe our own hearts in the blood of Jesus. It is not our works of righte… Tyler Stevison 1984 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20858750/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatthecrowdcantdo/id/2787264.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20858750 Scripture: Matthew 7:13-7:14, Acts 2:37-2:41 Thu, 02 Feb 2017 03:26:43 +0000 Mark Hughes No matter what our culture says, we must define our lives by the bible. The bible tells us that we must love the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. The heart speaks of emotions, the soul speaks of the possibility of sin, the mind is about our thinking and finally the strength is the things that build us up or bring us down. Our text refers to connections. These are the relationships, links and associations we have. We must understand that we become that with which we fellowship. Be that a person, what we read, what we see, or what we hear with our ears. Those influences will either build us up for tear us down. Paul says bad company produces bad manners. There are three areas to concern in this area: toxic people, toxic words and toxic influences. Bro. Hughes concludes his Detoxing the Soul series tonight by discussing Toxic Connections. No matter what our culture says, we must define our lives by the bible. The bible tells us that we must love the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. The heart speaks of emotions, the soul speaks of the possibility of sin, the mind is about our thinking and finally the strength is the things that build us up or bring us down. Our text refers to connections. These are the relationships, links and associations we have. We must understand that we become that with which we fellowship. Be that a person, what we read, what we see, or what we hear with our ears. Those influences will either build us up for tear us down. Paul says bad company produces bad manners. There are three areas to concern in this area: toxic people, toxic words and toxic influences. Bro. Hughes concludes his Detoxing the Soul series tonight by discussing Toxic Connections. No matter what our culture says, we must define our lives by the bible. The bible tells us that we must love the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. The heart speaks of emotions, the soul speaks of the possibility of sin, the mind is ab… Mark Hughes 3833 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20857521/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_toxicconnections/id/2786176.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20857521 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:33-15:34, Romans 12:2-12, Hebrews 12:15-12, Series: Detoxing the Soul Sun, 29 Jan 2017 23:16:19 +0000 Mark Hughes We live in an hour when perversity and evil are given free reign. Our world and our country has turned away from God. Too many people have learned to function without a touch from God. Even though there are great problems in our world, there are great promises waiting. God’s promises are greater than the world’s problems. God is poised to do His greatest works. Our text takes place in a low place in Israel's history. They were a defeated people with a bleak outlook. God rose up a prophet with a message that everything would change; all that was needed was a little rain. The rain spoke of God’s blessing to His people. Israel understood the importance of rain. Palestine lays on the edge of the Mediterranean plain. Often they would only receive sporadic rain. The rain would come in seasons. The most important of these seasons was the latter rain. It was this rain that had the largest affect on their crops and therefore their livelihood. Therefore this proclamation from Zechariah was a clear message to God’s people. Bro. Hughes has established this same principle as our theme this year. We are asking for God’s rain for Greater Life Church. We live in an hour when perversity and evil are given free reign. Our world and our country has turned away from God. Too many people have learned to function without a touch from God. Even though there are great problems in our world, there are great promises waiting. God’s promises are greater than the world’s problems. God is poised to do His greatest works. Our text takes place in a low place in Israel's history. They were a defeated people with a bleak outlook. God rose up a prophet with a message that everything would change; all that was needed was a little rain. The rain spoke of God’s blessing to His people. Israel understood the importance of rain. Palestine lays on the edge of the Mediterranean plain. Often they would only receive sporadic rain. The rain would come in seasons. The most important of these seasons was the latter rain. It was this rain that had the largest affect on their crops and therefore their livelihood. Therefore this proclamation from Zechariah was a clear message to God’s people. Bro. Hughes has established this same principle as our theme this year. We are asking for God’s rain for Greater Life Church. We live in an hour when perversity and evil are given free reign. Our world and our country has turned away from God. Too many people have learned to function without a touch from God. Even though there are great problems in our world, there are gre… Mark Hughes 2418 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20855437/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_askforrain/id/2784183.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20855437 Scripture: Zechariah 10:1-10 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 21:09:13 +0000 James Hughes Toxic emotions are a large problem in our world. Our emotions are not wrong; they are God given. Every emotion that we have is a direct relations of the creation of God. The problem is that our world has changed these emotions from the original creation. Love and Hate are the primary of these. Research indicate that these emotions can cause the body to stop fighting disease. When our emotions get out of check, they can cause us physical problems. Emotions have a purpose. Love is the strongest of all emotions. It has the power to heal and change. It is love that gives us the ability to let others affect our life. Sometimes we are hurt by relationships with people that we love. This can lead to negative emotions of depression and anger. All of us can take control of our emotions, but our world does not encourage this. Fear has a purpose, but if we allow it to be changed into something that can do us great harm. We have become adrenaline addicts and taught our brains to crave the thrill of dangerous situations. This applies to not only roller coasters and haunted house rides, but into our relationships. Our brains know better, but we override them. We let things in our life that have the potential to destroy us get in. Things do not just happen. There is a series of events that lead to things. Cheating in a marriage relationship does not happen with out a series of events taking place. The brain has checks and balances to protect us from these choices, but too often the we over ride that conscious. Related to fear is anger. Anger produces a more powerful reaction than fear. When we let fear become our source of excitement, it is too easy for anger to take its place. Fear and anger can cause us to do and say things that we would never have imagined. Our flesh will lead us down a path we should not go. God has forgiven us, and erased the record of our sin, but our flesh has not. It keeps a record to remind us of our failure. We can control what our brain does if we want to. Children cannot control their emotions. The world encourages us to continue to live as if we are children. Some people are addicted to the drama and conflict that not controlling their emotions brings. We can change our lives. We do not have to live with these toxic emotions. Our life does not have to be toxic. God’s desire is that we have the best life possible. The secret is joy. Toxic emotions are a large problem in our world. Our emotions are not wrong; they are God given. Every emotion that we have is a direct relations of the creation of God. The problem is that our world has changed these emotions from the original creation. Love and Hate are the primary of these. Research indicate that these emotions can cause the body to stop fighting disease. When our emotions get out of check, they can cause us physical problems. Emotions have a purpose. Love is the strongest of all emotions. It has the power to heal and change. It is love that gives us the ability to let others affect our life. Sometimes we are hurt by relationships with people that we love. This can lead to negative emotions of depression and anger. All of us can take control of our emotions, but our world does not encourage this. Fear has a purpose, but if we allow it to be changed into something that can do us great harm. We have become adrenaline addicts and taught our brains to crave the thrill of dangerous situations. This applies to not only roller coasters and haunted house rides, but into our relationships. Our brains know better, but we override them. We let things in our life that have the potential to destroy us get in. Things do not just happen. There is a series of events that lead to things. Cheating in a marriage relationship does not happen with out a series of events taking place. The brain has checks and balances to protect us from these choices, but too often the we over ride that conscious. Related to fear is anger. Anger produces a more powerful reaction than fear. When we let fear become our source of excitement, it is too easy for anger to take its place. Fear and anger can cause us to do and say things that we would never have imagined. Our flesh will lead us down a path we should not go. God has forgiven us, and erased the record of our sin, but our flesh has not. It keeps a record to remind us of our failure. We can control what our brain does if we want to. Children cannot control their emotions. The world encourages us to continue to live as if we are children. Some people are addicted to the drama and conflict that not controlling their emotions brings. We can change our lives. We do not have to live with these toxic emotions. Our life does not have to be toxic. God’s desire is that we have the best life possible. The secret is joy. Toxic emotions are a large problem in our world. Our emotions are not wrong; they are God given. Every emotion that we have is a direct relations of the creation of God. The problem is that our world has changed these emotions from the original crea… James Hughes 3660 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20855356/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_toxicemotions/id/2784096.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20855356 Scripture: Galatians 5:14-5:26, Series: Detoxing the Soul Part#3 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 04:48:01 +0000 David K Bernard We read in this letter from Paul to the church he founded in Corinth a reminder of the things on which the church was established. He did not rely on eloquent speech or a feel good message. He reminds them that the church was founded on the power of the gospel of Jesus. All of Paul’s preaching was founded on who Jesus was and what He came to do. If we preach Jesus we will preach that God wanted fellowship with Him. God wanted to redeem us, so He established a plan for salvation. The one true God was revealed in Jesus. Jesus’ death paid the price for our sins, but if He had simply died, that would have been an incomplete story. So the resurrection is an essential part of the gospel message. When we preach Jesus, we must also preach the message of Acts 2:38. Paul tells us in Galatians, that we are crucified with Christ. We must live a life that is new and in pursuit of the holiness of God. This changes everything about how e approach life. It changes our speech, our relationships and our actions. We are a new creation in Christ Jesus. After saying all that Paul explains that he was not trying to change them with his abilities, but with the message of Jesus Christ. Sometimes we make faith more difficult than it needs to be. The power of faith is in the object to that faith. It is not about a man, a building, or a program; it is about God. Followers of Buddha have great faith. They come, they pray, but at the end of the day, their faith is in a man what is dead and buried. Our faith is in a living God. We all have faith. Most of us have a car. We have faith that turning the key in the ignition will start the car. We have faith in that car. Most of us cannot explain how the car works, we just know that it works. The same is true in the spiritual realm. We can put our faith in the power of God and trust that it will just work. In Matthew 17 we read the story of Jesus healing a man’s son who was possessed of demons. The disciples who were not able to do it ask Jesus why. He explained that if they had faith even as a mustard seed, they could have heal the man. Seeds are small, but big things can come from them. The amount of our faith may be small, but the effect of it can be huge. If we step out by faith, we can turn our life around. We must put our faith in the power of God. We read in this letter from Paul to the church he founded in Corinth a reminder of the things on which the church was established. He did not rely on eloquent speech or a feel good message. He reminds them that the church was founded on the power of the gospel of Jesus. All of Paul’s preaching was founded on who Jesus was and what He came to do. If we preach Jesus we will preach that God wanted fellowship with Him. God wanted to redeem us, so He established a plan for salvation. The one true God was revealed in Jesus. Jesus’ death paid the price for our sins, but if He had simply died, that would have been an incomplete story. So the resurrection is an essential part of the gospel message. When we preach Jesus, we must also preach the message of Acts 2:38. Paul tells us in Galatians, that we are crucified with Christ. We must live a life that is new and in pursuit of the holiness of God. This changes everything about how e approach life. It changes our speech, our relationships and our actions. We are a new creation in Christ Jesus. After saying all that Paul explains that he was not trying to change them with his abilities, but with the message of Jesus Christ. Sometimes we make faith more difficult than it needs to be. The power of faith is in the object to that faith. It is not about a man, a building, or a program; it is about God. Followers of Buddha have great faith. They come, they pray, but at the end of the day, their faith is in a man what is dead and buried. Our faith is in a living God. We all have faith. Most of us have a car. We have faith that turning the key in the ignition will start the car. We have faith in that car. Most of us cannot explain how the car works, we just know that it works. The same is true in the spiritual realm. We can put our faith in the power of God and trust that it will just work. In Matthew 17 we read the story of Jesus healing a man’s son who was possessed of demons. The disciples who were not able to do it ask Jesus why. He explained that if they had faith even as a mustard seed, they could have heal the man. Seeds are small, but big things can come from them. The amount of our faith may be small, but the effect of it can be huge. If we step out by faith, we can turn our life around. We must put our faith in the power of God. We read in this letter from Paul to the church he founded in Corinth a reminder of the things on which the church was established. He did not rely on eloquent speech or a feel good message. He reminds them that the church was founded on the power of t… David K Bernard 2336 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20849273/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_faithinthepowerofgod/id/2778354.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20849273 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:4-2:5, Matthew 17:20-17 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 04:33:46 +0000 David K Bernard When God is in it, it is worthwhile. God is faithful. The strength of a church rests in the faithfulness of God. In our text, God was wanting to reinforce to His people that He was the one true God. What does it mean to be faithful. It means to be steadfast and true to his word. Unfaithful doesn’t mean that it doesn’t work. An unfaithful person will be there for many things, but will fail you when you need it the most. The people of our world serve other gods. It is not service to Baal, but there are things that have taken God’s place: Money, Social Status, the pleasures of life. These things are not necessary sinful, but they take the place of the word of God as priority in life. Many of these pursuits seem to be a blessing: Money in the bank, fun times. But these things can fail over time. These things do not have the answer when the troubled times come. There is only one god who is faithful in times of the trials and storms of life. We can put our trust in God and He will not let us down. How is God faithful? Hebrews 11:6 tells us that we are saved and receive blessings from God through faith. We are not saved by our works, but by grace extended to us by a faithful God. There is a statement implied in this verse that He will reward those who diligently seek Him. God is faithful to save. If we want to be saved, we can be saved by seeking after Him. God does not reject anyone based on the criteria and categories that the world recognizes. God is faithful to save regardless of gender, color, background, or the nature of their past sin. In 1 John 1:9 says that if we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive them. This letter was written to the church, not unbelievers. Sometimes christians sin. We are supposed to live a holy life, but sometimes we fail. It may not be an obvious act. Perhaps it is in our speech or our attitude. IN these times, the devil will play on those to try to discourage us. But the text in 1st John tells us that if we ask for forgiveness, God is faithful to grant it. If we will open our heart to God, he is faithful to restore. 1 Corinthians 10:13 Is the familiar verse that declares the God will not tempt us with more than we can bear. Many people believe that people who are living for God do not face trials. That is in the case. God did not promise to block all our trials, but He did promise that He would not let too much be placed on us. If we are facing a trial, God’s faithful to provide a way to make a way through that trial. Sometimes God delivers instantly. Other times, God lets us go through the trial at His pace. This passage tells us that God is faithful to sustain and deliver through any trial. When God is in it, it is worthwhile. God is faithful. The strength of a church rests in the faithfulness of God. In our text, God was wanting to reinforce to His people that He was the one true God. What does it mean to be faithful. It means to be steadfast and true to his word. Unfaithful doesn’t mean that it doesn’t work. An unfaithful person will be there for many things, but will fail you when you need it the most. The people of our world serve other gods. It is not service to Baal, but there are things that have taken God’s place: Money, Social Status, the pleasures of life. These things are not necessary sinful, but they take the place of the word of God as priority in life. Many of these pursuits seem to be a blessing: Money in the bank, fun times. But these things can fail over time. These things do not have the answer when the troubled times come. There is only one god who is faithful in times of the trials and storms of life. We can put our trust in God and He will not let us down. How is God faithful? Hebrews 11:6 tells us that we are saved and receive blessings from God through faith. We are not saved by our works, but by grace extended to us by a faithful God. There is a statement implied in this verse that He will reward those who diligently seek Him. God is faithful to save. If we want to be saved, we can be saved by seeking after Him. God does not reject anyone based on the criteria and categories that the world recognizes. God is faithful to save regardless of gender, color, background, or the nature of their past sin. In 1 John 1:9 says that if we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive them. This letter was written to the church, not unbelievers. Sometimes christians sin. We are supposed to live a holy life, but sometimes we fail. It may not be an obvious act. Perhaps it is in our speech or our attitude. IN these times, the devil will play on those to try to discourage us. But the text in 1st John tells us that if we ask for forgiveness, God is faithful to grant it. If we will open our heart to God, he is faithful to restore. 1 Corinthians 10:13 Is the familiar verse that declares the God will not tempt us with more than we can bear. Many people believe that people who are living for God do not face trials. That is in the case. God did not promise to block all our trials, but He did promise that He would not let too much be placed on us. If we are facing a trial, God’s faithful to provide a way to make a way through that trial. Sometimes God delivers instantly. Other times, God lets us go through the trial at His pace. This passage tells us that God is faithful to sustain and deliver through any trial. When God is in it, it is worthwhile. God is faithful. The strength of a church rests in the faithfulness of God. In our text, God was wanting to reinforce to His people that He was the one true God. What does it mean to be faithful. It means to be… David K Bernard 2704 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20849267/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thefaithfulgod/id/2778345.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20849267 Scripture: Deuteronomy 7:9-7 Thu, 19 Jan 2017 04:09:16 +0000 Mark Hughes The human mind is an amazing thing. It gives us the ability to think, reason, and even speak. It also controls bodily functions. It interprets inputs from the five senses and directs the physical movements so that we can walk, talk, stand and sit. Science has evolved to the point where it is now possible to manipulate physical objects by using brain power. By simply thinking, someone can move a wheelchair, or direct the flight of a remote control drone. The brain has enormous power. What we think affects us both physically and emotionally. Science tells us that 75-90% of illnesses that plague our life are a product of our thoughts. Toxic thought can cause cancer, diabetes, asthma, allergies and many more. We suffer from an epidemic of toxic thoughts that bring on illness and sickness in our body. Research shows that fear can trigger up to 1400 physiological reactions in our bodies. Conscious control of our thought life is the best way to control our brain. We control our thoughts, not the other way around. Too many people are tormented by their thoughts. Changing our way of thinking is essential if we want to cleanse our minds. Science has discovered all of this, but long before we even had a study of the human mind, the Bible laid all these concepts out for us. God is concerned about our thoughts, that is why He said “as a man thinketh, so is he.” It has been said, you are what you eat. The same can be said about thought. As we allow our thoughts to go along, that is what we will become. God stated this long before motivational speakers began talking about the power of positive thinking. The toxic thoughts that come can load us down with trouble. Toxic thoughts can be deadly. Our mind is a battle ground and we must learn to win the battle of our mind if we can hope to win the war of life. Toxic thoughts affect more than just us. Toxic thoughts depress us, disable us, and keep us from becoming what God wants. Those things often affect loved ones around us. The list of negative things we say about ourselves are endless: I’m a loser, I’m fat, I’m no good..... None of these things will bring us closer to people or to God. Toxic thinking can keep us from walking in what God has ALREADY given us. God promised a blessing to Jacob, but he did not walk in that until he wrestled with the Angel some 22 years after God had given it to him. Toxic thoughts cost us much. When we allow ourselves to be consumed with toxic thoughts, we can get into the habit of being in that rut. We must break out of that line of thinking by washing our mind with the word of God. When we read, when we hear the preached word of God, it reminds us what HE has said, not what the world says. He says we are worthy, we are accepted, we are redeemed. We must guard our minds and get rid of toxic thoughts. The human mind is an amazing thing. It gives us the ability to think, reason, and even speak. It also controls bodily functions. It interprets inputs from the five senses and directs the physical movements so that we can walk, talk, stand and sit. Science has evolved to the point where it is now possible to manipulate physical objects by using brain power. By simply thinking, someone can move a wheelchair, or direct the flight of a remote control drone. The brain has enormous power. What we think affects us both physically and emotionally. Science tells us that 75-90% of illnesses that plague our life are a product of our thoughts. Toxic thought can cause cancer, diabetes, asthma, allergies and many more. We suffer from an epidemic of toxic thoughts that bring on illness and sickness in our body. Research shows that fear can trigger up to 1400 physiological reactions in our bodies. Conscious control of our thought life is the best way to control our brain. We control our thoughts, not the other way around. Too many people are tormented by their thoughts. Changing our way of thinking is essential if we want to cleanse our minds. Science has discovered all of this, but long before we even had a study of the human mind, the Bible laid all these concepts out for us. God is concerned about our thoughts, that is why He said “as a man thinketh, so is he.” It has been said, you are what you eat. The same can be said about thought. As we allow our thoughts to go along, that is what we will become. God stated this long before motivational speakers began talking about the power of positive thinking. The toxic thoughts that come can load us down with trouble. Toxic thoughts can be deadly. Our mind is a battle ground and we must learn to win the battle of our mind if we can hope to win the war of life. Toxic thoughts affect more than just us. Toxic thoughts depress us, disable us, and keep us from becoming what God wants. Those things often affect loved ones around us. The list of negative things we say about ourselves are endless: I’m a loser, I’m fat, I’m no good..... None of these things will bring us closer to people or to God. Toxic thinking can keep us from walking in what God has ALREADY given us. God promised a blessing to Jacob, but he did not walk in that until he wrestled with the Angel some 22 years after God had given it to him. Toxic thoughts cost us much. When we allow ourselves to be consumed with toxic thoughts, we can get into the habit of being in that rut. We must break out of that line of thinking by washing our mind with the word of God. When we read, when we hear the preached word of God, it reminds us what HE has said, not what the world says. He says we are worthy, we are accepted, we are redeemed. We must guard our minds and get rid of toxic thoughts. The human mind is an amazing thing. It gives us the ability to think, reason, and even speak. It also controls bodily functions. It interprets inputs from the five senses and directs the physical movements so that we can walk, talk, stand and sit. … Mark Hughes 4269 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20849253/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_gettingridoftoxicthoughts/id/2778329.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20849253 Scripture: 1 John 1:10-1, 2 Corinthians 10:4-10:5, Series: Detoxing the Soul Part#2 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 04:00:21 +0000 Mark Hughes When playing sports, we play to win. Too many teams play not to lose. When teams play not to lose, they lose. When we begin to play not to lose we become extra careful. It has been said that the prevent defense only prevents winning. Too often we play church that way. As long as we have a good service every once and awhile, that is okay. There is only one option; we have to win. We need a breakthrough. It is not time to operate out of a spirit of fear. It is time to throw the doors open and worship. The devil would like to convince us that we are past our prime. The devil would like to convince us that things have changed. We are not and they are not. We have to play to win and reach out for what God has for us. We have to quit playing not to lose. When playing sports, we play to win. Too many teams play not to lose. When teams play not to lose, they lose. When we begin to play not to lose we become extra careful. It has been said that the prevent defense only prevents winning. Too often we play church that way. As long as we have a good service every once and awhile, that is okay. There is only one option; we have to win. We need a breakthrough. It is not time to operate out of a spirit of fear. It is time to throw the doors open and worship. The devil would like to convince us that we are past our prime. The devil would like to convince us that things have changed. We are not and they are not. We have to play to win and reach out for what God has for us. We have to quit playing not to lose. When playing sports, we play to win. Too many teams play not to lose. When teams play not to lose, they lose. When we begin to play not to lose we become extra careful. It has been said that the prevent defense only prevents winning. Too often we p… Mark Hughes 1679 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20844329/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_quitplayingnottolose/id/2773509.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20844329 Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:5-1:7, Joshua 14:6-14:15 Sun, 15 Jan 2017 20:11:32 +0000 Kenneth Baker It is not the amount of water that surrounds a vessel that will sink it. It is only the water that comes within that will cause a ship to sink. No matter how deep the ocean or how violent the storm, if they can keep the water out, the boat will not sink. The author of our text was a king. This man who had all the resources that can be imagined to bring to bear to a situation, had a heart that was so troubled. Even the best people go through hard times. No matter how David tried to look at himself, it could not change what he felt in his heart. There was a hole in David’s heart that was allowing the waters of life to come in and sink him. He had done all the things that were required. He was in church and had said and done all the things that were required, but still had a heavy heart. The bible does not tell us why, but David was in deep water and he could not stop the flow of water pouring in. But instead of letting his heart affect his head, he let his head affect his heart. He remembered who he was: He was a child of God! He remembered that God had put that crown on his head. David did not let his problem or what he had gone trough define him. He did not let it make him forget what God had done for him. There comes a time when we have to remember some things. It is not the amount of water that surrounds a vessel that will sink it. It is only the water that comes within that will cause a ship to sink. No matter how deep the ocean or how violent the storm, if they can keep the water out, the boat will not sink. The author of our text was a king. This man who had all the resources that can be imagined to bring to bear to a situation, had a heart that was so troubled. Even the best people go through hard times. No matter how David tried to look at himself, it could not change what he felt in his heart. There was a hole in David’s heart that was allowing the waters of life to come in and sink him. He had done all the things that were required. He was in church and had said and done all the things that were required, but still had a heavy heart. The bible does not tell us why, but David was in deep water and he could not stop the flow of water pouring in. But instead of letting his heart affect his head, he let his head affect his heart. He remembered who he was: He was a child of God! He remembered that God had put that crown on his head. David did not let his problem or what he had gone trough define him. He did not let it make him forget what God had done for him. There comes a time when we have to remember some things. It is not the amount of water that surrounds a vessel that will sink it. It is only the water that comes within that will cause a ship to sink. No matter how deep the ocean or how violent the storm, if they can keep the water out, the boat will not … Kenneth Baker 2070 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20843716/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_therecomesatime/id/2772823.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20843716 Remember, Sinking, Overcome Thu, 12 Jan 2017 03:09:19 +0000 Kenneth Baker Each day that we live there are things that seep in that are toxic to our souls. Scientists tell us that our physical bodies also encounter toxins daily. Fortunately God made us in a way that our bodies can cleanse itself of many of these things. Spiritually, these things creep in slowly: Attitudes, ideas, thoughts and philosophies that are counter to the things that we have been taught. These things that creep in over time are more dangerous than the big things that come against us. No one backslides suddenly. The temperature of the soul turns cold slowly and incrementally over time. Just as we monitor our physical bodies for exposure to things that are bad, we must also guard our soul against such attacks. In order to do this, we have to recognize what it is that is attacking us. We cannot change what we do not identify. Too often we live in a state of denial. We can see things in other’s lives, but are myopic about things that are present in our own lives. If we are going to detox, we have to find where the toxins are coming from in our own lives. We know something is wrong. We may even be have a clue about the source, but too often we deny it’s existence. Because of this, many people resign themselves to a level of struggle in an area of our lives. It could be anger, lust, discontent, but we explain it away as just the way we are. In reality those things are what is polluting our spiritual self. All of us have some area of life in which we struggle, but we often refuse to admit it. The word detox does not appear in the bible, but words like cleanse, purge, and wash appear often. The first toxin that affects us is sin. None of us are free from the temptation of sin. The culture in which we live, is trying desperately to define away sin. Our culture had evolved to the point where we no longer define what God called sin as sin. Over time, we have been conditioned to accept the sin of the world as normal. Compromising our live to conform with the standards of the world is not a wise thing to do. We have somehow categorized sin to minimize it’s effect on our life. God has not changed the categories. The only remedy for sin is repentance. Every one of us need to take a look around our homes, our families and our lives and see what has seeped in. The number one culprit to a spiritual cleansing is self deception. Pride is what keeps us from admitting that which we know to be true. Pride in itself is not bad, but it can take turn that takes. When these things creep in over time, we learn to live with it. We see the problem through a distorted lens. We adjust the way we see things to compensate Each day that we live there are things that seep in that are toxic to our souls. Scientists tell us that our physical bodies also encounter toxins daily. Fortunately God made us in a way that our bodies can cleanse itself of many of these things. Spiritually, these things creep in slowly: Attitudes, ideas, thoughts and philosophies that are counter to the things that we have been taught. These things that creep in over time are more dangerous than the big things that come against us. No one backslides suddenly. The temperature of the soul turns cold slowly and incrementally over time. Just as we monitor our physical bodies for exposure to things that are bad, we must also guard our soul against such attacks. In order to do this, we have to recognize what it is that is attacking us. We cannot change what we do not identify. Too often we live in a state of denial. We can see things in other’s lives, but are myopic about things that are present in our own lives. If we are going to detox, we have to find where the toxins are coming from in our own lives. We know something is wrong. We may even be have a clue about the source, but too often we deny it’s existence. Because of this, many people resign themselves to a level of struggle in an area of our lives. It could be anger, lust, discontent, but we explain it away as just the way we are. In reality those things are what is polluting our spiritual self. All of us have some area of life in which we struggle, but we often refuse to admit it. The word detox does not appear in the bible, but words like cleanse, purge, and wash appear often. The first toxin that affects us is sin. None of us are free from the temptation of sin. The culture in which we live, is trying desperately to define away sin. Our culture had evolved to the point where we no longer define what God called sin as sin. Over time, we have been conditioned to accept the sin of the world as normal. Compromising our live to conform with the standards of the world is not a wise thing to do. We have somehow categorized sin to minimize it’s effect on our life. God has not changed the categories. The only remedy for sin is repentance. Every one of us need to take a look around our homes, our families and our lives and see what has seeped in. The number one culprit to a spiritual cleansing is self deception. Pride is what keeps us from admitting that which we know to be true. Pride in itself is not bad, but it can take turn that takes. When these things creep in over time, we learn to live with it. We see the problem through a distorted lens. We adjust the way we see things to compensate Each day that we live there are things that seep in that are toxic to our souls. Scientists tell us that our physical bodies also encounter toxins daily. Fortunately God made us in a way that our bodies can cleanse itself of many of these things. Sp… Kenneth Baker 3592 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20842409/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thedetoxingofthesoul/id/2771666.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20842409 Detox Mon, 09 Jan 2017 04:34:07 +0000 Mark Hughes Man has marveled at the sea for all of history. It appears to go on forever. It is awesome in it’s scope and can bring storms and danger. Even today with advanced communications, ships at sea today rely on centuries old method of communications using flags. These flags form their own language that means something to the sea faring man. The most famous of these signals is SOS. There is another that is important to our message tonight. A-I. It means that “I will not abandon you” When a ship is in distress, this signal from another vessel is a comfort. This message means hope and a rekindling of courage. When the writer of Hebrews penned these words, this is one message comes through clearly. The word never is used at least 5 times. God’s signal to each of us that we can count on Him to go through it with us. Five is the number of grace, and the use of the word never this number of times is Grace’s reminder that God is with us. I does not matter what waters we find ourselves, God will never leave us. The message that God will never forsake us comes at the end of our text. The first part of the passage admonishes us to live life without covetousness. The writer reminds us to not be envious of our neighbors, and to be content with the fact that God would never forsake us. There is a spirit of discontent loose on our world. God tells us to not let that get ahold of us. Be happy with who we are. Be happy with with what God has provided. We can be envious of people and their blessings. No matter what happens this year. No matter what, or who comes into our out of our lives, God will never leave us. Man has marveled at the sea for all of history. It appears to go on forever. It is awesome in it’s scope and can bring storms and danger. Even today with advanced communications, ships at sea today rely on centuries old method of communications using flags. These flags form their own language that means something to the sea faring man. The most famous of these signals is SOS. There is another that is important to our message tonight. A-I. It means that “I will not abandon you” When a ship is in distress, this signal from another vessel is a comfort. This message means hope and a rekindling of courage. When the writer of Hebrews penned these words, this is one message comes through clearly. The word never is used at least 5 times. God’s signal to each of us that we can count on Him to go through it with us. Five is the number of grace, and the use of the word never this number of times is Grace’s reminder that God is with us. I does not matter what waters we find ourselves, God will never leave us. The message that God will never forsake us comes at the end of our text. The first part of the passage admonishes us to live life without covetousness. The writer reminds us to not be envious of our neighbors, and to be content with the fact that God would never forsake us. There is a spirit of discontent loose on our world. God tells us to not let that get ahold of us. Be happy with who we are. Be happy with with what God has provided. We can be envious of people and their blessings. No matter what happens this year. No matter what, or who comes into our out of our lives, God will never leave us. Man has marveled at the sea for all of history. It appears to go on forever. It is awesome in it’s scope and can bring storms and danger. Even today with advanced communications, ships at sea today rely on centuries old method of communications usin… Mark Hughes 1657 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20839577/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_gracesreminder/id/2768923.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20839577 Scripture: Hebrews 13:5-13 Mon, 09 Jan 2017 04:13:55 +0000 Mark Hughes As we begin the new year, we have goals and aspirations. We often begin these with much enthusiasm and effort. We need to realize that life is not a sprint, but a marathon. Many stumble with their new year resolutions, and often abandon them after that stumble. The problem with new year resolutions is that life gets in the way. After the new wears off and the grind sets in is where the real challenge begins. January is the month when the most new endeavors are begun. It is also the month where the most new things are abandoned. We all have a problem with our flesh. When we begin to improve ourselves spiritually, immediately the flesh moves into oppose us. We all know something that we need to change. There is a world of difference in knowing and doing. Getting something moving is a greater challenged than we anticipate. Old habits die harder than we would like to admit. Getting life on track is more challenging that we would like. What we are going through right now is not out of the ordinary, and it is not an indication that we are on the wrong track. There is a phrase in scripture that contains the the answer to success as we strive to maintain our resolutions: He began. It is so simple, that the concept is elusive. Someone has to have a starting place; a place of beginning. No possibility of change was in Bartimaeus’ life until he began to call out. They tried to quite him, but he kept on crying out until he made a breakthrough. What would happen if some of us would begin to pray? What would happen if some of us would begin to worship? What would happen if some of us would begin to rejoice ...Would begin to sing...would begin to believe… would begin to cry out? No one was encouraging Bartemus, but he continued to cry out. No matter what our desire is to see ourselves in a better place, we will never get there until we begin. If we will just start, God said He would finish it. Josephat was surrounded by a large army. It looked impossible. He didn’t know what to do. The Lord speaks to him and gives instructions to go to a certain place and begin to worship and sing. They put themselves in a place where they could have been overrun, but they began to do what God told them to do, and He finished it. If we will begin, God will finish it. That is the power of a beginning. As we begin the new year, we have goals and aspirations. We often begin these with much enthusiasm and effort. We need to realize that life is not a sprint, but a marathon. Many stumble with their new year resolutions, and often abandon them after that stumble. The problem with new year resolutions is that life gets in the way. After the new wears off and the grind sets in is where the real challenge begins. January is the month when the most new endeavors are begun. It is also the month where the most new things are abandoned. We all have a problem with our flesh. When we begin to improve ourselves spiritually, immediately the flesh moves into oppose us. We all know something that we need to change. There is a world of difference in knowing and doing. Getting something moving is a greater challenged than we anticipate. Old habits die harder than we would like to admit. Getting life on track is more challenging that we would like. What we are going through right now is not out of the ordinary, and it is not an indication that we are on the wrong track. There is a phrase in scripture that contains the the answer to success as we strive to maintain our resolutions: He began. It is so simple, that the concept is elusive. Someone has to have a starting place; a place of beginning. No possibility of change was in Bartimaeus’ life until he began to call out. They tried to quite him, but he kept on crying out until he made a breakthrough. What would happen if some of us would begin to pray? What would happen if some of us would begin to worship? What would happen if some of us would begin to rejoice ...Would begin to sing...would begin to believe… would begin to cry out? No one was encouraging Bartemus, but he continued to cry out. No matter what our desire is to see ourselves in a better place, we will never get there until we begin. If we will just start, God said He would finish it. Josephat was surrounded by a large army. It looked impossible. He didn’t know what to do. The Lord speaks to him and gives instructions to go to a certain place and begin to worship and sing. They put themselves in a place where they could have been overrun, but they began to do what God told them to do, and He finished it. If we will begin, God will finish it. That is the power of a beginning. As we begin the new year, we have goals and aspirations. We often begin these with much enthusiasm and effort. We need to realize that life is not a sprint, but a marathon. Many stumble with their new year resolutions, and often abandon them after t… Mark Hughes 2072 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20839568/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thepowerofbeginning/id/2768909.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20839568 Start, Begin, Resolution, Success, Scripture: Mark 10:47-10, Acts 11:15-11, 2 Chronicles 20:22-20 Sun, 01 Jan 2017 21:32:43 +0000 Kenneth Baker Yesterday was the end of something. It ended a year, but it can end much more than that. Today is the beginning of something new. We stand this morning at the threshold of something new. New Years is a time for resolutions. Often New Year's resolutions are just wishful thoughts. However, a resolution can change a life. A resolution is more than a wish, it is a decision and a determination. This can be more than just a new year, it can be a new beginning. Most scholars believe that the writer of the 144 Psalm was in a depressed state. He had lost much including the trust and companionship of those around him. We read about a desperate man when we read the first part of this Psalm. In the midst of all of this, he got a revelation: He may not be able to change his circumstances, but he could change his song. His circumstances might not change, but his attitude about it can. It is easy in life to accumulate spirits and attitudes that affect our life. We must make up our mind that this new year deserves a new song. In the middle of this song, the writer changes keys. With two words, the writer changes his attitude: I Will. No matter what happens around life, those things cannot determine our happiness and joy. I will is a declaration. The word new in the Hebrew and Greek comes from a root word that means fresh. We don’t have to change churches, jobs or friends for a fresh start. Some of us are stale and need a fresh anointing. The new year represents an opportunity for a fresh start, a fresh anointing and a fresh touch of God. There is a lot about life that we cannot control, but there is one thing that we can determine in our own self: I will lift my voice with a new hope and knowledge that God is still with us. We may have problems in life, but those problems do not have to control us. Life can lose it’s meaning and purpose, but that can be changed with a new song. Yesterday was the end of something. It ended a year, but it can end much more than that. Today is the beginning of something new. We stand this morning at the threshold of something new. New Years is a time for resolutions. Often New Year's resolutions are just wishful thoughts. However, a resolution can change a life. A resolution is more than a wish, it is a decision and a determination. This can be more than just a new year, it can be a new beginning. Most scholars believe that the writer of the 144 Psalm was in a depressed state. He had lost much including the trust and companionship of those around him. We read about a desperate man when we read the first part of this Psalm. In the midst of all of this, he got a revelation: He may not be able to change his circumstances, but he could change his song. His circumstances might not change, but his attitude about it can. It is easy in life to accumulate spirits and attitudes that affect our life. We must make up our mind that this new year deserves a new song. In the middle of this song, the writer changes keys. With two words, the writer changes his attitude: I Will. No matter what happens around life, those things cannot determine our happiness and joy. I will is a declaration. The word new in the Hebrew and Greek comes from a root word that means fresh. We don’t have to change churches, jobs or friends for a fresh start. Some of us are stale and need a fresh anointing. The new year represents an opportunity for a fresh start, a fresh anointing and a fresh touch of God. There is a lot about life that we cannot control, but there is one thing that we can determine in our own self: I will lift my voice with a new hope and knowledge that God is still with us. We may have problems in life, but those problems do not have to control us. Life can lose it’s meaning and purpose, but that can be changed with a new song. Yesterday was the end of something. It ended a year, but it can end much more than that. Today is the beginning of something new. We stand this morning at the threshold of something new. New Years is a time for resolutions. Often New Year's resolu… Kenneth Baker 2418 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20834748/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_anewsongforanewyear/id/2764293.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20834748 A New Song For A New Year Wed, 28 Dec 2016 21:09:12 +0000 Mark Hughes As we come to the end of another year, we tend to look both back and ahead. For some the past year has not been the best. Of all of God’s creation, only humans are conscious of time. Our lives are controlled by time and we are conscious that time has a meaning and a purpose. Every day that comes to the cow or the bird is just like the one before. But you and I know about time and are usually looking forward to something new. God’s purpose for our life is not in the past. In these times of reflection, there are many things that can affect our thinking. Bro. Hughes notes that tonight is a good night to let some things go and to focus our mind and thinking to properly frame our approach to the new year. Paul writing to the church at Philippi explains that he is not perfect. Of all the people we read about in the bible, Paul stands out for his faith and his relationship with God. But he says here that he has not reached the place that he needed to be. No matter how old we are, there is something that God can do in us and through us to serve His purpose. There are three things in this text that we need to embrace and have in our thinking as we look to the new year. First Paul says that he had not yet obtained what it is that God had for him. He was still trying to understand that thing that had reached out and grabbed him those many years ago on his way to Damascus. It is critical that we continue to search for God’s purpose in our life. Secondly, Paul talks about forgetting about those things in the past. The word used in the Greek means “to let go” and to “move away.” God said it is time to let go of some stuff that is behind us. When Paul made that statement he was talking about things that were both good and bad. No matter how much he had done in the past, it was in the past and he had to let it go. No matter how good it was in the past, there are better things in the future. Good or bad, we cannot live in the past. Our life shouldn’t be defined by what was, but by what will be. Weather good or bad, let it go and look to the future. Finally Paul says that he is reaching out. The word used is that of an athlete reaching for the finish line. He was not satisfied with what he had, and was reaching for more. As the year draws to a close, it is time to reflect on what has happened, but more importantly, to plan to reach for more in the year to come. As we come to the end of another year, we tend to look both back and ahead. For some the past year has not been the best. Of all of God’s creation, only humans are conscious of time. Our lives are controlled by time and we are conscious that time has a meaning and a purpose. Every day that comes to the cow or the bird is just like the one before. But you and I know about time and are usually looking forward to something new. God’s purpose for our life is not in the past. In these times of reflection, there are many things that can affect our thinking. Bro. Hughes notes that tonight is a good night to let some things go and to focus our mind and thinking to properly frame our approach to the new year. Paul writing to the church at Philippi explains that he is not perfect. Of all the people we read about in the bible, Paul stands out for his faith and his relationship with God. But he says here that he has not reached the place that he needed to be. No matter how old we are, there is something that God can do in us and through us to serve His purpose. There are three things in this text that we need to embrace and have in our thinking as we look to the new year. First Paul says that he had not yet obtained what it is that God had for him. He was still trying to understand that thing that had reached out and grabbed him those many years ago on his way to Damascus. It is critical that we continue to search for God’s purpose in our life. Secondly, Paul talks about forgetting about those things in the past. The word used in the Greek means “to let go” and to “move away.” God said it is time to let go of some stuff that is behind us. When Paul made that statement he was talking about things that were both good and bad. No matter how much he had done in the past, it was in the past and he had to let it go. No matter how good it was in the past, there are better things in the future. Good or bad, we cannot live in the past. Our life shouldn’t be defined by what was, but by what will be. Weather good or bad, let it go and look to the future. Finally Paul says that he is reaching out. The word used is that of an athlete reaching for the finish line. He was not satisfied with what he had, and was reaching for more. As the year draws to a close, it is time to reflect on what has happened, but more importantly, to plan to reach for more in the year to come. As we come to the end of another year, we tend to look both back and ahead. For some the past year has not been the best. Of all of God’s creation, only humans are conscious of time. Our lives are controlled by time and we are conscious that time ha… Mark Hughes 2423 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20834719/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thismindandtheseconvictions/id/2764269.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20834719 Scripture: Philippians 3:12-3:15 Wed, 14 Dec 2016 21:03:50 +0000 Mark Hughes Daniel tells the story of some young men who found themselves captive in a hostile culture, but who managed to find their way and stand strong to their beliefs and convictions. What we believe is at the bottom of everything that we face. In what do we place the confidence on our life? These men were taken from their home. Their names and clothes were changed. Some changes, these young men went along with, but others they would not. When we read the book of Daniel we learn that when we are living under pressure, we must have principles that are greater than our pressures. There are just some things to which we cannot bow or bend. Principles are what help get us through. When we read the story of these three Hebrew boys, we already know the end. In the midst of it, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did not know that the Lord would save them from the fire. They knew that He could, but they did not know that He would. They had a confidence in God that no matter what the situation, that God was able. They told King Agrippa that God was able, but even if He would not, they would still not bow. Their faith was not based on God’s performance. Their faith was not based on what God would do for them. Their faith was based on what God was capable of doing it, not that he would actually do it. We often try to bargain with God: “Lord, I could worship you better if You would deliver me from this storm.” These three young men show us that true faith is not based on God performing for us, but on the simple fact that He is God. God is a healer, but if He does not heal us, He is still God. God is a provider, but if He does not deliver that wanted job, He is still God. Can we still rejoice in God if He does not deliver? Can we still worship in the face of an unanswered prayer? Can we still praise Him if He does not deliver us from the furnace in our own life? When our faith is not based on what He does for us, but on His presence, we are living with the right perspective. Daniel tells the story of some young men who found themselves captive in a hostile culture, but who managed to find their way and stand strong to their beliefs and convictions. What we believe is at the bottom of everything that we face. In what do we place the confidence on our life? These men were taken from their home. Their names and clothes were changed. Some changes, these young men went along with, but others they would not. When we read the book of Daniel we learn that when we are living under pressure, we must have principles that are greater than our pressures. There are just some things to which we cannot bow or bend. Principles are what help get us through. When we read the story of these three Hebrew boys, we already know the end. In the midst of it, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did not know that the Lord would save them from the fire. They knew that He could, but they did not know that He would. They had a confidence in God that no matter what the situation, that God was able. They told King Agrippa that God was able, but even if He would not, they would still not bow. Their faith was not based on God’s performance. Their faith was not based on what God would do for them. Their faith was based on what God was capable of doing it, not that he would actually do it. We often try to bargain with God: “Lord, I could worship you better if You would deliver me from this storm.” These three young men show us that true faith is not based on God performing for us, but on the simple fact that He is God. God is a healer, but if He does not heal us, He is still God. God is a provider, but if He does not deliver that wanted job, He is still God. Can we still rejoice in God if He does not deliver? Can we still worship in the face of an unanswered prayer? Can we still praise Him if He does not deliver us from the furnace in our own life? When our faith is not based on what He does for us, but on His presence, we are living with the right perspective. Daniel tells the story of some young men who found themselves captive in a hostile culture, but who managed to find their way and stand strong to their beliefs and convictions. What we believe is at the bottom of everything that we face. In what do w… Mark Hughes 2417 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20834705/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_livingwiththerightperspective/id/2764254.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20834705 Scripture: Daniel 3:16-3:18 Sun, 04 Dec 2016 23:57:13 +0000 Kenneth Baker One of the aspects of Christmas that we all enjoy are gifts. The question that is often heard this time of year is: Are you ready for Christmas? Most of the time, ready means is the tree up, the presents bought and the meal prepared? But a more important part of being ready is the spirit in which we celebrate. We are so busy this time of year doing the things about Christmas that we miss the most important thing. The most important thing is that He came. In Luke, the angels announced to the shepherds that they brought news of great joy. We are all familiar with the Christmas story: The shepherds, the wise men, and the manger. If we look at the details of the story, we might be able to find something new that would truly speak to us. Our text is not normally used as part of the Christmas story. It is not about wise men or shepherds, but it is as important as any of that. The story of Christmas begins with a genealogy. Many of these 46 people are only mentioned in this verse, but they all are important to the story. The reason that the story begins with the family tree is to show that He is one of us. The genealogy traces all the way back to Abraham. Luke takes it even further, and chronicles all the way back to Adam. God could have come in many forms as He had done before, but this time He chose to come in the form of a human being. Being human, He can relate to all of our lives. He experienced all that we have and more. The stable was a symbol of humility. He is willing to go anywhere in order to reach us. No matter how dirty, smelly or uncomfortable our lives are, He is willing to endure all of that for us. He comes to where we live. For most of us, if we were to trace our ancestry, we would find some unsavory characters The list of Jesus’ family tree includes some surprises. I biblical times, a genealogy would have only mentioned men. Not so in Jesus’ story. Rahab was in this list. She was a harlot, and yet because of her act of faith, God included her in the lineage. Ruth was also in this list. She was not a Jew but a Moabite who were considered less than the jews. Then a woman name Tamar is noted. She was a deliberate seducer and adulterer. Then there is Bathsheba who became involved in an adulterous relationship with King David. Matthew shows us many things in this list that illustrate that Jesus came to this Earth for all of us. He came to remove the barriers in life that separated us by race, gender and even a sinful past. The literal opening words of the gospel show how all inclusive the love of God is. No matter the background or the skeletons in the closet, Jesus loves and loves unconditionally. No matter what our past is, God has a future for us. That is one of the greatest gifts of this season. One of the aspects of Christmas that we all enjoy are gifts. The question that is often heard this time of year is: Are you ready for Christmas? Most of the time, ready means is the tree up, the presents bought and the meal prepared? But a more important part of being ready is the spirit in which we celebrate. We are so busy this time of year doing the things about Christmas that we miss the most important thing. The most important thing is that He came. In Luke, the angels announced to the shepherds that they brought news of great joy. We are all familiar with the Christmas story: The shepherds, the wise men, and the manger. If we look at the details of the story, we might be able to find something new that would truly speak to us. Our text is not normally used as part of the Christmas story. It is not about wise men or shepherds, but it is as important as any of that. The story of Christmas begins with a genealogy. Many of these 46 people are only mentioned in this verse, but they all are important to the story. The reason that the story begins with the family tree is to show that He is one of us. The genealogy traces all the way back to Abraham. Luke takes it even further, and chronicles all the way back to Adam. God could have come in many forms as He had done before, but this time He chose to come in the form of a human being. Being human, He can relate to all of our lives. He experienced all that we have and more. The stable was a symbol of humility. He is willing to go anywhere in order to reach us. No matter how dirty, smelly or uncomfortable our lives are, He is willing to endure all of that for us. He comes to where we live. For most of us, if we were to trace our ancestry, we would find some unsavory characters The list of Jesus’ family tree includes some surprises. I biblical times, a genealogy would have only mentioned men. Not so in Jesus’ story. Rahab was in this list. She was a harlot, and yet because of her act of faith, God included her in the lineage. Ruth was also in this list. She was not a Jew but a Moabite who were considered less than the jews. Then a woman name Tamar is noted. She was a deliberate seducer and adulterer. Then there is Bathsheba who became involved in an adulterous relationship with King David. Matthew shows us many things in this list that illustrate that Jesus came to this Earth for all of us. He came to remove the barriers in life that separated us by race, gender and even a sinful past. The literal opening words of the gospel show how all inclusive the love of God is. No matter the background or the skeletons in the closet, Jesus loves and loves unconditionally. No matter what our past is, God has a future for us. That is one of the greatest gifts of this season. One of the aspects of Christmas that we all enjoy are gifts. The question that is often heard this time of year is: Are you ready for Christmas? Most of the time, ready means is the tree up, the presents bought and the meal prepared? But a more impo… Kenneth Baker 2324 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20819151/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegreatestgiftsofthisseason/id/2749363.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20819151 Gifts, Genealogy, Family Tree, Chistmas Mon, 21 Nov 2016 03:55:47 +0000 James Hughes Bro James Hughes speaks to men about their role as priests of their family. Bro James Hughes speaks to men about their role as priests of their family. Bro James Hughes speaks to men about their role as priests of their family.… James Hughes 2584 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20821287/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_abandonedpriesthoods/id/2751501.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20821287 Scripture: 1 Peter 2:5-2:10 Mon, 14 Nov 2016 03:26:28 +0000 Mark Hughes We do not know who wrote the Psalm that is our text tonight. It is believed that it was written as Israel returned from Babylonian captivity. The Psalmist felt like he had already gone past the point of no return. The mercy of God held him up and did not let him slip. Even his thoughts were troubling. He said his anxious thoughts multiplied. Here is a man who was disturbed, distressed and overwhelmed almost to the point of giving up. These kinds of thoughts are relentless. They come in waves and overwhelm us. We can protect ourselves from outside problems, but when the troubles get into our mind and come from within, it is almost unbearable. The Psalmist discovered that he was still there not because anything that he did, but by what God did. The singer found a key to life in this statement: “Thy comforts delight my soul.” The Psalmist was able to survive because of the everlasting arms of an almighty God. Our thoughts may overwhelm us at times, but His power is greater than our thoughts. God didn’t take away the burden, but He allowed him to endure it. One of God’s consolations to the psalmist was the realization that thoughts cannot kill us. How many have thought it was too late? How many have thought that the failures of their past are too much? How many have thought how will I ever make it? Our thoughts are never greater than His comfort. For every negative thought that enters our mind, for every lie that our mind tells us, God has an answer. That knowledge is how to dance in the midst of our worries. We do not know who wrote the Psalm that is our text tonight. It is believed that it was written as Israel returned from Babylonian captivity. The Psalmist felt like he had already gone past the point of no return. The mercy of God held him up and did not let him slip. Even his thoughts were troubling. He said his anxious thoughts multiplied. Here is a man who was disturbed, distressed and overwhelmed almost to the point of giving up. These kinds of thoughts are relentless. They come in waves and overwhelm us. We can protect ourselves from outside problems, but when the troubles get into our mind and come from within, it is almost unbearable. The Psalmist discovered that he was still there not because anything that he did, but by what God did. The singer found a key to life in this statement: “Thy comforts delight my soul.” The Psalmist was able to survive because of the everlasting arms of an almighty God. Our thoughts may overwhelm us at times, but His power is greater than our thoughts. God didn’t take away the burden, but He allowed him to endure it. One of God’s consolations to the psalmist was the realization that thoughts cannot kill us. How many have thought it was too late? How many have thought that the failures of their past are too much? How many have thought how will I ever make it? Our thoughts are never greater than His comfort. For every negative thought that enters our mind, for every lie that our mind tells us, God has an answer. That knowledge is how to dance in the midst of our worries. We do not know who wrote the Psalm that is our text tonight. It is believed that it was written as Israel returned from Babylonian captivity. The Psalmist felt like he had already gone past the point of no return. The mercy of God held him up and di… Mark Hughes 2042 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20805212/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dancinginthemidstofourworries/id/2736288.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20805212 Worry, Anxieties, Scripture: Psalms 94:16-94:19 Sun, 13 Nov 2016 20:27:02 +0000 Mark Hughes We live in a fast paced world. We cannot slow down for fear of being run over. Because we are moving at such a rapid pace in life we miss things. The immediate and pressing things are all that get our attention while we forget the essential and necessary things. In our text, they were not in one place very long before they moved on. They got off of one boat and quickly got onto another boat. In their haste, they forgot to buy bread for their journey. Jesus talks to them about the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod. He was referring to the influence of the Pharisees and Herod, but they misinterpreted His words to mean that He was chiding them for forgetting bread. The Pharisees were a group of people who taught the right things and had good intentions, but they did not live what they preached. The core of their teaching was not wrong, but their practice was. Jesus was telling the disciples that there had to be more to them than just what they said. They not only had to process it, they had to live it. We need people who live what the word says. Jesus was reaching deeper than just bread, but about hidden influences. Leavening is a small thing, but it has a great effect. Jesus’ message was that we have to be careful about the gradual, small influence of things over time. Wrong thinking, wrong attitudes and a wrong outlook on life will have an affect on us over time. The whole loaf is affected by just a little leaven. Rising bread is full of hot air. Jesus was saying that he needs people that are full of more than just hot air. If there was ever a day that God needs people to be more than hot air, it is now. It does not take much leaven to have an affect. It is estimated that there were 5-6 million Jews in old testament times, but there were only 5-6 thousand Pharisees. Just a little bit affects a lot. Just a little bit of anger affects a lot. Just a little bit of jealousy can have a big effect. We see this effect in modern culture. Christian faith and values have been under attack for the past few decades. The things we are seeing in our culture now demonstrate the subtle slow deterioration of what we call old fashion values. More than just culturally, we see in our own lives, subtle changes. Something small will attack our faith and before we know it, spiritually we find ourselves miles away from where we once were. Jesus was trying to talk to the disciples about serious things. They were being influenced by subtle things around them that could influence their faith. What are the undermining things life? One can be the timing of God’s work in our life. God works in His own time, and that often is too long for our liking. God can give us a promise, but the time between the promise and the delivery of that promise causes many to lose faith that it would ever happen. We get so impatient with God, but He has a purpose for everything that He does and the timing with which He does it. Another thing that can undermine faith is the mean that God uses to accomplish His purpose. Joseph had a promise that all would bow to him, but the path that it took to get there lead through slavery, false imprisonment and abandonment. Don’t let anything gradually unravel what God is doing in our life. Don’t let the world lull us into complacency about what God is doing. We live in a fast paced world. We cannot slow down for fear of being run over. Because we are moving at such a rapid pace in life we miss things. The immediate and pressing things are all that get our attention while we forget the essential and necessary things. In our text, they were not in one place very long before they moved on. They got off of one boat and quickly got onto another boat. In their haste, they forgot to buy bread for their journey. Jesus talks to them about the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod. He was referring to the influence of the Pharisees and Herod, but they misinterpreted His words to mean that He was chiding them for forgetting bread. The Pharisees were a group of people who taught the right things and had good intentions, but they did not live what they preached. The core of their teaching was not wrong, but their practice was. Jesus was telling the disciples that there had to be more to them than just what they said. They not only had to process it, they had to live it. We need people who live what the word says. Jesus was reaching deeper than just bread, but about hidden influences. Leavening is a small thing, but it has a great effect. Jesus’ message was that we have to be careful about the gradual, small influence of things over time. Wrong thinking, wrong attitudes and a wrong outlook on life will have an affect on us over time. The whole loaf is affected by just a little leaven. Rising bread is full of hot air. Jesus was saying that he needs people that are full of more than just hot air. If there was ever a day that God needs people to be more than hot air, it is now. It does not take much leaven to have an affect. It is estimated that there were 5-6 million Jews in old testament times, but there were only 5-6 thousand Pharisees. Just a little bit affects a lot. Just a little bit of anger affects a lot. Just a little bit of jealousy can have a big effect. We see this effect in modern culture. Christian faith and values have been under attack for the past few decades. The things we are seeing in our culture now demonstrate the subtle slow deterioration of what we call old fashion values. More than just culturally, we see in our own lives, subtle changes. Something small will attack our faith and before we know it, spiritually we find ourselves miles away from where we once were. Jesus was trying to talk to the disciples about serious things. They were being influenced by subtle things around them that could influence their faith. What are the undermining things life? One can be the timing of God’s work in our life. God works in His own time, and that often is too long for our liking. God can give us a promise, but the time between the promise and the delivery of that promise causes many to lose faith that it would ever happen. We get so impatient with God, but He has a purpose for everything that He does and the timing with which He does it. Another thing that can undermine faith is the mean that God uses to accomplish His purpose. Joseph had a promise that all would bow to him, but the path that it took to get there lead through slavery, false imprisonment and abandonment. Don’t let anything gradually unravel what God is doing in our life. Don’t let the world lull us into complacency about what God is doing. We live in a fast paced world. We cannot slow down for fear of being run over. Because we are moving at such a rapid pace in life we miss things. The immediate and pressing things are all that get our attention while we forget the essential and nece… Mark Hughes 2127 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20804664/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_asmallthinghasgreatinfluence/id/2735709.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20804664 Influence, , Scripture: Mark 8:10-8:21 Wed, 09 Nov 2016 14:17:12 +0000 Landon Long When Abraham was an 75 years old, God told him to pick up and go. He didn’t disclose where, He did not offer any more plans other than just go. Abraham did not hesitate, he went. God made Abraham and Sarah a promise that he would be the father of many nations and that all of the people of the earth would be blessed. So Abraham left believing in the destiny that God had for him. As he entered the land of Canaan, God tells him to look in all directions and that all the land that he could see would be given to him and his offspring. There was a couple of problems: Abraham and Sarah had no children and they were very old. Once again, God reminds Abraham of his destiny and the promise. Abraham and Sarah tried to “help” God out by having a child with her servant Hagar. Ismael proved to be a distraction to the plan God had. When Abraham was 90, God fulfilled his promise and gave Abraham and Sarah a child. The destiny that God promised, arrived just when He wanted it to. Through his life, Abraham demonstrated great faith. Event to the point of offering his only son Isaac, Abraham believed in God. Abraham’s faith was the key to his life. In times when he did not understand how God was working, he continued to follow the direction he was given. Abraham knew what we need to understand today: Don’t Doubt Destiny. When Abraham was an 75 years old, God told him to pick up and go. He didn’t disclose where, He did not offer any more plans other than just go. Abraham did not hesitate, he went. God made Abraham and Sarah a promise that he would be the father of many nations and that all of the people of the earth would be blessed. So Abraham left believing in the destiny that God had for him. As he entered the land of Canaan, God tells him to look in all directions and that all the land that he could see would be given to him and his offspring. There was a couple of problems: Abraham and Sarah had no children and they were very old. Once again, God reminds Abraham of his destiny and the promise. Abraham and Sarah tried to “help” God out by having a child with her servant Hagar. Ismael proved to be a distraction to the plan God had. When Abraham was 90, God fulfilled his promise and gave Abraham and Sarah a child. The destiny that God promised, arrived just when He wanted it to. Through his life, Abraham demonstrated great faith. Event to the point of offering his only son Isaac, Abraham believed in God. Abraham’s faith was the key to his life. In times when he did not understand how God was working, he continued to follow the direction he was given. Abraham knew what we need to understand today: Don’t Doubt Destiny. When Abraham was an 75 years old, God told him to pick up and go. He didn’t disclose where, He did not offer any more plans other than just go. Abraham did not hesitate, he went. God made Abraham and Sarah a promise that he would be the father of ma… Landon Long 2588 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20803029/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dontdoubtdestiny/id/2734269.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20803029 Faith, Destiny, Promise, Scripture: Genesis 12:7-12, Genesis 18:10-18:15, 2 Corinthians 5:7-5 Sun, 06 Nov 2016 13:54:51 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is a familiar one. Much has been preached about this woman with the alabaster box. Her name was Mary. She was Martha and Lazarus’ sister and some believe that she was a grievous sinner. She brought the alabaster box filled with precious perfume, broke it and poured it over Jesus’ head. Her motive in doing it is lost on all who observed except Jesus. We will never know what compelled her to do what she did, or how much Jesus meant to her to cause her to do it. There are things in everyone’s life that are not understandable except by Jesus. There are some gifts that are too lovely to be comprehended by the human mind. The disciples were critical of her. Jesus was quick to explain that she was worshiping. We must be careful to not criticize how others worship or the way they sacrifice. Only they know what God has done for them. The sad tragedy was that in the room where she was in that moment, no one understood the significance of her sacrifice. The value of what she offered that day was a year’s wages. They struggled with the same problem with which we struggle; The struggle between worth and value. They knew how expensive that perfume was and all they could see was the worth. What they failed to see was the value. We all struggle with that same thing. Is it worth it? Is there any value to it? Worth is the definition of an item’s cost. Value is a much broader term that encompases not only the cost, but the emotions. A life jacket costs about $30 at the local Academy. The worth is not too much, but in the middle of the Gulf when the winds are high and the boat is in trouble, the value of the life jacket is much higher. That is what gets us in trouble living for God. We always ask “What is the cost?” All the disciples could see was 300 Denarii worth of perfume running down Jesus’ face and onto his clothes. They failed to see the value of her act. Some people come to church and see all the singing, the praising and activity and they do not see the value. Worship requires something and too many do not feel that the value is worth the effort. There is something that is more important than the cost. It might cost us a little pride, but the value is forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration. We cannot place a value on receiving forgiveness. We cannot place a dollar amount on grace. What is the value of a sacrifice? A lamb did not cost much in comparison for the forgiveness of sin. The disciples were focused on the cost of her act. That day she set in motion something that would never die. Jesus said that her act would be told as long as the gospel was preached. Giving forgiveness can set in motion something in someone’s life that would last forever. Worship and prayer will cost us a little bit, but the value of what we get for that will be worth it. Living for God is not about the cost, it is about the value. Our text is a familiar one. Much has been preached about this woman with the alabaster box. Her name was Mary. She was Martha and Lazarus’ sister and some believe that she was a grievous sinner. She brought the alabaster box filled with precious perfume, broke it and poured it over Jesus’ head. Her motive in doing it is lost on all who observed except Jesus. We will never know what compelled her to do what she did, or how much Jesus meant to her to cause her to do it. There are things in everyone’s life that are not understandable except by Jesus. There are some gifts that are too lovely to be comprehended by the human mind. The disciples were critical of her. Jesus was quick to explain that she was worshiping. We must be careful to not criticize how others worship or the way they sacrifice. Only they know what God has done for them. The sad tragedy was that in the room where she was in that moment, no one understood the significance of her sacrifice. The value of what she offered that day was a year’s wages. They struggled with the same problem with which we struggle; The struggle between worth and value. They knew how expensive that perfume was and all they could see was the worth. What they failed to see was the value. We all struggle with that same thing. Is it worth it? Is there any value to it? Worth is the definition of an item’s cost. Value is a much broader term that encompases not only the cost, but the emotions. A life jacket costs about $30 at the local Academy. The worth is not too much, but in the middle of the Gulf when the winds are high and the boat is in trouble, the value of the life jacket is much higher. That is what gets us in trouble living for God. We always ask “What is the cost?” All the disciples could see was 300 Denarii worth of perfume running down Jesus’ face and onto his clothes. They failed to see the value of her act. Some people come to church and see all the singing, the praising and activity and they do not see the value. Worship requires something and too many do not feel that the value is worth the effort. There is something that is more important than the cost. It might cost us a little pride, but the value is forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration. We cannot place a value on receiving forgiveness. We cannot place a dollar amount on grace. What is the value of a sacrifice? A lamb did not cost much in comparison for the forgiveness of sin. The disciples were focused on the cost of her act. That day she set in motion something that would never die. Jesus said that her act would be told as long as the gospel was preached. Giving forgiveness can set in motion something in someone’s life that would last forever. Worship and prayer will cost us a little bit, but the value of what we get for that will be worth it. Living for God is not about the cost, it is about the value. Our text is a familiar one. Much has been preached about this woman with the alabaster box. Her name was Mary. She was Martha and Lazarus’ sister and some believe that she was a grievous sinner. She brought the alabaster box filled with precious pe… Mark Hughes 2427 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20803023/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theconflictbetweenworthandvalu/id/2734265.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20803023 Value, Worth, Cost, Scripture: Matthew 1:6-26:13 Mon, 31 Oct 2016 03:37:57 +0000 Mark Hughes The word opportunity comes from a latin words for a sea faring practice. In those times, seaports were not always deep enough to accept larger ship into the docks. Ships would have to wait until the high tide before they could enter. The term literally means to wait until they could enter. In 1260, Marco Polo’s father and uncle ventured into what is modern day China. As they were preparing to leave, the emperor took an interest in Christianity. He ask the brothers to deliver a letter to the Pope requesting that 100 missionaries be sent back to teach the people about the gospel. The Pope did not deem it necessary to honor the request, and instead only sent two men. What what a different world we would live in now if Kublai Khan's request had been honored. Someone did not recognize an opportunity. In the 1960’s a young boy attended a Baptist church in San Antonio. In the three years that he attended, that Sunday School department failed to recognize the opportunity that was there and they failed to connect with a young Sirhan Sirhan. No one should underestimate the power of an opportunity. In scrabble the word opportunity is worth 18 points, but in life it can mean everything. I can be the difference between success and failure. The right opportunity can be life, or world, changing. In our text, Jesus sends the disciples out to the world offering opportunities. These men carried a powerful message to those that would hear it. A message of hope and life. Many today have lost their hope. We look at our world and are unable to see anything but a bleak future. All that it would take is an embracing of hope like was sparked at Azusa Street. That is what the spirit of God does; it changes, it heals, it delivers. Our world is one that is in desperate need of healing; of a divine touch. The disciples an opportunity of hope, restoration and life. We have that same opportunity. God is unchanging, and the opportunity offered then is still valid today. Our world; our neighbors need that message of hope, of love, of life. Where will they get it if we do not bring it to them? The disciples brought God into these people’s homes. What a transformation when God is there! The disciples did not look like the religious leaders of the time, but they had the message. It isn’t what the package looks like, it is what is inside. The responsibility of opportunity is that we respond. We have to give Him a chance. The word opportunity comes from a latin words for a sea faring practice. In those times, seaports were not always deep enough to accept larger ship into the docks. Ships would have to wait until the high tide before they could enter. The term literally means to wait until they could enter. In 1260, Marco Polo’s father and uncle ventured into what is modern day China. As they were preparing to leave, the emperor took an interest in Christianity. He ask the brothers to deliver a letter to the Pope requesting that 100 missionaries be sent back to teach the people about the gospel. The Pope did not deem it necessary to honor the request, and instead only sent two men. What what a different world we would live in now if Kublai Khan's request had been honored. Someone did not recognize an opportunity. In the 1960’s a young boy attended a Baptist church in San Antonio. In the three years that he attended, that Sunday School department failed to recognize the opportunity that was there and they failed to connect with a young Sirhan Sirhan. No one should underestimate the power of an opportunity. In scrabble the word opportunity is worth 18 points, but in life it can mean everything. I can be the difference between success and failure. The right opportunity can be life, or world, changing. In our text, Jesus sends the disciples out to the world offering opportunities. These men carried a powerful message to those that would hear it. A message of hope and life. Many today have lost their hope. We look at our world and are unable to see anything but a bleak future. All that it would take is an embracing of hope like was sparked at Azusa Street. That is what the spirit of God does; it changes, it heals, it delivers. Our world is one that is in desperate need of healing; of a divine touch. The disciples an opportunity of hope, restoration and life. We have that same opportunity. God is unchanging, and the opportunity offered then is still valid today. Our world; our neighbors need that message of hope, of love, of life. Where will they get it if we do not bring it to them? The disciples brought God into these people’s homes. What a transformation when God is there! The disciples did not look like the religious leaders of the time, but they had the message. It isn’t what the package looks like, it is what is inside. The responsibility of opportunity is that we respond. We have to give Him a chance. The word opportunity comes from a latin words for a sea faring practice. In those times, seaports were not always deep enough to accept larger ship into the docks. Ships would have to wait until the high tide before they could enter. The term litera… Mark Hughes 2388 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20795559/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theresponsibilityofanopportuni/id/2727148.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20795559 Opportunity, Scripture: Mark 6:7-6:11 Thu, 27 Oct 2016 02:09:37 +0000 Mark Hughes Our message tonight is for all who have suffered the pain of rejection, anxiety or grief. People are being affected by things that happened in their yesterdays. We can be past it, but not over it. Ernest Hemingway said all are broken by life, but some are strong in those broken places. It is not possible to live life without experiencing failure or brokenness. Things will not always work out the way we expect. All will experience failure at some point. It could be relationships, it could be at work, or a medical issue. Failure is an extremely difficult thing to endure. Jesus sent his disciples on a mission. He sent them into strange cities and environments. They were to teach the gospel, heal the sick, and cast out devils. In part of our text, He told them what they could expect. He told them that they would not be welcomed in every place they went. In some places, they would be rejected. In those cases where they were rejected, Jesus told them shake the dust from their feet and move on. Shaking the dust off their feet would be a testimony against the house that had rejected them. It was a testimony of their own future. They were to remove event the smallest reminder of their rejection as they left. No matter what happened to them, they had to go on. Jesus tells them, and us, that we have to get even the dust of rejection off of us. The temporary setback or rejection is not the end of life. There are things that we will all experience that will make us feel dirty or weighed down. How we deal with our failure and frustration is just as important as the fact that we had to endure it. What happens to us is not as important as what comes out of us at at time like that. We cannot become bitter about problems. Bitterness will not help us and it won't hurt those that hurt us. We cannot let those things determine our reaction to life. Failure can teach, or failure can destroy. It is what we do with failure that makes for frustration or learning. The simple message of our text is that failure will happen. This text tells us that failure will happen to all. These were not back sliders, these were the disciples. Finally our text tells us that failure will happen even when we are doing all we can to serve Him. Jesus was telling them that their failures were just part of the journey. Their future was not going to be destroyed because of failure. Jesus spoke of dust. Dust is small. But the little things and announces in life can derail even the best of intentions. There is no such thing as a little bit of bitterness. Though small, dust can accumulate in life and cause big problems. Jesus was telling them to leave even the smallest thing about their failure behind. Here is how to be strong in broken places. Do not let little things get us down. Remember that dust tells where we have been, not where we are going. Finally, failure will happen to all of us, so deal with it and move on. Our message tonight is for all who have suffered the pain of rejection, anxiety or grief. People are being affected by things that happened in their yesterdays. We can be past it, but not over it. Ernest Hemingway said all are broken by life, but some are strong in those broken places. It is not possible to live life without experiencing failure or brokenness. Things will not always work out the way we expect. All will experience failure at some point. It could be relationships, it could be at work, or a medical issue. Failure is an extremely difficult thing to endure. Jesus sent his disciples on a mission. He sent them into strange cities and environments. They were to teach the gospel, heal the sick, and cast out devils. In part of our text, He told them what they could expect. He told them that they would not be welcomed in every place they went. In some places, they would be rejected. In those cases where they were rejected, Jesus told them shake the dust from their feet and move on. Shaking the dust off their feet would be a testimony against the house that had rejected them. It was a testimony of their own future. They were to remove event the smallest reminder of their rejection as they left. No matter what happened to them, they had to go on. Jesus tells them, and us, that we have to get even the dust of rejection off of us. The temporary setback or rejection is not the end of life. There are things that we will all experience that will make us feel dirty or weighed down. How we deal with our failure and frustration is just as important as the fact that we had to endure it. What happens to us is not as important as what comes out of us at at time like that. We cannot become bitter about problems. Bitterness will not help us and it won't hurt those that hurt us. We cannot let those things determine our reaction to life. Failure can teach, or failure can destroy. It is what we do with failure that makes for frustration or learning. The simple message of our text is that failure will happen. This text tells us that failure will happen to all. These were not back sliders, these were the disciples. Finally our text tells us that failure will happen even when we are doing all we can to serve Him. Jesus was telling them that their failures were just part of the journey. Their future was not going to be destroyed because of failure. Jesus spoke of dust. Dust is small. But the little things and announces in life can derail even the best of intentions. There is no such thing as a little bit of bitterness. Though small, dust can accumulate in life and cause big problems. Jesus was telling them to leave even the smallest thing about their failure behind. Here is how to be strong in broken places. Do not let little things get us down. Remember that dust tells where we have been, not where we are going. Finally, failure will happen to all of us, so deal with it and move on. Our message tonight is for all who have suffered the pain of rejection, anxiety or grief. People are being affected by things that happened in their yesterdays. We can be past it, but not over it. Ernest Hemingway said all are broken by life, but … Mark Hughes 2573 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20795549/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_beingstronginbrokenplaces/id/2727137.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20795549 Broken, Move On, Let it Go, Scripture: Mark 10:5-10:15 Thu, 20 Oct 2016 02:43:36 +0000 Mark Hughes When the bible describes a crooked and perverse nation, it is easy to apply that description to our own time. Out text describes how to live in such a corrupt environment. Socially and politically we live in a world where it is hard to be shocked or surprised. Statistically, we know that church attendance is on the decline. People are turning away from God and seeking their answers in another place. On the eve of our country's elections, we can find ourselves fearful of what the future will hold. We must remember however, that whomever is in control of the government, God is in control of the world. The world in which we live is in great darkness. If we look only to the world, we do not see any reason for hope or relief. Paul, writing to the church at Philippi, described a way to live for God even in the worst of times. The things that he describes to the first century turch, can be applied to our times today. Simply put, a child of God has to live differently than the world. We are to live defined by different principles and purposes. Paul begins by addressing an attitude problem. He says to do things without murmuring and disputing. We must not let the times affect our attitude. We must not let the world’s attitude to make us a complainer or a whiner. Secondly Paul admonishes us to not live by the same set of rules that the world lives by. The world will always change and adapt it’s rules to accommodate whatever is the prevailing attitude of the day. This moral relativism is contrary to God’s absolutes. God’s rules have not changed, and neither can our observation of those rules. We must live in a way that the world can never discredit God because of our actions. Paul reminds us that we must recognize a crooked and perverse world for what it is. We cannot make excuses for sin or try to try to justify it. We must go back to God’s word and never try to mix the light and the dark. We have to reflect the values of His world and not this world. The things that Paul described to the early church are still relevant to us today and are a pattern for life in a perverse world. When the bible describes a crooked and perverse nation, it is easy to apply that description to our own time. Out text describes how to live in such a corrupt environment. Socially and politically we live in a world where it is hard to be shocked or surprised. Statistically, we know that church attendance is on the decline. People are turning away from God and seeking their answers in another place. On the eve of our country's elections, we can find ourselves fearful of what the future will hold. We must remember however, that whomever is in control of the government, God is in control of the world. The world in which we live is in great darkness. If we look only to the world, we do not see any reason for hope or relief. Paul, writing to the church at Philippi, described a way to live for God even in the worst of times. The things that he describes to the first century turch, can be applied to our times today. Simply put, a child of God has to live differently than the world. We are to live defined by different principles and purposes. Paul begins by addressing an attitude problem. He says to do things without murmuring and disputing. We must not let the times affect our attitude. We must not let the world’s attitude to make us a complainer or a whiner. Secondly Paul admonishes us to not live by the same set of rules that the world lives by. The world will always change and adapt it’s rules to accommodate whatever is the prevailing attitude of the day. This moral relativism is contrary to God’s absolutes. God’s rules have not changed, and neither can our observation of those rules. We must live in a way that the world can never discredit God because of our actions. Paul reminds us that we must recognize a crooked and perverse world for what it is. We cannot make excuses for sin or try to try to justify it. We must go back to God’s word and never try to mix the light and the dark. We have to reflect the values of His world and not this world. The things that Paul described to the early church are still relevant to us today and are a pattern for life in a perverse world. When the bible describes a crooked and perverse nation, it is easy to apply that description to our own time. Out text describes how to live in such a corrupt environment. Socially and politically we live in a world where it is hard to be shocked or … Mark Hughes 2435 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20787600/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_apatternforlivinginaperversewo/id/2719725.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20787600 Whining, Complaining, Relativism , Scripture: Philippians 2:12-2:16 Sat, 15 Oct 2016 22:29:27 +0000 Landon Long Ministry is a 24 hour a day job. A pastor is always there when he is needed. Vacation and family plans are often changed to accommodate the needs of the flock. The bible often compares a pastor to a shepherd. Like a shepherd, a pastor watches over his flock and goes out of his way to make sure they are cared for. They watch for dangers and trouble that the flock cannot even see. The pastor, like a shepherd, guides until the Lord returns. We all need a pastor in our lives. The pastor is responsible for, and must give an account for each of the sheep in his flock. God speaks to the pastor on our behalf. We are biblically commanded to listen to him. We are thankful for a pastor who not only preaches the truth, but lives the truth. We know today submission begins where agreements ends. It is easy to follow the man of God when we agree with him. However when the pastor says to do something with which we disagree, that is when obedience comes into play. Too many sheep believe that they do not need a pastor. They think that they can watch a TV preacher, but when they have a need in the middle of the night, who will they call? A pastor will sit at the hospital in the middle of the night with a grieving family. A pastor will wake up in the middle of the night and pray for a saint because of the urging of God when they don’t even know that he knew about their problem. We all need a pastor. We all need a hero in shepherd’s clothing. Ministry is a 24 hour a day job. A pastor is always there when he is needed. Vacation and family plans are often changed to accommodate the needs of the flock. The bible often compares a pastor to a shepherd. Like a shepherd, a pastor watches over his flock and goes out of his way to make sure they are cared for. They watch for dangers and trouble that the flock cannot even see. The pastor, like a shepherd, guides until the Lord returns. We all need a pastor in our lives. The pastor is responsible for, and must give an account for each of the sheep in his flock. God speaks to the pastor on our behalf. We are biblically commanded to listen to him. We are thankful for a pastor who not only preaches the truth, but lives the truth. We know today submission begins where agreements ends. It is easy to follow the man of God when we agree with him. However when the pastor says to do something with which we disagree, that is when obedience comes into play. Too many sheep believe that they do not need a pastor. They think that they can watch a TV preacher, but when they have a need in the middle of the night, who will they call? A pastor will sit at the hospital in the middle of the night with a grieving family. A pastor will wake up in the middle of the night and pray for a saint because of the urging of God when they don’t even know that he knew about their problem. We all need a pastor. We all need a hero in shepherd’s clothing. Ministry is a 24 hour a day job. A pastor is always there when he is needed. Vacation and family plans are often changed to accommodate the needs of the flock. The bible often compares a pastor to a shepherd. Like a shepherd, a pastor watches over … Landon Long 1832 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20786962/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_aheroinshepherdsclothing/id/2719090.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20786962 Pastor, Pastor Appreciation, Shepherd, Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-4, Jeremiah 3:15-3, Hebrews 13:17-13 Wed, 12 Oct 2016 22:54:08 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text references the Kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is not some group of people who have adopted a common belief system. It is a reference to the realm in which God reigns; It is that place that God rules. In our text Mark mentions the kingdom of God in two different settings. In both cases he talk about a seed. A seed is a remarkable thing. It contains all of the things required to regenerate it’s kind. There is the power of life. When put into the right environment, it produces life. If we leave it out on the countertop, it will never become anything. But if placed into the soil, it has the capacity to do great and marvelous things. At barely two millimeters, a mustard seed is the smallest of all seeds. It has the ability to push off many times it’s weight of dirt packed on top of it. The seed represents the great things that can come from small things. It demonstrates the new hope of seemingly hopeless situations. Mark uses the mustard seed to demonstrate how small an amount of something can reap great rewards. Who knows what will be come of a mustard seed until it is sown? Who knows the change that a little love can bring until it is sown? In most cases, God is not looking for how big we can be, but how obedient we can be. Jesus was telling the apostles that what they are facing is nothing compared to His power. Only a tiny amount of faith can cause big things to happen. Within the seed lies a law of purpose. If we plant watermelon seeds, we will get watermelons. If we plant love, we will get love. If we plant grace and forgiveness, we will reap grace and forgiveness. Even a little is enough for God’s purpose. Everything that God has for us is available for just a small amount of obedience. If we will simply sow a little seed, we will reap a great reward. All God needs is for us to allow Him to reign in the situation. Our text references the Kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is not some group of people who have adopted a common belief system. It is a reference to the realm in which God reigns; It is that place that God rules. In our text Mark mentions the kingdom of God in two different settings. In both cases he talk about a seed. A seed is a remarkable thing. It contains all of the things required to regenerate it’s kind. There is the power of life. When put into the right environment, it produces life. If we leave it out on the countertop, it will never become anything. But if placed into the soil, it has the capacity to do great and marvelous things. At barely two millimeters, a mustard seed is the smallest of all seeds. It has the ability to push off many times it’s weight of dirt packed on top of it. The seed represents the great things that can come from small things. It demonstrates the new hope of seemingly hopeless situations. Mark uses the mustard seed to demonstrate how small an amount of something can reap great rewards. Who knows what will be come of a mustard seed until it is sown? Who knows the change that a little love can bring until it is sown? In most cases, God is not looking for how big we can be, but how obedient we can be. Jesus was telling the apostles that what they are facing is nothing compared to His power. Only a tiny amount of faith can cause big things to happen. Within the seed lies a law of purpose. If we plant watermelon seeds, we will get watermelons. If we plant love, we will get love. If we plant grace and forgiveness, we will reap grace and forgiveness. Even a little is enough for God’s purpose. Everything that God has for us is available for just a small amount of obedience. If we will simply sow a little seed, we will reap a great reward. All God needs is for us to allow Him to reign in the situation. Our text references the Kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is not some group of people who have adopted a common belief system. It is a reference to the realm in which God reigns; It is that place that God rules. In our text Mark mentions the kingdo… Mark Hughes 2379 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20783119/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_letgodreign/id/2715425.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20783119 Seeds, Potential, Scripture: Mark 4:26-4:32 Sun, 09 Oct 2016 18:33:15 +0000 Landon Long In our text, Herod had just killed James. When he saw how the crowd responded, he took Peter prisoner too. Herod knew the God that Peter served so he kept Peter in prison under heavy guard until the date of his execution. The church was praying. They prayed that God would intervene. Peter was bound in chains, but Herod could not bind the church. He did not know that they were praying on Peter’s behalf. Out of nowhere, an Angel came into that prison and broke the chains that kept Peter bound. Peter was asleep, and the angel walked him out of the prison a free man. This bewildered Peter, but when he came to himself, he went to Mary’s house. When he got there, they were all still praying. God had already answered their prayer, but they were still praying. Peter knocks, but Rhoda is so excited that she doesn’t open the door. The answer to their prayer was at the door. They argued about if it was really him. Finally someone opened the door and were astonished. They had prayed to God to do it, and when He did, they couldn’t believe that it had happened. The bible tells us that the guards and even Herod himself were put to death. God’s miracle was so complete that not only did He set Peter free, He took care of the threats that were against him. How many of our prayers has God already taken care of and we continue to pray? Our miracle is on the way. For some, the answer is already at the door. Rhoda went to the door because she heard knocking, then she heard a voice. She realized that what she had been praying for had happened. There are times that we pray and we feel as if they are not even heard. God hears our prayer. In Revelation, the bible says that He stands at the door and knocks and that He will come in to any who open the door. The answer to their prayer was at the door than night. The thing that we have been praying for is no longer bound; it is here. The answer is already at the door. In our text, Herod had just killed James. When he saw how the crowd responded, he took Peter prisoner too. Herod knew the God that Peter served so he kept Peter in prison under heavy guard until the date of his execution. The church was praying. They prayed that God would intervene. Peter was bound in chains, but Herod could not bind the church. He did not know that they were praying on Peter’s behalf. Out of nowhere, an Angel came into that prison and broke the chains that kept Peter bound. Peter was asleep, and the angel walked him out of the prison a free man. This bewildered Peter, but when he came to himself, he went to Mary’s house. When he got there, they were all still praying. God had already answered their prayer, but they were still praying. Peter knocks, but Rhoda is so excited that she doesn’t open the door. The answer to their prayer was at the door. They argued about if it was really him. Finally someone opened the door and were astonished. They had prayed to God to do it, and when He did, they couldn’t believe that it had happened. The bible tells us that the guards and even Herod himself were put to death. God’s miracle was so complete that not only did He set Peter free, He took care of the threats that were against him. How many of our prayers has God already taken care of and we continue to pray? Our miracle is on the way. For some, the answer is already at the door. Rhoda went to the door because she heard knocking, then she heard a voice. She realized that what she had been praying for had happened. There are times that we pray and we feel as if they are not even heard. God hears our prayer. In Revelation, the bible says that He stands at the door and knocks and that He will come in to any who open the door. The answer to their prayer was at the door than night. The thing that we have been praying for is no longer bound; it is here. The answer is already at the door. In our text, Herod had just killed James. When he saw how the crowd responded, he took Peter prisoner too. Herod knew the God that Peter served so he kept Peter in prison under heavy guard until the date of his execution. The church was praying. T… Landon Long 2162 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20779510/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_youranswerisalreadyatthedoor/id/2711944.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20779510 Prayer, Answer, Believe, Scripture: Acts 12:5-12, Acts 12:11-12:16 Wed, 05 Oct 2016 18:27:33 +0000 Mark Hughes There is a period of time between God’s promise and the fulfillment of that promise. How we live during that time determines much about the fruition of that promise in our life. Most times, that time increment is a very frustrating time of life. It is easy for the flesh to convince us that God’s promise was not what we thought it to be. Often we will have to wrestle with our situation for much longer than we want to. Elijah was facing such at time. In our text Elijah has prophesied that there will be no rain until he says it will. After three and half years, there was a great famine in the land. Then God sends Elijah to declare that the rains would come. All of the things that Elijah did in the few chapters in which we see him, are an illustration to us on how to be an overcomer and see God’s promises come to pass in our life. In desperate times when things were at their worst; when it would have been easy to give up on ever seeing the promise come to pass. Through all this, the power of his faith showed through. When Elijah turned to Ahab and told him to get up to receive the abundance of rain, he too went on an upward path. He took himself to the top of the mountain. As Ahab elevated himself with food, Elijah elevated himself with prayer. After praying, Elijah sends his servant to look for rain. Six times, the servant returned with a report of NOTHING. After each of those six disappointing reports, Elijah simply says “Go Again.” Instead of being discouraged by repeated negative reports, he prayed even more fervently. On the seventh time, the servant returns with encouraging results, but not the magnitude that we would expect. There are three things about Elijah’s faith that are worth knowing. First was Elijah’s confidence. There was no indication that there was any chance of rain, but he trudged up that mountain confidently. Second, he had patience. There was a long time between promise and the fulfillment of that promise. No matter how many times he was disappointed, Elijah remained faithful He kept praying.Finally he persevered. He prayed and prayed again, and then prayed some more. There is a period of time between God’s promise and the fulfillment of that promise. How we live during that time determines much about the fruition of that promise in our life. Most times, that time increment is a very frustrating time of life. It is easy for the flesh to convince us that God’s promise was not what we thought it to be. Often we will have to wrestle with our situation for much longer than we want to. Elijah was facing such at time. In our text Elijah has prophesied that there will be no rain until he says it will. After three and half years, there was a great famine in the land. Then God sends Elijah to declare that the rains would come. All of the things that Elijah did in the few chapters in which we see him, are an illustration to us on how to be an overcomer and see God’s promises come to pass in our life. In desperate times when things were at their worst; when it would have been easy to give up on ever seeing the promise come to pass. Through all this, the power of his faith showed through. When Elijah turned to Ahab and told him to get up to receive the abundance of rain, he too went on an upward path. He took himself to the top of the mountain. As Ahab elevated himself with food, Elijah elevated himself with prayer. After praying, Elijah sends his servant to look for rain. Six times, the servant returned with a report of NOTHING. After each of those six disappointing reports, Elijah simply says “Go Again.” Instead of being discouraged by repeated negative reports, he prayed even more fervently. On the seventh time, the servant returns with encouraging results, but not the magnitude that we would expect. There are three things about Elijah’s faith that are worth knowing. First was Elijah’s confidence. There was no indication that there was any chance of rain, but he trudged up that mountain confidently. Second, he had patience. There was a long time between promise and the fulfillment of that promise. No matter how many times he was disappointed, Elijah remained faithful He kept praying.Finally he persevered. He prayed and prayed again, and then prayed some more. There is a period of time between God’s promise and the fulfillment of that promise. How we live during that time determines much about the fruition of that promise in our life. Most times, that time increment is a very frustrating time of life. It … Mark Hughes 2214 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20779494/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thefaithofanovercomer/id/2711922.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20779494 Faith, Patience,, Scripture: James 5:1-5:20, 1 Kings 18:1-18, 1 Kings 18:44-18:44 Mon, 03 Oct 2016 00:42:27 +0000 Mark Hughes In the course of life, we will all find ourselves going through difficult places. Jacob was a man with great potential. He struggled for a long time with things that could have destroyed the plans that God had for him. He was sneak, a cheat and a liar. Our text is from a portion of life when Jacob was running because of those things. He was a fugitive from his own family and he was in a difficult place. As he runs, he beds down for the night using stones for his pillow. We have all found ourselves in a place like Jacob where we are in a hard place and can find no comfort. God did something for Jacob that night. Though he felt alone, the reality is that God would never leave any of us alone. Jacob, and the experience he had that night can testify to someone now who is in a hard place. Jacob’s vision of heaven and earth joining together came to him at a time when he was greatly troubled both inside and out. Being in a hard place does not mean that God cannot speak to us. Just because we experience a hard place, does not mean that God does not care. When we feel all alone, God knows what we need and He is there. Even in that hard rocky place, heaven was not closed to Jacob.The same God that came to Jacob that night will come to any of us when we are in a hard place. The vision promised to Jacob that we can blessed and still experience hard places. A hard time does not mean that God has forsaken us. It gives Him an opportunity to demonstrate how strong He really is. Jacob’s story also shows us that even in when we are in a hard place, we can still dream. God did not want him to lose sight of the vision that God had for him. The dream does not die because we experience difficult times. Keep on dreaming, believing and looking. God is there. God knows where we are. Even if we do not know where we are, God knows. God is our source of comfort when going through a hard place. In the course of life, we will all find ourselves going through difficult places. Jacob was a man with great potential. He struggled for a long time with things that could have destroyed the plans that God had for him. He was sneak, a cheat and a liar. Our text is from a portion of life when Jacob was running because of those things. He was a fugitive from his own family and he was in a difficult place. As he runs, he beds down for the night using stones for his pillow. We have all found ourselves in a place like Jacob where we are in a hard place and can find no comfort. God did something for Jacob that night. Though he felt alone, the reality is that God would never leave any of us alone. Jacob, and the experience he had that night can testify to someone now who is in a hard place. Jacob’s vision of heaven and earth joining together came to him at a time when he was greatly troubled both inside and out. Being in a hard place does not mean that God cannot speak to us. Just because we experience a hard place, does not mean that God does not care. When we feel all alone, God knows what we need and He is there. Even in that hard rocky place, heaven was not closed to Jacob.The same God that came to Jacob that night will come to any of us when we are in a hard place. The vision promised to Jacob that we can blessed and still experience hard places. A hard time does not mean that God has forsaken us. It gives Him an opportunity to demonstrate how strong He really is. Jacob’s story also shows us that even in when we are in a hard place, we can still dream. God did not want him to lose sight of the vision that God had for him. The dream does not die because we experience difficult times. Keep on dreaming, believing and looking. God is there. God knows where we are. Even if we do not know where we are, God knows. God is our source of comfort when going through a hard place. In the course of life, we will all find ourselves going through difficult places. Jacob was a man with great potential. He struggled for a long time with things that could have destroyed the plans that God had for him. He was sneak, a cheat and a l… Mark Hughes 1861 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20776733/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenyouaregoingthroughahardpla/id/2709461.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20776733 Hard Times, Comfort, Alone, Dreams, Scripture: Genesis 28:10-28:16 Sun, 02 Oct 2016 19:57:54 +0000 Kenneth Baker The words in our text were spoken to a people who had experienced great loss. They had been overrun by another culture because of the failure of their faith and their sin. Isaiah was a prophet sent to these people. The first 50 chapters of Isaiah are God communicating his unhappiness with them. But by the time of our text, God begins to outline the plan of the Messiah coming to the world. He outlines how God is going to give them back their song. Their grace would allow them to bear children and re-populate a nation. The once broken and desolate people would be revitalized because of what God was about to do. There are three promises spoken in Isaiah 54. First is the promise of a restoration of joy. God promised them a restoration of fruitfulness. He would replace their losses with greater gain. Finally God promised to restore a confidence in them. These promises given to Israel so many years ago is also for us. The same God who promised to make their tomorrows better than their yesterday is the same God saying the same thing to us today. The bible tells us that the blessing that were coming would require them to enlarge their tents and strengthen their foundations to make room for what God would provide. God understood that the promises would be hard for them to believe. For that reason God commanded them to “spare not.” Don’t hold back. Don’t try to limit God. Because all the promises sounded too good to be true, man’s tendency would be to do a little, but not too much. God said to spare not. Today is our moment. Some have lived with a darkness overshadowing us for a long time. If we will believe God and give Him all that he asks. If we do not hold back, He will do all that He said He would do. God does not want an effort, He wants all in. Many want all that God has, but are not willing to give all that they have in order to get it. We cannot sit back and wait for God. We have to first believe before God’s blessings will come. When God offers to do a great thing in our life, the greatest insult would be to not embrace all that He wants to do. God was telling Israel (and us) to let their effort to equal their opportunity. As good as the past may have been, God has greater plans for our future. We must not hold back. What matters right now is that we have an opportunity. We must not look at God and say that what He is asking is too much. Christ went to the cross for our sin. We owe all to Him. Thinking in the weakness of our present circumstances will cause us to fall short of God’s promise. “God I now you can do all but…” This kind of thinking will sabotage what God is trying to do. Don’t let the weakness of our flesh get in the way of what God has in store. The words in our text were spoken to a people who had experienced great loss. They had been overrun by another culture because of the failure of their faith and their sin. Isaiah was a prophet sent to these people. The first 50 chapters of Isaiah are God communicating his unhappiness with them. But by the time of our text, God begins to outline the plan of the Messiah coming to the world. He outlines how God is going to give them back their song. Their grace would allow them to bear children and re-populate a nation. The once broken and desolate people would be revitalized because of what God was about to do. There are three promises spoken in Isaiah 54. First is the promise of a restoration of joy. God promised them a restoration of fruitfulness. He would replace their losses with greater gain. Finally God promised to restore a confidence in them. These promises given to Israel so many years ago is also for us. The same God who promised to make their tomorrows better than their yesterday is the same God saying the same thing to us today. The bible tells us that the blessing that were coming would require them to enlarge their tents and strengthen their foundations to make room for what God would provide. God understood that the promises would be hard for them to believe. For that reason God commanded them to “spare not.” Don’t hold back. Don’t try to limit God. Because all the promises sounded too good to be true, man’s tendency would be to do a little, but not too much. God said to spare not. Today is our moment. Some have lived with a darkness overshadowing us for a long time. If we will believe God and give Him all that he asks. If we do not hold back, He will do all that He said He would do. God does not want an effort, He wants all in. Many want all that God has, but are not willing to give all that they have in order to get it. We cannot sit back and wait for God. We have to first believe before God’s blessings will come. When God offers to do a great thing in our life, the greatest insult would be to not embrace all that He wants to do. God was telling Israel (and us) to let their effort to equal their opportunity. As good as the past may have been, God has greater plans for our future. We must not hold back. What matters right now is that we have an opportunity. We must not look at God and say that what He is asking is too much. Christ went to the cross for our sin. We owe all to Him. Thinking in the weakness of our present circumstances will cause us to fall short of God’s promise. “God I now you can do all but…” This kind of thinking will sabotage what God is trying to do. Don’t let the weakness of our flesh get in the way of what God has in store. The words in our text were spoken to a people who had experienced great loss. They had been overrun by another culture because of the failure of their faith and their sin. Isaiah was a prophet sent to these people. The first 50 chapters of Isaiah ar… Kenneth Baker 2499 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20774669/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_makingroomforgod/id/2707435.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20774669 Blessing, All In,Don't hold back Thu, 29 Sep 2016 02:32:08 +0000 Mark Hughes This was not the best of times for Israel. Their lives and relationship with God were deplorable. They had forsaken God and turned their back on Him. The bible says that they had prostituted themselves to other gods. God sent Hosea as a messenger to His people. Hosea married Gomer and, she returns to the streets as an actual prostitute. He would bring her home, but she would slip away into that sinful life. Hosea’s life is a parallel of the position of Israel. God’s message was that no matter their failure, missteps and shortcomings did not change how God loves His people. The story of Hosea is a love story. It is a love that no matter what continues to love and give new chances. Each of us have sinned. These failings could have condemned us, but God extends grace and mercy. His faithfulness is new every morning. In Hosea chapter 2, there are 20-30 instances where God reveals to his people all the things that He would do to restore them. In spite of their spiritual condition, God was willing to move for Israel. He wants to transform our failure into a doorway that will lead to something beautiful in the future. The bible says that God would allure her to Achor. Achor was a valley outside of Jericho. It was the site of a great defeat as Israel began to possess the promised land. It was a place of humiliation. God spoke to Hosea and explained that He was going to take that place of humiliation and shame and turn it into a door to prosperity. We let many things define our lives. All too often, those things are the failures we have experienced. God decided that it was time for a transformation. In the place where they failed, God will turn it into a place of blessing and success. Too many of us are letting things in our past define who we are. God wants us to know how much He cares and the plans He has for us. The bible refers to it being a door. A door is a place of transition. It can be viewed as an opportunity. One of the great revelations that God wanted to give them was in verse 16. They had lived in a relationship with God in a fearful relationship. God wanted to transform their relationship. The words used changed from a master-slave relationship, to a spousal loving relationship. Far too many people try to live for God out of fear. That is not how God wants us to relate to him. He wants us to have a relationship because we love Him, not because we fear Him. The promise of a door is that of a transition in relationship. This was not the best of times for Israel. Their lives and relationship with God were deplorable. They had forsaken God and turned their back on Him. The bible says that they had prostituted themselves to other gods. God sent Hosea as a messenger to His people. Hosea married Gomer and, she returns to the streets as an actual prostitute. He would bring her home, but she would slip away into that sinful life. Hosea’s life is a parallel of the position of Israel. God’s message was that no matter their failure, missteps and shortcomings did not change how God loves His people. The story of Hosea is a love story. It is a love that no matter what continues to love and give new chances. Each of us have sinned. These failings could have condemned us, but God extends grace and mercy. His faithfulness is new every morning. In Hosea chapter 2, there are 20-30 instances where God reveals to his people all the things that He would do to restore them. In spite of their spiritual condition, God was willing to move for Israel. He wants to transform our failure into a doorway that will lead to something beautiful in the future. The bible says that God would allure her to Achor. Achor was a valley outside of Jericho. It was the site of a great defeat as Israel began to possess the promised land. It was a place of humiliation. God spoke to Hosea and explained that He was going to take that place of humiliation and shame and turn it into a door to prosperity. We let many things define our lives. All too often, those things are the failures we have experienced. God decided that it was time for a transformation. In the place where they failed, God will turn it into a place of blessing and success. Too many of us are letting things in our past define who we are. God wants us to know how much He cares and the plans He has for us. The bible refers to it being a door. A door is a place of transition. It can be viewed as an opportunity. One of the great revelations that God wanted to give them was in verse 16. They had lived in a relationship with God in a fearful relationship. God wanted to transform their relationship. The words used changed from a master-slave relationship, to a spousal loving relationship. Far too many people try to live for God out of fear. That is not how God wants us to relate to him. He wants us to have a relationship because we love Him, not because we fear Him. The promise of a door is that of a transition in relationship. This was not the best of times for Israel. Their lives and relationship with God were deplorable. They had forsaken God and turned their back on Him. The bible says that they had prostituted themselves to other gods. God sent Hosea as a messenger to… Mark Hughes 2896 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20772342/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_adoorofhope/id/2705367.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20772342 Door, Hope, Love, Relationship, Scripture: Hosea 2:14-2:23 Sun, 25 Sep 2016 19:55:19 +0000 Mark Hughes Out text says that they missed something. It is frightening to think that there exists the possibility that we could be close to something that God has for us, but somehow miss out on that opportunity. None of us want to miss what God has planned for our life. We don’t know if they missed it because of inattention, distraction or misinterpretation. No matter how they missed it, we do not want to miss out on something that God has for us. There were seven distinct foes that God called out in Deuteronomy. Each of these represented a problem that God’s people had to deal with in order to possess the promised land. Israel was completely overwhelmed by these seeming insurmountable obstacles. As a result, they were turned back and were denied the promised land for 40 years. How we view ourselves in relation to our problems, will determine the outcome of life. They perceived themselves of being incapable of doing what God had already said they could do. If we fail to heed what God has said about our life, we too will be denied the blessing He has for us. When Israel was denied the promised land, it was not because of any of the seven nations that opposed them, it was because of their disbelief. There is no foe that can defeat us except our own unbelief. Unbelief is the great magnifier of the enemy and a diminisher of our God. None of us are exempt from the effects of unbelief. Everything that we need to overcome the challenges in our life are right in front of us. The same word that brought Israel out of Egypt was the same word that spoke the world into existence. Three short single syllable words: Let there be…. In Genesis the world was a dark and formless void until God said “Let there be.” When God spoke those words, He turned waste into worth; He turned chaos into order. He turned a mess into the world. He can still turn our mess in to order. He drove out fear and gave purpose with three simple words. That is why the devil works so hard to keep us distracted from God’s word. The devil will try to overwhelm us with so much fear that we cannot see God in the situation. What is the Devil trying to keep us from right now? What is the enemy doing to throw us off track? There is nothing too big or small for the God who said “Let There Be.” Out text says that they missed something. It is frightening to think that there exists the possibility that we could be close to something that God has for us, but somehow miss out on that opportunity. None of us want to miss what God has planned for our life. We don’t know if they missed it because of inattention, distraction or misinterpretation. No matter how they missed it, we do not want to miss out on something that God has for us. There were seven distinct foes that God called out in Deuteronomy. Each of these represented a problem that God’s people had to deal with in order to possess the promised land. Israel was completely overwhelmed by these seeming insurmountable obstacles. As a result, they were turned back and were denied the promised land for 40 years. How we view ourselves in relation to our problems, will determine the outcome of life. They perceived themselves of being incapable of doing what God had already said they could do. If we fail to heed what God has said about our life, we too will be denied the blessing He has for us. When Israel was denied the promised land, it was not because of any of the seven nations that opposed them, it was because of their disbelief. There is no foe that can defeat us except our own unbelief. Unbelief is the great magnifier of the enemy and a diminisher of our God. None of us are exempt from the effects of unbelief. Everything that we need to overcome the challenges in our life are right in front of us. The same word that brought Israel out of Egypt was the same word that spoke the world into existence. Three short single syllable words: Let there be…. In Genesis the world was a dark and formless void until God said “Let there be.” When God spoke those words, He turned waste into worth; He turned chaos into order. He turned a mess into the world. He can still turn our mess in to order. He drove out fear and gave purpose with three simple words. That is why the devil works so hard to keep us distracted from God’s word. The devil will try to overwhelm us with so much fear that we cannot see God in the situation. What is the Devil trying to keep us from right now? What is the enemy doing to throw us off track? There is nothing too big or small for the God who said “Let There Be.” Out text says that they missed something. It is frightening to think that there exists the possibility that we could be close to something that God has for us, but somehow miss out on that opportunity. None of us want to miss what God has planned for… Mark Hughes 2540 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20769684/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lettherebe/id/2702709.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20769684 Word, Lost, Doubt, Scripture: Hebrews 4:1-4:2 Wed, 21 Sep 2016 20:07:12 +0000 Landon Long Labels are a classifying phrase or name. Benjamin grew up to be a great leader and many prominent figures came out of his lineage. When he was born, his mother called him a Benoni: Son of my sorrows. Jacob knew, perhaps better than anyone, what a hinderance such a label could be. God knows how powerful labels can be and decided to change his name to Benjamin: Son of my strength. We place labels on people. We perceive someone to be something and sometimes have trouble seeing past those labels. We look at someone who looks like a drunkard and label him a sinner, but God looks at that same person and sees someone who is in need of salvation. Labeling is not new. The bible tells us in John, that Thomas wanted to see Jesus for himself. Humanity has labeled him as Doubting Thomas for centuries. Nowhere in the bible is he referred to in that way. Thomas was not necessary doubting, but simply wanted to experience Jesus in the same way that the other disciples had. In another familiar story, Bartimaeus called out to Jesus with great faith. They tried to quite him, but Bartimaeus would not be deterred. We refer to Bartimaeus with his label: Blind Bartimaeus. Bartimaeus left that encounter with a new label: Miracle. The world looks at people and sees characteristics, traits, faults and flaws. God looks at us and see us for who we are: A child of God. We spend a lifetime trying to find out who we are. As children we all wanted to be police men, firemen or doctors. Few grow up to be what they wanted to be at 5 years old. As young people, we strive to be popular and are driven by the trends and styles that come along. As we grow older, many try to keep up with the Jones and adapt to be something that will make them acceptable to the world. Some will change their entire life to be what they think they want to be. There is a much easier way. If we seek God, and change our life to be what He wants us to be, we will become the man or woman that God wants us to be. If we choose to wear the label “Christian”, we must follow through on that commitment. If we profess to be a Child of God, but continue to live in a way that does not glorify God, we send the wrong message to those around us. The label needs to match the stuff inside. The only place we can find our true identity is in HIm. If we do otherwise, we will waste a lifetime trying to make ourselves into something that we were not intended to be. We need to stop worrying about what everyone else says we should be, and concentrate on what God wants us to be. Labels are a classifying phrase or name. Benjamin grew up to be a great leader and many prominent figures came out of his lineage. When he was born, his mother called him a Benoni: Son of my sorrows. Jacob knew, perhaps better than anyone, what a hinderance such a label could be. God knows how powerful labels can be and decided to change his name to Benjamin: Son of my strength. We place labels on people. We perceive someone to be something and sometimes have trouble seeing past those labels. We look at someone who looks like a drunkard and label him a sinner, but God looks at that same person and sees someone who is in need of salvation. Labeling is not new. The bible tells us in John, that Thomas wanted to see Jesus for himself. Humanity has labeled him as Doubting Thomas for centuries. Nowhere in the bible is he referred to in that way. Thomas was not necessary doubting, but simply wanted to experience Jesus in the same way that the other disciples had. In another familiar story, Bartimaeus called out to Jesus with great faith. They tried to quite him, but Bartimaeus would not be deterred. We refer to Bartimaeus with his label: Blind Bartimaeus. Bartimaeus left that encounter with a new label: Miracle. The world looks at people and sees characteristics, traits, faults and flaws. God looks at us and see us for who we are: A child of God. We spend a lifetime trying to find out who we are. As children we all wanted to be police men, firemen or doctors. Few grow up to be what they wanted to be at 5 years old. As young people, we strive to be popular and are driven by the trends and styles that come along. As we grow older, many try to keep up with the Jones and adapt to be something that will make them acceptable to the world. Some will change their entire life to be what they think they want to be. There is a much easier way. If we seek God, and change our life to be what He wants us to be, we will become the man or woman that God wants us to be. If we choose to wear the label “Christian”, we must follow through on that commitment. If we profess to be a Child of God, but continue to live in a way that does not glorify God, we send the wrong message to those around us. The label needs to match the stuff inside. The only place we can find our true identity is in HIm. If we do otherwise, we will waste a lifetime trying to make ourselves into something that we were not intended to be. We need to stop worrying about what everyone else says we should be, and concentrate on what God wants us to be. Labels are a classifying phrase or name. Benjamin grew up to be a great leader and many prominent figures came out of his lineage. When he was born, his mother called him a Benoni: Son of my sorrows. Jacob knew, perhaps better than anyone, what a h… Landon Long 2429 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20768120/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_livingwithalabel/id/2701337.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20768120 Labels, Overcoming, , Scripture: Genesis 35:18-35 Mon, 19 Sep 2016 02:56:19 +0000 Tes Stewart There is something inside every person searching for a place of peace. It is not always obvious by looking at the outside, where someone might be in that search. Even in the finest, wealthiest neighborhoods there are people looking for something more; they are searching for peace. The bible says that peace and security will be lacking in the end times. If there was ever a time for the church to stand up and proclaim that we have a source of peace, that time is now. The world needs to hear the message of peace. There are many things that attack our peace. Sociologists say that 40% of our anxiety is based on things that “might:” happen in the past. Another 30% come from things that have happened in the past that we cannot change. Twelve percent of our worries come from what others think or say about us. Health worries make up the next 10% of what we worry about. These things account for 92% of our anxieties. The news is designed to play on our anxiety. War, terrorism, financial problems, social problems and crime all are things that play on our anxieties. The minds of the people of God are bombarded daily with stress and anxiety. We are in a battle. The enemy is real. The battle is in and for the mind of the people of God. The battle we face is for control of our minds. What is happening in our minds is out of the reach of the enemy. The enemy has no control of what we think or believe. He knows, however that if he messes with the outside things, those outside things will affect what goes on in our mind. We have to make up our minds to not allow that to happen. To do that, we must have peace. Peace is not a feeling. It is not an emotion, a thought or an idea. Peace is a condition; a state of being. Peace is the freedom from disturbance and strife. The peace that God gives me is the ability to be surrounded by turmoil and strife, but have blessed assurance on the inside. Peace is a fruit of the spirit. The peace of God does not come from what happens on the outside, it comes from what is happening on the inside. The enemy knows the importance of peace. He knows what happens when God’s people operate in peace. That is why he tries so hard to disrupt that peace. The bible describes the devil as a lion. The lion’s roar strikes fear into his victims. That roar can be heard for miles. That means that animals that are not even near enough to the lion to be in danger, are made afraid by the sound. Many churches no longer preach peace. They preach a gospel of prosperity, not peace. Prosperity is good, but as noted above, it does not enough. We all need the peace of God in our lives. One of the most effective ways to have the peace of God in our life is to review our testimony. Think back on times when we were in a situation and did not see a way out; but God provided a way. If we think back to a time when we were at the end of our rope, and He brought us through. If God did it once, He will do it again. The same God that made a way out of no way yesterday, is still on the throne. We were meant to walk and live in peace. Whatever our circumstance might be, it is time to grab ahold of the peace that surpasses all understanding. Even now, the enemy is speaking right now: Yeah, all this sounds good, but peace is not possible in your situation” The enemy is a liar. The disciples were on a ship that ran into a storm. Jesus was sleep in the back of the boat and it began to sink. They were doing everything in their power to save the ship, but it was no hope. They finally woke Jesus up in fear and panic. They didn't’ wake him up to calm the storm, they woke him up because they needed help bailing water. They didn’t realize who they had with them. He is more than the captain of the ship, but he captain of the seas. He said “Peace, be still.” One word from almighty God calmed the storm. That same God speaks peace into our storm. There is something inside every person searching for a place of peace. It is not always obvious by looking at the outside, where someone might be in that search. Even in the finest, wealthiest neighborhoods there are people looking for something more; they are searching for peace. The bible says that peace and security will be lacking in the end times. If there was ever a time for the church to stand up and proclaim that we have a source of peace, that time is now. The world needs to hear the message of peace. There are many things that attack our peace. Sociologists say that 40% of our anxiety is based on things that “might:” happen in the past. Another 30% come from things that have happened in the past that we cannot change. Twelve percent of our worries come from what others think or say about us. Health worries make up the next 10% of what we worry about. These things account for 92% of our anxieties. The news is designed to play on our anxiety. War, terrorism, financial problems, social problems and crime all are things that play on our anxieties. The minds of the people of God are bombarded daily with stress and anxiety. We are in a battle. The enemy is real. The battle is in and for the mind of the people of God. The battle we face is for control of our minds. What is happening in our minds is out of the reach of the enemy. The enemy has no control of what we think or believe. He knows, however that if he messes with the outside things, those outside things will affect what goes on in our mind. We have to make up our minds to not allow that to happen. To do that, we must have peace. Peace is not a feeling. It is not an emotion, a thought or an idea. Peace is a condition; a state of being. Peace is the freedom from disturbance and strife. The peace that God gives me is the ability to be surrounded by turmoil and strife, but have blessed assurance on the inside. Peace is a fruit of the spirit. The peace of God does not come from what happens on the outside, it comes from what is happening on the inside. The enemy knows the importance of peace. He knows what happens when God’s people operate in peace. That is why he tries so hard to disrupt that peace. The bible describes the devil as a lion. The lion’s roar strikes fear into his victims. That roar can be heard for miles. That means that animals that are not even near enough to the lion to be in danger, are made afraid by the sound. Many churches no longer preach peace. They preach a gospel of prosperity, not peace. Prosperity is good, but as noted above, it does not enough. We all need the peace of God in our lives. One of the most effective ways to have the peace of God in our life is to review our testimony. Think back on times when we were in a situation and did not see a way out; but God provided a way. If we think back to a time when we were at the end of our rope, and He brought us through. If God did it once, He will do it again. The same God that made a way out of no way yesterday, is still on the throne. We were meant to walk and live in peace. Whatever our circumstance might be, it is time to grab ahold of the peace that surpasses all understanding. Even now, the enemy is speaking right now: Yeah, all this sounds good, but peace is not possible in your situation” The enemy is a liar. The disciples were on a ship that ran into a storm. Jesus was sleep in the back of the boat and it began to sink. They were doing everything in their power to save the ship, but it was no hope. They finally woke Jesus up in fear and panic. They didn't’ wake him up to calm the storm, they woke him up because they needed help bailing water. They didn’t realize who they had with them. He is more than the captain of the ship, but he captain of the seas. He said “Peace, be still.” One word from almighty God calmed the storm. That same God speaks peace into our storm. There is something inside every person searching for a place of peace. It is not always obvious by looking at the outside, where someone might be in that search. Even in the finest, wealthiest neighborhoods there are people looking for something more… Tes Stewart 2655 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20765313/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thewaronpeace/id/2698572.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20765313 Peace, Deliverance, , Scripture: John 14:27-14 Sun, 18 Sep 2016 19:37:15 +0000 Mark Hughes Peter is one of the great contradictions in the bible. In one moment he can make great statements of faith, and in the next moment be a failure. He could be bold, and then be cowardly. He was a man who had struggles and failures, but also had faith and victories. Our text is a pre-cursor to one of the most embarrassing failures of his life. His failure at this moment was something that shook him to the core. As things began to spin out of control and he watched the things in which he placed his faith and confidence began to unravel he reacted as many of us might have. Some would say his failure was because of his boastfulness or that he had failed to pray enough. There was something that was taking place in the spiritual realm. Peter did not follow to the high priest's palace with bad intent. His was motivated by a love for Jesus and he wanted to know what the outcome of this situation would be. Right motives cannot save us from disaster if we place ourselves in the wrong setting. Our text reveals where all the denial and cursing began. Verse 56 says he went in to see the end. As he entered the palace, Peter had lost his faith. For three years he had left his life as a fisherman and followed Jesus. Now he went in to see the end. He believed that he was going to see the end despite the promise that Jesus had given. As he observed the events and Jesus being led away, Peter thought that it was over. He had lost his faith. He allowed the spirit of despair to enter his heart and to warp his thinking that he was unable to see a hope of the kingdom to come. In that moment, hope had left his life. In that moment, something began to move out of his life and began the downfall of a man that we could never have predicted would fall. He had placed himself in an atmosphere that was toxic to faith. Faith is more important to our life than anything else. Peter was crippled by his own despair. Our faith is under attack. The world tries to convince us that faith is silly and that believing in such things are the tools of a weak individual. If we allow our world to influence our life, we are in a toxic atmosphere. The first place that a weakened faith is in our speech. If we speak more negative than positive we our faith is in trouble. Another indicator of weakened faith, is our attitude. A sour outlook on life is an indicator of trouble. Losing faith shows itself in a lack of true worship. Some come to church, but there is no worship. They may sing the words, and raise their hands, but there is not true worship. Worship is preparation to bring us into a place where God can work on us. Lost faith shows up in a lack of attendance to church. When people find it hard to come to the house of God, there is trouble in their spiritual life. How does this loss of hope begin in our life? Verse 58 gives indications. It says “he followed Him a far off…” The distance is the key here. We cannot keep God at a distance. We must stay close to Him. It was easy to be faithful to Jesus when standing right beside Him, but from a distance, things began to look different. When we get out of touch with the Lord, we place ourselves in a dangerous atmosphere. Verse 58 also says “he came in and sat with the servants…” We better be careful of the crowd we hang around with. Many people’s faith slips away not because of distance, but because of the influence of others with whom we associate. What we hang out will will affect us. Hang out with a critic, and we will become critical. Hang out with a lier, we will become a lier. If we hang out with the wrong people, they will not encourage our relationship with God. We know that this was not the end for Peter. After his failure, Jesus made eye contact with im and Peter knew what he had done. The bible tells us that Peter went out and wept bitterly. He was able to repent and ultimately preached the powerful message on the day of Pentecost. Many have lost their hope and cannot believe that life will be any better than it is now. They many have had a close relationship in the past, but not life feels empty. THe enemy will try to convince us that it is over and that God will not care about us any longer. THat is a lie. God WILL answer. It is not over. There is always hope. No matter how bleak it looks now, it is not the end. Like Peter, what we are in now is a prelude to a new beginning. It is not the end. Peter is one of the great contradictions in the bible. In one moment he can make great statements of faith, and in the next moment be a failure. He could be bold, and then be cowardly. He was a man who had struggles and failures, but also had faith and victories. Our text is a pre-cursor to one of the most embarrassing failures of his life. His failure at this moment was something that shook him to the core. As things began to spin out of control and he watched the things in which he placed his faith and confidence began to unravel he reacted as many of us might have. Some would say his failure was because of his boastfulness or that he had failed to pray enough. There was something that was taking place in the spiritual realm. Peter did not follow to the high priest's palace with bad intent. His was motivated by a love for Jesus and he wanted to know what the outcome of this situation would be. Right motives cannot save us from disaster if we place ourselves in the wrong setting. Our text reveals where all the denial and cursing began. Verse 56 says he went in to see the end. As he entered the palace, Peter had lost his faith. For three years he had left his life as a fisherman and followed Jesus. Now he went in to see the end. He believed that he was going to see the end despite the promise that Jesus had given. As he observed the events and Jesus being led away, Peter thought that it was over. He had lost his faith. He allowed the spirit of despair to enter his heart and to warp his thinking that he was unable to see a hope of the kingdom to come. In that moment, hope had left his life. In that moment, something began to move out of his life and began the downfall of a man that we could never have predicted would fall. He had placed himself in an atmosphere that was toxic to faith. Faith is more important to our life than anything else. Peter was crippled by his own despair. Our faith is under attack. The world tries to convince us that faith is silly and that believing in such things are the tools of a weak individual. If we allow our world to influence our life, we are in a toxic atmosphere. The first place that a weakened faith is in our speech. If we speak more negative than positive we our faith is in trouble. Another indicator of weakened faith, is our attitude. A sour outlook on life is an indicator of trouble. Losing faith shows itself in a lack of true worship. Some come to church, but there is no worship. They may sing the words, and raise their hands, but there is not true worship. Worship is preparation to bring us into a place where God can work on us. Lost faith shows up in a lack of attendance to church. When people find it hard to come to the house of God, there is trouble in their spiritual life. How does this loss of hope begin in our life? Verse 58 gives indications. It says “he followed Him a far off…” The distance is the key here. We cannot keep God at a distance. We must stay close to Him. It was easy to be faithful to Jesus when standing right beside Him, but from a distance, things began to look different. When we get out of touch with the Lord, we place ourselves in a dangerous atmosphere. Verse 58 also says “he came in and sat with the servants…” We better be careful of the crowd we hang around with. Many people’s faith slips away not because of distance, but because of the influence of others with whom we associate. What we hang out will will affect us. Hang out with a critic, and we will become critical. Hang out with a lier, we will become a lier. If we hang out with the wrong people, they will not encourage our relationship with God. We know that this was not the end for Peter. After his failure, Jesus made eye contact with im and Peter knew what he had done. The bible tells us that Peter went out and wept bitterly. He was able to repent and ultimately preached the powerful message on the day of Pentecost. Many have lost their hope and cannot believe that life will be any better than it is now. They many have had a close relationship in the past, but not life feels empty. THe enemy will try to convince us that it is over and that God will not care about us any longer. THat is a lie. God WILL answer. It is not over. There is always hope. No matter how bleak it looks now, it is not the end. Like Peter, what we are in now is a prelude to a new beginning. It is not the end. Peter is one of the great contradictions in the bible. In one moment he can make great statements of faith, and in the next moment be a failure. He could be bold, and then be cowardly. He was a man who had struggles and failures, but also had faith … Mark Hughes 2471 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20764694/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wherefaithislost/id/2697966.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20764694 Faith, Distance, Environment, Scripture: Matthew 26:57-26:58 Sun, 18 Sep 2016 02:03:11 +0000 Kenneth Baker David’s early life can be divided into three parts. Part was spent in the country, part was spent in the courts of Saul and part was spent hiding for his life in cave. In the country, he learned how to connect with God in worship. The country made a saint of David and taught him that no matter what came his way, he could worship God. Many of the psalms were written about this part of his life. The court days were spent in the service of King Saul. David never knew from one day to the next if he would survive the day. In one moment Saul was calling on David to sing songs or praise, and in the next Saul was trying to kill him. It was here that David learned to keep himself in check. How to limit himself and to keep his calm. It was in the court time of his life, that David learned wisdom. On at least three separate occasions, it is recorded that he handled himself wisely. Finally was the cave years. THe bible says he feared for his life every day. THis season taught him to be a soldier. It taught him to take orders. It taught him to lead men. He learned how to keep his spirits in check. Our text is from the court years. David had been brought in at Saul’s request to serve. David was called upon to bring his harp and to sing in an effort to calm a raging king. Saul’s jealousy raged against David. The 11th Psalm was written in a time when David was wrestling with great turmoil. Reducing our text to it’s simplest terms, it is a declaration of how David was going to live in this dangerous situation. David had learned that he wanted to live by certain principles. It begins by declaring that he would serve God. It does not matter that happens, or what anyone else says, David would serve God and to depend on Him. David had many people around him telling him what he should do. He didn't’ listen to any of them, and determined that his life was not going to be controlled by fear, but by his trust in God. This is where his fear was conquered. Here are some facts that David considered and came to understand. These things helped settle his spirit and calm his mind. He knew where the God was. God’s throne is in the heavens and can seen the beginning and the end and everything inbetween. David couldn’t see a way out, but He knew that God could. God has not abdicated his throne to anyone. David noted about God that His eyes are looking out. He learned that God see all. He is not blind and not distracted. He is alert and engaged with our situation. The reference to the eyelids means that God was focused and in sharp focus. David understood that God has not changed his feelings about the wicked. THe bible says that He will reign snares and brimstone upon their head. He knew that Saul would be held accountable for all that he had done. The bible says that wicked men will be caught by their own traps. There will come a day of judgment. Finally David learned that no matter what happens around him, what came out of him had to be a confession of faith. The victory will be won by remaining faithful to God. What ever came out of his mouth had to be a song of praise. David’s early life can be divided into three parts. Part was spent in the country, part was spent in the courts of Saul and part was spent hiding for his life in cave. In the country, he learned how to connect with God in worship. The country made a saint of David and taught him that no matter what came his way, he could worship God. Many of the psalms were written about this part of his life. The court days were spent in the service of King Saul. David never knew from one day to the next if he would survive the day. In one moment Saul was calling on David to sing songs or praise, and in the next Saul was trying to kill him. It was here that David learned to keep himself in check. How to limit himself and to keep his calm. It was in the court time of his life, that David learned wisdom. On at least three separate occasions, it is recorded that he handled himself wisely. Finally was the cave years. THe bible says he feared for his life every day. THis season taught him to be a soldier. It taught him to take orders. It taught him to lead men. He learned how to keep his spirits in check. Our text is from the court years. David had been brought in at Saul’s request to serve. David was called upon to bring his harp and to sing in an effort to calm a raging king. Saul’s jealousy raged against David. The 11th Psalm was written in a time when David was wrestling with great turmoil. Reducing our text to it’s simplest terms, it is a declaration of how David was going to live in this dangerous situation. David had learned that he wanted to live by certain principles. It begins by declaring that he would serve God. It does not matter that happens, or what anyone else says, David would serve God and to depend on Him. David had many people around him telling him what he should do. He didn't’ listen to any of them, and determined that his life was not going to be controlled by fear, but by his trust in God. This is where his fear was conquered. Here are some facts that David considered and came to understand. These things helped settle his spirit and calm his mind. He knew where the God was. God’s throne is in the heavens and can seen the beginning and the end and everything inbetween. David couldn’t see a way out, but He knew that God could. God has not abdicated his throne to anyone. David noted about God that His eyes are looking out. He learned that God see all. He is not blind and not distracted. He is alert and engaged with our situation. The reference to the eyelids means that God was focused and in sharp focus. David understood that God has not changed his feelings about the wicked. THe bible says that He will reign snares and brimstone upon their head. He knew that Saul would be held accountable for all that he had done. The bible says that wicked men will be caught by their own traps. There will come a day of judgment. Finally David learned that no matter what happens around him, what came out of him had to be a confession of faith. The victory will be won by remaining faithful to God. What ever came out of his mouth had to be a song of praise. David’s early life can be divided into three parts. Part was spent in the country, part was spent in the courts of Saul and part was spent hiding for his life in cave. In the country, he learned how to connect with God in worship. The country made a… Kenneth Baker 2849 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20763260/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lessonsfromdavid/id/2696630.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20763260 Praise; Devotion Mon, 12 Sep 2016 23:05:22 +0000 Kenneth Baker In our familiar story, Goliath challenges the army of Israel. For forty days his voice struck fear in the Saul’s army. He not only controlled the battle field, but he controlled God’s people by his very presence. How many times have we been controlled by the enemy just by him speaking to us? We all have known fear in our lives. There are times when we are worried about our situation and fear controls us. Actually fear and faith are the same thing. The definition is: the belief that something that has not happened, will or can happen. The definition is the same; the difference is what we believe. If we believe we will be defeated, we will. When we step forward and have faith in God, we have His power behind us. We have to have faith that God will fight our battles for us. David had faith; Saul had fear. God wants us to be victorious; God wants us to overcome. David had an understanding. The Philistines had crossed over into Judah. Judah is translated praise. Israel was facing an enemy that has come in and occupied their praise. The enemy had come in to take their praise. Saul was scared and was showing no leadership. He agreed to send David to face the giant. He tried to outfit David with his armour, but David refused. We cannot go into battle with the equipment that the world thinks we need. David goes out to fight with a sling and five stones. Goliath mocked David, but he was not phased. David knew that his faith and confidence was in God. God guided the stone to exactly where it needed to hit to be effective. That is a great story that David could sling the stone and bring down the giant. But that is not where the story ends. When the giant hit the ground, David went in and finished the job. Goliath might have gotten back up, but David went in and finished the job. David defeated Goliath and made sure that he would never have to face him again. Sometimes we can come to the presence of God and thing that dead giants are victories. The challenge was that if Goliath was defeated, that the Philistines would serve them. If Israel had allowed the Philistines to serve them, they would have been defeated from within. We can knock down Giants, but if we allow their families to live in our house we will be lost. We cannot get a victory and allow sin to remain in our lives. We cannot allow it to serve us. What we allow us to serve us, will grow up with our children and grandchildren. It doesn’t matter if we knock the giant down. We have to finish the job. In our familiar story, Goliath challenges the army of Israel. For forty days his voice struck fear in the Saul’s army. He not only controlled the battle field, but he controlled God’s people by his very presence. How many times have we been controlled by the enemy just by him speaking to us? We all have known fear in our lives. There are times when we are worried about our situation and fear controls us. Actually fear and faith are the same thing. The definition is: the belief that something that has not happened, will or can happen. The definition is the same; the difference is what we believe. If we believe we will be defeated, we will. When we step forward and have faith in God, we have His power behind us. We have to have faith that God will fight our battles for us. David had faith; Saul had fear. God wants us to be victorious; God wants us to overcome. David had an understanding. The Philistines had crossed over into Judah. Judah is translated praise. Israel was facing an enemy that has come in and occupied their praise. The enemy had come in to take their praise. Saul was scared and was showing no leadership. He agreed to send David to face the giant. He tried to outfit David with his armour, but David refused. We cannot go into battle with the equipment that the world thinks we need. David goes out to fight with a sling and five stones. Goliath mocked David, but he was not phased. David knew that his faith and confidence was in God. God guided the stone to exactly where it needed to hit to be effective. That is a great story that David could sling the stone and bring down the giant. But that is not where the story ends. When the giant hit the ground, David went in and finished the job. Goliath might have gotten back up, but David went in and finished the job. David defeated Goliath and made sure that he would never have to face him again. Sometimes we can come to the presence of God and thing that dead giants are victories. The challenge was that if Goliath was defeated, that the Philistines would serve them. If Israel had allowed the Philistines to serve them, they would have been defeated from within. We can knock down Giants, but if we allow their families to live in our house we will be lost. We cannot get a victory and allow sin to remain in our lives. We cannot allow it to serve us. What we allow us to serve us, will grow up with our children and grandchildren. It doesn’t matter if we knock the giant down. We have to finish the job. In our familiar story, Goliath challenges the army of Israel. For forty days his voice struck fear in the Saul’s army. He not only controlled the battle field, but he controlled God’s people by his very presence. How many times have we been controll… Kenneth Baker 1688 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20761046/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thereismoretoavictorythanustad/id/2694520.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20761046 Giant, Finish, Defeated Sun, 11 Sep 2016 21:04:44 +0000 Mark Hughes Ahaz took Israel back into darkness. When he did this, he undid all the accomplishments that David had done. When things began to go wrong for Israel, Ahaz did not turn from what he was doing, and even went further in doing evil in the sight of the Lord. Ahaz even had a second altar made and place into the house of the Lord. However, this altar was not consecrated by the blood. He no longer wanted anything to do with a bloody religion. We have modern day Ahazs in our world. There are many churches that have distanced themselves from anything that has to do with blood or sacrifice. All that men who have that mindset see is death. There was nothing wrong with the old altar. We live in a day when men are proud of their evil. We must lift up the light of righteousness. This light will give hope to those living in darkness. Ahaz took Israel back into darkness. When he did this, he undid all the accomplishments that David had done. When things began to go wrong for Israel, Ahaz did not turn from what he was doing, and even went further in doing evil in the sight of the Lord. Ahaz even had a second altar made and place into the house of the Lord. However, this altar was not consecrated by the blood. He no longer wanted anything to do with a bloody religion. We have modern day Ahazs in our world. There are many churches that have distanced themselves from anything that has to do with blood or sacrifice. All that men who have that mindset see is death. There was nothing wrong with the old altar. We live in a day when men are proud of their evil. We must lift up the light of righteousness. This light will give hope to those living in darkness. Ahaz took Israel back into darkness. When he did this, he undid all the accomplishments that David had done. When things began to go wrong for Israel, Ahaz did not turn from what he was doing, and even went further in doing evil in the sight of the L… Mark Hughes 1688 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20759771/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_anewalter/id/2693272.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20759771 Alter, Blood, Lamp, Scripture: 2 Chronicles 29:1-29:10, Series: Lamps In A Dark World Part#3 Mon, 05 Sep 2016 02:31:35 +0000 Landon Long After David was anointed King, he could have started his life of Royalty by relaxing and sending others to do his bidding. That is not what he did. He was ready to take on what God had for him and did so. The enemy mocked him and even said that the blind and lame could defeat him in his quest to take over what God had promised. The enemy likes to deceive and confuse. If we even give him the opportunity, he will get into our head and start working against us. He will try to convince us that we will fail before we even begin. He will try to make us believe that no matter what, we will never be any better than our past. He tells us to not even try because no matter what, we will fail. He will try to plant seeds of doubt. He said all these things to David, but David went ahead and believed in God. He didn’t listen to the lies the enemy said, and went ahead with what he needed to do. He claimed his city and renamed it the City of David! He claimed victory. Our God has no limitations. With Him on our side, we can leave the battle victorious. After every victory the enemy will come looking for us. After every victory there will come a greater battle. When David heard that the Philistines were coming, he found a place of prayer and ask God to direct him. God said to fight. He said it would be a doubtless victory. Some victories are by a slim margin. Others will be transformational! No one will doubt that kind of victory. The bible says that David went up to the enemy and smote them there. He didn’t wait for them to reach him, he took the battle to them. David renamed the place Bael-Perazim which means the Lord who breaks through. David is credited with many great things. Killing the Lion, Killing the bear, defeating Goliath, and many others. David gets the credit, but it was really God who did all those things. David gave the credit to where it should go; the credit goes to God. David’s name was famous across the land, but it was God who was responsible for all those great things. If we will allow Him, God will break through for us. If we will let Him, He will create a Baal-Perazim for each of us. After David was anointed King, he could have started his life of Royalty by relaxing and sending others to do his bidding. That is not what he did. He was ready to take on what God had for him and did so. The enemy mocked him and even said that the blind and lame could defeat him in his quest to take over what God had promised. The enemy likes to deceive and confuse. If we even give him the opportunity, he will get into our head and start working against us. He will try to convince us that we will fail before we even begin. He will try to make us believe that no matter what, we will never be any better than our past. He tells us to not even try because no matter what, we will fail. He will try to plant seeds of doubt. He said all these things to David, but David went ahead and believed in God. He didn’t listen to the lies the enemy said, and went ahead with what he needed to do. He claimed his city and renamed it the City of David! He claimed victory. Our God has no limitations. With Him on our side, we can leave the battle victorious. After every victory the enemy will come looking for us. After every victory there will come a greater battle. When David heard that the Philistines were coming, he found a place of prayer and ask God to direct him. God said to fight. He said it would be a doubtless victory. Some victories are by a slim margin. Others will be transformational! No one will doubt that kind of victory. The bible says that David went up to the enemy and smote them there. He didn’t wait for them to reach him, he took the battle to them. David renamed the place Bael-Perazim which means the Lord who breaks through. David is credited with many great things. Killing the Lion, Killing the bear, defeating Goliath, and many others. David gets the credit, but it was really God who did all those things. David gave the credit to where it should go; the credit goes to God. David’s name was famous across the land, but it was God who was responsible for all those great things. If we will allow Him, God will break through for us. If we will let Him, He will create a Baal-Perazim for each of us. After David was anointed King, he could have started his life of Royalty by relaxing and sending others to do his bidding. That is not what he did. He was ready to take on what God had for him and did so. The enemy mocked him and even said that the … Landon Long 1751 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20755183/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_avisittobaalperizim/id/2688903.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20755183 Victory, Break Through, Deception, Doubt, Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:17-5:20 Thu, 01 Sep 2016 02:44:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Light is essential to life. All the growing living things on earth rely on light for survival. God’s initial words were Let there be light. Then He divided the light from the darkness. The line that God drew between light and darkness is important. He called light good, but He did not say that about darkness. Scripture is replete with references to the drastic difference between light and darkness. The bible almost always casts darkness as evil, while light is likened to righteousness. We live in a time where the light is replaced by darkness in ways that are so subtle, that often we do not realize it. The spirit of darkness are working to extinguish the lamps that have guided our spiritual journey for generations since biblical times. Things that we have believed for generations are being attacked as old fashion or bigoted or backward. The truth is still the truth. Right is still right no matter how the world tries to portray it. Light is still light, and darkness is still darkness. The media and entertainment industry have an agenda that they push subtlety over time. They seek to undermine in the minds of our children those things that have been believed for generations. The things that our children are seeing are different from the things we saw. Adult themes are being introduced. Alternate lifestyles are being portrayed as normal. Increasingly our lifestyle and Christian beliefs are being portrayed is odd or out of sorts. The word of God is unchanging. No matter how Hollywood tells the story, God’s story has not changed. The light of the bible shines in a dark world. The world is trying to put the lamp of God’s word out. Paul said that the end times would be characterized by men denying the word of God. The literal translation is that worldly men will want to hear pleasing ideas that do not offend them and they will turn away from the truth. The word of God is not a mistake. There is no mistake in Thus Sayeth the Lord. If God said it is a sin, it is a sin; time will not change that. God’s word is perfect and unchanging. The word of God is a lamp unto our feet. Worldly men hate that because they like darkness. They are trying their best to put that lamp out, but we must not allow that. We need Holy Ghost revival. We a need light because we live in a dark world. Light is essential to life. All the growing living things on earth rely on light for survival. God’s initial words were Let there be light. Then He divided the light from the darkness. The line that God drew between light and darkness is important. He called light good, but He did not say that about darkness. Scripture is replete with references to the drastic difference between light and darkness. The bible almost always casts darkness as evil, while light is likened to righteousness. We live in a time where the light is replaced by darkness in ways that are so subtle, that often we do not realize it. The spirit of darkness are working to extinguish the lamps that have guided our spiritual journey for generations since biblical times. Things that we have believed for generations are being attacked as old fashion or bigoted or backward. The truth is still the truth. Right is still right no matter how the world tries to portray it. Light is still light, and darkness is still darkness. The media and entertainment industry have an agenda that they push subtlety over time. They seek to undermine in the minds of our children those things that have been believed for generations. The things that our children are seeing are different from the things we saw. Adult themes are being introduced. Alternate lifestyles are being portrayed as normal. Increasingly our lifestyle and Christian beliefs are being portrayed is odd or out of sorts. The word of God is unchanging. No matter how Hollywood tells the story, God’s story has not changed. The light of the bible shines in a dark world. The world is trying to put the lamp of God’s word out. Paul said that the end times would be characterized by men denying the word of God. The literal translation is that worldly men will want to hear pleasing ideas that do not offend them and they will turn away from the truth. The word of God is not a mistake. There is no mistake in Thus Sayeth the Lord. If God said it is a sin, it is a sin; time will not change that. God’s word is perfect and unchanging. The word of God is a lamp unto our feet. Worldly men hate that because they like darkness. They are trying their best to put that lamp out, but we must not allow that. We need Holy Ghost revival. We a need light because we live in a dark world. Light is essential to life. All the growing living things on earth rely on light for survival. God’s initial words were Let there be light. Then He divided the light from the darkness. The line that God drew between light and darkness is important.… Mark Hughes 2741 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20752183/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_alampuntoourfeet/id/2686160.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20752183 The Word, Unchanging, Lamp, Scripture: 2 Chronicles 29:7-29:12, Series: Lamps In A Dark World Part#2 Sun, 28 Aug 2016 19:37:13 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text this morning is from long ago, but the message in those words transcend time and are applicable to us today. Hezekiah had assumed the leadership from his father, and was faced with picking up the pieces after a people had turned away from God and had put out the lights in God’s house. The times were exceedingly wicked and vile. Hezekiah inherited a nation in peril from many sides. There were in physical danger being surrounded on all sides by an enemy who was encroaching on their land. They faced social peril. The moral fabric of that country had depreciated to the place that was beyond what we could comprehend. There were things that went on under the guise of religion that would make us sick to think that “spiritual” people could do. The most telling peril they faced was spiritual. The bible says that the doors of the house of God were shut up and that alters to many other gods were erected across the land. What had happened inside their minds was the most dangerous thing. The bible says that the lights had been extinguished on God’s house. In the darkness, even the smallest light gives hope and direction. The lamps of the light were vital to the worship experience. It was the command of God that the tabernacle; the place of worship, would be lighted continually. When the lamps go out, it affects all of God’s people. When the light in our soul goes out, there is no telling what will happen in the rest of our life. If that light goes out, everything else in our life will go dark as well. Hezekiah was a man, who at a young age, was determined to make a difference. He changed the destiny of his people. He was the son of a wicked man, who even though he was raised in that environment, would not allow his life to say in the spiritual darkness that had come on the land. We live in a time when we look around and see a decline in morals and values. It is so common that we are no longer shocked or embarrassed by things that we know are sin. LIke Hezekiah, we have to refuse to let our life be enveloped by the darkness of the world. We must keep the light lit for a dark world. Like Hezekiah, any one of us can make a difference. Hezekiah’s life shows us that no matter how wicked the times may be or how dark the environment looks, one light can make a difference. The light must shine in us, or our world is doomed. The light must shine. Our text this morning is from long ago, but the message in those words transcend time and are applicable to us today. Hezekiah had assumed the leadership from his father, and was faced with picking up the pieces after a people had turned away from God and had put out the lights in God’s house. The times were exceedingly wicked and vile. Hezekiah inherited a nation in peril from many sides. There were in physical danger being surrounded on all sides by an enemy who was encroaching on their land. They faced social peril. The moral fabric of that country had depreciated to the place that was beyond what we could comprehend. There were things that went on under the guise of religion that would make us sick to think that “spiritual” people could do. The most telling peril they faced was spiritual. The bible says that the doors of the house of God were shut up and that alters to many other gods were erected across the land. What had happened inside their minds was the most dangerous thing. The bible says that the lights had been extinguished on God’s house. In the darkness, even the smallest light gives hope and direction. The lamps of the light were vital to the worship experience. It was the command of God that the tabernacle; the place of worship, would be lighted continually. When the lamps go out, it affects all of God’s people. When the light in our soul goes out, there is no telling what will happen in the rest of our life. If that light goes out, everything else in our life will go dark as well. Hezekiah was a man, who at a young age, was determined to make a difference. He changed the destiny of his people. He was the son of a wicked man, who even though he was raised in that environment, would not allow his life to say in the spiritual darkness that had come on the land. We live in a time when we look around and see a decline in morals and values. It is so common that we are no longer shocked or embarrassed by things that we know are sin. LIke Hezekiah, we have to refuse to let our life be enveloped by the darkness of the world. We must keep the light lit for a dark world. Like Hezekiah, any one of us can make a difference. Hezekiah’s life shows us that no matter how wicked the times may be or how dark the environment looks, one light can make a difference. The light must shine in us, or our world is doomed. The light must shine. Our text this morning is from long ago, but the message in those words transcend time and are applicable to us today. Hezekiah had assumed the leadership from his father, and was faced with picking up the pieces after a people had turned away from God… Mark Hughes 2582 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20749630/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thelightmustshine/id/2686156.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20749630 Light, Dark, Revival, Scripture: 2 Chronicles 29:6-29:8, Series: Lamps In A Dark World Part#1 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 02:36:13 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is one of a trio of Psalms that scholars believe was written by David as he ran from Absolom. David was facing a threat from his family and fellow countrymen who had once been his closest confidants. David was desperate and had no idea how he was going to make it through the next few hours much less the next day. David wakes early in the morning after what was likely a sleepless night and offers worship to God and writes this song. He then sends it to the chief musician and head of the choir of the court. This Psalm shows us that no matter what we are facing in life; no matter how life has buffeted us, we have a reason to offer praise to God. David knew the most important priority in his life, as that in difficult times, he had to pray. David’s eyes were toward heaven. He knew that the answer to his situation was not in the people around him, but from above. In verse 8, David asks God to lead him. In troubling times, it is too easy to make a misstep. To avoid that, we need someone to lead us. If we are not careful, we let our humanity get in the way and try to steer the course ourselves. That is when we get into trouble. God knows the path we need to take. Our human nature wants to see those that come against us pay for their sins. We want our revenge. David ask God to take control and to deal with those who had come against him. If we let God legislate the situations in life, those that plot against us, will be caught in the very traps they have set for us. Finally, David continued to trust God. No matter what came at him, David’s faith and confidence remained strong. Our text is one of a trio of Psalms that scholars believe was written by David as he ran from Absolom. David was facing a threat from his family and fellow countrymen who had once been his closest confidants. David was desperate and had no idea how he was going to make it through the next few hours much less the next day. David wakes early in the morning after what was likely a sleepless night and offers worship to God and writes this song. He then sends it to the chief musician and head of the choir of the court. This Psalm shows us that no matter what we are facing in life; no matter how life has buffeted us, we have a reason to offer praise to God. David knew the most important priority in his life, as that in difficult times, he had to pray. David’s eyes were toward heaven. He knew that the answer to his situation was not in the people around him, but from above. In verse 8, David asks God to lead him. In troubling times, it is too easy to make a misstep. To avoid that, we need someone to lead us. If we are not careful, we let our humanity get in the way and try to steer the course ourselves. That is when we get into trouble. God knows the path we need to take. Our human nature wants to see those that come against us pay for their sins. We want our revenge. David ask God to take control and to deal with those who had come against him. If we let God legislate the situations in life, those that plot against us, will be caught in the very traps they have set for us. Finally, David continued to trust God. No matter what came at him, David’s faith and confidence remained strong. Our text is one of a trio of Psalms that scholars believe was written by David as he ran from Absolom. David was facing a threat from his family and fellow countrymen who had once been his closest confidants. David was desperate and had no idea how h… Mark Hughes 2825 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20747290/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_youcantakealickinandkeepontick/id/2681572.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20747290 Prayer, Faith, Confidence, Struggles, Trials, Scripture: Psalms 5:1-5:12 Wed, 24 Aug 2016 01:41:37 +0000 Jeremy Hart On Feb 15 1546, Martin Luther offered what would be his final writing on a small piece of paper. The last line of his note read We are beggars. While we use different words today, beggar is still a common term. In biblical times, a beggar was something that a person was. The dictionary definition is one who makes their living by asking for money or food. In essence the definition has not changed over time. When we see someone on the street asking for money, we observe what they do, and determine that they are a beggar. We observe what they do and assign them the roll. When we see a homeless person on the street, we note that they dress differently. We notice that they act differently. They do not live like everyone else. They are unaffected by what people think of them. There are two different kinds of beggars. An authentic beggar is one who does so out of necessity. They are genuine in their motives. A counterfeit beggar begs because it is easy to appear in a certain way to get money from people. Similarly there are genuine apostolics and counterfeit apostolics. It is not enough that we act like apostolics, it must be who we are. We are spiritual beggars. We were born in sin and spent a life with our cup held out looking for whatever we could get. At some point, we got the attention of the Master who filled our cup with His grace. We are raised from spiritual poverty. Even in our salvation, we are not self supporting. We continue to rely on God for His continued grace. We are not so saved that our talent and work can keep us. Only by His grace are we saved. We have been redeemed, but we will need Him. The beggar in us cry out for more from Him. We have changed outwardly. We do not go to the same places, we do not do the same things, but we are still dependant upon Jesus. In our text, Joseph of Arimathea goes to Pilot and begs for the body of Jesus. After Jesus’ death, the church became the body of Christ. Just as Joseph begged for the body of Jesus, we still seek the body of Christ. We need our church. Without the church, we cannot survive. We need the body of Christ. Our connection to the body of Christ must grow out of a genuine love for Him. On Feb 15 1546, Martin Luther offered what would be his final writing on a small piece of paper. The last line of his note read We are beggars. While we use different words today, beggar is still a common term. In biblical times, a beggar was something that a person was. The dictionary definition is one who makes their living by asking for money or food. In essence the definition has not changed over time. When we see someone on the street asking for money, we observe what they do, and determine that they are a beggar. We observe what they do and assign them the roll. When we see a homeless person on the street, we note that they dress differently. We notice that they act differently. They do not live like everyone else. They are unaffected by what people think of them. There are two different kinds of beggars. An authentic beggar is one who does so out of necessity. They are genuine in their motives. A counterfeit beggar begs because it is easy to appear in a certain way to get money from people. Similarly there are genuine apostolics and counterfeit apostolics. It is not enough that we act like apostolics, it must be who we are. We are spiritual beggars. We were born in sin and spent a life with our cup held out looking for whatever we could get. At some point, we got the attention of the Master who filled our cup with His grace. We are raised from spiritual poverty. Even in our salvation, we are not self supporting. We continue to rely on God for His continued grace. We are not so saved that our talent and work can keep us. Only by His grace are we saved. We have been redeemed, but we will need Him. The beggar in us cry out for more from Him. We have changed outwardly. We do not go to the same places, we do not do the same things, but we are still dependant upon Jesus. In our text, Joseph of Arimathea goes to Pilot and begs for the body of Jesus. After Jesus’ death, the church became the body of Christ. Just as Joseph begged for the body of Jesus, we still seek the body of Christ. We need our church. Without the church, we cannot survive. We need the body of Christ. Our connection to the body of Christ must grow out of a genuine love for Him. On Feb 15 1546, Martin Luther offered what would be his final writing on a small piece of paper. The last line of his note read We are beggars. While we use different words today, beggar is still a common term. In biblical times, a beggar was someth… Jeremy Hart 2636 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20746731/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wearebeggars/id/2681035.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20746731 Desperate, Beggar, Love, Different, Scripture: Matthew 27:57-27:60, Matthew 28:1-28:6 Wed, 24 Aug 2016 01:31:39 +0000 Jeremy Hart NOTE: Due to a power failure, the beginning of this message was not recorded. The audio picks up just after Bro. Hart read his scripture text. The bible references many names of God. One of them is Jehovah Roi: God who sees. On our currency, we have included the “eye of providence” to symbolize that God always has His eye on us. Not one time have our problems or struggles escaped God’s notice. The old song proclaims what a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see. Until that time, we know that Jesus is watching over us. God’s eye never rests. His attention is never interrupted. His view is never skewed or obstructed. Nothing escapes God’s vision. Our text today is the familiar story of Jesus walking to the disciples on the water. Jesus had sent the disciples ahead while He stayed behind to pray. The storm overtakes the little ship. The bible says, that Jesus saw as they struggled in their rowing. John records a detail that Matthew and Luke did not and that is that the disciples had rowed 25-30 furlongs. That is about 3.5 miles. Science tells us that it is not possible for a human to see something 3.5 miles away because of the curvature of the earth. The eyes that looked across the sea that night were not limited by human science. They were the eyes of an all seeing God. We may feel as if we are out of range, but God still sees us. We cannot go too far that God cannot see us or is not mindful of our situation. God is not limited by distance our our human boundaries. Where the eye of God can see, there is always hope. If God can see us in it; He can see us through it. God sees our struggle, God sees our frustration, God sees our heartache. In addition to the distance, it was also 4 o’clock in the morning. At 4 in the morning it is dark. Science tells us that it is not possible to see something far off in the dark. If they had been even 50 feet away, they would not have been visible to the human eye. Darkness does not scare God. God does not even see darkness. The darkness and the light are the same to God. God’s view is much different than ours. While all we can see is the darkness, God can see through the darkness and has our eye on us. Just as Jesus saw the disciples struggling in their storm, He sees us struggling in ours. Just as Jesus was moved to defy the laws of science to go to them, He is moved to come to us. God has not left alone to find our own way out. He has not sent us into a storm to let us fail. Jesus did the impossible walked on water to get to the disciples. In our case, He did the impossible and came to earth. God Himself robed in flesh came to earth, and died on the cross so that we could be saved. God has come to save because He Saw Me. NOTE: Due to a power failure, the beginning of this message was not recorded. The audio picks up just after Bro. Hart read his scripture text. The bible references many names of God. One of them is Jehovah Roi: God who sees. On our currency, we have included the “eye of providence” to symbolize that God always has His eye on us. Not one time have our problems or struggles escaped God’s notice. The old song proclaims what a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see. Until that time, we know that Jesus is watching over us. God’s eye never rests. His attention is never interrupted. His view is never skewed or obstructed. Nothing escapes God’s vision. Our text today is the familiar story of Jesus walking to the disciples on the water. Jesus had sent the disciples ahead while He stayed behind to pray. The storm overtakes the little ship. The bible says, that Jesus saw as they struggled in their rowing. John records a detail that Matthew and Luke did not and that is that the disciples had rowed 25-30 furlongs. That is about 3.5 miles. Science tells us that it is not possible for a human to see something 3.5 miles away because of the curvature of the earth. The eyes that looked across the sea that night were not limited by human science. They were the eyes of an all seeing God. We may feel as if we are out of range, but God still sees us. We cannot go too far that God cannot see us or is not mindful of our situation. God is not limited by distance our our human boundaries. Where the eye of God can see, there is always hope. If God can see us in it; He can see us through it. God sees our struggle, God sees our frustration, God sees our heartache. In addition to the distance, it was also 4 o’clock in the morning. At 4 in the morning it is dark. Science tells us that it is not possible to see something far off in the dark. If they had been even 50 feet away, they would not have been visible to the human eye. Darkness does not scare God. God does not even see darkness. The darkness and the light are the same to God. God’s view is much different than ours. While all we can see is the darkness, God can see through the darkness and has our eye on us. Just as Jesus saw the disciples struggling in their storm, He sees us struggling in ours. Just as Jesus was moved to defy the laws of science to go to them, He is moved to come to us. God has not left alone to find our own way out. He has not sent us into a storm to let us fail. Jesus did the impossible walked on water to get to the disciples. In our case, He did the impossible and came to earth. God Himself robed in flesh came to earth, and died on the cross so that we could be saved. God has come to save because He Saw Me. NOTE: Due to a power failure, the beginning of this message was not recorded. The audio picks up just after Bro. Hart read his scripture text. The bible references many names of God. One of them is Jehovah Roi: God who sees. On our currency, w… Jeremy Hart 2177 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20746721/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hesawme/id/2681027.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20746721 See, Eye, Scripture: Mark 6:45-6:50 Mon, 15 Aug 2016 03:38:38 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is from the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry. They thought to frighten Him, but all it did was to create a greater determination in Him. At some point in life, we will face a moment where we will have to say “I Must Do this.” If we rise to the challenge, or fail to meet it; that moment will define our life. Very few people like to be compelled to face things, but there are issues that we must face at a time that we do not choose, but face them we must. We cannot go around it, or climb over it. We must face it head on. There is no perfect life. When we look around at people, it is easy to think that others have it all together.. The truth is that all lives experience challenges. We each have a God given purpose for which we must live. What are the musts in life? We must know who we are. God did not make a mistake when He made us. God had a reason for creating each of us, and it is our responsibility to find that reason. The second must is we have to live by certain rules in life. Time and chance happen to all. The rain falls on the just and the unjust. All the circumstances in life cannot change the plan that God has for us. If it comes into our life, it is there because God has a plan to use it for His glory. Each of us will face issues in life that have the potential to make or break us. How we respond to these compelling issues of life is the key. Our text is from the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry. They thought to frighten Him, but all it did was to create a greater determination in Him. At some point in life, we will face a moment where we will have to say “I Must Do this.” If we rise to the challenge, or fail to meet it; that moment will define our life. Very few people like to be compelled to face things, but there are issues that we must face at a time that we do not choose, but face them we must. We cannot go around it, or climb over it. We must face it head on. There is no perfect life. When we look around at people, it is easy to think that others have it all together.. The truth is that all lives experience challenges. We each have a God given purpose for which we must live. What are the musts in life? We must know who we are. God did not make a mistake when He made us. God had a reason for creating each of us, and it is our responsibility to find that reason. The second must is we have to live by certain rules in life. Time and chance happen to all. The rain falls on the just and the unjust. All the circumstances in life cannot change the plan that God has for us. If it comes into our life, it is there because God has a plan to use it for His glory. Each of us will face issues in life that have the potential to make or break us. How we respond to these compelling issues of life is the key. Our text is from the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry. They thought to frighten Him, but all it did was to create a greater determination in Him. At some point in life, we will face a moment where we will have to say “I Must Do this.” If we rise to t… Mark Hughes 1674 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20740566/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thecompellingissuesoflife/id/2675081.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20740566 Must, Challenge, Compelling, Scripture: Luke 13:31-13:35 Mon, 15 Aug 2016 03:28:11 +0000 Mark Hughes At some point every child of God needs to go to the book of Job to study and conseder. Job was not perfect, but he is a man who always kept his grounding. Even when all the trouble beset his life, it did not change who he was or his relationship with God. He seemed to have a sense of what to do in the most critical junctures in life. In chapter two when the messengers came to come and bring bad news, Job fell to the ground and worshiped God. The key passage in the whole account is this: “In all this did not Job sin with his lips.” The bible did not say that Job did not sin in his questions; he had some of the same questions as his friends. But Job was very careful of what he allowed to come out of his mouth. Job found a way to speak of God’s mercy and to bless the Lord. The bible does not say that Job did not think it or have questions, but it DOES say that Job did not sin with his lips. Our text is God speaking to Job after all the questions and words from Job and his friends. Out text references Pleiades and Orion. These are constellations that have been in place since creation. Pleiades was a signal of spring. When it appeared in the sky, they understood that winter was almost over and that spring was on its way. The appearance of this sign every year was a reminder of God’s promise that has been in place since creation. Our text speaks of the sweet influence. The influences are all of the things that work on us in life that determine our state of mind. What are these influences? What determines how these things play out? Some are being influenced by our wants. We didn't get the things we wanted: The house, the job, the car, the vacation. Out life is more than our wants. Some are influenced by their present moment; what they are going through right now. Job was rocked by many situations. He returned to God; the rock on which his life was built. No matter how the winds of life blew, he was not blown too far from that rock. Some people make decisions based on their current circumstances. It is a mistake to make a life changing decision in the middle of a storm. A moment will pass, but God remains. No matter how bad the winter, each spring the Pleiades will show up. For some, the influences in their life is people. We all have people problems. Job was surrounded by friends. With friends like that, who needs enemies? It does not matter if even our closest friends question us, it is our relationship with God that counts. Far too many people are miles away from God because of the influence of people in their life. God said people will fail us, but He is unchanging. God said we are his children. God says we are redeemed. The greatest influencer of life is pride. Pride has locked more people into a world of coldness and hardness than anything. Too proud to humble themselves. Too proud to admit that they may have been at fault. Pride is deceitful. Pride is the most destructive influence of life. The influences of life are powerful. We must take care to stay grounded to the rock. The influence of our life must be God’s goodness and compassion. What are the influences in our life? At some point every child of God needs to go to the book of Job to study and conseder. Job was not perfect, but he is a man who always kept his grounding. Even when all the trouble beset his life, it did not change who he was or his relationship with God. He seemed to have a sense of what to do in the most critical junctures in life. In chapter two when the messengers came to come and bring bad news, Job fell to the ground and worshiped God. The key passage in the whole account is this: “In all this did not Job sin with his lips.” The bible did not say that Job did not sin in his questions; he had some of the same questions as his friends. But Job was very careful of what he allowed to come out of his mouth. Job found a way to speak of God’s mercy and to bless the Lord. The bible does not say that Job did not think it or have questions, but it DOES say that Job did not sin with his lips. Our text is God speaking to Job after all the questions and words from Job and his friends. Out text references Pleiades and Orion. These are constellations that have been in place since creation. Pleiades was a signal of spring. When it appeared in the sky, they understood that winter was almost over and that spring was on its way. The appearance of this sign every year was a reminder of God’s promise that has been in place since creation. Our text speaks of the sweet influence. The influences are all of the things that work on us in life that determine our state of mind. What are these influences? What determines how these things play out? Some are being influenced by our wants. We didn't get the things we wanted: The house, the job, the car, the vacation. Out life is more than our wants. Some are influenced by their present moment; what they are going through right now. Job was rocked by many situations. He returned to God; the rock on which his life was built. No matter how the winds of life blew, he was not blown too far from that rock. Some people make decisions based on their current circumstances. It is a mistake to make a life changing decision in the middle of a storm. A moment will pass, but God remains. No matter how bad the winter, each spring the Pleiades will show up. For some, the influences in their life is people. We all have people problems. Job was surrounded by friends. With friends like that, who needs enemies? It does not matter if even our closest friends question us, it is our relationship with God that counts. Far too many people are miles away from God because of the influence of people in their life. God said people will fail us, but He is unchanging. God said we are his children. God says we are redeemed. The greatest influencer of life is pride. Pride has locked more people into a world of coldness and hardness than anything. Too proud to humble themselves. Too proud to admit that they may have been at fault. Pride is deceitful. Pride is the most destructive influence of life. The influences of life are powerful. We must take care to stay grounded to the rock. The influence of our life must be God’s goodness and compassion. What are the influences in our life? At some point every child of God needs to go to the book of Job to study and conseder. Job was not perfect, but he is a man who always kept his grounding. Even when all the trouble beset his life, it did not change who he was or his relationship with… Mark Hughes 2730 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20740563/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theinfluencesoflife/id/2675075.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20740563 People, Situations, Circumstances, Influence, Scripture: Job 38:31-38 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 01:56:15 +0000 Dwayne McConaughey God created the garden. He created a perfect place for us to live. Adam and Eve were innocent and were created near perfect. God created man to love him. However even in that perfect setting, there was a carnal nature to man. There are not many verses, about how the serpent came around, but we can guess that he had been coming around for a while. Over time, the serpent was able to subvert the word that God had given Adam and Eve and subtly over time, convinced them of something different that God had told them. If we allow sin to be near our lives, eventually, we will succumb to the same temptation. Adam and Eve were driven out of the garden. Sin took over the world and within a thousand years, God was so disgusted that he destroyed the world. After the flood, in about 200 years, the world was again mired in sin. In Genesis Chapter 11 we are introduced to Abram. He was a man of faith who lived in a wicked city that was a stopover place for travelers. Early in Chapter 12, God tells Abram to get out to get him away from the sin that was in the town. God was pushing Abram out of his comfort zone to a place that was better. Abram obeys and leaves his father’s house. The struck out not even knowing where God was taking him. Like Abram, God is calling us to separate ourselves from sin. God drove Adam from the garden because of sin. He drew Abram away from Horan because of sin. God wants us to step away from the sin that would drag us down. It is time to step into our promise. God created the garden. He created a perfect place for us to live. Adam and Eve were innocent and were created near perfect. God created man to love him. However even in that perfect setting, there was a carnal nature to man. There are not many verses, about how the serpent came around, but we can guess that he had been coming around for a while. Over time, the serpent was able to subvert the word that God had given Adam and Eve and subtly over time, convinced them of something different that God had told them. If we allow sin to be near our lives, eventually, we will succumb to the same temptation. Adam and Eve were driven out of the garden. Sin took over the world and within a thousand years, God was so disgusted that he destroyed the world. After the flood, in about 200 years, the world was again mired in sin. In Genesis Chapter 11 we are introduced to Abram. He was a man of faith who lived in a wicked city that was a stopover place for travelers. Early in Chapter 12, God tells Abram to get out to get him away from the sin that was in the town. God was pushing Abram out of his comfort zone to a place that was better. Abram obeys and leaves his father’s house. The struck out not even knowing where God was taking him. Like Abram, God is calling us to separate ourselves from sin. God drove Adam from the garden because of sin. He drew Abram away from Horan because of sin. God wants us to step away from the sin that would drag us down. It is time to step into our promise. God created the garden. He created a perfect place for us to live. Adam and Eve were innocent and were created near perfect. God created man to love him. However even in that perfect setting, there was a carnal nature to man. There are not many ve… Dwayne McConaughey 2374 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20738019/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itistimetostepintoourpromise/id/2672788.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20738019 Follow, Draw, Obey, Scripture: Genesis 3:23-3:24, Genesis 12:1-12:4 Mon, 08 Aug 2016 02:51:13 +0000 Kenneth Baker We live in a world that does not need much of anything. We have wealth and abundance. Yet far too many don’t know what they don’t have. We in the church take Jesus and His presence for granted. Imagine a lost world who do not know HIm. To Far too many, church is a few songs and a three point sermon. They do not have a real understanding of what it is to be in the presence of Almighty God. In our text, the man at the gate Beautiful relied on others to get him there. Those who begged at the temple gate relied on the goodwill of those on their way to worship and the feeling of generosity that many of them would have. Everyone there knew his name and his story. How many walked by daily and took no heed of of this man or his plight? How many were too busy to pay attention to the need that was right before them? This man was brought to the temple every day. He was so close to the presence of God, but because of his situation, he was not allowed inside. On this day, Peter and John were walking by. These men were in the upper room and received the Holy Spirit in the previous chapter. Peter tells the man to “look on us” Not only was he going to engage the man, but he wanted him to understand that they understood his situation. The man was asking for money, not a miracle. He was asking for just enough to get by for another day. He needed healing, but he didn’t know what he needed. He was asking for money because that is what he thought he needed. Peter and John told him that they didn’t have what he was asking for, but they did have what he needed. Imagine what was going on in this man’s mind. He was born lame. Every day since his birth, he had to be carried to where he was going. Imagine the scene when Peter lifted him to his feat and he could walk. He could have gone running to his family to show them, but he chose to go into the temple to praise God. He entered the temple shouting and jumping and praising God. He was asking for money, but he received healing; he received Jesus. Every person in the temple knew of the healing. Each of us who have the holy ghost know the joy of living for the Lord. We all encounter people in our lives. We know people at school and work. We know the problems they have. We know what they are asking for, but we know what they need. They need Jesus. We have what they need. They don’t need another feel good sermon, they need and encounter with Jesus. They need someone to say, I don’t have what you are asking for, but I have what you need. They need joy unspeakable and full of glory. They need a fire shut up in their bones. They need to be baptized in Jesus name and to be filled with the Holy Ghost. Peter was not the healer, he was simply the vessel. The world thinks it knows what it needs, but what the world really needs is Jesus. We live in a world that does not need much of anything. We have wealth and abundance. Yet far too many don’t know what they don’t have. We in the church take Jesus and His presence for granted. Imagine a lost world who do not know HIm. To Far too many, church is a few songs and a three point sermon. They do not have a real understanding of what it is to be in the presence of Almighty God. In our text, the man at the gate Beautiful relied on others to get him there. Those who begged at the temple gate relied on the goodwill of those on their way to worship and the feeling of generosity that many of them would have. Everyone there knew his name and his story. How many walked by daily and took no heed of of this man or his plight? How many were too busy to pay attention to the need that was right before them? This man was brought to the temple every day. He was so close to the presence of God, but because of his situation, he was not allowed inside. On this day, Peter and John were walking by. These men were in the upper room and received the Holy Spirit in the previous chapter. Peter tells the man to “look on us” Not only was he going to engage the man, but he wanted him to understand that they understood his situation. The man was asking for money, not a miracle. He was asking for just enough to get by for another day. He needed healing, but he didn’t know what he needed. He was asking for money because that is what he thought he needed. Peter and John told him that they didn’t have what he was asking for, but they did have what he needed. Imagine what was going on in this man’s mind. He was born lame. Every day since his birth, he had to be carried to where he was going. Imagine the scene when Peter lifted him to his feat and he could walk. He could have gone running to his family to show them, but he chose to go into the temple to praise God. He entered the temple shouting and jumping and praising God. He was asking for money, but he received healing; he received Jesus. Every person in the temple knew of the healing. Each of us who have the holy ghost know the joy of living for the Lord. We all encounter people in our lives. We know people at school and work. We know the problems they have. We know what they are asking for, but we know what they need. They need Jesus. We have what they need. They don’t need another feel good sermon, they need and encounter with Jesus. They need someone to say, I don’t have what you are asking for, but I have what you need. They need joy unspeakable and full of glory. They need a fire shut up in their bones. They need to be baptized in Jesus name and to be filled with the Holy Ghost. Peter was not the healer, he was simply the vessel. The world thinks it knows what it needs, but what the world really needs is Jesus. We live in a world that does not need much of anything. We have wealth and abundance. Yet far too many don’t know what they don’t have. We in the church take Jesus and His presence for granted. Imagine a lost world who do not know HIm. To Far too … Kenneth Baker 1991 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20735710/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenallwehaveisalltheyneed/id/2670501.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20735710 Needs, Gospel, Lost Sun, 07 Aug 2016 19:45:56 +0000 Landon Long It is easy to look at life and conclude that even as much as we have that we are still missing so much. It can be finances, health or our spiritual lives, we feel that we do not have enough. What we do not realize is that even though we may be in a drought and that our resources are not sufficient, if we turn what little we have to offer to HIm, it is more than enough. When we place it in His hands, we place it in the hands that formed the Heavens and the Earth out of nothing. Nothing in His hands are more than enough for everything. All we have left, is all that He needs to sustain us until He sends the rain. In Mark we read the story of the widow woman who placed all she had into the offering. Even though her offering was much less than the others, Jesus recognized that because her sacrifice was much larger than all the others who gave. All we have is all that He needs from us. Many will give some. God can find some everywhere, but to find those who give all is more rare. All is a personal thing. We each have our own all. The only all that will make a difference is the all that we give. David faced Goliath. They tried to fit him with armor, but Saul’s armour would not work for David, so he faced the giant with five smooth stones and a sling. All that David had to offer was all that God needed. A small boy set out one day with a small lunch. He joined a crowd of over 5000 people watching Jesus teaching. Jesus told the disciples to find food to feed the multitude. They went through the crowd and only found the small boy and his lunch. Jesus took all that that young man had, and used it to feed all the people and it was more than enough. All that we have to offer is all that He needs to make a miracle. In our text, Elijah finds the widow woman and asks for water. She goes immediately because it was easy to provide that. Next he asks for bread. Now he was asking for all that she had left. It was her last meal. Elijah tells her to proceed with her plans, but to bring him a cake first. She argued a bit further , but she ultimately obeyed and provided all she had. She gave up what would sustain her for a moment, but God provided for her needs for much longer than the immediate need. What do we have left to give? Some have wasted what we were given. Some have fallen on hard times and do not have much left. If we give all that we have to Him, it is all that He needs to make a miracle. He can restore and make whole. It is easy to look at life and conclude that even as much as we have that we are still missing so much. It can be finances, health or our spiritual lives, we feel that we do not have enough. What we do not realize is that even though we may be in a drought and that our resources are not sufficient, if we turn what little we have to offer to HIm, it is more than enough. When we place it in His hands, we place it in the hands that formed the Heavens and the Earth out of nothing. Nothing in His hands are more than enough for everything. All we have left, is all that He needs to sustain us until He sends the rain. In Mark we read the story of the widow woman who placed all she had into the offering. Even though her offering was much less than the others, Jesus recognized that because her sacrifice was much larger than all the others who gave. All we have is all that He needs from us. Many will give some. God can find some everywhere, but to find those who give all is more rare. All is a personal thing. We each have our own all. The only all that will make a difference is the all that we give. David faced Goliath. They tried to fit him with armor, but Saul’s armour would not work for David, so he faced the giant with five smooth stones and a sling. All that David had to offer was all that God needed. A small boy set out one day with a small lunch. He joined a crowd of over 5000 people watching Jesus teaching. Jesus told the disciples to find food to feed the multitude. They went through the crowd and only found the small boy and his lunch. Jesus took all that that young man had, and used it to feed all the people and it was more than enough. All that we have to offer is all that He needs to make a miracle. In our text, Elijah finds the widow woman and asks for water. She goes immediately because it was easy to provide that. Next he asks for bread. Now he was asking for all that she had left. It was her last meal. Elijah tells her to proceed with her plans, but to bring him a cake first. She argued a bit further , but she ultimately obeyed and provided all she had. She gave up what would sustain her for a moment, but God provided for her needs for much longer than the immediate need. What do we have left to give? Some have wasted what we were given. Some have fallen on hard times and do not have much left. If we give all that we have to Him, it is all that He needs to make a miracle. He can restore and make whole. It is easy to look at life and conclude that even as much as we have that we are still missing so much. It can be finances, health or our spiritual lives, we feel that we do not have enough. What we do not realize is that even though we may be in a d… Landon Long 2577 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20735174/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenallihaveisallheneeds/id/2669960.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20735174 Provider, Sacrifice, Give All, Scripture: 1 Kings 17:8-17:16 Wed, 03 Aug 2016 19:31:06 +0000 Mark Hughes Paul had an understanding and insight into the struggles and battles in living for God. He understood all these because he had endured them all himself. In all of that he learned that there were some things that were indispensable to a life living for God. God knew all that we would need in order to face life’s challenges and He has graciously provided all that we need. The church at Colossae was birthed in the midst of great revival. They fell in love with the word and the gospel message. Over time however, they began to face challenges that affected their relationship with God. Paul identified three things that became a challenge to the spiritual life. First are circumstances. The things that no matter how well we plan, cannot be planned. We will all struggle with the circumstances of life. Too many christians believe that living for God is an insurance policy against those circumstances. The truth is that even if we were not living for God, we would still have to deal with the circumstances. The second thing that Paul understood would challenge the spiritual life if people. People get on our nerves. We all have to deal with people and their moodiness, selfishness and idiosyncrasies. We all have people problems because people have a way of pushing our buttons and getting under our skin. The third thing that Paul understood was that attitudes would be a problem to our spiritual walk. This refers to the outlook and approach to life. Our attitudes are developed most often by our experiences. We will have to deal with other people’s attitudes, but more importantly, we will need to guard and take care of our own attitude. Paul discovered the Holy Ghost, God gave us three wonderful gifts to deal with these three challenges. In verse 11 Paul tells us that we have been strengthened with fortitude. God has given us the spiritual ability to withstand things. It is a conquering spirit that no situation can defeat. In the Holy Ghost there is a strength that the consequences of life cannot destroy. The second gift is the gift of longsuffering. We might translate that as patience. We need patience with dealing with people. The last of the gifts is the gift of joy. This is an attitude of life that cannot be defeated. Joy is not a feeling, it is an attitude. We know joy as a pleasant feeling, but in the Hebrew, it is a feeling of contentment and delight. Joy is something that looks at the moment, but does not get locked in because it knows that better things are coming. Joy is not based on things, but on God’s glory. Paul had an understanding and insight into the struggles and battles in living for God. He understood all these because he had endured them all himself. In all of that he learned that there were some things that were indispensable to a life living for God. God knew all that we would need in order to face life’s challenges and He has graciously provided all that we need. The church at Colossae was birthed in the midst of great revival. They fell in love with the word and the gospel message. Over time however, they began to face challenges that affected their relationship with God. Paul identified three things that became a challenge to the spiritual life. First are circumstances. The things that no matter how well we plan, cannot be planned. We will all struggle with the circumstances of life. Too many christians believe that living for God is an insurance policy against those circumstances. The truth is that even if we were not living for God, we would still have to deal with the circumstances. The second thing that Paul understood would challenge the spiritual life if people. People get on our nerves. We all have to deal with people and their moodiness, selfishness and idiosyncrasies. We all have people problems because people have a way of pushing our buttons and getting under our skin. The third thing that Paul understood was that attitudes would be a problem to our spiritual walk. This refers to the outlook and approach to life. Our attitudes are developed most often by our experiences. We will have to deal with other people’s attitudes, but more importantly, we will need to guard and take care of our own attitude. Paul discovered the Holy Ghost, God gave us three wonderful gifts to deal with these three challenges. In verse 11 Paul tells us that we have been strengthened with fortitude. God has given us the spiritual ability to withstand things. It is a conquering spirit that no situation can defeat. In the Holy Ghost there is a strength that the consequences of life cannot destroy. The second gift is the gift of longsuffering. We might translate that as patience. We need patience with dealing with people. The last of the gifts is the gift of joy. This is an attitude of life that cannot be defeated. Joy is not a feeling, it is an attitude. We know joy as a pleasant feeling, but in the Hebrew, it is a feeling of contentment and delight. Joy is something that looks at the moment, but does not get locked in because it knows that better things are coming. Joy is not based on things, but on God’s glory. Paul had an understanding and insight into the struggles and battles in living for God. He understood all these because he had endured them all himself. In all of that he learned that there were some things that were indispensable to a life living fo… Mark Hughes 3361 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20735139/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_threegreatgifts/id/2669931.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20735139 Gifts, Challenges, Scripture: Colossians 1:9-1:12 Sun, 31 Jul 2016 18:43:40 +0000 Mark Hughes The world is changing rapidly. At one time human knowledge doubled every century. By the end of World War II, human knowledge was doubling every twenty five years. Today, it is estimated that knowledge doubles every 13 months. Every aspect of life is experiencing change at a rapid pace. Centuries ago, Daniel predicted the rapid expansion of knowledge. The word used in that writing was not only an increase in knowledge, but a multiplication of knowledge. Some changes are good, but we do not yet know the results of many of the changes we are experiencing. There are people living today that experienced a life without electricity, indoor plumbing or automobiles. We have access to instant communication that even 50 years ago was unheard of. Lewis and Clark took years to explore the land west of the Mississippi river, but today we can travel from St. Louis to Seattle in a matter of hours. We live in a time of sweeping changes. In some ways, those changes have caused us a downfall. If sweeping changes have taken us down this path, those same changes can also be our salvation. Our text illustrates that sweeping can yield good results. Cleaning the house brought back something that was once lost. This woman had lost a coin. Not just any coin, but one of a set of ten that she had collected over her lifetime. They were to be worn as a headdress on her wedding day and represented the things put into her life to make her the woman she was. She had lost something precious and set out to find it. How many of us have lost something precious in life? How many of us have lost peace? How many have lost their contentment? How many have lost their joy; their sense of contentment, of thankfulness? Some have lost their sense of identity with God. Others have lost their sense of awe of the sovereign Lord. Some have lost their sense of responsibility. If we have lost those things, perhaps it is time to get out the broom and sweep out the clutter and dirt in the house that are in the way. Those are the kinds of sweeping changes we need. The world is changing rapidly. At one time human knowledge doubled every century. By the end of World War II, human knowledge was doubling every twenty five years. Today, it is estimated that knowledge doubles every 13 months. Every aspect of life is experiencing change at a rapid pace. Centuries ago, Daniel predicted the rapid expansion of knowledge. The word used in that writing was not only an increase in knowledge, but a multiplication of knowledge. Some changes are good, but we do not yet know the results of many of the changes we are experiencing. There are people living today that experienced a life without electricity, indoor plumbing or automobiles. We have access to instant communication that even 50 years ago was unheard of. Lewis and Clark took years to explore the land west of the Mississippi river, but today we can travel from St. Louis to Seattle in a matter of hours. We live in a time of sweeping changes. In some ways, those changes have caused us a downfall. If sweeping changes have taken us down this path, those same changes can also be our salvation. Our text illustrates that sweeping can yield good results. Cleaning the house brought back something that was once lost. This woman had lost a coin. Not just any coin, but one of a set of ten that she had collected over her lifetime. They were to be worn as a headdress on her wedding day and represented the things put into her life to make her the woman she was. She had lost something precious and set out to find it. How many of us have lost something precious in life? How many of us have lost peace? How many have lost their contentment? How many have lost their joy; their sense of contentment, of thankfulness? Some have lost their sense of identity with God. Others have lost their sense of awe of the sovereign Lord. Some have lost their sense of responsibility. If we have lost those things, perhaps it is time to get out the broom and sweep out the clutter and dirt in the house that are in the way. Those are the kinds of sweeping changes we need. The world is changing rapidly. At one time human knowledge doubled every century. By the end of World War II, human knowledge was doubling every twenty five years. Today, it is estimated that knowledge doubles every 13 months. Every aspect of life … Mark Hughes 2761 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20729936/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sweepingchange/id/2664923.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20729936 Change, Lost, , Scripture: Luke 15:8-15:10 Mon, 18 Jul 2016 02:37:03 +0000 Mark Hughes The island of Patmos is a barren, rock of an island that was used as a prison. Isolated in the Aegean sea, it was desolate, hopeless place. Men were sent there to die. If the forced labor did not get them, the utter loneliness would. John had not committed a crime, but was there because of his preaching the gospel. While we may not physically go to Patmos, we often find ourselves there spiritually or emotionally. We find ourselves in circumstances that trt our mind and soul. What we say to ourselves in such times is more important than what our circumstances tell us. We all have a choice in how we respond to situations. No matter how hard, dire or hopeless our situation is, how we respond will determine the outcome. Feeling sorry for ourselves or looking for pity will not work. John was not alone on Patmos. There were many there in the same situation. Self pity is not the answer. It will not get us out of our Patmos, nor will it make it any easier to live there. In our text, there is a report of deliverance. It contains the truth that a man discovered in a difficult place. One translations says “I found myself on Patmos.” Bro. Hughes chooses to read this not that he found himself ON Patmos, but that he found HIMSELF on Patmos. Our text is a message of self discovery. One thing John found is that he was not going to get off of Patmos by himself. He found out that his present troubles could not overcome his future hope. God kept speaking to John about a future. If finally dawned on John that if God was talking about a future, that he would be in it. As hard as Patmos was, that was not how John’s story would end. John learned was that he was not defined by Patmos. God showed him that he could bear more than Patmos could deal. Finally John learned that he could make it. He did not die on Patmos. John endured much but he was able to live through it. As bad as what we are experiencing may be, God is not going to abandon us there. We have what it takes to overcome. The key is finding yourself in troubled times. The island of Patmos is a barren, rock of an island that was used as a prison. Isolated in the Aegean sea, it was desolate, hopeless place. Men were sent there to die. If the forced labor did not get them, the utter loneliness would. John had not committed a crime, but was there because of his preaching the gospel. While we may not physically go to Patmos, we often find ourselves there spiritually or emotionally. We find ourselves in circumstances that trt our mind and soul. What we say to ourselves in such times is more important than what our circumstances tell us. We all have a choice in how we respond to situations. No matter how hard, dire or hopeless our situation is, how we respond will determine the outcome. Feeling sorry for ourselves or looking for pity will not work. John was not alone on Patmos. There were many there in the same situation. Self pity is not the answer. It will not get us out of our Patmos, nor will it make it any easier to live there. In our text, there is a report of deliverance. It contains the truth that a man discovered in a difficult place. One translations says “I found myself on Patmos.” Bro. Hughes chooses to read this not that he found himself ON Patmos, but that he found HIMSELF on Patmos. Our text is a message of self discovery. One thing John found is that he was not going to get off of Patmos by himself. He found out that his present troubles could not overcome his future hope. God kept speaking to John about a future. If finally dawned on John that if God was talking about a future, that he would be in it. As hard as Patmos was, that was not how John’s story would end. John learned was that he was not defined by Patmos. God showed him that he could bear more than Patmos could deal. Finally John learned that he could make it. He did not die on Patmos. John endured much but he was able to live through it. As bad as what we are experiencing may be, God is not going to abandon us there. We have what it takes to overcome. The key is finding yourself in troubled times. The island of Patmos is a barren, rock of an island that was used as a prison. Isolated in the Aegean sea, it was desolate, hopeless place. Men were sent there to die. If the forced labor did not get them, the utter loneliness would. John had not c… Mark Hughes 1676 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20720930/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_findingyourselfintroubledtimes/id/2656502.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20720930 Trouble, Survival, Hope, Scripture: Revelation 1:9-1 Sun, 17 Jul 2016 19:30:30 +0000 Mark Hughes Our nation is engaged in a great political battle as we move to elect the next president. No matter who wins next November, the end result will not change. What we are dealing with goes much deeper than what political party is in power. As bad as it seems now, the bible tells us that it will get worse before we get better. We will soon all be focused on the Olympics. There on display will be the most talented and gifted athletes. These people have dedicated their life to being the best in their field. Bro. Hughes explains that he is more concerned not about the political race, or the athletic races, but the spiritual race that we all run. That is the only race that matters. Most of us will never run for political office, or compete in an olympic race. However, we are all engaged in a race that we must not lose. We cannot fail at the race we have begun. Many are more concerned about the temporal races than they are about the eternal race. Paul, writing to the church at Corinth, reminds them of the eternal race. The Corinthian church had many problems that Paul had to address. The most prevailing problem was that they felt as if they were a mature church. Because of this feeling, they felt liberty to indulge in things that “lesser” churches could not do. They felt that their maturity gave them privilege to in a way that was contrary to the word of God. They thought they could handle it. Paul had remind them they were just as corruptible as anyone. He used an analogy of a race to illustrate that they had to work as hard at living a life for God as an athlete must trains for his race. Talent is not enough. Life is a battle and if we are going to win, we must give it our very best effort. Every day we live, we are engaged in a battle for eternity. Winning the race for eternity is the only thing that matters. If anyone could boast that he had earned some leisure, Paul certainly could. Rather than taking that approach, Paul reminds them that even he had to work and strive every day. We live in a world where we let our circumstance determine our choices, Paul tells us that we cannot do that. The spiritual race in life is the only race that matters. Paul understood that winning didn’t just happen. It will happen because of the work and effort. Any athlete knows that winning requires training, sweat, determination and effort. Winning the race involved commitment. Commitment will never go without being challenged. When we commit to living a life for God, we can be assured that we will encounter resistance. The key is not the commitment, or the challenged, but our response to the challenge. A commitment requires a lot of will and endurance. Winning the race requires a determination that does not get weak in the knees in the face of a challenge. Paul tells us that if we are going to win this race, we have to get control of the reins of our own life. It requires self discipline. We are in a race and what is to the right or left does not matter. All that matters is what is what is front of us. Paul tells us that winning the race is important. But more that winning the race, he reminds us that we must concentrate on winning the right race. Our nation is engaged in a great political battle as we move to elect the next president. No matter who wins next November, the end result will not change. What we are dealing with goes much deeper than what political party is in power. As bad as it seems now, the bible tells us that it will get worse before we get better. We will soon all be focused on the Olympics. There on display will be the most talented and gifted athletes. These people have dedicated their life to being the best in their field. Bro. Hughes explains that he is more concerned not about the political race, or the athletic races, but the spiritual race that we all run. That is the only race that matters. Most of us will never run for political office, or compete in an olympic race. However, we are all engaged in a race that we must not lose. We cannot fail at the race we have begun. Many are more concerned about the temporal races than they are about the eternal race. Paul, writing to the church at Corinth, reminds them of the eternal race. The Corinthian church had many problems that Paul had to address. The most prevailing problem was that they felt as if they were a mature church. Because of this feeling, they felt liberty to indulge in things that “lesser” churches could not do. They felt that their maturity gave them privilege to in a way that was contrary to the word of God. They thought they could handle it. Paul had remind them they were just as corruptible as anyone. He used an analogy of a race to illustrate that they had to work as hard at living a life for God as an athlete must trains for his race. Talent is not enough. Life is a battle and if we are going to win, we must give it our very best effort. Every day we live, we are engaged in a battle for eternity. Winning the race for eternity is the only thing that matters. If anyone could boast that he had earned some leisure, Paul certainly could. Rather than taking that approach, Paul reminds them that even he had to work and strive every day. We live in a world where we let our circumstance determine our choices, Paul tells us that we cannot do that. The spiritual race in life is the only race that matters. Paul understood that winning didn’t just happen. It will happen because of the work and effort. Any athlete knows that winning requires training, sweat, determination and effort. Winning the race involved commitment. Commitment will never go without being challenged. When we commit to living a life for God, we can be assured that we will encounter resistance. The key is not the commitment, or the challenged, but our response to the challenge. A commitment requires a lot of will and endurance. Winning the race requires a determination that does not get weak in the knees in the face of a challenge. Paul tells us that if we are going to win this race, we have to get control of the reins of our own life. It requires self discipline. We are in a race and what is to the right or left does not matter. All that matters is what is what is front of us. Paul tells us that winning the race is important. But more that winning the race, he reminds us that we must concentrate on winning the right race. Our nation is engaged in a great political battle as we move to elect the next president. No matter who wins next November, the end result will not change. What we are dealing with goes much deeper than what political party is in power. As bad as it… Mark Hughes 2580 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20720356/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_winningtherightrace/id/2655923.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20720356 Race, Determination, Focus Mon, 11 Jul 2016 22:58:40 +0000 Kenneth Baker In our world, it is too easy to speak what is wrong rather than focusing on what is right. We speak things into (or out of) our lives by what we say. Our mouth and the things that we say can sabotage our own desires and the plans that God has for us. Our words often betray us. We need to work to remove the negative from our conversation. More than the negative, we often express doubts, fear and uncertainty in our words. The age in which we live make it easy to forget the things that God has said about us. Our text in Mark where Jesus calms the storm is powerful. Not only did he rebuke the waves, He rebuked the disciples even more forcefully. Why was He so upset. It wasn’t so much how they had reacted to the storm, but more than they had forgotten what He said: “Let’s go to the other side.” Jesus was angry with them because He had already declared the outcome. The storm distracted them from the promise that He said that they would go to the other side. They allowed their circumstances to cause them to lose focus of the fact that the outcome had already been determined. Storms will come up in life. What we say in the midst of these storms is very important. We can either be let by the circumstances or by the promise that God has given. When they woke Him to ask “do you not care that we perish?” He had already given the word, and they let their circumstance distract them from that word. God has promised that we will live and not die. We need to learn to speak what we seek, not what we see. When we allow our circumstances to dominate our words, we will invite the wrath of God and risk losing the miracle that God had for us. We can give into our fears and doubts, or hold on to the promise. God does not always tell us what will be involved in realizing the promise. The bible is full of stories of men and women who had a promise and then had to go through storms, trials and tumult before they got to the promise. God’s word is what will transform any situation. Lord save us from the negative atmosphere in which we live and let us speak the word of God into our lives. In our world, it is too easy to speak what is wrong rather than focusing on what is right. We speak things into (or out of) our lives by what we say. Our mouth and the things that we say can sabotage our own desires and the plans that God has for us. Our words often betray us. We need to work to remove the negative from our conversation. More than the negative, we often express doubts, fear and uncertainty in our words. The age in which we live make it easy to forget the things that God has said about us. Our text in Mark where Jesus calms the storm is powerful. Not only did he rebuke the waves, He rebuked the disciples even more forcefully. Why was He so upset. It wasn’t so much how they had reacted to the storm, but more than they had forgotten what He said: “Let’s go to the other side.” Jesus was angry with them because He had already declared the outcome. The storm distracted them from the promise that He said that they would go to the other side. They allowed their circumstances to cause them to lose focus of the fact that the outcome had already been determined. Storms will come up in life. What we say in the midst of these storms is very important. We can either be let by the circumstances or by the promise that God has given. When they woke Him to ask “do you not care that we perish?” He had already given the word, and they let their circumstance distract them from that word. God has promised that we will live and not die. We need to learn to speak what we seek, not what we see. When we allow our circumstances to dominate our words, we will invite the wrath of God and risk losing the miracle that God had for us. We can give into our fears and doubts, or hold on to the promise. God does not always tell us what will be involved in realizing the promise. The bible is full of stories of men and women who had a promise and then had to go through storms, trials and tumult before they got to the promise. God’s word is what will transform any situation. Lord save us from the negative atmosphere in which we live and let us speak the word of God into our lives. In our world, it is too easy to speak what is wrong rather than focusing on what is right. We speak things into (or out of) our lives by what we say. Our mouth and the things that we say can sabotage our own desires and the plans that God has for us.… Kenneth Baker 2524 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20716995/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_takeheedwhatyouheed/id/2652828.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20716995 Speak It, Say it Mon, 11 Jul 2016 22:21:49 +0000 Mark Hughes Sometimes, even when enjoying something good, we hunger for more. It isn’t that what we have is not good, but we know that there is better. There are times in life that we hunger for more. We may have a good life, but we know that God has more for us. This desire and hunger can consume us. We have had good services and good worship, but we know that there is more. Bro. Hughes explains that he is hungry for something that cannot be explained. There are times when God pours himself out and all we can do is say “thank you!” It is easy to look at the times in which we live and know that there is something missing. Never have we had so much, but still needed so much. We have lost something in the process of living. Not standards or traditions. What we have lost is not something that we can buy at a store. What many of us have lost is desire. We experience success in life and business, but we lack a desire for something more. Something is missing from life and we do not even seem to be aware of it. There are things that are more important than the trivial things that we often pursue. There is nothing wrong with reaching goals but are we reaching the right goals? Are we pursuing temporal things when we should be working toward eternal things? In our text, Jesus compared the kingdom of God not just to good things, but the best pearl. There was a focused intent by the man in our story. People may describe something as the best based on their perception. To some Taco Bell is the best Mexican Food. It all depends on our perception. If we eat enough junk food, we can come to think that it is okay. We can live with enough junk in life that we can think that it is okay. Junk is still junk! Too many of us have become satisfied with lesser things by telling ourselves that it is the best. We cannot settle for less than the best. Not physical things. Some people live with too much junk in their spiritual life. In our text, there was something in this man’s life that pulled him to the best. In biblical times, the pearl was the most valued gem. The pearl represents getting past the irritants and aggravations in life. The beautiful pearl is the result overcoming things. The man in our text was looking for the pearl. He knew what he was looking for. He was not just randomly looking for his purpose, he was purposed looking for the goodly pearl. Because he was living with purpose, he found his purpose. We cannot find our purpose, we will live into our purpose. When we live with direction and intent in life, we will work into our purpose. The merchant in our story had more than desire, he had direction. He was not just wandering, he set out to find what he desired. Too many people do not have direction in life. They just move from place to place chasing things that do not matter. Keeping up with the Jones’ is a path to nowhere. The things we acquire in this world will rust and fade. All of the things that we are concerned about in this life will burn up in a fervent heat. The pursuits we have to the eternal will carry on forever. God help us to make wise decisions. Help us to seek good counsel in times of trouble. The man in our story had made decisions that, in turn, made decisions for him. He had set out to find the best, and that led him to reject things that were less than the best. He was not worried about what he did not want to do, because he knew what he wanted to do. We have to make decisions that set us on a course for the best. We get what we seek. If we seek less than the best, that is what we will find. Our merchant found the best and recognized it. That indicates that he had discernment. When we eat something, if it doesn’t taste right we spit it out. If we don’t we risk getting sick. We have to have spiritual discernment too. If we allow bad things into our spiritual life, we can easily become sick. We have to have spiritual discernment. To find the best, we must seek the best. To find the best, we have to be purposeful. To find the best we must able to recognize the best. The last thing that we observe about our merchant: When he found the best, he sold all that he had and bought it. Too many of us can seek the best, find the best, but we do not want to pay the price. It costs to have the best. It it takes everything, we must give everything. That is how the best can be found. Sometimes, even when enjoying something good, we hunger for more. It isn’t that what we have is not good, but we know that there is better. There are times in life that we hunger for more. We may have a good life, but we know that God has more for us. This desire and hunger can consume us. We have had good services and good worship, but we know that there is more. Bro. Hughes explains that he is hungry for something that cannot be explained. There are times when God pours himself out and all we can do is say “thank you!” It is easy to look at the times in which we live and know that there is something missing. Never have we had so much, but still needed so much. We have lost something in the process of living. Not standards or traditions. What we have lost is not something that we can buy at a store. What many of us have lost is desire. We experience success in life and business, but we lack a desire for something more. Something is missing from life and we do not even seem to be aware of it. There are things that are more important than the trivial things that we often pursue. There is nothing wrong with reaching goals but are we reaching the right goals? Are we pursuing temporal things when we should be working toward eternal things? In our text, Jesus compared the kingdom of God not just to good things, but the best pearl. There was a focused intent by the man in our story. People may describe something as the best based on their perception. To some Taco Bell is the best Mexican Food. It all depends on our perception. If we eat enough junk food, we can come to think that it is okay. We can live with enough junk in life that we can think that it is okay. Junk is still junk! Too many of us have become satisfied with lesser things by telling ourselves that it is the best. We cannot settle for less than the best. Not physical things. Some people live with too much junk in their spiritual life. In our text, there was something in this man’s life that pulled him to the best. In biblical times, the pearl was the most valued gem. The pearl represents getting past the irritants and aggravations in life. The beautiful pearl is the result overcoming things. The man in our text was looking for the pearl. He knew what he was looking for. He was not just randomly looking for his purpose, he was purposed looking for the goodly pearl. Because he was living with purpose, he found his purpose. We cannot find our purpose, we will live into our purpose. When we live with direction and intent in life, we will work into our purpose. The merchant in our story had more than desire, he had direction. He was not just wandering, he set out to find what he desired. Too many people do not have direction in life. They just move from place to place chasing things that do not matter. Keeping up with the Jones’ is a path to nowhere. The things we acquire in this world will rust and fade. All of the things that we are concerned about in this life will burn up in a fervent heat. The pursuits we have to the eternal will carry on forever. God help us to make wise decisions. Help us to seek good counsel in times of trouble. The man in our story had made decisions that, in turn, made decisions for him. He had set out to find the best, and that led him to reject things that were less than the best. He was not worried about what he did not want to do, because he knew what he wanted to do. We have to make decisions that set us on a course for the best. We get what we seek. If we seek less than the best, that is what we will find. Our merchant found the best and recognized it. That indicates that he had discernment. When we eat something, if it doesn’t taste right we spit it out. If we don’t we risk getting sick. We have to have spiritual discernment too. If we allow bad things into our spiritual life, we can easily become sick. We have to have spiritual discernment. To find the best, we must seek the best. To find the best, we have to be purposeful. To find the best we must able to recognize the best. The last thing that we observe about our merchant: When he found the best, he sold all that he had and bought it. Too many of us can seek the best, find the best, but we do not want to pay the price. It costs to have the best. It it takes everything, we must give everything. That is how the best can be found. Sometimes, even when enjoying something good, we hunger for more. It isn’t that what we have is not good, but we know that there is better. There are times in life that we hunger for more. We may have a good life, but we know that God has more for u… Mark Hughes 3395 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20716983/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howthebestcanbefound/id/2652814.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20716983 Best, Don't Settle, Scripture: Matthew 13:45-13:46 Mon, 27 Jun 2016 03:23:50 +0000 Landon Long We will all weather storms. Like the disciples in our text tonight, we will never weather a storm without Him being there. We often fail to recognize when He is there, but he still bids us: Be of Good Cheer. When they heard “It is I”, they all knew who it was. On land “it is I” could be anyone, but on the water it could only be Jesus. Peter jumped out of the boat in the middle of the storm. Peter knew that if he was speaking with Jesus, anything was possible. Peter would not have left the boat for just anyone, he would only have done it for Jesus. In other conditions, any of them may have jumped over the edge. On a calm day they might have reasoned that they could swim back. But at three in the morning and in a roaring sea, Peter took a leap of faith. Many of us are waiting for the perfect moment and conditions to make a leap of faith. If we wait for the enemy to rest, or the storm clouds to clear, we will wait for a long time. The bible tells us that Jesus was passing by. The disciples called out to Him. Peter was the only one to ask to come. There must come a moment that the fear of missing Jesus is greater than the fear of the storm. Peter’s greatest struggle and his greatest quality was his impetuous nature. On this night, that impulsive action led to one of his greatest victories. How many times has Jesus bid us come and we remained still? Jesus is looking for people who will not question or negotiate. He is looking for people to respond and come to Him. The real danger that night was remaining in the boat. Peter was a man of the sea. He had encountered storms before. He knew that the boat might be lost. He also knew that going to Jesus would be safer than staying with the ship. As soon as Peter started walking, we might think that the other disciples would be climbing over the side, but none did. Even if none of the others in the boat with us go, we must get to Jesus. Some would say that Peter failed that night because he began to sink. Peter was close enough that Jesus reached out and lifted him up and they walked back to the ship together. It is okay to step out of our comfort zone, because none of the others got to experience what Peter did that day. The others may even have been jealous. They may have looked back on that day and thought what if? God is looking for people who are tired of being in the boat. God sees the storm we are in. It may seem as if He is far off, but He is there. In the midst of our circumstance, He is there. We need to call out to Him: Bid me come! We will all weather storms. Like the disciples in our text tonight, we will never weather a storm without Him being there. We often fail to recognize when He is there, but he still bids us: Be of Good Cheer. When they heard “It is I”, they all knew who it was. On land “it is I” could be anyone, but on the water it could only be Jesus. Peter jumped out of the boat in the middle of the storm. Peter knew that if he was speaking with Jesus, anything was possible. Peter would not have left the boat for just anyone, he would only have done it for Jesus. In other conditions, any of them may have jumped over the edge. On a calm day they might have reasoned that they could swim back. But at three in the morning and in a roaring sea, Peter took a leap of faith. Many of us are waiting for the perfect moment and conditions to make a leap of faith. If we wait for the enemy to rest, or the storm clouds to clear, we will wait for a long time. The bible tells us that Jesus was passing by. The disciples called out to Him. Peter was the only one to ask to come. There must come a moment that the fear of missing Jesus is greater than the fear of the storm. Peter’s greatest struggle and his greatest quality was his impetuous nature. On this night, that impulsive action led to one of his greatest victories. How many times has Jesus bid us come and we remained still? Jesus is looking for people who will not question or negotiate. He is looking for people to respond and come to Him. The real danger that night was remaining in the boat. Peter was a man of the sea. He had encountered storms before. He knew that the boat might be lost. He also knew that going to Jesus would be safer than staying with the ship. As soon as Peter started walking, we might think that the other disciples would be climbing over the side, but none did. Even if none of the others in the boat with us go, we must get to Jesus. Some would say that Peter failed that night because he began to sink. Peter was close enough that Jesus reached out and lifted him up and they walked back to the ship together. It is okay to step out of our comfort zone, because none of the others got to experience what Peter did that day. The others may even have been jealous. They may have looked back on that day and thought what if? God is looking for people who are tired of being in the boat. God sees the storm we are in. It may seem as if He is far off, but He is there. In the midst of our circumstance, He is there. We need to call out to Him: Bid me come! We will all weather storms. Like the disciples in our text tonight, we will never weather a storm without Him being there. We often fail to recognize when He is there, but he still bids us: Be of Good Cheer. When they heard “It is I”, they all kne… Landon Long 1992 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20706924/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_bidmecome/id/2643242.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20706924 Faith, Storm, Scripture: Matthew 14:22-14:33 Sun, 19 Jun 2016 21:52:45 +0000 Mark Hughes Societal change happens slowly over time. There are things that are commonplace now in our life that not so long ago would have ever been considered. The change happens incrementally and slowly. One of these is the degradation of men. Popular culture and television portrays men as lazy, incompetent and stupid. Television shows do this in a humorous way but over time, men are seen as disconnected and who has no clue about reality. The expectation of manhood are being lowered every year. The current definition of manhood is very different from the description of manhood in the bible. The new normal of manhood is that we are buffoons. Society accepts this new norm. Our text in II Samuel depicts a man according to God. David’s mighty men were a long list of heroic characters. Bro. Hughes focuses on Benaiah. Benaiah was himself the descendant of might men. He slew lions and might warriors. The bible also notes that he was an honorable man even above the others. His name is unique. It means “the God built man.” What does a God built man look like? First, he was a man of great courage. He was undaunted about what he faced in life. Beniah faced things that were overwhelming, but he faced them head on. Beniah was not afraid to work and fight. The challenges that Beniah faced made him the man that he was. Our text mentions lions twice. Once was men who were compared to lions and the other was an actual line in a pit. Lions devour. Benaiah face things that would devour him and his family. He was a man that had the courage to face the daily assaults on him and his family. It was courage in the face of great odds. Our world places great odds against the Godly man. We need men who are not afraid to face life head on and take their cues from God. No one encouraged Benaiah, he did it of his own convictions. We do not get to choose the things that come against us and our family, we only get to choose how we respond. We need men who can face frightening things without being afraid. We need men who can face the lions of the day with courage. We need men who will go to the enemy in his own territory and slay him with his own sword. A God built man does the best he can where his is with what he has. Success in life is dependant on where we stand. Our success is dependant on us understanding on who we are: A God built man. Societal change happens slowly over time. There are things that are commonplace now in our life that not so long ago would have ever been considered. The change happens incrementally and slowly. One of these is the degradation of men. Popular culture and television portrays men as lazy, incompetent and stupid. Television shows do this in a humorous way but over time, men are seen as disconnected and who has no clue about reality. The expectation of manhood are being lowered every year. The current definition of manhood is very different from the description of manhood in the bible. The new normal of manhood is that we are buffoons. Society accepts this new norm. Our text in II Samuel depicts a man according to God. David’s mighty men were a long list of heroic characters. Bro. Hughes focuses on Benaiah. Benaiah was himself the descendant of might men. He slew lions and might warriors. The bible also notes that he was an honorable man even above the others. His name is unique. It means “the God built man.” What does a God built man look like? First, he was a man of great courage. He was undaunted about what he faced in life. Beniah faced things that were overwhelming, but he faced them head on. Beniah was not afraid to work and fight. The challenges that Beniah faced made him the man that he was. Our text mentions lions twice. Once was men who were compared to lions and the other was an actual line in a pit. Lions devour. Benaiah face things that would devour him and his family. He was a man that had the courage to face the daily assaults on him and his family. It was courage in the face of great odds. Our world places great odds against the Godly man. We need men who are not afraid to face life head on and take their cues from God. No one encouraged Benaiah, he did it of his own convictions. We do not get to choose the things that come against us and our family, we only get to choose how we respond. We need men who can face frightening things without being afraid. We need men who can face the lions of the day with courage. We need men who will go to the enemy in his own territory and slay him with his own sword. A God built man does the best he can where his is with what he has. Success in life is dependant on where we stand. Our success is dependant on us understanding on who we are: A God built man. Societal change happens slowly over time. There are things that are commonplace now in our life that not so long ago would have ever been considered. The change happens incrementally and slowly. One of these is the degradation of men. Popular cultu… Mark Hughes 2163 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20701726/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_isthereabenaiahinthehouse/id/2638269.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20701726 Godly Men, Courageou, Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:20-23:23 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 21:53:13 +0000 Landon Long There is a common phrase to explain our uncertainty about a situation: God only knows. Scripture tells us that is literal truth. God knows all. He taught the sun how to shine each day. He placed all the mountains and all the stars and planets. God knows all things. What a comfort to know that the God we worship is the same God who knows all things from the beginning to the end. As humans we become frustrated not knowing. We want to see before we believe. We do not like to walk into uncharted territory. We serve a God that not only knows the way, but is the way. We have trouble some time stepping out in faith. In Jeremiah, we read that “I know the plans I have for you.” Sometimes we wonder “what is God thinking?” Because we are more comfortable with things we can control, but the problem is that some trust more in what man can do over what God can do. Humankind has made great advances and discoveries in the realm of engineering, medicine and technology. Even so, all that man has done pales in comparison to what God knows. Nothing surprises God. He is not worried about what we will do tomorrow, He already knows. We need to quit listening to what man tells us, and go back to His word and read what God knows. There is a common phrase to explain our uncertainty about a situation: God only knows. Scripture tells us that is literal truth. God knows all. He taught the sun how to shine each day. He placed all the mountains and all the stars and planets. God knows all things. What a comfort to know that the God we worship is the same God who knows all things from the beginning to the end. As humans we become frustrated not knowing. We want to see before we believe. We do not like to walk into uncharted territory. We serve a God that not only knows the way, but is the way. We have trouble some time stepping out in faith. In Jeremiah, we read that “I know the plans I have for you.” Sometimes we wonder “what is God thinking?” Because we are more comfortable with things we can control, but the problem is that some trust more in what man can do over what God can do. Humankind has made great advances and discoveries in the realm of engineering, medicine and technology. Even so, all that man has done pales in comparison to what God knows. Nothing surprises God. He is not worried about what we will do tomorrow, He already knows. We need to quit listening to what man tells us, and go back to His word and read what God knows. There is a common phrase to explain our uncertainty about a situation: God only knows. Scripture tells us that is literal truth. God knows all. He taught the sun how to shine each day. He placed all the mountains and all the stars and planets. Go… Landon Long 1781 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20700168/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thethingsthatgodknows/id/2636866.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20700168 He knows, Scripture: Psalms 139:1-139:24 Wed, 15 Jun 2016 01:18:43 +0000 Kenneth Baker Lot was given a choice. He looked around and chose the greener grass. He chose the already developed area. The reputation of Sodom and Gomorrah were known, and Lot chose to live near these wicked cities. Lot made a choice to live near a sinful place and believed that he could do that and not be affected by the sin. He never intended to live in Sodom, but he wanted to live close enough to enjoy the benefits of living by a large city. Lot’s best of intentions got the better of him as eventually by chapter 14 he and his family were living in Sodom. He set out to live in a safe place, but by living too close to Sodom, he sowed the seeds of his family’s destruction. He no doubt tried to intensify his devotions and prayer, but over time, he and his family became complacent with the sinful nature of their neighbors. Complacency turned to indifference and indifference led to acceptance. They did not participate in the sin, but they became comfortable with the sin of others. God had compassion on Lot and sent angels to save them ahead of the pending destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot is not much different than us. It is not so much taking the easy way out. We think we are making the best decisions, but we do not get to where we need to be. Lot set out for Zoar, but settled in Sodom. With death at their door, they lingered. Lot and his family surely knew what they should do, but they lingered. When it bothered them how the sodomites lived, they lingered. When the angels of forced them to leave, they lingered. As they ran to salvation, Lot’s wife looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt. She was saved but looked back to her old life. She knew what she should do, but longed for her old life. Lot and his family knew God’s plan, but little by little, they allowed their sinful environment to dilute the divine message. Lot’s wife is an example that it does not matter where our feet are, it matters what we are looking toward. She was free. She had her husband and daughters with her. She was safe, but something in her longed for her old life in Sodom. Sodom had a hold on her. Like Lot’s wife it does not matter where we are standing, it matters where we are looking. We can be standing in freedom but still not be free. Lot was given a choice. He looked around and chose the greener grass. He chose the already developed area. The reputation of Sodom and Gomorrah were known, and Lot chose to live near these wicked cities. Lot made a choice to live near a sinful place and believed that he could do that and not be affected by the sin. He never intended to live in Sodom, but he wanted to live close enough to enjoy the benefits of living by a large city. Lot’s best of intentions got the better of him as eventually by chapter 14 he and his family were living in Sodom. He set out to live in a safe place, but by living too close to Sodom, he sowed the seeds of his family’s destruction. He no doubt tried to intensify his devotions and prayer, but over time, he and his family became complacent with the sinful nature of their neighbors. Complacency turned to indifference and indifference led to acceptance. They did not participate in the sin, but they became comfortable with the sin of others. God had compassion on Lot and sent angels to save them ahead of the pending destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot is not much different than us. It is not so much taking the easy way out. We think we are making the best decisions, but we do not get to where we need to be. Lot set out for Zoar, but settled in Sodom. With death at their door, they lingered. Lot and his family surely knew what they should do, but they lingered. When it bothered them how the sodomites lived, they lingered. When the angels of forced them to leave, they lingered. As they ran to salvation, Lot’s wife looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt. She was saved but looked back to her old life. She knew what she should do, but longed for her old life. Lot and his family knew God’s plan, but little by little, they allowed their sinful environment to dilute the divine message. Lot’s wife is an example that it does not matter where our feet are, it matters what we are looking toward. She was free. She had her husband and daughters with her. She was safe, but something in her longed for her old life in Sodom. Sodom had a hold on her. Like Lot’s wife it does not matter where we are standing, it matters where we are looking. We can be standing in freedom but still not be free. Lot was given a choice. He looked around and chose the greener grass. He chose the already developed area. The reputation of Sodom and Gomorrah were known, and Lot chose to live near these wicked cities. Lot made a choice to live near a sinful plac… Kenneth Baker 1781 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20698574/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_standinginfreedombutstillnotfr/id/2635359.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20698574 Freedom, Escape, Salvation Sun, 12 Jun 2016 20:42:38 +0000 Kenneth Baker We often attribute things in our lives to our heritage. We say our physical and emotional characteristics came from our genes, or our upbringing. With phrases like “The apple didn’t fall far from the tree”, we explain how our behaviors or customs are like those of our parents. Some people use this to excuse their temper or their disposition; they blame it on their mom or their dad. As a child of God, we are a changed person. The bible tells us time and time again, that once the blood has been applied to our lives, we are different people. In the old testament, the blood of the sacrificial lamb would push the sins away for a year. It had to be done time and time again. In the old testament, the lamb died and never lived again. Jesus’ life on the cross paid the price for evermore, and He arose again. He lives! When the blood is applied to our life, we are changed. When others ask “why do you act that way?” When they ask “Why do you love the way you do?” When they ask “Why are you different?” We can blame it on the blood. Jesus’ blood was shed for all the lost. All are covered by the blood. We walk anew in Christ and we have the privilege to Blame it on the blood. We often attribute things in our lives to our heritage. We say our physical and emotional characteristics came from our genes, or our upbringing. With phrases like “The apple didn’t fall far from the tree”, we explain how our behaviors or customs are like those of our parents. Some people use this to excuse their temper or their disposition; they blame it on their mom or their dad. As a child of God, we are a changed person. The bible tells us time and time again, that once the blood has been applied to our lives, we are different people. In the old testament, the blood of the sacrificial lamb would push the sins away for a year. It had to be done time and time again. In the old testament, the lamb died and never lived again. Jesus’ life on the cross paid the price for evermore, and He arose again. He lives! When the blood is applied to our life, we are changed. When others ask “why do you act that way?” When they ask “Why do you love the way you do?” When they ask “Why are you different?” We can blame it on the blood. Jesus’ blood was shed for all the lost. All are covered by the blood. We walk anew in Christ and we have the privilege to Blame it on the blood. We often attribute things in our lives to our heritage. We say our physical and emotional characteristics came from our genes, or our upbringing. With phrases like “The apple didn’t fall far from the tree”, we explain how our behaviors or customs are… Kenneth Baker 1744 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20696237/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_blameitontheblood/id/2633015.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20696237 Blood, Changed Mon, 06 Jun 2016 23:10:31 +0000 Kenneth Baker Dr. James Hughes uses the story of Israel's exodus from Egypt to show us: How Great is Our God! Dr. James Hughes uses the story of Israel's exodus from Egypt to show us: How Great is Our God! Dr. James Hughes uses the story of Israel's exodus from Egypt to show us: How Great is Our God! … Kenneth Baker 2575 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20692722/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howgreatisourgod/id/2629760.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20692722 Great, Powerful Mon, 06 Jun 2016 03:41:25 +0000 Kenneth Baker Some would discount the old testament because it is “old”, but the things that Israel encountered in the flesh in the old testament, we encounter in our spirit today. Though our text today is ages old, there is an attitude described there that still exists today. After 60 years of captivity, these people began to journey back to their homeland as a free people. Their dreams were becoming reality and prophecies of old were coming to existence. Jerelusium would once again be the dwelling place of God. God had offered His people the opportunity of recovery. They went about the process of rebuilding. In a short time, the disappointments began to show up and problems started to come to trouble their progress. There became a sluggishness that began to take over that damped the efforts at recovery. Their homes had been repaired, but the house of God continued to lay in ruin. The contrast between what they had expected with what their life had become was quite stark. God sent a man to deliver a message to awaken these people from their malaise. These people had stalled and something had to arouse them. Haggai spoke to them and refocused their minds on the promise of God’s words. What happened to these people that got in the way of their recover? What caused them to lose faith. What happened in the promised land that derailed their progress? It is the same thing that is affecting some of us today. What were the conflicts on the road to recovery? When Israel got back to the land of promise and set about rebuilding the temple, they realized that the job was going to be much harder than they thought it was going to be. It is always harder to take back what we lose than to maintain what we have. When we set about to rebuild something, be it a temple or a relationship, it is much harder than if we had simply maintained it. That is why we stay frustrated because the job is a lot harder than we thought it would be. They set out with a passion, but after struggling with the tasks at hand, they became disillusioned. They began to just go through the motions without any real zeal for it. Eventually they stopped even trying. Another problem was that even though they were working hard, the results were not what they thought they should be. They gave up because what they were working on was not as good as what they had lost. The temple they were building was not as grand or as good as the former temple. God declared to them that He was not looking at the building; He was looking at the effort of His people! If we will just try, God will bless our effort. We waste a lot of time trying to recapture what once was. The truth is that once it is lost, it is lost. We can recover some things in God, but it may not be what it once was. That doesn’t make it less. God is looking at our heart and the effort we put into recovery. If we will let God have what we have, He will bless and anoint it so that the latter house is greater than the former house. God can do something that will outshine anything He has done before! We are not going to be saved on what was, we will be saved on what is! God sent a man to deliver the same message as Haggai did thousands of years ago. Let something be ignited in us on which we would not give up. Some would discount the old testament because it is “old”, but the things that Israel encountered in the flesh in the old testament, we encounter in our spirit today. Though our text today is ages old, there is an attitude described there that still exists today. After 60 years of captivity, these people began to journey back to their homeland as a free people. Their dreams were becoming reality and prophecies of old were coming to existence. Jerelusium would once again be the dwelling place of God. God had offered His people the opportunity of recovery. They went about the process of rebuilding. In a short time, the disappointments began to show up and problems started to come to trouble their progress. There became a sluggishness that began to take over that damped the efforts at recovery. Their homes had been repaired, but the house of God continued to lay in ruin. The contrast between what they had expected with what their life had become was quite stark. God sent a man to deliver a message to awaken these people from their malaise. These people had stalled and something had to arouse them. Haggai spoke to them and refocused their minds on the promise of God’s words. What happened to these people that got in the way of their recover? What caused them to lose faith. What happened in the promised land that derailed their progress? It is the same thing that is affecting some of us today. What were the conflicts on the road to recovery? When Israel got back to the land of promise and set about rebuilding the temple, they realized that the job was going to be much harder than they thought it was going to be. It is always harder to take back what we lose than to maintain what we have. When we set about to rebuild something, be it a temple or a relationship, it is much harder than if we had simply maintained it. That is why we stay frustrated because the job is a lot harder than we thought it would be. They set out with a passion, but after struggling with the tasks at hand, they became disillusioned. They began to just go through the motions without any real zeal for it. Eventually they stopped even trying. Another problem was that even though they were working hard, the results were not what they thought they should be. They gave up because what they were working on was not as good as what they had lost. The temple they were building was not as grand or as good as the former temple. God declared to them that He was not looking at the building; He was looking at the effort of His people! If we will just try, God will bless our effort. We waste a lot of time trying to recapture what once was. The truth is that once it is lost, it is lost. We can recover some things in God, but it may not be what it once was. That doesn’t make it less. God is looking at our heart and the effort we put into recovery. If we will let God have what we have, He will bless and anoint it so that the latter house is greater than the former house. God can do something that will outshine anything He has done before! We are not going to be saved on what was, we will be saved on what is! God sent a man to deliver the same message as Haggai did thousands of years ago. Let something be ignited in us on which we would not give up. Some would discount the old testament because it is “old”, but the things that Israel encountered in the flesh in the old testament, we encounter in our spirit today. Though our text today is ages old, there is an attitude described there that still e… Kenneth Baker 2366 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20691943/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theconflictofrecovery/id/2628973.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20691943 Recovery, Rebuilding, Restoration Fri, 03 Jun 2016 03:13:41 +0000 Kenneth Baker There is a great loss when we lose an affliction. That sounds counterintuitive, but our text bears this out. Often when we lose an affliction, what is really lost is the chance to learn what God is trying to teach us in that affliction. Paul came to learn that many of the things that were a suffering to him, was actually a blessing. The psalmist says that it was good that he was afflicted. It was the pain and suffering that put everything back into clarity. We will gain something from our suffering if we will allow it. Many will turn bitter or angry in the face of suffering. To find good in our suffering is not something that we want to discuss. The reason that Paul was afflicted was because he had become a prime target for the enemy. If The devil could cause Paul to stumble, it would be an enormous blow to the church. What paul describes in Corinthians 12 is an attack of the enemy. The severity of the attack was described by Paul simply as a thorn in his side. A thorn pierces deeply. It is, not a simple scratch. Paul surely thought and tried to reason with God that if He would only remove the thorn, he would be a better man, a better preacher, a better witness. But God didn’t answer. Paul didn’t give up when. He prays two more times and finally God answers: “My grace is sufficient” Paul then declares that God’s grace is enough. The bible describes the attack on Paul as being a messenger from Satan. The purpose of the pain was to cause Paul to crumble. What came out of this was something very different than the Devil intended. Instead of causing Paul to crumble, it made him stronger. Rather than pushing him away from God, Paul drew closer. When Paul understood what was going on, he found something in God that the devil never intended for him to find. The devel intended to destroy, but the experience had the opposite effect. That is what the devil never counted on happening. There is a great loss when we lose an affliction. That sounds counterintuitive, but our text bears this out. Often when we lose an affliction, what is really lost is the chance to learn what God is trying to teach us in that affliction. Paul came to learn that many of the things that were a suffering to him, was actually a blessing. The psalmist says that it was good that he was afflicted. It was the pain and suffering that put everything back into clarity. We will gain something from our suffering if we will allow it. Many will turn bitter or angry in the face of suffering. To find good in our suffering is not something that we want to discuss. The reason that Paul was afflicted was because he had become a prime target for the enemy. If The devil could cause Paul to stumble, it would be an enormous blow to the church. What paul describes in Corinthians 12 is an attack of the enemy. The severity of the attack was described by Paul simply as a thorn in his side. A thorn pierces deeply. It is, not a simple scratch. Paul surely thought and tried to reason with God that if He would only remove the thorn, he would be a better man, a better preacher, a better witness. But God didn’t answer. Paul didn’t give up when. He prays two more times and finally God answers: “My grace is sufficient” Paul then declares that God’s grace is enough. The bible describes the attack on Paul as being a messenger from Satan. The purpose of the pain was to cause Paul to crumble. What came out of this was something very different than the Devil intended. Instead of causing Paul to crumble, it made him stronger. Rather than pushing him away from God, Paul drew closer. When Paul understood what was going on, he found something in God that the devil never intended for him to find. The devel intended to destroy, but the experience had the opposite effect. That is what the devil never counted on happening. There is a great loss when we lose an affliction. That sounds counterintuitive, but our text bears this out. Often when we lose an affliction, what is really lost is the chance to learn what God is trying to teach us in that affliction. Paul came to… Kenneth Baker 2519 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20689334/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatthedevilnevercountedonhapp/id/2626558.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20689334 Affliction, Suffering, Grace Sun, 29 May 2016 22:20:44 +0000 Tes Stewart We live in a self centered society. If we are not careful, that spirit will manifest itself in our faith. Our faith has to be such that we believe that our life can be blessed by God. This is true, but it is more true that four faith should compel us to be used by God for something that matters to Him. On this weekend we honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. These people were passionate enough about what they believed in to lay down their life for it. God is wanting to move us to a higher calling. He is wanting us to be drawn from where we are to where He needs us to be. The enemy is all that he will ever be, but you and I can grow to more than we can even imagine if we follow God to where He is leading. We can go to another level and overcome any obstacle placed in our path. We have to make up our mind to get out of our comfort zone and move. When something is meant to grow, there is no such thing as standing still. We have to grow. We cannot be content to be the man or woman that we were last year. The enemy does not want us to reach our purpose. He will try to keep us from growing. God has an expected end for us and we are not complete until we reach that place. We cannot be content to be moved from where we were, but must strive to achieve what God has planned for us. He doesn't want to just change us from what we were, He wants to make us into what He desires. There is an all out attack against purpose and destiny. The theory of evolution is an attack. It says that life and mankind is a happy accident. If that is true, there is no true purpose. Nothing could be further from the truth! We are fearfully and wonderfully made by the creator for HIs divine purpose! There has been much talk about “what is my purpose”, but there is more than jsut finding our purpose. The only way to find God’s specific purpose, is to live a life that follows the general will of God. Doing that creates a momentum that allows God to guide us to the path that will reveal that purpose. An object at rest is hard to direct, but one that is moving is more easily moved in the direction it needs to go. God does not do anything without a purpose and an identity. When he creates something, he places into it the potential to achieve His purpose. Within every acorn, is the potential to be a mighty oak. Not everyone makes it. Some acorns fall to the ground. They may sprout, but they fail to grow. The reality is that more acorns die than grow to a mighty oak. There are many people who have potential, but they simply exist and do not grow. We may be an acorn now, but we do not have to remain an acorn. Potential is a paradox: Nothing great ever happens without potential, but potential itself will not become great. We have to add to potential to achieve greatness. In order to move from potential to greatness, we have to begin. If we never begin, all the potential in the world is useless. If the acorn fails to grow, it will die. We have to move past what we have always been. We cannot be content with how things have always been. Some acorns that fall and die do serve a purpose. Some become food for animals. Others will be absorbed back to the soil to provide nutrients. They serve a purpose, but not His purpose. We have to strive to be more than food for squirrels. It is not enough to have a purpose driven life, but must have a destiny driven life. One of the greatest tragedies is someone who serves a purpose, and never realizes their destiny. We cannot settle for a lesser purpose. We cannot settle for a mere function. If we are going to be in a house of God, then let us be a source of strength. Let us be something that matters and makes a difference in the lives of others. There comes a time when an acorn is no longer an acorn, but becomes a tree; the identity changes. Once it becomes a tree, everything changes. God is still calling for oak trees. We do not have to be in the ministry to be an oak tree. God is looking for men and women to are willing to plant themselves to do something to make a difference. He is looking for someone who wants to do something that outlives them. He is looking for someone to fulfil their destiny. It is time for someone to become what God wants them to be. For an acorn to become an oak tree, it has to break out of the shell. For us to achieve what God wants us to be, we have to break out of the shell and resolve that “I will not die an acorn.” We live in a self centered society. If we are not careful, that spirit will manifest itself in our faith. Our faith has to be such that we believe that our life can be blessed by God. This is true, but it is more true that four faith should compel us to be used by God for something that matters to Him. On this weekend we honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. These people were passionate enough about what they believed in to lay down their life for it. God is wanting to move us to a higher calling. He is wanting us to be drawn from where we are to where He needs us to be. The enemy is all that he will ever be, but you and I can grow to more than we can even imagine if we follow God to where He is leading. We can go to another level and overcome any obstacle placed in our path. We have to make up our mind to get out of our comfort zone and move. When something is meant to grow, there is no such thing as standing still. We have to grow. We cannot be content to be the man or woman that we were last year. The enemy does not want us to reach our purpose. He will try to keep us from growing. God has an expected end for us and we are not complete until we reach that place. We cannot be content to be moved from where we were, but must strive to achieve what God has planned for us. He doesn't want to just change us from what we were, He wants to make us into what He desires. There is an all out attack against purpose and destiny. The theory of evolution is an attack. It says that life and mankind is a happy accident. If that is true, there is no true purpose. Nothing could be further from the truth! We are fearfully and wonderfully made by the creator for HIs divine purpose! There has been much talk about “what is my purpose”, but there is more than jsut finding our purpose. The only way to find God’s specific purpose, is to live a life that follows the general will of God. Doing that creates a momentum that allows God to guide us to the path that will reveal that purpose. An object at rest is hard to direct, but one that is moving is more easily moved in the direction it needs to go. God does not do anything without a purpose and an identity. When he creates something, he places into it the potential to achieve His purpose. Within every acorn, is the potential to be a mighty oak. Not everyone makes it. Some acorns fall to the ground. They may sprout, but they fail to grow. The reality is that more acorns die than grow to a mighty oak. There are many people who have potential, but they simply exist and do not grow. We may be an acorn now, but we do not have to remain an acorn. Potential is a paradox: Nothing great ever happens without potential, but potential itself will not become great. We have to add to potential to achieve greatness. In order to move from potential to greatness, we have to begin. If we never begin, all the potential in the world is useless. If the acorn fails to grow, it will die. We have to move past what we have always been. We cannot be content with how things have always been. Some acorns that fall and die do serve a purpose. Some become food for animals. Others will be absorbed back to the soil to provide nutrients. They serve a purpose, but not His purpose. We have to strive to be more than food for squirrels. It is not enough to have a purpose driven life, but must have a destiny driven life. One of the greatest tragedies is someone who serves a purpose, and never realizes their destiny. We cannot settle for a lesser purpose. We cannot settle for a mere function. If we are going to be in a house of God, then let us be a source of strength. Let us be something that matters and makes a difference in the lives of others. There comes a time when an acorn is no longer an acorn, but becomes a tree; the identity changes. Once it becomes a tree, everything changes. God is still calling for oak trees. We do not have to be in the ministry to be an oak tree. God is looking for men and women to are willing to plant themselves to do something to make a difference. He is looking for someone who wants to do something that outlives them. He is looking for someone to fulfil their destiny. It is time for someone to become what God wants them to be. For an acorn to become an oak tree, it has to break out of the shell. For us to achieve what God wants us to be, we have to break out of the shell and resolve that “I will not die an acorn.” We live in a self centered society. If we are not careful, that spirit will manifest itself in our faith. Our faith has to be such that we believe that our life can be blessed by God. This is true, but it is more true that four faith should compel … Tes Stewart 2432 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20686774/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_iwillnotdieanacorn/id/2624023.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20686774 Destiny, Calling, Potential, Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11-29 Thu, 26 May 2016 03:00:55 +0000 Mark Hughes In the early days of world war II, and it looked as if Germany could not be stopped. The king of England spoke the words that are the title of tonight’s message. People have forgotten where to put their trust. They place their trust in earthly and temporal things. People have placed their trust in the stock market. They placed their trust in their company. They put their trust in governments. All these things, at some point, will let us down. Every four year a politician comes along and promises change, yet things do not change. All of these things are based on shifting sand. The bible tells us that everything on the earth will be consumed in a fire. The bible tells us that we come into the world naked, and we will leave in the same way. Nothing we have here will follow us into eternity. As we press through life and face the unknown, there is a place in which we can place our trust that is better and safer than anything else. God is still the same. If we are going to put our trust in anything, we need to put our trust in He who cannot fail. Putting our hand in the hand of God and letting Him lead is better than light and safer than a known way. In the early days of world war II, and it looked as if Germany could not be stopped. The king of England spoke the words that are the title of tonight’s message. People have forgotten where to put their trust. They place their trust in earthly and temporal things. People have placed their trust in the stock market. They placed their trust in their company. They put their trust in governments. All these things, at some point, will let us down. Every four year a politician comes along and promises change, yet things do not change. All of these things are based on shifting sand. The bible tells us that everything on the earth will be consumed in a fire. The bible tells us that we come into the world naked, and we will leave in the same way. Nothing we have here will follow us into eternity. As we press through life and face the unknown, there is a place in which we can place our trust that is better and safer than anything else. God is still the same. If we are going to put our trust in anything, we need to put our trust in He who cannot fail. Putting our hand in the hand of God and letting Him lead is better than light and safer than a known way. In the early days of world war II, and it looked as if Germany could not be stopped. The king of England spoke the words that are the title of tonight’s message. People have forgotten where to put their trust. They place their trust in earthly and t… Mark Hughes 1983 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20684226/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_betterthanlightandsaferthanakn/id/2621799.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20684226 Safe, Unchanging, Trust, Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:1-4:6, Romans 1:16-1, James 1:16-1:17 Mon, 23 May 2016 03:07:51 +0000 Tes Stewart We are in a spiritual battle. The bible does not soft sell the fact that we have an enemy who seeks to kill, maim and destroy. The bible describes the enemy as a lion seeking to destroy. A lion will roar in order to intimidate and strike fear in his prey. Even those who are not near the lion, can hear the roar and are afraid. Other times, the enemy is like a snake who sneaks up quietly and bites. The piercing is a minor puncture wound. If all we had to deal with was the piercing, we could recover from those wounds quickly. However, the piercing is to deliver the venom. The poison is what does the damage. The poison takes the piercing and makes it terminal. There are many who struggle with the poison long after the piercing; sometimes even years later. The enemy wants the poison to kill. As much as we would like it to not be true, each of us will experience a piercing on life. We will all experience pain in life. If we allow God to do what He wants to do, there can be healing and protection from the poison. The bible says when the enemy comes in like a flood. No if, but when. It also says that the Spirit of the Lord WILL raise up a standard against the enemy. Paul was an innocent man who had been in prison for many years. He continued to witness and minister. Our text is part of a the story about Paul traveling to Rome to stand trial. He is shipwrecked and now washed up on an island. While recovering around a fire, a snake bites him. The men around assume that since these things are happening to Paul that he must be guilty. They stood by waiting to watch him die. Surely the venom of the snake will soon kill him. They soon saw that the same God that kept Paul through the storm, will see him through the snake attack. They realize that something supernatural is happening. God is able to keep His people. There will be piercing but in the midst of the piercing is God’s protection. There is life after the piercing. Joseph’s own family turned against him and sold him into slavery. While in slavery, he is betrayed by Potiphar's wife. In prison he was forgotten by the cup bearer. He finally is raised up more than could ever be imagined. Joseph experienced many piercing, but he know that God had a purpose and a plan and didn’t allow the piercings to change him. He had enough sense to say “I know you meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.” David had pain. Rejected and overlooked by his own family. Hunted by Saul and then by his own son. Never did David become bitter or turn his back on God. He was pierced but not poisoned. Perhaps the greatest example of pierced but not poisoned was Jesus himself. He was literally pierced in his hands, his feet and His side, yet from the cross, He says: Forgive them for they know not what they do. Jesus paid the price so that we do not have to be poisoned. The blood of the lamb is able to counteract any venom that the enemy can inject. The blood still works so that there is no residual bitterness or pain in our spirit. Jesus is the key to being pierced but not poisoned. We are in a spiritual battle. The bible does not soft sell the fact that we have an enemy who seeks to kill, maim and destroy. The bible describes the enemy as a lion seeking to destroy. A lion will roar in order to intimidate and strike fear in his prey. Even those who are not near the lion, can hear the roar and are afraid. Other times, the enemy is like a snake who sneaks up quietly and bites. The piercing is a minor puncture wound. If all we had to deal with was the piercing, we could recover from those wounds quickly. However, the piercing is to deliver the venom. The poison is what does the damage. The poison takes the piercing and makes it terminal. There are many who struggle with the poison long after the piercing; sometimes even years later. The enemy wants the poison to kill. As much as we would like it to not be true, each of us will experience a piercing on life. We will all experience pain in life. If we allow God to do what He wants to do, there can be healing and protection from the poison. The bible says when the enemy comes in like a flood. No if, but when. It also says that the Spirit of the Lord WILL raise up a standard against the enemy. Paul was an innocent man who had been in prison for many years. He continued to witness and minister. Our text is part of a the story about Paul traveling to Rome to stand trial. He is shipwrecked and now washed up on an island. While recovering around a fire, a snake bites him. The men around assume that since these things are happening to Paul that he must be guilty. They stood by waiting to watch him die. Surely the venom of the snake will soon kill him. They soon saw that the same God that kept Paul through the storm, will see him through the snake attack. They realize that something supernatural is happening. God is able to keep His people. There will be piercing but in the midst of the piercing is God’s protection. There is life after the piercing. Joseph’s own family turned against him and sold him into slavery. While in slavery, he is betrayed by Potiphar's wife. In prison he was forgotten by the cup bearer. He finally is raised up more than could ever be imagined. Joseph experienced many piercing, but he know that God had a purpose and a plan and didn’t allow the piercings to change him. He had enough sense to say “I know you meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.” David had pain. Rejected and overlooked by his own family. Hunted by Saul and then by his own son. Never did David become bitter or turn his back on God. He was pierced but not poisoned. Perhaps the greatest example of pierced but not poisoned was Jesus himself. He was literally pierced in his hands, his feet and His side, yet from the cross, He says: Forgive them for they know not what they do. Jesus paid the price so that we do not have to be poisoned. The blood of the lamb is able to counteract any venom that the enemy can inject. The blood still works so that there is no residual bitterness or pain in our spirit. Jesus is the key to being pierced but not poisoned. We are in a spiritual battle. The bible does not soft sell the fact that we have an enemy who seeks to kill, maim and destroy. The bible describes the enemy as a lion seeking to destroy. A lion will roar in order to intimidate and strike fear in his… Tes Stewart 2360 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20682234/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_piercedbutnotpoisoned/id/2619808.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20682234 Pierced, Poisoned, Bitter, Scripture: Acts 28:3-28:6 Sun, 22 May 2016 19:06:12 +0000 Tes Stewart As a group we talk a lot about knowing who Jesus is. The identity of Jesus Christ and our understating of who He is is important. We usually do a good job of this, but we often fall short of undersigned who we are as a child of God. To be used of God in the way He wants, we must understand what we posses as a child of God. The enemy wants to undermine that knowledge. We are strangers in this land. We are to be in the world, but we are not of this world. There is something that separates us. As a stranger in this land, we face a bit of an identity crisis. The world sets certain priorities for life and success, but those are greatly different than God's definition. If the bible says that something that makes us a success, we must follow that. God believes in establishing an identity. If God created it, it was created with a purpose and an identity. The identity must be established before the purpose can be realized. The enemy knows this. If he can confuse our identity, he can thwart God's purpose. The devil knows that he cannot change our view of God. We will always see God as mighty and righteous so the concentrates on convincing us that we are not worthy of God's love. If the enemy can make us doubt who we are, he can make us doubt what we can do. Many people will spend their entire life trying to define themselves. As a child of God we are not defined by our bank account, or our wardrobe, or the kind of car we drive. As a child of God, we are defined by God. The challenge is not to define ourselves, but to identify ourselves with God and His purpose. In Christ, we are more than a conquer. A person with no sense of identity is unstable. If we have no identity, we will be blown by the winds of opinion and emotion. If we know our identity, we know that we are what the word of God says we are. In our text, the babylonians tried to affect their identity. He tried to give them strange foods. He changed their customs. He tried to change their names. Each of these boy’s names were a reference to God and HIs power and might. The babylonian names were all references to pagan gods. These four young men made up in their minds that they knew who they were. These four men stood up and refused to take the king’s meat and drink. They refused to stop praying. They refused to bow to the false god. They knew who the were and their circumstances did not change who they were. The Babylonians forced them to change their names, but when Daniel wrote the story of his life, he refused to give up his identity as s who God said he was. There is something powerful about not letting our reality change our identity. Daniel refused to be redefined, and eventually he went back to what he was: Royalty. Daniel rose again to be ruler of Babylonian as a child of God. Daniel may have been labeled Belteshazzar but he never forgot who he was. We may be wearing a label given to us by the world, but we are still called by God to be something more than what our current circumstances appear to be. No matter our background, no matter our pedigree, God has a purpose for us. Our current circumstance do not dictate that purpose. Our current circumstances to not define who we are. If we identify ourselves as a child of God, we can fulfil the purpose God has for us. can do. Many people will spend their entire life trying to define themselves. As a child of God we are not defined by our bank account, or our wardrobe, or the kind of car we drive. As a child of God, we are defined by God. The challenge is not to define ourselves, but to identify ourselves with God and His purpose. In Christ, we are more than a conquer. A person with no sense of identity is unstable. If we have no identity, we will be blown by the winds of opinion and emotion. If we know our identity, we know that we are what the word of God says we are. In our text, the babylonians tried to affect their identity. He tried to give them strange foods. He changed their customs. He tried to change their names. Each of these boy’s names were a reference to God and HIs power and might. The babylonian names were all references to pagan gods. These four young men made up in their minds that they knew who they were. These four men stood up and refused to take the king’s meat and drink. They refused to stop praying. They refused to bow to the false god. They knew who the were and their circumstances did not change who they were. The Babylonians forced them to change their names, but when Daniel wrote the story of his life, he refused to give up his identity as s who God said he was. There is something powerful about not letting our reality change our identity. Daniel refused to be redefined, and eventually he went back to what he was: Royalty. Daniel rose again to be ruler of Babylonian as a child of God. Daniel may have been labeled a Belteshazzar, slave, but he never forgot who he was. We may be wearing a label given to us by the world, but we are still called by God to be something more than what our current circumstances appear to be. No matter our background, no matter pour pedigree, God has a purpose for us. Our current circumstance do not dictate that purpose. Our current circumstances to not define who we are. If we identify God as a child of God, we can fulfil the purpose God has for us. As a group we talk a lot about knowing who Jesus is. The identity of Jesus Christ and our understating of who He is is important. We usually do a good job of this, but we often fall short of undersigned who we are as a child of God. To be used of God in the way He wants, we must understand what we posses as a child of God. The enemy wants to undermine that knowledge. We are strangers in this land. We are to be in the world, but we are not of this world. There is something that separates us. As a stranger in this land, we face a bit of an identity crisis. The world sets certain priorities for life and success, but those are greatly different than God's definition. If the bible says that something that makes us a success, we must follow that. God believes in establishing an identity. If God created it, it was created with a purpose and an identity. The identity must be established before the purpose can be realized. The enemy knows this. If he can confuse our identity, he can thwart God's purpose. The devil knows that he cannot change our view of God. We will always see God as mighty and righteous so the concentrates on convincing us that we are not worthy of God's love. If the enemy can make us doubt who we are, he can make us doubt what we can do. Many people will spend their entire life trying to define themselves. As a child of God we are not defined by our bank account, or our wardrobe, or the kind of car we drive. As a child of God, we are defined by God. The challenge is not to define ourselves, but to identify ourselves with God and His purpose. In Christ, we are more than a conquer. A person with no sense of identity is unstable. If we have no identity, we will be blown by the winds of opinion and emotion. If we know our identity, we know that we are what the word of God says we are. In our text, the babylonians tried to affect their identity. He tried to give them strange foods. He changed their customs. He tried to change their names. Each of these boy’s names were a reference to God and HIs power and might. The babylonian names were all references to pagan gods. These four young men made up in their minds that they knew who they were. These four men stood up and refused to take the king’s meat and drink. They refused to stop praying. They refused to bow to the false god. They knew who the were and their circumstances did not change who they were. The Babylonians forced them to change their names, but when Daniel wrote the story of his life, he refused to give up his identity as s who God said he was. There is something powerful about not letting our reality change our identity. Daniel refused to be redefined, and eventually he went back to what he was: Royalty. Daniel rose again to be ruler of Babylonian as a child of God. Daniel may have been labeled Belteshazzar but he never forgot who he was. We may be wearing a label given to us by the world, but we are still called by God to be something more than what our current circumstances appear to be. No matter our background, no matter our pedigree, God has a purpose for us. Our current circumstance do not dictate that purpose. Our current circumstances to not define who we are. If we identify ourselves as a child of God, we can fulfil the purpose God has for us. can do. Many people will spend their entire life trying to define themselves. As a child of God we are not defined by our bank account, or our wardrobe, or the kind of car we drive. As a child of God, we are defined by God. The challenge is not to define ourselves, but to identify ourselves with God and His purpose. In Christ, we are more than a conquer. A person with no sense of identity is unstable. If we have no identity, we will be blown by the winds of opinion and emotion. If we know our identity, we know that we are what the word of God says we are. In our text, the babylonians tried to affect their identity. He tried to give them strange foods. He changed their customs. He tried to change their names. Each of these boy’s names were a reference to God and HIs power and might. The babylonian names were all references to pagan gods. These four young men made up in their minds that they knew who they were. These four men stood up and refused to take the king’s meat and drink. They refused to stop praying. They refused to bow to the false god. They knew who the were and their circumstances did not change who they were. The Babylonians forced them to change their names, but when Daniel wrote the story of his life, he refused to give up his identity as s who God said he was. There is something powerful about not letting our reality change our identity. Daniel refused to be redefined, and eventually he went back to what he was: Royalty. Daniel rose again to be ruler of Babylonian as a child of God. Daniel may have been labeled a Belteshazzar, slave, but he never forgot who he was. We may be wearing a label given to us by the world, but we are still called by God to be something more than what our current circumstances appear to be. No matter our background, no matter pour pedigree, God has a purpose for us. Our current circumstance do not dictate that purpose. Our current circumstances to not define who we are. If we identify God as a child of God, we can fulfil the purpose God has for us. As a group we talk a lot about knowing who Jesus is. The identity of Jesus Christ and our understating of who He is is important. We usually do a good job of this, but we often fall short of undersigned who we are as a child of God. To be used of Go… Tes Stewart 2447 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20681591/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_identifyingyourselfinastrangel/id/2619154.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20681591 Scripture: Daniel 1:3-1:7 Thu, 19 May 2016 03:23:33 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is a intimate personal letter to the early church at Colossi. Paul tells them that he was concerned about the environment in Colossi and things that were being added to the church that were not proper. They had fallen into a pattern of teaching that there are things needed in addition to Jesus. Paul's conviction of the preeminence of Christ is evident in this letter. Paul prays that they focus on the priorities according to God, not what the world held out as priorities. Paul prays that they will shun those outside voices and focus on the laws and priorities of God. He says that if they were to receive the word of God, that they could lead a life that was pleasing to God. Bro. Hughes studies the text and identifies seven traits that are pleasing to God. The first is found in verse 4 where he references faith in Christ Jesus. We must have faith in God in order to be pleasing to God. The cornerstone of a life pleasing to God is faith. Secondly Paul references their love for their fellow men. It doesn't matter how much we love God if we do not love one another. It is a love not because they deserve it, but because they need it. Paul goes on to mention that a life the bears fruit is pleasing to God. Fruit is evidence that we are what we say we are. A tree is known by it's fruit. We know that an apple tree is an apple tree because we see apples. We know that a christian is a christian because of the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The forth point was that they grew in the knowledge of God. The paid attention to things that happened in life and how God worked them out. They read and studied the word. The took the word of God into their hearts. Next, Paul talks about endurance. The two words patience and long suffering are often interchangeable, but here they are not. Patience is translated as endurance. It pleases God that when life comes against us, that we face that without complaining and becoming overwhelmed. Long suffering references our relationship with people. It is the quality of sprite that allows us to bear people that are contrary and irritable toward us. It is the concept of loving people despite of their being human. Finally Paul talks about a spirit of thanksgiving; a attitude of gratitude. These seven things mark a life that is pleasing to God. Our text is a intimate personal letter to the early church at Colossi. Paul tells them that he was concerned about the environment in Colossi and things that were being added to the church that were not proper. They had fallen into a pattern of teaching that there are things needed in addition to Jesus. Paul's conviction of the preeminence of Christ is evident in this letter. Paul prays that they focus on the priorities according to God, not what the world held out as priorities. Paul prays that they will shun those outside voices and focus on the laws and priorities of God. He says that if they were to receive the word of God, that they could lead a life that was pleasing to God. Bro. Hughes studies the text and identifies seven traits that are pleasing to God. The first is found in verse 4 where he references faith in Christ Jesus. We must have faith in God in order to be pleasing to God. The cornerstone of a life pleasing to God is faith. Secondly Paul references their love for their fellow men. It doesn't matter how much we love God if we do not love one another. It is a love not because they deserve it, but because they need it. Paul goes on to mention that a life the bears fruit is pleasing to God. Fruit is evidence that we are what we say we are. A tree is known by it's fruit. We know that an apple tree is an apple tree because we see apples. We know that a christian is a christian because of the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The forth point was that they grew in the knowledge of God. The paid attention to things that happened in life and how God worked them out. They read and studied the word. The took the word of God into their hearts. Next, Paul talks about endurance. The two words patience and long suffering are often interchangeable, but here they are not. Patience is translated as endurance. It pleases God that when life comes against us, that we face that without complaining and becoming overwhelmed. Long suffering references our relationship with people. It is the quality of sprite that allows us to bear people that are contrary and irritable toward us. It is the concept of loving people despite of their being human. Finally Paul talks about a spirit of thanksgiving; a attitude of gratitude. These seven things mark a life that is pleasing to God. Our text is a intimate personal letter to the early church at Colossi. Paul tells them that he was concerned about the environment in Colossi and things that were being added to the church that were not proper. They had fallen into a pattern of teac… Mark Hughes 2846 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20679223/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_alifethatpleasesgod/id/2617055.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20679223 Scripture: Colossians 1:1-1:11 Wed, 18 May 2016 02:04:15 +0000 Tes Stewart God is still in the revival business. David says even through I walk through the valley, thou are with me. David knew what it meant for God to say there would be revival. If not for a God that could revive, David's story would have had a great start but he would died as a murderer and adulterer. Sampson had a great start, then spectacular failure. Thanks to revival, God lifted up Sampson up to his greatest success at the end of his days. Revival is often a misunderstood concept. We talk about revival as a group event: "We are having revival at church" We witness a great move over a large area and that is great. But personal revival should be a more common occurrence in our life. We must look in the mirror and take stock of our own spiritual lives. We all are in a battle. The enemy will come against us at the time when we are doing the best. We can look around at the pews in church and see the vacant seats where the enemy has attacked and picked warriors off in the battle. Sometimes the entire spiritual man is lost in the battle, but more often it is parts of the spiritual man that are lost. For these wounded saints, personal revival is the remedy. God can revive our joy. God can revive our strength. God can revive our peace. God can revive our passion. Personal revival is the ability to bring back those things lost in the battle. There are two simple laws for personal revival. Our text takes Ezekiel to a valley of dry bones. After God shows him how bad the situation is and then asks him a question: Can these bones live? The first law of revival is this: If it lived once, it can live again. It doesn't matter what the world says, it doesn't matter what our flesh says, if it lived once, God says it can live again. Many times in life, situations go beyond just being dead. Sometimes they have been dead for so long that we cannot comprehend how it can live again. The question was not can these bodies be revived, but can these BONES live. Ezekiel had to have the faith that God could revive those bones. If I lived once, allow God to speak it to life again. It doesn't matter how dead it is, it can live again. The second law of revival determines if revival continues. We go through cycles of revival: Things get better, and then fall back to a low point. We must move on beyond this up and down cycle. The story goes on to tell Ezekiel to speak to the bones. When he spoke, things began to happen. The broken and scattered bones began to reconnect, and then muscles and tissue began to form on the dry bones. After they reconnected, the bodies were still dead. There were three miracles, but they were still dead. The second law of revival is that it is not revival until it lives again. It isn't revival until we are back on our feat and breathing again. The enemy will try to sabotage what God is doing and try to convince us that we do not deserve what He is doing. A valley of well put together dead bodies is not enough. Even with the miracles, if that is all that happens, the decay process will begin again until the bones will again be dry and scattered. Revival is not complete until God breaths life into our life. The enemy has too many convinced that all we can hope for is partial restoration, but God wants to breath life back into a reconstructed life. The bible tells us that the dry bones reconnected and became an exceeding great army. For that to happen, they had to enter the valley as an exceeding great army. These great men died in the valley. Even those who are exceeding great can have a valley experience where there is death and decay. But God can breath life into even a dead situation and restore it again to an exceeding great situation. That restored army became an exceeding great testimony. It doesn't matter how it was lost, God can restore it. God is still in the revival business. David says even through I walk through the valley, thou are with me. David knew what it meant for God to say there would be revival. If not for a God that could revive, David's story would have had a great start but he would died as a murderer and adulterer. Sampson had a great start, then spectacular failure. Thanks to revival, God lifted up Sampson up to his greatest success at the end of his days. Revival is often a misunderstood concept. We talk about revival as a group event: "We are having revival at church" We witness a great move over a large area and that is great. But personal revival should be a more common occurrence in our life. We must look in the mirror and take stock of our own spiritual lives. We all are in a battle. The enemy will come against us at the time when we are doing the best. We can look around at the pews in church and see the vacant seats where the enemy has attacked and picked warriors off in the battle. Sometimes the entire spiritual man is lost in the battle, but more often it is parts of the spiritual man that are lost. For these wounded saints, personal revival is the remedy. God can revive our joy. God can revive our strength. God can revive our peace. God can revive our passion. Personal revival is the ability to bring back those things lost in the battle. There are two simple laws for personal revival. Our text takes Ezekiel to a valley of dry bones. After God shows him how bad the situation is and then asks him a question: Can these bones live? The first law of revival is this: If it lived once, it can live again. It doesn't matter what the world says, it doesn't matter what our flesh says, if it lived once, God says it can live again. Many times in life, situations go beyond just being dead. Sometimes they have been dead for so long that we cannot comprehend how it can live again. The question was not can these bodies be revived, but can these BONES live. Ezekiel had to have the faith that God could revive those bones. If I lived once, allow God to speak it to life again. It doesn't matter how dead it is, it can live again. The second law of revival determines if revival continues. We go through cycles of revival: Things get better, and then fall back to a low point. We must move on beyond this up and down cycle. The story goes on to tell Ezekiel to speak to the bones. When he spoke, things began to happen. The broken and scattered bones began to reconnect, and then muscles and tissue began to form on the dry bones. After they reconnected, the bodies were still dead. There were three miracles, but they were still dead. The second law of revival is that it is not revival until it lives again. It isn't revival until we are back on our feat and breathing again. The enemy will try to sabotage what God is doing and try to convince us that we do not deserve what He is doing. A valley of well put together dead bodies is not enough. Even with the miracles, if that is all that happens, the decay process will begin again until the bones will again be dry and scattered. Revival is not complete until God breaths life into our life. The enemy has too many convinced that all we can hope for is partial restoration, but God wants to breath life back into a reconstructed life. The bible tells us that the dry bones reconnected and became an exceeding great army. For that to happen, they had to enter the valley as an exceeding great army. These great men died in the valley. Even those who are exceeding great can have a valley experience where there is death and decay. But God can breath life into even a dead situation and restore it again to an exceeding great situation. That restored army became an exceeding great testimony. It doesn't matter how it was lost, God can restore it. God is still in the revival business. David says even through I walk through the valley, thou are with me. David knew what it meant for God to say there would be revival. If not for a God that could revive, David's story would have had a great start… Tes Stewart 2511 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20678583/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_twolawsofrevival/id/2616462.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20678583 Revival, Live again, Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-37:10 Sun, 15 May 2016 19:51:36 +0000 Kenneth Baker The day of Pentecost is not the birth of a denominational religion. It is a continuation of the work that Jesus had begun in His earthly ministry. His work continues in the body of the church. There are some that try to explain away Acts 2 as something other than what it was. What happened in that upper room was not the recount of a historical event. There are many examples in the New Testament that demonstrate God pouring out His spirit onto His people. The bible says that the events on the day of Pentecost caused a great stir. All those present ask the question what does this mean? Peter answered with a powerful message. The same divine experience today as those men did then. God's promise is present tense. It can happen today. He will do what He said he would do. What happened in Acts 2, He wants to do for His people today. It means that He is active and living in our hearts and lives through His spirit. There is one word that can define the whole Pentecostal experience: Change. All who witnessed the events that day were changed, as we are when God's spirit enters our hearts. Skeptics are changed, doubters are changed, sinners are changed. The powerful outpouring of the Holy Ghost produces change. This same spirit that moved on the day of Pentecost moved on Genesis 1 when God moved to create the world. What God did for the cosmos thousands of years ago, He wants to do today. He moved and brought light and life. His spirit moves in us and brings a new kind of life. God's spirit moved with purpose, and He still wants to move with purpose in our life. The promise of Acts 2 continued in Acts 19 and continues to this day. The day of Pentecost is not the birth of a denominational religion. It is a continuation of the work that Jesus had begun in His earthly ministry. His work continues in the body of the church. There are some that try to explain away Acts 2 as something other than what it was. What happened in that upper room was not the recount of a historical event. There are many examples in the New Testament that demonstrate God pouring out His spirit onto His people. The bible says that the events on the day of Pentecost caused a great stir. All those present ask the question what does this mean? Peter answered with a powerful message. The same divine experience today as those men did then. God's promise is present tense. It can happen today. He will do what He said he would do. What happened in Acts 2, He wants to do for His people today. It means that He is active and living in our hearts and lives through His spirit. There is one word that can define the whole Pentecostal experience: Change. All who witnessed the events that day were changed, as we are when God's spirit enters our hearts. Skeptics are changed, doubters are changed, sinners are changed. The powerful outpouring of the Holy Ghost produces change. This same spirit that moved on the day of Pentecost moved on Genesis 1 when God moved to create the world. What God did for the cosmos thousands of years ago, He wants to do today. He moved and brought light and life. His spirit moves in us and brings a new kind of life. God's spirit moved with purpose, and He still wants to move with purpose in our life. The promise of Acts 2 continued in Acts 19 and continues to this day. The day of Pentecost is not the birth of a denominational religion. It is a continuation of the work that Jesus had begun in His earthly ministry. His work continues in the body of the church. There are some that try to explain away Acts 2 as someth… Kenneth Baker 2106 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20676446/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_aquestionthatdeservesananswer/id/2614251.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20676446 Holy Ghost; Pentecost; Promise Thu, 12 May 2016 02:25:05 +0000 Landon Long Idle is not working or being used. It is not having any worth or purpose. In terms of worship, it is something that is empty. God has a problem with idle worship. We see evidence of idle worship as early as the book of Genesis, Cain and Able both brought an offering, but one was empty and void of true commitment. Humans are creatures of habit. It is all too easy to go through the motions of worship, but not have our heart in it. We fall into a routine: we sing the songs, we offer a luke warm prayer and then listen to a message. All the elements are there, but it is empty. it is idle worship. How does one remain idle. One way is the feeling that it is good enough to not be bad. Our text tells us that not only should we not do bad, but must do good. Not doing what we know to be right, is just as sinful as being bad. It is not enough to not be bad, we must do good. People live by "thou shalt not." Idleness will keep us from heaven. Jesus cursed a fig tree not because it bore bad fruit, but because it did not produce fruit at all. In Matthew 22 a pharisee challenges Jesus: what is the greatest commandment in the law. Rather than replying with a thou shalt not; Jesus responds with Thou SHALT love the Lord with all your heart. It is not good enough to love the Lord, we must love the Lord with ALL our heart. In our text a pharisee invites Jesus to his home for dinner. During dinner, a woman comes and begins to minister to Jesus. She was worshiping and it got in the way of the pharisee's plan. Jesus is quick to point out that the woman was worshiping while the religious leader was offering idle worship. What is the cure for idle worship? What is the cure of emptiness. The cure for emptiness is fullness. The cure for idle worship is full worship. Worship is a spiritual discipline. We worship when things are good and we worship when things are bad. Worship is not about us; worship is about Him. We cannot live for God and be an idle worshiper. Worship is more than noise and sound. Worship is substance. God can do all things, but the one thing He cannot do is worship Himself. That is why He desires our worship. Lord, forgive me of my idle worship. Idle is not working or being used. It is not having any worth or purpose. In terms of worship, it is something that is empty. God has a problem with idle worship. We see evidence of idle worship as early as the book of Genesis, Cain and Able both brought an offering, but one was empty and void of true commitment. Humans are creatures of habit. It is all too easy to go through the motions of worship, but not have our heart in it. We fall into a routine: we sing the songs, we offer a luke warm prayer and then listen to a message. All the elements are there, but it is empty. it is idle worship. How does one remain idle. One way is the feeling that it is good enough to not be bad. Our text tells us that not only should we not do bad, but must do good. Not doing what we know to be right, is just as sinful as being bad. It is not enough to not be bad, we must do good. People live by "thou shalt not." Idleness will keep us from heaven. Jesus cursed a fig tree not because it bore bad fruit, but because it did not produce fruit at all. In Matthew 22 a pharisee challenges Jesus: what is the greatest commandment in the law. Rather than replying with a thou shalt not; Jesus responds with Thou SHALT love the Lord with all your heart. It is not good enough to love the Lord, we must love the Lord with ALL our heart. In our text a pharisee invites Jesus to his home for dinner. During dinner, a woman comes and begins to minister to Jesus. She was worshiping and it got in the way of the pharisee's plan. Jesus is quick to point out that the woman was worshiping while the religious leader was offering idle worship. What is the cure for idle worship? What is the cure of emptiness. The cure for emptiness is fullness. The cure for idle worship is full worship. Worship is a spiritual discipline. We worship when things are good and we worship when things are bad. Worship is not about us; worship is about Him. We cannot live for God and be an idle worshiper. Worship is more than noise and sound. Worship is substance. God can do all things, but the one thing He cannot do is worship Himself. That is why He desires our worship. Lord, forgive me of my idle worship. Idle is not working or being used. It is not having any worth or purpose. In terms of worship, it is something that is empty. God has a problem with idle worship. We see evidence of idle worship as early as the book of Genesis, Cain and Able both b… Landon Long 1964 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20674072/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_forgivemeofmyidleworship/id/2612040.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20674072 Empty, Void, Scripture: Luke 7:36-7:46, Matthew 15:8-15 Sun, 08 May 2016 20:47:06 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is from a time when Israel was in a deep spiritual darkness. They were defeated and scattered. Our text says that there was not a man in Israel that had the courage to stand against the conditions that were against them. They had literally come to the edge of their existence. They were weak and without leadership. They were under the rule of a king that did not know or respect God. No one was capable or willing to do anything about it. It was not until Deborah arose, that any progress was made. Deborah was an amazing woman. She lived 3200 years ago, but her impact is felt to this day. She allowed herself to be used by God to make a difference. Everything in culture and society was against her becoming the leader that she became. She helped Israel to rise up and throw off the chains of slavery. She brought the people of God back to God and restored a sense of courage and purpose to her people. Her life is a testament that one life int he hands of God can turn a world upside down. Deborah awakened a determination to be free. When she rose up against the enemy of Israel they were defeated and for 40 years Israel knew peace. Mothers fill a role that none other can fill. They sing a song that none other can sing. There is no indication int he bible that Deborah had any children in the biological sense, however she gave birth to several things in her time. She gave birth to hope among her people. She gave birth to courage. She gave birth to a renewed faith. She gave birth to better things. Finally she gave birth to praise. Because of her faith, she could sing before the battle started as well as she could after the victory was won. Our text is from a time when Israel was in a deep spiritual darkness. They were defeated and scattered. Our text says that there was not a man in Israel that had the courage to stand against the conditions that were against them. They had literally come to the edge of their existence. They were weak and without leadership. They were under the rule of a king that did not know or respect God. No one was capable or willing to do anything about it. It was not until Deborah arose, that any progress was made. Deborah was an amazing woman. She lived 3200 years ago, but her impact is felt to this day. She allowed herself to be used by God to make a difference. Everything in culture and society was against her becoming the leader that she became. She helped Israel to rise up and throw off the chains of slavery. She brought the people of God back to God and restored a sense of courage and purpose to her people. Her life is a testament that one life int he hands of God can turn a world upside down. Deborah awakened a determination to be free. When she rose up against the enemy of Israel they were defeated and for 40 years Israel knew peace. Mothers fill a role that none other can fill. They sing a song that none other can sing. There is no indication int he bible that Deborah had any children in the biological sense, however she gave birth to several things in her time. She gave birth to hope among her people. She gave birth to courage. She gave birth to a renewed faith. She gave birth to better things. Finally she gave birth to praise. Because of her faith, she could sing before the battle started as well as she could after the victory was won. Our text is from a time when Israel was in a deep spiritual darkness. They were defeated and scattered. Our text says that there was not a man in Israel that had the courage to stand against the conditions that were against them. They had literally … Mark Hughes 2277 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20671483/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wherearethemothersofisrael/id/2609454.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20671483 Leadership; Drive, Purpose, Scripture: Judges 5:1-5:12 Wed, 04 May 2016 01:46:01 +0000 Mark Hughes We often celebrate the blessing of God. Our worship is centered about how God has healed, saved, kept, protected or otherwise blessed us. Our services are a celebration of what He has done. The grave couldn't hold Him, the devil couldn't stop him. We make much about the power of God. We are drawn to His ministry of reconciliation. We who were once lost, are now saved. He erased all of our failures, sins and shortcomings to balance the ledger of our life. We worship Him for being the way maker. We rejoice in Him for healing. He is our deliverer. He has saved us from impossible situations from which we could not escape on our own. We are thankful for all these things. We preach and worship for all the attractive things of Christ; the love, peace, deliverance, help in times of distress and healing. Often we do not remember what it took to bring Him to the place where He could do all those things. The gory side of glory is not something that we like to preach about. Some churches do not even mention the blood, the cross or the Crucifixion. The reason we can praise, worship and rejoice is because there was a gory side of glory. He had to endure the cross so we could enjoy the blessings we have. What did reconciliation cost? He suffered so that we did not have to suffer. Before He could be attractive to us, He had to suffer the unattractive. Calvary as an awkward place. It is a bald ugly knob of rock. It was at this place, that many a destroyed life was ended. It was on this hill that Jesus was lifted on the most horrible way to torture and kill a human. It was painful. It was a long agonizing death. He did it for us. He did not deserve this fate. The crowd yelled that He got what he deserved. Isiah tells us that He didn't' get what He deserved, He got what we deserved. Jesus was pierced for our rebellion, He was beaten so we could be whole. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter with out a word. He who was blameless suffered a criminal's death for us. The reason we are all here is because of a place called Calvary. The reason we enjoy worship; the reason we even have a church is because He paid the price. Jesus paid a debt that He did not owe. Does our worship reflect that? Does our praise justify the cost? He did it willingly so we could be saved. Is our life worth the gory side of glory? We often celebrate the blessing of God. Our worship is centered about how God has healed, saved, kept, protected or otherwise blessed us. Our services are a celebration of what He has done. The grave couldn't hold Him, the devil couldn't stop him. We make much about the power of God. We are drawn to His ministry of reconciliation. We who were once lost, are now saved. He erased all of our failures, sins and shortcomings to balance the ledger of our life. We worship Him for being the way maker. We rejoice in Him for healing. He is our deliverer. He has saved us from impossible situations from which we could not escape on our own. We are thankful for all these things. We preach and worship for all the attractive things of Christ; the love, peace, deliverance, help in times of distress and healing. Often we do not remember what it took to bring Him to the place where He could do all those things. The gory side of glory is not something that we like to preach about. Some churches do not even mention the blood, the cross or the Crucifixion. The reason we can praise, worship and rejoice is because there was a gory side of glory. He had to endure the cross so we could enjoy the blessings we have. What did reconciliation cost? He suffered so that we did not have to suffer. Before He could be attractive to us, He had to suffer the unattractive. Calvary as an awkward place. It is a bald ugly knob of rock. It was at this place, that many a destroyed life was ended. It was on this hill that Jesus was lifted on the most horrible way to torture and kill a human. It was painful. It was a long agonizing death. He did it for us. He did not deserve this fate. The crowd yelled that He got what he deserved. Isiah tells us that He didn't' get what He deserved, He got what we deserved. Jesus was pierced for our rebellion, He was beaten so we could be whole. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter with out a word. He who was blameless suffered a criminal's death for us. The reason we are all here is because of a place called Calvary. The reason we enjoy worship; the reason we even have a church is because He paid the price. Jesus paid a debt that He did not owe. Does our worship reflect that? Does our praise justify the cost? He did it willingly so we could be saved. Is our life worth the gory side of glory? We often celebrate the blessing of God. Our worship is centered about how God has healed, saved, kept, protected or otherwise blessed us. Our services are a celebration of what He has done. The grave couldn't hold Him, the devil couldn't stop him. … Mark Hughes 1982 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20668363/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegorysideofglory/id/2606848.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20668363 The Cross; Calvary; suffering; paid the price Sun, 01 May 2016 19:51:53 +0000 Kenneth Baker The book A tale of two cites begins: "It was the best of times; it was the worst of times." Our texts is an illustration of this: In the last days, perilous times will come and in Acts and in the end days God shall pour out His spirit. We live in a time that can easily be described by the end time prophecies. We live in a world where people's opinions come to be know as truth. One in three teens are victims of physical or sexual abuse. 90% of boys and 60% of girls are exposed to pornography by the time they are 18. We live in a time where 3000 babies are aborted every day. We live in a time when the teenagers are active in church, but twenty somethings are not. There is a 43% drop off of teenagers who are active in the church to young adults who are active in the church. We live in perilous times. There are nine simple words penned by a shepherd: This is the day that the Lord has made. God made the day that the blind was healed, but He also made the day that the blindness came. The day in which we live, social media rules the day. If it were a country, Facebook would be the fourth largest in the world. We hear what everyone has to say and their opinions. The question is: what is Jesus' opinion? How can we shut out all the voices and listen to Jesus? The bible says let not your heart be troubled. How can we look at our live and expect to not let our heart be troubled? Does He understand what we are dealing with? Yes He does and He provides a protection for those things that come against us. The 23 Psalm lays out God’s protection. Bro. Willis uses our young people to plainly illustrate how God protects us from the enemy who would do us harm. The answer to the dramatic drop off of young people from the church can be addressed by prayer and faithfulness. These young people are at risk. That , and we must stay in the hedge. The book A tale of two cites begins: "It was the best of times; it was the worst of times." Our texts is an illustration of this: In the last days, perilous times will come and in Acts and in the end days God shall pour out His spirit. We live in a time that can easily be described by the end time prophecies. We live in a world where people's opinions come to be know as truth. One in three teens are victims of physical or sexual abuse. 90% of boys and 60% of girls are exposed to pornography by the time they are 18. We live in a time where 3000 babies are aborted every day. We live in a time when the teenagers are active in church, but twenty somethings are not. There is a 43% drop off of teenagers who are active in the church to young adults who are active in the church. We live in perilous times. There are nine simple words penned by a shepherd: This is the day that the Lord has made. God made the day that the blind was healed, but He also made the day that the blindness came. The day in which we live, social media rules the day. If it were a country, Facebook would be the fourth largest in the world. We hear what everyone has to say and their opinions. The question is: what is Jesus' opinion? How can we shut out all the voices and listen to Jesus? The bible says let not your heart be troubled. How can we look at our live and expect to not let our heart be troubled? Does He understand what we are dealing with? Yes He does and He provides a protection for those things that come against us. The 23 Psalm lays out God’s protection. Bro. Willis uses our young people to plainly illustrate how God protects us from the enemy who would do us harm. The answer to the dramatic drop off of young people from the church can be addressed by prayer and faithfulness. These young people are at risk. That , and we must stay in the hedge. The book A tale of two cites begins: "It was the best of times; it was the worst of times." Our texts is an illustration of this: In the last days, perilous times will come and in Acts and in the end days God shall pour out His spirit. We live in a… Kenneth Baker 2661 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20666320/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_stayinthehedge/id/2604690.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20666320 Protection, faithfulness Mon, 25 Apr 2016 02:51:16 +0000 Mark Hughes God created us for relationships. Something inside each of us desires a connection with others. True friendships in life will multiply our joys and divide our sorrows. Friends are people who will see us through the most difficult problems. Friendship is the cement that will hold the worth together. There are some friends in life are closer than blood family. A friend is someone who loves at all times. Our text says that there is a friend.... It is not a question or a supposition. It is a statement: There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. He is there. We do not need to wonder if He is there, He accepts and affirms us. There is a story in Mark 2 about four men who took their friend to see Jesus. We do not know much about the man other than he was unable to move because of a palsy. We do not know if he was born with it, or it came on him. All we know is that he was that he was paralyzed and that he had one thing going for him: his friends. When we are paralyzed by the effects of life, we all need friends who can pick us up when we are down. We all need friends like this man had. These men didn't know how to help him, but they knew where to take him. They were concerned about him and his condition and saw more for himself than even he did. They picked him up and took him into the presence of the Lord. This story illustrates four friends we all need in life. We all need a friend called encouragement. We all need a friend called determination. We all need a friend called hope. We all need a friend called forgiveness. The paralytic in our story had friends. But more than that, his friends took him into the presence of the greatest friend ever. Jesus is a friend who does not condemn. Jesus is a friend who will encourage. Jesus is a friend who will see beyond our faults and address our needs. There is a friend who will stick closer than a brother and His name is Jesus! God created us for relationships. Something inside each of us desires a connection with others. True friendships in life will multiply our joys and divide our sorrows. Friends are people who will see us through the most difficult problems. Friendship is the cement that will hold the worth together. There are some friends in life are closer than blood family. A friend is someone who loves at all times. Our text says that there is a friend.... It is not a question or a supposition. It is a statement: There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. He is there. We do not need to wonder if He is there, He accepts and affirms us. There is a story in Mark 2 about four men who took their friend to see Jesus. We do not know much about the man other than he was unable to move because of a palsy. We do not know if he was born with it, or it came on him. All we know is that he was that he was paralyzed and that he had one thing going for him: his friends. When we are paralyzed by the effects of life, we all need friends who can pick us up when we are down. We all need friends like this man had. These men didn't know how to help him, but they knew where to take him. They were concerned about him and his condition and saw more for himself than even he did. They picked him up and took him into the presence of the Lord. This story illustrates four friends we all need in life. We all need a friend called encouragement. We all need a friend called determination. We all need a friend called hope. We all need a friend called forgiveness. The paralytic in our story had friends. But more than that, his friends took him into the presence of the greatest friend ever. Jesus is a friend who does not condemn. Jesus is a friend who will encourage. Jesus is a friend who will see beyond our faults and address our needs. There is a friend who will stick closer than a brother and His name is Jesus! God created us for relationships. Something inside each of us desires a connection with others. True friendships in life will multiply our joys and divide our sorrows. Friends are people who will see us through the most difficult problems. Friendsh… Mark Hughes 2090 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20661442/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thereisafriend/id/2600163.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20661442 Scripture: Proverbs 18:24-18, Mark 2:1-2:12 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 02:14:34 +0000 Kenneth Baker Dr. James Hughes: Wednesday Evening Bible Study Dr. James Hughes: Wednesday Evening Bible Study Dr. James Hughes: Wednesday Evening Bible Study… Kenneth Baker 3148 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20661415/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_learningtoreoicenomatterwherey/id/2600127.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20661415 Learning to rejoice no matter where you are Mon, 18 Apr 2016 03:15:27 +0000 Kenneth Baker We can find strength when we see others who have faced great adversity and survived. It is inspiring to know that if others can make it, so can we. In the life of Jesus, we see that He faced many challenging and threatening situations. The way He faced these situations are an inspiration to us. Jesus begins John chapter 14 by saying "Let not your heart be troubled." Knowing what he was to face, to open with these words are a statement of great courage. The last two verses in this chapter is particularly inspiring. Jesus was eating the Passover supper and Judas was already on his way to betray Him. Knowing all this, there is nothing in Jesus' remarks that show distress or fainting before the challenge before Him. After saying all He had to say, He confidently says "Arise, let us go." Jesus chose to arise and go to what was facing Him rather than waiting for it to come to Him. In the upper room, Jesus was in a comfortable setting surrounded by disciples who loved Him. Most of us would have stayed in that safe environment. But Jesus did not stay there because His purpose was not in an upper room; His purpose was on the cross. There are times in life when we have to get up and face whatever it is out there and move on. We have to move from our safe comfortable environment, and face the challenge before us. Our text says not only did He get up, it shows that Jesus was not afraid to face His future. Jesus knew that the next few days would not be the end. It was simply a transition to the future. He was willing to accept what is rather than revel in what was. Jesus rose to face the future because He knew that He would eventually be triumphant over death and sin. In this text we see Jesus moving forward. He was not running from His problems, but accepting what was and facing it head on. Too many people are not facing what is. The want to go back to what was, but life does not work that way. Jesus was not afraid of what is. He knew that He would never know the victory of resurrection until He felt the shame of the cross and the bitter taste of death. Sometimes in life we have to taste the bitter, before we taste the better. Jesus did not hesitate or waver. He wasn't panicking. He simply got up to face what was before Him. Jesus refused to turn back. We cannot turn back either. There are two things in our text that show us why Jesus did what He did. First he faced death and the cross for love. Not the mushy, self centered love that our world defines, but for the self-less love of others. He got up not because his flesh wanted to, but because you and I needed Him to. His love for us motivated Him to go out the door. Secondly, He did it for the sake of duty. Sense of duty is increasing a strange concept to the world. A duty is something that we do because we are supposed to.; it is the right thing to do. Jesus said "God told me to, and I will do it." There are things we must do for God not because we want to, but because He told us to. There is no self interest in what Jesus did. Jesus died for us because it needed to be done and no one else could do it. Sometimes God gives reasons for what He requires of us, but sometimes the only reason is "because I said so." How the world would be so different if people would do things because it is their duty. We do not have the option to not love people. We have a duty to show the love of God wherever we go. This is not based on our feelings or emotions. God said to love one another. Those are words to live by. We can find strength when we see others who have faced great adversity and survived. It is inspiring to know that if others can make it, so can we. In the life of Jesus, we see that He faced many challenging and threatening situations. The way He faced these situations are an inspiration to us. Jesus begins John chapter 14 by saying "Let not your heart be troubled." Knowing what he was to face, to open with these words are a statement of great courage. The last two verses in this chapter is particularly inspiring. Jesus was eating the Passover supper and Judas was already on his way to betray Him. Knowing all this, there is nothing in Jesus' remarks that show distress or fainting before the challenge before Him. After saying all He had to say, He confidently says "Arise, let us go." Jesus chose to arise and go to what was facing Him rather than waiting for it to come to Him. In the upper room, Jesus was in a comfortable setting surrounded by disciples who loved Him. Most of us would have stayed in that safe environment. But Jesus did not stay there because His purpose was not in an upper room; His purpose was on the cross. There are times in life when we have to get up and face whatever it is out there and move on. We have to move from our safe comfortable environment, and face the challenge before us. Our text says not only did He get up, it shows that Jesus was not afraid to face His future. Jesus knew that the next few days would not be the end. It was simply a transition to the future. He was willing to accept what is rather than revel in what was. Jesus rose to face the future because He knew that He would eventually be triumphant over death and sin. In this text we see Jesus moving forward. He was not running from His problems, but accepting what was and facing it head on. Too many people are not facing what is. The want to go back to what was, but life does not work that way. Jesus was not afraid of what is. He knew that He would never know the victory of resurrection until He felt the shame of the cross and the bitter taste of death. Sometimes in life we have to taste the bitter, before we taste the better. Jesus did not hesitate or waver. He wasn't panicking. He simply got up to face what was before Him. Jesus refused to turn back. We cannot turn back either. There are two things in our text that show us why Jesus did what He did. First he faced death and the cross for love. Not the mushy, self centered love that our world defines, but for the self-less love of others. He got up not because his flesh wanted to, but because you and I needed Him to. His love for us motivated Him to go out the door. Secondly, He did it for the sake of duty. Sense of duty is increasing a strange concept to the world. A duty is something that we do because we are supposed to.; it is the right thing to do. Jesus said "God told me to, and I will do it." There are things we must do for God not because we want to, but because He told us to. There is no self interest in what Jesus did. Jesus died for us because it needed to be done and no one else could do it. Sometimes God gives reasons for what He requires of us, but sometimes the only reason is "because I said so." How the world would be so different if people would do things because it is their duty. We do not have the option to not love people. We have a duty to show the love of God wherever we go. This is not based on our feelings or emotions. God said to love one another. Those are words to live by. We can find strength when we see others who have faced great adversity and survived. It is inspiring to know that if others can make it, so can we. In the life of Jesus, we see that He faced many challenging and threatening situations. The way He fa… Kenneth Baker 2127 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20656180/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wordstoliveby/id/2595095.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20656180 Courage, Duty, Love Sun, 17 Apr 2016 19:40:51 +0000 Mark Hughes A recent research study concluded that 70% of Americans have no living hero. Other research conducted some time ago ask middle school students to identify who they aspired to be like. Most of them mentioned celebrities or athletes. There were no doctor's, astronauts, lawyers, archtiects or other professions. All the top answers were actors or entertainers or athletes. These students looked up to stars, not heros. In a world that looks to celebrity not heros, Bro. Hughes uses Hebrews 11 to help identify true heros in our society. Comic books and movies have set the stage that a hero has to have super powers and wear a cape. Do we need a cape to be a hero? The fact is that there are real heros among us daily. Police, Fire, EMS and military personnel do things every day that are worthy of honor. A real hero is one who sacrifices in a selfless effort help others. Real heros help others and expects nothing in return. A real hero is one who is brave and courageous when others would shrink away. James Bonham was a figure from Texas history that few know. He was in the Alamo when it was under siege. James left the Alamo and slipped through enemy lines to go for help. Help was denied. James Bonham traveled the 95 miles though the enemy lines to return to the Alamo to fight with the other men. None of them survived. He could have easily stayed in Goliad, but he chose to go back and fight with the men who remained in the doomed Alamo. The sound of the horse hoof-beats returning to the Alamo call to each of us to put aside our desires for the greater cause of good. Daily men and women put on uniforms to go to a job to provide service to our community not knowing what the day will hold. They go to these jobs with the knowledge that they may not come home that night. These men and women are real life heros. Heros are people who show up no matter what. What does a real hero look like? The bible has many examples. In Hebrews 11 we find a condensed list of them. Each person listed simply wanted to make a difference in life. They were consistently loyal to their service to God. Though some of them failed, they did not allow their failure to become an excuse. They lost possessions, had to leave their families, suffered setbacks, but each pressed on in the service to God. The qualities that make real heros are not their looks, their voice, their costume or a catchy name. Real heros are made by meekness, courage, mercy, boldness, sacrifice and loyalty. We need to redefine what it is to be a hero. We must shake off the world's definition and embrace God's definition. We celebrate those who really make a difference in our community. A hero is one who is seeks after God even in the face of worldy opposition. That is a real life hero. A recent research study concluded that 70% of Americans have no living hero. Other research conducted some time ago ask middle school students to identify who they aspired to be like. Most of them mentioned celebrities or athletes. There were no doctor's, astronauts, lawyers, archtiects or other professions. All the top answers were actors or entertainers or athletes. These students looked up to stars, not heros. In a world that looks to celebrity not heros, Bro. Hughes uses Hebrews 11 to help identify true heros in our society. Comic books and movies have set the stage that a hero has to have super powers and wear a cape. Do we need a cape to be a hero? The fact is that there are real heros among us daily. Police, Fire, EMS and military personnel do things every day that are worthy of honor. A real hero is one who sacrifices in a selfless effort help others. Real heros help others and expects nothing in return. A real hero is one who is brave and courageous when others would shrink away. James Bonham was a figure from Texas history that few know. He was in the Alamo when it was under siege. James left the Alamo and slipped through enemy lines to go for help. Help was denied. James Bonham traveled the 95 miles though the enemy lines to return to the Alamo to fight with the other men. None of them survived. He could have easily stayed in Goliad, but he chose to go back and fight with the men who remained in the doomed Alamo. The sound of the horse hoof-beats returning to the Alamo call to each of us to put aside our desires for the greater cause of good. Daily men and women put on uniforms to go to a job to provide service to our community not knowing what the day will hold. They go to these jobs with the knowledge that they may not come home that night. These men and women are real life heros. Heros are people who show up no matter what. What does a real hero look like? The bible has many examples. In Hebrews 11 we find a condensed list of them. Each person listed simply wanted to make a difference in life. They were consistently loyal to their service to God. Though some of them failed, they did not allow their failure to become an excuse. They lost possessions, had to leave their families, suffered setbacks, but each pressed on in the service to God. The qualities that make real heros are not their looks, their voice, their costume or a catchy name. Real heros are made by meekness, courage, mercy, boldness, sacrifice and loyalty. We need to redefine what it is to be a hero. We must shake off the world's definition and embrace God's definition. We celebrate those who really make a difference in our community. A hero is one who is seeks after God even in the face of worldy opposition. That is a real life hero. A recent research study concluded that 70% of Americans have no living hero. Other research conducted some time ago ask middle school students to identify who they aspired to be like. Most of them mentioned celebrities or athletes. There were no doc… Mark Hughes 1831 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20655555/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_reallifeheros/id/2594456.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20655555 Hero, Sacrifice, Loyalty, Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-12:4 Tue, 12 Apr 2016 01:37:17 +0000 Kenneth Baker Education is a key to success in life. The older we get, the wiser we realize our teachers were. All of us can recall a teacher that influenced our lives in a dramatic way. The most effective ingredient in any child's education is the teacher. A great teacher is one that understands that the heart of a child is as important as the mind. If we cannot reach our children's heart, we cannot reach the child. Teaching is the process to inspire and encourage the student to find potential. There is a transformative power of a teacher that can pull out of a child more than they even knew was inside. Jesus was called teacher. Of all the "students" that Jesus encountered, perhaps the most challenging was Simon Peter. He was crude, rough and outspoken. Peter was one that would cause most teachers to shy away. Jesus however saw something below the rough, crude exterior to pull out of Peter what was inside him. Our text was the beginning of a journey. It was not an overnight success; nothing is. The Lord never stopped trying. It would have been easy many times to abandon the cause and move on to someone else. However, it takes time to see the true worth of the effort. Over time Peter transformed from a foul mouthed, brash and abrasive man into someone who was at the forefront of the Church. Jesus never gave up. There were many challenges in this teaching. The first was Peter's personality. He would say the wrong thing, at the wrong time. He blundered into many things in life. He was quick tempered. But the Lord understands personalities. None of us can let personality be the reason that we give up. The second thing Jesus had to deal with was Simon's lineage. He was the son of Jonas. Peter had a history, but Jesus did not let that determine the future. Our past and family background does not matter to God, He wants to bring us into HIS family and make use one of HIS children. The good news is that no matter our family background there is a teacher that can use us in HIs purpose. Finally Jesus had to deal with Peter's environment. We may have come from a background that has everything written against us, but if He is for us, what can be against us? Peter was a man who had many things against him, but Jesus prophesies great things for him. There were times that Peter fell flat on his face, but the Lord came along side and continued the education. The promise of "when you are converted" told Peter that Jesus never gave up. No matter what the situation is now, Peter you WILL be converted. The promise to Peter is the same to us. Jesus will never walk away from our education. Education is a key to success in life. The older we get, the wiser we realize our teachers were. All of us can recall a teacher that influenced our lives in a dramatic way. The most effective ingredient in any child's education is the teacher. A great teacher is one that understands that the heart of a child is as important as the mind. If we cannot reach our children's heart, we cannot reach the child. Teaching is the process to inspire and encourage the student to find potential. There is a transformative power of a teacher that can pull out of a child more than they even knew was inside. Jesus was called teacher. Of all the "students" that Jesus encountered, perhaps the most challenging was Simon Peter. He was crude, rough and outspoken. Peter was one that would cause most teachers to shy away. Jesus however saw something below the rough, crude exterior to pull out of Peter what was inside him. Our text was the beginning of a journey. It was not an overnight success; nothing is. The Lord never stopped trying. It would have been easy many times to abandon the cause and move on to someone else. However, it takes time to see the true worth of the effort. Over time Peter transformed from a foul mouthed, brash and abrasive man into someone who was at the forefront of the Church. Jesus never gave up. There were many challenges in this teaching. The first was Peter's personality. He would say the wrong thing, at the wrong time. He blundered into many things in life. He was quick tempered. But the Lord understands personalities. None of us can let personality be the reason that we give up. The second thing Jesus had to deal with was Simon's lineage. He was the son of Jonas. Peter had a history, but Jesus did not let that determine the future. Our past and family background does not matter to God, He wants to bring us into HIS family and make use one of HIS children. The good news is that no matter our family background there is a teacher that can use us in HIs purpose. Finally Jesus had to deal with Peter's environment. We may have come from a background that has everything written against us, but if He is for us, what can be against us? Peter was a man who had many things against him, but Jesus prophesies great things for him. There were times that Peter fell flat on his face, but the Lord came along side and continued the education. The promise of "when you are converted" told Peter that Jesus never gave up. No matter what the situation is now, Peter you WILL be converted. The promise to Peter is the same to us. Jesus will never walk away from our education. Education is a key to success in life. The older we get, the wiser we realize our teachers were. All of us can recall a teacher that influenced our lives in a dramatic way. The most effective ingredient in any child's education is the teacher. A g… Kenneth Baker 1522 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20651760/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theeducationofsimon/id/2591006.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20651760 Education; Potential, Tranformation Tue, 12 Apr 2016 01:35:43 +0000 Terri Sones Today in service, we pay tribute to teachers, instructors and educators. Sis. Terri Sones is our guest speaker today. She brings a heartfelt message about reaching into the heart of a child to unlock the potential inside. Today in service, we pay tribute to teachers, instructors and educators. Sis. Terri Sones is our guest speaker today. She brings a heartfelt message about reaching into the heart of a child to unlock the potential inside. Today in service, we pay tribute to teachers, instructors and educators. Sis. Terri Sones is our guest speaker today. She brings a heartfelt message about reaching into the heart of a child to unlock the potential inside.… Terri Sones 763 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20651757/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_eduactorsyouaremakingadifferen/id/2590999.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20651757 Education, potential, transformation Thu, 07 Apr 2016 03:08:50 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is perhaps more relevant now than when it was penned. Our world is busier that ever and yet there is a increase in frustration in our efforts. It has been said that we have to start well to end well. Often lost in that sentiment is that we have to finish in order to finish well. We all grow weary in our journey. There seems to be times that no matter how hard we strive with good work, we cannot see the success of our labor. Being weary in our work is not far from any of us. Paul knew this truth so he warns the Galatian church to not get tired of doing right. As humans, if we do not see results, we are want to give up. Paul warns us to continue our efforts even when we seem to be making no progress. If we look around our world and see men who are not living right seem to prosper while those who live right do not. This attitude speaks to our faith. It takes faith to continue when our effort seems to make no difference. We become weary because in our human existence we look for success in the short term. God's definition of success is not limited by time. Even if we do not see the success we seek in our lifetime, we must press on so that God's purpose is served. In our outreach or in our services, our human nature is to judge the results by how many people show up. Bro. Hughes shares a story of a young preacher who did that, but missed what God was doing. Reaching even one can have an affect on hundreds. The bible says to sow the seeds, and God will provide the increase. We get weary because of our narrow view of life. Things do not happen as quickly as we thing that they will. God works. He will work more slowly than we expect, but he WILL work. If we will endure, we will reap. There are times that we grow weary because there is a lack of appreciation for our efforts. No one sends a thank you note. No one acknowledges what we are doing. Jesus Himself healed broken bodies and cleansed leapers but received no gratitude. Jesus was not doing it for them, but to bring Glory to God. It is no different for us. No matter what we put our hand to, we do it for God. Human nature is to be critical. We can get weary when the only acknowledgement we get is criticism. Criticism: it happens at home, it happens on the job, it happens in church. We can grow weary when we misunderstand God's way. None of us would have chosen the path our lives have taken. The truth is that the trials and issues in life lead to the blessing that we all seek. God's way is not easy to understand but the bible tells us that if we stay faithful, we will reap the reward that He as for us. In due season we will reap if we fail not. Our text is perhaps more relevant now than when it was penned. Our world is busier that ever and yet there is a increase in frustration in our efforts. It has been said that we have to start well to end well. Often lost in that sentiment is that we have to finish in order to finish well. We all grow weary in our journey. There seems to be times that no matter how hard we strive with good work, we cannot see the success of our labor. Being weary in our work is not far from any of us. Paul knew this truth so he warns the Galatian church to not get tired of doing right. As humans, if we do not see results, we are want to give up. Paul warns us to continue our efforts even when we seem to be making no progress. If we look around our world and see men who are not living right seem to prosper while those who live right do not. This attitude speaks to our faith. It takes faith to continue when our effort seems to make no difference. We become weary because in our human existence we look for success in the short term. God's definition of success is not limited by time. Even if we do not see the success we seek in our lifetime, we must press on so that God's purpose is served. In our outreach or in our services, our human nature is to judge the results by how many people show up. Bro. Hughes shares a story of a young preacher who did that, but missed what God was doing. Reaching even one can have an affect on hundreds. The bible says to sow the seeds, and God will provide the increase. We get weary because of our narrow view of life. Things do not happen as quickly as we thing that they will. God works. He will work more slowly than we expect, but he WILL work. If we will endure, we will reap. There are times that we grow weary because there is a lack of appreciation for our efforts. No one sends a thank you note. No one acknowledges what we are doing. Jesus Himself healed broken bodies and cleansed leapers but received no gratitude. Jesus was not doing it for them, but to bring Glory to God. It is no different for us. No matter what we put our hand to, we do it for God. Human nature is to be critical. We can get weary when the only acknowledgement we get is criticism. Criticism: it happens at home, it happens on the job, it happens in church. We can grow weary when we misunderstand God's way. None of us would have chosen the path our lives have taken. The truth is that the trials and issues in life lead to the blessing that we all seek. God's way is not easy to understand but the bible tells us that if we stay faithful, we will reap the reward that He as for us. In due season we will reap if we fail not. Our text is perhaps more relevant now than when it was penned. Our world is busier that ever and yet there is a increase in frustration in our efforts. It has been said that we have to start well to end well. Often lost in that sentiment is that we … Mark Hughes 2033 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20647701/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whywegetweary/id/2587125.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20647701 Weary, Tired, Reap, Finish, Scripture: Galatians 6:9-6 Thu, 07 Apr 2016 02:53:17 +0000 Mark Hughes Many people are discouraged by their current situation. No one has a positive inner voice. Most offten our inner voice speaks anything but encouragement. The many voices of life that swirl around us do not reinforce life with positive thoughts. Most often they will paint a bleak picture that plays into our fears and doubts. Fear sees us as not measuring up to the situation. Fear will tell us that we cannot succeed. The voice of fear will tell us that we are too late to face the challenge before us. Unless we are dead, it is not too late with God. These voices will show up when we do something that matters. These internal fears will rise up when we seek to make a difference. If we choose to remain on the sidelines, we will not hear the voices, but if we step out, they will be loud and clear. These voices have been around so long that we have come to believe them. We will never get what we need from God by operating from a place of fear. The best thing we can do with our fears are to bring them into the light of the word of God. Fear hates light. As long as they operate in the darkness they can hold sway, but when brought into the light, we can see that fear is a faulty basis for life. The story from our text is one that speaks to us of desperation and need. A sick daughter pushes this man out of his comfort zone. He is a ruler of the synagogue, but his situation moves him to fall at the feet of Jesus asking Him to heal his daughter. Jesus doesn't speak to him, but simply turns to follow. While on the way, a woman presses through the crowd and has an interaction with Jesus. This delay must have weighed on Jairus. Time was of the essence, and the delay turned out to be critical. A servant comes and tells Jairus that his daughter is dead. In a moment, Jesus speaks faith into the situation and presents two options: You can live what what your fears tell you, or you can believe. They said "she's dead" but Jesus said believe. What are we goign to believe: what is, or what could be. The world tells us that faith is an escape from reality. They say that it is an unwillingness to deal with what is. Faith is not an escape from reality, it is the believe in a different reality. Just because we do not see an answer, does not mean that there is not an answer. One translation of our text says the Lord heard, but ignored what He heard. With God is involved, anything can happen. Faith can interrupt our life and make us understand that there is an alternate reality. Jairus chose to not to live with what is, but believed in what could be. He pushed down the voices of fear yelling at him, and listened to the voice of Jesus. God is still interested in what is going in our life. If we give Him the option, God will always be better than what we can imagine. If we will but listen to His voice, we will can see a reality beyond that is and look to what could be. Many people are discouraged by their current situation. No one has a positive inner voice. Most offten our inner voice speaks anything but encouragement. The many voices of life that swirl around us do not reinforce life with positive thoughts. Most often they will paint a bleak picture that plays into our fears and doubts. Fear sees us as not measuring up to the situation. Fear will tell us that we cannot succeed. The voice of fear will tell us that we are too late to face the challenge before us. Unless we are dead, it is not too late with God. These voices will show up when we do something that matters. These internal fears will rise up when we seek to make a difference. If we choose to remain on the sidelines, we will not hear the voices, but if we step out, they will be loud and clear. These voices have been around so long that we have come to believe them. We will never get what we need from God by operating from a place of fear. The best thing we can do with our fears are to bring them into the light of the word of God. Fear hates light. As long as they operate in the darkness they can hold sway, but when brought into the light, we can see that fear is a faulty basis for life. The story from our text is one that speaks to us of desperation and need. A sick daughter pushes this man out of his comfort zone. He is a ruler of the synagogue, but his situation moves him to fall at the feet of Jesus asking Him to heal his daughter. Jesus doesn't speak to him, but simply turns to follow. While on the way, a woman presses through the crowd and has an interaction with Jesus. This delay must have weighed on Jairus. Time was of the essence, and the delay turned out to be critical. A servant comes and tells Jairus that his daughter is dead. In a moment, Jesus speaks faith into the situation and presents two options: You can live what what your fears tell you, or you can believe. They said "she's dead" but Jesus said believe. What are we goign to believe: what is, or what could be. The world tells us that faith is an escape from reality. They say that it is an unwillingness to deal with what is. Faith is not an escape from reality, it is the believe in a different reality. Just because we do not see an answer, does not mean that there is not an answer. One translation of our text says the Lord heard, but ignored what He heard. With God is involved, anything can happen. Faith can interrupt our life and make us understand that there is an alternate reality. Jairus chose to not to live with what is, but believed in what could be. He pushed down the voices of fear yelling at him, and listened to the voice of Jesus. God is still interested in what is going in our life. If we give Him the option, God will always be better than what we can imagine. If we will but listen to His voice, we will can see a reality beyond that is and look to what could be. Many people are discouraged by their current situation. No one has a positive inner voice. Most offten our inner voice speaks anything but encouragement. The many voices of life that swirl around us do not reinforce life with positive thoughts. Mos… Mark Hughes 1453 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20647695/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatisversuswhatcouldbe/id/2587118.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20647695 discouraged, fear, faith, Scripture: Luke 8:49-8:50, Mark 5:35-5:36 Sun, 03 Apr 2016 19:54:11 +0000 Mark Hughes There are three things that all men should consider in their life. First is Christ for us. His compassion does not fail; His love unending and His grace is new every day. The second is Christ is with us. He is an abiding presence who comes along side to encourage and gives strength. Finally we must remember that Christ is in us. That is the real difference. It is not enough to know Him, but we must have Him inside us. Our text can be a difficult one to take in. Our text demands that we look inside ourselves. This passage describes what it looks like if He DOES live in us. There are things that are important to God that require our attention. They may not be important to us, but our priorities must match His priorities not the other way around. There are things that are important to God that are important to our eternity. This text tells us that God will judge by different standards than the world and society judges by. The world looks at success, knowledge and achievement in a different way than God. The world values wealth, talent, popularity as the indicators of success. None of that matters to God. God's criteria is our response to needs. This text is plain in describing that God's interest is not in our social rank, our bank account, or our level of education. He is after what is in our heart. The question is simple: Did we or did we not help someone in need. Did we or did we not give our best to someone who did not deserve it. It is a simple standard that any of us can fulfill: Feed the hungry, be a comfort to the down trodden, minister to the sick. We can all be sensitive to the things that matter to God. The things the the world values and pursues are temporal. Compassion for others is eternal. These are the things that matter. There are three things that all men should consider in their life. First is Christ for us. His compassion does not fail; His love unending and His grace is new every day. The second is Christ is with us. He is an abiding presence who comes along side to encourage and gives strength. Finally we must remember that Christ is in us. That is the real difference. It is not enough to know Him, but we must have Him inside us. Our text can be a difficult one to take in. Our text demands that we look inside ourselves. This passage describes what it looks like if He DOES live in us. There are things that are important to God that require our attention. They may not be important to us, but our priorities must match His priorities not the other way around. There are things that are important to God that are important to our eternity. This text tells us that God will judge by different standards than the world and society judges by. The world looks at success, knowledge and achievement in a different way than God. The world values wealth, talent, popularity as the indicators of success. None of that matters to God. God's criteria is our response to needs. This text is plain in describing that God's interest is not in our social rank, our bank account, or our level of education. He is after what is in our heart. The question is simple: Did we or did we not help someone in need. Did we or did we not give our best to someone who did not deserve it. It is a simple standard that any of us can fulfill: Feed the hungry, be a comfort to the down trodden, minister to the sick. We can all be sensitive to the things that matter to God. The things the the world values and pursues are temporal. Compassion for others is eternal. These are the things that matter. There are three things that all men should consider in their life. First is Christ for us. His compassion does not fail; His love unending and His grace is new every day. The second is Christ is with us. He is an abiding presence who comes along si… Mark Hughes 1551 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20644935/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thingsthatmatter/id/2584333.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20644935 Compassion, Love, Service, Scripture: Matthew 25:31-25:45 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 02:16:56 +0000 Mark Hughes In spring things begin to bloom and this time of year gives hope for new life. Easter specifically is a time for new hope, new beginnings and new salvation. The bible tells us that the angel says: He is not here, He is risen. These are perhaps the greatest words ever heard by human ears. The women came that morning to mourn over a death, but the left praising an risen Savior. The disciples did not know what to think on that first Easter morning. They thought that it had all come to an end. They sat contemplating what to do next when word came to them that the tomb was empty. They ran to see. John records that he saw and believed. When he looked into that grave and found everything but a body, he knew that everything that Jesus had said was true. There is a truth that we know will never be altered: There is no body to find, because He is not there. He is alive forevermore. We do not come this morning to worship a body, or a piece of wood, but to worship a risen savior who is alive and living within us. There is no more powerful message in all the world than an empty tomb. Because He lives, our weakness can be turned into strength. Because He lives, our struggles can become victories. Our sorrows can be turned into joy. That same power that rose Him from the dead, flows into our lives. He is alive, undefeated. He has come forth victorious over hell, death and the grave. The resurrection forms a division in human history. Easter is the celebration between what was and what now is. He WAS crucified, but He IS risen. I WAS lost, but now I AM saved. Our lives are forever changed because of the difference between what was and what is. We rejoice over what is not what was. The question this morning is do we want to be judged by what was or what is? God didn't wait for us to clean up our act before He saved us, He came while we were still sinners. The resurrection is God reaching out to that did not deserve it because He loved us so. Because He lives we are saved. In spring things begin to bloom and this time of year gives hope for new life. Easter specifically is a time for new hope, new beginnings and new salvation. The bible tells us that the angel says: He is not here, He is risen. These are perhaps the greatest words ever heard by human ears. The women came that morning to mourn over a death, but the left praising an risen Savior. The disciples did not know what to think on that first Easter morning. They thought that it had all come to an end. They sat contemplating what to do next when word came to them that the tomb was empty. They ran to see. John records that he saw and believed. When he looked into that grave and found everything but a body, he knew that everything that Jesus had said was true. There is a truth that we know will never be altered: There is no body to find, because He is not there. He is alive forevermore. We do not come this morning to worship a body, or a piece of wood, but to worship a risen savior who is alive and living within us. There is no more powerful message in all the world than an empty tomb. Because He lives, our weakness can be turned into strength. Because He lives, our struggles can become victories. Our sorrows can be turned into joy. That same power that rose Him from the dead, flows into our lives. He is alive, undefeated. He has come forth victorious over hell, death and the grave. The resurrection forms a division in human history. Easter is the celebration between what was and what now is. He WAS crucified, but He IS risen. I WAS lost, but now I AM saved. Our lives are forever changed because of the difference between what was and what is. We rejoice over what is not what was. The question this morning is do we want to be judged by what was or what is? God didn't wait for us to clean up our act before He saved us, He came while we were still sinners. The resurrection is God reaching out to that did not deserve it because He loved us so. Because He lives we are saved. In spring things begin to bloom and this time of year gives hope for new life. Easter specifically is a time for new hope, new beginnings and new salvation. The bible tells us that the angel says: He is not here, He is risen. These are perhaps the gr… Mark Hughes 1679 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20640169/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_eastermessage/id/2579889.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20640169 Scripture: Romans 5:6-5:8, Acts 20:28-20 Sat, 26 Mar 2016 21:13:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Though we cannot be defeated unless we give in, we all have enemies that seek to disrupt our spiritual destiny. The parable of the wheat and the tares illustrates this principle. The bible says the man sowed good seed, but while he slept, his enemy sowed bad seed. The tare looks like the wheat that the farmer wanted. It is not possible to tell the difference between the two until it was too late to do anything about it. It is not until they began to produce fruit that it is possible to tell the difference. The question is ask: did you not plant good seed? Where did the tare come from. Good seed had been sowed, but the bad seed was introduced by an enemy. In our spiritual journey we never escape the attempts of the enemy to disrupt what God had planted in our life. Good seed will produce good things, but the enemy does not want good things. The enemy cannot disrupt the good seed. He can only introduce bad seed to the field. He did it while they slept. The purpose of the enemy of my soul is to discourage and disrupt. He is trying to interrupt our sense of purpose and the good work that God has planted. The devil is limited in what he can do, so his next best option is to frustrate us to the point that we forget who we are: A child of God. It is the enemy's desire is to wear us down. He knows that he cannot defeat the blood or undo Calvary, so he tries his best to disrupt our life and distract us from doing what God wants for us. In our parable, they could not weed out the tares without damaging the wheat. Jesus is telling us that even though we live with the result of bad seed, it will not keep us from going to heaven. We can live right next door to hell, and still go to heaven. If we let God take care of it, in the end, God will take care of it. Bro. Hughes takes three points from this parable. First the tares cannot stop the wheat. The good seed that God puts in our life cannot be choked out by the bad. Secondly we can do good and still have to have bad things come into our life. You can live as clean as we can live and not escape the work of the enemy in our life. Bad things happening in our life do not indicate that we are not living right. Third Evil is found among the good, but can never be mistaken for the good. No matter what happens in this life, in the end God will separate the wheat from the tare and God knows the difference. This simple story illustrates to us how difficult it is to tell the good from the bad, but God know the difference and will sort it out in the end. Man will be judged not by a single act, deed or stage in his life, but by what his nature is. Are we a wheat or a tare? A single failure does not condemn us to the fire. The enemy of our spiritual destiny is the attempts by the enemy to distract, frustrate and wear us down. Though we cannot be defeated unless we give in, we all have enemies that seek to disrupt our spiritual destiny. The parable of the wheat and the tares illustrates this principle. The bible says the man sowed good seed, but while he slept, his enemy sowed bad seed. The tare looks like the wheat that the farmer wanted. It is not possible to tell the difference between the two until it was too late to do anything about it. It is not until they began to produce fruit that it is possible to tell the difference. The question is ask: did you not plant good seed? Where did the tare come from. Good seed had been sowed, but the bad seed was introduced by an enemy. In our spiritual journey we never escape the attempts of the enemy to disrupt what God had planted in our life. Good seed will produce good things, but the enemy does not want good things. The enemy cannot disrupt the good seed. He can only introduce bad seed to the field. He did it while they slept. The purpose of the enemy of my soul is to discourage and disrupt. He is trying to interrupt our sense of purpose and the good work that God has planted. The devil is limited in what he can do, so his next best option is to frustrate us to the point that we forget who we are: A child of God. It is the enemy's desire is to wear us down. He knows that he cannot defeat the blood or undo Calvary, so he tries his best to disrupt our life and distract us from doing what God wants for us. In our parable, they could not weed out the tares without damaging the wheat. Jesus is telling us that even though we live with the result of bad seed, it will not keep us from going to heaven. We can live right next door to hell, and still go to heaven. If we let God take care of it, in the end, God will take care of it. Bro. Hughes takes three points from this parable. First the tares cannot stop the wheat. The good seed that God puts in our life cannot be choked out by the bad. Secondly we can do good and still have to have bad things come into our life. You can live as clean as we can live and not escape the work of the enemy in our life. Bad things happening in our life do not indicate that we are not living right. Third Evil is found among the good, but can never be mistaken for the good. No matter what happens in this life, in the end God will separate the wheat from the tare and God knows the difference. This simple story illustrates to us how difficult it is to tell the good from the bad, but God know the difference and will sort it out in the end. Man will be judged not by a single act, deed or stage in his life, but by what his nature is. Are we a wheat or a tare? A single failure does not condemn us to the fire. The enemy of our spiritual destiny is the attempts by the enemy to distract, frustrate and wear us down. Though we cannot be defeated unless we give in, we all have enemies that seek to disrupt our spiritual destiny. The parable of the wheat and the tares illustrates this principle. The bible says the man sowed good seed, but while he slept, his enemy s… Mark Hughes 1800 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20638055/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theenemyofourspiritualdestiny/id/2577997.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20638055 Good Seed, Bad Seed, Scripture: Matthew 13:24-13:30, Matthew 13:36-13:43 Sat, 26 Mar 2016 03:45:22 +0000 Tes Stewart What does praise produce in our life? We know that God inhabits the praises of His people. Praise is where God lives and dwells. In this time, the people of God are under attack – we are living in the time of the wearing out of the saints. If the saints will be worn out then they will be loosing strength/loosing their joy (the joy of the lord is our strength). We can’t afford for our happiness to come from our happenings. When someone gives up it is sad. However, the saddest is when the saint doesn’t give up but when they “give out,” they came to the point in life where they were at the end of their rope. We must understand the power and purpose of praise. Praise can change the way we live and think. The definition of praise - for price or value. Praise is about God’s worthiness to be adored. No matter what we are dealing with, it does not change the value of God. We understand that we sing because we are happy. What about when your happiness is gone? Happiness IS JUST an emotion, a reaction to something that has happened in your life. Our praise cannot be determined by my emotions of happiness. Your praise cannot be predicated on your predicament, circumstances and situations. I praise him because what I know, my experience. Your praise begins to effect and produce emotions. Praise is how you produce confidence in your spirit and lifts your mind. Isaiah 61:3 - acknowledge there is a time where we face a spirit of heaviness. If you give a man a fish he can live a day but if you teach a man how to fish he can live for a lifetime. If the Lord just traded my spirit of heaviness for happiness then life would send something else my way to take away my happiness. However is Jesus provides a garment of praise I will know how to fight what the enemy sends my way. It’s my solution when the enemy attacks my mind with the spirit of heaviness. Paul and Silas are an example of how praise will change things on the inside and outside. We have to put on the garment of praise. When it’s dark, cold and lonely you can wrap yourself in a garment. I don’t sing because I’m happy. I sing because He’s the I AM, everything that I need. Even when I don’t feel like dancing and praising I can still sing my song even when I don’t understand what’s going on. Birds sing each morning even after disaster. The birds are not singing because he woke up and everything was all right, a bird sings because they’re a bird. We must understand that praise is what we must do and it’s who we are. Faith is like a little bird that feels that dawn is breaking and sings while it’s still dark. There’s something that says that it may be dark but I feel like daylight is coming. Even when you don’t feel like praising Him make a commitment and wait for your feelings to catch up with your mouth. You can only praise God for so long until something begins to happen in your mind and flesh. You can come into his presence broken but when you begin to praise even when you don’t want to, there can be a change in your life. Principle in the bible – if He will be lifted up He will draw all men unto Him. ALL. He isn’t just talking about those lifting Him up but He can draw those that aren’t even praising Him. Praise in church is not enough. The enemy doesn’t mind when we lift Him up for 2-4 hours a week. When we do it on our own when we need to be lifted something can begin to happen. The challenge today is the mindset that praising God is doing Him a favor and is for His benefit. This mindset can keep us from the strength that we can harness from giving Him praise all the time, no matter where we are. What does praise produce in our life? We know that God inhabits the praises of His people. Praise is where God lives and dwells. In this time, the people of God are under attack – we are living in the time of the wearing out of the saints. If the saints will be worn out then they will be loosing strength/loosing their joy (the joy of the lord is our strength). We can’t afford for our happiness to come from our happenings. When someone gives up it is sad. However, the saddest is when the saint doesn’t give up but when they “give out,” they came to the point in life where they were at the end of their rope. We must understand the power and purpose of praise. Praise can change the way we live and think. The definition of praise - for price or value. Praise is about God’s worthiness to be adored. No matter what we are dealing with, it does not change the value of God. We understand that we sing because we are happy. What about when your happiness is gone? Happiness IS JUST an emotion, a reaction to something that has happened in your life. Our praise cannot be determined by my emotions of happiness. Your praise cannot be predicated on your predicament, circumstances and situations. I praise him because what I know, my experience. Your praise begins to effect and produce emotions. Praise is how you produce confidence in your spirit and lifts your mind. Isaiah 61:3 - acknowledge there is a time where we face a spirit of heaviness. If you give a man a fish he can live a day but if you teach a man how to fish he can live for a lifetime. If the Lord just traded my spirit of heaviness for happiness then life would send something else my way to take away my happiness. However is Jesus provides a garment of praise I will know how to fight what the enemy sends my way. It’s my solution when the enemy attacks my mind with the spirit of heaviness. Paul and Silas are an example of how praise will change things on the inside and outside. We have to put on the garment of praise. When it’s dark, cold and lonely you can wrap yourself in a garment. I don’t sing because I’m happy. I sing because He’s the I AM, everything that I need. Even when I don’t feel like dancing and praising I can still sing my song even when I don’t understand what’s going on. Birds sing each morning even after disaster. The birds are not singing because he woke up and everything was all right, a bird sings because they’re a bird. We must understand that praise is what we must do and it’s who we are. Faith is like a little bird that feels that dawn is breaking and sings while it’s still dark. There’s something that says that it may be dark but I feel like daylight is coming. Even when you don’t feel like praising Him make a commitment and wait for your feelings to catch up with your mouth. You can only praise God for so long until something begins to happen in your mind and flesh. You can come into his presence broken but when you begin to praise even when you don’t want to, there can be a change in your life. Principle in the bible – if He will be lifted up He will draw all men unto Him. ALL. He isn’t just talking about those lifting Him up but He can draw those that aren’t even praising Him. Praise in church is not enough. The enemy doesn’t mind when we lift Him up for 2-4 hours a week. When we do it on our own when we need to be lifted something can begin to happen. The challenge today is the mindset that praising God is doing Him a favor and is for His benefit. This mindset can keep us from the strength that we can harness from giving Him praise all the time, no matter where we are. What does praise produce in our life? We know that God inhabits the praises of His people. Praise is where God lives and dwells. In this time, the people of God are under attack – we are living in the time of the wearing out of the saints. If th… Tes Stewart 2911 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20637890/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_imhappybecauseising/id/2577787.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20637890 Scripture: Psalms 118:24-118 Sun, 20 Mar 2016 19:50:12 +0000 Tes Stewart In our text, Sumeria found itself in the midst of a great famine due to a siege by the Syrians. The bible paints a picture of great desperation and need. Four men began to realize: If we go the city we will die. If we sit here we will die. If we go to the Syrians, they may kill us, but we may leave. All three options carried with it the possibility of death. Only one option held any possibility of life. Of all the options, only one offered even a glimmer of hope. In our time of need, we cannot go back to where we were. In time of need, we cannot sit still, In time of need we have to move forward. It might be a place of death, but it might also be a place of deliverance. At this point, what did they have to lose? God went ahead of these men and caused the Syrians to run in fear. They walked into an empty camp. Those people in the City were in the same situation as these four men, but had not yet reached the point of need. In the city they were acting out of desperation not need. Desperation is marked by irrational decisions, but true need shows a clear course. When we get to the point where we are tired oft moving from desperate decision to desperate decision, we can begin to act out of our need and not out of desperation. The enemy whispers to us: you are dying, where you are and there is no hope. Until we get to the point of need that these four men got to, we will die where we lay. When we get to the point of refusing to lye still and die, our need can cause us to move to a place where He has provided. When we respond to a need the way God wants us to, we will discover that our need is much larger than we thought it would It will affect more than just ourselves. These men were able to return to the city and lead them to the place of provision. Our situation my seem dire. We may not see a way out. There comes a point when we must be brave enough to embrace our need and be moved to a place where God can provide. We have to give God the opportunity to meet our need. When we get to the point where we realize that we are dying where we are, we can turn our situation around. We must not be paralyzed by fear and doubt. Our need will propel us. Our need will drive us to the alter. Our need will propel us to a place of greater relationship with God. That is the need for a need. In our text, Sumeria found itself in the midst of a great famine due to a siege by the Syrians. The bible paints a picture of great desperation and need. Four men began to realize: If we go the city we will die. If we sit here we will die. If we go to the Syrians, they may kill us, but we may leave. All three options carried with it the possibility of death. Only one option held any possibility of life. Of all the options, only one offered even a glimmer of hope. In our time of need, we cannot go back to where we were. In time of need, we cannot sit still, In time of need we have to move forward. It might be a place of death, but it might also be a place of deliverance. At this point, what did they have to lose? God went ahead of these men and caused the Syrians to run in fear. They walked into an empty camp. Those people in the City were in the same situation as these four men, but had not yet reached the point of need. In the city they were acting out of desperation not need. Desperation is marked by irrational decisions, but true need shows a clear course. When we get to the point where we are tired oft moving from desperate decision to desperate decision, we can begin to act out of our need and not out of desperation. The enemy whispers to us: you are dying, where you are and there is no hope. Until we get to the point of need that these four men got to, we will die where we lay. When we get to the point of refusing to lye still and die, our need can cause us to move to a place where He has provided. When we respond to a need the way God wants us to, we will discover that our need is much larger than we thought it would It will affect more than just ourselves. These men were able to return to the city and lead them to the place of provision. Our situation my seem dire. We may not see a way out. There comes a point when we must be brave enough to embrace our need and be moved to a place where God can provide. We have to give God the opportunity to meet our need. When we get to the point where we realize that we are dying where we are, we can turn our situation around. We must not be paralyzed by fear and doubt. Our need will propel us. Our need will drive us to the alter. Our need will propel us to a place of greater relationship with God. That is the need for a need. In our text, Sumeria found itself in the midst of a great famine due to a siege by the Syrians. The bible paints a picture of great desperation and need. Four men began to realize: If we go the city we will die. If we sit here we will die. If we go… Tes Stewart 2478 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20634364/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theneedforaneed/id/2574254.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20634364 Need, Desperation, Faith, Move, Scripture: 2 Kings 7:3-7:4 Thu, 17 Mar 2016 16:53:25 +0000 Mark Hughes If God were to allow us to look back over our lives when we get to heaven, most of us would be surprised at what was the best and key blessings in our lives. Often times what we look at as the worst of times, are really the beginnings of the best that God has for us. None of us like the valleys, but we learn things in the valleys that we can never experience on the mountaintop. The burdens that God places on our life are placed there to force us to form roots and build a strong foundation and to prepare us for the coming storms. There are contradictions in the life of a child of God that will cause us to question If we understood God. There will be times when what we are going through will be at odds with what we expect a life living for God would be. It is in times like this that we must be careful. Issac found himself in a land during a famine. Abraham had experienced a famine and went to Egypt for relief. Issac was on his way to Egypt when God interrupted his journey and told him to stay where he was. No one wants to live in a land of famine. He surely questioned what God was telling him. There was food and property in Egypt. Logic told him to move to a place where there was plenty, but God had different plans. God allowed Abraham to go to Egypt during a famine. He let Jacob go to Egypt during a famine, but he told Issac to stay put. God's plan for Issac was different than His plan for Abraham and Jacob. God had a reason for Issac staying put. How we react to our difficulties is key to how out life goes. God will bless the obedient. If we will listen to and obey God during our problems, God will turn those problem into possibilities. We might think that we are living the worst times of our life, but it just may be that these dark hours are the ones that are preparing us for the best blessings we have ever known. The true misfortunes of life ware when we miss what God has for us because we do not recognize the hand of God and obey His direction and leading. The root of receiving God's blessing is obedience. That is the key to turning a problem into a possibility. If God were to allow us to look back over our lives when we get to heaven, most of us would be surprised at what was the best and key blessings in our lives. Often times what we look at as the worst of times, are really the beginnings of the best that God has for us. None of us like the valleys, but we learn things in the valleys that we can never experience on the mountaintop. The burdens that God places on our life are placed there to force us to form roots and build a strong foundation and to prepare us for the coming storms. There are contradictions in the life of a child of God that will cause us to question If we understood God. There will be times when what we are going through will be at odds with what we expect a life living for God would be. It is in times like this that we must be careful. Issac found himself in a land during a famine. Abraham had experienced a famine and went to Egypt for relief. Issac was on his way to Egypt when God interrupted his journey and told him to stay where he was. No one wants to live in a land of famine. He surely questioned what God was telling him. There was food and property in Egypt. Logic told him to move to a place where there was plenty, but God had different plans. God allowed Abraham to go to Egypt during a famine. He let Jacob go to Egypt during a famine, but he told Issac to stay put. God's plan for Issac was different than His plan for Abraham and Jacob. God had a reason for Issac staying put. How we react to our difficulties is key to how out life goes. God will bless the obedient. If we will listen to and obey God during our problems, God will turn those problem into possibilities. We might think that we are living the worst times of our life, but it just may be that these dark hours are the ones that are preparing us for the best blessings we have ever known. The true misfortunes of life ware when we miss what God has for us because we do not recognize the hand of God and obey His direction and leading. The root of receiving God's blessing is obedience. That is the key to turning a problem into a possibility. If God were to allow us to look back over our lives when we get to heaven, most of us would be surprised at what was the best and key blessings in our lives. Often times what we look at as the worst of times, are really the beginnings of the best that… Mark Hughes 2581 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20632061/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_turningaproblemintoapossiblity/id/2572266.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20632061 Famine, Obedience, Faithfulness, Scripture: Genesis 26:1-26:6, Genesis 26:12-26 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 19:04:56 +0000 Mark Hughes When we look at Moses' life we tend to not spend much time on the early parts because of all the things that occured in the latter part. The early parts of his life do not paint a picture of a man who would stand before Pharaoh and demand "Let my people go” : or that would lead a people through the wilderness and to the banks of the promised land. In our text, Moses is on the back side of a desert. At this particular moment in his life, Moses was lonely place. After killing the Egyptian and being rejected by his own people, he has fled to the wilderness to get away. In this lonely, desolate place Moses had an encounter with God. Even in the most desolate, backwards place, God can reach us. God speaks to Moses and tells him that even this remote, desolate, lonely place was holy ground. God could have spoken to Moses anytime and anywhere, but God chose this specific place to communicate to us that God knows where our nowhere is. He knows where we have gone to hide, and can reach us even there. Sooner or later all of us have to come to the place where we can find God in a wilderness. it is easy to find him when life is good an all is well. It is a different matter to find him amid the turmoil and pain. There are people who are hiding from God. There is a pain, a hurt that they cannot explain. God can come to our wilderness even if it is sitting on a pew. No matter where we are, God can get there an He has a message for us. The wilderness became a place of revelation. First he revealed to Moses himself. God does not use us because of us, he uses us in spite of us. God does not use us because we are prefect, He uses is because HE is perfect. God had something for Moses. What he had tried before did not work, but God let Moses know that a failure does not mean that He could not make something out of Moses' life. Why did God choose a burning bush to speak to Moses? In times past, He spoke from a cloud or a loud voice. But this time, God was looking to see if Moses was paying attention. The bible says Moses turned to look and when he did, God spoke. Moses tried many excuses as to why he could not do what God wanted, but God revealed to him that Moses would not do it, but that GOD would do it. There is no place that God's presence cannot be found. So God worked on Moses in the wilderness and began to prepare him to become what God had designed for him to be. God knows where the backside of our wilderness is. When we look at Moses' life we tend to not spend much time on the early parts because of all the things that occured in the latter part. The early parts of his life do not paint a picture of a man who would stand before Pharaoh and demand "Let my people go” : or that would lead a people through the wilderness and to the banks of the promised land. In our text, Moses is on the back side of a desert. At this particular moment in his life, Moses was lonely place. After killing the Egyptian and being rejected by his own people, he has fled to the wilderness to get away. In this lonely, desolate place Moses had an encounter with God. Even in the most desolate, backwards place, God can reach us. God speaks to Moses and tells him that even this remote, desolate, lonely place was holy ground. God could have spoken to Moses anytime and anywhere, but God chose this specific place to communicate to us that God knows where our nowhere is. He knows where we have gone to hide, and can reach us even there. Sooner or later all of us have to come to the place where we can find God in a wilderness. it is easy to find him when life is good an all is well. It is a different matter to find him amid the turmoil and pain. There are people who are hiding from God. There is a pain, a hurt that they cannot explain. God can come to our wilderness even if it is sitting on a pew. No matter where we are, God can get there an He has a message for us. The wilderness became a place of revelation. First he revealed to Moses himself. God does not use us because of us, he uses us in spite of us. God does not use us because we are prefect, He uses is because HE is perfect. God had something for Moses. What he had tried before did not work, but God let Moses know that a failure does not mean that He could not make something out of Moses' life. Why did God choose a burning bush to speak to Moses? In times past, He spoke from a cloud or a loud voice. But this time, God was looking to see if Moses was paying attention. The bible says Moses turned to look and when he did, God spoke. Moses tried many excuses as to why he could not do what God wanted, but God revealed to him that Moses would not do it, but that GOD would do it. There is no place that God's presence cannot be found. So God worked on Moses in the wilderness and began to prepare him to become what God had designed for him to be. God knows where the backside of our wilderness is. When we look at Moses' life we tend to not spend much time on the early parts because of all the things that occured in the latter part. The early parts of his life do not paint a picture of a man who would stand before Pharaoh and demand "Let my peop… Mark Hughes 2265 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20628996/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godknowswherethebacksideis/id/2569139.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20628996 Wilderness, Hiding, Lost, Scripture: Exodus 3:1-3:5 Mon, 07 Mar 2016 04:05:49 +0000 Mark Hughes Sometimes the hardest part of life is not physical, but mental. It is in the mind that the real battlefield of the soul takes place. Our bodies can endure as much as our minds can take. As long as we do not allow our minds to cave in and give up, there is nothing that can come against us to cause us to fail. In our text Paul is on the way to Rome as a prisoner. His ship is lost at see and they wash up on the shores of a small island. This was not part of the plan. The elements came against them and disrupted their plans. God was able to take that unplanned stop at Malta, and use it to His benefit. Paul and his traveling companions did not expect to go to Malta, but Malta needed Paul. The trip had gone from bad to worse for Paul. He was traveling with people who would not listen to good advice. Once underway, what Paul had predicted would happen did happen. The ship was lost. They washed up on the shore of Malta. While warming themselves by a fire, he is bitten by a snake. A storm, a shipwreck and a snakebite does not sound like a recipe for a revival, but that is in fact what it was. Of all the things that are happening to us, how is God trying to position us for a revival? Could it be that God is just needing a witness that we can survive all these tings and still rejoice in the Lord? Could it be that we are going through all these things because someone needs to see us survive? What has God already brought us through? If we can make it through those things, we can make it through whatever is in front of us. We have come too far to turn back now. How we handle the storms, shipwrecks and snake bites of life determine our outcome in life. In a storm, we just have to live through it. We can wish it way, but the storm will go on. We simply have to endure. The shipwreck was next. Everything came apart. When the shipwreck happens, grab whatever you can and hold on. God is not going to save us on what was, but he will save us on what is. We can make it with whatever is left. Hang on because we can make it. Now the snakebite. Paul was trying to to make things better. Why would God let the snake bite the man who had his hand to a good work? He was bit because he had busy hands. The devil hates someone who is working to make things better. What do we do with a snake bite? Do what Paul did: shake it off. The snake bite hurts, but we have to move on. Put it in the fire where it belongs. This means that we have to be close enough to a fire to shake it into. There are a lot of things in life that will try to latch on to us and inject it's venom. We have to shake it off and put it in the fire. What happens in life we may regard as a tragedy. It is not really a tragedy, but a setup for God to do a good work. When it is all falling down and everything seems to be against us, we should be looking ahead for a revival. Three is not tragedy that comes to our life that is nto God's way to bring us to a place for blessing. if we can do this, we can do anything. Sometimes the hardest part of life is not physical, but mental. It is in the mind that the real battlefield of the soul takes place. Our bodies can endure as much as our minds can take. As long as we do not allow our minds to cave in and give up, there is nothing that can come against us to cause us to fail. In our text Paul is on the way to Rome as a prisoner. His ship is lost at see and they wash up on the shores of a small island. This was not part of the plan. The elements came against them and disrupted their plans. God was able to take that unplanned stop at Malta, and use it to His benefit. Paul and his traveling companions did not expect to go to Malta, but Malta needed Paul. The trip had gone from bad to worse for Paul. He was traveling with people who would not listen to good advice. Once underway, what Paul had predicted would happen did happen. The ship was lost. They washed up on the shore of Malta. While warming themselves by a fire, he is bitten by a snake. A storm, a shipwreck and a snakebite does not sound like a recipe for a revival, but that is in fact what it was. Of all the things that are happening to us, how is God trying to position us for a revival? Could it be that God is just needing a witness that we can survive all these tings and still rejoice in the Lord? Could it be that we are going through all these things because someone needs to see us survive? What has God already brought us through? If we can make it through those things, we can make it through whatever is in front of us. We have come too far to turn back now. How we handle the storms, shipwrecks and snake bites of life determine our outcome in life. In a storm, we just have to live through it. We can wish it way, but the storm will go on. We simply have to endure. The shipwreck was next. Everything came apart. When the shipwreck happens, grab whatever you can and hold on. God is not going to save us on what was, but he will save us on what is. We can make it with whatever is left. Hang on because we can make it. Now the snakebite. Paul was trying to to make things better. Why would God let the snake bite the man who had his hand to a good work? He was bit because he had busy hands. The devil hates someone who is working to make things better. What do we do with a snake bite? Do what Paul did: shake it off. The snake bite hurts, but we have to move on. Put it in the fire where it belongs. This means that we have to be close enough to a fire to shake it into. There are a lot of things in life that will try to latch on to us and inject it's venom. We have to shake it off and put it in the fire. What happens in life we may regard as a tragedy. It is not really a tragedy, but a setup for God to do a good work. When it is all falling down and everything seems to be against us, we should be looking ahead for a revival. Three is not tragedy that comes to our life that is nto God's way to bring us to a place for blessing. if we can do this, we can do anything. Sometimes the hardest part of life is not physical, but mental. It is in the mind that the real battlefield of the soul takes place. Our bodies can endure as much as our minds can take. As long as we do not allow our minds to cave in and give up, th… Mark Hughes 2174 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20624182/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ifyoucandothisyoucandoanything/id/2564590.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20624182 Scripture: Acts 2:44-28:9 Thu, 25 Feb 2016 03:54:33 +0000 James Hughes Paul writing to the church at Ephesis talks about the relationship that we can all have with God. Living for God was never intended to be something that was hard to do. The biggest battle we have with living for God is the battle with our own flesh. We are all saved by grace. Some believe that we live by grace. That is not what the bible says, it says we live by faith. Faith is the conviction that God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do. God wants to bless us, not because we deserve it, but because we are his child. The world believes that the blessings of God to His people represents His grace. That is not grace, but the blessing of being part of the family. Grace is not a license to sin. Grace may have gotten us through the door, but once we go through the door, we are part of the family and walk in faith. God loves us in spite of our shortcomings and blesses us because we part of His family. Along with the privilege of being part of God's family comes great responsibility. Who is really worthy of being part of God's family? The word used in the Greek for worth refers to the market place where goods were weighed on a balance beam. The word means literally to balance. Paul offers advise for maintaining life's balance: lowliness, meekness, long suffering, forbearing. Paul writing to the church at Ephesis talks about the relationship that we can all have with God. Living for God was never intended to be something that was hard to do. The biggest battle we have with living for God is the battle with our own flesh. We are all saved by grace. Some believe that we live by grace. That is not what the bible says, it says we live by faith. Faith is the conviction that God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do. God wants to bless us, not because we deserve it, but because we are his child. The world believes that the blessings of God to His people represents His grace. That is not grace, but the blessing of being part of the family. Grace is not a license to sin. Grace may have gotten us through the door, but once we go through the door, we are part of the family and walk in faith. God loves us in spite of our shortcomings and blesses us because we part of His family. Along with the privilege of being part of God's family comes great responsibility. Who is really worthy of being part of God's family? The word used in the Greek for worth refers to the market place where goods were weighed on a balance beam. The word means literally to balance. Paul offers advise for maintaining life's balance: lowliness, meekness, long suffering, forbearing. Paul writing to the church at Ephesis talks about the relationship that we can all have with God. Living for God was never intended to be something that was hard to do. The biggest battle we have with living for God is the battle with our own flesh. … James Hughes 3099 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20615325/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_privilegeandresponsibility/id/2556286.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20615325 Privilege, Grace, Responsiblity, Faith, Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-4:7 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 20:08:07 +0000 Landon Long When playing a game of cards, we do not choose the cards we receive. Sometimes the cards are good and other times they are not. In some games we can discard and draw new cards; other times we cannot. In some games you have a partner and even though your hand may be bad, theirs can compensate for that disadvantage. In life we face similar circumstances. We have all been dealt things in life. Some times we can change those things. Most often, we have to play the hand we are dealt. We may have not had the best childhood. We may have not been able to go to college. We may have not gotten the job we wanted. Many things that happen to us are not the result of choices we have made, but rather just life. Life happens to everyone. Life happens to good people and bad people. Rain falls on the just and the unjust. No one is exempt to issues that come along in life. It is simply the hand we have been dealt. The experience in life comes down to how we play the hand we are dealt; eternity comes down to how we play the hand we are dealt. God is our partner in the game of life and even if our hand is not great, His hand can compensate for that. God's hand cannot lose. In our text, Jesus encounters a man in the synagogue with a withered hand. We do not know how he came to be in this condition or for how long. Historians tell us that this man was a mason, and not having the use of his hand was a large obstacle in his life. We know that despite the hand he had been dealt, was in the house of God. He had surly been frustrated by his condition. The bible does not tell us that the man questioned, or argued when Jesus told him to stretch it forth. He did not question or try to explain that he could not. He simply obeyed. God healed him immediately. With God all things are possible. This man entered the house of God with a bad hand, but because of His faithfulness, he left whole. No matter what we have been dealt in life, Jesus has the cards to compensate for our situation. Jesus is the answer when life deals a bad hand. When playing a game of cards, we do not choose the cards we receive. Sometimes the cards are good and other times they are not. In some games we can discard and draw new cards; other times we cannot. In some games you have a partner and even though your hand may be bad, theirs can compensate for that disadvantage. In life we face similar circumstances. We have all been dealt things in life. Some times we can change those things. Most often, we have to play the hand we are dealt. We may have not had the best childhood. We may have not been able to go to college. We may have not gotten the job we wanted. Many things that happen to us are not the result of choices we have made, but rather just life. Life happens to everyone. Life happens to good people and bad people. Rain falls on the just and the unjust. No one is exempt to issues that come along in life. It is simply the hand we have been dealt. The experience in life comes down to how we play the hand we are dealt; eternity comes down to how we play the hand we are dealt. God is our partner in the game of life and even if our hand is not great, His hand can compensate for that. God's hand cannot lose. In our text, Jesus encounters a man in the synagogue with a withered hand. We do not know how he came to be in this condition or for how long. Historians tell us that this man was a mason, and not having the use of his hand was a large obstacle in his life. We know that despite the hand he had been dealt, was in the house of God. He had surly been frustrated by his condition. The bible does not tell us that the man questioned, or argued when Jesus told him to stretch it forth. He did not question or try to explain that he could not. He simply obeyed. God healed him immediately. With God all things are possible. This man entered the house of God with a bad hand, but because of His faithfulness, he left whole. No matter what we have been dealt in life, Jesus has the cards to compensate for our situation. Jesus is the answer when life deals a bad hand. When playing a game of cards, we do not choose the cards we receive. Sometimes the cards are good and other times they are not. In some games we can discard and draw new cards; other times we cannot. In some games you have a partner and even though … Landon Long 1789 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20612320/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenlifedealsabadhand/id/2553315.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20612320 Bad Hand; Life; Faithfulness; Healing, Scripture: Mark 3:1-3:5 Thu, 18 Feb 2016 03:48:16 +0000 Melissa Fross Sis. Melissa Fross comes tonight to tell us about her work as a Metro Missionary to Quebec City in Quebec Canada. Metro Missions is a project to send missionaries into metropolitan areas that have few or no Pentacostal churches. Quebec City is a city of 900,000 people and there are no apostolic, spirit filled churches…yet. Sis Fross goes on to teach from the book of Joshua and Judges that God wants us on offense. Using a clever football analogy, Sis Fross demonstrates how the children of Israel went from being on offense to subliming to the defense simply by not dealing with the resistance. God wants us to stay on offense. For more information about the Metro Missions: Quebec City, visit the page on Facebook and consider contributing to this work. https://www.facebook.com/metromissionsquebeccity/?fref=ts Sis. Melissa Fross comes tonight to tell us about her work as a Metro Missionary to Quebec City in Quebec Canada. Metro Missions is a project to send missionaries into metropolitan areas that have few or no Pentacostal churches. Quebec City is a city of 900,000 people and there are no apostolic, spirit filled churches…yet. Sis Fross goes on to teach from the book of Joshua and Judges that God wants us on offense. Using a clever football analogy, Sis Fross demonstrates how the children of Israel went from being on offense to subliming to the defense simply by not dealing with the resistance. God wants us to stay on offense. For more information about the Metro Missions: Quebec City, visit the page on Facebook and consider contributing to this work. https://www.facebook.com/metromissionsquebeccity/?fref=ts Sis. Melissa Fross comes tonight to tell us about her work as a Metro Missionary to Quebec City in Quebec Canada. Metro Missions is a project to send missionaries into metropolitan areas that have few or no Pentacostal churches. Quebec City is a city… Melissa Fross 2428 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20609782/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godwantsusonoffense/id/2551011.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20609782 Missions; Quebec; Offense, Scripture: Joshua 23:5-23:10, Judges 1:28-1, Judges 2:1-2:12 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 04:36:59 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text concerns an event early in the Davids reign as King. The city of Jebus was one of the great strongholds of Canaan. It was an extremely powerful, almost impregnable city. The Jebusites had held the city since before Israel came to the land of Canaan. The city is situated between three mountains. The natural surroundings worked to the advantage of he security of the city. They had great confidence in their security. Even though Israel had taken most of the land, they were not able to take Jebus. David sought to take it for Israel. The inhabitants of the city were so confident that they would win that they began to taunt and jeer. They were so arrogant, that they left the security of the city to the lame and the blind to mock David. The bible tells us that David came on anyway. Scholars to this day cannot explain how David accomplished it, but the city fell to him. The enemy of our soul will mock us in the same way. The devil is counting on the fact that we will believe that becoming what God wants for us to be will be too much and we will give up. When faced with these challenges, we must be like David and do it anyway. The devil has so entrenched himself in life and has become so arrogant that he tells us "You will never overcome this" ; "You can't recover from this." We need to rise up and praise God anyway. If the devil is telling us that we can't it is a good indication that we CAN because the devil is not going to waste his time telling us that we cannot do something that we can't. He knows that we can live for God. He knows that God will forgive. He knows that God will see us through. That is why he tells us that we can't. We have to do it anyway. Our text concerns an event early in the Davids reign as King. The city of Jebus was one of the great strongholds of Canaan. It was an extremely powerful, almost impregnable city. The Jebusites had held the city since before Israel came to the land of Canaan. The city is situated between three mountains. The natural surroundings worked to the advantage of he security of the city. They had great confidence in their security. Even though Israel had taken most of the land, they were not able to take Jebus. David sought to take it for Israel. The inhabitants of the city were so confident that they would win that they began to taunt and jeer. They were so arrogant, that they left the security of the city to the lame and the blind to mock David. The bible tells us that David came on anyway. Scholars to this day cannot explain how David accomplished it, but the city fell to him. The enemy of our soul will mock us in the same way. The devil is counting on the fact that we will believe that becoming what God wants for us to be will be too much and we will give up. When faced with these challenges, we must be like David and do it anyway. The devil has so entrenched himself in life and has become so arrogant that he tells us "You will never overcome this" ; "You can't recover from this." We need to rise up and praise God anyway. If the devil is telling us that we can't it is a good indication that we CAN because the devil is not going to waste his time telling us that we cannot do something that we can't. He knows that we can live for God. He knows that God will forgive. He knows that God will see us through. That is why he tells us that we can't. We have to do it anyway. Our text concerns an event early in the Davids reign as King. The city of Jebus was one of the great strongholds of Canaan. It was an extremely powerful, almost impregnable city. The Jebusites had held the city since before Israel came to the land o… Mark Hughes 1834 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20607521/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_doitanyway/id/2548625.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20607521 Confidence, Fear, Overcoming, Scripture: 1 Chronicles 11:5-11, 2 Samuel 5:6-5:7 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 20:29:26 +0000 Mark Hughes The word Jericho means fragrant. It was one of the most important cities of Palastine. When Israel crossed the Jordan, their destination was the city of Jericho. It was a center of trade and enterprise. There are many accounts in the bible that prominently feature Jeraco. At the time of our text, the city had rebuilt after many years of being cursed by God. The city had recovered, but the source of water for the city was still polluted. This poisoned spring was restricting the growth and progression of the city. The prophet asks for a cruse with salt in it. Elisha goes to the source and throws in the salt and declared them healed. Jericho was beautiful, but the spring was foul. It is possible in life to be in a beautiful location, but still have a thing that makes it uninhabitable. This story shows that the solution to the problem is not always moving away. We have to go to the right source, but there is a answer. God is saying that we do not have to move to experience a change in life. We can have it right where we are. God has an answer right now and right here. There are a lot of people troubled by old curses. We can rebuild all we want, but if we do not deal with the root problem, all we will have as a pleasant place with a lot of pain. We can change the climate and atmosphere of our life by making the right decision. We are not stuck with an old curse. If we are going to experience real change in life, we have to go to the source of the problem. Elisha went to the spring and specifically said he cast the salt there. To address the problem, we have to go to the root. Our world is full of medicines and remedies. Most of them are all treating symptoms. They do not address the root cause of the problem. There is a remedy for life’s problems, but we must attack it at the root. The word Jericho means fragrant. It was one of the most important cities of Palastine. When Israel crossed the Jordan, their destination was the city of Jericho. It was a center of trade and enterprise. There are many accounts in the bible that prominently feature Jeraco. At the time of our text, the city had rebuilt after many years of being cursed by God. The city had recovered, but the source of water for the city was still polluted. This poisoned spring was restricting the growth and progression of the city. The prophet asks for a cruse with salt in it. Elisha goes to the source and throws in the salt and declared them healed. Jericho was beautiful, but the spring was foul. It is possible in life to be in a beautiful location, but still have a thing that makes it uninhabitable. This story shows that the solution to the problem is not always moving away. We have to go to the right source, but there is a answer. God is saying that we do not have to move to experience a change in life. We can have it right where we are. God has an answer right now and right here. There are a lot of people troubled by old curses. We can rebuild all we want, but if we do not deal with the root problem, all we will have as a pleasant place with a lot of pain. We can change the climate and atmosphere of our life by making the right decision. We are not stuck with an old curse. If we are going to experience real change in life, we have to go to the source of the problem. Elisha went to the spring and specifically said he cast the salt there. To address the problem, we have to go to the root. Our world is full of medicines and remedies. Most of them are all treating symptoms. They do not address the root cause of the problem. There is a remedy for life’s problems, but we must attack it at the root. The word Jericho means fragrant. It was one of the most important cities of Palastine. When Israel crossed the Jordan, their destination was the city of Jericho. It was a center of trade and enterprise. There are many accounts in the bible that pro… Mark Hughes 2556 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20606912/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thereisaremedy/id/2547980.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20606912 Remedy, Root,, Scripture: 2 Kings 2:19-2:22 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 19:54:46 +0000 Mark Hughes The actions we take today can determine the what life will be like tomorrow.. We cannot tell the exact time, but we can impact and shape the future by our actions now. The bible uses the analogy of sowing and reaping to illustrate this principle. Galatians 6:7 tells us that as a man sows, so shall he reap. In 2 Corinthians 9:6 we read: He which soweth sparingly shall also reap sparingly. With this knowledge we can predict the future. When we get to December, we cannot look to others to blame if we have sowed sparingly or if we have sowed seeds of strife or discontent. So what. It is a popular phrase in our world. It is an attitude of indifference and discontent. It conveys that no matter what we try or attempt, we cannot influence the outcome. It speaks to an attidute that what we do does not matter. So what if I don't pray. So what if I don't get involved. With one small change, we can move from an attitude of indifference and defeat. If we ask Sow What? It becomes a question of promise and submission. What if I did make an attempt? What if I did worship? What if I did pray? This small change represents a fundamental shift in our approach to life. We move from being indifferent to moving with purpose and intent. Purpose enters the equations and it changes everything. If we ask what we can sow, it moves us from passive, to active. It moves us from drifting along on the current of life, to directing and charting a course. We come to church expecting to receive. If we change that focus to what can we do, what we do will be multiplied exponentially. What are we going to sow in the coming year? None of us are here by accident. We are all here by design. God has a purpose for each of us. By asking sow what? we yield to God's purpose. When we ask that question, we prepare ourselves to be used. So what? Sow peace. sow friendship, sow love. If we want spiritual growth, we have to sow spiritual growth. This church is not about programs. We are not interested in filling a calendar. Our events, and activities must be motivated with a purpose. Life is not an accident. We must live it with a purpose. The time is now to choose what happens in the future. We can do that by asking the simple question: Sow What? The actions we take today can determine the what life will be like tomorrow.. We cannot tell the exact time, but we can impact and shape the future by our actions now. The bible uses the analogy of sowing and reaping to illustrate this principle. Galatians 6:7 tells us that as a man sows, so shall he reap. In 2 Corinthians 9:6 we read: He which soweth sparingly shall also reap sparingly. With this knowledge we can predict the future. When we get to December, we cannot look to others to blame if we have sowed sparingly or if we have sowed seeds of strife or discontent. So what. It is a popular phrase in our world. It is an attitude of indifference and discontent. It conveys that no matter what we try or attempt, we cannot influence the outcome. It speaks to an attidute that what we do does not matter. So what if I don't pray. So what if I don't get involved. With one small change, we can move from an attitude of indifference and defeat. If we ask Sow What? It becomes a question of promise and submission. What if I did make an attempt? What if I did worship? What if I did pray? This small change represents a fundamental shift in our approach to life. We move from being indifferent to moving with purpose and intent. Purpose enters the equations and it changes everything. If we ask what we can sow, it moves us from passive, to active. It moves us from drifting along on the current of life, to directing and charting a course. We come to church expecting to receive. If we change that focus to what can we do, what we do will be multiplied exponentially. What are we going to sow in the coming year? None of us are here by accident. We are all here by design. God has a purpose for each of us. By asking sow what? we yield to God's purpose. When we ask that question, we prepare ourselves to be used. So what? Sow peace. sow friendship, sow love. If we want spiritual growth, we have to sow spiritual growth. This church is not about programs. We are not interested in filling a calendar. Our events, and activities must be motivated with a purpose. Life is not an accident. We must live it with a purpose. The time is now to choose what happens in the future. We can do that by asking the simple question: Sow What? The actions we take today can determine the what life will be like tomorrow.. We cannot tell the exact time, but we can impact and shape the future by our actions now. The bible uses the analogy of sowing and reaping to illustrate this principle. Ga… Mark Hughes 1293 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20601343/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sowhat/id/2542709.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20601343 Sow; active; predict, Scripture: Psalms 126:5-126:6, Acts 2:40-2 Thu, 04 Feb 2016 03:58:28 +0000 Kenneth Baker The human mind is an amazing thing. The more that science learns about the mind, it underscores the fact that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made. The brain has the processing capacity of .1 quadrillion instructions per second. It is hard wired to learn. it has the ability to develop and adapt. A brain that has been damaged can reconfigure itself to function normally. God made us with the ability to adapt and change. A healthy mind is not stuck in any situation or problem. The word mind is used 56 times in the New Testament, most frequently by the Apostle Paul. The mind and the heart are often used interchangeably in scripture. The book of proverbs mentions the heart often. It is easy to interchange the word mind in it's place. In Proverbs 4:23, we can substitute mind for the word heart and it would make equal sense. The mind is the gateway to success, but it can also be the pathway to destruction and defeat. As a man thinketh in his "mind", so is he. The mind, and the state of thinking is the key to life. If we want to break out of a rut, we have to break out of the cycle of thinking. If we think we are defeated, we will be. To break the habitual thinking of failure, we must break out of that habit. Habit is the reason that many are still bound by their sin. They can try everything except changing their thinking. The mind of a over comer refused to be bound by what he was thinking yesterday. He forces himself to learn something everyday. Life is much bigger than what we already know. Learning tht life does not have to be perfect for us to live it. Scientist say that we have an average of 60,000 thoughts each day. Only about 12% of those are about the future. As a child of faith, we must look to the future and not become so mired to the present or the past. The future is where God's best awaits. Heaven is in the future. Glory is in the future. Transformation is in the future. Faith is the substance of things hoped for. We need a future mindset to break out of the things from the past that try to hold onto us. Harvard experts found that 94% of people spent their thoughts about things other that what they were presently doing. We are distracted. We cannot stay focused on those things that we need to. Smartphones have contributed to a culture of distraction. The mind of an over comer is one that has girded up it's loins and remains focused on what God has called us to do. It is estimated that 80% of our thoughts are negative. It is not wrong to have a negative thought, but when we verbalize those negative thoughts we give power to that thought. When we begin to speak those negative thoughts, we give life to them. Often we become what we speak. We need to use or voice to speak the right things. Proverbs 18:21 says Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Our words reflect our fate. The word of God says if we speak it from our mouth, we give it life. What we say must be carefully guarded. We are affected by our associations. Who we surround our self with, what we listen to, what we read all contribute to who we are. We must guard our associations and our environment. The mind of an over comer is one that changes the way it thinks, and the environment that it is in. The human mind is an amazing thing. The more that science learns about the mind, it underscores the fact that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made. The brain has the processing capacity of .1 quadrillion instructions per second. It is hard wired to learn. it has the ability to develop and adapt. A brain that has been damaged can reconfigure itself to function normally. God made us with the ability to adapt and change. A healthy mind is not stuck in any situation or problem. The word mind is used 56 times in the New Testament, most frequently by the Apostle Paul. The mind and the heart are often used interchangeably in scripture. The book of proverbs mentions the heart often. It is easy to interchange the word mind in it's place. In Proverbs 4:23, we can substitute mind for the word heart and it would make equal sense. The mind is the gateway to success, but it can also be the pathway to destruction and defeat. As a man thinketh in his "mind", so is he. The mind, and the state of thinking is the key to life. If we want to break out of a rut, we have to break out of the cycle of thinking. If we think we are defeated, we will be. To break the habitual thinking of failure, we must break out of that habit. Habit is the reason that many are still bound by their sin. They can try everything except changing their thinking. The mind of a over comer refused to be bound by what he was thinking yesterday. He forces himself to learn something everyday. Life is much bigger than what we already know. Learning tht life does not have to be perfect for us to live it. Scientist say that we have an average of 60,000 thoughts each day. Only about 12% of those are about the future. As a child of faith, we must look to the future and not become so mired to the present or the past. The future is where God's best awaits. Heaven is in the future. Glory is in the future. Transformation is in the future. Faith is the substance of things hoped for. We need a future mindset to break out of the things from the past that try to hold onto us. Harvard experts found that 94% of people spent their thoughts about things other that what they were presently doing. We are distracted. We cannot stay focused on those things that we need to. Smartphones have contributed to a culture of distraction. The mind of an over comer is one that has girded up it's loins and remains focused on what God has called us to do. It is estimated that 80% of our thoughts are negative. It is not wrong to have a negative thought, but when we verbalize those negative thoughts we give power to that thought. When we begin to speak those negative thoughts, we give life to them. Often we become what we speak. We need to use or voice to speak the right things. Proverbs 18:21 says Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Our words reflect our fate. The word of God says if we speak it from our mouth, we give it life. What we say must be carefully guarded. We are affected by our associations. Who we surround our self with, what we listen to, what we read all contribute to who we are. We must guard our associations and our environment. The mind of an over comer is one that changes the way it thinks, and the environment that it is in. The human mind is an amazing thing. The more that science learns about the mind, it underscores the fact that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made. The brain has the processing capacity of .1 quadrillion instructions per second. It is hard wired… Kenneth Baker 3453 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20598817/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_themindofanovercomerpart1/id/2540426.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20598817 Mind, Power, Change, Environment Thu, 28 Jan 2016 03:46:52 +0000 Mark Hughes Imagine the largest and most powerful army in the world marshaled against you. They are poised to overrun you and your cities leaving death and destruction in their wake. So far they have ravaged the countryside and are now surrounding your capital city. This was the predicament in which Hezekiah found himself. For days the Assyrian army mocked and jeered that God would not protect him. Hezekiah did not succumb to this pressure and remained vigilant. In one night, God destroyed the enemy marshaled against them. It is after this miraculous display that the psalmist penned the 46th Psalm. Bro. Hughes draws three resources from this psalm to use during times of trouble. The first point deals with fear. Fear is one of the most powerful forces in life. It comes from many sources. The bible tells us that fear is a tormentor. In verse two the writer says even though the earth may quake. When life comes to pieces and everything in life is shaken, we can rely on the refuge and place of hiding that God has provided. For every fear, God has a hiding place for us. The second force that shakes us is weariness. Life can wear us down. We all need something that can keep us going when life overwhelms us. God provides a method to refresh ourselves in times of pressure and weariness. God's answer to weariness is a river. A stream that refreshes. A source of power and replenishment that no one knows about. We have something that the world does not know about that will sustain us in all the pressure and demands of life. We can wait out anything if we have a supply. Finally the Psalmist addresses one of the most troubling issues of life: Worry. When things get tough, we worry. We stress, We fret. Worry is a very real problem that comes to everyone. God has an answer for worry and that is simply: Be still and know that I am God. In the Hebrew Be Still means literally "Take your hands off" Human nature is to fix things. We will try to fix things. God does not need us to fix it. If we look close enough, it is usually our hand print on things that trouble us. God does not need our help. The answer to most of life's problems are Let God be God. The revelation is that God is God and we are not. God is not constrained by our situation. These three things are resources for life's struggles. Imagine the largest and most powerful army in the world marshaled against you. They are poised to overrun you and your cities leaving death and destruction in their wake. So far they have ravaged the countryside and are now surrounding your capital city. This was the predicament in which Hezekiah found himself. For days the Assyrian army mocked and jeered that God would not protect him. Hezekiah did not succumb to this pressure and remained vigilant. In one night, God destroyed the enemy marshaled against them. It is after this miraculous display that the psalmist penned the 46th Psalm. Bro. Hughes draws three resources from this psalm to use during times of trouble. The first point deals with fear. Fear is one of the most powerful forces in life. It comes from many sources. The bible tells us that fear is a tormentor. In verse two the writer says even though the earth may quake. When life comes to pieces and everything in life is shaken, we can rely on the refuge and place of hiding that God has provided. For every fear, God has a hiding place for us. The second force that shakes us is weariness. Life can wear us down. We all need something that can keep us going when life overwhelms us. God provides a method to refresh ourselves in times of pressure and weariness. God's answer to weariness is a river. A stream that refreshes. A source of power and replenishment that no one knows about. We have something that the world does not know about that will sustain us in all the pressure and demands of life. We can wait out anything if we have a supply. Finally the Psalmist addresses one of the most troubling issues of life: Worry. When things get tough, we worry. We stress, We fret. Worry is a very real problem that comes to everyone. God has an answer for worry and that is simply: Be still and know that I am God. In the Hebrew Be Still means literally "Take your hands off" Human nature is to fix things. We will try to fix things. God does not need us to fix it. If we look close enough, it is usually our hand print on things that trouble us. God does not need our help. The answer to most of life's problems are Let God be God. The revelation is that God is God and we are not. God is not constrained by our situation. These three things are resources for life's struggles. Imagine the largest and most powerful army in the world marshaled against you. They are poised to overrun you and your cities leaving death and destruction in their wake. So far they have ravaged the countryside and are now surrounding your capital c… Mark Hughes 2973 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20593156/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_resourcesforlifesstruggles/id/2534786.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20593156 Struggles, Fear, Worry, Refuge, Scripture: Psalms 46 Mon, 25 Jan 2016 04:16:07 +0000 Mark Hughes Second Peter was written to a group of believers who had gone beyond the initial stages of a church. These believers were good people. Time had passed and in that time there came to be things that needed to be addressed. Peter was looking ahead to the literal last days and he saw things on the horizon that he felt were critical issues of the closing hours of time. Peter begins by stating his purpose to do everything he could to stir a people. The literal translation of the word in the original Greek was to wake up fully. He wanted to remind the people about the things that had come before by way of the prophets, and apostles and from Jesus Himself. In particular he says he wants to stir up their pure mind. In the Greek the word pure referred to something that had been sifted so thoroughly that there is nothing but pure grain left in the mix. Peter was not writing to a back slid people. He was not writing to a church that had turned away from the truth. Peter is writing to a people who have lived for God for a long time. They were the saved and sacrified. They were the best of the church. As pure as these people were, Peter understood that no man is beyond the danger of deception, disillusionment or corruption. Peter knew that the flesh is corrupt. Even those who are the most connected can become disconnected because their worship becomes a matter of habit. There are people who know more about church than anyone, but they cannot be stirred to move in their relationship with God. None of us are exempt from this danger. We must not get to the place where we act of of habit not out of heart in the kingdom of God. The familiar becomes a trap of complacency. We must guard against becoming complacent on our worship or our relationship with God. None are lost in an instant. It is a gradual progression of eroding. We need a stirring because we need to be reminded of what we already know lest those things slip away. We need to be stirred because we become cold without even knowing it. Not only do we need to be stirred to keep from getting cold, we need to be stirred because we forget. Time has a way of erasing memories. We must stir up those memories to keep them active. Time has a way of dulling the importance of things. We sometimes must be stirred to remind of of the importance of things. Peter knew that there were two dangers that he wanted to alert his people about. One was a doctrinal issue. Even in the early church, there was an effort to alter the truth about one God. The Romans believed in multiple Gods and persecuted the church because of their one God belief. The other issue was their lifestyle: The way that they lived and were viewed as a people. We must embrace our separation from the world more than at any other time. We must not allow our culture to cause us to embrace or allow to seep into our life, those things that God has declared as a abomination. We live in perilous times. In times like this, we must stir to our remembrance those things most of us know, but perhaps have fallen aside. We must be stirred. Second Peter was written to a group of believers who had gone beyond the initial stages of a church. These believers were good people. Time had passed and in that time there came to be things that needed to be addressed. Peter was looking ahead to the literal last days and he saw things on the horizon that he felt were critical issues of the closing hours of time. Peter begins by stating his purpose to do everything he could to stir a people. The literal translation of the word in the original Greek was to wake up fully. He wanted to remind the people about the things that had come before by way of the prophets, and apostles and from Jesus Himself. In particular he says he wants to stir up their pure mind. In the Greek the word pure referred to something that had been sifted so thoroughly that there is nothing but pure grain left in the mix. Peter was not writing to a back slid people. He was not writing to a church that had turned away from the truth. Peter is writing to a people who have lived for God for a long time. They were the saved and sacrified. They were the best of the church. As pure as these people were, Peter understood that no man is beyond the danger of deception, disillusionment or corruption. Peter knew that the flesh is corrupt. Even those who are the most connected can become disconnected because their worship becomes a matter of habit. There are people who know more about church than anyone, but they cannot be stirred to move in their relationship with God. None of us are exempt from this danger. We must not get to the place where we act of of habit not out of heart in the kingdom of God. The familiar becomes a trap of complacency. We must guard against becoming complacent on our worship or our relationship with God. None are lost in an instant. It is a gradual progression of eroding. We need a stirring because we need to be reminded of what we already know lest those things slip away. We need to be stirred because we become cold without even knowing it. Not only do we need to be stirred to keep from getting cold, we need to be stirred because we forget. Time has a way of erasing memories. We must stir up those memories to keep them active. Time has a way of dulling the importance of things. We sometimes must be stirred to remind of of the importance of things. Peter knew that there were two dangers that he wanted to alert his people about. One was a doctrinal issue. Even in the early church, there was an effort to alter the truth about one God. The Romans believed in multiple Gods and persecuted the church because of their one God belief. The other issue was their lifestyle: The way that they lived and were viewed as a people. We must embrace our separation from the world more than at any other time. We must not allow our culture to cause us to embrace or allow to seep into our life, those things that God has declared as a abomination. We live in perilous times. In times like this, we must stir to our remembrance those things most of us know, but perhaps have fallen aside. We must be stirred. Second Peter was written to a group of believers who had gone beyond the initial stages of a church. These believers were good people. Time had passed and in that time there came to be things that needed to be addressed. Peter was looking ahead to the… Mark Hughes 4454 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20591123/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wemustbestirred/id/2534789.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20591123 Stirred, Remember, Cold, Unthankful, Scripture: 2 Peter 3:1-3:2 Sun, 24 Jan 2016 21:07:41 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text takes us to a place in Jerusalem that was known throughout the land. People came and congregated at this pool because of what they could find there. No one knows why the waters would become troubled, but there was a belief that healing was available when this happened. Some historians challenge the authenticity of that, but if that is the case, why were so many people waiting? Something miraculous took place at that pool. The bible tells us that there was a multitude of people. They were there because there was hope for a chance of healing. It was a chance, but a chance was better than nothing. A chance is all they were looking for. That desire of a chance has not changed form then to now. People are simply looking for a chance. People will wait on many things in life for simply a chance. When Jesus came to the pool that day, chance went out the window, and it became an opportunity. When Jesus is involved, it is not a matter of chance, but a matter of time. For 38 long years, nothing had changed for this man. For 38 years, this man held onto hope. For all those 38 years, chance had not been kind to him. Jesus asks this man a strange question: Do you want to be made whole? His answer reveals why he had been waiting so long. Is answer was not YES. The answer was I can't. His answer is an excuse or a complaint. Before we judge this man too harshly, we need to look at our own live to make sure we are not guilty of the same attitude. Jesus did not ask him if he wanted to be healed. Jesus ask if he wanted to me made whole. There is a difference. People can be physically well, but still troubled in their mind. The infirm man had endured 38 years and something kept him at the pool hoping for his time. This man did not even know who healed him. Later when ask about who had healed him, he could not say. Bro. Hughes notes several things about this encounter and the answer that reveal much. This man struggled with seeing only his problem, not his opportunities. He referenced the obstacles in his way. All he could see were his problems. In that state, he could not let God bless him. There is always something in the way. Jesus did not ask him what his problem was. He already knew that, Jesus ask what was his desire. When we focus on our problems, we place constraints on what God can do in our life. What is it on the inside that limits us? If God cannot get on the inside, it will not matter what we do on the outside. Our infirm man could only see what he did not have. He said "I have no man" What are we saying that we do not have? I have no help. I have no encouragement. I have no leadership. What are we missing because we are focused on what we do not have? He was so focused on what was against him, that he did not even realize that the one that could solve all his problems was right in front of him. Finally, this man judged the present by the past. He told Jesus about all his past failures. His life was limited, even in the presence of Jesus, by being stuck on all the failures of the past. It is easy to understand how this man could have this attitude. He had been there a long time. Here he was talking to someone he didn't even know if he would like to be healed. Something kept this man coming back for all those years. What was different on that day was that he was in the presence of God. Some people have this same attitude today. Things have been bad for so long. We see others go to the alter and get blessing, but feel that we cannot access that too. Nothing can so parallelize a man's life than the notion that things will never change. To judge the presence by the past is to handcuff God and keep him from doing what He wants to do in our life. God is not limited by our past. Nothing is impossible with God. Jesus said Get UP. It was a command. When that man acted on the authoritative word of God, his life was transformed immediately. Jesus tells us the same thing today: Get up! Our text takes us to a place in Jerusalem that was known throughout the land. People came and congregated at this pool because of what they could find there. No one knows why the waters would become troubled, but there was a belief that healing was available when this happened. Some historians challenge the authenticity of that, but if that is the case, why were so many people waiting? Something miraculous took place at that pool. The bible tells us that there was a multitude of people. They were there because there was hope for a chance of healing. It was a chance, but a chance was better than nothing. A chance is all they were looking for. That desire of a chance has not changed form then to now. People are simply looking for a chance. People will wait on many things in life for simply a chance. When Jesus came to the pool that day, chance went out the window, and it became an opportunity. When Jesus is involved, it is not a matter of chance, but a matter of time. For 38 long years, nothing had changed for this man. For 38 years, this man held onto hope. For all those 38 years, chance had not been kind to him. Jesus asks this man a strange question: Do you want to be made whole? His answer reveals why he had been waiting so long. Is answer was not YES. The answer was I can't. His answer is an excuse or a complaint. Before we judge this man too harshly, we need to look at our own live to make sure we are not guilty of the same attitude. Jesus did not ask him if he wanted to be healed. Jesus ask if he wanted to me made whole. There is a difference. People can be physically well, but still troubled in their mind. The infirm man had endured 38 years and something kept him at the pool hoping for his time. This man did not even know who healed him. Later when ask about who had healed him, he could not say. Bro. Hughes notes several things about this encounter and the answer that reveal much. This man struggled with seeing only his problem, not his opportunities. He referenced the obstacles in his way. All he could see were his problems. In that state, he could not let God bless him. There is always something in the way. Jesus did not ask him what his problem was. He already knew that, Jesus ask what was his desire. When we focus on our problems, we place constraints on what God can do in our life. What is it on the inside that limits us? If God cannot get on the inside, it will not matter what we do on the outside. Our infirm man could only see what he did not have. He said "I have no man" What are we saying that we do not have? I have no help. I have no encouragement. I have no leadership. What are we missing because we are focused on what we do not have? He was so focused on what was against him, that he did not even realize that the one that could solve all his problems was right in front of him. Finally, this man judged the present by the past. He told Jesus about all his past failures. His life was limited, even in the presence of Jesus, by being stuck on all the failures of the past. It is easy to understand how this man could have this attitude. He had been there a long time. Here he was talking to someone he didn't even know if he would like to be healed. Something kept this man coming back for all those years. What was different on that day was that he was in the presence of God. Some people have this same attitude today. Things have been bad for so long. We see others go to the alter and get blessing, but feel that we cannot access that too. Nothing can so parallelize a man's life than the notion that things will never change. To judge the presence by the past is to handcuff God and keep him from doing what He wants to do in our life. God is not limited by our past. Nothing is impossible with God. Jesus said Get UP. It was a command. When that man acted on the authoritative word of God, his life was transformed immediately. Jesus tells us the same thing today: Get up! Our text takes us to a place in Jerusalem that was known throughout the land. People came and congregated at this pool because of what they could find there. No one knows why the waters would become troubled, but there was a belief that healing was a… Mark Hughes 2775 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20590564/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_getup/id/2531408.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20590564 Excuses, hope, faith, change, Scripture: John 5:1-5:9 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 04:04:42 +0000 Mark Hughes Life has it's share of grief. Life does not play favorites. The word grief in the orignal Greek referrs so an ailment. For most people, grief is viewed as an intruder into our lives. Yet it is how we respond to these times of grief that determine our outcome. Jeremiah was a man of many tears. He was called to a people who needed God's correction. It as Jeremiah's task to awaken a lost people to try to bring them back to a place that God needed them to be. This task was overwhelming and affected Jeremiah much like it would have affected most of us. He gets lost in the hopelessness of the situation and begins to complain. Through 10 chapters he goes on until he recognized what he was doing. He comes to himself and then in verse 19 he states: Truly this is a grief, but I must bear it. This is a declaration of faith. It was a statement of intent in his own life. Not only was he going to live his life in faith, but he was going to be faithful in the life that he lived. When he did this, it armed him against whatever the future would hold. e had already gone through 10 chapters, and had another 30 to go. God had shown Jeremiah much to be down about. Jeremiah surly could not imagine what was to come. But in chapter 10 verse 19 Jeremiah makes the decision that he was going to bear whatever life had to bring his way. This statement is the affirmation that God has a plan and that no matter what may come, Without this understanding, we will misunderstand the storms and pain that come into our lives. It is in these storms and pain that God works out His plan. When we stand before God and declare that this is a disappointment, but I must bear it, we strip away its ability to destroy us. When we decide to live the way Jeremiah did, it will change the language we use to describe our life and what is happening in it. When we take authority over life like Jeremiah did, we are saying that we will determine how grief will affect our life, not let grief determine how it will affect us. Jeremiah accepted by faith that the grief he was facing was actually an opportunity. If we can bear it, it cannot break us. I must bear it. Life has it's share of grief. Life does not play favorites. The word grief in the orignal Greek referrs so an ailment. For most people, grief is viewed as an intruder into our lives. Yet it is how we respond to these times of grief that determine our outcome. Jeremiah was a man of many tears. He was called to a people who needed God's correction. It as Jeremiah's task to awaken a lost people to try to bring them back to a place that God needed them to be. This task was overwhelming and affected Jeremiah much like it would have affected most of us. He gets lost in the hopelessness of the situation and begins to complain. Through 10 chapters he goes on until he recognized what he was doing. He comes to himself and then in verse 19 he states: Truly this is a grief, but I must bear it. This is a declaration of faith. It was a statement of intent in his own life. Not only was he going to live his life in faith, but he was going to be faithful in the life that he lived. When he did this, it armed him against whatever the future would hold. e had already gone through 10 chapters, and had another 30 to go. God had shown Jeremiah much to be down about. Jeremiah surly could not imagine what was to come. But in chapter 10 verse 19 Jeremiah makes the decision that he was going to bear whatever life had to bring his way. This statement is the affirmation that God has a plan and that no matter what may come, Without this understanding, we will misunderstand the storms and pain that come into our lives. It is in these storms and pain that God works out His plan. When we stand before God and declare that this is a disappointment, but I must bear it, we strip away its ability to destroy us. When we decide to live the way Jeremiah did, it will change the language we use to describe our life and what is happening in it. When we take authority over life like Jeremiah did, we are saying that we will determine how grief will affect our life, not let grief determine how it will affect us. Jeremiah accepted by faith that the grief he was facing was actually an opportunity. If we can bear it, it cannot break us. I must bear it. Life has it's share of grief. Life does not play favorites. The word grief in the orignal Greek referrs so an ailment. For most people, grief is viewed as an intruder into our lives. Yet it is how we respond to these times of grief that determine o… Mark Hughes 3061 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20587578/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_imustbearit/id/2528663.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20587578 Grief, Bear, Faith, Scripture: Jeremiah 10:19-10 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 04:02:35 +0000 Bobby Edwards Everyone has had to deal with a death in our lives. A close loved one or a distant relative, we have all experienced the sting of death. Death is part of our earthly walk. In our text, Paul tells us that he is persuaded that nothing, even death would separate him from the love of God. More precisely, not him for the love of God, but God’s love from him. Death was not intended to plunge us into a depression or to drive us away from God. Next Paul says life cannot separate us from the love of God. Life is full of misery and heartaches. He says these things will not separate us from the LOVE of God. There are times we may be separated from God, but the LOVE of God remains constant. God loves us and He loves us unconditionally. We have His promise right here in Romans 8:38: Paul goes on to say that things that are happening right now will not diminish God's love for us. Things that will come in the future have no impact on God’s love for us. We are thankful for the love of God. Everyone has had to deal with a death in our lives. A close loved one or a distant relative, we have all experienced the sting of death. Death is part of our earthly walk. In our text, Paul tells us that he is persuaded that nothing, even death would separate him from the love of God. More precisely, not him for the love of God, but God’s love from him. Death was not intended to plunge us into a depression or to drive us away from God. Next Paul says life cannot separate us from the love of God. Life is full of misery and heartaches. He says these things will not separate us from the LOVE of God. There are times we may be separated from God, but the LOVE of God remains constant. God loves us and He loves us unconditionally. We have His promise right here in Romans 8:38: Paul goes on to say that things that are happening right now will not diminish God's love for us. Things that will come in the future have no impact on God’s love for us. We are thankful for the love of God. Everyone has had to deal with a death in our lives. A close loved one or a distant relative, we have all experienced the sting of death. Death is part of our earthly walk. In our text, Paul tells us that he is persuaded that nothing, even death woul… Bobby Edwards 2042 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20585326/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theloveofgod/id/2526460.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20585326 Love of God, Death, Life , Scripture: Romans 8:38-8 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 20:25:28 +0000 Bobby Edwards Captain Charlie Plumb graduated from the Naval Academy at Annapolis and went on to fly the F-4 Phantom jet on 74 successful combat missions over Vietnam. On his 75th mission, with only five days before he was to return home, Plumb was shot down, captured, tortured, and imprisoned in an 8 foot x 8 foot cell. He spent the next 2,103 days as a Prisoner Of War in communist war prisons. One day he received a note passed to his cell asking: “Do you know what your problem is? He answered and the reply came back: “Your problem is simply you think you are in prison.” Our problems really start in our mind. As a man thinketh, so is he. When we start thinking about our problems, we tend to blame someone else. Someone did something, our circumstances or whatever. The truth is that the problem is that our problems begin within. We create prisons in our mind by replaying past wrongs, by harboring grudges, by blaming our “problem” on others. We must break out of the mental prison we keep ourselves in. No matter what our circumstances, God did not make a mistake. Forgiveness is one of the best gifts God has ever given us. No matter how many times we fall, we can return to God. Many people are in prison because we make the mistake of saying "I will never do it again" The problem is that that power does not reside in us. If it did, we would not have done it in the first place. The power of the Holy Ghost will deliver us from that prison. When we blame others for our problems we will never get out. Paul was in prison often. He suffered beatings, stoning and other punishments. Paul wrote most of the new testament; and most of that from prison. Still he wrote "Rejoice, and again I say rejoice. Each of the twelve apostles were in bondage in their ministry and all died a horrible death. We fall into thinking that if we do not enjoy the finer things in life, we are not blessed. God is not against us owning nice things, He is against those things owning us. Charley Plumb was released at the war’s end. After he was released he found that his wife had left him and started a new life. His friends encouraged him to hire a lawyer and try to punish her. His reply was that he had been in a POW camp for 6 years; he could not afford to be bitter. When we get out of prison, we will not be bitter. When we are released from the prison we are in, we have a better opportunity than we have ever had. There is not a person alive that has not been hurt. If we continue to be bitter, we cannot get past the hurt, we will remain in a prison of our own making. It is not until we release that bitterness that we can get better. I can’t afford to be bitter. Captain Charlie Plumb graduated from the Naval Academy at Annapolis and went on to fly the F-4 Phantom jet on 74 successful combat missions over Vietnam. On his 75th mission, with only five days before he was to return home, Plumb was shot down, captured, tortured, and imprisoned in an 8 foot x 8 foot cell. He spent the next 2,103 days as a Prisoner Of War in communist war prisons. One day he received a note passed to his cell asking: “Do you know what your problem is? He answered and the reply came back: “Your problem is simply you think you are in prison.” Our problems really start in our mind. As a man thinketh, so is he. When we start thinking about our problems, we tend to blame someone else. Someone did something, our circumstances or whatever. The truth is that the problem is that our problems begin within. We create prisons in our mind by replaying past wrongs, by harboring grudges, by blaming our “problem” on others. We must break out of the mental prison we keep ourselves in. No matter what our circumstances, God did not make a mistake. Forgiveness is one of the best gifts God has ever given us. No matter how many times we fall, we can return to God. Many people are in prison because we make the mistake of saying "I will never do it again" The problem is that that power does not reside in us. If it did, we would not have done it in the first place. The power of the Holy Ghost will deliver us from that prison. When we blame others for our problems we will never get out. Paul was in prison often. He suffered beatings, stoning and other punishments. Paul wrote most of the new testament; and most of that from prison. Still he wrote "Rejoice, and again I say rejoice. Each of the twelve apostles were in bondage in their ministry and all died a horrible death. We fall into thinking that if we do not enjoy the finer things in life, we are not blessed. God is not against us owning nice things, He is against those things owning us. Charley Plumb was released at the war’s end. After he was released he found that his wife had left him and started a new life. His friends encouraged him to hire a lawyer and try to punish her. His reply was that he had been in a POW camp for 6 years; he could not afford to be bitter. When we get out of prison, we will not be bitter. When we are released from the prison we are in, we have a better opportunity than we have ever had. There is not a person alive that has not been hurt. If we continue to be bitter, we cannot get past the hurt, we will remain in a prison of our own making. It is not until we release that bitterness that we can get better. I can’t afford to be bitter. Captain Charlie Plumb graduated from the Naval Academy at Annapolis and went on to fly the F-4 Phantom jet on 74 successful combat missions over Vietnam. On his 75th mission, with only five days before he was to return home, Plumb was shot down, captur… Bobby Edwards 2142 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20584669/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_inprison/id/2525795.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20584669 Prison, Bitterness, Blame, Scripture: Philippians 4:4-4 Sun, 10 Jan 2016 20:30:30 +0000 Kenneth Baker Our text describes the return of a united Israel. For a long time Israel was divided into two factions. They came together and ask that King be anointed king over all. When the Philistines heard this, they came against Israel. Verse 17 says “When they heard that David had been annotated King over Israel.” The devil hates unity. He likes things that are in disarray. He loves it when we live disordered and confused. As long as we are disoriented and confused, he will leave us alone. When we are living that way, we destroy ourselves and we do not need a devil. The devil hates it when a people, a nation or a church have a divine purpose. He will do anything he can to disrupt a united purpose. The devil will always show up when we decide to set things in order. As long as there was disarray in Israel, the enemy was content to leave them alone. The Philistines knew that a united Israel was trouble for them. Instead of backing down from their threats, David rose up and defeated them. Why had the Philistines been allowed to be a problem Israel for so long? Why had they been allowed to live in the land of God's chosen people? The bible tells us that rather than following God's orders, the Philistines were allowed to remain. In nature there is a bird called the Cookoo bird. It is strange for many reasons but one is that the cook is one of the laziest birds there is. They are too lazy to build their own nest. The seek the nest of other birds where they leave their eggs. Their favorite target is the robin. The robin has a peculiar weakness that the cookoo bird exploits. The robin will accept the foreign egg and will attempt to raise baby bird as one of their own. The cook bird is much larger than a robin, and as it grows, it soon pushes out the much smaller birds out of the nest. The mother robin will continue to nurture and care for the cookoo bird even though her own babies are being pushed out to die on the ground. Why does the robin keep feeding something that is destroying something they love? At first, the robin does it out of pity. By the time the mother robin realizes what is happening, she is so accustomed to the foreign bird that she does not have the courage to push it out. She cannot quit caring for the cookoo even though it is destroying her own children. She has gotten used to it. How many things have we become accustomed to that we do not have the courage to push it out? The very thing that is destroying many a spiritual life is the foreign thing that should not have ever been there in the first place. Israel knew that the Philistines did not belong. They knew that they did not worship their God, our share their values, but Israel allowed them to remain. Over time the Philistines became stronger and Israel became accustomed to them. In stead of dealing with them and moving them out of the way, Israel allowed the Philistines to continue to exist. Not only did they co-exist in the land, the Philistines began to claim ownership of parts of the land that God had given to His people. Israel allowed this to happen. Until David became king. David ask God if he should take it back and God replied to take it. The bible says that "he smote them." If we have things in our life that are not what God intended, why do we allow it to remain? The cookoo bird had a large appetite. The mother robin spends so much time trying to feed the mouth that does not belong in her nest, that her own children suffer. If we are not careful, we will spend all of our time trying to feed the appetite of a spirit in our life that does not belong there and can never be satisified. If we allow that spirit to live in us, it will consume all that we have and destroy all that we love and cherish. How many things do we allow to slip into our lives and we get used to living with them? Attitudes: Indifference, arrogance, rebellion? How many of these things are we living with because we are used to it? Until David came, that is what Israel did; they lived with it. David knew that it was not the will of God that they; or we; have to live with it. There is no living with the things that are contrary to God's will. As David smote the Philistines, we must smite the things that have crept into our lives that should not have been there in the first place. Something has deposited that spirit in our nest. We have become accustomed to feeding and caring for it. We must go to battle and smite it. Our text describes the return of a united Israel. For a long time Israel was divided into two factions. They came together and ask that King be anointed king over all. When the Philistines heard this, they came against Israel. Verse 17 says “When they heard that David had been annotated King over Israel.” The devil hates unity. He likes things that are in disarray. He loves it when we live disordered and confused. As long as we are disoriented and confused, he will leave us alone. When we are living that way, we destroy ourselves and we do not need a devil. The devil hates it when a people, a nation or a church have a divine purpose. He will do anything he can to disrupt a united purpose. The devil will always show up when we decide to set things in order. As long as there was disarray in Israel, the enemy was content to leave them alone. The Philistines knew that a united Israel was trouble for them. Instead of backing down from their threats, David rose up and defeated them. Why had the Philistines been allowed to be a problem Israel for so long? Why had they been allowed to live in the land of God's chosen people? The bible tells us that rather than following God's orders, the Philistines were allowed to remain. In nature there is a bird called the Cookoo bird. It is strange for many reasons but one is that the cook is one of the laziest birds there is. They are too lazy to build their own nest. The seek the nest of other birds where they leave their eggs. Their favorite target is the robin. The robin has a peculiar weakness that the cookoo bird exploits. The robin will accept the foreign egg and will attempt to raise baby bird as one of their own. The cook bird is much larger than a robin, and as it grows, it soon pushes out the much smaller birds out of the nest. The mother robin will continue to nurture and care for the cookoo bird even though her own babies are being pushed out to die on the ground. Why does the robin keep feeding something that is destroying something they love? At first, the robin does it out of pity. By the time the mother robin realizes what is happening, she is so accustomed to the foreign bird that she does not have the courage to push it out. She cannot quit caring for the cookoo even though it is destroying her own children. She has gotten used to it. How many things have we become accustomed to that we do not have the courage to push it out? The very thing that is destroying many a spiritual life is the foreign thing that should not have ever been there in the first place. Israel knew that the Philistines did not belong. They knew that they did not worship their God, our share their values, but Israel allowed them to remain. Over time the Philistines became stronger and Israel became accustomed to them. In stead of dealing with them and moving them out of the way, Israel allowed the Philistines to continue to exist. Not only did they co-exist in the land, the Philistines began to claim ownership of parts of the land that God had given to His people. Israel allowed this to happen. Until David became king. David ask God if he should take it back and God replied to take it. The bible says that "he smote them." If we have things in our life that are not what God intended, why do we allow it to remain? The cookoo bird had a large appetite. The mother robin spends so much time trying to feed the mouth that does not belong in her nest, that her own children suffer. If we are not careful, we will spend all of our time trying to feed the appetite of a spirit in our life that does not belong there and can never be satisified. If we allow that spirit to live in us, it will consume all that we have and destroy all that we love and cherish. How many things do we allow to slip into our lives and we get used to living with them? Attitudes: Indifference, arrogance, rebellion? How many of these things are we living with because we are used to it? Until David came, that is what Israel did; they lived with it. David knew that it was not the will of God that they; or we; have to live with it. There is no living with the things that are contrary to God's will. As David smote the Philistines, we must smite the things that have crept into our lives that should not have been there in the first place. Something has deposited that spirit in our nest. We have become accustomed to feeding and caring for it. We must go to battle and smite it. Our text describes the return of a united Israel. For a long time Israel was divided into two factions. They came together and ask that King be anointed king over all. When the Philistines heard this, they came against Israel. Verse 17 says “When th… Kenneth Baker 2830 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20579179/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_smiteit/id/2520584.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20579179 accustomed, complacent, accomdating Thu, 07 Jan 2016 03:38:58 +0000 Mark Hughes This chapter in Luke is perhaps one of the most encouraging when it comes to the subject of prayer. Our text lays out a blueprint for prayer and gives us the example from which we should pattern prayer. The description in the latter verses of our text demonstrate the love that God has for His creation. His intent for us is nothing less than the very best. It is clear that He wants to meet the needs of His children. Even in our limited human capacity, if our children ask something that they need, we will do everything in our power to meet that need. So it is with our heavenly father. Prayer is the key to the relationship with God. The desire to pray is likened to the need for breath. Without air, we will soon die. In our spiritual life, failure to pray will lead to spiritual death. We must all learn the necessity of daily prayer. Prayer is the key to a victorious life. If we do not pray, we will die. Prayer is the key to dealing with life's problems. In prayer, God has a way of getting into our life and dealing with those issues. Prayer is communication. It is not gripes or complaints. it is a two way communication. The Lord's prayer is not a thing to repeat verbatim. It is a pattern and example of HOW to pray. The first part of the prayer has to do with God's interests. The second part of the prayer deals with human interests. If we start with HIs interests and then move to ours, our interests will be first in His response. God's priority must come first before the needs we have. Too many people start with their own needs. The story about the man asking for bread describes the attitude with which we should pray. The man was not embarrassed to keep knocking and asking. He was not ashamed to ask for assistance with his need. The story is not to demonstrate God’s reluctance to help, but it illustrates the contrast between human attitudes about helping and God’s attitude about helping his children. Our concerns are God's concerns. Our text concludes with a description of the attitude we need to bring to prayer. Ask and it will be given; Seek and we shall find. Ae must ask with expectancy. If we pray expecting that God will provide that; God will honor that. If our child ask for something, would we frustrate them or provide them something dangerous? If we being human would do the best to give our children something that they need, how much more will God being perfect give to His children? We would not mock our children’s needs, but would try to meet those needs. Given all the benefits of prayer; Given the life changing results of prayer, whey don’t we pray? This is not an indictment, but a question. The question can become convicting. Why don’t we pray? This chapter in Luke is perhaps one of the most encouraging when it comes to the subject of prayer. Our text lays out a blueprint for prayer and gives us the example from which we should pattern prayer. The description in the latter verses of our text demonstrate the love that God has for His creation. His intent for us is nothing less than the very best. It is clear that He wants to meet the needs of His children. Even in our limited human capacity, if our children ask something that they need, we will do everything in our power to meet that need. So it is with our heavenly father. Prayer is the key to the relationship with God. The desire to pray is likened to the need for breath. Without air, we will soon die. In our spiritual life, failure to pray will lead to spiritual death. We must all learn the necessity of daily prayer. Prayer is the key to a victorious life. If we do not pray, we will die. Prayer is the key to dealing with life's problems. In prayer, God has a way of getting into our life and dealing with those issues. Prayer is communication. It is not gripes or complaints. it is a two way communication. The Lord's prayer is not a thing to repeat verbatim. It is a pattern and example of HOW to pray. The first part of the prayer has to do with God's interests. The second part of the prayer deals with human interests. If we start with HIs interests and then move to ours, our interests will be first in His response. God's priority must come first before the needs we have. Too many people start with their own needs. The story about the man asking for bread describes the attitude with which we should pray. The man was not embarrassed to keep knocking and asking. He was not ashamed to ask for assistance with his need. The story is not to demonstrate God’s reluctance to help, but it illustrates the contrast between human attitudes about helping and God’s attitude about helping his children. Our concerns are God's concerns. Our text concludes with a description of the attitude we need to bring to prayer. Ask and it will be given; Seek and we shall find. Ae must ask with expectancy. If we pray expecting that God will provide that; God will honor that. If our child ask for something, would we frustrate them or provide them something dangerous? If we being human would do the best to give our children something that they need, how much more will God being perfect give to His children? We would not mock our children’s needs, but would try to meet those needs. Given all the benefits of prayer; Given the life changing results of prayer, whey don’t we pray? This is not an indictment, but a question. The question can become convicting. Why don’t we pray? This chapter in Luke is perhaps one of the most encouraging when it comes to the subject of prayer. Our text lays out a blueprint for prayer and gives us the example from which we should pattern prayer. The description in the latter verses of our tex… Mark Hughes 2785 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20576488/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whydontwepray/id/2518207.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20576488 Prayer, Expectancy, Ask, Seek, Scripture: Luke 11:1-11:13 Sun, 03 Jan 2016 19:50:24 +0000 Mark Hughes Everything that we desire in 2016 is nearer than we believe. This time of year, we read many predictions of the new year will hold. From the amazing to the absurd we can find it all on the internet: Who will win sporting events, who will win political office, who will succeed or fail in business. Today, on the first service of the new year, Bro. Hughes comes to predict what is in store for us in 2016. Our text begins with a disclaimer: Be not deceived. God would not have made that statement if it were not possible. The danger here is not being deceived by others, but by our own thoughts The conversation we have in our own head is the subject of this principle. Many will try to convince themselves that God’s word is not what they know it to be. Given the history of truth and demonstration of God’s word, many will question, deny or ignore that word and convince themselves that it does not apply to them. Paul states that God will not be mocked. The word implies that the reader would turn his nose up at the word of God. We can turn our nose up all we want, but God will not be mocked. Heeding the word of God will determine if 2016 will be the best year we have ever had, or the worst. The principle is simple: What we plant will determine the future before it ever begins. We determine what the harvest will be in 2016 by what we sow. All of us will plant things this year. If we want a year filled with joy, then we must plant joy. If we want a year of blessing, then we must plant blessing. If we want a year of mercy, then we must plant seeds of mercy. We will not get something back from life that we are not willing to put into it. We can ignore and refute this simple truth all we want, but that does not exempt us from the fact that we will reap what we sow. People do not determine what happens to our life, we do. We hold in our hands the seeds of what will become of our life in 2016. Everything that we desire in 2016 is nearer than we believe. This time of year, we read many predictions of the new year will hold. From the amazing to the absurd we can find it all on the internet: Who will win sporting events, who will win political office, who will succeed or fail in business. Today, on the first service of the new year, Bro. Hughes comes to predict what is in store for us in 2016. Our text begins with a disclaimer: Be not deceived. God would not have made that statement if it were not possible. The danger here is not being deceived by others, but by our own thoughts The conversation we have in our own head is the subject of this principle. Many will try to convince themselves that God’s word is not what they know it to be. Given the history of truth and demonstration of God’s word, many will question, deny or ignore that word and convince themselves that it does not apply to them. Paul states that God will not be mocked. The word implies that the reader would turn his nose up at the word of God. We can turn our nose up all we want, but God will not be mocked. Heeding the word of God will determine if 2016 will be the best year we have ever had, or the worst. The principle is simple: What we plant will determine the future before it ever begins. We determine what the harvest will be in 2016 by what we sow. All of us will plant things this year. If we want a year filled with joy, then we must plant joy. If we want a year of blessing, then we must plant blessing. If we want a year of mercy, then we must plant seeds of mercy. We will not get something back from life that we are not willing to put into it. We can ignore and refute this simple truth all we want, but that does not exempt us from the fact that we will reap what we sow. People do not determine what happens to our life, we do. We hold in our hands the seeds of what will become of our life in 2016. Everything that we desire in 2016 is nearer than we believe. This time of year, we read many predictions of the new year will hold. From the amazing to the absurd we can find it all on the internet: Who will win sporting events, who will win politic… Mark Hughes 2347 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20573476/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itsinmyhands/id/2515230.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20573476 Predictions, seeds, , Scripture: Galatians 6:7-6:8 Fri, 11 Dec 2015 01:29:03 +0000 Kenneth Baker Although it is one of the shortest books in the bible, it is contains some of the most profound statements to be recorded. Habakkuk shows us that we can be as open and honest with God about our lives and our situations, and that God will not be offended. God is not threatened by our questions or our problems. Habakkuk is unique not in what he says, but in the direction he faced as a prophet. All of the other prophets were speaking from God to men. Habakkuk was speaking from men to God. He was in the midst of a storm. The first chapter reveals a man who was questioning how his world had gotten to the state it was. Like so many others he questioned how God could allow all that was going to to go on. God was seeming in different in a critical time. Habakkauk was deeply troubled by this. How long Lord? How long will be before you answer my prayer. How long before you right all the wrongs. The moral dilemma that Habakkauk was struggling with was how could God allow a pagan society to overrun a Godly people. The answer to Habakkauk's problems was within himself. The clue is int he meaning of his name. Habakkauk means to wrestle or to embrace. He does both. He wrestles with the silence of God, he wrestles with the state of Israel, and he wrestles with what God was doing. He wrestled with the common question of how can a loving God allow evil to happen. The problem is not with evil, but with focus. Wrestling with all these problems led Habakkauk to a breakthrough. There is a vast difference in the beginning of the book and the end of the book. It begins with a burden, and it ends with one of the most powerful praises in the bible. God gave him a revelation, not an explanation. God could have answered Habakkauk's questions, but that would have just led to more questions. When we have a revelation, the why does not matter. When he realized who God was and what He was, Habakkuk went from wrestling with God to embracing Him. The only way to get where we need to be is to embrace. We can spend the rest of our life wrestling with the unanswerable questions in life and we will be no better off, but if we can get to the place where we embrace God for who He is, we can be lifted up. Quit wrestling with God and embrace Him. Habakkauk climbed to a tower and stayed until he had a breakthrough. As long as he was down on the level with his problems, he couldn't see anything but his problems. When he got to a higher vantage point, he could finally see what God wanted to show him. We need a better perspective if we are to have a better understanding. Some people will waste their whole life wrestling with their problems. If we will wait on the Lord, he will have it worked out. Habakkuk had what he needed. The faith that was required was already inside him. By the end of the book, Habakkuk was praising God. His circumstances had not changed, he had. That praise was always inside him. Praise is inside us too. That is the answer. The answer is in you. Although it is one of the shortest books in the bible, it is contains some of the most profound statements to be recorded. Habakkuk shows us that we can be as open and honest with God about our lives and our situations, and that God will not be offended. God is not threatened by our questions or our problems. Habakkuk is unique not in what he says, but in the direction he faced as a prophet. All of the other prophets were speaking from God to men. Habakkuk was speaking from men to God. He was in the midst of a storm. The first chapter reveals a man who was questioning how his world had gotten to the state it was. Like so many others he questioned how God could allow all that was going to to go on. God was seeming in different in a critical time. Habakkauk was deeply troubled by this. How long Lord? How long will be before you answer my prayer. How long before you right all the wrongs. The moral dilemma that Habakkauk was struggling with was how could God allow a pagan society to overrun a Godly people. The answer to Habakkauk's problems was within himself. The clue is int he meaning of his name. Habakkauk means to wrestle or to embrace. He does both. He wrestles with the silence of God, he wrestles with the state of Israel, and he wrestles with what God was doing. He wrestled with the common question of how can a loving God allow evil to happen. The problem is not with evil, but with focus. Wrestling with all these problems led Habakkauk to a breakthrough. There is a vast difference in the beginning of the book and the end of the book. It begins with a burden, and it ends with one of the most powerful praises in the bible. God gave him a revelation, not an explanation. God could have answered Habakkauk's questions, but that would have just led to more questions. When we have a revelation, the why does not matter. When he realized who God was and what He was, Habakkuk went from wrestling with God to embracing Him. The only way to get where we need to be is to embrace. We can spend the rest of our life wrestling with the unanswerable questions in life and we will be no better off, but if we can get to the place where we embrace God for who He is, we can be lifted up. Quit wrestling with God and embrace Him. Habakkauk climbed to a tower and stayed until he had a breakthrough. As long as he was down on the level with his problems, he couldn't see anything but his problems. When he got to a higher vantage point, he could finally see what God wanted to show him. We need a better perspective if we are to have a better understanding. Some people will waste their whole life wrestling with their problems. If we will wait on the Lord, he will have it worked out. Habakkuk had what he needed. The faith that was required was already inside him. By the end of the book, Habakkuk was praising God. His circumstances had not changed, he had. That praise was always inside him. Praise is inside us too. That is the answer. The answer is in you. Although it is one of the shortest books in the bible, it is contains some of the most profound statements to be recorded. Habakkuk shows us that we can be as open and honest with God about our lives and our situations, and that God will not be offen… Kenneth Baker 2916 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20556733/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theanswerisinyou/id/2500299.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20556733 Wrestle, Embrace, Praise Tue, 08 Dec 2015 03:11:51 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text from Micah is perhaps one of the most profound in the Old Testament. It does not replace salvation, but it is a song of the saved. It is what is the result of salvation. Living in a culture characteristic by image worship and outright rebellion, Micah's writing could easily described our world today. The truth is that all of the people to whom Micah was addressing felt that they were right with God. They went through the motions, and adhered to the requirements, but they lacked an actual relationship with God. The part of their life that mattered to God, did not matter to them. They offered sacrifices, but they never offered themselves. They came to church, but left without being changed. They felt that since they showed up to church, that would be enough for God. They were good with the ceremonial proceedings, but not good with character. Salvation is not dependent on the external things, but on what is inside. Micah was telling Israel and us that God wants much more than an outward observance of ceremonial customs. There are things that matter to God that are not connected to the external things. Micah mentions three things. God is looking for men who will do justly. The key word is the action word DO. Our actions matter to God. How we live and how we act and interact with one another matter to God. The way we live every day of our lives matter to God. What we do and how we act DO matter to God. Our actions matter. We live under grace, but grace does not exempt us from living a life that is pure and clean. God requires that we live differently from the world. We must be morally and ethically right in our dealings with others. It matters that we love mercy. The key word is love. We use the word love to describe many things in our world. What we love matters to God. We must be in love with Him more than we love anything else in this world. Where our heart is, there too is our treasure. Our affections need governing. The third thing that matters to God is that we walk humbly. The word walk speaks of our attitude. Our attitude matters to God. Most often it is our attitude that gets us into trouble. Humbly means modest. Our world does not value modesty. Our attitude must be patient. Our attitude must be forgiving. Our attitude must not be arrogant. When we acknowledge our weakness and bow before Him, we find ourselves where He wants us to be. To do, to love and to act in a way that is pleasing to God should be our goal. These things still matter to God. Our text from Micah is perhaps one of the most profound in the Old Testament. It does not replace salvation, but it is a song of the saved. It is what is the result of salvation. Living in a culture characteristic by image worship and outright rebellion, Micah's writing could easily described our world today. The truth is that all of the people to whom Micah was addressing felt that they were right with God. They went through the motions, and adhered to the requirements, but they lacked an actual relationship with God. The part of their life that mattered to God, did not matter to them. They offered sacrifices, but they never offered themselves. They came to church, but left without being changed. They felt that since they showed up to church, that would be enough for God. They were good with the ceremonial proceedings, but not good with character. Salvation is not dependent on the external things, but on what is inside. Micah was telling Israel and us that God wants much more than an outward observance of ceremonial customs. There are things that matter to God that are not connected to the external things. Micah mentions three things. God is looking for men who will do justly. The key word is the action word DO. Our actions matter to God. How we live and how we act and interact with one another matter to God. The way we live every day of our lives matter to God. What we do and how we act DO matter to God. Our actions matter. We live under grace, but grace does not exempt us from living a life that is pure and clean. God requires that we live differently from the world. We must be morally and ethically right in our dealings with others. It matters that we love mercy. The key word is love. We use the word love to describe many things in our world. What we love matters to God. We must be in love with Him more than we love anything else in this world. Where our heart is, there too is our treasure. Our affections need governing. The third thing that matters to God is that we walk humbly. The word walk speaks of our attitude. Our attitude matters to God. Most often it is our attitude that gets us into trouble. Humbly means modest. Our world does not value modesty. Our attitude must be patient. Our attitude must be forgiving. Our attitude must not be arrogant. When we acknowledge our weakness and bow before Him, we find ourselves where He wants us to be. To do, to love and to act in a way that is pleasing to God should be our goal. These things still matter to God. Our text from Micah is perhaps one of the most profound in the Old Testament. It does not replace salvation, but it is a song of the saved. It is what is the result of salvation. Living in a culture characteristic by image worship and outright rebel… Mark Hughes 1661 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20555088/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thingsthatstillmattertogod/id/2498659.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20555088 Do, Act, Attitude, Scripture: Micah 6:8 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 03:00:02 +0000 Mark Hughes A blessing often does not come in the form that we expect. In our text, Mary was engaged to be wed. She was expecting the wedding celebration that was the custom of the time. IN this time, Mary was visited by an Angel who tells her that she is highly favored. This blessing would not look like she would expect. When we think of God's blessing, we are hoping that God will give us things that will make life easier. However, often the blessing puts into a situation of conflict or turmoil. In Mary's case, she was not married and she would now have to live with the stigma of a single woman who was pregnant. Mary was not doubt spritual and devout. However her blessing took the form that would be a burden and a challenge to her life. The story of Joseph is another example of this. From the time that God gave Joseph the vision of the other sheves bowing down to his, Joseph's life took a path that cannot be described as a blessing. He was sold into slavery. He was lied on and cast into prison. The bible tell us that Joseph was tried, but not by humans. He was tried by God's word. During these long years, Joseph must have had doubts, but He remained true to the promise that God had given him. The pathway that leads to promise is evident in the stories of Mary and Joseph. Both of these people submitted to God's will. The burden we carry may in fact be God's blessing to our life because that unwanted burden will bring about the blessing that we desire. The only way that some will reach the throne is through the prison. We all want the blessing. Blessings will come with a struggle. Knowing that; Can you stand to be blessed? A blessing often does not come in the form that we expect. In our text, Mary was engaged to be wed. She was expecting the wedding celebration that was the custom of the time. IN this time, Mary was visited by an Angel who tells her that she is highly favored. This blessing would not look like she would expect. When we think of God's blessing, we are hoping that God will give us things that will make life easier. However, often the blessing puts into a situation of conflict or turmoil. In Mary's case, she was not married and she would now have to live with the stigma of a single woman who was pregnant. Mary was not doubt spritual and devout. However her blessing took the form that would be a burden and a challenge to her life. The story of Joseph is another example of this. From the time that God gave Joseph the vision of the other sheves bowing down to his, Joseph's life took a path that cannot be described as a blessing. He was sold into slavery. He was lied on and cast into prison. The bible tell us that Joseph was tried, but not by humans. He was tried by God's word. During these long years, Joseph must have had doubts, but He remained true to the promise that God had given him. The pathway that leads to promise is evident in the stories of Mary and Joseph. Both of these people submitted to God's will. The burden we carry may in fact be God's blessing to our life because that unwanted burden will bring about the blessing that we desire. The only way that some will reach the throne is through the prison. We all want the blessing. Blessings will come with a struggle. Knowing that; Can you stand to be blessed? A blessing often does not come in the form that we expect. In our text, Mary was engaged to be wed. She was expecting the wedding celebration that was the custom of the time. IN this time, Mary was visited by an Angel who tells her that she is highl… Mark Hughes 1733 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20555081/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_canyoustandtobeblessed/id/2498651.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20555081 Blessing, Challenge, Trial, Scripture: Luke 1:26-1:47 Thu, 03 Dec 2015 03:41:08 +0000 Kenneth Baker Our text is from Paul's letter to Timothy and it describes the characteristics of the church in the end times. Men will become self absorbed and consumed with themselves rather than being concerned with their fellow man. Reading this text, it is not hard to visualize the characteristics described in our world today. Our world has created an atmosphere that will facilitate the coming of the Lord. It is far too easy to let life become about us. It is an attitude we must fight that tendency every day. Life has become about us. Far too many people feel that they should be happy, and in fact that happiness is their right. Happiness is a choice, not a right. The closer we get to the end of time, the more people will become more focused on themselves than they are about each other. When life is about us, the next thing to show up is covetousness. No matter how much we have, we want more. The more that we want, then arrogance and pride come along. Our text says that men well be come blasphemers. This word does not mean to blaspheme god, it is translated to be a gossip. Paul goes on to say that children would not respect their parents. Our culture has degraded to the point that children are more disrespectful than they have ever been. Society has taught us to question all authority. Paul text describes that attitude of being unloving. Our world tells us that we do not have to love people who do not love us back. That is not how Christ loved. He loved unconditionally and without receiving anything in return. Paul prophesied these things over 2000 years ago. We can easily see all of these things in our world today. We must each look at ourselves, and guard against these things taking root in our lives. When life becomes about us, we are on the path to all the things that Paul described. When we take self out of the way, we make room for Jesus. Our text is from Paul's letter to Timothy and it describes the characteristics of the church in the end times. Men will become self absorbed and consumed with themselves rather than being concerned with their fellow man. Reading this text, it is not hard to visualize the characteristics described in our world today. Our world has created an atmosphere that will facilitate the coming of the Lord. It is far too easy to let life become about us. It is an attitude we must fight that tendency every day. Life has become about us. Far too many people feel that they should be happy, and in fact that happiness is their right. Happiness is a choice, not a right. The closer we get to the end of time, the more people will become more focused on themselves than they are about each other. When life is about us, the next thing to show up is covetousness. No matter how much we have, we want more. The more that we want, then arrogance and pride come along. Our text says that men well be come blasphemers. This word does not mean to blaspheme god, it is translated to be a gossip. Paul goes on to say that children would not respect their parents. Our culture has degraded to the point that children are more disrespectful than they have ever been. Society has taught us to question all authority. Paul text describes that attitude of being unloving. Our world tells us that we do not have to love people who do not love us back. That is not how Christ loved. He loved unconditionally and without receiving anything in return. Paul prophesied these things over 2000 years ago. We can easily see all of these things in our world today. We must each look at ourselves, and guard against these things taking root in our lives. When life becomes about us, we are on the path to all the things that Paul described. When we take self out of the way, we make room for Jesus. Our text is from Paul's letter to Timothy and it describes the characteristics of the church in the end times. Men will become self absorbed and consumed with themselves rather than being concerned with their fellow man. Reading this text, it is not … Kenneth Baker 3222 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20551009/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_singsoftheendtimes/id/2494782.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20551009 End times, Selfishness, Self Centered Thu, 19 Nov 2015 03:48:55 +0000 Mark Hughes Perhaps the greatest revival in the new testament, was the one that took place in Ephesus. There were many churches birthed out of this revival and It is very likely that the Church in Colosse was one of them. According to historians, Colosse was a city that had attained a reputation for being crass and rude. It was into this environment that the gospel came and flourished. The people there were transformed by the gospel. Paul came to a group of people and tried to communicate to them that the it does not matter where they live, what matters is what lives in them. Living in Christ makes a difference. The geographic location did not define who they were. The word and promise of God is that it does not matter where we live because when we have the Lord inside of us, we are over comers. The city affected their life, but since they were in Christ, they were able to triumph over the fact that they were in Colosse. Paul offers five keys to living in the city, but not being overtaken by the city. To live in the city, we must learn how to live in the will of God. To live in the city we must gain wisdom and understanding To live in the city we must adopt a manner of conduct that is different from the city. To live in the city we must have fortitude and long suffering To live in the city we will need joy. Perhaps the greatest revival in the new testament, was the one that took place in Ephesus. There were many churches birthed out of this revival and It is very likely that the Church in Colosse was one of them. According to historians, Colosse was a city that had attained a reputation for being crass and rude. It was into this environment that the gospel came and flourished. The people there were transformed by the gospel. Paul came to a group of people and tried to communicate to them that the it does not matter where they live, what matters is what lives in them. Living in Christ makes a difference. The geographic location did not define who they were. The word and promise of God is that it does not matter where we live because when we have the Lord inside of us, we are over comers. The city affected their life, but since they were in Christ, they were able to triumph over the fact that they were in Colosse. Paul offers five keys to living in the city, but not being overtaken by the city. To live in the city, we must learn how to live in the will of God. To live in the city we must gain wisdom and understanding To live in the city we must adopt a manner of conduct that is different from the city. To live in the city we must have fortitude and long suffering To live in the city we will need joy. Perhaps the greatest revival in the new testament, was the one that took place in Ephesus. There were many churches birthed out of this revival and It is very likely that the Church in Colosse was one of them. According to historians, Colosse was a c… Mark Hughes 2867 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20541274/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatyoureinbeatswhatyourein/id/2485388.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20541274 Scripture: Colossians 1:1-1:2, Colossians 1:9-1:11 Mon, 16 Nov 2015 03:08:09 +0000 Landon Long Greater Life Church Greater Life Church Greater Life Church… Landon Long 1984 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20539055/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_turningcandointocandid/id/2483141.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20539055 Scripture: Philippians 1:13-1, James 1:21-1:25 Sun, 15 Nov 2015 20:51:49 +0000 Mark Hughes A simple reading of the statement in verse 21 of our text does not convey the full impact of what Jesus said that day. The amplified bible says that Jesus kept repeating "How is it that you do not understand?" What was it that was of such importance that He would keep repeating that statement? What was the message that Jesus was trying to convey to the diciples? For the answer, we must look back to earlier in the chapter to the miracle of the feeding of the 4000. After this miracle, they get into a boat to cross the sea and have forgotten to bring provision for lunch. In his teaching to the disciples, they incorrectly read his comments about leavening to be a rebuke of their failure to bring lunch. Every miracle that Jesus performed was done for the purpose of showing what He had the ability to do. It was done to show that no matter what the situation, He knew the need and was sufficient to meet the need. The message Jesus was trying to convey was clear: our needs concern Him and that He knows how to meet that need. He can take what we have and make what we need out of it. Jesus wanted to know why that in the face of repeated demonstrations of His power, that the disciples still did not understand that He could meet their needs. He never gets tired of meeting our needs. If we will but place it in His hands, He can do things with it that we cannot. He knows how to take the little we have and make it enough and more than enough. They had seen enough bread miracles that they should not have been worried about a little lunch issue. He is able; He can make a way. What is God trying to say to us? What is troubling us in our life that we do not know how to handle? With all that we have seen and all that God has done, how is it that we do not understand? A simple reading of the statement in verse 21 of our text does not convey the full impact of what Jesus said that day. The amplified bible says that Jesus kept repeating "How is it that you do not understand?" What was it that was of such importance that He would keep repeating that statement? What was the message that Jesus was trying to convey to the diciples? For the answer, we must look back to earlier in the chapter to the miracle of the feeding of the 4000. After this miracle, they get into a boat to cross the sea and have forgotten to bring provision for lunch. In his teaching to the disciples, they incorrectly read his comments about leavening to be a rebuke of their failure to bring lunch. Every miracle that Jesus performed was done for the purpose of showing what He had the ability to do. It was done to show that no matter what the situation, He knew the need and was sufficient to meet the need. The message Jesus was trying to convey was clear: our needs concern Him and that He knows how to meet that need. He can take what we have and make what we need out of it. Jesus wanted to know why that in the face of repeated demonstrations of His power, that the disciples still did not understand that He could meet their needs. He never gets tired of meeting our needs. If we will but place it in His hands, He can do things with it that we cannot. He knows how to take the little we have and make it enough and more than enough. They had seen enough bread miracles that they should not have been worried about a little lunch issue. He is able; He can make a way. What is God trying to say to us? What is troubling us in our life that we do not know how to handle? With all that we have seen and all that God has done, how is it that we do not understand? A simple reading of the statement in verse 21 of our text does not convey the full impact of what Jesus said that day. The amplified bible says that Jesus kept repeating "How is it that you do not understand?" What was it that was of such importance … Mark Hughes 1693 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20538489/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howisitthatyoudonotunderstand/id/2482548.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20538489 Scripture: Mark 8:14-8:21 Thu, 12 Nov 2015 03:51:35 +0000 Mark Hughes Wednesday Night Bible Study We live in a time when it is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between Christians and non-Christians. We are not speaking of physical appearance, but the difference in philosophy and thoughts has blurred. Christians should live by a guiding principle that is based in the word of God. Our lives should be one that reflects Christ. The world should recognize us by our lifestyle. This way of living and conducting our life should bring glory to God. The root of righteous living is in the way we think. There in the influence of these thoughts, out life must take a direction that is pleasing to God. In our text, Paul differentiates the view of life before the spirit of God and after. After the spirit of God is in us, we should have a different view of the world. Our view of the world should be through the lens of the bible. Our world and the media want to present life to us through their lens. This lens will skew and distort the world to match cultural norms and desires and will be decidedly different from the view that God wants us to have. Bro Hughes gives us six questions to ask when viewing the world. As we go through life, we are presented with decisions and choices on what to do or not do. Where to go or not go. What to participate in and what to not participate in. 1. Where will it lead? Will it draw us closer to God, or lead away from God? 2. What will it make of me? If we do this, what will it do for us or to us. Will this make us more free, or more bound. 3. What does it look like? Does it look more like God or more like the world. 4. Will it bring glory to God? 5. Will it Benefit us to do this? 6. Is it constructive? Will we be stronger for having done this. Will it build up, or tear down. The answers to these questions will give a clear picture of the path to choose. If it does not draw nearer to God, If it does not bring glory to God. If it will not benefit us or be constructive, we should stay away from those things Wednesday Night Bible Study We live in a time when it is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between Christians and non-Christians. We are not speaking of physical appearance, but the difference in philosophy and thoughts has blurred. Christians should live by a guiding principle that is based in the word of God. Our lives should be one that reflects Christ. The world should recognize us by our lifestyle. This way of living and conducting our life should bring glory to God. The root of righteous living is in the way we think. There in the influence of these thoughts, out life must take a direction that is pleasing to God. In our text, Paul differentiates the view of life before the spirit of God and after. After the spirit of God is in us, we should have a different view of the world. Our view of the world should be through the lens of the bible. Our world and the media want to present life to us through their lens. This lens will skew and distort the world to match cultural norms and desires and will be decidedly different from the view that God wants us to have. Bro Hughes gives us six questions to ask when viewing the world. As we go through life, we are presented with decisions and choices on what to do or not do. Where to go or not go. What to participate in and what to not participate in. 1. Where will it lead? Will it draw us closer to God, or lead away from God? 2. What will it make of me? If we do this, what will it do for us or to us. Will this make us more free, or more bound. 3. What does it look like? Does it look more like God or more like the world. 4. Will it bring glory to God? 5. Will it Benefit us to do this? 6. Is it constructive? Will we be stronger for having done this. Will it build up, or tear down. The answers to these questions will give a clear picture of the path to choose. If it does not draw nearer to God, If it does not bring glory to God. If it will not benefit us or be constructive, we should stay away from those things Wednesday Night Bible Study We live in a time when it is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between Christians and non-Christians. We are not speaking of physical appearance, but the difference in philosophy and thoughts has blurred. Chris… Mark Hughes 2677 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20535979/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_alensforlookingatlife/id/2480278.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20535979 Scripture: Galatians 4:1-4:7, Colossians 2:8-2, 1 Corinthians 6:12-6 Mon, 09 Nov 2015 04:12:59 +0000 Kenneth Baker Greater Life Church Greater Life Church Greater Life Church… Kenneth Baker 2523 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20533851/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_totheotherside/id/2478206.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20533851 To the other side Thu, 05 Nov 2015 03:40:14 +0000 Kenneth Baker Fires are part of life's journey. No one is exempt from the fires of life. Note that that is plural. We will all experience multiple fires as we go through life. Fire serves a divine purpose. The fires of trial and adversity are a refining process. Most things that are done for God that are worthwhile are brought out of a fire. The scriptures that encourage us the most are the result of someone going through a fire. The book of Psalms, in particular the 23 Psalm was written in a time of desperation and adversity. Most of Paul’s letters were written from a prison cell or in the midst of great suffering. When we find ourselves in a fire, we are not alone. Being in the fire is not God dicipilining us. Most of the time the presence of fire in our life means that God is working through something to lead us to a blessing on the other side. God does not waste his time on something worthless. He will not exert his effort on something is not worthwhile. If we are in a fire, it is because God is working. Fire has a revealing quality. Fire will burn away the outer layers and expose that which is hidden. Fire has a cleansing property. A forest fire burns away the underbrush and non-native vegetation. When God allows fire in life, it is not to hurt, it is to help. It is there to burn away things that have accumulated in life that do not need to be there. In a refining process, the fire must be very hot to melt the metal. The more precious metals the hotter fire required to refine it. In our text, Isiah reminds his people to Glorify God in the midst of the fire. He was speaking to a people before they went into Babylonian captivity. He was reminding them to praise God even in the midst of the adversity that was to come in Babylon. Human nature is to complain while in the fire. God reminds His people through the man of God to be different from the world and to praise God even in the midst of a fire. What we do in the fire is a testament to the glory of God and the failure of the world. Even after this reminder, Israel did not do as God commanded. They hung their harps on the willows and questioned "how can we sing." If there is ever a place that needs to hear redemption's song it is in the midst of a fire. The world needs to hear that there is a God that is still able, there is a God that still cares. People in the world know when we are having a hard time. When we demonstrate a faith and trust in God, we demonstrate and proclaim His glory. What we say when we glorify God in the fire is that the fire has not destroyed us, but made us. Made us stronger, better, wiser. Great things are done in the fire, and great things in life will come through the fire. He did not ask us praise Him for the fire, but He wants us to praise HIm in the fire. No one wants or enjoys the fire, but we will all have one. When we are in the fire, don't panic; but praise. Don't hope the fire will end, or wallow in self pity. In stead of worrying what all is wrong, focus on what is right. That is how to glorify God in the fire. Fires are part of life's journey. No one is exempt from the fires of life. Note that that is plural. We will all experience multiple fires as we go through life. Fire serves a divine purpose. The fires of trial and adversity are a refining process. Most things that are done for God that are worthwhile are brought out of a fire. The scriptures that encourage us the most are the result of someone going through a fire. The book of Psalms, in particular the 23 Psalm was written in a time of desperation and adversity. Most of Paul’s letters were written from a prison cell or in the midst of great suffering. When we find ourselves in a fire, we are not alone. Being in the fire is not God dicipilining us. Most of the time the presence of fire in our life means that God is working through something to lead us to a blessing on the other side. God does not waste his time on something worthless. He will not exert his effort on something is not worthwhile. If we are in a fire, it is because God is working. Fire has a revealing quality. Fire will burn away the outer layers and expose that which is hidden. Fire has a cleansing property. A forest fire burns away the underbrush and non-native vegetation. When God allows fire in life, it is not to hurt, it is to help. It is there to burn away things that have accumulated in life that do not need to be there. In a refining process, the fire must be very hot to melt the metal. The more precious metals the hotter fire required to refine it. In our text, Isiah reminds his people to Glorify God in the midst of the fire. He was speaking to a people before they went into Babylonian captivity. He was reminding them to praise God even in the midst of the adversity that was to come in Babylon. Human nature is to complain while in the fire. God reminds His people through the man of God to be different from the world and to praise God even in the midst of a fire. What we do in the fire is a testament to the glory of God and the failure of the world. Even after this reminder, Israel did not do as God commanded. They hung their harps on the willows and questioned "how can we sing." If there is ever a place that needs to hear redemption's song it is in the midst of a fire. The world needs to hear that there is a God that is still able, there is a God that still cares. People in the world know when we are having a hard time. When we demonstrate a faith and trust in God, we demonstrate and proclaim His glory. What we say when we glorify God in the fire is that the fire has not destroyed us, but made us. Made us stronger, better, wiser. Great things are done in the fire, and great things in life will come through the fire. He did not ask us praise Him for the fire, but He wants us to praise HIm in the fire. No one wants or enjoys the fire, but we will all have one. When we are in the fire, don't panic; but praise. Don't hope the fire will end, or wallow in self pity. In stead of worrying what all is wrong, focus on what is right. That is how to glorify God in the fire. Fires are part of life's journey. No one is exempt from the fires of life. Note that that is plural. We will all experience multiple fires as we go through life. Fire serves a divine purpose. The fires of trial and adversity are a refining process… Kenneth Baker 2881 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20530602/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtoglorifygodinthefire/id/2475243.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20530602 Fire, Refine, Praise, Gloryify Sun, 01 Nov 2015 20:22:52 +0000 Kenneth Baker Jesus' earthly ministry was astounding. There is a long list of miracles. He would restore the withered hand, He would raise the dead., He would cast out daemons. He opened the deaf ear, He opened the blind eye. He cleansed leapers. He calmed the storm and cursed the fig tree. By the time of our scripture, Jesus had performed at least 11 profound miracles. In our text Jesus returns to His hometown. He came not as the man he was when He left, but as a rabbi with His twelve disciples. He was given the opportunity to speak in the synagogue. Whatever His subject, His message was profound enough to cause them to question: "from where did he get his wisdom?" The nature of their questions seems to indicate that Jesus was being judged. Rather than the wisdom of what He had to say being met with reverence and awe, it was met with an attitude of skepticism and hostility. In this case familiarity indeed breed contempt. Because He had lived among them and was one of them, they could not view Him as the blessing that he was. What a loss they suffered. He was limited not by a lack of power and authority, but by a lack of response. Their lives were limited by their unbelief. His power did not depend upon faith. There were other miracles where there was no evidence of faith. His miracles however, did depend upon opportunity and someone opening themselves to receive it. They could not open them selves up to the fact that Jesus could do the impossible. There is nothing too hard for God. Jesus was limited because they would not let HIm work. What are we missing because we do not let God work? What would God do if we would only let Him? God is not on trial, we are. It is not about what God can or cannot do. God is more than capable. It is about are we open to receive it. Nothing limits the hand of God like people that will not reach for it. Jesus' earthly ministry was astounding. There is a long list of miracles. He would restore the withered hand, He would raise the dead., He would cast out daemons. He opened the deaf ear, He opened the blind eye. He cleansed leapers. He calmed the storm and cursed the fig tree. By the time of our scripture, Jesus had performed at least 11 profound miracles. In our text Jesus returns to His hometown. He came not as the man he was when He left, but as a rabbi with His twelve disciples. He was given the opportunity to speak in the synagogue. Whatever His subject, His message was profound enough to cause them to question: "from where did he get his wisdom?" The nature of their questions seems to indicate that Jesus was being judged. Rather than the wisdom of what He had to say being met with reverence and awe, it was met with an attitude of skepticism and hostility. In this case familiarity indeed breed contempt. Because He had lived among them and was one of them, they could not view Him as the blessing that he was. What a loss they suffered. He was limited not by a lack of power and authority, but by a lack of response. Their lives were limited by their unbelief. His power did not depend upon faith. There were other miracles where there was no evidence of faith. His miracles however, did depend upon opportunity and someone opening themselves to receive it. They could not open them selves up to the fact that Jesus could do the impossible. There is nothing too hard for God. Jesus was limited because they would not let HIm work. What are we missing because we do not let God work? What would God do if we would only let Him? God is not on trial, we are. It is not about what God can or cannot do. God is more than capable. It is about are we open to receive it. Nothing limits the hand of God like people that will not reach for it. Jesus' earthly ministry was astounding. There is a long list of miracles. He would restore the withered hand, He would raise the dead., He would cast out daemons. He opened the deaf ear, He opened the blind eye. He cleansed leapers. He calmed the… Kenneth Baker 2054 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20527617/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godisnotontrial/id/2472252.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20527617 God is not on trial Thu, 29 Oct 2015 02:38:30 +0000 Kenneth Baker When Jesus came to earth as a human, he associated with some unsavory people His ministry took Him to many people who were less than perfect. He would associate with sinners, politicians, adulterers and people who were possessed by demons. God will assocate with all type of people except for one: the one that turns back. In our text, Jesus gives an example of a man who sets out to build a tower. He specifically said a tower. Not a house. A tower is a more significant endeavor than building a house. This analogy carries on to life. We are not building an ordinary life. We are building a spiritual structure that requires planning and work. We are building for eternity and we cannot afford to get it wrong. We certainly cannot afford to begin building, and then not be able to finish. This is not a trivial undertaking. It takes and requires a great deal of planning and execution. Many people are good starters, but not so good a finisher. It take much more to finish than it does to start. What does it take to finish well? What does it look like to finish what we start? First we must not lose site of what we are doing. We are building something that is eternally important. We cannot lose site of why we started. We must keep the goal in focus. In any undertaking, we will encounter obstacles. In order to finish, we must not allow these obstacles to derail us. We cannot become distracted with secondary things and lose sight of the main thing. Finally we must never allow the cost of building to cause us to shortcut our efforts to build. Too many people set out to live for God and then think that it costs too much. Life is costly not matter what. The right kind of life is worth every cost, every bit of energy and every setback that we encounter. We must be committed to finishing what we start. When Jesus came to earth as a human, he associated with some unsavory people His ministry took Him to many people who were less than perfect. He would associate with sinners, politicians, adulterers and people who were possessed by demons. God will assocate with all type of people except for one: the one that turns back. In our text, Jesus gives an example of a man who sets out to build a tower. He specifically said a tower. Not a house. A tower is a more significant endeavor than building a house. This analogy carries on to life. We are not building an ordinary life. We are building a spiritual structure that requires planning and work. We are building for eternity and we cannot afford to get it wrong. We certainly cannot afford to begin building, and then not be able to finish. This is not a trivial undertaking. It takes and requires a great deal of planning and execution. Many people are good starters, but not so good a finisher. It take much more to finish than it does to start. What does it take to finish well? What does it look like to finish what we start? First we must not lose site of what we are doing. We are building something that is eternally important. We cannot lose site of why we started. We must keep the goal in focus. In any undertaking, we will encounter obstacles. In order to finish, we must not allow these obstacles to derail us. We cannot become distracted with secondary things and lose sight of the main thing. Finally we must never allow the cost of building to cause us to shortcut our efforts to build. Too many people set out to live for God and then think that it costs too much. Life is costly not matter what. The right kind of life is worth every cost, every bit of energy and every setback that we encounter. We must be committed to finishing what we start. When Jesus came to earth as a human, he associated with some unsavory people His ministry took Him to many people who were less than perfect. He would associate with sinners, politicians, adulterers and people who were possessed by demons. God will… Kenneth Baker 2742 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20525094/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_finishingwhatyoustart/id/2470108.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20525094 Finish, Worth it Sun, 25 Oct 2015 18:56:07 +0000 Kenneth Baker Our text expresses God's very intimate knowledge of us and His deep love for us. God is intimately involved in our lives. There is not a place in this universe that we can go that He does not know where we are. In those dark moments of life, He knows where we are. We may feel alone in those dark places, but the truth is, God is with us even in those times. No matter what the situation, God knows where we are. God does not intend that we live our lives in a hopeless situation. God did not just call Israel out because they were special, He called out Israel in order to bless the entire world. God had a plan from the beginning that he would bless the people of Israel and that the people of Israel would bless the entire world. God brought Israel out of slavery in Egypt, but they were never able to shed the slave mentality that they had. God desires us to be free. He desires that we be delivered from the bondage of sin. He wants that we would live a life as a free people and enjoy the blessings He wants to give us. God wants to bless us, so that He can bless the world through us. God wants to do something for our church. We must yield ourselves to His spirit to allow that to happen. Our text expresses God's very intimate knowledge of us and His deep love for us. God is intimately involved in our lives. There is not a place in this universe that we can go that He does not know where we are. In those dark moments of life, He knows where we are. We may feel alone in those dark places, but the truth is, God is with us even in those times. No matter what the situation, God knows where we are. God does not intend that we live our lives in a hopeless situation. God did not just call Israel out because they were special, He called out Israel in order to bless the entire world. God had a plan from the beginning that he would bless the people of Israel and that the people of Israel would bless the entire world. God brought Israel out of slavery in Egypt, but they were never able to shed the slave mentality that they had. God desires us to be free. He desires that we be delivered from the bondage of sin. He wants that we would live a life as a free people and enjoy the blessings He wants to give us. God wants to bless us, so that He can bless the world through us. God wants to do something for our church. We must yield ourselves to His spirit to allow that to happen. Our text expresses God's very intimate knowledge of us and His deep love for us. God is intimately involved in our lives. There is not a place in this universe that we can go that He does not know where we are. In those dark moments of life, He knows… Kenneth Baker 3248 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20522203/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_beablessingtotheworld/id/2467227.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20522203 Be a blessing to the world Thu, 22 Oct 2015 02:24:32 +0000 Mark Hughes We can easily see the world in which we live while reading Matthew 24. It is plain to see that we are living in the end times. The indicators mentioned in our text have been observed at various times throughout history. But in our time, we can see all of the indicators at the same time. Jesus said that many would come and deceive. He says that the pulpit would be polluted. Polluted by men and women who are trying to be culturally relevant at the expense of Cross relevance. The agenda of those that are trying to destroy the influence of the church will not be content with acceptance. They will only rest when they control and dominate. Our churches must preach the word of God no matter if it is culturally popular. Jesus also described unrest. We can see great unrest in the middle east. While that is a concern, the most important place to watch is Israel. Israel is God's timeline on earth. Eternally it does not matter who is president of the united states, or which political party is in control The only thing that matters is that God is still in control. Jesus tells us another indicator will be the preaching of false doctrine. Spiritual relativism is the norm. It is popular to say that there are many roads that lead to heaven. The truth is that there is only one way to get to heaven and that way is narrow. As a church, we must wake up and shine the light of truth to a dark world. In the twinkling of an eye, the church will be taken from this world. We are most certainly living in the end times. We must be awake and ready for His return. Now is the time to witness. Now is the time to share a bible study. Now is the time to take the gospel to a lost and dying world. Now is the time to awaken. We can easily see the world in which we live while reading Matthew 24. It is plain to see that we are living in the end times. The indicators mentioned in our text have been observed at various times throughout history. But in our time, we can see all of the indicators at the same time. Jesus said that many would come and deceive. He says that the pulpit would be polluted. Polluted by men and women who are trying to be culturally relevant at the expense of Cross relevance. The agenda of those that are trying to destroy the influence of the church will not be content with acceptance. They will only rest when they control and dominate. Our churches must preach the word of God no matter if it is culturally popular. Jesus also described unrest. We can see great unrest in the middle east. While that is a concern, the most important place to watch is Israel. Israel is God's timeline on earth. Eternally it does not matter who is president of the united states, or which political party is in control The only thing that matters is that God is still in control. Jesus tells us another indicator will be the preaching of false doctrine. Spiritual relativism is the norm. It is popular to say that there are many roads that lead to heaven. The truth is that there is only one way to get to heaven and that way is narrow. As a church, we must wake up and shine the light of truth to a dark world. In the twinkling of an eye, the church will be taken from this world. We are most certainly living in the end times. We must be awake and ready for His return. Now is the time to witness. Now is the time to share a bible study. Now is the time to take the gospel to a lost and dying world. Now is the time to awaken. We can easily see the world in which we live while reading Matthew 24. It is plain to see that we are living in the end times. The indicators mentioned in our text have been observed at various times throughout history. But in our time, we can see a… Mark Hughes 1086 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20519762/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itistimetoaweken/id/2464928.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20519762 Scripture: Romans 13:11-13:14, Matthew 24:1-24:14 Mon, 19 Oct 2015 03:47:59 +0000 Kenneth Baker If we listen to current events, talk radio or read on the Internet it becomes apparent that the world is searching for answers. We are searching for answers to the situations that are overrunning our culture and our world. The world is searching for these answers, but the answers are not found in the world. God is the answer to the problems in the world. God has always had an answer. Somehow the message of our text must be broadcast to the world: Let the redeemed of the Lord say so. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth that it was time to wake up. There must be a stiring in the soul of the church to awaken us to the power of the message we have. If we have been blessed, if we have been saved, we have a testimony. Our text calls anyone who has been blessed by God to proclaim that to the world. We must sing the song of the redeemed loud and clear to a world that desperately needs to hear it. The world is waiting for an answer. The world is anticipating someone to stand up and proclaim the good news. They need a witness not another politician or self help guru. They need to hear that we were once like them, but we are now washed, sanctified and justified. Doubt can be overcome. Fear can be put down. The world needs to hear that. They need to hear that God still cares and still heals. We must proclaim that the only hope for this world is God. The world needs an answer. We know that answer and we must proclaim it to a hungry world. We must say so! If we listen to current events, talk radio or read on the Internet it becomes apparent that the world is searching for answers. We are searching for answers to the situations that are overrunning our culture and our world. The world is searching for these answers, but the answers are not found in the world. God is the answer to the problems in the world. God has always had an answer. Somehow the message of our text must be broadcast to the world: Let the redeemed of the Lord say so. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth that it was time to wake up. There must be a stiring in the soul of the church to awaken us to the power of the message we have. If we have been blessed, if we have been saved, we have a testimony. Our text calls anyone who has been blessed by God to proclaim that to the world. We must sing the song of the redeemed loud and clear to a world that desperately needs to hear it. The world is waiting for an answer. The world is anticipating someone to stand up and proclaim the good news. They need a witness not another politician or self help guru. They need to hear that we were once like them, but we are now washed, sanctified and justified. Doubt can be overcome. Fear can be put down. The world needs to hear that. They need to hear that God still cares and still heals. We must proclaim that the only hope for this world is God. The world needs an answer. We know that answer and we must proclaim it to a hungry world. We must say so! If we listen to current events, talk radio or read on the Internet it becomes apparent that the world is searching for answers. We are searching for answers to the situations that are overrunning our culture and our world. The world is searching for … Kenneth Baker 2023 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20517691/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sayso/id/2462942.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20517691 Say So! Mon, 19 Oct 2015 03:36:21 +0000 Kenneth Baker Of all that is said about Zacchaeus there is one that motiviated all that he did. There is one word that described him. That word is little. He was too small to see because of his height. He ran ahead and climbed a tree to see Jesus. There is a great challenge in overcoming the littleness of life. The difference in a man's life can be summed up in how he deals with the littleness of life. Littleness means the property of lacking. It speaks not only to physical characteristics, but smallness in character. The lack of generosity, compassion or love play into littleness. Littleness is seldom, lacking, infrequent. Littleness might refer to dreams, hopes or faith. Littleness affects all of us in some way. The problem of littleness sabotages relationships. Littleness undermines our efforts to be a better spouse, or a better person. Life can become troublesome over the little things. Littleness can keep us from many things. If we trace far enough back to the root of our problems, we will find a little thing. Most likely the writer in our text was referring to Zaccheaus’ physical stature. But Zasccheaus was small in other parts of his life. He had become wealthy at others expense. He had little regard for others. He was small int he way that he treated other people. He was small in his attitude about life. It was all about him. That is a small world when it is all about you. He was small in the fact that he did not care what he had to do to get what he wanted. His world only included himself. In every way possible, Zaccheaus was little: physically, emotionally, relational. For far too many people the unhappiness in life is linked to something so small. The littleness of life affects too many. The truth is that most of us are blessed far beyond what we deserve and the things we find to complain about come from the littleness of life. The littleness of life is destroying marriages, families, homes, careers, and relationships. If we are not careful we will miss the best things in life over littleness. If there is some area of life that is suffering from littleness, we must address that area. Littleness had affected Zaccheaus' life. Something happened that day, the bible does not tell us what, but something caused Zaccheeaus to look at himself. He came to the realization that he was a little man. Like Zaccheaus, we have to climb up to a higher place to overcome our littleness. We cannot overcome a little problem if we keep living down where we are. He climbed up to a place where he could find Jesus. We have to do more than lift yourself up with self help. We have to lift ourselves up to meet with Jesus. Finally Zaccheaus had to respond to Jesus when he spoke to him. Even if he had done all the other things, Zaccheaus would have not gotten any better if he had not responded to Jesus. We find the answer to what we are seeking when we listen to what Jesus has to say in our life. We find the secret to overcoming littleness by following Jesus. Of all that is said about Zacchaeus there is one that motiviated all that he did. There is one word that described him. That word is little. He was too small to see because of his height. He ran ahead and climbed a tree to see Jesus. There is a great challenge in overcoming the littleness of life. The difference in a man's life can be summed up in how he deals with the littleness of life. Littleness means the property of lacking. It speaks not only to physical characteristics, but smallness in character. The lack of generosity, compassion or love play into littleness. Littleness is seldom, lacking, infrequent. Littleness might refer to dreams, hopes or faith. Littleness affects all of us in some way. The problem of littleness sabotages relationships. Littleness undermines our efforts to be a better spouse, or a better person. Life can become troublesome over the little things. Littleness can keep us from many things. If we trace far enough back to the root of our problems, we will find a little thing. Most likely the writer in our text was referring to Zaccheaus’ physical stature. But Zasccheaus was small in other parts of his life. He had become wealthy at others expense. He had little regard for others. He was small int he way that he treated other people. He was small in his attitude about life. It was all about him. That is a small world when it is all about you. He was small in the fact that he did not care what he had to do to get what he wanted. His world only included himself. In every way possible, Zaccheaus was little: physically, emotionally, relational. For far too many people the unhappiness in life is linked to something so small. The littleness of life affects too many. The truth is that most of us are blessed far beyond what we deserve and the things we find to complain about come from the littleness of life. The littleness of life is destroying marriages, families, homes, careers, and relationships. If we are not careful we will miss the best things in life over littleness. If there is some area of life that is suffering from littleness, we must address that area. Littleness had affected Zaccheaus' life. Something happened that day, the bible does not tell us what, but something caused Zaccheeaus to look at himself. He came to the realization that he was a little man. Like Zaccheaus, we have to climb up to a higher place to overcome our littleness. We cannot overcome a little problem if we keep living down where we are. He climbed up to a place where he could find Jesus. We have to do more than lift yourself up with self help. We have to lift ourselves up to meet with Jesus. Finally Zaccheaus had to respond to Jesus when he spoke to him. Even if he had done all the other things, Zaccheaus would have not gotten any better if he had not responded to Jesus. We find the answer to what we are seeking when we listen to what Jesus has to say in our life. We find the secret to overcoming littleness by following Jesus. Of all that is said about Zacchaeus there is one that motiviated all that he did. There is one word that described him. That word is little. He was too small to see because of his height. He ran ahead and climbed a tree to see Jesus. There is a gr… Kenneth Baker 3073 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20517682/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_overcomminglittleness/id/2462932.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20517682 Overcomming Littleness Thu, 15 Oct 2015 02:59:43 +0000 Kenneth Baker Faith is much more than a doctrine. It is more than a concept. It is a relationship that we develop with God. Without faith it is not possible to please God. Moses would not have been able to accomplish all that he did without faith. It was by faith that Noah stood out from the world in which he lived. It was the empowering of faith that brought David to the be the king of Israel. The book of numbers is the story of Israel's exodus from Egyptian bondage. For all that God had done for them, the people of Israel lacked a confidence in Him. In our text, the children of Israel come to the border of the promised land. God instructs Moses to send a contingent into the land to scout it out. While they are in the land, they encountered all the things that God had promised. They also discovered some things that God did not mention: fortified cities, giants, well armed and equipped forces, God did not mention those things, so He must not have thought it was important. There is a lot about God's purpose in our life that He does not show us ahead of time. If we are to posses what God promises for us, we will have to face some giants and forfeited cities. Life presents us with many challenges. The challenge is not the issue, but our response to it. That is where faith comes in. How we respond to the things that God did not reveal to us determine if we enjoy the promised land, or stay in the desert. What are the dangers of not responding by faith. First we will focus on the opposition instead of the opportunity. Any opportunity in life will come with opposition. With out faith, the opposition will blind us to what is possible. In any opposition, there is an opportunity for God to show His greatness. Secondly when we respond to life without faith, all that He has done is lost to all that He could do. Israel had witnessed much: plagues, the parting of the red sea, manna, clothes that did not wear out over 40 years. He brought them from all that and to the border of the promised land. Even after all that, they lacked the faith to believe that God had a plan to deal with the giants and walled cities. Finally when we respond to life without faith, negative talk never produces a positive outcome. We will never complain our way to a blessing. We become what we talk. The only way to get to where God wants us to be is to live by faith. In stead of seeing walled cities and giants, see must God doing things that He has never done before. Faith is much more than a doctrine. It is more than a concept. It is a relationship that we develop with God. Without faith it is not possible to please God. Moses would not have been able to accomplish all that he did without faith. It was by faith that Noah stood out from the world in which he lived. It was the empowering of faith that brought David to the be the king of Israel. The book of numbers is the story of Israel's exodus from Egyptian bondage. For all that God had done for them, the people of Israel lacked a confidence in Him. In our text, the children of Israel come to the border of the promised land. God instructs Moses to send a contingent into the land to scout it out. While they are in the land, they encountered all the things that God had promised. They also discovered some things that God did not mention: fortified cities, giants, well armed and equipped forces, God did not mention those things, so He must not have thought it was important. There is a lot about God's purpose in our life that He does not show us ahead of time. If we are to posses what God promises for us, we will have to face some giants and forfeited cities. Life presents us with many challenges. The challenge is not the issue, but our response to it. That is where faith comes in. How we respond to the things that God did not reveal to us determine if we enjoy the promised land, or stay in the desert. What are the dangers of not responding by faith. First we will focus on the opposition instead of the opportunity. Any opportunity in life will come with opposition. With out faith, the opposition will blind us to what is possible. In any opposition, there is an opportunity for God to show His greatness. Secondly when we respond to life without faith, all that He has done is lost to all that He could do. Israel had witnessed much: plagues, the parting of the red sea, manna, clothes that did not wear out over 40 years. He brought them from all that and to the border of the promised land. Even after all that, they lacked the faith to believe that God had a plan to deal with the giants and walled cities. Finally when we respond to life without faith, negative talk never produces a positive outcome. We will never complain our way to a blessing. We become what we talk. The only way to get to where God wants us to be is to live by faith. In stead of seeing walled cities and giants, see must God doing things that He has never done before. Faith is much more than a doctrine. It is more than a concept. It is a relationship that we develop with God. Without faith it is not possible to please God. Moses would not have been able to accomplish all that he did without faith. It was by fai… Kenneth Baker 53 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20514569/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thetragedyofalifewithoutfaith/id/2460044.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20514569 Faith, Promise, Opportunity, Obsticles Sun, 11 Oct 2015 17:48:31 +0000 Kenneth Baker The church is characterized in many ways in the bible. One of the most frequent is the church being a bride to a groom. A bride is to be pure and virtuous for her groom. in our text, Paul was concerned that the church would be corrupted as Eve was corrupted in the garden. Eve believed a lie. There are many people who once worshiped at an alter that no longer do because they believed a lie. The Devil’s greatest weapon and the first one he used was a lie. Homes have been divided, marriages ruined and souls lost because of the Devil's lies. The power of Satan is in his lies. Satan lied to Eve and she spread it to Adam. He took a seed of the truth, twisted it and Eve believed it. We need to know to whom we are listening. The voice of God is comfort, and conviction. The voice of the devil is condemnation. Conviction draws us to God. Condemnation drives us away. When a lie comes to us, we have the choice to reject it or to embrace it. The lie is just as much about God as it is about us. The enemy is not attacking us, but he is attacking the integrity of God. God will not stand by and allow his integrity to be attacked. Some of these lies have been in our lives for a long time. We must take these lies and lay them on the alter. God will handle them. We must not believe the lies of the enemy. There is nothing too far for God to recover. There is no place too far that God will not go to bring us back. We must learn to recoginze the lies that the enemy tells us. The enemy would like it to believe that there is no way God can forgive; that God cannot fix what is wrong in life. Give those lies up to God and be restored. The church is characterized in many ways in the bible. One of the most frequent is the church being a bride to a groom. A bride is to be pure and virtuous for her groom. in our text, Paul was concerned that the church would be corrupted as Eve was corrupted in the garden. Eve believed a lie. There are many people who once worshiped at an alter that no longer do because they believed a lie. The Devil’s greatest weapon and the first one he used was a lie. Homes have been divided, marriages ruined and souls lost because of the Devil's lies. The power of Satan is in his lies. Satan lied to Eve and she spread it to Adam. He took a seed of the truth, twisted it and Eve believed it. We need to know to whom we are listening. The voice of God is comfort, and conviction. The voice of the devil is condemnation. Conviction draws us to God. Condemnation drives us away. When a lie comes to us, we have the choice to reject it or to embrace it. The lie is just as much about God as it is about us. The enemy is not attacking us, but he is attacking the integrity of God. God will not stand by and allow his integrity to be attacked. Some of these lies have been in our lives for a long time. We must take these lies and lay them on the alter. God will handle them. We must not believe the lies of the enemy. There is nothing too far for God to recover. There is no place too far that God will not go to bring us back. We must learn to recoginze the lies that the enemy tells us. The enemy would like it to believe that there is no way God can forgive; that God cannot fix what is wrong in life. Give those lies up to God and be restored. The church is characterized in many ways in the bible. One of the most frequent is the church being a bride to a groom. A bride is to be pure and virtuous for her groom. in our text, Paul was concerned that the church would be corrupted as Eve was c… Kenneth Baker 2044 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20511596/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thetruthaboutalie/id/2457045.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20511596 Lies, Truth, Deception, Forgivness Thu, 08 Oct 2015 02:53:50 +0000 Kenneth Baker Most of us, given the opportunity, would fly first class. However the cost of a first class ticket keeps most of us from that luxury. Simply put, the cost of first class is not worth it to most of us. We would accept an upgrade to first class if offered. We would feel as if we were blessed. We would fly first class if it is given to us, but we are not willing to pay the cost. We would all like to have a blessed life, but often are not willing to pay the cost involved in achieving that blessing. We want better jobs, better marriages or better sprittual life. The truth is that we can have all of that if we simply pay the cost of achieving those things. People want a better future, but do not want to invest in the things that will lead to a better life. There is a way to a blessed life: Pay the price. Life is not reading tea leaves. It is not the right horoscope, or discovering the right combination of numbers to win the lottery. In our text, Jesus plainly explains how to achieve a first class life. He offers a life that would withstand the storms and pressures of life. He offers the key to that first class life. A life that, as Luke records, can not be shaken. Jesus simply, but profoundly describes the difference between success and failure in a story about two houses. At the center of this message is one fundamental difference: The foundation. The problems of this world are not cultural, but foundational. There are two different ways of going about life. There are two outcomes that are eternally different. Both houses were built with the same materials and using the same construction methods. Externally there was no difference between the two homes. The houses were the same except for the foundation. Our text conveys the simple truth that we cannot ignore the foundation. Our world is consumed with the external. When the inside is crumbling, it does not matter what the exterior looks like. We want a blessed life, but we try to achieve that without building it upon a solid foundation. This problem is not limited to the world. The distinction between the two builders is that one was a hearer and a doer, while the other heard, but did not do. This same condition exists in the church. Our text illustrates that the way to a blessed life is to hear and do. The word of God contains the instructions for a blessed life. If we hear the words and then act on those words, we can have the blessed life. If we hear the word, but do not act on that word, we cannot be blessed. Success does not come without effort. The first builder was described as digging deep. Digging is not an easy activity. Not only did he dig, but he dug deep. That took some effort. If we want anything in life, it requires work. What became very clear in the flood was the difference of the unseen. The foundation is not often applauded or praised, but it is fundamental to the success of the building. There are many unseen things in our life that can determine what our life will be. This story has a simple truth: There are no shortcuts to the blessed life. Digging the foundation and building it properly took time and effort; but that time was required to do it right. There has to be an investment of time and effort. The price for ignoring this lesson is great. "The ruin of that house was great." Both houses looked good, but when the flood came, only one survived. Not IF the flood came, but WHEN the flood came. All will experience a flood. The difference is what will the flood find The right foundation makes the difference. The right foundation is the best flood insurance. Most of us, given the opportunity, would fly first class. However the cost of a first class ticket keeps most of us from that luxury. Simply put, the cost of first class is not worth it to most of us. We would accept an upgrade to first class if offered. We would feel as if we were blessed. We would fly first class if it is given to us, but we are not willing to pay the cost. We would all like to have a blessed life, but often are not willing to pay the cost involved in achieving that blessing. We want better jobs, better marriages or better sprittual life. The truth is that we can have all of that if we simply pay the cost of achieving those things. People want a better future, but do not want to invest in the things that will lead to a better life. There is a way to a blessed life: Pay the price. Life is not reading tea leaves. It is not the right horoscope, or discovering the right combination of numbers to win the lottery. In our text, Jesus plainly explains how to achieve a first class life. He offers a life that would withstand the storms and pressures of life. He offers the key to that first class life. A life that, as Luke records, can not be shaken. Jesus simply, but profoundly describes the difference between success and failure in a story about two houses. At the center of this message is one fundamental difference: The foundation. The problems of this world are not cultural, but foundational. There are two different ways of going about life. There are two outcomes that are eternally different. Both houses were built with the same materials and using the same construction methods. Externally there was no difference between the two homes. The houses were the same except for the foundation. Our text conveys the simple truth that we cannot ignore the foundation. Our world is consumed with the external. When the inside is crumbling, it does not matter what the exterior looks like. We want a blessed life, but we try to achieve that without building it upon a solid foundation. This problem is not limited to the world. The distinction between the two builders is that one was a hearer and a doer, while the other heard, but did not do. This same condition exists in the church. Our text illustrates that the way to a blessed life is to hear and do. The word of God contains the instructions for a blessed life. If we hear the words and then act on those words, we can have the blessed life. If we hear the word, but do not act on that word, we cannot be blessed. Success does not come without effort. The first builder was described as digging deep. Digging is not an easy activity. Not only did he dig, but he dug deep. That took some effort. If we want anything in life, it requires work. What became very clear in the flood was the difference of the unseen. The foundation is not often applauded or praised, but it is fundamental to the success of the building. There are many unseen things in our life that can determine what our life will be. This story has a simple truth: There are no shortcuts to the blessed life. Digging the foundation and building it properly took time and effort; but that time was required to do it right. There has to be an investment of time and effort. The price for ignoring this lesson is great. "The ruin of that house was great." Both houses looked good, but when the flood came, only one survived. Not IF the flood came, but WHEN the flood came. All will experience a flood. The difference is what will the flood find The right foundation makes the difference. The right foundation is the best flood insurance. Most of us, given the opportunity, would fly first class. However the cost of a first class ticket keeps most of us from that luxury. Simply put, the cost of first class is not worth it to most of us. We would accept an upgrade to first class if off… Kenneth Baker 3143 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20509354/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_floodinsurance/id/2455062.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20509354 Flood, Foundation, Effort Sun, 04 Oct 2015 19:18:31 +0000 Kenneth Baker There are something about life that hems us in and makes us feel boxed in. In those times, we desperately need a break trough. The dictionary defines it as a success that then facilitates more success. It is not a point in time event, it is a significant change that allows a path forward. Our story is a source of encouragement. It reveals a truth of life. Here is a man who is unable to help himself. His life was difficult. Desire was not enough to make a change in his life. Change took a faith that extended to those around him. These four friends encountered difficulty in their mission, but they did not give up. First there was the man and his condition itself. He was bound to the bed and could not move on his own. Simply getting him to the place where Jesus was an arduous task. Once there, they found so many people that they could not even get close. People problems are usually at the top of the list of why people cannot have a breakthrough. People can get in the way on the way to God. We must get beyond people and get to the One who can help with our problem and our situation. Is there someone standing between us and what God is trying to do in our life? Whatever the people problem may be, if we can overcome that and get to the master, we will receive our breakthrough. Once they got past the people, they encountered things that blocked their way. Their faith pushed them to overcome the blocked doorway and the roof that was between them and Jesus. The blessing and benefit of this break through is this: He was carried in, but he walked out. After his breakthrough, he did not have to rely on others, he was able to walk on his own. What was once impossible, was now possible because he was empowered to do what he could not do. Sometimes in life we feel that we cannot overcome something, but a breakthrough will change all that. We do not know the man's name. The bible only tells us he had the palsy. He went to the house that day a cripple, but he left a new man. He was able to throw off that label. After a breakthrough, we can throw off those old labels. After an encounter with Jesus we are no longer an addict, a loser, a cheater or what ever label we may have carried. After his breakthrough the man was able to walk past the people and things that had been hindering him. When Jesus touches us we can get through things that we could not get through before. Like the man in our story, when Jesus touches us, we can walk right past the things that had hindered us in the past. A breakthrough is not always an easy thing to get to. Sometimes we have to push past people, and obsacles to find it. But an encounter with Jesus is worth all the effort and struggle. That is the blessing and benefit of a breakthrough. There are something about life that hems us in and makes us feel boxed in. In those times, we desperately need a break trough. The dictionary defines it as a success that then facilitates more success. It is not a point in time event, it is a significant change that allows a path forward. Our story is a source of encouragement. It reveals a truth of life. Here is a man who is unable to help himself. His life was difficult. Desire was not enough to make a change in his life. Change took a faith that extended to those around him. These four friends encountered difficulty in their mission, but they did not give up. First there was the man and his condition itself. He was bound to the bed and could not move on his own. Simply getting him to the place where Jesus was an arduous task. Once there, they found so many people that they could not even get close. People problems are usually at the top of the list of why people cannot have a breakthrough. People can get in the way on the way to God. We must get beyond people and get to the One who can help with our problem and our situation. Is there someone standing between us and what God is trying to do in our life? Whatever the people problem may be, if we can overcome that and get to the master, we will receive our breakthrough. Once they got past the people, they encountered things that blocked their way. Their faith pushed them to overcome the blocked doorway and the roof that was between them and Jesus. The blessing and benefit of this break through is this: He was carried in, but he walked out. After his breakthrough, he did not have to rely on others, he was able to walk on his own. What was once impossible, was now possible because he was empowered to do what he could not do. Sometimes in life we feel that we cannot overcome something, but a breakthrough will change all that. We do not know the man's name. The bible only tells us he had the palsy. He went to the house that day a cripple, but he left a new man. He was able to throw off that label. After a breakthrough, we can throw off those old labels. After an encounter with Jesus we are no longer an addict, a loser, a cheater or what ever label we may have carried. After his breakthrough the man was able to walk past the people and things that had been hindering him. When Jesus touches us we can get through things that we could not get through before. Like the man in our story, when Jesus touches us, we can walk right past the things that had hindered us in the past. A breakthrough is not always an easy thing to get to. Sometimes we have to push past people, and obsacles to find it. But an encounter with Jesus is worth all the effort and struggle. That is the blessing and benefit of a breakthrough. There are something about life that hems us in and makes us feel boxed in. In those times, we desperately need a break trough. The dictionary defines it as a success that then facilitates more success. It is not a point in time event, it is a signi… Kenneth Baker 1864 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20506168/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theblessingandbenefitsofabreak/id/2451929.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20506168 The blessing and benefits of a breakthrough Sun, 27 Sep 2015 19:45:50 +0000 Kenneth Baker A couple of weeks ago we reflected on the 14th anniversary of the attack of 9/11. It is one of those days in history that people will remember where they were when they heard the news. Each of us will remember forever the events, thoughts and images that we experienced that day. When things are important, we remember them. Anniversaries, birthdays, wedding days, and birth of our children; are days and events that we remember because they are so important. There are other days, places and moments that are not remembered. Many things are forgotten because they are simply not important. Others are important, but they get forgotten over time due to carelessness and apathy. In our text, Joshua instructs the leaders of the twelve tribes to gather a stone to build a memorial so that Israel would forever remember the miracle that God did in stopping the flow of the Jordan river. They built this memorial in a conspicuous place so that when future generations would pass by, they would be reminded. It is easy to forget somethings. If we ignore it long enough, they can be forgotten. For this reason, we must constantly be in the word to remind ourselves of God's plan and blessings. Short term memory is where we can retain a phone number long enough to dial it. To convert this to long term memory, we must repeat it again and again. We must repeat over and over again the goodness of God and His plan for us in order to transfer this into our long term memory. It is important enough to repeat and live it out. Failing to do this will lead to the tragedy of a forgotten God or a forgotten blessing. There is something tragic about forgetting a word. There is something tragic about forgetting how to be saved. The bible tells us to forget what is behind, and press toward what is ahead, but that does not mean to forget God's blessings. That does not mean that we forget the memory of the blessing of the spirit in our life. It does not mean that we forget the blessing of a move of God. It does not mean that we forget the word that is spoken onto our life. Have we forotten the promise that God has given? Have we forgotten to tell our children of the promise? We must not forget the blood. We must not forget the alter. We must not forget the anointing. Now is the time to stand. We must build a memorial back to the very day that Jesus found us. It may have happened on a pew, in a tent service, when we came up out of the water, or even in our own home. We must not forget what we know to be the truth. We must not ignore the warning signs that will pull us away from what we know to be the truth. We must build a memorial in our mind of the the day that God moved in our life to hold us in times when we are confronted with things that want to pull us away. We must pass this truth along to our children. We must get them to the place where they can build memorials to the goodness of God in their own minds. Time will decay memories in our mind. Memorials place a concrete reminder in our minds to keep that memory from fading. We must build memorials that will cause our children to ask questions. These questions will allow us to teach them. We must not forget. Have you forgotten? A couple of weeks ago we reflected on the 14th anniversary of the attack of 9/11. It is one of those days in history that people will remember where they were when they heard the news. Each of us will remember forever the events, thoughts and images that we experienced that day. When things are important, we remember them. Anniversaries, birthdays, wedding days, and birth of our children; are days and events that we remember because they are so important. There are other days, places and moments that are not remembered. Many things are forgotten because they are simply not important. Others are important, but they get forgotten over time due to carelessness and apathy. In our text, Joshua instructs the leaders of the twelve tribes to gather a stone to build a memorial so that Israel would forever remember the miracle that God did in stopping the flow of the Jordan river. They built this memorial in a conspicuous place so that when future generations would pass by, they would be reminded. It is easy to forget somethings. If we ignore it long enough, they can be forgotten. For this reason, we must constantly be in the word to remind ourselves of God's plan and blessings. Short term memory is where we can retain a phone number long enough to dial it. To convert this to long term memory, we must repeat it again and again. We must repeat over and over again the goodness of God and His plan for us in order to transfer this into our long term memory. It is important enough to repeat and live it out. Failing to do this will lead to the tragedy of a forgotten God or a forgotten blessing. There is something tragic about forgetting a word. There is something tragic about forgetting how to be saved. The bible tells us to forget what is behind, and press toward what is ahead, but that does not mean to forget God's blessings. That does not mean that we forget the memory of the blessing of the spirit in our life. It does not mean that we forget the blessing of a move of God. It does not mean that we forget the word that is spoken onto our life. Have we forotten the promise that God has given? Have we forgotten to tell our children of the promise? We must not forget the blood. We must not forget the alter. We must not forget the anointing. Now is the time to stand. We must build a memorial back to the very day that Jesus found us. It may have happened on a pew, in a tent service, when we came up out of the water, or even in our own home. We must not forget what we know to be the truth. We must not ignore the warning signs that will pull us away from what we know to be the truth. We must build a memorial in our mind of the the day that God moved in our life to hold us in times when we are confronted with things that want to pull us away. We must pass this truth along to our children. We must get them to the place where they can build memorials to the goodness of God in their own minds. Time will decay memories in our mind. Memorials place a concrete reminder in our minds to keep that memory from fading. We must build memorials that will cause our children to ask questions. These questions will allow us to teach them. We must not forget. Have you forgotten? A couple of weeks ago we reflected on the 14th anniversary of the attack of 9/11. It is one of those days in history that people will remember where they were when they heard the news. Each of us will remember forever the events, thoughts and images … Kenneth Baker 2356 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20500086/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_haveyouforgotten/id/2446414.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20500086 Have you forgotten Mon, 21 Sep 2015 02:50:38 +0000 Kenneth Baker Some historians believe that our text was written by David when he was fleeing from Saul. Others believe that is was written during the time when he was running from Absalom. In either case, it was written about a time of great turmoil and fear. He was being assaulted by fear and his mind was greatly troubled. Fear and faith were in conflict. He was fleeing and thinking of self preservation. He lived in a time when the foundations of his life were not only being shaken, they were being removed. The question in verse three is "if the foundations be removed." This psalm could easily describe our world today. The foundations of our principles and our faith are being assaulted. The psalm asks "What can the righteous do?" How do we live in this evil world? The advise given to the psalmist was to run and hide to preserve his life. The psalmist made it clear that he was not of a mind to hide. Neither should the church hide within our four walls. As dark as the world is now, it only makes our light shine brighter. The psalmist knew that his faith was more important than his current circumstances. He was focused on eternal things. Our present situation is temporary. All that is on earth will burn away in a fervent heat. While in Egyptian bondage, the children of God continued to grow even in the face of ever increasing oppression and persecution. God is still on the throne and in control. Many people are being overwhelmed by temporary issues. What we see at this moment, is not all there is to it. It may appear that evil is winning, but the final part of the story has yet to be told. There is a world beyond ours that will last forever. As a church we must get over being intimidated and afraid. God's people cannot be silenced. Even in countries where Christianity is outlawed, the church thrives. God's authority will overrule all of man's decisions. No matter what governments may do or policies they may set, God's authority is more important. God already knows how the story will end. Man looks to the future, but God looks from the end back to now. Our faith must be in the one who knows the story and how it is written. The end is in God's hands, not in the rulers, or governments of this world. God is in control. Bro. Hughes declares that there are no end time prophecies that have yet to be fulfilled to before Jesus comes for His church. In these last hours we can trust in Him. Secondly we can stand and not flee. We need to let our light shine. We need to stand for what is right. We can still worship in these end times. We can live righteously and let our life be an example. Finally we must not abandon what we know to be right. We are not a child of this world. We are children of God. God has been too good to us for us not to give Him all that he deserves. Whatever sacrifice we make in living for God will pay off in the end. There will be a day that we look back at every trial, tear and heartache and realize that it was all worth it. That is faith's answer to fear's question. Some historians believe that our text was written by David when he was fleeing from Saul. Others believe that is was written during the time when he was running from Absalom. In either case, it was written about a time of great turmoil and fear. He was being assaulted by fear and his mind was greatly troubled. Fear and faith were in conflict. He was fleeing and thinking of self preservation. He lived in a time when the foundations of his life were not only being shaken, they were being removed. The question in verse three is "if the foundations be removed." This psalm could easily describe our world today. The foundations of our principles and our faith are being assaulted. The psalm asks "What can the righteous do?" How do we live in this evil world? The advise given to the psalmist was to run and hide to preserve his life. The psalmist made it clear that he was not of a mind to hide. Neither should the church hide within our four walls. As dark as the world is now, it only makes our light shine brighter. The psalmist knew that his faith was more important than his current circumstances. He was focused on eternal things. Our present situation is temporary. All that is on earth will burn away in a fervent heat. While in Egyptian bondage, the children of God continued to grow even in the face of ever increasing oppression and persecution. God is still on the throne and in control. Many people are being overwhelmed by temporary issues. What we see at this moment, is not all there is to it. It may appear that evil is winning, but the final part of the story has yet to be told. There is a world beyond ours that will last forever. As a church we must get over being intimidated and afraid. God's people cannot be silenced. Even in countries where Christianity is outlawed, the church thrives. God's authority will overrule all of man's decisions. No matter what governments may do or policies they may set, God's authority is more important. God already knows how the story will end. Man looks to the future, but God looks from the end back to now. Our faith must be in the one who knows the story and how it is written. The end is in God's hands, not in the rulers, or governments of this world. God is in control. Bro. Hughes declares that there are no end time prophecies that have yet to be fulfilled to before Jesus comes for His church. In these last hours we can trust in Him. Secondly we can stand and not flee. We need to let our light shine. We need to stand for what is right. We can still worship in these end times. We can live righteously and let our life be an example. Finally we must not abandon what we know to be right. We are not a child of this world. We are children of God. God has been too good to us for us not to give Him all that he deserves. Whatever sacrifice we make in living for God will pay off in the end. There will be a day that we look back at every trial, tear and heartache and realize that it was all worth it. That is faith's answer to fear's question. Some historians believe that our text was written by David when he was fleeing from Saul. Others believe that is was written during the time when he was running from Absalom. In either case, it was written about a time of great turmoil and fear. He … Kenneth Baker 1849 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20495255/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_faithsanswertofearsquestion/id/2441910.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20495255 Faith's answer to fear's question Mon, 21 Sep 2015 02:38:57 +0000 Kenneth Baker One of the greatest struggles we face is the difference between what we are and what we know we are capable of being. Peter had made a mess of his life. He had denied Christ and even cursed in doing so. He was no doubt down cast about his failure of his master. The interval between the denial and the episode in our text was likely one of the lowest portions of Peter's life. The mixture of regret, worry and fear must have played over and over again in his mind. Like many of us, Peter must have wished that he could go back and do it all again. How would life would be different if we could go back. Life does not work that way. There are no do-overs. Bro. Hughes asks what do you do when you have failed so publicly and totally? Peter busied himself with the familiar. He went back to being a fisherman. He toiled all night fishing but caught nothing. In the morning, they hear a familiar voice asking if they had any fish. This was a scene that had played out before. It dawns on Peter who was asking and, ever the impetuous one, he jumps from the boat and makes his way to shore. Jesus extends wonderful grace to Peter. He did not greet him with anger or disappointment. Many bible scholars agree that Jesus ask three times to atone for the three denials. Bro. Hughes points out however, that this is out of character for Jesus. This exchange was not about reminding Peter of his failure. Jesus was likely trying to revive something that had died. It was for Peter's sake, to awaken something in him. God's grace brought Peter back from where he was to where he needed to be. Jesus starts by calling Peter by his old name: Simon. Jesus was reminding Peter of his beginnings. Using that name, Jesus took Peter back to where he had first recognized his potential. God's grace reminds us of our potential. Despite our failure, the grace of God reconnects us to potential. Peter's failure did not void the potential and it does not void what God has planned for our life. Using the name Simon reminded Peter that his failure was because he was acting like the old man that he was, now what he had become. If we are to realize the plan God has for our life, we must leave that old man behind. Too many want to keep remnants of the old man to hold on to. The saving power of God's amazing grace reaches out to a broken man and brings him back to his potential. Jesus' questions to Peter reminds him that unless he loved Jesus, he would never be able to love others, to minister to the lost or reach the world in the way the he would. Finally Jesus asks Peter "do you love me more than these? With this question Jesus frames the order or priorities. If Jesus is first, then all the other priories fall into place. The first two times, the word in the Greek that Jesus used was the agape love, but Peter responded with philía love. On the third question, Jesus comes down to Peter's level and uses philía. Grace was willing to start where Peter was, so Jesus came down to his level. From there, grace can build us up. Our failure does not void our potential. Grace reaches out to restore us to the place where we can get us back to where we need to be. Grace has amazing power. One of the greatest struggles we face is the difference between what we are and what we know we are capable of being. Peter had made a mess of his life. He had denied Christ and even cursed in doing so. He was no doubt down cast about his failure of his master. The interval between the denial and the episode in our text was likely one of the lowest portions of Peter's life. The mixture of regret, worry and fear must have played over and over again in his mind. Like many of us, Peter must have wished that he could go back and do it all again. How would life would be different if we could go back. Life does not work that way. There are no do-overs. Bro. Hughes asks what do you do when you have failed so publicly and totally? Peter busied himself with the familiar. He went back to being a fisherman. He toiled all night fishing but caught nothing. In the morning, they hear a familiar voice asking if they had any fish. This was a scene that had played out before. It dawns on Peter who was asking and, ever the impetuous one, he jumps from the boat and makes his way to shore. Jesus extends wonderful grace to Peter. He did not greet him with anger or disappointment. Many bible scholars agree that Jesus ask three times to atone for the three denials. Bro. Hughes points out however, that this is out of character for Jesus. This exchange was not about reminding Peter of his failure. Jesus was likely trying to revive something that had died. It was for Peter's sake, to awaken something in him. God's grace brought Peter back from where he was to where he needed to be. Jesus starts by calling Peter by his old name: Simon. Jesus was reminding Peter of his beginnings. Using that name, Jesus took Peter back to where he had first recognized his potential. God's grace reminds us of our potential. Despite our failure, the grace of God reconnects us to potential. Peter's failure did not void the potential and it does not void what God has planned for our life. Using the name Simon reminded Peter that his failure was because he was acting like the old man that he was, now what he had become. If we are to realize the plan God has for our life, we must leave that old man behind. Too many want to keep remnants of the old man to hold on to. The saving power of God's amazing grace reaches out to a broken man and brings him back to his potential. Jesus' questions to Peter reminds him that unless he loved Jesus, he would never be able to love others, to minister to the lost or reach the world in the way the he would. Finally Jesus asks Peter "do you love me more than these? With this question Jesus frames the order or priorities. If Jesus is first, then all the other priories fall into place. The first two times, the word in the Greek that Jesus used was the agape love, but Peter responded with philía love. On the third question, Jesus comes down to Peter's level and uses philía. Grace was willing to start where Peter was, so Jesus came down to his level. From there, grace can build us up. Our failure does not void our potential. Grace reaches out to restore us to the place where we can get us back to where we need to be. Grace has amazing power. One of the greatest struggles we face is the difference between what we are and what we know we are capable of being. Peter had made a mess of his life. He had denied Christ and even cursed in doing so. He was no doubt down cast about his failure of… Kenneth Baker 2251 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20495248/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thesavingpowerofgodsamazinggra/id/2441903.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20495248 the saving power of God's amazing grace Thu, 17 Sep 2015 03:13:06 +0000 Kenneth Baker God had a message that he desperately need to get through to Israel. God went to Jeremiah and sent him on a journey to the potter's house. God sometimes has to get us to the right place in order to get His message through. God took Jeremiah to the right place in order to receive the right message. Jeremiah witnessed a live parable that communicated God's desire for Israel. The potter had a purpose for the clay on his wheel. Jeremiah began to understand that God has a purpose for our life. There will be problems along the way, and there will be flaws that have to be worked through; but like the potter, God has a purpose and He intends to work out all of that to accomplish His objective. It may take a long time, but God said that He would not quit until He is finished. Clay is not pleasant to work with. It is slimy and messy. But when the potter is done with it, it is beautiful. Like the potter, God is not put off by the unattractive nature of the raw material. He continues to working with it until it is to the place it needs to be. The message of the potter is that what appears to be at the moment is not the end. God is not concerned with what we are right now; He is concerned with what can be. God is a god of what can be, not what is. If we will let Him, he will transform even the ugliest thing into something beautiful. In our text, it is obvious that Israel was not living up to God’s potential. He could have written them off and left them to their sin, but God is not content with imperfection when His perfection is available. The potter's hand on the clay transformed it. God's influence can change our situation no matter what it is. The potter knows how much pressure to apply. He knows when to press and when not to press. God knows the kinds of pressure that is required to get the results He needs in our life. The unresponsiveness of the clay delayed the process, but it did not stop it. The flaw was limiting what the potter could do and so he crushed it down and started over. God knows how to get the things in our life out the need to be removed. The message of the potter is that a flaw does not mean that all is lost. God sent Jeremiah to the potters house that day to receive a message in a bottle. God had a message that he desperately need to get through to Israel. God went to Jeremiah and sent him on a journey to the potter's house. God sometimes has to get us to the right place in order to get His message through. God took Jeremiah to the right place in order to receive the right message. Jeremiah witnessed a live parable that communicated God's desire for Israel. The potter had a purpose for the clay on his wheel. Jeremiah began to understand that God has a purpose for our life. There will be problems along the way, and there will be flaws that have to be worked through; but like the potter, God has a purpose and He intends to work out all of that to accomplish His objective. It may take a long time, but God said that He would not quit until He is finished. Clay is not pleasant to work with. It is slimy and messy. But when the potter is done with it, it is beautiful. Like the potter, God is not put off by the unattractive nature of the raw material. He continues to working with it until it is to the place it needs to be. The message of the potter is that what appears to be at the moment is not the end. God is not concerned with what we are right now; He is concerned with what can be. God is a god of what can be, not what is. If we will let Him, he will transform even the ugliest thing into something beautiful. In our text, it is obvious that Israel was not living up to God’s potential. He could have written them off and left them to their sin, but God is not content with imperfection when His perfection is available. The potter's hand on the clay transformed it. God's influence can change our situation no matter what it is. The potter knows how much pressure to apply. He knows when to press and when not to press. God knows the kinds of pressure that is required to get the results He needs in our life. The unresponsiveness of the clay delayed the process, but it did not stop it. The flaw was limiting what the potter could do and so he crushed it down and started over. God knows how to get the things in our life out the need to be removed. The message of the potter is that a flaw does not mean that all is lost. God sent Jeremiah to the potters house that day to receive a message in a bottle. God had a message that he desperately need to get through to Israel. God went to Jeremiah and sent him on a journey to the potter's house. God sometimes has to get us to the right place in order to get His message through. God took Jeremiah to the r… Kenneth Baker 2069 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20492074/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_messageinabottle/id/2438977.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20492074 Message in a bottle Sun, 13 Sep 2015 18:59:28 +0000 Kenneth Baker Our text is sobering and thought provoking. We have to stop and ask if we understand what we read. The scripture calls Lot righteous. Yet even with this righteousness, he lived in an atmosphere that had an affect on him. How could this man let what happened to him happen to him? Lot was the nephew of Abraham. Lot’s father died on the way to the promised land, and Abraham took Lot under his wing. God blessed Lot because of his association with Abraham. Lot’s life is an interesting study in contradictions. He knew what he needed to do, but somehow could never get around to doing it. Lot's life was marked by indecision. His heart told him one thing, but his mind convinced him differently. Leaving Sodom he lingered; going to the gate he lingered. When problems arose between he Abraham, Lot hesitated. Even when he did flee Sodom, Lot argued with God about where to go. The bible describes Lot as vexed. There was a constant war between his mind and his heart. Lot had been raised around an alter and in a righteous environment. He was blessed because of that, but we do not read of Lot building an alter for himself. There is nothing that comes from lingering in a bad situation. There are many people who have been around alters and blessing all their life, but they have not built that alter themselves. Many are blessed because of who they walked with. Many have grown up in church and have known it all their lives, but they have not built that relationship with God themselves. Lot failed to appreciate the value of Abraham's presence and of his influence. As time passed, Lot failed to properly appreciate the blessings of righteous fellowship. Lot never seemed to grasp the implication of the choices he made. When he and Abraham separated, Lot did not use any of the lessons learned by his association with Abraham. The bible tells us that Lot simply looked with his eyes when he made his decision on where to go. He did not consult his heart. We must be careful what we look at, because what we look at can be deceiving. Lot saw the well watered plain and decided that it was the most promising. Often the way God wants us to go is not the most attractive life, but it is the best way. If Lot had been able to go back to that moment when he made that decision, he may have made a different choice. He put everything that mattered to him in a compromised situation that once it was all done, was a path of destruction. He didn't move into the city of Sodom right at first, He moved in that direction, and over time it began to affect him. What Lot saw was different than what Abraham saw, but that different view did not make it right. Lot had to compromise his principles in order to live in Sodom. We cannot embrace Sodom without compromising our faith. Lot continued to prosper after moving to Sodom, but his relationship with God suffered. The bible has no account where Lot ever rebuked what was going on around him, or that he used his growing influence to change that wicked city. He tolerated what was going on around him, and it took him down a path that would lead him to a place that he did not recognize. It started because he looked with his eyes and not with his heart. He pushed down what his heart told him in order to gain earthly wealth. The bible tells us that he was vexed, buy we never read where he tried to move away from that corrupt culture. What are we exposing our self and our families to because of where we chose to live? When we have a choice to make, we must make sure that it is made at an alter and under the influence of prayer. Our eyes will tell us one thing, when our heart is telling us another. The price of living in Sodom is our faith, our fellowship and our family. Our text is sobering and thought provoking. We have to stop and ask if we understand what we read. The scripture calls Lot righteous. Yet even with this righteousness, he lived in an atmosphere that had an affect on him. How could this man let what happened to him happen to him? Lot was the nephew of Abraham. Lot’s father died on the way to the promised land, and Abraham took Lot under his wing. God blessed Lot because of his association with Abraham. Lot’s life is an interesting study in contradictions. He knew what he needed to do, but somehow could never get around to doing it. Lot's life was marked by indecision. His heart told him one thing, but his mind convinced him differently. Leaving Sodom he lingered; going to the gate he lingered. When problems arose between he Abraham, Lot hesitated. Even when he did flee Sodom, Lot argued with God about where to go. The bible describes Lot as vexed. There was a constant war between his mind and his heart. Lot had been raised around an alter and in a righteous environment. He was blessed because of that, but we do not read of Lot building an alter for himself. There is nothing that comes from lingering in a bad situation. There are many people who have been around alters and blessing all their life, but they have not built that alter themselves. Many are blessed because of who they walked with. Many have grown up in church and have known it all their lives, but they have not built that relationship with God themselves. Lot failed to appreciate the value of Abraham's presence and of his influence. As time passed, Lot failed to properly appreciate the blessings of righteous fellowship. Lot never seemed to grasp the implication of the choices he made. When he and Abraham separated, Lot did not use any of the lessons learned by his association with Abraham. The bible tells us that Lot simply looked with his eyes when he made his decision on where to go. He did not consult his heart. We must be careful what we look at, because what we look at can be deceiving. Lot saw the well watered plain and decided that it was the most promising. Often the way God wants us to go is not the most attractive life, but it is the best way. If Lot had been able to go back to that moment when he made that decision, he may have made a different choice. He put everything that mattered to him in a compromised situation that once it was all done, was a path of destruction. He didn't move into the city of Sodom right at first, He moved in that direction, and over time it began to affect him. What Lot saw was different than what Abraham saw, but that different view did not make it right. Lot had to compromise his principles in order to live in Sodom. We cannot embrace Sodom without compromising our faith. Lot continued to prosper after moving to Sodom, but his relationship with God suffered. The bible has no account where Lot ever rebuked what was going on around him, or that he used his growing influence to change that wicked city. He tolerated what was going on around him, and it took him down a path that would lead him to a place that he did not recognize. It started because he looked with his eyes and not with his heart. He pushed down what his heart told him in order to gain earthly wealth. The bible tells us that he was vexed, buy we never read where he tried to move away from that corrupt culture. What are we exposing our self and our families to because of where we chose to live? When we have a choice to make, we must make sure that it is made at an alter and under the influence of prayer. Our eyes will tell us one thing, when our heart is telling us another. The price of living in Sodom is our faith, our fellowship and our family. Our text is sobering and thought provoking. We have to stop and ask if we understand what we read. The scripture calls Lot righteous. Yet even with this righteousness, he lived in an atmosphere that had an affect on him. How could this man let what… Kenneth Baker 3268 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20488889/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thepriceoflivinginsocom/id/2435909.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20488889 THe price of living in Socom Fri, 11 Sep 2015 02:51:35 +0000 Kenneth Baker Nehemiah was stirred by a the vision of Jerusalem, in ruins. Being moved to do something, he marshaled the people of God to rebuild a city left in rubble by the Babylonians. Nehemiah had a burden. A burden is necessary to be used by God. Someone with a burden makes more of a difference than a person with talent. Nehemiah accomplished much in a short time. He organized people and rebuilt the walls of the city in only 52 days. There was much that came against him in the process, but Nehemiah did not let that distract him from his mission. Our text is from the end of the rebuilding. After six long weeks of work, the enemy came once again. Nothing is finished without opposition. Often this opposition comes when the task is almost done. The greatest struggle comes right before the victory. It is here that Nehemiah asks two important questions that speak to finishing and finishing strong. First he asks why should we stop our good work to be distracted by the enemy. Nehemiah then asks in verse 11, why should I run? Nehemiah faced descent, doubt and weariness in his own people. He faced enemies who masqueraded as friends. These "friends" tried to distract him right before he finished. Nehemiah lived by the code don't quit until you are finished. Nehemiah's questions help us to stay focused. He said "I am doing a great work" The enemy tried to draw him away, but Nehemiah would not be distracted. The enemy will try to distract us and cause us to focus our energy on things that do not matter. We must not be so caught up on this world that we lose focus of the things that really matter. In the latter part of our reading, the enemy tries to intimidate and scare Nehemiah from his task. The world hates what we are doing. They do not want us to succeed. Like Nehemiah, the enemy is trying to frighten us from completing our work. Nehemiah's response was “why should I be afraid.” God has something for us to do, and we cannot stop until we finish. We must stay focused and faithful. We must finish what we started. Nehemiah was stirred by a the vision of Jerusalem, in ruins. Being moved to do something, he marshaled the people of God to rebuild a city left in rubble by the Babylonians. Nehemiah had a burden. A burden is necessary to be used by God. Someone with a burden makes more of a difference than a person with talent. Nehemiah accomplished much in a short time. He organized people and rebuilt the walls of the city in only 52 days. There was much that came against him in the process, but Nehemiah did not let that distract him from his mission. Our text is from the end of the rebuilding. After six long weeks of work, the enemy came once again. Nothing is finished without opposition. Often this opposition comes when the task is almost done. The greatest struggle comes right before the victory. It is here that Nehemiah asks two important questions that speak to finishing and finishing strong. First he asks why should we stop our good work to be distracted by the enemy. Nehemiah then asks in verse 11, why should I run? Nehemiah faced descent, doubt and weariness in his own people. He faced enemies who masqueraded as friends. These "friends" tried to distract him right before he finished. Nehemiah lived by the code don't quit until you are finished. Nehemiah's questions help us to stay focused. He said "I am doing a great work" The enemy tried to draw him away, but Nehemiah would not be distracted. The enemy will try to distract us and cause us to focus our energy on things that do not matter. We must not be so caught up on this world that we lose focus of the things that really matter. In the latter part of our reading, the enemy tries to intimidate and scare Nehemiah from his task. The world hates what we are doing. They do not want us to succeed. Like Nehemiah, the enemy is trying to frighten us from completing our work. Nehemiah's response was “why should I be afraid.” God has something for us to do, and we cannot stop until we finish. We must stay focused and faithful. We must finish what we started. Nehemiah was stirred by a the vision of Jerusalem, in ruins. Being moved to do something, he marshaled the people of God to rebuild a city left in rubble by the Babylonians. Nehemiah had a burden. A burden is necessary to be used by God. Someone wit… Kenneth Baker 2787 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20486794/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtofinish/id/2434085.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20486794 How to finish Sun, 06 Sep 2015 22:13:53 +0000 Kenneth Baker Sometimes it seems that life is conspiring against us. The events that come at us seem to be a coordinated effort to try to derails our hopes, dreams and prayers. It is easy to play “what if.” What of this had not happened? What if that had gone differently? When everything is in turmoil we look for a sign of hope; for a sign that God has heard our prayers. It is difficult to carry on when God is silent. Questions, doubts and fear creep in to our thoughts. It is important to understand that life cannot be judged by a small segment. If we are not careful, we can become lost in a moment, a week or a month of life. Some storms last a short time, others can last a long time one, two or even ten years. We must not judge our entire life by a turbulent period. We cannot see the whole picture, but God can see it. In our text, we read the story of a great soul in a great crisis. This story reinforces that we are not the first to face stormy times. Even God's chosen people have to endure tough times and storms. Going through a storm is never an easy experience. The longer the storm lasts, the more if affects our attitude and the way we deal with others. Our focus narrows to simply survival. Our text is about more than a storm, or survival. it is about a message that came to Paul. God delivered the message that Paul must stand before Caesar. Paul's destiny would not be determined by the storm. God had already determined destiny and it was not wrapped up in the storm he was currently facing. Paul's life, and ours, is determined by God's word, not our circumstances. God has a plan for our life and that plan has a good end. The destiny that God has for us has a purpose. God reminded Paul, and us, that His plans trump life's troubles. No matter how painful whatever we are in now, God's plan is better. There are things that God has written about each one of us that must be fulfilled. God has a story written about each one of us. This does not mean that we can do whatever we want. God's promise to Paul came with a condition. To see God's plan through, Paul had to stay with the ship. God did not call Paul to have him perish in the storm that night. God brought Paul, and us to where we are. He did not do that to leave us to die. There is no storm, no problem, that can change God's plan for our life. We must remain with the ship and keep pressing toward the promise that God has given us. Sometimes it seems that life is conspiring against us. The events that come at us seem to be a coordinated effort to try to derails our hopes, dreams and prayers. It is easy to play “what if.” What of this had not happened? What if that had gone differently? When everything is in turmoil we look for a sign of hope; for a sign that God has heard our prayers. It is difficult to carry on when God is silent. Questions, doubts and fear creep in to our thoughts. It is important to understand that life cannot be judged by a small segment. If we are not careful, we can become lost in a moment, a week or a month of life. Some storms last a short time, others can last a long time one, two or even ten years. We must not judge our entire life by a turbulent period. We cannot see the whole picture, but God can see it. In our text, we read the story of a great soul in a great crisis. This story reinforces that we are not the first to face stormy times. Even God's chosen people have to endure tough times and storms. Going through a storm is never an easy experience. The longer the storm lasts, the more if affects our attitude and the way we deal with others. Our focus narrows to simply survival. Our text is about more than a storm, or survival. it is about a message that came to Paul. God delivered the message that Paul must stand before Caesar. Paul's destiny would not be determined by the storm. God had already determined destiny and it was not wrapped up in the storm he was currently facing. Paul's life, and ours, is determined by God's word, not our circumstances. God has a plan for our life and that plan has a good end. The destiny that God has for us has a purpose. God reminded Paul, and us, that His plans trump life's troubles. No matter how painful whatever we are in now, God's plan is better. There are things that God has written about each one of us that must be fulfilled. God has a story written about each one of us. This does not mean that we can do whatever we want. God's promise to Paul came with a condition. To see God's plan through, Paul had to stay with the ship. God did not call Paul to have him perish in the storm that night. God brought Paul, and us to where we are. He did not do that to leave us to die. There is no storm, no problem, that can change God's plan for our life. We must remain with the ship and keep pressing toward the promise that God has given us. Sometimes it seems that life is conspiring against us. The events that come at us seem to be a coordinated effort to try to derails our hopes, dreams and prayers. It is easy to play “what if.” What of this had not happened? What if that had gone dif… Kenneth Baker 2231 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20483871/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thingstorememberwhenlifeisatit/id/2431280.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20483871 Things to remember when life is at its worst Thu, 03 Sep 2015 02:43:30 +0000 Mark Hughes There is no forward moment in life that is without setbacks. Any time a person sets his mind to grow, there will be things to come up and challenge that effort. In our text, a young man lost the head of his ax while working to build a new place for the prophets. Something important was lost. It was small, but it's purpose was great. The lost ax head represented the effectiveness of the tool. This situations speaks to that in our life which gives us power. The bible says it was lost. No matter how perfect the handle and the quality of the materials, without the ax head, the handle was worthless. Work literally came to a stop. It was lost in a time of busyness and in the midst of a good work to build a house of God. So it is in life. Many people lose their cutting edge, but the are too proud to acknowledge it. Many people in life will try to make up for this loss by trying to improve what they have left. They try to learn better methods, or they posture themselves in other ways. They however are still ineffective without their cutting edge. The only answer is to get that cutting edge back. Bro. Hughes asks a simple question. Has there ever been a time where we have felt closer to God than now? If the answer to that question is yes, then we may have lost our cutting edge. How can we recover our edge? First we must admit that we have lost it. That is difficult to admit. To be honest about that involves a swallowing of our pride. Recovering the ax head in our story involved returning to where it was lost. It required a tree being lowered into the water. The tree represents the cross of Calvary. The power of the cross can restore what we have lost. It is the key to recovering our cutting edge. There is no forward moment in life that is without setbacks. Any time a person sets his mind to grow, there will be things to come up and challenge that effort. In our text, a young man lost the head of his ax while working to build a new place for the prophets. Something important was lost. It was small, but it's purpose was great. The lost ax head represented the effectiveness of the tool. This situations speaks to that in our life which gives us power. The bible says it was lost. No matter how perfect the handle and the quality of the materials, without the ax head, the handle was worthless. Work literally came to a stop. It was lost in a time of busyness and in the midst of a good work to build a house of God. So it is in life. Many people lose their cutting edge, but the are too proud to acknowledge it. Many people in life will try to make up for this loss by trying to improve what they have left. They try to learn better methods, or they posture themselves in other ways. They however are still ineffective without their cutting edge. The only answer is to get that cutting edge back. Bro. Hughes asks a simple question. Has there ever been a time where we have felt closer to God than now? If the answer to that question is yes, then we may have lost our cutting edge. How can we recover our edge? First we must admit that we have lost it. That is difficult to admit. To be honest about that involves a swallowing of our pride. Recovering the ax head in our story involved returning to where it was lost. It required a tree being lowered into the water. The tree represents the cross of Calvary. The power of the cross can restore what we have lost. It is the key to recovering our cutting edge. There is no forward moment in life that is without setbacks. Any time a person sets his mind to grow, there will be things to come up and challenge that effort. In our text, a young man lost the head of his ax while working to build a new place for t… Mark Hughes 1722 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20481215/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_recoveringourcuttingedge/id/2428890.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20481215 Scripture: 2 Kings 6:1-6:7 Mon, 31 Aug 2015 03:25:55 +0000 Kenneth Baker We live in curious times. The church has the most liberty in our society that it has ever had, but many have lost their spiritual way. Too many churches are interested in being culturally relevant. They do this however at the expense of being cross relevant. The cross has never been culturally relevant. We must be aware of our culture, but it is more important that we remain rooted not in the culture, but the cross. When Jude began to write this letter, it was his intention to write a treatus on the faith. In the process of this writing, he became aware of the cultural elements that were against the faith. His writing changed and became a letter of encouragement to remain true and to not compromise the things that God had given to the church for their salvation. Our culture will never fit in with the purpose and plan of God, our faith has to fit into God's plan. Jude's writing addresses an attitude that seems to affect the church through he ages: that there is a way other than God's way. The way of Cain is a way of atonement without bloodshed. Cain recognized that God was God and that He was worthy of praise. However, Cain's sacrifice was not in keeping with the requirements that God set out. Cain convinced himself that he could worship God in his own way. Cain recognized God, but he did it in his own way, not God's. It was his lack of conciseness of what God wanted that got Cain into trouble. Cain made church about himself, not God. That same attitude exists today in some churches. There are churches today that are removing references to the blood. God requires that blood be applied to our life. God calls us to be set apart from our world. This is contrary to human nature. We want to fit in. We want to be liked and accepted. The way of Cain is a spirit that will make church about us and what we want, not what God wants. Bro. Hughes offers these points about Cain. Cain's offering was costly, but there was no heart or love in it it. He thought that God would be impressed with it, but He was not. When Cain's sacrifice was not accepted, he became angry. That anger grew to a rage and a hatred the resulted in him killing his brother. Finally Cain substituted culture for cleansing. Our culture is obsessed with our appearance. Our worth to God is viewed from within not without. God is looking for someone who will humble themselves and submit to Him. There is a whole world of people that love God, but they do not love Him in the way that He wants. God has been very specific in the way to salvation. The gospel message is simple. We must not let the spirit of the culture alter that message. No matter what our culture says, our life must be based on the bible and what it says. We are not here to please the culture, we are here to please God. The way of Cain is a reality even today. It is a way without heart. It is a way without love. It is a way to failure. We must not go the way of Cain. We live in curious times. The church has the most liberty in our society that it has ever had, but many have lost their spiritual way. Too many churches are interested in being culturally relevant. They do this however at the expense of being cross relevant. The cross has never been culturally relevant. We must be aware of our culture, but it is more important that we remain rooted not in the culture, but the cross. When Jude began to write this letter, it was his intention to write a treatus on the faith. In the process of this writing, he became aware of the cultural elements that were against the faith. His writing changed and became a letter of encouragement to remain true and to not compromise the things that God had given to the church for their salvation. Our culture will never fit in with the purpose and plan of God, our faith has to fit into God's plan. Jude's writing addresses an attitude that seems to affect the church through he ages: that there is a way other than God's way. The way of Cain is a way of atonement without bloodshed. Cain recognized that God was God and that He was worthy of praise. However, Cain's sacrifice was not in keeping with the requirements that God set out. Cain convinced himself that he could worship God in his own way. Cain recognized God, but he did it in his own way, not God's. It was his lack of conciseness of what God wanted that got Cain into trouble. Cain made church about himself, not God. That same attitude exists today in some churches. There are churches today that are removing references to the blood. God requires that blood be applied to our life. God calls us to be set apart from our world. This is contrary to human nature. We want to fit in. We want to be liked and accepted. The way of Cain is a spirit that will make church about us and what we want, not what God wants. Bro. Hughes offers these points about Cain. Cain's offering was costly, but there was no heart or love in it it. He thought that God would be impressed with it, but He was not. When Cain's sacrifice was not accepted, he became angry. That anger grew to a rage and a hatred the resulted in him killing his brother. Finally Cain substituted culture for cleansing. Our culture is obsessed with our appearance. Our worth to God is viewed from within not without. God is looking for someone who will humble themselves and submit to Him. There is a whole world of people that love God, but they do not love Him in the way that He wants. God has been very specific in the way to salvation. The gospel message is simple. We must not let the spirit of the culture alter that message. No matter what our culture says, our life must be based on the bible and what it says. We are not here to please the culture, we are here to please God. The way of Cain is a reality even today. It is a way without heart. It is a way without love. It is a way to failure. We must not go the way of Cain. We live in curious times. The church has the most liberty in our society that it has ever had, but many have lost their spiritual way. Too many churches are interested in being culturally relevant. They do this however at the expense of being cross … Kenneth Baker 2519 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20479095/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thewayofcain/id/2426776.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20479095 The way of Cain Thu, 27 Aug 2015 02:23:35 +0000 Kenneth Baker Dr. Hughes shares a report of his recent trip to China and the opening of that country to the Gospel. He also shares a history and a background of the lineage of David. David's early life was difficult. He was treated as an outcast by his Father, his brothers and all in the city. It was during this time that David learned to rely upon God. David could have become bitter at this treatment. If he had, he would have never grown into the man of God that we know. He discovered the greatest source of life and he held on to it. Life is full of junk. The choice is ours: do we become bitter or better? Dr. Hughes shares a report of his recent trip to China and the opening of that country to the Gospel. He also shares a history and a background of the lineage of David. David's early life was difficult. He was treated as an outcast by his Father, his brothers and all in the city. It was during this time that David learned to rely upon God. David could have become bitter at this treatment. If he had, he would have never grown into the man of God that we know. He discovered the greatest source of life and he held on to it. Life is full of junk. The choice is ours: do we become bitter or better? Dr. Hughes shares a report of his recent trip to China and the opening of that country to the Gospel. He also shares a history and a background of the lineage of David. David's early life was difficult. He was treated as an outcast by his Father, hi… Kenneth Baker 2179 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20475937/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_bitterorbetter/id/2423910.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20475937 Bitter or better Sun, 23 Aug 2015 20:02:54 +0000 Mark Hughes We do not get to choose many things in life. We cannot choose when we are born, who our parents are, or what is in our background. Some people spend a lot of effort in tracing their genealogy. In some cases they are happy to know who are part of their history, but some findings are not as thrilling. We are not a victim of our genealogy or the history of our family. We do have a choice however, in how our life goes. Even in the family tree of Jesus, there were those who seem to not be fit to be part of such a holy lineage. The simple truth is that what we do with our life now is what is important. It does not matter if our family tree includes Jesse James or some other notorious criminal, what we do not is what will count. Paul gives us the genealogy of Hope in our text. It can be traced all the way back to trouble. Trouble produces hope. It is easy to ask "how can anything good come from this" The answer is in how we respond to it. We cannot let trouble derail us. We must not allow trouble to steal the praise from our mouth. It is time to put praise back in our vocabulary. It does not matter where we have been, it matters where we are going. Too many people become victims of their past. Paul tells us to look at trouble as an opportunity. It is no a overnight process. In our text, there is a process. That process takes time. Trouble will produce something. Trouble will either make us better or bitter. The decision is ours. Our text encourages us to not be discouraged by our present circumstances. It may be stormy now, but that storm will produce in us experience and hope. We cannot allow our present circumstances limit the rest of our life. Too many people let what is visible around us affect our outlook on life. We must make a decision to serve God no matter what our present circumstances are. We see trouble, but God sees training. We see a mess, but God sees a miracle. Things are not as they seem. What we seen in the natural is not always the complete story. We do not get to choose many things in life. We cannot choose when we are born, who our parents are, or what is in our background. Some people spend a lot of effort in tracing their genealogy. In some cases they are happy to know who are part of their history, but some findings are not as thrilling. We are not a victim of our genealogy or the history of our family. We do have a choice however, in how our life goes. Even in the family tree of Jesus, there were those who seem to not be fit to be part of such a holy lineage. The simple truth is that what we do with our life now is what is important. It does not matter if our family tree includes Jesse James or some other notorious criminal, what we do not is what will count. Paul gives us the genealogy of Hope in our text. It can be traced all the way back to trouble. Trouble produces hope. It is easy to ask "how can anything good come from this" The answer is in how we respond to it. We cannot let trouble derail us. We must not allow trouble to steal the praise from our mouth. It is time to put praise back in our vocabulary. It does not matter where we have been, it matters where we are going. Too many people become victims of their past. Paul tells us to look at trouble as an opportunity. It is no a overnight process. In our text, there is a process. That process takes time. Trouble will produce something. Trouble will either make us better or bitter. The decision is ours. Our text encourages us to not be discouraged by our present circumstances. It may be stormy now, but that storm will produce in us experience and hope. We cannot allow our present circumstances limit the rest of our life. Too many people let what is visible around us affect our outlook on life. We must make a decision to serve God no matter what our present circumstances are. We see trouble, but God sees training. We see a mess, but God sees a miracle. Things are not as they seem. What we seen in the natural is not always the complete story. We do not get to choose many things in life. We cannot choose when we are born, who our parents are, or what is in our background. Some people spend a lot of effort in tracing their genealogy. In some cases they are happy to know who are part of the… Mark Hughes 2236 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20473185/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itdoesntmatterhowyoustarteditm/id/2421168.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20473185 Scripture: Romans 5:3-5:5 Mon, 17 Aug 2015 03:18:07 +0000 Mark Hughes This particular Psalm has a powerful message. There is something about this Psalm that appeals to our soul. This Psalm contains 22 verses which corresponds to the number of characters in the Hebrew alphabet. This psalm is known as an envelope Psalm which means that it begins and ends int he same way: "Bless the Lord Oh my soul." This form declares a wonderful truth that praise is the beginning and the end. When we praise Him it changes everything. Here is a way to surround troubles, fears, worries and doubts. If we surround these things with praise, we put ourselves in a position for victory. The psalmist not only praises, he states facts a bout what God had already done in his (and our) lives. All of the things mentioned are past tense. God has already proven himself. We need only look at the blessings, healing, comfort and strength that God has already done. If He did it once, He will do it again. We cannot let our present situation make us forget what God has already done. Not only does the psalmist praise God and remember what God has already done, he goes on to describe what God IS. He is slow to anger, he is merciful, he is gracious. More than all of that, God is still on the thrown. God is still in control. God will take care of His children. God knows exactly what is going on. He has not forgotten us and will not be taken by surprise. God still rules in the affairs of men. Bless the Lord Oh my soul. Surround our problems with praise, with His love, with what He as already done, and what He continues to be. That is the secret to a blessed life. This particular Psalm has a powerful message. There is something about this Psalm that appeals to our soul. This Psalm contains 22 verses which corresponds to the number of characters in the Hebrew alphabet. This psalm is known as an envelope Psalm which means that it begins and ends int he same way: "Bless the Lord Oh my soul." This form declares a wonderful truth that praise is the beginning and the end. When we praise Him it changes everything. Here is a way to surround troubles, fears, worries and doubts. If we surround these things with praise, we put ourselves in a position for victory. The psalmist not only praises, he states facts a bout what God had already done in his (and our) lives. All of the things mentioned are past tense. God has already proven himself. We need only look at the blessings, healing, comfort and strength that God has already done. If He did it once, He will do it again. We cannot let our present situation make us forget what God has already done. Not only does the psalmist praise God and remember what God has already done, he goes on to describe what God IS. He is slow to anger, he is merciful, he is gracious. More than all of that, God is still on the thrown. God is still in control. God will take care of His children. God knows exactly what is going on. He has not forgotten us and will not be taken by surprise. God still rules in the affairs of men. Bless the Lord Oh my soul. Surround our problems with praise, with His love, with what He as already done, and what He continues to be. That is the secret to a blessed life. This particular Psalm has a powerful message. There is something about this Psalm that appeals to our soul. This Psalm contains 22 verses which corresponds to the number of characters in the Hebrew alphabet. This psalm is known as an envelope Psalm … Mark Hughes 1434 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20468316/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thekeytoablessedlife/id/2416634.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20468316 Scripture: Psalms 103:103 Sun, 16 Aug 2015 19:55:17 +0000 Mark Hughes At the time of our text, the throne of Caesar was held by Nero. History tells us that he was a wicked and corrupt man. He was not in any way friendly to Christianity. He is most famous for, after a night of debauchery, fiddling while Rome burned. He put people to death for little reason. In that unclean debauced stomsphere, saints managed to live and survive. They accomplished this by relying on their relationship with God rather than their surroundings. It must have required great courage to be a Christian in such an atmosphere. It begs the question: Does our environment decide our destiny? Some are born to privileged or comfort, while others struggle financially. There are those to whom things come easily, while others have to work harder. Our text validates to us that we are not a product of our environment. These early believers served the lord despite their hostile environment. God is not going to judge us by our surroundings but by what is in our heart. Not by our household, but by our heart hold. We have to settle in in our heart that no matter what, we will serve the Lord. Our surroundings can push us toward heaven or hell, but our surroundings do not make the determination; we do. Everyone at some point in life has to deal with some sort of household issue. It may not be the home, it may be the job. It may be an unexpected setback or situation. No matter what the circumstances, we must serve God. Circumstances change, but the constant is down deep in our heart. If we have a heart hold to God, that trumps the household situations. The greatest power is within us not without. More important than what one is in is what is within one. He that is within us is greater that that which in the world. So many people want to put conditions on God; they want to negotiate. "God if you will deliver me from this, I will serve you" The truth is for that person, they would not serve Him in any circumstance. God can deliver us from anything. God can bless us at any time. Our environment does not make us. We can be surrounded by wickedness and evil, and still live for God. His grace is sufficient no matter if we are in the ghetto or the country club. God's word can keep us wherever we are. The word of God that is within us can protects us in any circumstance. We must be Christians no matter what our circumstances. This text does away with the excuse that one cannot live for God because of what they have to live with. We can live for God no matter what if we have a heart-hold. No matter how evil this world gets, we can live for God. At the time of our text, the throne of Caesar was held by Nero. History tells us that he was a wicked and corrupt man. He was not in any way friendly to Christianity. He is most famous for, after a night of debauchery, fiddling while Rome burned. He put people to death for little reason. In that unclean debauced stomsphere, saints managed to live and survive. They accomplished this by relying on their relationship with God rather than their surroundings. It must have required great courage to be a Christian in such an atmosphere. It begs the question: Does our environment decide our destiny? Some are born to privileged or comfort, while others struggle financially. There are those to whom things come easily, while others have to work harder. Our text validates to us that we are not a product of our environment. These early believers served the lord despite their hostile environment. God is not going to judge us by our surroundings but by what is in our heart. Not by our household, but by our heart hold. We have to settle in in our heart that no matter what, we will serve the Lord. Our surroundings can push us toward heaven or hell, but our surroundings do not make the determination; we do. Everyone at some point in life has to deal with some sort of household issue. It may not be the home, it may be the job. It may be an unexpected setback or situation. No matter what the circumstances, we must serve God. Circumstances change, but the constant is down deep in our heart. If we have a heart hold to God, that trumps the household situations. The greatest power is within us not without. More important than what one is in is what is within one. He that is within us is greater that that which in the world. So many people want to put conditions on God; they want to negotiate. "God if you will deliver me from this, I will serve you" The truth is for that person, they would not serve Him in any circumstance. God can deliver us from anything. God can bless us at any time. Our environment does not make us. We can be surrounded by wickedness and evil, and still live for God. His grace is sufficient no matter if we are in the ghetto or the country club. God's word can keep us wherever we are. The word of God that is within us can protects us in any circumstance. We must be Christians no matter what our circumstances. This text does away with the excuse that one cannot live for God because of what they have to live with. We can live for God no matter what if we have a heart-hold. No matter how evil this world gets, we can live for God. At the time of our text, the throne of Caesar was held by Nero. History tells us that he was a wicked and corrupt man. He was not in any way friendly to Christianity. He is most famous for, after a night of debauchery, fiddling while Rome burned. … Mark Hughes 2116 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20467661/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_householdorhearthhold/id/2415960.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20467661 Scripture: Philippians 4:22-4 Thu, 13 Aug 2015 02:28:42 +0000 Mark Hughes In our text, John the Baptist sends his diciples to Jesus to inquire if He was who He said He was. John was a man of great faith and works who had led a life of directing people to Christ. John should not have needed proof, but there are times in every life that can lead any of us to question. John finds himself in a deep prison. He is in the darkness. In that darkness question begin to come. Sot it is for us. When we get into a dark place, the questions can come. Questions about things that at one point were solid and without doubt. Questions come out of the dark and the unknown. Questions about the dark do not mean that we are in the dark. God knows. God is not in the dark. We must guard to not question in the dark what we have known in the light. Here is a may who boldly proclaimed Christ, but now finds himself wondering "is He really the Christ?" The question was certainly the culmination of many things. One of these may have been because of his own impatience at how God was working things out. John was not a meek preacher. He was a hell-fire preacher whose message shook the countryside. He had preached that God would bring judgment. As far as John was concerned, he thought that the kingdom was coming and it would come by God laying an ax to the root of sin. It did not play out that way. Jesus was meek and long suffering. John surly struggled with that dichotomy. Bro. Hughes points out that despite his doubt, John did not remain in that frame of mind. He was not content in his doubt. He sent his disciples to find out are you the Christ, or should we look for another? He sent them to boldly ask the question to settle the doubt. The only way to rid ourselves of doubt is to ask. Questions do not disqualify us from service to God. Just because we don't know or understand does not mean that we cannot serve God. John was no less of a man because he had doubts. Doubts do not invalidate us as a people or a child of God. John went to the right source to find the help he needed. He went to Jesus. John's friends could not answer the question. The only one who could help was Jesus. All the books int he world, or the best scientists or psychologists cannot replace the presence of God. No matter how dark it seems, or how differently from what we expect, God is still in control and has it all worked out. Questions and doubts do not disqualify us from being a chlid of God; we must be careful to let those doubts lead us to Him. Jesus has the answer to the questions in the dark. In our text, John the Baptist sends his diciples to Jesus to inquire if He was who He said He was. John was a man of great faith and works who had led a life of directing people to Christ. John should not have needed proof, but there are times in every life that can lead any of us to question. John finds himself in a deep prison. He is in the darkness. In that darkness question begin to come. Sot it is for us. When we get into a dark place, the questions can come. Questions about things that at one point were solid and without doubt. Questions come out of the dark and the unknown. Questions about the dark do not mean that we are in the dark. God knows. God is not in the dark. We must guard to not question in the dark what we have known in the light. Here is a may who boldly proclaimed Christ, but now finds himself wondering "is He really the Christ?" The question was certainly the culmination of many things. One of these may have been because of his own impatience at how God was working things out. John was not a meek preacher. He was a hell-fire preacher whose message shook the countryside. He had preached that God would bring judgment. As far as John was concerned, he thought that the kingdom was coming and it would come by God laying an ax to the root of sin. It did not play out that way. Jesus was meek and long suffering. John surly struggled with that dichotomy. Bro. Hughes points out that despite his doubt, John did not remain in that frame of mind. He was not content in his doubt. He sent his disciples to find out are you the Christ, or should we look for another? He sent them to boldly ask the question to settle the doubt. The only way to rid ourselves of doubt is to ask. Questions do not disqualify us from service to God. Just because we don't know or understand does not mean that we cannot serve God. John was no less of a man because he had doubts. Doubts do not invalidate us as a people or a child of God. John went to the right source to find the help he needed. He went to Jesus. John's friends could not answer the question. The only one who could help was Jesus. All the books int he world, or the best scientists or psychologists cannot replace the presence of God. No matter how dark it seems, or how differently from what we expect, God is still in control and has it all worked out. Questions and doubts do not disqualify us from being a chlid of God; we must be careful to let those doubts lead us to Him. Jesus has the answer to the questions in the dark. In our text, John the Baptist sends his diciples to Jesus to inquire if He was who He said He was. John was a man of great faith and works who had led a life of directing people to Christ. John should not have needed proof, but there are times in eve… Mark Hughes 1541 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20465191/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_questionsinthedark/id/2413787.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20465191 Scripture: Matthew 11:1-11:6 Mon, 10 Aug 2015 03:11:07 +0000 Tyler Stevison We live in a world that tries unceasingly to discredit the work and word of God. Scientists try to analyze the work of God in a natural realm. They try to rationalize the works of God through a lens of logic and knowledge. We as the church of God recognize the world's agenda to turn attentions away from God and His miraculous works. God is not threatened by the devil or the world. He is not swayed by human emotions. Whether we think He can, He CAN do it nonetheless. God is able. We have witnessed many things in our lives that should solidify in our minds the ability and attitude of God, yet we still are susceptible to a failing of belief. The devil tries to convince us that our situation is impossible, that we have no hope. God is ABLE. If he did it once, He will do it again. Our text describes a recipe for a miracle. First we need a problem that we cannot solve. We need an impossible situation. We do not like this part. We have equated the absence of problems as being blessed of God. In truth the presence of struggles is the opportunity for God. If we aren't sick, we cannot tell how God healed! Elijah comes to the woman who was desperate. She was about to prepare her final meal with what she had and was ready to die. She was facing an impossible situation. The second ingredient in our recipe is faith in God. The woman in our story was suffering from a lack of faith. Elijah's first words to her were Fear Not. Fear cannot take the place of faith. If there is no faith, the miracle will not happen. Faith sees what is not as if it were, fear just magnifies what is. We do not have to have proof to know that He is able. Our society is right now. The world wants us to believe that we do not have to wait on things. God sometimes makes us wait. It is in the process that God is teaching us to trust Him. If God answered every prayer right away, our faith would not be very strong. Faith is developed over time and in the process of believing that He will do it when everything around us says that it cannot be done. The final ingredient is obedience in action. We can have faith, but if we do not have a willingness to obey the word of God, we will miss our miracle. The woman went and did as Elijah instructed and the bible tells us that the meal didn’t waste and the cruse of oil never ran out. God is able. If we face an impossible situation the recipe for a miracle is faith and action. We live in a world that tries unceasingly to discredit the work and word of God. Scientists try to analyze the work of God in a natural realm. They try to rationalize the works of God through a lens of logic and knowledge. We as the church of God recognize the world's agenda to turn attentions away from God and His miraculous works. God is not threatened by the devil or the world. He is not swayed by human emotions. Whether we think He can, He CAN do it nonetheless. God is able. We have witnessed many things in our lives that should solidify in our minds the ability and attitude of God, yet we still are susceptible to a failing of belief. The devil tries to convince us that our situation is impossible, that we have no hope. God is ABLE. If he did it once, He will do it again. Our text describes a recipe for a miracle. First we need a problem that we cannot solve. We need an impossible situation. We do not like this part. We have equated the absence of problems as being blessed of God. In truth the presence of struggles is the opportunity for God. If we aren't sick, we cannot tell how God healed! Elijah comes to the woman who was desperate. She was about to prepare her final meal with what she had and was ready to die. She was facing an impossible situation. The second ingredient in our recipe is faith in God. The woman in our story was suffering from a lack of faith. Elijah's first words to her were Fear Not. Fear cannot take the place of faith. If there is no faith, the miracle will not happen. Faith sees what is not as if it were, fear just magnifies what is. We do not have to have proof to know that He is able. Our society is right now. The world wants us to believe that we do not have to wait on things. God sometimes makes us wait. It is in the process that God is teaching us to trust Him. If God answered every prayer right away, our faith would not be very strong. Faith is developed over time and in the process of believing that He will do it when everything around us says that it cannot be done. The final ingredient is obedience in action. We can have faith, but if we do not have a willingness to obey the word of God, we will miss our miracle. The woman went and did as Elijah instructed and the bible tells us that the meal didn’t waste and the cruse of oil never ran out. God is able. If we face an impossible situation the recipe for a miracle is faith and action. We live in a world that tries unceasingly to discredit the work and word of God. Scientists try to analyze the work of God in a natural realm. They try to rationalize the works of God through a lens of logic and knowledge. We as the church of God re… Tyler Stevison 2011 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20463064/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_therecipeforamiracle/id/2411729.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20463064 Scripture: 1 Kings 17:8-17:16 Sun, 09 Aug 2015 19:09:07 +0000 Tyler Stevison God used Paul to open the gospel to the Gentiles. Paul was intimate with God, but he suffered much. In our text, Paul is a prisoner being moved to Rome with other prisoners. Even in this setting, Paul was a voice of reason. In the midst of a great storm, the guards feared that they would be lost. They were making preparations to abandon ship, but Paul says "except they abide in the ship, they cannot be saved." God has provided a way for us to safely survive the storms of life. That way is the Church. Except we abide with the ship, we will be lost. As long as we stay on the ship, God can work out our salvation. There is one exception to our salvation: we must stay on the ship. In the old testament, there were cities of refuge where one accused of murder could flee and be safe. As long as a man was running toward the city of refuge, the people would defend and protect the runner. If however, they turned around, there was no obligation of protection. As long as we stay in our place of refuge, God will protect and defend. If we decide to leave the protection, God is under no obligation to us. Only those on the ship will make it to the other side. Getting off the ship is the only exception to our salvation. God used Paul to open the gospel to the Gentiles. Paul was intimate with God, but he suffered much. In our text, Paul is a prisoner being moved to Rome with other prisoners. Even in this setting, Paul was a voice of reason. In the midst of a great storm, the guards feared that they would be lost. They were making preparations to abandon ship, but Paul says "except they abide in the ship, they cannot be saved." God has provided a way for us to safely survive the storms of life. That way is the Church. Except we abide with the ship, we will be lost. As long as we stay on the ship, God can work out our salvation. There is one exception to our salvation: we must stay on the ship. In the old testament, there were cities of refuge where one accused of murder could flee and be safe. As long as a man was running toward the city of refuge, the people would defend and protect the runner. If however, they turned around, there was no obligation of protection. As long as we stay in our place of refuge, God will protect and defend. If we decide to leave the protection, God is under no obligation to us. Only those on the ship will make it to the other side. Getting off the ship is the only exception to our salvation. God used Paul to open the gospel to the Gentiles. Paul was intimate with God, but he suffered much. In our text, Paul is a prisoner being moved to Rome with other prisoners. Even in this setting, Paul was a voice of reason. In the midst of a great… Tyler Stevison 2350 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20462426/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theonlyexceptiontoyoursalvatio/id/2411073.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20462426 Scripture: Acts 27:27-27:32 Mon, 03 Aug 2015 03:07:44 +0000 Tyler Stevison David is the subject of many a sermon. We know that David was the youngest son of Jesse and was anointed to be king. He spent most of his young years being a shepherd. Likely it was during this time, that David built a powerful relationship with God. This time as a shepherd prepared David for better things. For all the good things that David did, we also see his failures and his falling. When we talk about David, we do not focus on the low points, we focus on the parts where he was known to be a man after God's own heart. David has in tune with God as much as any man could have ever been. In our text, David was transporting the arc of the covenant back to the house of God. Most historians believe that there were places along the route where they would erect an alter and sacrifice to God and worship. When they reached the end of their journey, David was worshiping with great vigor. It is in this atmosphere, that the bible tells us that David's wife looked out a window and saw him worshiping. In every church there are two kinds of people. There are those like David who will worship with abandon and not worry about who is watching. The other kind of person is like Michael who watch as others worship. She was capable of worshiping. She was blessed and had every reason to worship, yet she watched. Worship is different for different people. We have come to equate worship with action and demonstrative actions. Worship is not about dancing and leaping about. Worshiping is connecting with God in whatever way is necessary. Worship is spiritual. Everybody can worship. If all we can do is clap, then clapping is worship. There is more going on in our text than just moving a box. He was putting the arc of God back where it belonged. When God is where He is supposed to be, the byproduct will be worship. When God is in our heart, we will worship. Michael had become comfortable in the king's palace without a true appreciation of where she was. She was in the presence of the king, but did not acknowledge it. The world looks at the church like Michael looked at David. "Why do you spend all that energy" God values and desires worship. Michael looked at David and mocked him for his worship. Davids response was that the worship was for God, not her. The bible tell us that Michael did not have children. Worshipers reproduce, watchers are barren. God cannot afford to have that complacent spirit infect His church. The worshipers reproduce in the body of Christ, while the watchers do not. Just a few worshipers can infect many around them to become worshipers. Why watch when you can worship. David is the subject of many a sermon. We know that David was the youngest son of Jesse and was anointed to be king. He spent most of his young years being a shepherd. Likely it was during this time, that David built a powerful relationship with God. This time as a shepherd prepared David for better things. For all the good things that David did, we also see his failures and his falling. When we talk about David, we do not focus on the low points, we focus on the parts where he was known to be a man after God's own heart. David has in tune with God as much as any man could have ever been. In our text, David was transporting the arc of the covenant back to the house of God. Most historians believe that there were places along the route where they would erect an alter and sacrifice to God and worship. When they reached the end of their journey, David was worshiping with great vigor. It is in this atmosphere, that the bible tells us that David's wife looked out a window and saw him worshiping. In every church there are two kinds of people. There are those like David who will worship with abandon and not worry about who is watching. The other kind of person is like Michael who watch as others worship. She was capable of worshiping. She was blessed and had every reason to worship, yet she watched. Worship is different for different people. We have come to equate worship with action and demonstrative actions. Worship is not about dancing and leaping about. Worshiping is connecting with God in whatever way is necessary. Worship is spiritual. Everybody can worship. If all we can do is clap, then clapping is worship. There is more going on in our text than just moving a box. He was putting the arc of God back where it belonged. When God is where He is supposed to be, the byproduct will be worship. When God is in our heart, we will worship. Michael had become comfortable in the king's palace without a true appreciation of where she was. She was in the presence of the king, but did not acknowledge it. The world looks at the church like Michael looked at David. "Why do you spend all that energy" God values and desires worship. Michael looked at David and mocked him for his worship. Davids response was that the worship was for God, not her. The bible tell us that Michael did not have children. Worshipers reproduce, watchers are barren. God cannot afford to have that complacent spirit infect His church. The worshipers reproduce in the body of Christ, while the watchers do not. Just a few worshipers can infect many around them to become worshipers. Why watch when you can worship. David is the subject of many a sermon. We know that David was the youngest son of Jesse and was anointed to be king. He spent most of his young years being a shepherd. Likely it was during this time, that David built a powerful relationship with God… Tyler Stevison 2082 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20458003/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whywatchwhenyoucanworship/id/2407058.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20458003 Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:12-6:23 Sun, 02 Aug 2015 20:38:08 +0000 Kenneth Baker We are living in perilous times. Behind much of the chaos and confusion we see today are the result of the devil's attempt to defeat us in any way possible. His greatest weapon in this assault is to remove our hope. If he can convince us to give up, he wins. The news is full of stories of people who let life overwhelm them to the point that they lost all hope and lost it all. Bro. Stevison declares there IS hope and it is available to us all through Jesus Christ. When Adam ate of the fruit in the garden, he removed himself from the source of life. When we remove something from it's source of life, it dies. Only God can restore back to the source of life. God wants to restore what was lost in the garden. Through the power of the Holy Ghost, we can be restored. All through the old testament, the people could never escape the oppression of their sin. When Jesus came and died, he gave to us all the ability to walk in victory. The spirit that God puts in us, is the only thing that Hell cannot put down. When God put his spirit in us, he put into us the ability to get back up after a fall. What God put in us cannot be conquered. This does not mean that hell will not leave us alone. Quite the opposite, it makes us more of a target. The more someone makes up their mind that they will live for God the greater the enemy will try to come after them. In our text, Paul was preaching and a young man fell asleep and fell out of a window. They supposed him to be dead. Paul went to him and prayed over him. We have all fallen. It is easy to think that we are facing the end. The fall does not have to be final. Today is our opportunity to get back up. He fell out of the third story and the church people wrote him off. Everyone came down and declared him dead, but Paul saw it differently. The spirit of God that is within us is the connection. It has been said that we are not defeated until we give up. As long as we continue to get up, the enemy cannot win. Hell cannot kill what won't die. We are living in perilous times. Behind much of the chaos and confusion we see today are the result of the devil's attempt to defeat us in any way possible. His greatest weapon in this assault is to remove our hope. If he can convince us to give up, he wins. The news is full of stories of people who let life overwhelm them to the point that they lost all hope and lost it all. Bro. Stevison declares there IS hope and it is available to us all through Jesus Christ. When Adam ate of the fruit in the garden, he removed himself from the source of life. When we remove something from it's source of life, it dies. Only God can restore back to the source of life. God wants to restore what was lost in the garden. Through the power of the Holy Ghost, we can be restored. All through the old testament, the people could never escape the oppression of their sin. When Jesus came and died, he gave to us all the ability to walk in victory. The spirit that God puts in us, is the only thing that Hell cannot put down. When God put his spirit in us, he put into us the ability to get back up after a fall. What God put in us cannot be conquered. This does not mean that hell will not leave us alone. Quite the opposite, it makes us more of a target. The more someone makes up their mind that they will live for God the greater the enemy will try to come after them. In our text, Paul was preaching and a young man fell asleep and fell out of a window. They supposed him to be dead. Paul went to him and prayed over him. We have all fallen. It is easy to think that we are facing the end. The fall does not have to be final. Today is our opportunity to get back up. He fell out of the third story and the church people wrote him off. Everyone came down and declared him dead, but Paul saw it differently. The spirit of God that is within us is the connection. It has been said that we are not defeated until we give up. As long as we continue to get up, the enemy cannot win. Hell cannot kill what won't die. We are living in perilous times. Behind much of the chaos and confusion we see today are the result of the devil's attempt to defeat us in any way possible. His greatest weapon in this assault is to remove our hope. If he can convince us to give up,… Kenneth Baker 2070 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20457538/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hellcantkillwhatwontdie/id/2406578.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20457538 Hell can't kill what won't die Thu, 23 Jul 2015 03:14:00 +0000 Mark Hughes In our text, God reminds Israel that in spite of their spiritual condition, that He was capable of saving them. The chapter concludes with two powerful verses that have great implication for our life. There are two ways to deal with the twists and turns of life. There are points in life where we walk in darkness. We are not sure where to place our foot for fear of stumbling. It is human nature to believe such times are caused by a lack of faith or because of sin. Isiah reminds us that as a child of God we will be forced to walk in darkness at times. The bible describes this man as reverent in heart and that he was an obedient servant. Yet, he still walks in darkness. Life goes on. We cannot pause life during the difficult times. Sometimes we have to live through the darkness. The bible tells us that this man who encountered this darkness kept walking. When darkness happens, we better know how to live. When we don't know how to respond or where to go, we have to press on. In these times we have two options. In verse 11 talks about kindling a fire; trying to make our own light. The bible refers to this effort as just making sparks. There are glimmers of light, but it is not sufficient to light the way. However in verse 10 the bible describes a different way: Trust in the name of the Lord and stay on Him. When we understand who we serve and whose child we are, it will make a world of difference in the dark. The word stay in verse 10 means to lean weight on. The only way to make it though the darkness is to trust in the Lord and stay close to Him. We must lean on Him. Though we may be confused, God is not confused. We may not know which way to turn, but God is. If we stay close to the one who can see, we will make it through the places we cannot see. In our text, God reminds Israel that in spite of their spiritual condition, that He was capable of saving them. The chapter concludes with two powerful verses that have great implication for our life. There are two ways to deal with the twists and turns of life. There are points in life where we walk in darkness. We are not sure where to place our foot for fear of stumbling. It is human nature to believe such times are caused by a lack of faith or because of sin. Isiah reminds us that as a child of God we will be forced to walk in darkness at times. The bible describes this man as reverent in heart and that he was an obedient servant. Yet, he still walks in darkness. Life goes on. We cannot pause life during the difficult times. Sometimes we have to live through the darkness. The bible tells us that this man who encountered this darkness kept walking. When darkness happens, we better know how to live. When we don't know how to respond or where to go, we have to press on. In these times we have two options. In verse 11 talks about kindling a fire; trying to make our own light. The bible refers to this effort as just making sparks. There are glimmers of light, but it is not sufficient to light the way. However in verse 10 the bible describes a different way: Trust in the name of the Lord and stay on Him. When we understand who we serve and whose child we are, it will make a world of difference in the dark. The word stay in verse 10 means to lean weight on. The only way to make it though the darkness is to trust in the Lord and stay close to Him. We must lean on Him. Though we may be confused, God is not confused. We may not know which way to turn, but God is. If we stay close to the one who can see, we will make it through the places we cannot see. In our text, God reminds Israel that in spite of their spiritual condition, that He was capable of saving them. The chapter concludes with two powerful verses that have great implication for our life. There are two ways to deal with the twists and tu… Mark Hughes 2038 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20449286/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thesecrettowalkingindarkness/id/2398988.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20449286 Scripture: Isaiah 50:10-50:11 Mon, 20 Jul 2015 02:39:03 +0000 Mark Hughes Tonight we honor our graduates. Bro. Hughes reminds the graduates that graduation is not an end, but a beginning. What our graduates do from this point forward is critically important. The decisions made now will have affects long into the future. Bro. Hughes encourages our graduates to be prayerful in every decision. He offers three things required for success. First everyone needs a compass. Used for navigation, a compass aids in finding the right way to go. The momentum of life makes it difficult to make changes, so it is critically important that we are pointed in the right direction when we set out. Secondly everyone needs a good map. A compass is of little use without a plan on where to go. With a map, the traveler can choose a destination and then plan a route that will take them there. The bible is the map that allows us to chart a course through life that is pleasing to God. Finally everyone needs a friend. Everyone needs someone to connect with. A friend will console when necessary, or kick us in the seat of the pants when required. Our church family is a friend, but greater than that, the Lord Jesus is a friend who will stick closer than a brother. Dream great dreams, and make big plans. But in that dreaming and planning, include determination. The way to get started is to begin. There is no magic trick or short cuts to success. Anyone who has built anything of value has had to put effort and determination into it to make it come to reality. The things we desire will require hard work and determination. Life is filled with choices. Daily choices. Each of these choices lead down a path or determine a direction. It is important to win the daily battles. Life involves trade offs. When making these trades, it is important to ensure that what we getting is worth more than what we are letting go. Tonight we honor our graduates. Bro. Hughes reminds the graduates that graduation is not an end, but a beginning. What our graduates do from this point forward is critically important. The decisions made now will have affects long into the future. Bro. Hughes encourages our graduates to be prayerful in every decision. He offers three things required for success. First everyone needs a compass. Used for navigation, a compass aids in finding the right way to go. The momentum of life makes it difficult to make changes, so it is critically important that we are pointed in the right direction when we set out. Secondly everyone needs a good map. A compass is of little use without a plan on where to go. With a map, the traveler can choose a destination and then plan a route that will take them there. The bible is the map that allows us to chart a course through life that is pleasing to God. Finally everyone needs a friend. Everyone needs someone to connect with. A friend will console when necessary, or kick us in the seat of the pants when required. Our church family is a friend, but greater than that, the Lord Jesus is a friend who will stick closer than a brother. Dream great dreams, and make big plans. But in that dreaming and planning, include determination. The way to get started is to begin. There is no magic trick or short cuts to success. Anyone who has built anything of value has had to put effort and determination into it to make it come to reality. The things we desire will require hard work and determination. Life is filled with choices. Daily choices. Each of these choices lead down a path or determine a direction. It is important to win the daily battles. Life involves trade offs. When making these trades, it is important to ensure that what we getting is worth more than what we are letting go. Tonight we honor our graduates. Bro. Hughes reminds the graduates that graduation is not an end, but a beginning. What our graduates do from this point forward is critically important. The decisions made now will have affects long into the future. B… Mark Hughes 1775 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20447102/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_graduateservice2015/id/2396843.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20447102 Scripture: Psalms 119:105-119 Sun, 19 Jul 2015 19:49:38 +0000 Mark Hughes Life is filled with the intersection of events that seem to be mere chance. However, when we look back at these intersections, we realize that these moments cannot be coincidence. There is such a mystery about life. Because of the unknowable and unexplainable there are often questions. Many become hung up on the questions and unexplainable. We all have questions. As a result there often comes a hardening. The disappointments in life tend to cause a defense mechanism that hardens the outer shell. The number of people sidelined by these questions and hardening is staggering. These people come to a point in life that no matter what is said or done, they are locked into this world of protection . The questions of life can propel us to find something, or they can lock us in a world of hardened disillusionment. The question posed by Nathanial in our text displays such an attitude. It implies a prejudice about Nazareth being less than other regions of Israel. When Philip announced that he had found the Messiah, and it was a Jesus of Nazareth, Nathanial closed his thinking and discounted it as not being possible. This almost cost him to lose his discipleship. Nathaniel is not the only one to have almost missed the opportunity of a lifetime. Nathaniel questioned if anything good could come from Nazareth. Some of us might question if anything good could come from our situation. Sometimes we restrict the movement of God due to a location, but the truth is that God can move anywhere anytime. Do not let life get locked into thinking that I cannot happen here. It CAN happen here. Do not let our attitudes and opinions keep us from the blessings that God wants to pour out. Many opportunities are missed even in a church service. "Well it is only Wednesday night." "If we were in the auditorium and not the gym..." The truth is that on a Wednesday night, in the family center, or under the fig tree under which Nathanial was sitting, God can move. There are people facing dispute in their families due to no other reason than attitudes and prejudices between family members. There are people who need blessing at church, but they cannot receive it because of attitudes about the one trying to minister to them. The attitude is at the root of the unhappiness. We cannot let the attitude or spirit get in the way of God reaching for us. How many things are missed in life because we are not willing to go where God wants us to go? How many times are we like Nathanial that the evidence is there, but the timing or place are not to our liking? It is a dangerous place to be to let attitudes and prejudices get in the way of the hand of God. More than the questions of life, it is more often the mindset that hangs us up. What attitude, what mindset, what preconceived idea is limiting us today? What is it that is keeping us from moving on in life? What kind of spiritual rendezvous are we in danger of missing because of an attitude? Life is filled with the intersection of events that seem to be mere chance. However, when we look back at these intersections, we realize that these moments cannot be coincidence. There is such a mystery about life. Because of the unknowable and unexplainable there are often questions. Many become hung up on the questions and unexplainable. We all have questions. As a result there often comes a hardening. The disappointments in life tend to cause a defense mechanism that hardens the outer shell. The number of people sidelined by these questions and hardening is staggering. These people come to a point in life that no matter what is said or done, they are locked into this world of protection . The questions of life can propel us to find something, or they can lock us in a world of hardened disillusionment. The question posed by Nathanial in our text displays such an attitude. It implies a prejudice about Nazareth being less than other regions of Israel. When Philip announced that he had found the Messiah, and it was a Jesus of Nazareth, Nathanial closed his thinking and discounted it as not being possible. This almost cost him to lose his discipleship. Nathaniel is not the only one to have almost missed the opportunity of a lifetime. Nathaniel questioned if anything good could come from Nazareth. Some of us might question if anything good could come from our situation. Sometimes we restrict the movement of God due to a location, but the truth is that God can move anywhere anytime. Do not let life get locked into thinking that I cannot happen here. It CAN happen here. Do not let our attitudes and opinions keep us from the blessings that God wants to pour out. Many opportunities are missed even in a church service. "Well it is only Wednesday night." "If we were in the auditorium and not the gym..." The truth is that on a Wednesday night, in the family center, or under the fig tree under which Nathanial was sitting, God can move. There are people facing dispute in their families due to no other reason than attitudes and prejudices between family members. There are people who need blessing at church, but they cannot receive it because of attitudes about the one trying to minister to them. The attitude is at the root of the unhappiness. We cannot let the attitude or spirit get in the way of God reaching for us. How many things are missed in life because we are not willing to go where God wants us to go? How many times are we like Nathanial that the evidence is there, but the timing or place are not to our liking? It is a dangerous place to be to let attitudes and prejudices get in the way of the hand of God. More than the questions of life, it is more often the mindset that hangs us up. What attitude, what mindset, what preconceived idea is limiting us today? What is it that is keeping us from moving on in life? What kind of spiritual rendezvous are we in danger of missing because of an attitude? Life is filled with the intersection of events that seem to be mere chance. However, when we look back at these intersections, we realize that these moments cannot be coincidence. There is such a mystery about life. Because of the unknowable and une… Mark Hughes 2436 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20446532/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_intersections/id/2396281.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20446532 Scripture: John 1:45-1:49 Thu, 16 Jul 2015 03:00:53 +0000 Mark Hughes Hebrews 11 is a powerful book. I contains such a clear example of what faith can do in our lives. We need to be extremely careful about or faith. Just as the physical body can become sick, it is possible for our faith to become sick. Every time we come to the house of God, we strengthen our faith. Our faith will not be nurtured in the world, but in the house of God we receive strength. If we take care of our faith, our faith will take care of us. Life will not be perfect. We must not let life trip us up or grow weary of walking by faith. In our text, They made it plain, that in spite of their lack of success, they refused to go back. It was because of this faith that God said "I am not ashamed to be called their God." God did not identify with them because they were perfect, but because of their faith. It is not the amount of, but rather that they refused to abandon their faith. They had the opportunity to go back, but they chose to stay with the promise. God will honor that kind of faith. How many go back when the going gets tough. It is easy to give up. People give up on marriages, careers, relationships and even living for God. God does not give explanations for things that come into our life. Even Jesus ask questions on the cross. There is no indication that that question was ever answered. If God said it, it will be. If He promised it, it will come to pass. We must make it clear that we are people of faith. No matter what happens, God is in control. Hold on to faith. What is our life saying about what we believe? Are we living in a way that others will see our faith. Not just in the words we use, but how we react to life and all that it brings. We don't have to have all the answers and not everything has to be made clear to us. There are some things that will never be made clear. No matter what pressure we may experience, we maintain our faith. We must make it clear. Hebrews 11 is a powerful book. I contains such a clear example of what faith can do in our lives. We need to be extremely careful about or faith. Just as the physical body can become sick, it is possible for our faith to become sick. Every time we come to the house of God, we strengthen our faith. Our faith will not be nurtured in the world, but in the house of God we receive strength. If we take care of our faith, our faith will take care of us. Life will not be perfect. We must not let life trip us up or grow weary of walking by faith. In our text, They made it plain, that in spite of their lack of success, they refused to go back. It was because of this faith that God said "I am not ashamed to be called their God." God did not identify with them because they were perfect, but because of their faith. It is not the amount of, but rather that they refused to abandon their faith. They had the opportunity to go back, but they chose to stay with the promise. God will honor that kind of faith. How many go back when the going gets tough. It is easy to give up. People give up on marriages, careers, relationships and even living for God. God does not give explanations for things that come into our life. Even Jesus ask questions on the cross. There is no indication that that question was ever answered. If God said it, it will be. If He promised it, it will come to pass. We must make it clear that we are people of faith. No matter what happens, God is in control. Hold on to faith. What is our life saying about what we believe? Are we living in a way that others will see our faith. Not just in the words we use, but how we react to life and all that it brings. We don't have to have all the answers and not everything has to be made clear to us. There are some things that will never be made clear. No matter what pressure we may experience, we maintain our faith. We must make it clear. Hebrews 11 is a powerful book. I contains such a clear example of what faith can do in our lives. We need to be extremely careful about or faith. Just as the physical body can become sick, it is possible for our faith to become sick. Every time we … Mark Hughes 2206 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20444015/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_makeitclear/id/2394030.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20444015 Scripture: Hebrews 11:8-11:16 Mon, 13 Jul 2015 02:47:37 +0000 Mark Hughes Changes are happening so quickly in our world that they are difficult to keep track. Each of these changes signal a changing of life as we know it and will change the course of our world. Israel had a rich history, but unfortunately they did not appreciate it. They had degraded to the point where it was not possible to differentiate between them and the nations that lived around them. They believed that they could serve God and the idols of the people with whom they had allowed to intermingle with their culture. In our text, Israel faced a decision. What are we deciding and what was Israel deciding in our text? Our nation is in the midst of many decisions, but Bro. Hughes declares what is more important are the decisions that we face in our own spirit. We are deciding by our worship what our church will look like in the future. We are deciding character and who we are to be as a people. We are deciding our future and what we are to believe. We are deciding what principles and standards we will hold no matter what judicial and legislative decision are made, the ultimate decision rests in the hand of God. It is more critical for us to hear God than to hear the analysis of policies that may come from men. Our choices will put us at odds with the world, but Bro. Hughes declares LET IT BE SO! The choice of the hour is not between religion or non-religion. It is the choice of WHAT kind of religion. Man is a spiritual being. He will worship something. We must be sure to make the right decision on what we will worship. If the Lord tarries, what will our church look like? Will the move of God we experienced during worship be strange to us? The decisions we make now will determine if our children will experience an apostolic church in the future. What will church of tomorrow look like? Our decisions today will answer that question. If this church does not make the right decisions, we will be just like the nation of Israel in biblical times. The only hope for this world is a move of God. We stand in the valley of decision. As for out house, we will serve the Lord. The only hope for this world are people who know what they stand for and an unwavering steadfastness to those convictions. We just do what ever we can to make a difference. There is a world that needs someone who knows where they are going. We are in a decisive time. God help us to make the right choices. Changes are happening so quickly in our world that they are difficult to keep track. Each of these changes signal a changing of life as we know it and will change the course of our world. Israel had a rich history, but unfortunately they did not appreciate it. They had degraded to the point where it was not possible to differentiate between them and the nations that lived around them. They believed that they could serve God and the idols of the people with whom they had allowed to intermingle with their culture. In our text, Israel faced a decision. What are we deciding and what was Israel deciding in our text? Our nation is in the midst of many decisions, but Bro. Hughes declares what is more important are the decisions that we face in our own spirit. We are deciding by our worship what our church will look like in the future. We are deciding character and who we are to be as a people. We are deciding our future and what we are to believe. We are deciding what principles and standards we will hold no matter what judicial and legislative decision are made, the ultimate decision rests in the hand of God. It is more critical for us to hear God than to hear the analysis of policies that may come from men. Our choices will put us at odds with the world, but Bro. Hughes declares LET IT BE SO! The choice of the hour is not between religion or non-religion. It is the choice of WHAT kind of religion. Man is a spiritual being. He will worship something. We must be sure to make the right decision on what we will worship. If the Lord tarries, what will our church look like? Will the move of God we experienced during worship be strange to us? The decisions we make now will determine if our children will experience an apostolic church in the future. What will church of tomorrow look like? Our decisions today will answer that question. If this church does not make the right decisions, we will be just like the nation of Israel in biblical times. The only hope for this world is a move of God. We stand in the valley of decision. As for out house, we will serve the Lord. The only hope for this world are people who know what they stand for and an unwavering steadfastness to those convictions. We just do what ever we can to make a difference. There is a world that needs someone who knows where they are going. We are in a decisive time. God help us to make the right choices. Changes are happening so quickly in our world that they are difficult to keep track. Each of these changes signal a changing of life as we know it and will change the course of our world. Israel had a rich history, but unfortunately they did not appr… Mark Hughes 1703 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20441867/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_adayofdecision/id/2391948.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20441867 Scripture: Joel 14:3-14 Sun, 12 Jul 2015 19:08:33 +0000 Mark Hughes Life is a journey that has many unexpected turns and paths. Who of us could have traced the path that life has led us on that led us to where we are now? Who could have know that life would have so many twists and turns and yet here we are. Our inner person is very sensitive to the outward circumstances of our life. Those circumstances can change very quickly. Human c character is more complex than any of us can comprehend. Often we do not understand what is going on. Life can be so contradictory that only God can sort it out. This realization should quicken us to be careful how we judge what we see in other people. Often we look at others and determine where they should be; that they should be further down the path. We do not have the perspective to make those judgmental. In our text, we find Elijah hiding in a cave. None who know him would have predicted that he would wind up in that cave. He was not there because he lacked courage, knowledge, understanding or a lack of discernment. He failed in the strangest place: the place where he was the strongest. He fled from death but then turned around and prayed to God for death. We can learn from this man's story that we are all susceptible to human weakness. Elijah story reminds us that we are defined by more than our current circumstances. Fear, doubt and uncertainty had found their way into Elijah's life. The war that was going on in his mind does not mean that he was a failure. Things had not turned out the way he thought. At Jezebel's word, he ran in a moment of fear and weakness. This transition was literally overnight. We are all our own worst critics. The whispering in our mind can do more to drag us down than any devil. Our text finds Elijah hiding in a cave. God comes to him with a simple question: "What are you doing HERE?" God had to ask the question twice. The first time, Elijah began to do what all of us do; he began to plead his case. God tries again: Elijah, what are you doing HERE. This time He did not wait for an answer, God goes on to tell Elijah what he was supposed to do. God didn't argue ore debate. He simply reminded Elijah that there was work to do, and that it couldn't' be done hiding in that cave. Too many of us have retreated into our caves to hid. Where we are is not where God wants us to be. God knows us and our frailties. He did not come to Elijah to rebuke him and tear him down. God came to remind him, and us that it is time to get out of the cave in which we are hiding. We cannot do what God wants us to do in the place we are now. Life is a journey that has many unexpected turns and paths. Who of us could have traced the path that life has led us on that led us to where we are now? Who could have know that life would have so many twists and turns and yet here we are. Our inner person is very sensitive to the outward circumstances of our life. Those circumstances can change very quickly. Human c character is more complex than any of us can comprehend. Often we do not understand what is going on. Life can be so contradictory that only God can sort it out. This realization should quicken us to be careful how we judge what we see in other people. Often we look at others and determine where they should be; that they should be further down the path. We do not have the perspective to make those judgmental. In our text, we find Elijah hiding in a cave. None who know him would have predicted that he would wind up in that cave. He was not there because he lacked courage, knowledge, understanding or a lack of discernment. He failed in the strangest place: the place where he was the strongest. He fled from death but then turned around and prayed to God for death. We can learn from this man's story that we are all susceptible to human weakness. Elijah story reminds us that we are defined by more than our current circumstances. Fear, doubt and uncertainty had found their way into Elijah's life. The war that was going on in his mind does not mean that he was a failure. Things had not turned out the way he thought. At Jezebel's word, he ran in a moment of fear and weakness. This transition was literally overnight. We are all our own worst critics. The whispering in our mind can do more to drag us down than any devil. Our text finds Elijah hiding in a cave. God comes to him with a simple question: "What are you doing HERE?" God had to ask the question twice. The first time, Elijah began to do what all of us do; he began to plead his case. God tries again: Elijah, what are you doing HERE. This time He did not wait for an answer, God goes on to tell Elijah what he was supposed to do. God didn't argue ore debate. He simply reminded Elijah that there was work to do, and that it couldn't' be done hiding in that cave. Too many of us have retreated into our caves to hid. Where we are is not where God wants us to be. God knows us and our frailties. He did not come to Elijah to rebuke him and tear him down. God came to remind him, and us that it is time to get out of the cave in which we are hiding. We cannot do what God wants us to do in the place we are now. Life is a journey that has many unexpected turns and paths. Who of us could have traced the path that life has led us on that led us to where we are now? Who could have know that life would have so many twists and turns and yet here we are. Our inne… Mark Hughes 1783 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20441238/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_comeoutofthecave/id/2391314.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20441238 Scripture: 1 Kings 19:9-19 Fri, 03 Jul 2015 13:29:43 +0000 Mark Hughes Unlike ladies on mother’s day, Men have a heavenly example of perfect fatherhood. None of us are perfect. There is only one that was without sin. The rest of us fall under the category of fallen and strive to rise up to be good men. As good as David was, his record as a father was blemished. Absolom had a different view of his father than others on the outside. You are a man what do you know. There are some things that as a man we do know. We have learned that our shadow reaches further than we realize. Our words have more affect than we know. God is not looking for perfect men. He will supply the perfect. As hard as we try, we will make mistakes as a father. When we fall it is best to get back up, because there are others who depend on us getting backup. Our influence is great. When we least think they are watching; they are. There is nothing that is lost in life by maintaining integrity. The blessings of god are the result of walking with him. In Micha 7:2, he laments "the good man is perished out of the earth" Many may feel that way today. Our world needs good men who will stand and be counted. Good men who will say "I will serve the lord." In our text, the bible tells us to follow the path of good men. This implies that there are other paths that men can follow. Many are made in private, and he thinks nothing of it. These decisions set the course for great moments, or great failure. The bible does not say perfect men, or great men. It says good men. There is no disappointment in doing good. Good things come from following good men. When we pursue good, the evil will be cast out. The two cannot co-exist. When we follow the path of good, we will leave the path of evil. The bible says to follow the path. This is intentional. There is no accident to be good. If we are to find the good things, it will because we actively walk into it. There are two great dangers to good men. One is the evil man. The other is the evil woman. The evil man appeals to the mind and thoughts. The wicked may appear to be succeeding, but psalms tells us that their end will be destruction. The wicked will take shortcuts to profit, but those shortcuts will not lead to true success. The evil woman appeals to the fleshly appetite and desires. We must guard our appetite and desires. These temptations will lead us off of the path of good men. Here is what we learn from good men in Hebrews 11 Noah taught us to build now and we won't be sorry later. Abraham trusted God when he couldn't understand Him. Enoc walked with God and that walk led him to better things. Jacob teaches that good men can make mistakes, but if we keep reaching for God, we can recover. Joseph brought much on himself because of naivety. Joseph teaches us that we must live for God no matter what happens. No matter what family or friends do to us, we must live for God. There are many things that are hard to deal with in life. Through it all, we must follow the path of good men and decide that no matter what, we will server the Lord. Unlike ladies on mother’s day, Men have a heavenly example of perfect fatherhood. None of us are perfect. There is only one that was without sin. The rest of us fall under the category of fallen and strive to rise up to be good men. As good as David was, his record as a father was blemished. Absolom had a different view of his father than others on the outside. You are a man what do you know. There are some things that as a man we do know. We have learned that our shadow reaches further than we realize. Our words have more affect than we know. God is not looking for perfect men. He will supply the perfect. As hard as we try, we will make mistakes as a father. When we fall it is best to get back up, because there are others who depend on us getting backup. Our influence is great. When we least think they are watching; they are. There is nothing that is lost in life by maintaining integrity. The blessings of god are the result of walking with him. In Micha 7:2, he laments "the good man is perished out of the earth" Many may feel that way today. Our world needs good men who will stand and be counted. Good men who will say "I will serve the lord." In our text, the bible tells us to follow the path of good men. This implies that there are other paths that men can follow. Many are made in private, and he thinks nothing of it. These decisions set the course for great moments, or great failure. The bible does not say perfect men, or great men. It says good men. There is no disappointment in doing good. Good things come from following good men. When we pursue good, the evil will be cast out. The two cannot co-exist. When we follow the path of good, we will leave the path of evil. The bible says to follow the path. This is intentional. There is no accident to be good. If we are to find the good things, it will because we actively walk into it. There are two great dangers to good men. One is the evil man. The other is the evil woman. The evil man appeals to the mind and thoughts. The wicked may appear to be succeeding, but psalms tells us that their end will be destruction. The wicked will take shortcuts to profit, but those shortcuts will not lead to true success. The evil woman appeals to the fleshly appetite and desires. We must guard our appetite and desires. These temptations will lead us off of the path of good men. Here is what we learn from good men in Hebrews 11 Noah taught us to build now and we won't be sorry later. Abraham trusted God when he couldn't understand Him. Enoc walked with God and that walk led him to better things. Jacob teaches that good men can make mistakes, but if we keep reaching for God, we can recover. Joseph brought much on himself because of naivety. Joseph teaches us that we must live for God no matter what happens. No matter what family or friends do to us, we must live for God. There are many things that are hard to deal with in life. Through it all, we must follow the path of good men and decide that no matter what, we will server the Lord. Unlike ladies on mother’s day, Men have a heavenly example of perfect fatherhood. None of us are perfect. There is only one that was without sin. The rest of us fall under the category of fallen and strive to rise up to be good men. As good as Davi… Mark Hughes 2551 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20433758/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thepathofagoodman/id/2384899.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20433758 Scripture: Proverbs 2:20-2 Fri, 03 Jul 2015 12:57:07 +0000 Landon Long There are people in the real estate business called flippers. They purchase homes at a discount, fix it up and sell it for a profit. Some of these homes are in desperate need of maintenance. The flipper comes in and gets to work. Bro. Long declares to us that we need to focus our flipping efforts on our spiritual house. Out text extols God's people to get to work and put His house back in order. Our church is in the midst of a remodeling project due to the flood. In addition to rebuilding the physical house, we are dedicated to a spiritual renovation. We look at the news of the day and feel as if all is lost. The church takes one step, and the world takes two steps back. The bible declares that He is coming back for a church without spot and wrinkle. Revival is about to sweep across this place. Not just our church, but across our nation. Flipping this house will require some changes. We will have to tear down some walls. We will have to fast, pray and read the world. The bible is the blueprint for the remodeling project. The bible is the best selling book of all time. But it is often the most unused book. Some buy a bible as an insurance policy. They place it in their home in the hopes that it will protect them. The true protection of the bible comes from reading it and living the life described in it. Many today undertake DIY - Do it Yourself projects. The home improvement market is full of stores and lumber yards to provide professional quality materials and advise to the do it yourselfer. In the spiritual realm, God does not want a DIY project. He wants us to rely on HIM for our project. Our text tells us the the latter will be greater than the former. He is coming back for a church, but first we must flip this house. The change we want to see must begin in us. Before we flip His house, we must flip ourselves. Are there things hidden in us that need to be repair. We must take a place that may seem to be in ruins and repair it. There are people in the real estate business called flippers. They purchase homes at a discount, fix it up and sell it for a profit. Some of these homes are in desperate need of maintenance. The flipper comes in and gets to work. Bro. Long declares to us that we need to focus our flipping efforts on our spiritual house. Out text extols God's people to get to work and put His house back in order. Our church is in the midst of a remodeling project due to the flood. In addition to rebuilding the physical house, we are dedicated to a spiritual renovation. We look at the news of the day and feel as if all is lost. The church takes one step, and the world takes two steps back. The bible declares that He is coming back for a church without spot and wrinkle. Revival is about to sweep across this place. Not just our church, but across our nation. Flipping this house will require some changes. We will have to tear down some walls. We will have to fast, pray and read the world. The bible is the blueprint for the remodeling project. The bible is the best selling book of all time. But it is often the most unused book. Some buy a bible as an insurance policy. They place it in their home in the hopes that it will protect them. The true protection of the bible comes from reading it and living the life described in it. Many today undertake DIY - Do it Yourself projects. The home improvement market is full of stores and lumber yards to provide professional quality materials and advise to the do it yourselfer. In the spiritual realm, God does not want a DIY project. He wants us to rely on HIM for our project. Our text tells us the the latter will be greater than the former. He is coming back for a church, but first we must flip this house. The change we want to see must begin in us. Before we flip His house, we must flip ourselves. Are there things hidden in us that need to be repair. We must take a place that may seem to be in ruins and repair it. There are people in the real estate business called flippers. They purchase homes at a discount, fix it up and sell it for a profit. Some of these homes are in desperate need of maintenance. The flipper comes in and gets to work. Bro. Long declares… Landon Long 1951 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20433755/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_flipthishouse/id/2384897.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20433755 Scripture: Haggai 1:4-1:10, Haggai 2:3-2:9 Sun, 14 Jun 2015 19:55:15 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text in Mark is one of the of the greatest stories in the bible. This is more than a story, but a revelation. This occurs just after the Jesus teaching the multitude and the feeding of the 5000. Jesus sent his disciples into the boat to travel to the other side of the sea of Galalie . It was purposeful. It was not an accident, Jesus sent them. It was part of the plan and purpose of God. They were sent, but they were not sent without trouble. The sea of Galilee, was a sea of trouble. It is situated in such a way that it was rife for storms because of the mountains and it's elevation. Storms could and did arise quickly. We live on the gulf coast where storms can come up and disrupt life. We may not like it, but this is where God has placed us. We will have to go through things in life to get to where God wants us to be. There are moment when trouble comes quickly upon us and we find ourselves in the midst of turmoil. The disciples did not understand the command, but they did not question. They got into the boat and struck out. Mark describes the scene as they made their way across the sea. After the high of the teaching and the miracle of the feeding of the 5000, the disciples find themselves in a situation where the winds were contrary. The winds were against what they were trying to do. The winds of life were trying to stop them from doing what God had told them to do. The events of life are not always directed to help us. The winds conspired against them. The cause seemed lost in the futility of the moment. The sea of Galilee was only about 6 miles wide. Normally the transit time was very short, but on this night, these men were out for over 9 hours and had only traveled 3 miles. That is a lot of rowing and toiling for nothing. The disciples must have been exhausted, but Mark describes how these men managed their situation. He said they were toiling. The English word does not fully describe what the original text meant. Literally the word means tormented. They were tormented in their work. It was only by painful effort that they could make headway. They were simply battling and trying to stay on course. Here is where contrary meets committed. The thing that brought them to the place where they ultimately met up with Him again, was that they continued to row. Life is not easy, but they were committed. They continued to work to do what He had told them to do. If we stay on course and keep rowing, we will rondevaeux with Him. That is the answer to life's problems: keep rowing. They could not tell on open water if they were making headway, but God knew and had the situation in control. It does not matter if we can see if we are making a difference, if we are making progress, God knows and out job is to keep rowing. They harder they tried, the harder the wind blew, but they kept rowing. What elements have conspired to stop us from our path: Poor decisions, financial trouble, broken marriages. The answer to living for God in each of these situations is to keep rowing. When we keep rowing, we will find ourselves where God wants us to be. Why did Jesus send them to be in the storm for so long? The bible tells us that He saw them struggling, but He did not go them until the 4th watch of the night. There are some who have given up on God when He waited to answer a prayer. Perhaps the reason he lingered so long was to teach them that trouble is part of life, and we must continue the struggle in order to over come it. His coming sooner would not have thought them the lesson that the Lord needed them to learn. These men went on to take the gospel to the world and suffer other hardships. This story taught them and us that He will be right on time to take us to where He wants us to be. If they had given up after one or two miles, they would not have been in position to meet up with Jesus. Keep rowing. Our text in Mark is one of the of the greatest stories in the bible. This is more than a story, but a revelation. This occurs just after the Jesus teaching the multitude and the feeding of the 5000. Jesus sent his disciples into the boat to travel to the other side of the sea of Galalie . It was purposeful. It was not an accident, Jesus sent them. It was part of the plan and purpose of God. They were sent, but they were not sent without trouble. The sea of Galilee, was a sea of trouble. It is situated in such a way that it was rife for storms because of the mountains and it's elevation. Storms could and did arise quickly. We live on the gulf coast where storms can come up and disrupt life. We may not like it, but this is where God has placed us. We will have to go through things in life to get to where God wants us to be. There are moment when trouble comes quickly upon us and we find ourselves in the midst of turmoil. The disciples did not understand the command, but they did not question. They got into the boat and struck out. Mark describes the scene as they made their way across the sea. After the high of the teaching and the miracle of the feeding of the 5000, the disciples find themselves in a situation where the winds were contrary. The winds were against what they were trying to do. The winds of life were trying to stop them from doing what God had told them to do. The events of life are not always directed to help us. The winds conspired against them. The cause seemed lost in the futility of the moment. The sea of Galilee was only about 6 miles wide. Normally the transit time was very short, but on this night, these men were out for over 9 hours and had only traveled 3 miles. That is a lot of rowing and toiling for nothing. The disciples must have been exhausted, but Mark describes how these men managed their situation. He said they were toiling. The English word does not fully describe what the original text meant. Literally the word means tormented. They were tormented in their work. It was only by painful effort that they could make headway. They were simply battling and trying to stay on course. Here is where contrary meets committed. The thing that brought them to the place where they ultimately met up with Him again, was that they continued to row. Life is not easy, but they were committed. They continued to work to do what He had told them to do. If we stay on course and keep rowing, we will rondevaeux with Him. That is the answer to life's problems: keep rowing. They could not tell on open water if they were making headway, but God knew and had the situation in control. It does not matter if we can see if we are making a difference, if we are making progress, God knows and out job is to keep rowing. They harder they tried, the harder the wind blew, but they kept rowing. What elements have conspired to stop us from our path: Poor decisions, financial trouble, broken marriages. The answer to living for God in each of these situations is to keep rowing. When we keep rowing, we will find ourselves where God wants us to be. Why did Jesus send them to be in the storm for so long? The bible tells us that He saw them struggling, but He did not go them until the 4th watch of the night. There are some who have given up on God when He waited to answer a prayer. Perhaps the reason he lingered so long was to teach them that trouble is part of life, and we must continue the struggle in order to over come it. His coming sooner would not have thought them the lesson that the Lord needed them to learn. These men went on to take the gospel to the world and suffer other hardships. This story taught them and us that He will be right on time to take us to where He wants us to be. If they had given up after one or two miles, they would not have been in position to meet up with Jesus. Keep rowing. Our text in Mark is one of the of the greatest stories in the bible. This is more than a story, but a revelation. This occurs just after the Jesus teaching the multitude and the feeding of the 5000. Jesus sent his disciples into the boat to travel t… Mark Hughes 2052 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20419067/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whencontrarymeetscommitted/id/2371396.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20419067 Scripture: Mark 6:45-6:48 Sun, 07 Jun 2015 21:57:54 +0000 Landon Long f someone says to us "I say you the other day" we would not think too much about it. But when Jesus told Nathaniel that, it meant something very different. This must have been a pivotal point in Nathaniel's life because when Jesus mentioned that particular instance it struck him. It was enough to convince Nathanael that Jesus was the Messiah. When he thought he was alone and by himself, but Jesus knew where Nathaniel was. As great as this was in the mind of Nathaniel, Jesus tells him that if that impressed him, that he had not even scratched the surface of what was to come. Many of us come to church and are amazed by a move of God and are happy with that blessing. But God has much more than that in store of each of us. The bible has many amazing stories of the miraculous; but water into wine, opening of blind eyes and Lazarus rising from he dead, Jesus walking on the water, the feeding of the 5000 are only the beginning of what God wants to do. Nathaniel's life continued with many experiences where he continued to see much greater things as he followed Jesus. On each occasion, Nathaniel must have been reminded of the words of Jesus: You haven’t seen anything yet! The church's greatest days are not behind us. Jesus knew where Nathaniel was when he was under the fig tree. God knows where we are and what we need. He knows our needs and what it will take to get us there. The blessings we have experienced so far are just the beginning. The best is yet to come. You haven't seen anything yet. f someone says to us "I say you the other day" we would not think too much about it. But when Jesus told Nathaniel that, it meant something very different. This must have been a pivotal point in Nathaniel's life because when Jesus mentioned that particular instance it struck him. It was enough to convince Nathanael that Jesus was the Messiah. When he thought he was alone and by himself, but Jesus knew where Nathaniel was. As great as this was in the mind of Nathaniel, Jesus tells him that if that impressed him, that he had not even scratched the surface of what was to come. Many of us come to church and are amazed by a move of God and are happy with that blessing. But God has much more than that in store of each of us. The bible has many amazing stories of the miraculous; but water into wine, opening of blind eyes and Lazarus rising from he dead, Jesus walking on the water, the feeding of the 5000 are only the beginning of what God wants to do. Nathaniel's life continued with many experiences where he continued to see much greater things as he followed Jesus. On each occasion, Nathaniel must have been reminded of the words of Jesus: You haven’t seen anything yet! The church's greatest days are not behind us. Jesus knew where Nathaniel was when he was under the fig tree. God knows where we are and what we need. He knows our needs and what it will take to get us there. The blessings we have experienced so far are just the beginning. The best is yet to come. You haven't seen anything yet. f someone says to us "I say you the other day" we would not think too much about it. But when Jesus told Nathaniel that, it meant something very different. This must have been a pivotal point in Nathaniel's life because when Jesus mentioned that part… Landon Long 2028 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20413862/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_youhaventseenanythingyet/id/2366458.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20413862 Scripture: John 1:45-1:51 Sun, 24 May 2015 19:42:16 +0000 Mark Hughes The orchid is one of the most beautiful flowers, but it grows out of an environment of fungus. It is a mystery of science how something of such beauty can grow out of something so ugly. In England after world war two, new species of plants began to bloom out of the desolation of war and the bombing that London endured. These seeds had always layed dormant in the soil, but they were not discovered until after the harsh conditions brought about by war. God knows what it takes in order to bring beauty into existence. What seed are hidden within us that adversity will bring forth? The adversity that our church is currently going through, will produce a beautiful growth that will move us to the place where God wants us. Whatever the storm might bring, the ark of God is capable of enduring it. Ideal conditions are not usually ideal for growth. It takes a turning of the earth and an upheaval of the environment to produce real growth. Spiritual greatness does not come from easy times, it comes from facing adversity. When the waters began to fall and the water began to rise the earth perished, but not all of them . The God built men and the God built ark rose above the waters and were saved. The waters overcame everything except the ark. The more it rained and the higher the waters got, the higher the ark got. The more that comes against us, the more we will be raised up by God. What buried others, raised the ark higher. The waters not only lifted the ark, but it moved it. That is what this storm has done to us. It has forced us to move to a new location. It does not matter where we are, we can worship God just the same. We do not have to have a particular building, we only need His presence. Our second text says the the in the face of mounting pressure, the children of Israel multiplied. God protects his People. Trouble can sink us or save us. When we are God built, it does not matter the rain or the pressure, God will rise above it. God's people will survive and rise as the water rises. Whatever happens, it will turn out for the good. We can withstand anything when we are God built. What can keep us down, when God is trying to raise us up? The orchid is one of the most beautiful flowers, but it grows out of an environment of fungus. It is a mystery of science how something of such beauty can grow out of something so ugly. In England after world war two, new species of plants began to bloom out of the desolation of war and the bombing that London endured. These seeds had always layed dormant in the soil, but they were not discovered until after the harsh conditions brought about by war. God knows what it takes in order to bring beauty into existence. What seed are hidden within us that adversity will bring forth? The adversity that our church is currently going through, will produce a beautiful growth that will move us to the place where God wants us. Whatever the storm might bring, the ark of God is capable of enduring it. Ideal conditions are not usually ideal for growth. It takes a turning of the earth and an upheaval of the environment to produce real growth. Spiritual greatness does not come from easy times, it comes from facing adversity. When the waters began to fall and the water began to rise the earth perished, but not all of them . The God built men and the God built ark rose above the waters and were saved. The waters overcame everything except the ark. The more it rained and the higher the waters got, the higher the ark got. The more that comes against us, the more we will be raised up by God. What buried others, raised the ark higher. The waters not only lifted the ark, but it moved it. That is what this storm has done to us. It has forced us to move to a new location. It does not matter where we are, we can worship God just the same. We do not have to have a particular building, we only need His presence. Our second text says the the in the face of mounting pressure, the children of Israel multiplied. God protects his People. Trouble can sink us or save us. When we are God built, it does not matter the rain or the pressure, God will rise above it. God's people will survive and rise as the water rises. Whatever happens, it will turn out for the good. We can withstand anything when we are God built. What can keep us down, when God is trying to raise us up? The orchid is one of the most beautiful flowers, but it grows out of an environment of fungus. It is a mystery of science how something of such beauty can grow out of something so ugly. In England after world war two, new species of plants began to b… Mark Hughes 2455 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20402780/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_turningtroubleintotriumph/id/2355900.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20402780 Scripture: Genesis 7:17-7:25, Exodus 1:7-1:12 Sun, 17 May 2015 21:17:40 +0000 Mark Hughes On May 12, 2015 a thunder storm in the Houston area produced heavy rain fall. Our church building was damaged by flood waters. For the first time in 22 years of pastoring, Greater Life church was unable to have service in our own facility. Life changes quickly and unexpectedly. Things happen in a moment that can be devastating. We may hve been surprised by these event, but God is not. There are no accidents with God, only appointments. We are not a victim of chance, because God's hands are in everything. Our text says "I know the plans I have for you." Some would look at the events and see defeat, but God sees an opportunity. Often we pray for God to move, but we do not expect the path that God will take to make that move. The flooding of our church building can be described as a disaster, but God has a plan He knows what He is doing. We must look at our "troubles" and see the divine hand of God and know that He has a plan. He knows the way that we take. Before the storm clouds gathered over our city, God knew what was to come and the end that He has in mind. God's plans always require faith. We cannot understand His operation with the human mind. We must not get lost in the process and trust that God knows. God's plans trump all other plans; even the devil's. God plan has an end; a good end. We will be better, stronger, more caring and wiser when His plan is done. God’s plan will be fulfilled and when we reach the end, we will say Thank you Lord for the blessing us. Here is what we need to do: Pray, Work, continue to support the work, and find out where we fit into The God Project. On May 12, 2015 a thunder storm in the Houston area produced heavy rain fall. Our church building was damaged by flood waters. For the first time in 22 years of pastoring, Greater Life church was unable to have service in our own facility. Life changes quickly and unexpectedly. Things happen in a moment that can be devastating. We may hve been surprised by these event, but God is not. There are no accidents with God, only appointments. We are not a victim of chance, because God's hands are in everything. Our text says "I know the plans I have for you." Some would look at the events and see defeat, but God sees an opportunity. Often we pray for God to move, but we do not expect the path that God will take to make that move. The flooding of our church building can be described as a disaster, but God has a plan He knows what He is doing. We must look at our "troubles" and see the divine hand of God and know that He has a plan. He knows the way that we take. Before the storm clouds gathered over our city, God knew what was to come and the end that He has in mind. God's plans always require faith. We cannot understand His operation with the human mind. We must not get lost in the process and trust that God knows. God's plans trump all other plans; even the devil's. God plan has an end; a good end. We will be better, stronger, more caring and wiser when His plan is done. God’s plan will be fulfilled and when we reach the end, we will say Thank you Lord for the blessing us. Here is what we need to do: Pray, Work, continue to support the work, and find out where we fit into The God Project. On May 12, 2015 a thunder storm in the Houston area produced heavy rain fall. Our church building was damaged by flood waters. For the first time in 22 years of pastoring, Greater Life church was unable to have service in our own facility. Life chan… Mark Hughes 1871 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20397839/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegodproect/id/2351068.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20397839 Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11-29, Isaiah 55:8-55:10 Sun, 10 May 2015 20:23:01 +0000 Mark Hughes Over the years the expectations of mother's have changed. Times changing do not change the need for woman to understand the important role thy play in life. Their influence is greater than any other influence in the world. Our text paints a rather different picture of motherhood than does our world. This is God's standard, and God's standard does not change based on the worlds opinion. The woman described in our text is priceless. She is trustworthy, creative, and proactive. The woman described may be of different vocations, but there is a common thread that runs through out. What is described all begins on the inside. What is outside can change and beauty will fade. What is inside will last. The bible describes a knowledge and wisdom that would shine through to the outside. Two words sum up the character of this women and they are found in verse 25: Strength and Dignity. She is not just a strong woman, but a woman of strength. The strong woman may be physically strong, but a women of strength is spiritually strong. Proverbs 31 is the blue print for the mother that is clothed with dignity. Over the years the expectations of mother's have changed. Times changing do not change the need for woman to understand the important role thy play in life. Their influence is greater than any other influence in the world. Our text paints a rather different picture of motherhood than does our world. This is God's standard, and God's standard does not change based on the worlds opinion. The woman described in our text is priceless. She is trustworthy, creative, and proactive. The woman described may be of different vocations, but there is a common thread that runs through out. What is described all begins on the inside. What is outside can change and beauty will fade. What is inside will last. The bible describes a knowledge and wisdom that would shine through to the outside. Two words sum up the character of this women and they are found in verse 25: Strength and Dignity. She is not just a strong woman, but a woman of strength. The strong woman may be physically strong, but a women of strength is spiritually strong. Proverbs 31 is the blue print for the mother that is clothed with dignity. Over the years the expectations of mother's have changed. Times changing do not change the need for woman to understand the important role thy play in life. Their influence is greater than any other influence in the world. Our text paints a rather d… Mark Hughes 1850 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20392423/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_clothedwithdignity/id/2346035.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20392423 Scripture: Proverbs 31:10-31:31 Fri, 08 May 2015 22:15:23 +0000 Mark Hughes We can read about Joseph's life and learn something every time it is read. His story and life are epic. Joseph did not see the road that he would have to travel to see his dream fulfilled. Yet he traveled it. Life turns every person upside down at some point. None will escape the ups and downs of life. In our text are the extremes of life: Good and Evil. Man's life plays out between those two. One of these will weave the garment of his character. Joseph suffered much evil in his life. Joseph understood that the very things that his brothers meant for evil, God meant for good. If there is anything that Joseph learned in his life, he learned that we can never go where God is not. No matter where we go, God is already there. Joseph learned that in the well waiting to die, on the auction block, in Pottifer's house, or in prison, God was there. No matter where he was, God blessed him. Joseph's life demonstrates that a dream may define our destiny, but it does not reveal the path to get there. The word meant in our text comes from the root word that means to weave. Evil will try to weave a garment of sorrow, meanness, hardness and destruction. God can take the same threads, and weave them into a garment of praise. We do not get to choose the treads in our life, but we do get to choose who gets to weave them. When we get God to do the weaving, we can say as Paul did: "All things work together for the good of those who love God." He did not say EACH thing, he said ALL things. If we allow all the parts of our life to work together, we find the good end. Like the ingredients of a cake, everything comes together for something good. The individual ingredients may not be tasty, but when the all work together, we get something that is. The outcome of Joseph's life was the result of choices that he made on this journey to his dream. He could have become bitter, mean and hard. He could have let vengeance rule his life. If he had, his outcome would have been very different. We can learn from Joseph's life. First in verse 17 he asks: "am I God?" He learned that he could not play God. It was not up to him to explain and understand everything in life. We do not have the vision that God does. We do not know what He knows, and how it all works together. Secondly, Joseph put himself into God's hand from the beginning and he kept himself there. The only way he could have survived the things that happened to him, was to leave his life God's hands. Joseph regarded everything that happened to him as coming from God. Thirdly Joseph never let his circumstances define him. He was a slave, a prisoner, and in charge of Pharaoh's kingdom. But more importantly, he was a child of God. We are not what our problems are. We are not alcoholics, drug addicts or failures, we are children of God. Do not sell out life to the moment, because the moments change. Joseph did not give into short term thinking. Forth, Joseph learned to make the best of the moment. He went to Pottifer's house as a slave, but his attitude soon elevated him to high places. Everywhere he went, he was blessed, because he applied himself and tried to do good. He stayed busy and active no matter where he was, and God blessed him. He did what he could where he could. Finally Joseph did not let what people did to him cause him to lose sight of that God was doing through him. If we are not careful we can get so caught up in people that we miss what God is doing. God can re-weave whatever man has woven. We can read about Joseph's life and learn something every time it is read. His story and life are epic. Joseph did not see the road that he would have to travel to see his dream fulfilled. Yet he traveled it. Life turns every person upside down at some point. None will escape the ups and downs of life. In our text are the extremes of life: Good and Evil. Man's life plays out between those two. One of these will weave the garment of his character. Joseph suffered much evil in his life. Joseph understood that the very things that his brothers meant for evil, God meant for good. If there is anything that Joseph learned in his life, he learned that we can never go where God is not. No matter where we go, God is already there. Joseph learned that in the well waiting to die, on the auction block, in Pottifer's house, or in prison, God was there. No matter where he was, God blessed him. Joseph's life demonstrates that a dream may define our destiny, but it does not reveal the path to get there. The word meant in our text comes from the root word that means to weave. Evil will try to weave a garment of sorrow, meanness, hardness and destruction. God can take the same threads, and weave them into a garment of praise. We do not get to choose the treads in our life, but we do get to choose who gets to weave them. When we get God to do the weaving, we can say as Paul did: "All things work together for the good of those who love God." He did not say EACH thing, he said ALL things. If we allow all the parts of our life to work together, we find the good end. Like the ingredients of a cake, everything comes together for something good. The individual ingredients may not be tasty, but when the all work together, we get something that is. The outcome of Joseph's life was the result of choices that he made on this journey to his dream. He could have become bitter, mean and hard. He could have let vengeance rule his life. If he had, his outcome would have been very different. We can learn from Joseph's life. First in verse 17 he asks: "am I God?" He learned that he could not play God. It was not up to him to explain and understand everything in life. We do not have the vision that God does. We do not know what He knows, and how it all works together. Secondly, Joseph put himself into God's hand from the beginning and he kept himself there. The only way he could have survived the things that happened to him, was to leave his life God's hands. Joseph regarded everything that happened to him as coming from God. Thirdly Joseph never let his circumstances define him. He was a slave, a prisoner, and in charge of Pharaoh's kingdom. But more importantly, he was a child of God. We are not what our problems are. We are not alcoholics, drug addicts or failures, we are children of God. Do not sell out life to the moment, because the moments change. Joseph did not give into short term thinking. Forth, Joseph learned to make the best of the moment. He went to Pottifer's house as a slave, but his attitude soon elevated him to high places. Everywhere he went, he was blessed, because he applied himself and tried to do good. He stayed busy and active no matter where he was, and God blessed him. He did what he could where he could. Finally Joseph did not let what people did to him cause him to lose sight of that God was doing through him. If we are not careful we can get so caught up in people that we miss what God is doing. God can re-weave whatever man has woven. We can read about Joseph's life and learn something every time it is read. His story and life are epic. Joseph did not see the road that he would have to travel to see his dream fulfilled. Yet he traveled it. Life turns every person upside down at … Mark Hughes 3088 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20390603/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatyoumeantforevil/id/2344476.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20390603 Scripture: Genesis 50:14-50:20 Fri, 08 May 2015 03:30:17 +0000 Mark Hughes None of us got to where we are by our selves. There are people in each of our lives that have invested in us. These people poured things into our life that we needed to become who we are. Who we are is a result of the sacrifice and work of our parents, pastors, Sunday school teacher and countless others. Because of the life that these people who lived before us, we have example of how to live for God. The reason that we are here is because someone stood in the gap and pointed us in the right direction. This is sobering allows us to reflect and be grateful for these people. The next question is, are we going to be that for some one else? Paul was a life that was turned around. He was keenly aware that he was in debt to a Lord that loved him when he was unlovable. His life was not one that was easy. He suffered imprisonment, beatings, shipwrecks and many other things in his life. No matter what happened, he felt that we owed that and much more because of the debt he owed. We are all in debt as was Paul. Not only are we in debt to the people who touched our life, but we are in greater debt the word of God which should govern our life. We have a debt not only to those who came before, but to those that come after us to pass that same debt to them. We have been given too much to go back on what the bible promises us. We have an obligation to our children and to those that are lost to teach them the gospel of Jesus Christ and to live a life of scriptural principles. None of us got to where we are by our selves. There are people in each of our lives that have invested in us. These people poured things into our life that we needed to become who we are. Who we are is a result of the sacrifice and work of our parents, pastors, Sunday school teacher and countless others. Because of the life that these people who lived before us, we have example of how to live for God. The reason that we are here is because someone stood in the gap and pointed us in the right direction. This is sobering allows us to reflect and be grateful for these people. The next question is, are we going to be that for some one else? Paul was a life that was turned around. He was keenly aware that he was in debt to a Lord that loved him when he was unlovable. His life was not one that was easy. He suffered imprisonment, beatings, shipwrecks and many other things in his life. No matter what happened, he felt that we owed that and much more because of the debt he owed. We are all in debt as was Paul. Not only are we in debt to the people who touched our life, but we are in greater debt the word of God which should govern our life. We have a debt not only to those who came before, but to those that come after us to pass that same debt to them. We have been given too much to go back on what the bible promises us. We have an obligation to our children and to those that are lost to teach them the gospel of Jesus Christ and to live a life of scriptural principles. None of us got to where we are by our selves. There are people in each of our lives that have invested in us. These people poured things into our life that we needed to become who we are. Who we are is a result of the sacrifice and work of our paren… Mark Hughes 4258 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20390404/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_iamadebtor/id/2344298.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20390404 Scripture: Romans 1:14-1:15 Fri, 08 May 2015 02:29:47 +0000 Mark Hughes As children we all played the game of tag. There was always a base where, we would be safe and could not be tagged. All of us seek a safe place. A place where we can find shelter and refuge. When life gets messed up, it is good to have a safe place. There are times in our spiritual life when we find our self running for safety. The idea of a refuge or safe haven came from the heart of God Himself. He made a place for HIs people where they could seek safe haven in a time of trouble. Our text is one of many in the bible that describes the establishments of cities of safe haven where a man who had accidentally taken a life to run to and escape death by the avenger of blood. There were six of these cities established throughout Israel that ensured that at all times a city of refuge was close. God went to great lengths to provide easy access to a safe place for all. God made a way for everybody. God always provides a place for someone who needs refuge. The cities of refuge were type and reference to what would come. God always provides a safe haven. God's grace is all encompassing. Bro. Hughes shares stores about these cities and how they illustrate God's love for us. In Canan was the city Kedesh. The name means "the sanctuary" In side that city was a large alter. The presence of an alter is a reminder to us that there is always a way to get back to God. Kedesh was a place for the man who felt unworthy of God's favor. The alter is a reminder that God made a way. Sheckem was another city. The name means shoulder. This was a place for a man who needed help; for a man who could not carry the weight of is problems by himself. God has broad shoulders that can help carry the load. God is able to carry anything that we cast upon Him. The next city was Hebron which means fellowship. God made room for all, not just the children of Israel. The Lord has a place those that fall by the highway of life. Too many poeple feel like the black sheep. All are part of the Lord's flock and all are important to Him. The grace and mercy of God is so large, that He has a place for the misfit and the cast off people. Bezer was on the wilderness side of Jordon and the name means strong hold. Here God established a safe place. The city was strong and secure. Bezer was a refuge. for those unable to defend themselves. Life gets so complicated that sometimes we come to God and we feel like He cannot figure it all out. Somehow are are a unique case and this not explainable. Before we even were born, God made a place for a life that is so confused. God has a place for the weak, the frail and the vulnerable. God made a way for even the weakest among us. The city Golan meant exile. It was a place for people that society has washed their hands of. The world may have rejected us, but God has a place for all. There is a place were all are welcomed no matter the past or history. These cities of refuge were to provide temporary safety, but the love of Jesus is eternal. When we come to Jesus, the grace of God is avliable to all. In these old cities, the one seeking refuge had to give up liberties in exchange for their safety. The sanctuary of Jesus does not require that we give up liberties, in fact, it GIVES liberty. God has room for all; no matter what the sin, God can carry it all. As children we all played the game of tag. There was always a base where, we would be safe and could not be tagged. All of us seek a safe place. A place where we can find shelter and refuge. When life gets messed up, it is good to have a safe place. There are times in our spiritual life when we find our self running for safety. The idea of a refuge or safe haven came from the heart of God Himself. He made a place for HIs people where they could seek safe haven in a time of trouble. Our text is one of many in the bible that describes the establishments of cities of safe haven where a man who had accidentally taken a life to run to and escape death by the avenger of blood. There were six of these cities established throughout Israel that ensured that at all times a city of refuge was close. God went to great lengths to provide easy access to a safe place for all. God made a way for everybody. God always provides a place for someone who needs refuge. The cities of refuge were type and reference to what would come. God always provides a safe haven. God's grace is all encompassing. Bro. Hughes shares stores about these cities and how they illustrate God's love for us. In Canan was the city Kedesh. The name means "the sanctuary" In side that city was a large alter. The presence of an alter is a reminder to us that there is always a way to get back to God. Kedesh was a place for the man who felt unworthy of God's favor. The alter is a reminder that God made a way. Sheckem was another city. The name means shoulder. This was a place for a man who needed help; for a man who could not carry the weight of is problems by himself. God has broad shoulders that can help carry the load. God is able to carry anything that we cast upon Him. The next city was Hebron which means fellowship. God made room for all, not just the children of Israel. The Lord has a place those that fall by the highway of life. Too many poeple feel like the black sheep. All are part of the Lord's flock and all are important to Him. The grace and mercy of God is so large, that He has a place for the misfit and the cast off people. Bezer was on the wilderness side of Jordon and the name means strong hold. Here God established a safe place. The city was strong and secure. Bezer was a refuge. for those unable to defend themselves. Life gets so complicated that sometimes we come to God and we feel like He cannot figure it all out. Somehow are are a unique case and this not explainable. Before we even were born, God made a place for a life that is so confused. God has a place for the weak, the frail and the vulnerable. God made a way for even the weakest among us. The city Golan meant exile. It was a place for people that society has washed their hands of. The world may have rejected us, but God has a place for all. There is a place were all are welcomed no matter the past or history. These cities of refuge were to provide temporary safety, but the love of Jesus is eternal. When we come to Jesus, the grace of God is avliable to all. In these old cities, the one seeking refuge had to give up liberties in exchange for their safety. The sanctuary of Jesus does not require that we give up liberties, in fact, it GIVES liberty. God has room for all; no matter what the sin, God can carry it all. As children we all played the game of tag. There was always a base where, we would be safe and could not be tagged. All of us seek a safe place. A place where we can find shelter and refuge. When life gets messed up, it is good to have a safe place… Mark Hughes 2539 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20390390/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_astrongconsolation/id/2344282.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20390390 Scripture: Hebrews 6:18-6, Joshua 20:2-20, Joshua 20:7-20:9 Sun, 26 Apr 2015 19:50:35 +0000 Mark Hughes God is everywhere. He is present in the future. He is in the past. He is on the right. He is on the left. He is above and below. He is everywhere. That concept has often been used to portray God as sitting in judgement waiting for us to mess up so he could strike us with lightning. That is not the God we serve. God is also portrayed as being distant and removed. We pray is if we are trying to get a long distance message through to God. The truth is that God is right here. Right now. We may not see Him, but He is here. Just because we cannot see Him, does not mean that He is not real. He is here before we get here. He will be where ever we go, before we get there. He is a god that is constant. He is a god that is present and knows even the number of hairs on our head. Nothing about life is an accident. He is not a spectator, but an active participant in our life. Our text is a truth that is a decisive factor in our life. God worketh even until now. It does not matter what is going on in life, the fact is that even though other things are at work in life, God is also working. God does not let anything trump what He is going to do. God is still working. Chaos may be all around, but God is here. Nothing is hopeless as long as God is available; and he is ALWAYS avaliable. Our human nature is to look at the physical things that affect our situation. It is easy to get consumed with the immediate situation. God is working even in the midst of these things. Despite what we can physically see and manipulate, God is working and His will be done. It may look impossible. It may look so bleak that we cannot see anything working out, even now God is still working. God is everywhere. He is present in the future. He is in the past. He is on the right. He is on the left. He is above and below. He is everywhere. That concept has often been used to portray God as sitting in judgement waiting for us to mess up so he could strike us with lightning. That is not the God we serve. God is also portrayed as being distant and removed. We pray is if we are trying to get a long distance message through to God. The truth is that God is right here. Right now. We may not see Him, but He is here. Just because we cannot see Him, does not mean that He is not real. He is here before we get here. He will be where ever we go, before we get there. He is a god that is constant. He is a god that is present and knows even the number of hairs on our head. Nothing about life is an accident. He is not a spectator, but an active participant in our life. Our text is a truth that is a decisive factor in our life. God worketh even until now. It does not matter what is going on in life, the fact is that even though other things are at work in life, God is also working. God does not let anything trump what He is going to do. God is still working. Chaos may be all around, but God is here. Nothing is hopeless as long as God is available; and he is ALWAYS avaliable. Our human nature is to look at the physical things that affect our situation. It is easy to get consumed with the immediate situation. God is working even in the midst of these things. Despite what we can physically see and manipulate, God is working and His will be done. It may look impossible. It may look so bleak that we cannot see anything working out, even now God is still working. God is everywhere. He is present in the future. He is in the past. He is on the right. He is on the left. He is above and below. He is everywhere. That concept has often been used to portray God as sitting in judgement waiting for us to mess up … Mark Hughes 1977 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20380752/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_evenuntilnow/id/2335443.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20380752 Scripture: John 5:17-5 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 21:16:02 +0000 Mark Hughes In scripture, life is likened to many things. Paul speaks of it as a contest or a race. Perhaps the best description of life is a battle. There are forces that come against us every day because we have chosen to live for God. If we had not made that decision, the devil would not need to come against us. When we make up our mind that we will server God, we will find daily battles that have eternal spiritual implications. The bible tells us that the devil is a thief bent on killing, destruction and death. Understanding the battle so life are critical to living a victorious life. No battles are the same. What worked in one battle, will not help in a different battle. Some battles are like the ones mentioned in our text. David had encountered a lion and a bear. David faced those battles by coming straight at them to slay them. Some battles are once and done. There are no other accounts of David going against another lion, another bear or another Goliath. There are some battles in life that once they are overcome, we do not have to worry about them again. However some other battles are not like that. Others we have to face again and again. David went against the Philistines many times. After many times, howver, the bible tells us that at some point, the Philistines troubled David no more. Eventually we can overcome those problems and we will not have to face them again. The third type of battle are the battles that come every day. Saul was an every day battle. The bible tells us that every day, Saul sought after David. This was a different kind of battle. David could not use a sling and a stone against Saul. He had to deal with Saul in a different way. He could not win the victory over Saul by killing him, David had to outlast him. These daily battles are the ones that wear us down. No matter how much we pray or how faithful we are, these daily battles come at us. If we are not careful, these daily battles will get to us. These daily problems are not an indicator of our relationship with God. There is no way to pray enough, to fast enough, or to be faithful enough, these daily problems will still be there. We ask the Lord why is it that we face these issues. We ask God if we have messed up. God said no, the answer is to get daily bread. We can find something to remind us of how God has blessed us every day. We can find something in God's word to show us how God has been faithful to us every day. The daily battles to not mean that we are back slid, or being punished or somehow deficient. The Word does not fail. The victory over those daily issues is not in making them end, but in our attitude that no matter what comes against us, God is on our side. For daily battles, we need to be reminded that God gives DAILY benefits. There are things that God has placed something in EVERY day that will help us make it though THAT day. He didn't send the thing on Monday because it would not be needed until Tuesday. God is never a day late or a dollar short. He is never lacking in any way. God is so ordered, He knows exactly what we will face, and has made provision for us to face it. In place of praying God where are you, we need to pray God, thank you for your provision today. There are three things that we need to do daily to help with these daily battles. First Pray. Daily prayer will help make the daily battles less frustrating. Secondly, we must learn to praise daily. The Lord inhabits the praise of His people. Lastly, every day no matter what the battle, Perform. Follow through on our promise to God. Sometimes winning the battle is mostly showing up. We must make a choice daily to live for God. If every day we pray, praise and perform, those daily battles will be daily victories. In scripture, life is likened to many things. Paul speaks of it as a contest or a race. Perhaps the best description of life is a battle. There are forces that come against us every day because we have chosen to live for God. If we had not made that decision, the devil would not need to come against us. When we make up our mind that we will server God, we will find daily battles that have eternal spiritual implications. The bible tells us that the devil is a thief bent on killing, destruction and death. Understanding the battle so life are critical to living a victorious life. No battles are the same. What worked in one battle, will not help in a different battle. Some battles are like the ones mentioned in our text. David had encountered a lion and a bear. David faced those battles by coming straight at them to slay them. Some battles are once and done. There are no other accounts of David going against another lion, another bear or another Goliath. There are some battles in life that once they are overcome, we do not have to worry about them again. However some other battles are not like that. Others we have to face again and again. David went against the Philistines many times. After many times, howver, the bible tells us that at some point, the Philistines troubled David no more. Eventually we can overcome those problems and we will not have to face them again. The third type of battle are the battles that come every day. Saul was an every day battle. The bible tells us that every day, Saul sought after David. This was a different kind of battle. David could not use a sling and a stone against Saul. He had to deal with Saul in a different way. He could not win the victory over Saul by killing him, David had to outlast him. These daily battles are the ones that wear us down. No matter how much we pray or how faithful we are, these daily battles come at us. If we are not careful, these daily battles will get to us. These daily problems are not an indicator of our relationship with God. There is no way to pray enough, to fast enough, or to be faithful enough, these daily problems will still be there. We ask the Lord why is it that we face these issues. We ask God if we have messed up. God said no, the answer is to get daily bread. We can find something to remind us of how God has blessed us every day. We can find something in God's word to show us how God has been faithful to us every day. The daily battles to not mean that we are back slid, or being punished or somehow deficient. The Word does not fail. The victory over those daily issues is not in making them end, but in our attitude that no matter what comes against us, God is on our side. For daily battles, we need to be reminded that God gives DAILY benefits. There are things that God has placed something in EVERY day that will help us make it though THAT day. He didn't send the thing on Monday because it would not be needed until Tuesday. God is never a day late or a dollar short. He is never lacking in any way. God is so ordered, He knows exactly what we will face, and has made provision for us to face it. In place of praying God where are you, we need to pray God, thank you for your provision today. There are three things that we need to do daily to help with these daily battles. First Pray. Daily prayer will help make the daily battles less frustrating. Secondly, we must learn to praise daily. The Lord inhabits the praise of His people. Lastly, every day no matter what the battle, Perform. Follow through on our promise to God. Sometimes winning the battle is mostly showing up. We must make a choice daily to live for God. If every day we pray, praise and perform, those daily battles will be daily victories. In scripture, life is likened to many things. Paul speaks of it as a contest or a race. Perhaps the best description of life is a battle. There are forces that come against us every day because we have chosen to live for God. If we had not made tha… Mark Hughes 2701 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20374260/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_understandingthebattlesoflife/id/2330221.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20374260 Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:33-17:37, 1 Samuel 23:13-23:14 Thu, 16 Apr 2015 03:15:14 +0000 Mark Hughes Life is unpredictable. About the time we think we have life figured out, something happens that changes the course. Like on the sea, we can be sailing along and all is well. Then a storm can come on us unexpectedly. Some storms pass quickly, while others last for a long while. The unpredictable nature of a storm and what it can bring into our life is unsettling. Often we know what to do, but in the pressure of the moment, we are struck dumb and do not know what to do. In our text, the disciples were trying to get through the storm and Jesus comes walking to them on the water. They do not recognize him immediately. Peter asks join Jesus on the water. As he gets out of the boat and begins to go, he gets distracted by the waves and the storm. When this happened, Peter knew what to say when he was going down: Lord, same me. Too often people will be sinking in a storm and they cannot even knowledge that they are going down. They live in a state of denial and some will drown in the midst of their storm all the while saying that all is well. Other people live in shock that they are in a storm. They simply cannot believe it is happening to them. Peter survived his storm because he knew who to call on. He didn't call on the other disciples to save him, he called on Jesus. There is only One that can help when we are going down and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. Not only did he know who to call on, Peter knew what to say: Lord, save me. He let go of his pride and cried out to be saved. Far too many people are more concerned about their pride and how they look than being saved. In the midst of his storm, Peter shows us how to deal with life's unexpected. Life is unpredictable. About the time we think we have life figured out, something happens that changes the course. Like on the sea, we can be sailing along and all is well. Then a storm can come on us unexpectedly. Some storms pass quickly, while others last for a long while. The unpredictable nature of a storm and what it can bring into our life is unsettling. Often we know what to do, but in the pressure of the moment, we are struck dumb and do not know what to do. In our text, the disciples were trying to get through the storm and Jesus comes walking to them on the water. They do not recognize him immediately. Peter asks join Jesus on the water. As he gets out of the boat and begins to go, he gets distracted by the waves and the storm. When this happened, Peter knew what to say when he was going down: Lord, same me. Too often people will be sinking in a storm and they cannot even knowledge that they are going down. They live in a state of denial and some will drown in the midst of their storm all the while saying that all is well. Other people live in shock that they are in a storm. They simply cannot believe it is happening to them. Peter survived his storm because he knew who to call on. He didn't call on the other disciples to save him, he called on Jesus. There is only One that can help when we are going down and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. Not only did he know who to call on, Peter knew what to say: Lord, save me. He let go of his pride and cried out to be saved. Far too many people are more concerned about their pride and how they look than being saved. In the midst of his storm, Peter shows us how to deal with life's unexpected. Life is unpredictable. About the time we think we have life figured out, something happens that changes the course. Like on the sea, we can be sailing along and all is well. Then a storm can come on us unexpectedly. Some storms pass quickly, while … Mark Hughes 2447 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20371353/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dealingwithlifesunexpected/id/2327733.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20371353 Scripture: Matthew 14:26-14:30 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 02:13:45 +0000 Landon Long The word Judah means praise. In our text, the women were going back to the physical land of Judah, but we can easily say that they were going back to a place of praise and restoration. They were defeated, but that was not the end of their story. They took the road that took them to Judah. Naomi obviously had some resentment and disappointment about her situation. When we are hurting and wounded it is difficult to praise. Naomi heard that God was blessing in Judah and decided to go there. There is blessing in praise. Naomi knew that she had to be where God was blessing. The bible tells us that she set out from where she had been living. Many of us have been living in a place too long. Naomi lost her husband, and both sons. Her praise was drained out of her, but she knew that she could not stay in her low state. She was determined to get back to a place where God was blessing. We cannot control the circumstances of life, but we can control how we respond to it. What do we do when the hope has gone from life. We must move from that place to a place of praise. Naomi tells her daughter-in-laws to return to their people. She no doubt wanted them to come with her. She did not want them to return to the life of idolatry in Moab. The girls had a choice to make. They could choose the familiar road and return to the life they had once known, or they could chose the road that leads to praise and blessing from the one true God. We have that choice. Orpah thought the price was too high. She returned to her gods. The world is full of gods. The god of lust, the god of entertainment, the god of fame. Orpah returned to a world that is deceiving. The Orpahs in our world have a value of Christ, but they are not willing to release those things from their own world that hold them back. Ruth made a different choice. She rejected the gods of her fathers, and embraced the God she had discovered. Ruth had never seen anything like Naomi's God; and she wanted more of it. Ruth saw that Naomi was hurting, but believed that her God would bless her. She set out on the road to the blessings of the One true God. God indeed did bless when they got to Judah. We know now that the road to praise brings provision. When they didn't know how they would make it, God provided. The road to praise led Ruth to a place where she, a Gentile, is in the lineage of Jesus. Many have take the road of Orpah; back to the old life style from which they were free. Ruth chose the less traveled road that leads to praise and blessing. The word Judah means praise. In our text, the women were going back to the physical land of Judah, but we can easily say that they were going back to a place of praise and restoration. They were defeated, but that was not the end of their story. They took the road that took them to Judah. Naomi obviously had some resentment and disappointment about her situation. When we are hurting and wounded it is difficult to praise. Naomi heard that God was blessing in Judah and decided to go there. There is blessing in praise. Naomi knew that she had to be where God was blessing. The bible tells us that she set out from where she had been living. Many of us have been living in a place too long. Naomi lost her husband, and both sons. Her praise was drained out of her, but she knew that she could not stay in her low state. She was determined to get back to a place where God was blessing. We cannot control the circumstances of life, but we can control how we respond to it. What do we do when the hope has gone from life. We must move from that place to a place of praise. Naomi tells her daughter-in-laws to return to their people. She no doubt wanted them to come with her. She did not want them to return to the life of idolatry in Moab. The girls had a choice to make. They could choose the familiar road and return to the life they had once known, or they could chose the road that leads to praise and blessing from the one true God. We have that choice. Orpah thought the price was too high. She returned to her gods. The world is full of gods. The god of lust, the god of entertainment, the god of fame. Orpah returned to a world that is deceiving. The Orpahs in our world have a value of Christ, but they are not willing to release those things from their own world that hold them back. Ruth made a different choice. She rejected the gods of her fathers, and embraced the God she had discovered. Ruth had never seen anything like Naomi's God; and she wanted more of it. Ruth saw that Naomi was hurting, but believed that her God would bless her. She set out on the road to the blessings of the One true God. God indeed did bless when they got to Judah. We know now that the road to praise brings provision. When they didn't know how they would make it, God provided. The road to praise led Ruth to a place where she, a Gentile, is in the lineage of Jesus. Many have take the road of Orpah; back to the old life style from which they were free. Ruth chose the less traveled road that leads to praise and blessing. The word Judah means praise. In our text, the women were going back to the physical land of Judah, but we can easily say that they were going back to a place of praise and restoration. They were defeated, but that was not the end of their story. The… Landon Long 2339 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20369007/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theroadthatleadsbacktopraise/id/2325394.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20369007 Scripture: Ruth 1:6-1:7, Ruth 1:14-1:17, Ruth 1:20-1:21 Sun, 12 Apr 2015 20:33:00 +0000 Landon Long We have all seen pictures that at first glance appear to be one thing, but when viewed from a different perspective, appear to be something completely different. Two people can be looking at the same picture and see completely different things. The internet was recently at odds over a dress. The way we see the world is dependent upon our position and our experience. If we had a map of San Diego and plans to see the sights but were deposited in Nashville, we would be frustrated. The problem is not us or God, but the problem is that we were not in the right position to use what we were provided. Often the problems in life we experience are a result of our position and perspective about what is going on. When we see things differently, we react and behave differently. A paradigm shift occurs when we place ourselves in someone elses shoes. We have our opinion about how life should go, but when viewed from a different perspective. Where we stand often determines what we see. If we fail to pray and fast, we can expect to have a negative view of life. When making life changing decisions, we must seek God and His will if we expect to have a good outcome. Out text describes a man who had led a life that left description in his path. He had become rich by exploiting other people and his position. Even with all his wealth Zacchaeus was not happy with his life. The bible tells us that he was a short man. Because of his wealth, he could change many things about his life, but not his stature. Because of his position in life, he had become bitter and treated people poorly. On that day, something changed. The bible tells us that Zaccheaus climbed a tree to see the Lord. His purpose was not to prove something, or to gain advantage over others. His purpose was to see Jesus. Zacchaeus positioned himself to see Jesus before the Lord came by. If he had climbed the tree after Jesus passed by, it would have done him no good. When Jesus came to the place, He spoke to Zacchaeus and told him to come down. The crowd complained why would Jesus want to go to the home of a sinner. Zacchaeus had a past and the crowd knew it. Jesus looked past Zacchaeus' past and guaranteed his future. Like Zacchaeus, we must position our self where God can bless us. Zacchaeus ignored the murmuring of the crowd and the detractors in his way and climbed higher to get to the point where he could see Jesus. The crowd did not think Zacchaeus was worthy of the Lord, but Jesus came for all sinners. Like Zacchaeus, there are many things about life that we cannot change. One thing we can change is the way we view it. Like Zacchaeus, if we are to make changes in our life, we have to climb to a different position so that we can change our perception. We have all seen pictures that at first glance appear to be one thing, but when viewed from a different perspective, appear to be something completely different. Two people can be looking at the same picture and see completely different things. The internet was recently at odds over a dress. The way we see the world is dependent upon our position and our experience. If we had a map of San Diego and plans to see the sights but were deposited in Nashville, we would be frustrated. The problem is not us or God, but the problem is that we were not in the right position to use what we were provided. Often the problems in life we experience are a result of our position and perspective about what is going on. When we see things differently, we react and behave differently. A paradigm shift occurs when we place ourselves in someone elses shoes. We have our opinion about how life should go, but when viewed from a different perspective. Where we stand often determines what we see. If we fail to pray and fast, we can expect to have a negative view of life. When making life changing decisions, we must seek God and His will if we expect to have a good outcome. Out text describes a man who had led a life that left description in his path. He had become rich by exploiting other people and his position. Even with all his wealth Zacchaeus was not happy with his life. The bible tells us that he was a short man. Because of his wealth, he could change many things about his life, but not his stature. Because of his position in life, he had become bitter and treated people poorly. On that day, something changed. The bible tells us that Zaccheaus climbed a tree to see the Lord. His purpose was not to prove something, or to gain advantage over others. His purpose was to see Jesus. Zacchaeus positioned himself to see Jesus before the Lord came by. If he had climbed the tree after Jesus passed by, it would have done him no good. When Jesus came to the place, He spoke to Zacchaeus and told him to come down. The crowd complained why would Jesus want to go to the home of a sinner. Zacchaeus had a past and the crowd knew it. Jesus looked past Zacchaeus' past and guaranteed his future. Like Zacchaeus, we must position our self where God can bless us. Zacchaeus ignored the murmuring of the crowd and the detractors in his way and climbed higher to get to the point where he could see Jesus. The crowd did not think Zacchaeus was worthy of the Lord, but Jesus came for all sinners. Like Zacchaeus, there are many things about life that we cannot change. One thing we can change is the way we view it. Like Zacchaeus, if we are to make changes in our life, we have to climb to a different position so that we can change our perception. We have all seen pictures that at first glance appear to be one thing, but when viewed from a different perspective, appear to be something completely different. Two people can be looking at the same picture and see completely different things. The … Landon Long 2141 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20368478/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenmypositionchangesmyperspec/id/2324848.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20368478 Scripture: Luke 19:1-19:10 Thu, 09 Apr 2015 02:35:52 +0000 Jay Hilton The Hebrew word for wisdom came from the root word skill. Our text admonishes us to walk in wisdom. The word used means to walk observantly. If we do not walk in wisdom, we walk in foolishness. When we follow God, we walk in wisdom. We must be careful to continue that walk and not revert to our former foolish ways. The world will try it's best to stray from that wisdom. Wisdom always chooses God's way. Wisdom walking is a disciplined walk. if we are wise we will redeem the time that God has given us and use it for His glory. How much time do we waste each day on things like social media, and television? We only get so many hours on this earth. How will we use them? How will we use them to benefit the kingdom of God? In answer to that question requires study of the word and prayer. Verse 18 says to be filled with the spirit, but many have not made the connection of the wisdom required to cause that to happen. The only way to gain that wisdom is through study and prayer. The Hebrew word for wisdom came from the root word skill. Our text admonishes us to walk in wisdom. The word used means to walk observantly. If we do not walk in wisdom, we walk in foolishness. When we follow God, we walk in wisdom. We must be careful to continue that walk and not revert to our former foolish ways. The world will try it's best to stray from that wisdom. Wisdom always chooses God's way. Wisdom walking is a disciplined walk. if we are wise we will redeem the time that God has given us and use it for His glory. How much time do we waste each day on things like social media, and television? We only get so many hours on this earth. How will we use them? How will we use them to benefit the kingdom of God? In answer to that question requires study of the word and prayer. Verse 18 says to be filled with the spirit, but many have not made the connection of the wisdom required to cause that to happen. The only way to gain that wisdom is through study and prayer. The Hebrew word for wisdom came from the root word skill. Our text admonishes us to walk in wisdom. The word used means to walk observantly. If we do not walk in wisdom, we walk in foolishness. When we follow God, we walk in wisdom. We must be ca… Jay Hilton 2170 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20365539/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wisdomwalking/id/2322290.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20365539 Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-5:18 Tue, 07 Apr 2015 03:29:26 +0000 Mark Hughes The story of easter is more than just a historical fact. it is a celebration of life and of truth. It is a celebration of a belief in life. What life means to each of us is because of what happened long ago on Calvary. The fact that He came, died, and rose again has changed the way we look at life forever. The greatest words ever spoken are contained in our passage: He is not here, He is risen. That message gives us direction at all times. Easter is like a compass. no matter what is going on, the mood, the feelings or the circumstances; the words He is risen change everything. Because He lived, we shall live also. We celebrate not just his resurrection but the promise of a life that we can live because if it. The greatest message that Easter speaks to this world is that WE matter. He did not come because He needed to, He came because WE needed Him to. He did it because of His great love for each of us. When we look at Calvary and the empty tomb, we are reminded of God’s great love for us. We matter to God. The second message of Easter is about God Himself The first Adam stumbled, and the second Adam had to come to finish the work. God is going to finish what He started. The third message of Easter is that even though they tried, they could not stop Him. Grace and Mercy were greater than all the evil that was set against Him. They did not take His life, He GAVE his life. The power of the resurrection is that evil cannot stop God’s grace and mercy. The love of God is not too good to be true, it IS true. That is resurrection’s message. The story of easter is more than just a historical fact. it is a celebration of life and of truth. It is a celebration of a belief in life. What life means to each of us is because of what happened long ago on Calvary. The fact that He came, died, and rose again has changed the way we look at life forever. The greatest words ever spoken are contained in our passage: He is not here, He is risen. That message gives us direction at all times. Easter is like a compass. no matter what is going on, the mood, the feelings or the circumstances; the words He is risen change everything. Because He lived, we shall live also. We celebrate not just his resurrection but the promise of a life that we can live because if it. The greatest message that Easter speaks to this world is that WE matter. He did not come because He needed to, He came because WE needed Him to. He did it because of His great love for each of us. When we look at Calvary and the empty tomb, we are reminded of God’s great love for us. We matter to God. The second message of Easter is about God Himself The first Adam stumbled, and the second Adam had to come to finish the work. God is going to finish what He started. The third message of Easter is that even though they tried, they could not stop Him. Grace and Mercy were greater than all the evil that was set against Him. They did not take His life, He GAVE his life. The power of the resurrection is that evil cannot stop God’s grace and mercy. The love of God is not too good to be true, it IS true. That is resurrection’s message. The story of easter is more than just a historical fact. it is a celebration of life and of truth. It is a celebration of a belief in life. What life means to each of us is because of what happened long ago on Calvary. The fact that He came, died, … Mark Hughes 1758 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20364036/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_resurrectionsmessage/id/2321402.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20364036 Scripture: Matthew 28:1-28:10 Thu, 02 Apr 2015 03:11:30 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text paints a wonderful picture. The triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The bible tells us that the entire city turned out. It is estimated that there were about 2.5 million people in the city that day praising and worshiping Jesus. Just a few days later we find Jesus alone in the Garden of Gethsemane. What a difference a few days can make. On Sunday they are applauding Him; on Wednesday, they didn't even know where He was. It is likely that Gethsemane happened on Wednesday. Palm Sunday is when all the shouts were Hosana and acknowledging Him. Just a few days later, the cross is looming in His future and His humanity asks: Let this cup pass from me. The real test of faith didn't happen on Palm Sunday when they were all cheering Him. The real test of faith came when He was alone in His own private agony. The real test of life is not on Palm Sunday, but in Gethsemane. Do we have the kind of faith that can sustain us on Wednesday? Palm Sundays do not produce Easter Sundays. It takes a Gethsemane to produce an Easter Sunday. Character is not tested on Palm Sunday, but it will be revealed on a dark Wednesday. The garden not only reveals our character, but it tests our loyalties. Not my will, but thy will be done. The will of God trumped the will of His flesh. Is it in us to answer as He did? Only when we have that commitment in us can we identify with Him. Who among us has not prayed "Lord spare me from this" and knew that prayer would not be answered? We will never have an Easter Sunrise unless we have a Gethsemane night. God is in control, and whether He answers our prayer, we must still praise Him. We must still worship Him. Gethsemane is about facing life at its worst; and yet surviving and coming out victorious. He entered the garden in agony, but when He left he was at peace and ready for victory. If we will talk to God in our darkness, He will bring us out to the light. That is the difference between Sunday and Wednesday. Our text paints a wonderful picture. The triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The bible tells us that the entire city turned out. It is estimated that there were about 2.5 million people in the city that day praising and worshiping Jesus. Just a few days later we find Jesus alone in the Garden of Gethsemane. What a difference a few days can make. On Sunday they are applauding Him; on Wednesday, they didn't even know where He was. It is likely that Gethsemane happened on Wednesday. Palm Sunday is when all the shouts were Hosana and acknowledging Him. Just a few days later, the cross is looming in His future and His humanity asks: Let this cup pass from me. The real test of faith didn't happen on Palm Sunday when they were all cheering Him. The real test of faith came when He was alone in His own private agony. The real test of life is not on Palm Sunday, but in Gethsemane. Do we have the kind of faith that can sustain us on Wednesday? Palm Sundays do not produce Easter Sundays. It takes a Gethsemane to produce an Easter Sunday. Character is not tested on Palm Sunday, but it will be revealed on a dark Wednesday. The garden not only reveals our character, but it tests our loyalties. Not my will, but thy will be done. The will of God trumped the will of His flesh. Is it in us to answer as He did? Only when we have that commitment in us can we identify with Him. Who among us has not prayed "Lord spare me from this" and knew that prayer would not be answered? We will never have an Easter Sunrise unless we have a Gethsemane night. God is in control, and whether He answers our prayer, we must still praise Him. We must still worship Him. Gethsemane is about facing life at its worst; and yet surviving and coming out victorious. He entered the garden in agony, but when He left he was at peace and ready for victory. If we will talk to God in our darkness, He will bring us out to the light. That is the difference between Sunday and Wednesday. Our text paints a wonderful picture. The triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The bible tells us that the entire city turned out. It is estimated that there were about 2.5 million people in the city that day praising and worshiping Jesus. Just a few da… Mark Hughes 2769 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20359455/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thedifferencebetweensundayandw/id/2316477.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20359455 Scripture: Matthew 21:1-21, Matthew 21:8-21:10, Matthew 26:39-26 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 03:40:17 +0000 Mark Hughes Life can sometimes get stuck. We can get stuck in places. We can get stuck in issues. We can get stuck in hurts. We can get stuck in problems. We can get stuck in familiar places. Perhaps a failure, a mistake or a fear. Somehow we get locked into that place. We can become stuck in our spiritual journey too. Israel had become stuck for a long time. Some historians think that it may have been as much a 38 years. When we become stuck in place it is easy to accept that it cannot get any better. The good news is that we can get away from that mountain. If we are stuck in a place that does not make sense, we do not have to stay there. If we have been fighting the same problem for a long time, it is time to move away from that mountain. How ever long it has been, if we are not where God wants us to be, it is time to move on. Our text is from a time in Israel's life know as the wondering years. Not from the sense of their location; they knew where they were. The wondering was in their mind. Is this is a good as it will get? Will we ever be able to recover? They wondered what will it take to see a change in life? In our text God tells them: Long Enough! God had a word for their situation, and He has that same word for us. Whatever the mountain is in our life, we have the opportunity for a life changing experience. This text also tells us that our spiritual journey matters to God. It matters to Him if we are living up to what He is wanting for us. God cares about where we are and if we are stuck. Where we are in relationship to where we need to be in life is important to God. There are times when we need to listen to God when he calls us away from the mountain. God does not want us to stay in a rut or a stuck place; dealing with the same issues and problem. In spite of our previous failures, God still has a plan for our future. Being stuck at a mountain when there is promise before us is not God's plan. God's work began where they were; not where they should have been. We often get hung up in our failures. Regardless of where they should have been, God talked to them where they were. They did not have to reach a certain level before He revealed His plan to them, He told them is plan right were they were. The key to moving away from that mountain is not God, it is us. The text says YOU have compassed that mountain long enough. Some try to blame others when they are not what they need to be, but the bible tells us clearly, that the problem is not others but US. In our for us to experience real change in life, WE have to decided to move away from that mountain. Change is a result of not being satisfied with who and what we are. The command in our text was to turn and to do it now. We do not need to wait another day when we can get away from the mountain now. The command was to turn. Not turn back, but to turn in a direction of progress. We need to turn toward God, toward hope, toward promise. When we make that turn, we turn away from the things that would hold us back: fear, depression, doubt. God wants us to turn up. He wants us to go higher. It is time to make up our mind that we will turn away from the problems of the past, and to move up to where God wants us to be. It all begins with a single word: Turn. Life can sometimes get stuck. We can get stuck in places. We can get stuck in issues. We can get stuck in hurts. We can get stuck in problems. We can get stuck in familiar places. Perhaps a failure, a mistake or a fear. Somehow we get locked into that place. We can become stuck in our spiritual journey too. Israel had become stuck for a long time. Some historians think that it may have been as much a 38 years. When we become stuck in place it is easy to accept that it cannot get any better. The good news is that we can get away from that mountain. If we are stuck in a place that does not make sense, we do not have to stay there. If we have been fighting the same problem for a long time, it is time to move away from that mountain. How ever long it has been, if we are not where God wants us to be, it is time to move on. Our text is from a time in Israel's life know as the wondering years. Not from the sense of their location; they knew where they were. The wondering was in their mind. Is this is a good as it will get? Will we ever be able to recover? They wondered what will it take to see a change in life? In our text God tells them: Long Enough! God had a word for their situation, and He has that same word for us. Whatever the mountain is in our life, we have the opportunity for a life changing experience. This text also tells us that our spiritual journey matters to God. It matters to Him if we are living up to what He is wanting for us. God cares about where we are and if we are stuck. Where we are in relationship to where we need to be in life is important to God. There are times when we need to listen to God when he calls us away from the mountain. God does not want us to stay in a rut or a stuck place; dealing with the same issues and problem. In spite of our previous failures, God still has a plan for our future. Being stuck at a mountain when there is promise before us is not God's plan. God's work began where they were; not where they should have been. We often get hung up in our failures. Regardless of where they should have been, God talked to them where they were. They did not have to reach a certain level before He revealed His plan to them, He told them is plan right were they were. The key to moving away from that mountain is not God, it is us. The text says YOU have compassed that mountain long enough. Some try to blame others when they are not what they need to be, but the bible tells us clearly, that the problem is not others but US. In our for us to experience real change in life, WE have to decided to move away from that mountain. Change is a result of not being satisfied with who and what we are. The command in our text was to turn and to do it now. We do not need to wait another day when we can get away from the mountain now. The command was to turn. Not turn back, but to turn in a direction of progress. We need to turn toward God, toward hope, toward promise. When we make that turn, we turn away from the things that would hold us back: fear, depression, doubt. God wants us to turn up. He wants us to go higher. It is time to make up our mind that we will turn away from the problems of the past, and to move up to where God wants us to be. It all begins with a single word: Turn. Life can sometimes get stuck. We can get stuck in places. We can get stuck in issues. We can get stuck in hurts. We can get stuck in problems. We can get stuck in familiar places. Perhaps a failure, a mistake or a fear. Somehow we get locked int… Mark Hughes 1895 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20357218/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_turn/id/2314224.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20357218 Scripture: Deuteronomy 2:1-2:3 Sun, 29 Mar 2015 17:59:45 +0000 Mark Hughes The four words: in the beginning God seem simple, but represent one of the greatest utterances ever spoken. The story of beginning was not an end, but a example of what God was capable of. There is much debate about how the universe was actually made. Whenever it happened; what ever the time frame; God was there. God was at the center of it and the source of it all. What we read in Genesis 2 is not the same as God created in Genesis 1. Something happened from the time of beginning to what we read in our text. Whatever it was, it changed and marred the original creation. This simple fact reassures to us that God does not abandon the broken. He heals the wounded and remakes the hurt. Whatever the cause and however it happened, God did not leave it in that state. He set about to restore a world that was void. God was not content to leave it that way. If God would not leave that chaotic world, He will not abandon us in our chaotic world. No matter the size of our problem, it pales in comparison to the power of His presence. However messed up we may be, when He begins to move, everything changes. Our text says "the Spirit of God moved." When God's spirit begins to move, something is going to change that will bring order, peace, hope and calm. There is no problem that His spirit moving over cannot make better. The four words: in the beginning God seem simple, but represent one of the greatest utterances ever spoken. The story of beginning was not an end, but a example of what God was capable of. There is much debate about how the universe was actually made. Whenever it happened; what ever the time frame; God was there. God was at the center of it and the source of it all. What we read in Genesis 2 is not the same as God created in Genesis 1. Something happened from the time of beginning to what we read in our text. Whatever it was, it changed and marred the original creation. This simple fact reassures to us that God does not abandon the broken. He heals the wounded and remakes the hurt. Whatever the cause and however it happened, God did not leave it in that state. He set about to restore a world that was void. God was not content to leave it that way. If God would not leave that chaotic world, He will not abandon us in our chaotic world. No matter the size of our problem, it pales in comparison to the power of His presence. However messed up we may be, when He begins to move, everything changes. Our text says "the Spirit of God moved." When God's spirit begins to move, something is going to change that will bring order, peace, hope and calm. There is no problem that His spirit moving over cannot make better. The four words: in the beginning God seem simple, but represent one of the greatest utterances ever spoken. The story of beginning was not an end, but a example of what God was capable of. There is much debate about how the universe was actually mad… Mark Hughes 1458 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20356340/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_restorationshope/id/2313297.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20356340 Scripture: Genesis 1:1-1:3 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 03:05:56 +0000 Mark Hughes The Greeks coming to Jesus and their requests to see Him triggered a foreshadowing of what was to come. He begins to feel the burden of the cross. Jesus uses the kernel of corn to illustrate that it is only when we die that we can know the increase that God has for us. John chapter 12 is Gethsemane before Gethsemane. Here was a transition in Jesus' life and ministry. From the Glory of the life He had lived changed to the glory that His death would bring. Transitions in life are not an option. If we are to go from where we are to what God has for us, we will experience trouble. Jesus said that his soul is troubled. The word used for soul is the one used for the spirit or the mind. Transitions are difficult on both the body and the mind. There appear in His words conflict and contradiction. That is what transition does, it brings us to a conflict between our flesh and our spirit. Human nature is to run from trouble; and Jesus' struggle was no different. When in trouble; Jesus prayed. It was a prayer in which He didn't know what to say. In this preview of Calvary, we see a glimpse of a man struggling with the trouble He knew to be ahead. In our text, it is clear that the human side of Jesus was feeling the pressure and pain that was about to come about. It caused anxiety and distress. The trouble produced a distracted state of mind. Trouble has a way of distracting us to the point that we do not know how to function. There are hours in every life when we simply do not know what to do. Our text contains a helpful thought that give us hope. The victory that Jesus won was not automatic, but a decision. He, on multiple occasions, had to battle his flesh. His victory was not guaranteed and was not won until He decided that He would do what He was sent to do. His victory was a result of a decision about how He was going to reply to life. What we do in the hour of our trouble will determine our future. Often problems are so big and so many that we do not even know where to begin dealing with them. What we do in that time will determine our future. If one is not careful, we can miss the real message of our text. Our text reveals His humanity. We can see that He did not know what to say and that He was conflicted about what was to come; but that is not the message. The message is the right response to life's problems, hurts, pain, suffering and betrayal. He said: Now is my soul troubled; what shall I say - Father. The first word out of His mouth was a word of faith. He was at a loss for words, but His question was not Why, but What. He didn’t ask why Him, but what will He say to His trouble. Sometimes that is all we have, that we do not know why, but that God knows. God knows the way that we take. Life and the trouble that come to all who live it cannot be avoided. These troubles have meaning. Their purpose is to awaken something in us. Man’s progress in life has always been at the point of adversity. Life has been hard on some. Life has been demanding. These demands require a response. How will we answer life? The Greeks coming to Jesus and their requests to see Him triggered a foreshadowing of what was to come. He begins to feel the burden of the cross. Jesus uses the kernel of corn to illustrate that it is only when we die that we can know the increase that God has for us. John chapter 12 is Gethsemane before Gethsemane. Here was a transition in Jesus' life and ministry. From the Glory of the life He had lived changed to the glory that His death would bring. Transitions in life are not an option. If we are to go from where we are to what God has for us, we will experience trouble. Jesus said that his soul is troubled. The word used for soul is the one used for the spirit or the mind. Transitions are difficult on both the body and the mind. There appear in His words conflict and contradiction. That is what transition does, it brings us to a conflict between our flesh and our spirit. Human nature is to run from trouble; and Jesus' struggle was no different. When in trouble; Jesus prayed. It was a prayer in which He didn't know what to say. In this preview of Calvary, we see a glimpse of a man struggling with the trouble He knew to be ahead. In our text, it is clear that the human side of Jesus was feeling the pressure and pain that was about to come about. It caused anxiety and distress. The trouble produced a distracted state of mind. Trouble has a way of distracting us to the point that we do not know how to function. There are hours in every life when we simply do not know what to do. Our text contains a helpful thought that give us hope. The victory that Jesus won was not automatic, but a decision. He, on multiple occasions, had to battle his flesh. His victory was not guaranteed and was not won until He decided that He would do what He was sent to do. His victory was a result of a decision about how He was going to reply to life. What we do in the hour of our trouble will determine our future. Often problems are so big and so many that we do not even know where to begin dealing with them. What we do in that time will determine our future. If one is not careful, we can miss the real message of our text. Our text reveals His humanity. We can see that He did not know what to say and that He was conflicted about what was to come; but that is not the message. The message is the right response to life's problems, hurts, pain, suffering and betrayal. He said: Now is my soul troubled; what shall I say - Father. The first word out of His mouth was a word of faith. He was at a loss for words, but His question was not Why, but What. He didn’t ask why Him, but what will He say to His trouble. Sometimes that is all we have, that we do not know why, but that God knows. God knows the way that we take. Life and the trouble that come to all who live it cannot be avoided. These troubles have meaning. Their purpose is to awaken something in us. Man’s progress in life has always been at the point of adversity. Life has been hard on some. Life has been demanding. These demands require a response. How will we answer life? The Greeks coming to Jesus and their requests to see Him triggered a foreshadowing of what was to come. He begins to feel the burden of the cross. Jesus uses the kernel of corn to illustrate that it is only when we die that we can know the increase t… Mark Hughes 2912 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20353833/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howwillweanswerlife/id/2311169.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20353833 Scripture: John 12:20-12:28 Sun, 22 Mar 2015 19:37:45 +0000 Mark Hughes Our texts are three different accounts of the same scene in Jesus’ life. At this time in His life, Jesus was constantly bombarded with questions and accusations that He was not doing things in the way that religious traditions were done. In that setting, Jesus spoke to them about the new and the old. The point is not that the old is not important, but rather he was saying that there comes a time in life that a new work from God requires a new container in us. How many times has God's work in our life been wasted because we tried to hold it in an old container that was not suitable to receive it? God will fill the vessel that we bring, but if we bring a faulty vessel, that blessing may not last long. We want change in our life, as long as we do not have to change. We want a better house, a better job, a better marriage -- as long as we do not have to do anything for that to come about. Sometimes we limit the work that God can do in us simply because the vessel that we ask Him to put it into. We want God to do a new work, but we want to put it into an old mindset. Many time God blesses us in spite of who we are or where we are. If we are to enjoy the fullness of God's blessings in our life without them spilling out; we need a new mind for that new work that we are wanting God to do. The reason that some people cannot break out of problems or habits is that they cannot get away from the old environment in which they live. There has to be a new mind before we can enjoy the new blessings that God wants to pour into us. If we do not prepare a new vessel, we will continue to spill and waste God's blessings. God will fill what we bring, and the reason that change does not last in our life is because of the vessel, not the giver. When we have a real mind change, we can have a real life change. God can change our life, but it has to start with us. Every one of us wants to be better. We all want to fix what is broken. We are tired of the hurt and pain, but we do not want God to mess with our comfort zone. We are more worried about what we are going to lose than what we will gain. The critical thing is not IF God can do it. The critical thing is if we will LET God do it. If transformation is to happen, it has to start with a rejuvenation in us. We have to get tired of patching things up. Our texts clearly tell us that we do not need patches, we need a new vessel. Our texts are three different accounts of the same scene in Jesus’ life. At this time in His life, Jesus was constantly bombarded with questions and accusations that He was not doing things in the way that religious traditions were done. In that setting, Jesus spoke to them about the new and the old. The point is not that the old is not important, but rather he was saying that there comes a time in life that a new work from God requires a new container in us. How many times has God's work in our life been wasted because we tried to hold it in an old container that was not suitable to receive it? God will fill the vessel that we bring, but if we bring a faulty vessel, that blessing may not last long. We want change in our life, as long as we do not have to change. We want a better house, a better job, a better marriage -- as long as we do not have to do anything for that to come about. Sometimes we limit the work that God can do in us simply because the vessel that we ask Him to put it into. We want God to do a new work, but we want to put it into an old mindset. Many time God blesses us in spite of who we are or where we are. If we are to enjoy the fullness of God's blessings in our life without them spilling out; we need a new mind for that new work that we are wanting God to do. The reason that some people cannot break out of problems or habits is that they cannot get away from the old environment in which they live. There has to be a new mind before we can enjoy the new blessings that God wants to pour into us. If we do not prepare a new vessel, we will continue to spill and waste God's blessings. God will fill what we bring, and the reason that change does not last in our life is because of the vessel, not the giver. When we have a real mind change, we can have a real life change. God can change our life, but it has to start with us. Every one of us wants to be better. We all want to fix what is broken. We are tired of the hurt and pain, but we do not want God to mess with our comfort zone. We are more worried about what we are going to lose than what we will gain. The critical thing is not IF God can do it. The critical thing is if we will LET God do it. If transformation is to happen, it has to start with a rejuvenation in us. We have to get tired of patching things up. Our texts clearly tell us that we do not need patches, we need a new vessel. Our texts are three different accounts of the same scene in Jesus’ life. At this time in His life, Jesus was constantly bombarded with questions and accusations that He was not doing things in the way that religious traditions were done. In that sett… Mark Hughes 2173 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20350774/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_anewvessel/id/2308196.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20350774 Scripture: Matthew 9:16-9:17, Mark 2:21-2:22, Luke 5:36-5:38 Thu, 19 Mar 2015 04:05:24 +0000 Mark Hughes There is so much about life that we are hard pressed to understand. There are answers that we so desperately desire to have, but God chooses not so share with us. We are called to live life with a certain amount of mystery. Faith is so importanat in the life of one who possesses it. Faith is more than an emotion; it is a spirit and attitude that we adopt in life. Paul said that he was confident that the good work that was started in him would be completed. Faith can and will make a difference in the outcome of life. If there is anythign that we need to work on strengthening, it is faith. Faith is not a quantity that if we have enough will produce result; a small amount is sufficient. It is an attitude and confidence and assurance that God knows where we are and that He knows what is going in our life. Faith's purpose is not to explain life, but to help us overcome the struggles in it. Faith is not something that God gave us to get something, it is something the He gave us to overcome something. Faith is an assurance that if God sent us; He will see us to where He wants us to go. Faith is not some crystal ball that allows us to see the future; it is the belief that no matter what the future holds, God's hand will be on it. It is the knowledge that there is purpose in the trials and issues in life and that somewhere in it, God is going to work it for our good. The difference between men is not the measure of their adversity, but how they respond to that adversity. The apostle Paul had enjoyed open doors all of his life. The door to the gentiles was opened, the door to Asia was opened; the door to Europe was opened. However in our text, that part of Pauls life was over. The only doors around him were closed and he found himself in a prison cell. He came to understand that the "problem" that he was facing was actually his salvation. Paul identified three opportunities in his problem. Paul's problem had brought him opportunity to do what he would have not been able to do any other way. Being in prison put him in position to meet people that he would have never been able to preach too. The second thing Paul noted was that he had been given a ministry to others. His imprisonment had served as encouragement to others. He was giving strength to those on the outside. Paul was physically bound, and he gave encouragement to those who were spiritually bound. Others saw Paul's faith and were encouraged to go on. Finally, Paul realized that the quality of life that he found for himself in his bondage. He found salvation in his bondage; not his spiritual salvation, but his salvation as a man. The difficult of his situation had allowed Paul to grow as a man; a preacher and a Christian. We will all experience trials in life. The measure of a man is not his problems, but how he handles those problems. Problems can define or defeat us. It just might be, that the our problem might be our salvation. There is so much about life that we are hard pressed to understand. There are answers that we so desperately desire to have, but God chooses not so share with us. We are called to live life with a certain amount of mystery. Faith is so importanat in the life of one who possesses it. Faith is more than an emotion; it is a spirit and attitude that we adopt in life. Paul said that he was confident that the good work that was started in him would be completed. Faith can and will make a difference in the outcome of life. If there is anythign that we need to work on strengthening, it is faith. Faith is not a quantity that if we have enough will produce result; a small amount is sufficient. It is an attitude and confidence and assurance that God knows where we are and that He knows what is going in our life. Faith's purpose is not to explain life, but to help us overcome the struggles in it. Faith is not something that God gave us to get something, it is something the He gave us to overcome something. Faith is an assurance that if God sent us; He will see us to where He wants us to go. Faith is not some crystal ball that allows us to see the future; it is the belief that no matter what the future holds, God's hand will be on it. It is the knowledge that there is purpose in the trials and issues in life and that somewhere in it, God is going to work it for our good. The difference between men is not the measure of their adversity, but how they respond to that adversity. The apostle Paul had enjoyed open doors all of his life. The door to the gentiles was opened, the door to Asia was opened; the door to Europe was opened. However in our text, that part of Pauls life was over. The only doors around him were closed and he found himself in a prison cell. He came to understand that the "problem" that he was facing was actually his salvation. Paul identified three opportunities in his problem. Paul's problem had brought him opportunity to do what he would have not been able to do any other way. Being in prison put him in position to meet people that he would have never been able to preach too. The second thing Paul noted was that he had been given a ministry to others. His imprisonment had served as encouragement to others. He was giving strength to those on the outside. Paul was physically bound, and he gave encouragement to those who were spiritually bound. Others saw Paul's faith and were encouraged to go on. Finally, Paul realized that the quality of life that he found for himself in his bondage. He found salvation in his bondage; not his spiritual salvation, but his salvation as a man. The difficult of his situation had allowed Paul to grow as a man; a preacher and a Christian. We will all experience trials in life. The measure of a man is not his problems, but how he handles those problems. Problems can define or defeat us. It just might be, that the our problem might be our salvation. There is so much about life that we are hard pressed to understand. There are answers that we so desperately desire to have, but God chooses not so share with us. We are called to live life with a certain amount of mystery. Faith is so importanat in… Mark Hughes 2947 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20348057/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_myproblemcanbemysalvation/id/2305782.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20348057 Scripture: Philippians 1:12-1:21 Mon, 16 Mar 2015 03:33:49 +0000 Kenneth Baker The word selah appears 74 times in the Hebrew scripture. It is one of the most interesting terms in the bible. Most often it comes at the end of a verse. There are three exceptions, one if which occurs in our text, where it appears in the middle of a line. It comes out of the musical world. It implies several things. most importantly it implies an end of some part of the music or chorus. It's root word means to rest or pause. When it occurs in scripture, it indicates that the reader should pause and consider what was just read. In life we need these pauses in order to wait for a moment to get back in time with the tempo. At times it is good to stop an consider where we are, and where we are going. Some bible scholars believe that Selah was added and does not belong in the translated text. Bro. Hughes explains that there are times when we need to pause and ponder and give time to pull in the reigns of life. Everyone needs time to stop and get their bearings. We can accurately say that Selah is a sign to which we we need to pay attention. God designed life with some signals and signs. If we will pay attention to these signals, we will be better off. Missing signals will lead to trouble. Selah is a signal to stop, prepare and get our senses about us to be ready for God can speak to us and can do greater things in our life. When we encounter selah in our life, Bro. Hughes tells us that it can mean one of three things. When selah shows up, it indicates at lease a change in tempo. Sometimes we need to adjust the pace of life. Sometimes selah indicates a change in tone or pitch. We need a change in the attitude of our life. A pause can change our attitude and get our spirit right. Finally selah means that we need to change the key. Many problems in life are because we keep beating the same drum or singing the same chorus. Sometimes in life we need to sing a new song. The word selah may seem insignificant, but we will do well to pay attention to this little word and understand the significance of the insignificant. The word selah appears 74 times in the Hebrew scripture. It is one of the most interesting terms in the bible. Most often it comes at the end of a verse. There are three exceptions, one if which occurs in our text, where it appears in the middle of a line. It comes out of the musical world. It implies several things. most importantly it implies an end of some part of the music or chorus. It's root word means to rest or pause. When it occurs in scripture, it indicates that the reader should pause and consider what was just read. In life we need these pauses in order to wait for a moment to get back in time with the tempo. At times it is good to stop an consider where we are, and where we are going. Some bible scholars believe that Selah was added and does not belong in the translated text. Bro. Hughes explains that there are times when we need to pause and ponder and give time to pull in the reigns of life. Everyone needs time to stop and get their bearings. We can accurately say that Selah is a sign to which we we need to pay attention. God designed life with some signals and signs. If we will pay attention to these signals, we will be better off. Missing signals will lead to trouble. Selah is a signal to stop, prepare and get our senses about us to be ready for God can speak to us and can do greater things in our life. When we encounter selah in our life, Bro. Hughes tells us that it can mean one of three things. When selah shows up, it indicates at lease a change in tempo. Sometimes we need to adjust the pace of life. Sometimes selah indicates a change in tone or pitch. We need a change in the attitude of our life. A pause can change our attitude and get our spirit right. Finally selah means that we need to change the key. Many problems in life are because we keep beating the same drum or singing the same chorus. Sometimes in life we need to sing a new song. The word selah may seem insignificant, but we will do well to pay attention to this little word and understand the significance of the insignificant. The word selah appears 74 times in the Hebrew scripture. It is one of the most interesting terms in the bible. Most often it comes at the end of a verse. There are three exceptions, one if which occurs in our text, where it appears in the middle of … Kenneth Baker 2833 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20345759/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thesignificanceoftheinsignific/id/2303526.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20345759 The significance of the insignificant Sun, 15 Mar 2015 19:42:03 +0000 Mark Hughes People who are said to be failures are judged harshly in our world. Our text is the recoding of a man who failed. If we look back at the totality of his life, he was not the stereotype of a failure. There were many things about this man that were admirable, but in this one instance he failed in his duty. The subject of our story was given charge to guard a prisoner who escaped. He was not overpowered, outwitted or surprised. The prisoner escaped because the one who was tasked with guarding him was - busy. He did not do the things that he should have done because he was too busy. Life is filled with so many things and competing priorities that it is not hard to be busy. Why did this man fail? Did he fail out of ignorance? No, he understood what his responsibilities were. He failed because he did not do what he knew to do. More knowledge would not have helped him. He simply needed to to what he needed to do. The reason that people fail, that people live unclean lives; is because they are unwilling to do what they know they should do. We know enough today to do what we should do and that is to live a Godly life. Our subject did not fail because he lacked ability. He was qualified for the task given him. He did not fail because he was lazy. He was busy, but just not busy with the thing he needed to be busy with. The reasons for failure are not because of a lack of knowledge, ability or because he was idle; he failed because he was too busy with the wrong things. He was busy with important things, but he neglected essential things. He was busy, but with what? Too many have been engaged in good works, but in the process they forget to pay attention to the essential things. We need to be busy, but busy with the right things. People who are said to be failures are judged harshly in our world. Our text is the recoding of a man who failed. If we look back at the totality of his life, he was not the stereotype of a failure. There were many things about this man that were admirable, but in this one instance he failed in his duty. The subject of our story was given charge to guard a prisoner who escaped. He was not overpowered, outwitted or surprised. The prisoner escaped because the one who was tasked with guarding him was - busy. He did not do the things that he should have done because he was too busy. Life is filled with so many things and competing priorities that it is not hard to be busy. Why did this man fail? Did he fail out of ignorance? No, he understood what his responsibilities were. He failed because he did not do what he knew to do. More knowledge would not have helped him. He simply needed to to what he needed to do. The reason that people fail, that people live unclean lives; is because they are unwilling to do what they know they should do. We know enough today to do what we should do and that is to live a Godly life. Our subject did not fail because he lacked ability. He was qualified for the task given him. He did not fail because he was lazy. He was busy, but just not busy with the thing he needed to be busy with. The reasons for failure are not because of a lack of knowledge, ability or because he was idle; he failed because he was too busy with the wrong things. He was busy with important things, but he neglected essential things. He was busy, but with what? Too many have been engaged in good works, but in the process they forget to pay attention to the essential things. We need to be busy, but busy with the right things. People who are said to be failures are judged harshly in our world. Our text is the recoding of a man who failed. If we look back at the totality of his life, he was not the stereotype of a failure. There were many things about this man that were ad… Mark Hughes 3064 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20345061/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theconfessionsofafailure/id/2302810.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20345061 Scripture: 1 Kings 20:39-20:40 Sun, 08 Mar 2015 19:19:56 +0000 Mark Hughes Life is a battle field. We will not live without battles and struggles. Often times those battles will come to spoil our hopes and frustrate our future. None of these battles are so subtle and destructive as the enemy mentioned in our text today. Naaman is a man who belongs in a class all his own. He was a brave and courageous man. He was a wise and successful leader. He was a commander and been given great authority because of his accomplishments. Naaman had faced many enemies and had been victorious. The bible tells us that deliverance was given to Syria because of Naaman's efforts. Many things had come against him, but nothing seemed to be able to stop him. Out text highlights an enemy that came from within. Somehow Namen contracted leprosy. The law was that anyone with leprosy was to be cast out, but Naaman retained his position even with this disease. Our text tells us that Naaman was a great leader, BUT. He was a great man, BUT. That one word spoils the entire narrative of Naaman's life. So Naaman's life was marked. He was a great man, but he was a leper. Word came to Naaman one day that there was one who could clean that from his life. He travels to the prophets home. Surly he stood outside the door with great expectation of some kind of a moving ceremony and healing. That is not what happens. Naaman was told to simply wash in the Jordon river seven times and he would be clean. He was angry. The bible tells us that he went away in a rage. Instead of being thrilled at an answer, he was angry. There was an enemy that arose before him that day that was greater than any other. That enemy was his own pride. Something in Naaman made him think that he was better than the simple word of God he had received. Pride is a subtle enemy that is not our friend; it is our worst enemy. It is the one thing that will rob us from the miracle that God wants to give us. Pride will do more harm to us than any disability we have or issue that we face. Allowing pride to stand in our face and tell us things that are contrary to God's word will keep us from God and His blessings. Naaman almost let pride steal his miracle. Pride is clever. It hide behind many things. It shows up as righteousnesses, but it is a self-righteousness. It is comparing ourselves to others and observing that that we are not so bad. Pride is an excuse for doing what we know we should not be doing. Pride masquerades as knowledge, power, and wealth. It will stop us from recover, healing, and blessing. We can overcome sickness, limitations and limitations, but pride is the most difficult to overcome. Pride prefers drama over deliverance. Some people love their drama more than their deliverance. Pride will destroy relationships. Pride holds us in a false sense of measurement and justice in life. Pride can cause us to develop a false measurement of life. We apply one measure to others, but another to ourselves. Pride would rather hold on to a reputation than have a recovery. It is not our problem that is our problem; the problem is our pride. When God provides an answer and we stay away from that answer because of our pride, we are facing our worst enemy. Life is a battle field. We will not live without battles and struggles. Often times those battles will come to spoil our hopes and frustrate our future. None of these battles are so subtle and destructive as the enemy mentioned in our text today. Naaman is a man who belongs in a class all his own. He was a brave and courageous man. He was a wise and successful leader. He was a commander and been given great authority because of his accomplishments. Naaman had faced many enemies and had been victorious. The bible tells us that deliverance was given to Syria because of Naaman's efforts. Many things had come against him, but nothing seemed to be able to stop him. Out text highlights an enemy that came from within. Somehow Namen contracted leprosy. The law was that anyone with leprosy was to be cast out, but Naaman retained his position even with this disease. Our text tells us that Naaman was a great leader, BUT. He was a great man, BUT. That one word spoils the entire narrative of Naaman's life. So Naaman's life was marked. He was a great man, but he was a leper. Word came to Naaman one day that there was one who could clean that from his life. He travels to the prophets home. Surly he stood outside the door with great expectation of some kind of a moving ceremony and healing. That is not what happens. Naaman was told to simply wash in the Jordon river seven times and he would be clean. He was angry. The bible tells us that he went away in a rage. Instead of being thrilled at an answer, he was angry. There was an enemy that arose before him that day that was greater than any other. That enemy was his own pride. Something in Naaman made him think that he was better than the simple word of God he had received. Pride is a subtle enemy that is not our friend; it is our worst enemy. It is the one thing that will rob us from the miracle that God wants to give us. Pride will do more harm to us than any disability we have or issue that we face. Allowing pride to stand in our face and tell us things that are contrary to God's word will keep us from God and His blessings. Naaman almost let pride steal his miracle. Pride is clever. It hide behind many things. It shows up as righteousnesses, but it is a self-righteousness. It is comparing ourselves to others and observing that that we are not so bad. Pride is an excuse for doing what we know we should not be doing. Pride masquerades as knowledge, power, and wealth. It will stop us from recover, healing, and blessing. We can overcome sickness, limitations and limitations, but pride is the most difficult to overcome. Pride prefers drama over deliverance. Some people love their drama more than their deliverance. Pride will destroy relationships. Pride holds us in a false sense of measurement and justice in life. Pride can cause us to develop a false measurement of life. We apply one measure to others, but another to ourselves. Pride would rather hold on to a reputation than have a recovery. It is not our problem that is our problem; the problem is our pride. When God provides an answer and we stay away from that answer because of our pride, we are facing our worst enemy. Life is a battle field. We will not live without battles and struggles. Often times those battles will come to spoil our hopes and frustrate our future. None of these battles are so subtle and destructive as the enemy mentioned in our text today. N… Mark Hughes 2549 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20338835/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_facingourworstenemy/id/2296772.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20338835 Scripture: 1 Kings 5:1-5 Thu, 05 Mar 2015 04:32:02 +0000 Mark Hughes Life is perplexing. Sometimes we know that we need to talk to God, but we don't even know where to start. We are all traveling down a road that is unknown. No matter how far we have traveled, the path ahead is filled with unknowns. There are some things in life that are troubling, but the uncertainties cause us the most problem. The unknown creates tension and frustration in life. Often, the unknown rouses anger in us. In our text, Paul was writing to a people much like us. They had been tried and suffered much adversity. Paul writes to these tired people with the objective of reminding them of a river of comfort that flows into their lives. Paul clearly defined life: We know not what. In this brief text, Paul offers several bits of wisdom for dealing with the unknown. First, Paul reminds us that when we know not what, we must remember who: We are children of God; we are heirs. When we are dealing with the unknowns in life, we have to remind ourselves that we are a child of God. We may not know His plans, but we know that His plans are good. We may not know, but He knows. We may not see, but He sees. We are children of God and He will not let his children be lost. There is an amazing glory reserved for us because we are His children. He holds tomorrow and He holds us; somehow it will all work out. When we don’t know what, we still know who and that is enough to carry us through. Paul tells them, and us, that the Spirit that is within us helps us when we do not know what to do. The Spirit will help with our infirmities and uncertainties. He reminds us that when we do not know what, prayer is the answer. Even when we do not know what to pray, the Spirit will make intercession for us. Prayer will help us see the mercy's and grace of God. When we pray, our eyes are opened to see hands that are greater than ours that are working on our behalf. Prayer allows God to touch us, and comfort us. What we do not know must never seal from us what we do know: We are children of God. We have in us His spirit. Most of all, we have the ability to talk to Him though prayer. Life is perplexing. Sometimes we know that we need to talk to God, but we don't even know where to start. We are all traveling down a road that is unknown. No matter how far we have traveled, the path ahead is filled with unknowns. There are some things in life that are troubling, but the uncertainties cause us the most problem. The unknown creates tension and frustration in life. Often, the unknown rouses anger in us. In our text, Paul was writing to a people much like us. They had been tried and suffered much adversity. Paul writes to these tired people with the objective of reminding them of a river of comfort that flows into their lives. Paul clearly defined life: We know not what. In this brief text, Paul offers several bits of wisdom for dealing with the unknown. First, Paul reminds us that when we know not what, we must remember who: We are children of God; we are heirs. When we are dealing with the unknowns in life, we have to remind ourselves that we are a child of God. We may not know His plans, but we know that His plans are good. We may not know, but He knows. We may not see, but He sees. We are children of God and He will not let his children be lost. There is an amazing glory reserved for us because we are His children. He holds tomorrow and He holds us; somehow it will all work out. When we don’t know what, we still know who and that is enough to carry us through. Paul tells them, and us, that the Spirit that is within us helps us when we do not know what to do. The Spirit will help with our infirmities and uncertainties. He reminds us that when we do not know what, prayer is the answer. Even when we do not know what to pray, the Spirit will make intercession for us. Prayer will help us see the mercy's and grace of God. When we pray, our eyes are opened to see hands that are greater than ours that are working on our behalf. Prayer allows God to touch us, and comfort us. What we do not know must never seal from us what we do know: We are children of God. We have in us His spirit. Most of all, we have the ability to talk to Him though prayer. Life is perplexing. Sometimes we know that we need to talk to God, but we don't even know where to start. We are all traveling down a road that is unknown. No matter how far we have traveled, the path ahead is filled with unknowns. There are some … Mark Hughes 2342 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20336052/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_forweknownot/id/2294220.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20336052 Scripture: Romans 8:24-8:28 Sun, 01 Mar 2015 21:44:26 +0000 Mark Hughes It has been said that our prayers are not answered not when we have received what we have ask, but when we are challenged to be what we can be. Jesus grew up in a carpenter's shop. One of the things about wood working is how much can be hidden in a piece of wood. There is much hidden in a piece, and that it takes a lot of work and effort to transform a common piece of wood into something beautiful. The flaws and blemishes in a piece of wood are not evident until the work begins. Transformation is not something that happens in a moment of time. What is in us is often obscured by what we are. What we have the capacity to become is hidden behind what and who we are. Even so, God calls us with a divine purpose and a divine idea for what we are to become. LIke the wood worker, He has to work through many things to get us to where He wants us to be. When he began working with Simon Peter, he had to start with someone with a vile tongue. He couldn't simply remove it, because then Peter would not have been Peter. Like Peter, we are all a work in progress. God has work around our flaws and deficiencies to achieve His purpose. God has to work though a lot of stuff to make us what He needs us to be. Within every one of us is a framework and capacity for better things. God made us the way we are so that we will fulfill His divine purpose. In every human heart is an imprint of God. We are all made in HIs likeness. If we submit to his working an will, that better man or woman will be revealed. In our text, Jesus addresses him as Simon Bar-Jona, but in the next verse, he is Peter upon whom the church will be built. The Peter we first meet and get to know is not someone that anyone of us would anticipate amounting to anything in the kingdom of God. Oh, but the work and transformation that took place in Peter's life. There was a better man in Simon-Peter and Jesus was intent in bringing it out. That same divine purpose in Simon-Peter, is in us. God knows there are flaws in us, but He works that into His overall plan. The transformation is not an overnight process. It is a lot of trial and error. It is one step forward, and two steps back. It is a lot of prayer. We must not give up before God finishes His work. As much as we may think it is hopeless, God is not finished. It takes time for God to work it out. He has not written us off. He is trying to reveal in us the beauty that is hidden inside. It has been said that our prayers are not answered not when we have received what we have ask, but when we are challenged to be what we can be. Jesus grew up in a carpenter's shop. One of the things about wood working is how much can be hidden in a piece of wood. There is much hidden in a piece, and that it takes a lot of work and effort to transform a common piece of wood into something beautiful. The flaws and blemishes in a piece of wood are not evident until the work begins. Transformation is not something that happens in a moment of time. What is in us is often obscured by what we are. What we have the capacity to become is hidden behind what and who we are. Even so, God calls us with a divine purpose and a divine idea for what we are to become. LIke the wood worker, He has to work through many things to get us to where He wants us to be. When he began working with Simon Peter, he had to start with someone with a vile tongue. He couldn't simply remove it, because then Peter would not have been Peter. Like Peter, we are all a work in progress. God has work around our flaws and deficiencies to achieve His purpose. God has to work though a lot of stuff to make us what He needs us to be. Within every one of us is a framework and capacity for better things. God made us the way we are so that we will fulfill His divine purpose. In every human heart is an imprint of God. We are all made in HIs likeness. If we submit to his working an will, that better man or woman will be revealed. In our text, Jesus addresses him as Simon Bar-Jona, but in the next verse, he is Peter upon whom the church will be built. The Peter we first meet and get to know is not someone that anyone of us would anticipate amounting to anything in the kingdom of God. Oh, but the work and transformation that took place in Peter's life. There was a better man in Simon-Peter and Jesus was intent in bringing it out. That same divine purpose in Simon-Peter, is in us. God knows there are flaws in us, but He works that into His overall plan. The transformation is not an overnight process. It is a lot of trial and error. It is one step forward, and two steps back. It is a lot of prayer. We must not give up before God finishes His work. As much as we may think it is hopeless, God is not finished. It takes time for God to work it out. He has not written us off. He is trying to reveal in us the beauty that is hidden inside. It has been said that our prayers are not answered not when we have received what we have ask, but when we are challenged to be what we can be. Jesus grew up in a carpenter's shop. One of the things about wood working is how much can be hidden in a p… Mark Hughes 1992 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20332843/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ourconflictwithdivinepurpose/id/2291254.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20332843 Scripture: Matthew 16:16-16:18 Thu, 26 Feb 2015 04:30:26 +0000 Mark Hughes Paul's explanation of the Lord's supper is significant not only of the rites of a ceremony, but for our remembrance of the meaning of the taking of communion. We must remember that our salvation was paid at a great price. We must never forget the price of redeeming our life. He paid a price for our salvation and in so doing, He place a value on our life. By doing what He did, He revealed the magnitude of His love for us. God saw something in all of us that God deemed to be worthy of saving. Do not live a cheapened life, because our life has a great value to God. The world presents a view of life that is cheap and tawdry. Pop culture celebrates, and presents as normal, cheap and trashy living. The amount of money someone has does not prevent them from living cheaply. We live cheaply when we fail to recognize the value of the body and life that God has given us, we fail to realize the potential that God has placed in us. Paul says that someone who partakes the Lord’s supper without proper reverence and consideration fails to discern the body of Christ. The body can refer to our physical body as well as the church we discern the body In our physical bodies we look past the imperfections to see the purpose. None of us have a perfect body, but none of us are willing to cut off our arm because it hurts. The church is the same. We will have struggles and issues, but we cannot do harm to the body just because there is some struggles. Just as we value or own bodies, we must value the body of Christ that is the church. Paul's explanation of the Lord's supper is significant not only of the rites of a ceremony, but for our remembrance of the meaning of the taking of communion. We must remember that our salvation was paid at a great price. We must never forget the price of redeeming our life. He paid a price for our salvation and in so doing, He place a value on our life. By doing what He did, He revealed the magnitude of His love for us. God saw something in all of us that God deemed to be worthy of saving. Do not live a cheapened life, because our life has a great value to God. The world presents a view of life that is cheap and tawdry. Pop culture celebrates, and presents as normal, cheap and trashy living. The amount of money someone has does not prevent them from living cheaply. We live cheaply when we fail to recognize the value of the body and life that God has given us, we fail to realize the potential that God has placed in us. Paul says that someone who partakes the Lord’s supper without proper reverence and consideration fails to discern the body of Christ. The body can refer to our physical body as well as the church we discern the body In our physical bodies we look past the imperfections to see the purpose. None of us have a perfect body, but none of us are willing to cut off our arm because it hurts. The church is the same. We will have struggles and issues, but we cannot do harm to the body just because there is some struggles. Just as we value or own bodies, we must value the body of Christ that is the church. Paul's explanation of the Lord's supper is significant not only of the rites of a ceremony, but for our remembrance of the meaning of the taking of communion. We must remember that our salvation was paid at a great price. We must never forget the pri… Mark Hughes 2641 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20330098/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_discerningthebody/id/2288637.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20330098 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:29-11 Mon, 23 Feb 2015 04:00:05 +0000 Landon Long We have all experienced the excitement of opening presents on Christmas morning only to find that the most sought after present requires batteries that are not included. In our text, there are people looking for answers. Jesus told them to go and wait in Jereulisum and He would send them a gift. The Holy Ghost began to fall on people there, and onlookers ask what must we do to receive this? They came expecting to receive their gift. They received their gift, and unlike our Christmas morning story, they did not have to wait on power. The power of God took over and it sounded like a mighty wind. A battery is something placed into a device that supplies it power. The gift of the Holy Ghost works immediately without having to wait for more power. When the power of God falls on to people, it causes us to want to take that power to other people. When God gives us the Holy Ghost, He gives us power. The bible tells us: "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." The power is included when we receive the gift, all we have to do is turn it on. Prayer turns it on. There is power in prayer. As adults we are too analytical. To a child, when they are given a toy, they believe it will work. They don't need to know the internal workings, all they want to know is how to turn the power on. Jesus said we would need child like faith. We don't need to know how it works, we simply need to turn it on. David stood before the giant with enough power to do the job. It was not David, but God who supplied the power. There is a power in each of us that is unmatchable. God is working in us and on our behalf. In us is the power to overcome, the power to be saved, the power to be healed. We come with power in the name that is above all names. There is power in the name of Jesus. When we feel out batteries draining, we need to plug into the power of God and recharge. As children we cringed when we saw the words "Batteries Not Include" on a gift. The holy ghost is a wonderful gift from God and the batteries are included. We have all experienced the excitement of opening presents on Christmas morning only to find that the most sought after present requires batteries that are not included. In our text, there are people looking for answers. Jesus told them to go and wait in Jereulisum and He would send them a gift. The Holy Ghost began to fall on people there, and onlookers ask what must we do to receive this? They came expecting to receive their gift. They received their gift, and unlike our Christmas morning story, they did not have to wait on power. The power of God took over and it sounded like a mighty wind. A battery is something placed into a device that supplies it power. The gift of the Holy Ghost works immediately without having to wait for more power. When the power of God falls on to people, it causes us to want to take that power to other people. When God gives us the Holy Ghost, He gives us power. The bible tells us: "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." The power is included when we receive the gift, all we have to do is turn it on. Prayer turns it on. There is power in prayer. As adults we are too analytical. To a child, when they are given a toy, they believe it will work. They don't need to know the internal workings, all they want to know is how to turn the power on. Jesus said we would need child like faith. We don't need to know how it works, we simply need to turn it on. David stood before the giant with enough power to do the job. It was not David, but God who supplied the power. There is a power in each of us that is unmatchable. God is working in us and on our behalf. In us is the power to overcome, the power to be saved, the power to be healed. We come with power in the name that is above all names. There is power in the name of Jesus. When we feel out batteries draining, we need to plug into the power of God and recharge. As children we cringed when we saw the words "Batteries Not Include" on a gift. The holy ghost is a wonderful gift from God and the batteries are included. We have all experienced the excitement of opening presents on Christmas morning only to find that the most sought after present requires batteries that are not included. In our text, there are people looking for answers. Jesus told them to go and wai… Landon Long 2008 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20327751/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_batteriesincluded/id/2286328.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20327751 Scripture: Acts 2:38-2, Acts 1:8-1 Sun, 22 Feb 2015 21:23:59 +0000 Mark Hughes There is nothing that is harder to understand than life. Getting through today and dealing with tomorrow is challenging. Just when we think life is going up, it twists and goes down. When we think it is falling apart, everything seems to come together. None of us upon looking back over our life would predict the path that it has taken. Things come along that we do not expect. Some of the greatest trials in life come on the heels of us being closer to God than we have ever been. Our text illustrates the twists and turns in life. Of all the people in the bible, Elijah is perhaps one of the last we would expect to say: It is enough, let me die. He utters these words just after standing firm in the face of adversity and receiving blessings from God. At this point in his life Elijah should have been standing confident, but we see him here giving up and ready to die. Elijah was running away. He has run somewhere around 100 miles on foot. He crawls under a juniper tree in the desert and asks God to take his life. In chapters 17 and 18 he is on top and in 19 he is giving up and ready to die. We are also susceptible to these pendulum swings in our life. Our text is an expression of something that we all live with. Elijah is a man of confidence and power. He faces formidable foes and came away victorious. He had been a man of great action. He had beaten the false prophets. But in chapter 19, he was not acting to life, but reacting. He moved form acting with direction to reacting to what life brought his way. When we start reacting to life there are a domino falling action of events that can spiral out of control. The first place this shows up is in our thinking. The thing that seemed so sure the day before, are now cloudy. He began to question what God had told him. Our reasoning to become flawed when we react. Our mind begins to play tricks on us. When this happens we start thinking our way into the dump and before we know it, we have accelerated to the bottom. The next domino is that we begin to focus on how fragile we are. We think we are at our limits. Then we lose control of his emotion. The things that were our strength, becomes our enemy. Fear shows up. The opposite of fear is not strength, but faith. Once fear shows up , we begin to question things that we were sure of. When we start reacting to life, fear shows up and then courage goes away. After fear shows up and courage leaves, we become defensive. We feel as if we cannot trust anyone. This is a place of self preservation. In this stange, walls are erected to keep people out. Like Elijah people in this stage of reacting run. They run from church to church, from job to job, from friend to friend. Elijah was running away from not to what God called him to do. When we are running away from and not to something. When we run in the right direction, God will provide what we need, but when we run away, there will be no provision. When we react to life, we are focused no our problems not God. When we react to life, it will cause us to do a wise thing in an unwise way. When he fell down under the tree, Elijah began to pray. Praying is good, but he was praying in the wrong way. When we react to life, it will ultimately affect what we say about life. Elijah had given up and was ready to die. When we start comparing ourselves to others, we will always come up wanting. God does not measure us against others standards, He asks us to live up to His standards. God has a unique plan for each of our lives, so comparing ourselves to others is not even relevant. When we start reacting to life, we set ourselves on a path that can result in a downward spiral. This is the dangers of reacting. There is nothing that is harder to understand than life. Getting through today and dealing with tomorrow is challenging. Just when we think life is going up, it twists and goes down. When we think it is falling apart, everything seems to come together. None of us upon looking back over our life would predict the path that it has taken. Things come along that we do not expect. Some of the greatest trials in life come on the heels of us being closer to God than we have ever been. Our text illustrates the twists and turns in life. Of all the people in the bible, Elijah is perhaps one of the last we would expect to say: It is enough, let me die. He utters these words just after standing firm in the face of adversity and receiving blessings from God. At this point in his life Elijah should have been standing confident, but we see him here giving up and ready to die. Elijah was running away. He has run somewhere around 100 miles on foot. He crawls under a juniper tree in the desert and asks God to take his life. In chapters 17 and 18 he is on top and in 19 he is giving up and ready to die. We are also susceptible to these pendulum swings in our life. Our text is an expression of something that we all live with. Elijah is a man of confidence and power. He faces formidable foes and came away victorious. He had been a man of great action. He had beaten the false prophets. But in chapter 19, he was not acting to life, but reacting. He moved form acting with direction to reacting to what life brought his way. When we start reacting to life there are a domino falling action of events that can spiral out of control. The first place this shows up is in our thinking. The thing that seemed so sure the day before, are now cloudy. He began to question what God had told him. Our reasoning to become flawed when we react. Our mind begins to play tricks on us. When this happens we start thinking our way into the dump and before we know it, we have accelerated to the bottom. The next domino is that we begin to focus on how fragile we are. We think we are at our limits. Then we lose control of his emotion. The things that were our strength, becomes our enemy. Fear shows up. The opposite of fear is not strength, but faith. Once fear shows up , we begin to question things that we were sure of. When we start reacting to life, fear shows up and then courage goes away. After fear shows up and courage leaves, we become defensive. We feel as if we cannot trust anyone. This is a place of self preservation. In this stange, walls are erected to keep people out. Like Elijah people in this stage of reacting run. They run from church to church, from job to job, from friend to friend. Elijah was running away from not to what God called him to do. When we are running away from and not to something. When we run in the right direction, God will provide what we need, but when we run away, there will be no provision. When we react to life, we are focused no our problems not God. When we react to life, it will cause us to do a wise thing in an unwise way. When he fell down under the tree, Elijah began to pray. Praying is good, but he was praying in the wrong way. When we react to life, it will ultimately affect what we say about life. Elijah had given up and was ready to die. When we start comparing ourselves to others, we will always come up wanting. God does not measure us against others standards, He asks us to live up to His standards. God has a unique plan for each of our lives, so comparing ourselves to others is not even relevant. When we start reacting to life, we set ourselves on a path that can result in a downward spiral. This is the dangers of reacting. There is nothing that is harder to understand than life. Getting through today and dealing with tomorrow is challenging. Just when we think life is going up, it twists and goes down. When we think it is falling apart, everything seems to come togeth… Mark Hughes 2678 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20327244/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thedangersofreacting/id/2285785.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20327244 Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-19:4 Mon, 16 Feb 2015 04:33:41 +0000 Dennis Rushing Out first text we have the first set of siblings in all of creation. Both brothers had brought offerings to the Lord, but God accepted the offering from Able, but not for Cain. When this happened, Cain became angry and slew his brother. The bible tells us that the blood of Able screamed out from the ground. This is because it was innocent blood. The bible explains in Deuteronomy the process that would be followed if a man were to be found dead without any one knowing who had done it. They had to go through a process to offer a sacrifice to atone for the innocent blood. Today in our world, the enemy roams our neighborhoods and cities for souls to steal, kill and destroy. It is the church's job to offer a place of refuge and safety. If a soul is lost to Satan, will there be a process for the church to deal with the innocent blood that is spilled? When a soul is lost, are we guilty for not hearing them when they called out for help? In the reading from Acts we find Peter received a revelation to go to Cornelius's home. Cornelius was as a Gentile and Jewish culture was that Jews and Gentiles did not mix. Because Peter obeyed God's word, the gospel was brought to the Gentiles. Peter did not say, as Cain had said "I am not my borhter's keeper" He went and obeyed. As the church, we are to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world. We cannot simply stand by and ignore their crys for help. A world of Cornelius' are waiting for the word of God. Out first text we have the first set of siblings in all of creation. Both brothers had brought offerings to the Lord, but God accepted the offering from Able, but not for Cain. When this happened, Cain became angry and slew his brother. The bible tells us that the blood of Able screamed out from the ground. This is because it was innocent blood. The bible explains in Deuteronomy the process that would be followed if a man were to be found dead without any one knowing who had done it. They had to go through a process to offer a sacrifice to atone for the innocent blood. Today in our world, the enemy roams our neighborhoods and cities for souls to steal, kill and destroy. It is the church's job to offer a place of refuge and safety. If a soul is lost to Satan, will there be a process for the church to deal with the innocent blood that is spilled? When a soul is lost, are we guilty for not hearing them when they called out for help? In the reading from Acts we find Peter received a revelation to go to Cornelius's home. Cornelius was as a Gentile and Jewish culture was that Jews and Gentiles did not mix. Because Peter obeyed God's word, the gospel was brought to the Gentiles. Peter did not say, as Cain had said "I am not my borhter's keeper" He went and obeyed. As the church, we are to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world. We cannot simply stand by and ignore their crys for help. A world of Cornelius' are waiting for the word of God. Out first text we have the first set of siblings in all of creation. Both brothers had brought offerings to the Lord, but God accepted the offering from Able, but not for Cain. When this happened, Cain became angry and slew his brother. The bible te… Dennis Rushing 1350 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20321959/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_corneliusiswaiting/id/2280875.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20321959 Scripture: Genesis 4:8-4:10, Deuteronomy 21:1-21:9, Acts 10:10 Sun, 15 Feb 2015 20:34:56 +0000 Landon Long In most things in line almost is not good enough. We can go to many things, but unless we go through it, we have not accomplished anything. If a runner running the race does not cross the finish line, he has not accomplished anything. Sometimes God leads us to it, and we must rely on Him to lead us through it. There may be an obstacle in our path, but God has brought us to something to see us through it. God did not bring us to the valley to leave us. He LEADS us through the valley. We need to rejoice in going through something, because on the other side is blessing. If we are going through something, God hears our cry and will pick us up out of the miry clay and set them on solid ground. We sometimes question God when we are going through something. It is not a sin to do this. job questioned God, but He did not sin in doing so. After Job questioned, God replied that He had some questions. His questions put into perspective that God has it all in His control. We do not have to understand what we may be facing, but God knows. He knows the beginning and the ending. The God that can create the heavens and the earth can more than handle whatever problem we may have. He knows what He is doing. He will get us through it. In our text Moses was leading the people out of Egypt. When God called him, Moses doubted and protested. God simply said go. Every time there seemed to be an obstacle, God provided a way through miracles and wonders. When they reached the Red Sea, Moses did not know how to do it, but God provided him with instructions. God brought Israel to the Red Sea and then through it. There was certainly fear and wonder in them as they walked on the dry seabed with walls of water on both sides. The did not understand what was happening, but they went through. When they got to the other side, they still had to endure the wilderness. Sometimes when we get through something, God needs to take us through something else. Through it all, God has it in control. God does not bring us to an obstacle and leave us there. He is right there with us along the way. In most things in line almost is not good enough. We can go to many things, but unless we go through it, we have not accomplished anything. If a runner running the race does not cross the finish line, he has not accomplished anything. Sometimes God leads us to it, and we must rely on Him to lead us through it. There may be an obstacle in our path, but God has brought us to something to see us through it. God did not bring us to the valley to leave us. He LEADS us through the valley. We need to rejoice in going through something, because on the other side is blessing. If we are going through something, God hears our cry and will pick us up out of the miry clay and set them on solid ground. We sometimes question God when we are going through something. It is not a sin to do this. job questioned God, but He did not sin in doing so. After Job questioned, God replied that He had some questions. His questions put into perspective that God has it all in His control. We do not have to understand what we may be facing, but God knows. He knows the beginning and the ending. The God that can create the heavens and the earth can more than handle whatever problem we may have. He knows what He is doing. He will get us through it. In our text Moses was leading the people out of Egypt. When God called him, Moses doubted and protested. God simply said go. Every time there seemed to be an obstacle, God provided a way through miracles and wonders. When they reached the Red Sea, Moses did not know how to do it, but God provided him with instructions. God brought Israel to the Red Sea and then through it. There was certainly fear and wonder in them as they walked on the dry seabed with walls of water on both sides. The did not understand what was happening, but they went through. When they got to the other side, they still had to endure the wilderness. Sometimes when we get through something, God needs to take us through something else. Through it all, God has it in control. God does not bring us to an obstacle and leave us there. He is right there with us along the way. In most things in line almost is not good enough. We can go to many things, but unless we go through it, we have not accomplished anything. If a runner running the race does not cross the finish line, he has not accomplished anything. Sometimes God … Landon Long 1914 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20321334/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thedifferenceoftoandthrough/id/2280218.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20321334 Scripture: Exodus 14:15-14:26, Psalms 23:23 Thu, 12 Feb 2015 04:28:22 +0000 Mark Hughes In biblical times the Jews had little to do with the Sumerians. There was a seething animosity that had existed for many years before Christ came. It happened that the quickest way to get from Judea to Samaria, or to Galilee, was through Samaria. It would take about three days that way, or twice as long to go another way. In our text, Jesus was traveling through Samaria to Galilee. Many, including the disciples could easily think that this trip by Jesus was simple convenience to move into another area for ministry. Nothing happens by chance for God. It was hot and uncomfortable on this trip. Along the way, Jesus stopped at Jacob's well to rest. The traveling party went on into town and Jesus was there by himself. It is here that He encountered the woman at the well. It might seem like a chance meeting, but it was not. It was to mark a significant change in her life. The disciples returned from town to find her talking to this Sumerian woman. hey were not too happy to find this situation. She breaks away to go tell her town about Jesus and the disciples began to talk to Jesus about his encounter. The disciples were so focused on getting out of Sumeria, that they missed that He was ministering. To the disciples, Samaria was just a place to pass through. It was unpleasant and they did not like it. They wanted nothing to do with these people. The quicker they could get out of there, the better they would feel. Jesus reminds them that there was a harvest to be had right there in that miserable place. Jesus saw opportunity in their misery. They were trying to get through it, and Jesus was trying to show them the promise that was right before them. He was trying to show them that in the very place of their misery, He saw possibility. Many of us are like those disciples. We are in such a hurry to get through an unpleasant situation, that we may be missing an opportunity that God has for us to glorify the Kingdom. What are we missing because we are in such a hurry to get through? What if God purposely brought us to this unwanted place so He could reveal his power? Why wait for a better day that we can see coming to praise Him? Praise him right where we are, and look for the opportunities that God has presented. God's promises are good and true no matter where we are. No matter if we are in Judea or Galilee, or Samaria, God has a blessing for us. Right were we are is the greatest opportunity for God to show His strength. If we will just open our eyes we can see what we are missing. In biblical times the Jews had little to do with the Sumerians. There was a seething animosity that had existed for many years before Christ came. It happened that the quickest way to get from Judea to Samaria, or to Galilee, was through Samaria. It would take about three days that way, or twice as long to go another way. In our text, Jesus was traveling through Samaria to Galilee. Many, including the disciples could easily think that this trip by Jesus was simple convenience to move into another area for ministry. Nothing happens by chance for God. It was hot and uncomfortable on this trip. Along the way, Jesus stopped at Jacob's well to rest. The traveling party went on into town and Jesus was there by himself. It is here that He encountered the woman at the well. It might seem like a chance meeting, but it was not. It was to mark a significant change in her life. The disciples returned from town to find her talking to this Sumerian woman. hey were not too happy to find this situation. She breaks away to go tell her town about Jesus and the disciples began to talk to Jesus about his encounter. The disciples were so focused on getting out of Sumeria, that they missed that He was ministering. To the disciples, Samaria was just a place to pass through. It was unpleasant and they did not like it. They wanted nothing to do with these people. The quicker they could get out of there, the better they would feel. Jesus reminds them that there was a harvest to be had right there in that miserable place. Jesus saw opportunity in their misery. They were trying to get through it, and Jesus was trying to show them the promise that was right before them. He was trying to show them that in the very place of their misery, He saw possibility. Many of us are like those disciples. We are in such a hurry to get through an unpleasant situation, that we may be missing an opportunity that God has for us to glorify the Kingdom. What are we missing because we are in such a hurry to get through? What if God purposely brought us to this unwanted place so He could reveal his power? Why wait for a better day that we can see coming to praise Him? Praise him right where we are, and look for the opportunities that God has presented. God's promises are good and true no matter where we are. No matter if we are in Judea or Galilee, or Samaria, God has a blessing for us. Right were we are is the greatest opportunity for God to show His strength. If we will just open our eyes we can see what we are missing. In biblical times the Jews had little to do with the Sumerians. There was a seething animosity that had existed for many years before Christ came. It happened that the quickest way to get from Judea to Samaria, or to Galilee, was through Samaria. I… Mark Hughes 2431 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20318512/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatarewemissing/id/2277897.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20318512 Scripture: John 4:34-4:36 Mon, 09 Feb 2015 04:22:45 +0000 Mark Hughes Very seldom do we get to live life in ideal circumstances. The way we imagined life is rarely the way it plays out. No one who is an alcoholic or a drug addict set out to become that. We find that things in life break,a nd usually they break at the most inopportune time. At those times, we have a choice. Do we quit. Do we join the list of complainers who sit in their situations and do nothing but complain. Or do we do as Job did, and pick up from what he had and praise God? Many of us are dealing with broken things in life. Sometimes in life, we have to quit complaining and move on. Life is not fair, but that does not mean that life is ruined. What we decide to do in moments like that, determine how life will go. We must learn to play the hand we are dealt, and not bemoan the one we wanted. Sometimes things do happen in life. Some things life are our own fault. But when these things happen, we cannot stay on the sideline. We have to do the best we can do with what we have left. It is not what God gives us that matters, it is what we do with it that matters. In the parable of the talents, the man who received only one talent had the same opportunity to be blessed as the one who received five, but he chose to check out and do nothing with it. Some say that they won't do anything if they cannot do it perfectly. God is not interested in perfect, He is perfect and does not need us do that. He wants us to do the best we can with what He gives us. Even if we seem to be down to nothing, we really are not. We still have God. Job still had God and he chose to move forward with that. In the darkness of the situation he was in, Job did not make a life changing decision. He continued to praise and worship God no matter what. Do not make a life altering decision in the dark. Wait for the light that WILL come. When life is dark, we must live by what we received in the light. God knew when He put us here that life would not be perfect. In side of us is everything we need to handle all in life that we face. So what do we do when we are down to nothing? We pick up the pieces and do the best we can with what we have left. Very seldom do we get to live life in ideal circumstances. The way we imagined life is rarely the way it plays out. No one who is an alcoholic or a drug addict set out to become that. We find that things in life break,a nd usually they break at the most inopportune time. At those times, we have a choice. Do we quit. Do we join the list of complainers who sit in their situations and do nothing but complain. Or do we do as Job did, and pick up from what he had and praise God? Many of us are dealing with broken things in life. Sometimes in life, we have to quit complaining and move on. Life is not fair, but that does not mean that life is ruined. What we decide to do in moments like that, determine how life will go. We must learn to play the hand we are dealt, and not bemoan the one we wanted. Sometimes things do happen in life. Some things life are our own fault. But when these things happen, we cannot stay on the sideline. We have to do the best we can do with what we have left. It is not what God gives us that matters, it is what we do with it that matters. In the parable of the talents, the man who received only one talent had the same opportunity to be blessed as the one who received five, but he chose to check out and do nothing with it. Some say that they won't do anything if they cannot do it perfectly. God is not interested in perfect, He is perfect and does not need us do that. He wants us to do the best we can with what He gives us. Even if we seem to be down to nothing, we really are not. We still have God. Job still had God and he chose to move forward with that. In the darkness of the situation he was in, Job did not make a life changing decision. He continued to praise and worship God no matter what. Do not make a life altering decision in the dark. Wait for the light that WILL come. When life is dark, we must live by what we received in the light. God knew when He put us here that life would not be perfect. In side of us is everything we need to handle all in life that we face. So what do we do when we are down to nothing? We pick up the pieces and do the best we can with what we have left. Very seldom do we get to live life in ideal circumstances. The way we imagined life is rarely the way it plays out. No one who is an alcoholic or a drug addict set out to become that. We find that things in life break,a nd usually they break at the … Mark Hughes 2045 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20315980/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenyouaredowntonothing/id/2275383.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20315980 Scripture: Job 1:13-1:22, Job 2:9-2:10 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 03:58:15 +0000 Mark Hughes We live in an extremely unstable world and an unstable time. Chaotic is a word that defines the times in which we live. Change is constant and quick in our lives. Currents from all sides come together to create treacherous travel for us as we navigate through life. Many of the things we grew up accepting and understanding have been challenged and swept away to make way for more progressive ideas. God is still God and He is unchanging. What was sin then, is still sin now. People are being swept off their feet by the currents and changes in our world. We can easily describe our times as slippery. Values, principles and morals are slipping rapidly. Not only these concepts, people are slipping. When we are slipping, it is difficult to retain our composure. Anyone who has ever slipped on ice or a wet floor, knows the embarrassment of flailing around trying to keep from falling. In our text, David gives a sense of slipping. He is calling out to God to steady his footing. We do not know when David wrote these words. Some say it was when he was young. Other say it was when he was older. No matter when it happens, slipping is a danger that all of us face. Young, middle aged, or old, we all are sustainable to loosing our footing in life. None of us are exempt from slipping. If we are not careful and are not vigilant about keeping our footing, we can all slip in these troubling times. Out text indicates that David was aware of the possibility of slipping, but more than that, he was aware of the consequences of slipping. Sometimes the only thing that keeps us from slipping is the knowledge that slipping at this moment would be disastrous. David calls out to God to steady him so that his feet would not slip. One who cannot hold on, cannot carry on. A man who cannot maintain his footing, will never advance in his spiritual life. So how do we keep our footing in slippery times? First old fashion convictions will still keep our feet from slipping. There is a confidence in David that is understood in the words of Psalms 17. His confidence was that God was going to uphold him. More than confidence in God, we must have personal beliefs and convictions that will keep us. It is better to live in the center of God's will rather than living on the edge and risk falling off. Convictions will help us stand. Convictions will help us withstand the currents of the world. We must remain true to our convictions despite what our emotions or the current circumstance may say. Secondly, Faith will help us keep our footing. We must stand on the belief that in spite of everything happening, that God is still in control. God is still on the throne and is in control of our destiny. He is able, and He is willing to help. In our time of crisis, we know that God will see us through. There are times in life when all we can do is hold on and trust God to deliver on His promise. Finally, our own experience will help us keep our footing. We all have a testimony. God has proven Himself so many times in each of our lives. God is unchanging. If He did it then, He will do it again. If we will put ourselves in the right place, God will show up and take care of it. We stand on our experience. We worship in our experience. We must praise God and worship Him from the experiences we have had in the past. Remembering convictions, standing on faith and remembering past experiences. That is how to keep your footing in slippery times. We live in an extremely unstable world and an unstable time. Chaotic is a word that defines the times in which we live. Change is constant and quick in our lives. Currents from all sides come together to create treacherous travel for us as we navigate through life. Many of the things we grew up accepting and understanding have been challenged and swept away to make way for more progressive ideas. God is still God and He is unchanging. What was sin then, is still sin now. People are being swept off their feet by the currents and changes in our world. We can easily describe our times as slippery. Values, principles and morals are slipping rapidly. Not only these concepts, people are slipping. When we are slipping, it is difficult to retain our composure. Anyone who has ever slipped on ice or a wet floor, knows the embarrassment of flailing around trying to keep from falling. In our text, David gives a sense of slipping. He is calling out to God to steady his footing. We do not know when David wrote these words. Some say it was when he was young. Other say it was when he was older. No matter when it happens, slipping is a danger that all of us face. Young, middle aged, or old, we all are sustainable to loosing our footing in life. None of us are exempt from slipping. If we are not careful and are not vigilant about keeping our footing, we can all slip in these troubling times. Out text indicates that David was aware of the possibility of slipping, but more than that, he was aware of the consequences of slipping. Sometimes the only thing that keeps us from slipping is the knowledge that slipping at this moment would be disastrous. David calls out to God to steady him so that his feet would not slip. One who cannot hold on, cannot carry on. A man who cannot maintain his footing, will never advance in his spiritual life. So how do we keep our footing in slippery times? First old fashion convictions will still keep our feet from slipping. There is a confidence in David that is understood in the words of Psalms 17. His confidence was that God was going to uphold him. More than confidence in God, we must have personal beliefs and convictions that will keep us. It is better to live in the center of God's will rather than living on the edge and risk falling off. Convictions will help us stand. Convictions will help us withstand the currents of the world. We must remain true to our convictions despite what our emotions or the current circumstance may say. Secondly, Faith will help us keep our footing. We must stand on the belief that in spite of everything happening, that God is still in control. God is still on the throne and is in control of our destiny. He is able, and He is willing to help. In our time of crisis, we know that God will see us through. There are times in life when all we can do is hold on and trust God to deliver on His promise. Finally, our own experience will help us keep our footing. We all have a testimony. God has proven Himself so many times in each of our lives. God is unchanging. If He did it then, He will do it again. If we will put ourselves in the right place, God will show up and take care of it. We stand on our experience. We worship in our experience. We must praise God and worship Him from the experiences we have had in the past. Remembering convictions, standing on faith and remembering past experiences. That is how to keep your footing in slippery times. We live in an extremely unstable world and an unstable time. Chaotic is a word that defines the times in which we live. Change is constant and quick in our lives. Currents from all sides come together to create treacherous travel for us as we naviga… Mark Hughes 3466 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20312185/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtokeepyourfootinginslippery/id/2271800.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20312185 Scripture: Psalms 17:5-17, Psalms 18:36-18 Sun, 01 Feb 2015 21:56:44 +0000 Kenneth Baker There has never been a individual who elver lived on the earth that obtained such notoriety in such a short period of time as Jesus. When he walked the earth, He changed the religious world of the time and since that time He has had an impact and influence in millions of people's life. Satan knows who Jesus is and about His identity. Satan will do everything he can to keep Jesus from having an influence in our lives. The enemy will twist the truth to the point where we do not even recognize it. Jesus did not come to earth to turn water to wine. He did not come to heal the sick. He came to break the yoke of bondage created by sin. He came to restore our purpose and bring peace to our troubled minds. He came to destroy the hold of sin on humanity. We are quick to point to Acts 2 as the point where it all changed because of the Holy Ghost. We are right to do that, but there would have been no day of Pentecost without Calvary. Before He could send His spirit, he had to sacrifice His son. Jesus offered himself and Calvary began the turning point for humanity. The offering of sacrifice for sin had gone on for generations. But that blood offering would only last for a year. The Blood of Jesus offers a lifetime forgiveness for sin. There are many churches today that do not preach the blood, but our focus must be on the blood that sanctified us and gave us salvation. We would not be here if it were not for the blood. There are blessings that are only made possible through the blood. First we are redeemed by His blood. Humanity changed in the garden because of sin. Ownership of humanity changed from God to the enemy. The only way redemption is possible is by paying a price. To redeem means to buy or pay off. Our text tells us that we have not been redeemed by things of earthly value, but it was the price of the blood of Christ that paid our price of redemption. He paid the price so that we did not have to. Secondly we are justified by His blood. The blood not only bought us, it changed us. We see through the eyes of the flesh, but God see through the eyes of the spirit. God did not die for us at our best, He died for us at our worst. While we were yet sinners, God died for us. In God's eyes, once the blood is applied, it is just as if the sin never happened. We can all have a brand new start no matter how ugly it may have been. God can take our failures and mistakes, and wash it all away. Once the blood is applied, we are made whiter than snow. What once defined us is inviable to God. Far too often we cannot forgive ourselves, but God has already forgiven us. When the devil tries to remind us of what we once were, we can tell him that all things have become new! Thirdly, we are empowered by his blood. There is power in the blood. When we do not know what to pray, plead the blood! Plead the blood where we cannot go, pleade the blood where we cannot reach. What we cannot do, the blood can do. Jesus did many things in His early ministry, but the purpose of his coming to earth, was to die for our sins. Because of our loving father, we can all enjoy the blessings of the blood. There has never been a individual who elver lived on the earth that obtained such notoriety in such a short period of time as Jesus. When he walked the earth, He changed the religious world of the time and since that time He has had an impact and influence in millions of people's life. Satan knows who Jesus is and about His identity. Satan will do everything he can to keep Jesus from having an influence in our lives. The enemy will twist the truth to the point where we do not even recognize it. Jesus did not come to earth to turn water to wine. He did not come to heal the sick. He came to break the yoke of bondage created by sin. He came to restore our purpose and bring peace to our troubled minds. He came to destroy the hold of sin on humanity. We are quick to point to Acts 2 as the point where it all changed because of the Holy Ghost. We are right to do that, but there would have been no day of Pentecost without Calvary. Before He could send His spirit, he had to sacrifice His son. Jesus offered himself and Calvary began the turning point for humanity. The offering of sacrifice for sin had gone on for generations. But that blood offering would only last for a year. The Blood of Jesus offers a lifetime forgiveness for sin. There are many churches today that do not preach the blood, but our focus must be on the blood that sanctified us and gave us salvation. We would not be here if it were not for the blood. There are blessings that are only made possible through the blood. First we are redeemed by His blood. Humanity changed in the garden because of sin. Ownership of humanity changed from God to the enemy. The only way redemption is possible is by paying a price. To redeem means to buy or pay off. Our text tells us that we have not been redeemed by things of earthly value, but it was the price of the blood of Christ that paid our price of redemption. He paid the price so that we did not have to. Secondly we are justified by His blood. The blood not only bought us, it changed us. We see through the eyes of the flesh, but God see through the eyes of the spirit. God did not die for us at our best, He died for us at our worst. While we were yet sinners, God died for us. In God's eyes, once the blood is applied, it is just as if the sin never happened. We can all have a brand new start no matter how ugly it may have been. God can take our failures and mistakes, and wash it all away. Once the blood is applied, we are made whiter than snow. What once defined us is inviable to God. Far too often we cannot forgive ourselves, but God has already forgiven us. When the devil tries to remind us of what we once were, we can tell him that all things have become new! Thirdly, we are empowered by his blood. There is power in the blood. When we do not know what to pray, plead the blood! Plead the blood where we cannot go, pleade the blood where we cannot reach. What we cannot do, the blood can do. Jesus did many things in His early ministry, but the purpose of his coming to earth, was to die for our sins. Because of our loving father, we can all enjoy the blessings of the blood. There has never been a individual who elver lived on the earth that obtained such notoriety in such a short period of time as Jesus. When he walked the earth, He changed the religious world of the time and since that time He has had an impact and infl… Kenneth Baker 1915 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20309039/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theblessingsoftheblood/id/2268723.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20309039 The blessings of the blood Thu, 29 Jan 2015 04:56:28 +0000 Tyler Stevison Wednesday Night Bible Study The bible is full names that are familiar to us all. We were taught about Joseph, David, Peter, Paul, Ruth, Rehab and may others in Sunday school. All of these men and women are worthy of honor for their role in God's kingdom. There are many many more that we do not know, but their role in God's kingdom is just as important. Our world believes that if you are not somebody, you are nobody. The world's values push us toward notoriety and fame. Some people crave the spotlight. In the kingdom of God, everyone has their role to play. Some preach, some sing or play instruments. Those are very public and visible positions, but they are no more important than other, less glamorous jobs in the church. We all have our role in the kingdom of God and it is custom designed for us. Our texts are from three different locations where a miracle occurred. The subject of these three passages are unknown. We do not know their name. We do not know their talents. But each had a role to play and were happy to be used by God for His purpose. In each of these cases, each had a willingness to just be there. The boy with the loaves and the fish was one among a great multitude. There were over 5000 men and some undetermined number of women and children. This lad was there and happy to be used. He was there to experience the miracle. This boy probably had friends who were not there. Those friends missed out on a miracle. These unknown people had a willingness to do what every was ask of them. At the wedding in Canah, the servants were obedient. They did what needed to be done without question. Mary didn't say please, she just said DO IT. All the jobs in the kingdom are not glamorous, but they are all needed. Not all jobs get a pat on the pack from the pastor. Some jobs in the church just need to be done. We are not doing what we do for recognition, we are doing it for God. Finally these unknown people displayed a willingness to stand out in their society. The world's culture is to conform. God's people must be different than the world. The bible calls us a peculiar people. Anybody can blend in and go along with the world's values. We must go against the grain and be different than the world. We are not separate just to be separate. There is a plan to that separatism. If the world can push their ungodly agenda, we can stand separate and apart from them and proclaim the gospel of Jesus. These three stories are but three examples of people who played a role in a miracle. They allowed God to use them, but we do not even know their name. They are unmentioned but not unnoticed. Wednesday Night Bible Study The bible is full names that are familiar to us all. We were taught about Joseph, David, Peter, Paul, Ruth, Rehab and may others in Sunday school. All of these men and women are worthy of honor for their role in God's kingdom. There are many many more that we do not know, but their role in God's kingdom is just as important. Our world believes that if you are not somebody, you are nobody. The world's values push us toward notoriety and fame. Some people crave the spotlight. In the kingdom of God, everyone has their role to play. Some preach, some sing or play instruments. Those are very public and visible positions, but they are no more important than other, less glamorous jobs in the church. We all have our role in the kingdom of God and it is custom designed for us. Our texts are from three different locations where a miracle occurred. The subject of these three passages are unknown. We do not know their name. We do not know their talents. But each had a role to play and were happy to be used by God for His purpose. In each of these cases, each had a willingness to just be there. The boy with the loaves and the fish was one among a great multitude. There were over 5000 men and some undetermined number of women and children. This lad was there and happy to be used. He was there to experience the miracle. This boy probably had friends who were not there. Those friends missed out on a miracle. These unknown people had a willingness to do what every was ask of them. At the wedding in Canah, the servants were obedient. They did what needed to be done without question. Mary didn't say please, she just said DO IT. All the jobs in the kingdom are not glamorous, but they are all needed. Not all jobs get a pat on the pack from the pastor. Some jobs in the church just need to be done. We are not doing what we do for recognition, we are doing it for God. Finally these unknown people displayed a willingness to stand out in their society. The world's culture is to conform. God's people must be different than the world. The bible calls us a peculiar people. Anybody can blend in and go along with the world's values. We must go against the grain and be different than the world. We are not separate just to be separate. There is a plan to that separatism. If the world can push their ungodly agenda, we can stand separate and apart from them and proclaim the gospel of Jesus. These three stories are but three examples of people who played a role in a miracle. They allowed God to use them, but we do not even know their name. They are unmentioned but not unnoticed. Wednesday Night Bible Study The bible is full names that are familiar to us all. We were taught about Joseph, David, Peter, Paul, Ruth, Rehab and may others in Sunday school. All of these men and women are worthy of honor for their role in God's k… Tyler Stevison 2624 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20305392/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_unmentionedbutnotunnoticed/id/2265642.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20305392 Scripture: Mark 14:12-14:13, John 2:5-2:9, John 6:9-6:11 Mon, 26 Jan 2015 05:32:25 +0000 Kenneth Baker The world in which we live is awe inspiring. It is inconceivable that all the wonders in the world are created by anything other than a divine hand. Things of such intricate complexity and beauty could not have happened by accident. God creates things, and man makes things. God can create out of nothing, and man can use those creations to make things. There are both natural and man made wonders around the globe. These attractions bring many thousands of people every year to see and take pictures of these wonders. Bro. Stevison searched, but was not able to find any example of a natural or man made wonders that included a wilderness. We do not think of a wilderness as a place of beauty or wonder. This is true spiritually too. We like the mountain top experience, but we do not like the wilderness. But tonight, Bro. Stevison sets out to demonstrate the wonder of the wilderness. The world wilderness is derived from the word wild and implies a place that humans do not control. It is a place where we cannot alter God plan. Sometimes the only way that God can have his way with us is to bring us to a wilderness. There are times in life when we will walk through a wilderness. We may wander through it, but we will not wander to it. The wilderness is divinely ordered. We do not get to a wilderness by accident. We do not catch God by surprise. God knows where we are and where we are headed. We may feel like we are stumbling through, but God has a plan for us in the wilderness. He can turn the wilderness into something that is beneficial to our life because the wilderness purges us of unbelief. In the wilderness all we have is faith in God. It was in the wilderness that Jesus was tested. He had to be tested just like you and I. He was tested by affluence, by hunger, and by power. This was preparing Him for what was to come. We see the now, but God knows what is to come. God see where He is taking us. The wilderness is a place of transition. A new level, means a new devil. The enemy will fight any growth in God. Growth and strengthening take effort and pain. Just like exercising and working out, any growth will involve pain. If we want to be like Jesus, we must endure the wilderness and face things that will not be comfortable or enjoyable. When Jesus went into the wilderness, He went full of the Holy Ghost, but when he walked out, He walked out int he power of the Sprint. Our text tells us that he turns the wilderness into standing water and dry ground into a water spring. We may not be able to see it right now, but He will turn that wilderness into a bountiful productive place. The wonder of the wilderness is that God is using it to shape us into what He wants us to be. The world in which we live is awe inspiring. It is inconceivable that all the wonders in the world are created by anything other than a divine hand. Things of such intricate complexity and beauty could not have happened by accident. God creates things, and man makes things. God can create out of nothing, and man can use those creations to make things. There are both natural and man made wonders around the globe. These attractions bring many thousands of people every year to see and take pictures of these wonders. Bro. Stevison searched, but was not able to find any example of a natural or man made wonders that included a wilderness. We do not think of a wilderness as a place of beauty or wonder. This is true spiritually too. We like the mountain top experience, but we do not like the wilderness. But tonight, Bro. Stevison sets out to demonstrate the wonder of the wilderness. The world wilderness is derived from the word wild and implies a place that humans do not control. It is a place where we cannot alter God plan. Sometimes the only way that God can have his way with us is to bring us to a wilderness. There are times in life when we will walk through a wilderness. We may wander through it, but we will not wander to it. The wilderness is divinely ordered. We do not get to a wilderness by accident. We do not catch God by surprise. God knows where we are and where we are headed. We may feel like we are stumbling through, but God has a plan for us in the wilderness. He can turn the wilderness into something that is beneficial to our life because the wilderness purges us of unbelief. In the wilderness all we have is faith in God. It was in the wilderness that Jesus was tested. He had to be tested just like you and I. He was tested by affluence, by hunger, and by power. This was preparing Him for what was to come. We see the now, but God knows what is to come. God see where He is taking us. The wilderness is a place of transition. A new level, means a new devil. The enemy will fight any growth in God. Growth and strengthening take effort and pain. Just like exercising and working out, any growth will involve pain. If we want to be like Jesus, we must endure the wilderness and face things that will not be comfortable or enjoyable. When Jesus went into the wilderness, He went full of the Holy Ghost, but when he walked out, He walked out int he power of the Sprint. Our text tells us that he turns the wilderness into standing water and dry ground into a water spring. We may not be able to see it right now, but He will turn that wilderness into a bountiful productive place. The wonder of the wilderness is that God is using it to shape us into what He wants us to be. The world in which we live is awe inspiring. It is inconceivable that all the wonders in the world are created by anything other than a divine hand. Things of such intricate complexity and beauty could not have happened by accident. God creates thin… Kenneth Baker 2313 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20301386/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thelinkbetweenrevelationandtra/id/2263111.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20301386 The link between revelation and transformation Mon, 26 Jan 2015 05:12:13 +0000 Kenneth Baker Every day humanity seems to be come more lost. People try to fulfill themselves and their purpose through their own talents and efforts. People who do not know God try to fill the void in their hearts with various things: alcohol, promiscuity, drugs, other vices. This desire to fill that void goes all the way back to the garden. This void that humanity has in their life will only be fulfilled by God. Even the best among us are not living the life that God intended because sin an disobedience that entered at the garden. Because of the act of sin, God's prized creation was banned from his presence and were sent away to seek redemption. There is a desire embedded in everyone's heart to change and be better. God is not an angry Tyrant waiting to condemn those who anger Him. Some try to characterize God that way and ask: Why would a God who loved us, let these things happen in our life? That is a misguided question. God is constantly trying to draw us toward Him. It is not God's will for anyone to live a hopeless life. It is not Gods will for his creation to be tormented by things that happened years ago. We all want change. Change starts with us. God has a new start and can turn lives around. No matter how how we fell that our life is messed up, God can turn it around and bring us back into fellowship with Him. In order to take advantage of that promise, we must get a revelation of who God is. That revelation will lead to transformation. Once we understand who God is and we take a step toward Him, we begin a path that will lead to salvation. We get a revelation from God, and then act in obedience, He will provide another revelation. In our text, we find a man of great power and importance in the court of the queen. We can infer that since he was reading the prophet, he had some level of belief. He was seeking and had a void in his heart. He was reading, but he didn't understand. He needed a revelation. Philip started with the same scripture he was reading, and preached Jesus. Everything starts with Jesus. Jesus is the revelation. Everything we need is in Jesus. In his quest for transformation, the man in our text had to first get a revelation. Having the revelation is not enough. Revelation and Transformation are God's part. The link between is our obedience. We have to act upon that revelation. It is not enough that the preacher preaches and that we hear, we must act on that revelation. We must step out in faith and act on our revelation. Faith is the active ingredient in a miracle. We will not get what God has for us until we activate our faith and step out to receive it. Activation is the link between revelation and transformation. Every day humanity seems to be come more lost. People try to fulfill themselves and their purpose through their own talents and efforts. People who do not know God try to fill the void in their hearts with various things: alcohol, promiscuity, drugs, other vices. This desire to fill that void goes all the way back to the garden. This void that humanity has in their life will only be fulfilled by God. Even the best among us are not living the life that God intended because sin an disobedience that entered at the garden. Because of the act of sin, God's prized creation was banned from his presence and were sent away to seek redemption. There is a desire embedded in everyone's heart to change and be better. God is not an angry Tyrant waiting to condemn those who anger Him. Some try to characterize God that way and ask: Why would a God who loved us, let these things happen in our life? That is a misguided question. God is constantly trying to draw us toward Him. It is not God's will for anyone to live a hopeless life. It is not Gods will for his creation to be tormented by things that happened years ago. We all want change. Change starts with us. God has a new start and can turn lives around. No matter how how we fell that our life is messed up, God can turn it around and bring us back into fellowship with Him. In order to take advantage of that promise, we must get a revelation of who God is. That revelation will lead to transformation. Once we understand who God is and we take a step toward Him, we begin a path that will lead to salvation. We get a revelation from God, and then act in obedience, He will provide another revelation. In our text, we find a man of great power and importance in the court of the queen. We can infer that since he was reading the prophet, he had some level of belief. He was seeking and had a void in his heart. He was reading, but he didn't understand. He needed a revelation. Philip started with the same scripture he was reading, and preached Jesus. Everything starts with Jesus. Jesus is the revelation. Everything we need is in Jesus. In his quest for transformation, the man in our text had to first get a revelation. Having the revelation is not enough. Revelation and Transformation are God's part. The link between is our obedience. We have to act upon that revelation. It is not enough that the preacher preaches and that we hear, we must act on that revelation. We must step out in faith and act on our revelation. Faith is the active ingredient in a miracle. We will not get what God has for us until we activate our faith and step out to receive it. Activation is the link between revelation and transformation. Every day humanity seems to be come more lost. People try to fulfill themselves and their purpose through their own talents and efforts. People who do not know God try to fill the void in their hearts with various things: alcohol, promiscuity, drugs… Kenneth Baker 1938 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20301377/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thelinkbetweenrevelationandtra/id/2263101.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20301377 The link between revelation and transformation Thu, 22 Jan 2015 05:02:57 +0000 Tyler Stevison Our text in I Kings is about the death of David and the actions of Solomon to purge the kingdom of those who had shed innocent blood. Joab knowing that he was in trouble, ran to the house of God and took hold of the alter. By the time that Benaiah arrived, Joab was by the alter and there he lost his life. Joab died BY the alter. When he needed God in time of crisis, he ran to the alter and layed upon it, but as he began to feel comfort, he was only by the alter. Joab is not the only person to have died by the alter. If we are going to make it to heaven, it will not be without an alter in our life. Shouting and running the isles is great, but that is not the totality of living for God. Alters are not an option. Alters are places of transformation, but being by the alter is not enough. We must throw ourselves on the alter and lay ourselves out before God. Prayer on the alter is what transforms life. We can sing, dance, and lift our hands without being changed, but laying on the alter is where change happens. The alter was not meant to be pretty. Alters in the old testimony were a place of death. There was blood on them. Death is never pretty. An alter for us is not a comfortable place. Alters are private places. They are just for us where we can lay ourselves bare for God. Alters do not lie. Alters always tell the truth. They reveal what no man can see. We have away of trying to hide things. We do our best to cover up who we really are because we do not like to admit that we fail, or struggle with things. When we come to that alter, God is not looking at us as much as He is looking at what we put on the alter. Many gifts placed on the alter were rejected because they were tainted. The gifts looked okay, but God knew that they were tainted. When we place ourselves on God's alter, He will see the things in our life that are keeping us from Him. We don't like alters. Alters are not exciting. Alters do not cause us to feel flush with emotion. But alters are necessary. But being close to the alter is not enough. Our text in I Kings is about the death of David and the actions of Solomon to purge the kingdom of those who had shed innocent blood. Joab knowing that he was in trouble, ran to the house of God and took hold of the alter. By the time that Benaiah arrived, Joab was by the alter and there he lost his life. Joab died BY the alter. When he needed God in time of crisis, he ran to the alter and layed upon it, but as he began to feel comfort, he was only by the alter. Joab is not the only person to have died by the alter. If we are going to make it to heaven, it will not be without an alter in our life. Shouting and running the isles is great, but that is not the totality of living for God. Alters are not an option. Alters are places of transformation, but being by the alter is not enough. We must throw ourselves on the alter and lay ourselves out before God. Prayer on the alter is what transforms life. We can sing, dance, and lift our hands without being changed, but laying on the alter is where change happens. The alter was not meant to be pretty. Alters in the old testimony were a place of death. There was blood on them. Death is never pretty. An alter for us is not a comfortable place. Alters are private places. They are just for us where we can lay ourselves bare for God. Alters do not lie. Alters always tell the truth. They reveal what no man can see. We have away of trying to hide things. We do our best to cover up who we really are because we do not like to admit that we fail, or struggle with things. When we come to that alter, God is not looking at us as much as He is looking at what we put on the alter. Many gifts placed on the alter were rejected because they were tainted. The gifts looked okay, but God knew that they were tainted. When we place ourselves on God's alter, He will see the things in our life that are keeping us from Him. We don't like alters. Alters are not exciting. Alters do not cause us to feel flush with emotion. But alters are necessary. But being close to the alter is not enough. Our text in I Kings is about the death of David and the actions of Solomon to purge the kingdom of those who had shed innocent blood. Joab knowing that he was in trouble, ran to the house of God and took hold of the alter. By the time that Benaiah ar… Tyler Stevison 1834 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20301373/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_socloseyetsofarbythealter/id/2263094.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20301373 Scripture: 1 Kings 2:28-2:34 Sun, 18 Jan 2015 21:17:42 +0000 Tyler Stevison The bible is not only a source of instruction, it is also a great source of inspiration. It reveals what God is willing to do for us. Living for God is not a one sided relationship. We have divine promises from God through His word. We have the promise of divine provision, divine grace, divine interventions, divine victory and the promise of divine redemption. There is another promise that we often forget: the promise of divine protection. Our text is an example of such a divine protection. God is immutable. That means that he does not change. That means that what he was yesterday, He is today. If He has done it before, He will do it again. The devil tells us that we are alone, that we are abandoned. When the devil speaks, it is a lie. The devil wants to amplify the problem so that we cannot see the promise. Hell wants us to see the sickness instead of the healer, the chains instead of the One who frees. He wants us to believe that the problem is bigger than our promise. God is FOR us and if God is FOR us, who can be against us? Unbeknown to us, God gives us a preview of what is to come. Every time God shows up in a small way, it is a preview of when God will show up in a big way. Don't forget the times that God showed up in a small way, because it is an example of when He will show up in a big way. We can encourage ourselves in the Lord. Stop looking at the problem, and remember the preview. There is a fire in our future. Our text is the story of three men who had led a good life. They were well favored young men. Trial will come into each of our lives that will test who we really are. While we stare into the furnace of our problem, we must remember the previews that God has given us in life that promise that He will see us through. No weapon formed against us will prosper. The greater the problem, the greater His presence. In the lowest valley, in the hottest fire, God is already there. If the enemy didn't get us at bad, he cannot get us at worse. God prepares us for battle and He will protect us in the battle. God does not let us go into a battle without preparing us for it and protecting us during it. The deliverance has already been decided. Making it through the trial rests in God's hands. We do not have to wonder can we be delivered? Can we be saved. God has already done that. In our text, the three boys had no choice. They were bound and thrown into the fire. God met them in the fire and delivered them. We do not have to live in the fire. God has made a way out. When we find our selves facing the fair, we must remember the times when God has given us a preview of a promise. The bible is not only a source of instruction, it is also a great source of inspiration. It reveals what God is willing to do for us. Living for God is not a one sided relationship. We have divine promises from God through His word. We have the promise of divine provision, divine grace, divine interventions, divine victory and the promise of divine redemption. There is another promise that we often forget: the promise of divine protection. Our text is an example of such a divine protection. God is immutable. That means that he does not change. That means that what he was yesterday, He is today. If He has done it before, He will do it again. The devil tells us that we are alone, that we are abandoned. When the devil speaks, it is a lie. The devil wants to amplify the problem so that we cannot see the promise. Hell wants us to see the sickness instead of the healer, the chains instead of the One who frees. He wants us to believe that the problem is bigger than our promise. God is FOR us and if God is FOR us, who can be against us? Unbeknown to us, God gives us a preview of what is to come. Every time God shows up in a small way, it is a preview of when God will show up in a big way. Don't forget the times that God showed up in a small way, because it is an example of when He will show up in a big way. We can encourage ourselves in the Lord. Stop looking at the problem, and remember the preview. There is a fire in our future. Our text is the story of three men who had led a good life. They were well favored young men. Trial will come into each of our lives that will test who we really are. While we stare into the furnace of our problem, we must remember the previews that God has given us in life that promise that He will see us through. No weapon formed against us will prosper. The greater the problem, the greater His presence. In the lowest valley, in the hottest fire, God is already there. If the enemy didn't get us at bad, he cannot get us at worse. God prepares us for battle and He will protect us in the battle. God does not let us go into a battle without preparing us for it and protecting us during it. The deliverance has already been decided. Making it through the trial rests in God's hands. We do not have to wonder can we be delivered? Can we be saved. God has already done that. In our text, the three boys had no choice. They were bound and thrown into the fire. God met them in the fire and delivered them. We do not have to live in the fire. God has made a way out. When we find our selves facing the fair, we must remember the times when God has given us a preview of a promise. The bible is not only a source of instruction, it is also a great source of inspiration. It reveals what God is willing to do for us. Living for God is not a one sided relationship. We have divine promises from God through His word. We have the pr… Tyler Stevison 1925 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20294732/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_apreviewofapromise/id/2256786.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20294732 Scripture: Daniel 3:22-3:26 Thu, 15 Jan 2015 03:27:19 +0000 Tyler Stevison For many people there is a failure to understand who we are in Christ. We are fathers, mothers, teachers, etc here on earth. But who we are in Christ is who we will be in eternity. Too many people struggle with their identity in God. When we struggle in that area, we will struggle living for God. As a child of God, we are heirs to the throne. We are all princes and princes in God's kingdom. With royalty comes privilege, power and authority. We cannot purchase this, we inherit it when we are born again of the water and in the spirit. God has promised to give us power, dominion and authority. Bro. Stevision asks: If we have this power and authority, why are so many allowing Satan to have influence in our lives? We have let the enemy rule over us for too long. It is time to get an attitude of determination. If the enemy has no resistance, he will continue have his way. We must stand up in the spirit and declare our authority over the devil. The bible says let the redeemed of the Lord say so. By taking a stand like that, we are declaring who we are. Hell does not have an answer to us declaring our authority. We not have to be tortured and tormented. When we say so, we are exercising the authority that God put inside us. Too many of us let the devil draw the line in the sand. It is up to US to draw the line. Determined people do not back down. Everything around in the world may be screaming no, but our faith has to say yes. It is time to tell hell that it is not over because WE say so. God has the final say. God honors bold prayers. God honors tenacity. God is still able to move in our situation. The enemy may come at us again and again and ask why. The answer is Because I said so. The one with the authority gets to say so. We must claim the authority that God has given us with a declaration of determination. For many people there is a failure to understand who we are in Christ. We are fathers, mothers, teachers, etc here on earth. But who we are in Christ is who we will be in eternity. Too many people struggle with their identity in God. When we struggle in that area, we will struggle living for God. As a child of God, we are heirs to the throne. We are all princes and princes in God's kingdom. With royalty comes privilege, power and authority. We cannot purchase this, we inherit it when we are born again of the water and in the spirit. God has promised to give us power, dominion and authority. Bro. Stevision asks: If we have this power and authority, why are so many allowing Satan to have influence in our lives? We have let the enemy rule over us for too long. It is time to get an attitude of determination. If the enemy has no resistance, he will continue have his way. We must stand up in the spirit and declare our authority over the devil. The bible says let the redeemed of the Lord say so. By taking a stand like that, we are declaring who we are. Hell does not have an answer to us declaring our authority. We not have to be tortured and tormented. When we say so, we are exercising the authority that God put inside us. Too many of us let the devil draw the line in the sand. It is up to US to draw the line. Determined people do not back down. Everything around in the world may be screaming no, but our faith has to say yes. It is time to tell hell that it is not over because WE say so. God has the final say. God honors bold prayers. God honors tenacity. God is still able to move in our situation. The enemy may come at us again and again and ask why. The answer is Because I said so. The one with the authority gets to say so. We must claim the authority that God has given us with a declaration of determination. For many people there is a failure to understand who we are in Christ. We are fathers, mothers, teachers, etc here on earth. But who we are in Christ is who we will be in eternity. Too many people struggle with their identity in God. When we strugg… Tyler Stevison 1703 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20291886/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_declarationofdetermination/id/2254261.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20291886 Scripture: Psalms 107:2-107 Mon, 12 Jan 2015 04:44:45 +0000 Kenneth Baker Do not confuse the title of this message with the common phrase: How to get something for nothing. They are similar, but different. The world wants something for nothing. That is an entitlement mentality. However, getting something OUT of nothing is different. The difference is one word OUT. OUT is a word that implies effort. The people that want something for nothing are not willing to put in any effort. However, someone who wants to get something out of nothing is willing to work for it. God honors effort. In every area of our life, we should not sit back and wait for someone else to do it. Spiritually, we cannot be content to bask in the presence of God that is created by the worship and prayer of others. We all need to participate in that worship and prayer to bring that about. It is not always easy. There are times when we pray and worship, and feel: Nothing. There are times when we fell as if our prayers do not get above the ceiling. Our text seems to highlight the prophet Elijah, but Bro. Stevison uses this passage to highlight the servant in our text. He heard the word of his master: Go look toward the sea. He went and looked and saw: nothing. He was obedient to the man of God, and saw absolutely...nothing. We have all been in that position. We obey the preacher and we get nothing. The answer is in Elijah's reply: Go AGAIN. That is how to get something out of nothing. Go again. We cannot get the abundance of God if we do not put forth any action. Environment should not determine our effort. There is more praise on the mountain top than in the valley, but the valley is where the most effort is needed. The servant must have thought that Elijah was crazy to send him again and again. If we want to get what God has, we must continue to press through. Every time the servant went to look, he faith was tested. He continued to be obedient and pressing. Every time we lift our hands, every time we pray, every time we press our faith is growing to a new level. That is how to get something out of nothing. Do not confuse the title of this message with the common phrase: How to get something for nothing. They are similar, but different. The world wants something for nothing. That is an entitlement mentality. However, getting something OUT of nothing is different. The difference is one word OUT. OUT is a word that implies effort. The people that want something for nothing are not willing to put in any effort. However, someone who wants to get something out of nothing is willing to work for it. God honors effort. In every area of our life, we should not sit back and wait for someone else to do it. Spiritually, we cannot be content to bask in the presence of God that is created by the worship and prayer of others. We all need to participate in that worship and prayer to bring that about. It is not always easy. There are times when we pray and worship, and feel: Nothing. There are times when we fell as if our prayers do not get above the ceiling. Our text seems to highlight the prophet Elijah, but Bro. Stevison uses this passage to highlight the servant in our text. He heard the word of his master: Go look toward the sea. He went and looked and saw: nothing. He was obedient to the man of God, and saw absolutely...nothing. We have all been in that position. We obey the preacher and we get nothing. The answer is in Elijah's reply: Go AGAIN. That is how to get something out of nothing. Go again. We cannot get the abundance of God if we do not put forth any action. Environment should not determine our effort. There is more praise on the mountain top than in the valley, but the valley is where the most effort is needed. The servant must have thought that Elijah was crazy to send him again and again. If we want to get what God has, we must continue to press through. Every time the servant went to look, he faith was tested. He continued to be obedient and pressing. Every time we lift our hands, every time we pray, every time we press our faith is growing to a new level. That is how to get something out of nothing. Do not confuse the title of this message with the common phrase: How to get something for nothing. They are similar, but different. The world wants something for nothing. That is an entitlement mentality. However, getting something OUT of nothing … Kenneth Baker 1809 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20289377/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtogetsomethingoutofnothing/id/2251835.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20289377 How to get something out of nothing Sun, 11 Jan 2015 21:42:30 +0000 Tyler Stevison The gospels provide us with an insider's view of the life of Jesus Christ. We see Him as a child in the temple. We see the relationship between Jesus and Mary at the marriange in canah. He left people in amazment as he taught. We see Him as a healer, a miracle worker, and a savior. We have this glimpses, but there were twelve who knew Him in a much closer capacity. The knew him in all these ways, but they also saw Him as a friend. The gospels chronicle the betrayal of Judas, but Peter's betrayal was even greater than that of Judas. Both made the same mistake on the same day, but two very different outcomes. Judas took his life, but Peter went on to preach on t he day of Pentecost. Destiny is not determined by outside influences, but by what happens inside. Roman's tells us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. This knowledge gives us comfort, because we are not alone in our failure. Our destiny is not decided by anyone other than us. We are each responsible for our own destiny. When it comes to our walk with God, we cannot point fingers at anyone but ourselves. We alone have our destiny in our hands, it is up to us to respond to God. God did not create humanity to live apart from Him. That separation is the result of sin. God is a god of mercy. If any miss heaven, it will because they did not accept the last plea that mercy offered them. It is never too early to respond to God, but there will be a day when it will be too late. Judas came to Jesus after he betrayed Him, and Jesus looked at him and refered to him as friend. Jesus knew why Judas was there. If Judas had ask for forgiveness right there, it would have been granted. Mercy was reaching out to Judas one last time. Mercy is here with us. God is trying to reach each of us. He is trying to stop us from destroying our lives. When it comes to our destiny, the difference maker is the direction taken. Both Judas and Peter betrayed Jesus. The difference in the outcomes, was what happened after. Judas ran away from God. Peter ran toward God. This changed both of their lives. We have two options, we can move toward God and His reaching, or we can move away. When we run toward God, He will do all to protect us. But if we are moving away, that protection will not be there. God will reach for us. We may feel as if we cannot be saved, that there is no hope. Peter denied the Lord three times. He could not have been any lower, but God reached for him. For Peter that was the day the day destiny was decided. The gospels provide us with an insider's view of the life of Jesus Christ. We see Him as a child in the temple. We see the relationship between Jesus and Mary at the marriange in canah. He left people in amazment as he taught. We see Him as a healer, a miracle worker, and a savior. We have this glimpses, but there were twelve who knew Him in a much closer capacity. The knew him in all these ways, but they also saw Him as a friend. The gospels chronicle the betrayal of Judas, but Peter's betrayal was even greater than that of Judas. Both made the same mistake on the same day, but two very different outcomes. Judas took his life, but Peter went on to preach on t he day of Pentecost. Destiny is not determined by outside influences, but by what happens inside. Roman's tells us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. This knowledge gives us comfort, because we are not alone in our failure. Our destiny is not decided by anyone other than us. We are each responsible for our own destiny. When it comes to our walk with God, we cannot point fingers at anyone but ourselves. We alone have our destiny in our hands, it is up to us to respond to God. God did not create humanity to live apart from Him. That separation is the result of sin. God is a god of mercy. If any miss heaven, it will because they did not accept the last plea that mercy offered them. It is never too early to respond to God, but there will be a day when it will be too late. Judas came to Jesus after he betrayed Him, and Jesus looked at him and refered to him as friend. Jesus knew why Judas was there. If Judas had ask for forgiveness right there, it would have been granted. Mercy was reaching out to Judas one last time. Mercy is here with us. God is trying to reach each of us. He is trying to stop us from destroying our lives. When it comes to our destiny, the difference maker is the direction taken. Both Judas and Peter betrayed Jesus. The difference in the outcomes, was what happened after. Judas ran away from God. Peter ran toward God. This changed both of their lives. We have two options, we can move toward God and His reaching, or we can move away. When we run toward God, He will do all to protect us. But if we are moving away, that protection will not be there. God will reach for us. We may feel as if we cannot be saved, that there is no hope. Peter denied the Lord three times. He could not have been any lower, but God reached for him. For Peter that was the day the day destiny was decided. The gospels provide us with an insider's view of the life of Jesus Christ. We see Him as a child in the temple. We see the relationship between Jesus and Mary at the marriange in canah. He left people in amazment as he taught. We see Him as a heale… Tyler Stevison 1697 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20288753/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thedaydestinywasdecided/id/2251201.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20288753 Scripture: Matthew 26:26, Matthew 27:27 Thu, 08 Jan 2015 03:59:58 +0000 Tyler Stevison Faith is perhaps one of the most talked about subjects in religious circles. It transcends all beliefs. Every person who has ever been, has in them faith. We were all given the ability to believe from birth. As we grow, our level of faith increases. We go from crawling to walking because we believe we can. In it's simplest form, believing is expectation. When we flip the light switch, we expect that the light will come on. We have faith that it will do that every time. Our faith grows because we expect something to happen, and it does. How many times have we expected healing, and it happens. There is something that ignites in our spirit when God answers our prayers. God has shown up many times in each of our lives. Yet the same people who testify that God has done something in their life, but they question if He will do it again. It is not that they do not believe, it is the level of their expectation that is in question. They struggle between can God; and will God. The world says show me and I will believe, but God says believe me and I will show you. Our text says "If thou canst believe all things are possible." We don't have to know how He will do it, we must only believe that He will do it. In our text from II Kings, Joash believed, but his actions show that his level of expectation was low. He only hit the ground three times. Joash had faith, but he suffered from low expectation. Bro. Stevison offers things to get us out of the land of low expectations. First, don't let the lack of their faith determine the level of yours. Just because they do not think it can be done, does not mean that we must lack faith that God can do it. Do not let negativity sap faith. The second thing to learn is that low expectation is the result of human logic. Humans cannot understand the miraculous. God does not understand big. Humans process things into categories. To God there is not big problem, or small problems. Nothing is too big for God. It does not matter what we are facing; to God it is all the same. A need is a need. There is nothing too big, or too small for God. As long as we limit ourselves by human intellect, God will never be bigger than our mind. What we can't see is bigger than what we can see. All we must do it believe, and God will perform bigger than our imagination. We must leave the land of low expectation. Faith is perhaps one of the most talked about subjects in religious circles. It transcends all beliefs. Every person who has ever been, has in them faith. We were all given the ability to believe from birth. As we grow, our level of faith increases. We go from crawling to walking because we believe we can. In it's simplest form, believing is expectation. When we flip the light switch, we expect that the light will come on. We have faith that it will do that every time. Our faith grows because we expect something to happen, and it does. How many times have we expected healing, and it happens. There is something that ignites in our spirit when God answers our prayers. God has shown up many times in each of our lives. Yet the same people who testify that God has done something in their life, but they question if He will do it again. It is not that they do not believe, it is the level of their expectation that is in question. They struggle between can God; and will God. The world says show me and I will believe, but God says believe me and I will show you. Our text says "If thou canst believe all things are possible." We don't have to know how He will do it, we must only believe that He will do it. In our text from II Kings, Joash believed, but his actions show that his level of expectation was low. He only hit the ground three times. Joash had faith, but he suffered from low expectation. Bro. Stevison offers things to get us out of the land of low expectations. First, don't let the lack of their faith determine the level of yours. Just because they do not think it can be done, does not mean that we must lack faith that God can do it. Do not let negativity sap faith. The second thing to learn is that low expectation is the result of human logic. Humans cannot understand the miraculous. God does not understand big. Humans process things into categories. To God there is not big problem, or small problems. Nothing is too big for God. It does not matter what we are facing; to God it is all the same. A need is a need. There is nothing too big, or too small for God. As long as we limit ourselves by human intellect, God will never be bigger than our mind. What we can't see is bigger than what we can see. All we must do it believe, and God will perform bigger than our imagination. We must leave the land of low expectation. Faith is perhaps one of the most talked about subjects in religious circles. It transcends all beliefs. Every person who has ever been, has in them faith. We were all given the ability to believe from birth. As we grow, our level of faith increases… Tyler Stevison 2056 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20285681/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_leavingthelandoflowexpectation/id/2248480.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20285681 Scripture: 2 Kings 13:14-13:19, Mark 9:23-9 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 04:44:30 +0000 Tyler Stevison The church has seen many adjustments over the past 50-75 years. Our eyes must look backwards to learn from the church of yesteryear. The book of Acts church provides us with a blueprint of what the apostolic church should be. We must ask ourselves how we compare to the book of Acts church. There is but one church, and it is defined by the book of Acts. The first century church were religious outcasts in their day. They were a revival church, and Hell fought them every step of the way. Churches today have taken a very different coarse in order to appeal to the masses. In many churches, the blood is not mentioned; sin is not preached against. The devil is not threatened by empty prayer rooms, mild preaching or theatrics in church services. Just as in the first century, Hell is threatened by a revival church. Hell cannot stop a revival church. The devil cannot take the power from us. He cannot steal the Holy Ghost. Since he cannot stop a revival church, he will hinder it by interfering with it's purpose. In our text, Judah was building a church in which to worship, and their enemy showed up to offer “help". The bible tells us that when Judah refused, the enemy weakened their hands and tried to frustrate their purpose. If the devil can disillusion, if he can plant a seed of discouragement in our spirit, he can hinder our purpose. It is not uncommon to get frustrated by people that we believe to be on our side. They showed up to help, but their motives were unpure. There is a spirit that causes division and discontent among God's people. The devil does not want revival and will try to frustrate it by interfering with our purpose. The devil will use many tools to frustrate our purpose. First, do not mistake actions and accomplishments. There is a difference. Many people are busy without being beneficial. Secondly, our witness carries great weight. The responsibility of the redeemed is to show Him to them What we do speaks louder than what we say. When we walk out of the church doors, they must see Him. When we have a frustrated purpose, we have a frustrated witness. For much of the world, the only preaching they hear is observing our life. If all we do is complain and have a sour spirit, those who know us will not see a joyful life of living for God. Disagreement is not wrong, discord is. When our sour spirit contaminates the body of Christ, we are wrong. We have a responsibility that our witness is pure and not tainted by our frustrations. Personal renewal is essential in the life of a child of God. Service to God is good, but when that service gets in the way of the relationship with God, we need to realign our priorities. It is essential that we renew our purpose and our passion. The devil wants to frusrate our purpose. We must see to it that we frustrate Satan's plan for a revival church. The church has seen many adjustments over the past 50-75 years. Our eyes must look backwards to learn from the church of yesteryear. The book of Acts church provides us with a blueprint of what the apostolic church should be. We must ask ourselves how we compare to the book of Acts church. There is but one church, and it is defined by the book of Acts. The first century church were religious outcasts in their day. They were a revival church, and Hell fought them every step of the way. Churches today have taken a very different coarse in order to appeal to the masses. In many churches, the blood is not mentioned; sin is not preached against. The devil is not threatened by empty prayer rooms, mild preaching or theatrics in church services. Just as in the first century, Hell is threatened by a revival church. Hell cannot stop a revival church. The devil cannot take the power from us. He cannot steal the Holy Ghost. Since he cannot stop a revival church, he will hinder it by interfering with it's purpose. In our text, Judah was building a church in which to worship, and their enemy showed up to offer “help". The bible tells us that when Judah refused, the enemy weakened their hands and tried to frustrate their purpose. If the devil can disillusion, if he can plant a seed of discouragement in our spirit, he can hinder our purpose. It is not uncommon to get frustrated by people that we believe to be on our side. They showed up to help, but their motives were unpure. There is a spirit that causes division and discontent among God's people. The devil does not want revival and will try to frustrate it by interfering with our purpose. The devil will use many tools to frustrate our purpose. First, do not mistake actions and accomplishments. There is a difference. Many people are busy without being beneficial. Secondly, our witness carries great weight. The responsibility of the redeemed is to show Him to them What we do speaks louder than what we say. When we walk out of the church doors, they must see Him. When we have a frustrated purpose, we have a frustrated witness. For much of the world, the only preaching they hear is observing our life. If all we do is complain and have a sour spirit, those who know us will not see a joyful life of living for God. Disagreement is not wrong, discord is. When our sour spirit contaminates the body of Christ, we are wrong. We have a responsibility that our witness is pure and not tainted by our frustrations. Personal renewal is essential in the life of a child of God. Service to God is good, but when that service gets in the way of the relationship with God, we need to realign our priorities. It is essential that we renew our purpose and our passion. The devil wants to frusrate our purpose. We must see to it that we frustrate Satan's plan for a revival church. The church has seen many adjustments over the past 50-75 years. Our eyes must look backwards to learn from the church of yesteryear. The book of Acts church provides us with a blueprint of what the apostolic church should be. We must ask ourselves ho… Tyler Stevison 2298 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20283105/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_satansplanforarevivalchurch/id/2245890.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20283105 Scripture: Ezra 4:1-4:5 Sun, 28 Dec 2014 21:46:31 +0000 Landon Long n our text, the people of Gibeon had joined forces with Israel. The battle was going well, but as night began to fall, Joshua knew that he needed God's assistance. God honored his prayer, and made time stand still. The desperation in Joshua's voice appealed to God. Joshua knew that he had to have victory on that day. He said, today will be different. Time is nothing to God. It makes no difference to God that today is Sunday, or that it is cold and rainy. God is not intimidated by our past, and not fearful of our future. Unlike Joshua, God is not worried about doing battle in the dark; either the physical or spiritual dark. God is at His best when things look the worst. Even in the dark times and in chaos, God is working. We are about to celebrate the new year. For many people, the new year represents a new beginning. The truth is that January 1 is just another day. The real newness begins with God. Miracles happen on just another day. It was just another day for the man by the pool of Bethesda. THIS is the day that the Lord has made. If He made it, He can work a miracle in it. Many start a new year with great enthusiasm, but by the end of the year, they are looking at what they started but left undone. Many begin their new goals with energy, but soon fall into old habits. Beginning is not the problem for these people; their problem is finishing. The old story of the tortoise and the hare illustrates that it does not matter how good the start, the key to winning is finishing. It does not matter how we start, but how we finish. Even if the start was slow, and had some obstacles, finishing is the key. God will forgive our shaky start as long as somewhere along the course, that we turn to Him and finish with faith. Fishing the race ist he key. Paul said "I fought the good fight." Fight. Singular. He surly had problems along the way, but the kept His faith and stayed the course. We are all still in the race. No matter what may have happened up until now, we are still int he race and that it is not over. We have another day. Today we must do what is necessary to make it til tomorrow. Joshua knew that he had to make it to another day. He did not want to face another day facing the same enemy, so He ask God to hold the day so that he would face a new day looking at a new situation. He knew that his future would be shaped by today. Whatever we are facing today, we can have a better tomorrow. The race is not over. There is no better place to begin a new tomorrow than at an alter. Tomorrow can be better and tomorrow starts today. n our text, the people of Gibeon had joined forces with Israel. The battle was going well, but as night began to fall, Joshua knew that he needed God's assistance. God honored his prayer, and made time stand still. The desperation in Joshua's voice appealed to God. Joshua knew that he had to have victory on that day. He said, today will be different. Time is nothing to God. It makes no difference to God that today is Sunday, or that it is cold and rainy. God is not intimidated by our past, and not fearful of our future. Unlike Joshua, God is not worried about doing battle in the dark; either the physical or spiritual dark. God is at His best when things look the worst. Even in the dark times and in chaos, God is working. We are about to celebrate the new year. For many people, the new year represents a new beginning. The truth is that January 1 is just another day. The real newness begins with God. Miracles happen on just another day. It was just another day for the man by the pool of Bethesda. THIS is the day that the Lord has made. If He made it, He can work a miracle in it. Many start a new year with great enthusiasm, but by the end of the year, they are looking at what they started but left undone. Many begin their new goals with energy, but soon fall into old habits. Beginning is not the problem for these people; their problem is finishing. The old story of the tortoise and the hare illustrates that it does not matter how good the start, the key to winning is finishing. It does not matter how we start, but how we finish. Even if the start was slow, and had some obstacles, finishing is the key. God will forgive our shaky start as long as somewhere along the course, that we turn to Him and finish with faith. Fishing the race ist he key. Paul said "I fought the good fight." Fight. Singular. He surly had problems along the way, but the kept His faith and stayed the course. We are all still in the race. No matter what may have happened up until now, we are still int he race and that it is not over. We have another day. Today we must do what is necessary to make it til tomorrow. Joshua knew that he had to make it to another day. He did not want to face another day facing the same enemy, so He ask God to hold the day so that he would face a new day looking at a new situation. He knew that his future would be shaped by today. Whatever we are facing today, we can have a better tomorrow. The race is not over. There is no better place to begin a new tomorrow than at an alter. Tomorrow can be better and tomorrow starts today. n our text, the people of Gibeon had joined forces with Israel. The battle was going well, but as night began to fall, Joshua knew that he needed God's assistance. God honored his prayer, and made time stand still. The desperation in Joshua's voice … Landon Long 2089 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20282532/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_tomorrowstartstoday/id/2245307.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20282532 Scripture: Joshua 10:11-10:14 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 04:35:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Every good life faces it's battles and storms. A storm can change our perspective on life. A little trouble can bring a big change in a person's life. In a storm, things that would otherwise be insignificant, suddenly become important. The broken pieces of a boat might see like trash calm day, but in a storm, these broken pieces become a life raft. The storm changed everything. We may not be in a storm right now, but we will be. In the good times, we need to look for the small things in life that God may be using to speak to us. For Ezekiel, life had changed drastically. For 25 years he had lived in Jerusalem. Now because of Israel's transgressions, God allowed the Babylonians to over run them. Ezekiel found himself and his family taken away in bondage. In that environment, God spoke to Ezekiel. Our text tells us that Ezekiel turned, and saw a hand extended toward him. This speaks to the kind of God we serve. In that environment of bondage, God let Ezekiel know that he had not been forgotten. God knows where we are. No matter where we are or what we face, God knows. If God is reaching for us, He is close. That reaching hand is enough for us to make it through. Thank God for the hand. Every good life faces it's battles and storms. A storm can change our perspective on life. A little trouble can bring a big change in a person's life. In a storm, things that would otherwise be insignificant, suddenly become important. The broken pieces of a boat might see like trash calm day, but in a storm, these broken pieces become a life raft. The storm changed everything. We may not be in a storm right now, but we will be. In the good times, we need to look for the small things in life that God may be using to speak to us. For Ezekiel, life had changed drastically. For 25 years he had lived in Jerusalem. Now because of Israel's transgressions, God allowed the Babylonians to over run them. Ezekiel found himself and his family taken away in bondage. In that environment, God spoke to Ezekiel. Our text tells us that Ezekiel turned, and saw a hand extended toward him. This speaks to the kind of God we serve. In that environment of bondage, God let Ezekiel know that he had not been forgotten. God knows where we are. No matter where we are or what we face, God knows. If God is reaching for us, He is close. That reaching hand is enough for us to make it through. Thank God for the hand. Every good life faces it's battles and storms. A storm can change our perspective on life. A little trouble can bring a big change in a person's life. In a storm, things that would otherwise be insignificant, suddenly become important. The broken p… Mark Hughes 1782 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20270450/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ahand/id/2233980.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20270450 Scripture: Ezekiel 2:9-2 Mon, 15 Dec 2014 03:42:46 +0000 Kenneth Baker In our text, Paul is near the end of his life. In this letter, he speaks of those who have left him and those who remain with him. He urges Timothy to come quickly. He adds to his note, he asks that he bring Mark with him. The bible says that Mark is profitable to Paul’s ministry. It had not always been that way with Mark. He had a checkered past. He grew up at a time during the great revival. His house was a place of great revival in the early church. He went on one of the first mission trips with Paul and Barnabas. He was a man on the way up. He had been called and chosen. Something happened along the way on this trip. Maybe it was more than he was prepared to do. The bible does not tell us why, but when he was with Paul and Barnabas into the interior plains of Asia, John Mark lost his heart for it. He left the trip and returned home. In modern parlance, he chickened out. Paul was none too happy with John Mark about this. Paul and Barnabas continued their journey and returned home. After a time they were led to make the trip again to take the message again. Barnabas wanted to bring John Mark, but Paul refused. It caused such dissent, that the two men parted ways. Barnabas took Mark and went on, and Paul took Silas and went on his way. The bible does not mention the two together again. The balance of the book of Acts does not have much to say about John Mark. Word spread quickly about John Mark's defection and it must have affected his ministry. Some people are never able to recover from a moment of failure, but apparently, John Mark was not one of them. The bible does not tell us what happened, but at the end of Paul's life, he pays a huge compliment to John Mark by referring to him as profitable. What a transformation. How could such a transformation be accomplished after such a failure? How does one recover from a failure such as this. Something happened in John Mark heart that caused him to overcome his early shortcoming. He must have had a good hard look at himself. He must have decided that he didn't like what he say and resolved to change it. John Mark faced his faults and overcame them. He didn't stop with self examination. He went further and applied himself to the work of God and the call of that was on his life. He didn't give up and quit serving God. He learned from his mistake and vowed to not make that mistake again. He went further than that. He became a student of the preached word of God. He began to take notes from others preaching. That led to his becoming an interpreter of the preached word. Bible scholars believe that much of the books of first and second Peter were actually written by John Mark as he interpreted Peter's thoughs. John Mark rose back up and got back on his feat and built a successful ministry. A man's failure can make or break him. John Mark made the decision that it would make him. Many people have never taken the time to face themselves. Many people refuse to look in that mirror because they do not like what they will see. John Mark looked at his life and decided to make changes in his life. He saw things that should not be there, and he cut them out. He became a student and leaned how to be a follower again. He leaned how to live for God again. Finally, John Mark refused to let what happened to him label him. He refused to be labeled as a quitter, as unfaithful, and untrustworthy. Somehow he was able to dig his way out of the hole he had dug for himself, and proved himself to be worthy. He recovered his usefulness. He rewrote his story and showed the beauty of recovery. In our text, Paul is near the end of his life. In this letter, he speaks of those who have left him and those who remain with him. He urges Timothy to come quickly. He adds to his note, he asks that he bring Mark with him. The bible says that Mark is profitable to Paul’s ministry. It had not always been that way with Mark. He had a checkered past. He grew up at a time during the great revival. His house was a place of great revival in the early church. He went on one of the first mission trips with Paul and Barnabas. He was a man on the way up. He had been called and chosen. Something happened along the way on this trip. Maybe it was more than he was prepared to do. The bible does not tell us why, but when he was with Paul and Barnabas into the interior plains of Asia, John Mark lost his heart for it. He left the trip and returned home. In modern parlance, he chickened out. Paul was none too happy with John Mark about this. Paul and Barnabas continued their journey and returned home. After a time they were led to make the trip again to take the message again. Barnabas wanted to bring John Mark, but Paul refused. It caused such dissent, that the two men parted ways. Barnabas took Mark and went on, and Paul took Silas and went on his way. The bible does not mention the two together again. The balance of the book of Acts does not have much to say about John Mark. Word spread quickly about John Mark's defection and it must have affected his ministry. Some people are never able to recover from a moment of failure, but apparently, John Mark was not one of them. The bible does not tell us what happened, but at the end of Paul's life, he pays a huge compliment to John Mark by referring to him as profitable. What a transformation. How could such a transformation be accomplished after such a failure? How does one recover from a failure such as this. Something happened in John Mark heart that caused him to overcome his early shortcoming. He must have had a good hard look at himself. He must have decided that he didn't like what he say and resolved to change it. John Mark faced his faults and overcame them. He didn't stop with self examination. He went further and applied himself to the work of God and the call of that was on his life. He didn't give up and quit serving God. He learned from his mistake and vowed to not make that mistake again. He went further than that. He became a student of the preached word of God. He began to take notes from others preaching. That led to his becoming an interpreter of the preached word. Bible scholars believe that much of the books of first and second Peter were actually written by John Mark as he interpreted Peter's thoughs. John Mark rose back up and got back on his feat and built a successful ministry. A man's failure can make or break him. John Mark made the decision that it would make him. Many people have never taken the time to face themselves. Many people refuse to look in that mirror because they do not like what they will see. John Mark looked at his life and decided to make changes in his life. He saw things that should not be there, and he cut them out. He became a student and leaned how to be a follower again. He leaned how to live for God again. Finally, John Mark refused to let what happened to him label him. He refused to be labeled as a quitter, as unfaithful, and untrustworthy. Somehow he was able to dig his way out of the hole he had dug for himself, and proved himself to be worthy. He recovered his usefulness. He rewrote his story and showed the beauty of recovery. In our text, Paul is near the end of his life. In this letter, he speaks of those who have left him and those who remain with him. He urges Timothy to come quickly. He adds to his note, he asks that he bring Mark with him. The bible says that Mark … Kenneth Baker 2204 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20268232/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thebeautyofrecovery/id/2231763.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20268232 The beauty of recovery Fri, 12 Dec 2014 23:50:37 +0000 Mark Hughes Many of the fundamental beliefs that have been observed for many generations seem to be falling away. The world and society continually wear away at the foundation that has held us up for many generations. Questions about beliefs and principles circulate through out the religious community. The currents of life that are sweeping around us are moving with such force, that we are propelled into change without even making the conscious decision to do so. There are issues that were in the shadows in the past, but they are being flouted in front of our eyes today. As much as we do not like to admit it, there are currents that are pushing us. If we are not careful, they will move us toward a place that we do not want or need to be. The things that are changing in our life and no one seems to be raising a voice about it. The things that are changing are slipping in with out our even knowing it. The changes are happening so subtly, that we can find our selves down a path that we didn't even know we were on. By the time it is done, we do not even know that it is done. The writer in Hebrews admonishes us to stay vigilant and to pay attention to those things that have eternal consequences. Some things slip away and some things slip in. The writer tells us to take heed. He wasn't just speaking to the the back slider. We are all susceptible to the subtle changes that can happen without our even knowing it. The only way to avode this is just what our text says: Give the more earnest heed. We must be in a constant state of reediness. We must not allow what we know to be right to slip into obscurity. Indifference is the worst danger that we face in our spiritual life. The writer did not say that they would deny or denounce what they know, but that they were going to drift from what they know. Bro. Hughes notes three things that we are drifting way from. First is the Word of God. Some have come to question the word of God as we compare it to our society. There are daily attacks against the Word and spiritual virtues. Not only is the Word slipping away, so is Christ. The world is trying to erode the idea that there is one savior. Jesus is the ONLY way we can be saved. Finally the convicting power of the Holy Ghost is slipping away. We have gotten to the point that we can have church, and do not feel the need to pray or to seek the presence of God. There are a lot of us who have let things slip out of our life, that we need to reclaim. Many of the fundamental beliefs that have been observed for many generations seem to be falling away. The world and society continually wear away at the foundation that has held us up for many generations. Questions about beliefs and principles circulate through out the religious community. The currents of life that are sweeping around us are moving with such force, that we are propelled into change without even making the conscious decision to do so. There are issues that were in the shadows in the past, but they are being flouted in front of our eyes today. As much as we do not like to admit it, there are currents that are pushing us. If we are not careful, they will move us toward a place that we do not want or need to be. The things that are changing in our life and no one seems to be raising a voice about it. The things that are changing are slipping in with out our even knowing it. The changes are happening so subtly, that we can find our selves down a path that we didn't even know we were on. By the time it is done, we do not even know that it is done. The writer in Hebrews admonishes us to stay vigilant and to pay attention to those things that have eternal consequences. Some things slip away and some things slip in. The writer tells us to take heed. He wasn't just speaking to the the back slider. We are all susceptible to the subtle changes that can happen without our even knowing it. The only way to avode this is just what our text says: Give the more earnest heed. We must be in a constant state of reediness. We must not allow what we know to be right to slip into obscurity. Indifference is the worst danger that we face in our spiritual life. The writer did not say that they would deny or denounce what they know, but that they were going to drift from what they know. Bro. Hughes notes three things that we are drifting way from. First is the Word of God. Some have come to question the word of God as we compare it to our society. There are daily attacks against the Word and spiritual virtues. Not only is the Word slipping away, so is Christ. The world is trying to erode the idea that there is one savior. Jesus is the ONLY way we can be saved. Finally the convicting power of the Holy Ghost is slipping away. We have gotten to the point that we can have church, and do not feel the need to pray or to seek the presence of God. There are a lot of us who have let things slip out of our life, that we need to reclaim. Many of the fundamental beliefs that have been observed for many generations seem to be falling away. The world and society continually wear away at the foundation that has held us up for many generations. Questions about beliefs and principles circu… Mark Hughes 3801 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20265799/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_anendtimeattitudeweallneed/id/2229739.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20265799 Scripture: Hebrews 2:1-2:3 Mon, 08 Dec 2014 04:49:48 +0000 Kenneth Baker In our text, Jesus returns to Capernaum. He had been there before and had performed miracles, but He returned this time to preach the word. The miracles and wonders are great, but everyone needs the word in their lives. The Lord was glad to open blind eyes and heal lame limbs, but his purpose was to preach the word. The world would love to tell us that God does not speak and that His word is invalid. If we allow God to speak into our lives, great things will happen. Too many people are content to be spectators and congratulate others on their miracle. If they would allow God's word into their lives, they could experience their own miracle. In our text, Jesus had returned, and the word had spread rapidly. The man on the cot had four friends who carried him about. He was a burden; he was a chore. The man on the cot controlled the lives of the four who carried him about. However, this story is not about the man, but about his friends. Many in life drag their problems around every day. Their burdens control them. Those men woke up that morning to another day of dealing with their burden. When they got close to the house where Jesus was, but they could not get through the crowd. So many have gotten to that place, and decided that they cannot get through. We get used to praying that prayer and carrying that load. Many say "well I have been dealing with it for a while, we will try another day. These four men decided that day would be different. They made a decision that they were going to leave their burdens in the presence of Jesus. They were not going to bring it back up. We have to make a decision to break through the barriers, and leave our burdens in the presence of Jesus. In our text, Jesus returns to Capernaum. He had been there before and had performed miracles, but He returned this time to preach the word. The miracles and wonders are great, but everyone needs the word in their lives. The Lord was glad to open blind eyes and heal lame limbs, but his purpose was to preach the word. The world would love to tell us that God does not speak and that His word is invalid. If we allow God to speak into our lives, great things will happen. Too many people are content to be spectators and congratulate others on their miracle. If they would allow God's word into their lives, they could experience their own miracle. In our text, Jesus had returned, and the word had spread rapidly. The man on the cot had four friends who carried him about. He was a burden; he was a chore. The man on the cot controlled the lives of the four who carried him about. However, this story is not about the man, but about his friends. Many in life drag their problems around every day. Their burdens control them. Those men woke up that morning to another day of dealing with their burden. When they got close to the house where Jesus was, but they could not get through the crowd. So many have gotten to that place, and decided that they cannot get through. We get used to praying that prayer and carrying that load. Many say "well I have been dealing with it for a while, we will try another day. These four men decided that day would be different. They made a decision that they were going to leave their burdens in the presence of Jesus. They were not going to bring it back up. We have to make a decision to break through the barriers, and leave our burdens in the presence of Jesus. In our text, Jesus returns to Capernaum. He had been there before and had performed miracles, but He returned this time to preach the word. The miracles and wonders are great, but everyone needs the word in their lives. The Lord was glad to open bli… Kenneth Baker 2544 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20262638/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_leaveit/id/2226628.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20262638 Leave It Thu, 04 Dec 2014 03:53:09 +0000 Mark Hughes There are times that God's word to us is so pressing and urgent that it demands our immediate attention. There are times that God's message is so urgent that it is a command not a suggestion. So it was in our text tonight. Abraham was commanded by God to do something that would help him in a crucial time in his life. Some things cannot wait; they have to be done now. Bro. Hughes comes with a now word for us tonight. There is no mention in scripture that there was anything wrong with Abraham, but God knew the inner struggles of Abraham. The concerns and troubles inside Abraham were a concern to God. Abraham must have had fears hidden in his heart, and God knew those fears. God had made promises to Abraham, and it was not apparent in his life that those promises were to come to fruition. God is concerned about each and every one of us. He knows what we are battling. He knows all the secret things that go on in our mind that we do not speak. On that night, God took Abraham on a journey. He begins by telling him to look at the heavens. There are times that it is necessary to frame our temporary problems against the backdrop of eternity. When we deal with fears and discouragement, we contrast that against eternity. Our problems are but temporary, but God's promises are forever. It begins with a look. It begins with opening our eyes to see what is there. The word look means more than to just to see, but to be alert; to be conscious of and to consider. When we look at the heavens, we become ware of how little we know. What we know is nothing compared to what God knows. If God can create the heavens and the earth, our problems are no challenge. When we are out of options, God is never out of options. God tells Abraham to look, and more than look, to count the stars. Science tells us that the human eye can see about 10,000 stars on any given night. Research tells us that there are 40 billion stars just in our own galaxy. Scientists have calculated that there are 10^24 stars in the universe. In that context, our little problems seem so insignificant. A god that can create that with just the words "Let it be..." is able to do anything. When we see the vastness of God's power, we are reminded that His power is limitless. Look up and know that God's power is greater than whatever we may be facing. God's answers are bigger than our problems. We need to stop looking at our problems and look at what God has already done. There are times that God's word to us is so pressing and urgent that it demands our immediate attention. There are times that God's message is so urgent that it is a command not a suggestion. So it was in our text tonight. Abraham was commanded by God to do something that would help him in a crucial time in his life. Some things cannot wait; they have to be done now. Bro. Hughes comes with a now word for us tonight. There is no mention in scripture that there was anything wrong with Abraham, but God knew the inner struggles of Abraham. The concerns and troubles inside Abraham were a concern to God. Abraham must have had fears hidden in his heart, and God knew those fears. God had made promises to Abraham, and it was not apparent in his life that those promises were to come to fruition. God is concerned about each and every one of us. He knows what we are battling. He knows all the secret things that go on in our mind that we do not speak. On that night, God took Abraham on a journey. He begins by telling him to look at the heavens. There are times that it is necessary to frame our temporary problems against the backdrop of eternity. When we deal with fears and discouragement, we contrast that against eternity. Our problems are but temporary, but God's promises are forever. It begins with a look. It begins with opening our eyes to see what is there. The word look means more than to just to see, but to be alert; to be conscious of and to consider. When we look at the heavens, we become ware of how little we know. What we know is nothing compared to what God knows. If God can create the heavens and the earth, our problems are no challenge. When we are out of options, God is never out of options. God tells Abraham to look, and more than look, to count the stars. Science tells us that the human eye can see about 10,000 stars on any given night. Research tells us that there are 40 billion stars just in our own galaxy. Scientists have calculated that there are 10^24 stars in the universe. In that context, our little problems seem so insignificant. A god that can create that with just the words "Let it be..." is able to do anything. When we see the vastness of God's power, we are reminded that His power is limitless. Look up and know that God's power is greater than whatever we may be facing. God's answers are bigger than our problems. We need to stop looking at our problems and look at what God has already done. There are times that God's word to us is so pressing and urgent that it demands our immediate attention. There are times that God's message is so urgent that it is a command not a suggestion. So it was in our text tonight. Abraham was commanded by G… Mark Hughes 2351 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20259277/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_look/id/2223492.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20259277 Scripture: Genesis 15:5-15:6 Mon, 24 Nov 2014 03:50:54 +0000 Mark Hughes The story of Esau selling his birthright is a familiarize one, and one that is a sad one indeed. How quickly things can be lost and at what a price. Life is often fought int he secret battle ground. Often it is just us and temptation. The quietest hours are the often the most dangerous. How easily can blessing slip through our hands in a weak, unguarded moment. Esau said that he was at the point of death. He misinterpreted what was going on in his life, and that error caused him to sell something the most valuable thing in his life. His flesh was weak and in that moment of weakness, he stumbled. Before we judge Esau too harshly, we must understand that none of us are beyond stumbling. What causes a man with so much in his favor to stumble as did Esau? There were several things that happened to Esau that could easily happen to any of us. First, men stumble when they do not honor who they are. When we forget who we are, how easy it is to let things slip in or to let go of things that should be so dear. In a moment of weakness, Esau forgot who he was and what his place in God's plan. Men will sink to low places when they forget who they are. Each of us is born with a birthright. God has invested in each of us something that is worth keeping. Men stumble when they let the wrong senses and wrong appetites guide their decisions. The flesh will always cost us more than we are willing to pay. Men stumble when they begin to rationalize in their life. Our world rationalizes everything. "What will it hurt..." It will hurt our family, our future and our eternity when we begin to rationalize. Our flesh will tell us that "one time won't hurt," but the truth is that it could hurt a great deal. Making exceptions in life can cause us to stumble. We must all have a line that we draw in life that we will not cross. Men stumble when they lose their sense of perspective. Easu lost it all in a moment because he lost his perspective. Once it was lost, it could never be recovered. When we put the temporal in front of the eternal, we are on dangerous ground. Men stumble when they sell what they do not possess for what they can never have. We live in a time when the footing is so slippery that it is difficult to find a place to stand. We must stand on solid ground. None of us area any better than Esau in that we are just subject to the same temptations. With God's help, we must keep our eyes on the things that are eternal. and not sell out for less than we are entitled. We must be mindful of the hours when men stumble. The story of Esau selling his birthright is a familiarize one, and one that is a sad one indeed. How quickly things can be lost and at what a price. Life is often fought int he secret battle ground. Often it is just us and temptation. The quietest hours are the often the most dangerous. How easily can blessing slip through our hands in a weak, unguarded moment. Esau said that he was at the point of death. He misinterpreted what was going on in his life, and that error caused him to sell something the most valuable thing in his life. His flesh was weak and in that moment of weakness, he stumbled. Before we judge Esau too harshly, we must understand that none of us are beyond stumbling. What causes a man with so much in his favor to stumble as did Esau? There were several things that happened to Esau that could easily happen to any of us. First, men stumble when they do not honor who they are. When we forget who we are, how easy it is to let things slip in or to let go of things that should be so dear. In a moment of weakness, Esau forgot who he was and what his place in God's plan. Men will sink to low places when they forget who they are. Each of us is born with a birthright. God has invested in each of us something that is worth keeping. Men stumble when they let the wrong senses and wrong appetites guide their decisions. The flesh will always cost us more than we are willing to pay. Men stumble when they begin to rationalize in their life. Our world rationalizes everything. "What will it hurt..." It will hurt our family, our future and our eternity when we begin to rationalize. Our flesh will tell us that "one time won't hurt," but the truth is that it could hurt a great deal. Making exceptions in life can cause us to stumble. We must all have a line that we draw in life that we will not cross. Men stumble when they lose their sense of perspective. Easu lost it all in a moment because he lost his perspective. Once it was lost, it could never be recovered. When we put the temporal in front of the eternal, we are on dangerous ground. Men stumble when they sell what they do not possess for what they can never have. We live in a time when the footing is so slippery that it is difficult to find a place to stand. We must stand on solid ground. None of us area any better than Esau in that we are just subject to the same temptations. With God's help, we must keep our eyes on the things that are eternal. and not sell out for less than we are entitled. We must be mindful of the hours when men stumble. The story of Esau selling his birthright is a familiarize one, and one that is a sad one indeed. How quickly things can be lost and at what a price. Life is often fought int he secret battle ground. Often it is just us and temptation. The quietest … Mark Hughes 1670 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20251713/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hourwhenmenstumble/id/2216108.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20251713 Scripture: Genesis 25:32-25:33 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 21:47:56 +0000 Mark Hughes Thanksgiving is a distinctly American holiday. It does not commemorate a battle, or the birth of a famous statesman. This holiday that we celebrate was begun by a group of struggling pilgrims in the fall of 1623. In the early days of our country there was a mixture of faith, hope, sacrifice and suffering. The pilgrims endured the hardship of a ocean voyage that lasted over 60 days. They encountered a storm that almost sunk the small boat of 120 people and their provisions. They were looking for a place where the could worship and live freely. They landed during a harsh winter that almost did them in. In the first year, almost half of them died. At one point there were only 7 healthy colonists to care for the rest. Their daily existence was life and death. Somehow, they survived that first winter. Because of their limited understanding of this new environment, they had difficulty in growing crops to sustain themselves. It is recorded in William Bradford's writings, that when the Mayflower returned to England, these colonists did not go back. They had come to stay. In November of the following year, another ship arrived with 35 more people who came with no additional provisions. At the lowest point in what was called the starving years. They existed on a meager ration of food. At times they existed on a few kernels of corn each day. In subsequent years at the colony began to thrive they would continue to celebrate Thanksgiving. History tells us that each year when they would sit for their feast, they would begin with an empty plate with 5 kernels of corn. This was to remind them of how God had sustained them in the lean times. This illustrations reminds us that we need to be thankful for the small blessings that God provides us with every day. Some people still complain in spite of God's blessings. The pilgrim's 5 kernels of corn remind us that we are blessed no matter what may come. Each of these 5 kernels of corn need to represent something to each of us for which we are thankful. If we are thankful for what we have, there is always enough to get us through. What are your 5 kernels of corn? Thanksgiving is a distinctly American holiday. It does not commemorate a battle, or the birth of a famous statesman. This holiday that we celebrate was begun by a group of struggling pilgrims in the fall of 1623. In the early days of our country there was a mixture of faith, hope, sacrifice and suffering. The pilgrims endured the hardship of a ocean voyage that lasted over 60 days. They encountered a storm that almost sunk the small boat of 120 people and their provisions. They were looking for a place where the could worship and live freely. They landed during a harsh winter that almost did them in. In the first year, almost half of them died. At one point there were only 7 healthy colonists to care for the rest. Their daily existence was life and death. Somehow, they survived that first winter. Because of their limited understanding of this new environment, they had difficulty in growing crops to sustain themselves. It is recorded in William Bradford's writings, that when the Mayflower returned to England, these colonists did not go back. They had come to stay. In November of the following year, another ship arrived with 35 more people who came with no additional provisions. At the lowest point in what was called the starving years. They existed on a meager ration of food. At times they existed on a few kernels of corn each day. In subsequent years at the colony began to thrive they would continue to celebrate Thanksgiving. History tells us that each year when they would sit for their feast, they would begin with an empty plate with 5 kernels of corn. This was to remind them of how God had sustained them in the lean times. This illustrations reminds us that we need to be thankful for the small blessings that God provides us with every day. Some people still complain in spite of God's blessings. The pilgrim's 5 kernels of corn remind us that we are blessed no matter what may come. Each of these 5 kernels of corn need to represent something to each of us for which we are thankful. If we are thankful for what we have, there is always enough to get us through. What are your 5 kernels of corn? Thanksgiving is a distinctly American holiday. It does not commemorate a battle, or the birth of a famous statesman. This holiday that we celebrate was begun by a group of struggling pilgrims in the fall of 1623. In the early days of our country the… Mark Hughes 2671 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20251180/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_5kernelsofcorn/id/2215576.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20251180 Scripture: Psalms 40:4-40:5, Psalms 116:2-116, Psalms 136:136 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 04:21:06 +0000 Mark Hughes We cannot find one who was more meek and kind than Jesus, but there were time when Jesus dealt with issues. There were times when things so stirred Him, that He was not nice when he dealt with the situation. Some of us are too passive when dealing with spiritual issues that affect our life and our families. We must not give place to the seducing, lieing spirits that contradict that God has promised us. We may be playing games, but the Devil is playing for keeps. We must develop a zero tolerance policy when it comes to our spiritual health. God does not have to give us one ounce more Holy Ghost for us to stop the spiritual attack on our families. We simply need to stand up and take a stand for what we know to be right. We must get off of this passive stance and decide to stir the waters. Something must stir us to rise up and become the man of God that we are designed to be. There are spirits that work to mock us and our miracle. They mock the hopes we have for recovery. The mock our faith. If we are not careful, those mocking spirits can push us out and close the door on our miracle. We must have the courage to tell them to GET OUT or we will find ourselves empty and alone. We must not tolerate it. Our greatest battles are often fought in the home over faith. The devil knows if he can destroy faith in the home, that he can destroy the church. It is time for us to stand up and do what God has given us authority to do: Cast out Devils. It is time to throw it out. We do not need to be nice about it, we need to command it! What the Lord wants us to do it to take authority. There are many things that Jesus would not put up with, and nether should we. He would not put up with playing church. Church is for worship, not for money changers or social interactions. Jesus cast out demons that tormented His creation. He confronted the spirits that bound people's lives and commanded them out. Anything that does not glorify God has to be cast out. It is time that a militant spirit come to the church. Our world will come against us and tell us that we are out of touch. But Jesus tells us that we are in touch with what He is wanting for us and our families. There are spirits that will continue to come against us, we must cast them out. We cannot find one who was more meek and kind than Jesus, but there were time when Jesus dealt with issues. There were times when things so stirred Him, that He was not nice when he dealt with the situation. Some of us are too passive when dealing with spiritual issues that affect our life and our families. We must not give place to the seducing, lieing spirits that contradict that God has promised us. We may be playing games, but the Devil is playing for keeps. We must develop a zero tolerance policy when it comes to our spiritual health. God does not have to give us one ounce more Holy Ghost for us to stop the spiritual attack on our families. We simply need to stand up and take a stand for what we know to be right. We must get off of this passive stance and decide to stir the waters. Something must stir us to rise up and become the man of God that we are designed to be. There are spirits that work to mock us and our miracle. They mock the hopes we have for recovery. The mock our faith. If we are not careful, those mocking spirits can push us out and close the door on our miracle. We must have the courage to tell them to GET OUT or we will find ourselves empty and alone. We must not tolerate it. Our greatest battles are often fought in the home over faith. The devil knows if he can destroy faith in the home, that he can destroy the church. It is time for us to stand up and do what God has given us authority to do: Cast out Devils. It is time to throw it out. We do not need to be nice about it, we need to command it! What the Lord wants us to do it to take authority. There are many things that Jesus would not put up with, and nether should we. He would not put up with playing church. Church is for worship, not for money changers or social interactions. Jesus cast out demons that tormented His creation. He confronted the spirits that bound people's lives and commanded them out. Anything that does not glorify God has to be cast out. It is time that a militant spirit come to the church. Our world will come against us and tell us that we are out of touch. But Jesus tells us that we are in touch with what He is wanting for us and our families. There are spirits that will continue to come against us, we must cast them out. We cannot find one who was more meek and kind than Jesus, but there were time when Jesus dealt with issues. There were times when things so stirred Him, that He was not nice when he dealt with the situation. Some of us are too passive when dealing wi… Mark Hughes 2242 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20246100/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_castout/id/2210643.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20246100 Scripture: Matthew 9:24-9, Matthew 21:12-21:14, Mark 1:34-1 Sun, 16 Nov 2014 20:01:09 +0000 Kenneth Baker On a night when many things could have happened, Jesus’ response to the events of the night of his betrayal are the key to the mastery of life in many areas. In those final days, relationships and trusts that had been formed over many years fell apart. Before the night was over, all of the apostles would betray Him in their own way and flee. All of us have been betrayed some point in our life. It happens on the job, it happens in friendships, it happens in families, and sadly, even in church. We have all felt the hurt of trust turned to treachery. Betrayal is a horrible thing to deal with and a difficult thing to master. It is difficult to not become bitterer by betrayal. Jesus gives us an example of how to deal with betrayal. In the midst of that horrible night, Jesus did something so significant, that it actually changed the course of humanity. Paul gives us a principle of life and communicates over the many years the key to living with betrayal. The Lord's supper is more than a symbolic meal, but the answer of how to deal with the sting of betrayal. Jesus knew what would happen, but even as the traitor sat has his table, He broke bread and He gives a principle of how to live with betrayal. In the midst of this betrayal, Jesus never lost his composure. In a moment of treachery Jesus did not let the knowledge of the betrayal to elevate to anger against the one He knew would betray Him. He refused to get lost in that night. Many people are still fighting the same battles over and over because they are lost somewhere in a night that they cannot get past. Too many people are locked in their past. Lost in something that happened to them many years ago. Jesus refused to be lost in the reality of the very night He was betrayed. Jesus did not allow it to slow Him from His purpose. He refused to let what someone did to Him, to stop Him from what He was going to do. Paul tells us that on the night he was betrayed, He took bread. He took bread not a head. He took bread not a sword. Be careful what you talk hold of during times of betrayal, because what we take hold of will take hold of us. He took bread, and He gave thanks. By His actions, Jesus denied the twin sister of betrayal; bitterness. If we are to survive the night of betrayal, we will have to embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving. Even if we have lost it all, we still have God's hand in our life. If nothing else, we can be thankful for the hand of God in our life. The bible tells us that after He broke bread, Jesus sang hymns. Even in the face of His betrayal, Jesus offered praise in song. He prepared for agony with praise. The Lord's supper is not a story of betrayal, but a celebration of overcoming. On a night when a lot of things could have happened, Jesus' actions show us how to deal with betrayal. On a night when many things could have happened, Jesus’ response to the events of the night of his betrayal are the key to the mastery of life in many areas. In those final days, relationships and trusts that had been formed over many years fell apart. Before the night was over, all of the apostles would betray Him in their own way and flee. All of us have been betrayed some point in our life. It happens on the job, it happens in friendships, it happens in families, and sadly, even in church. We have all felt the hurt of trust turned to treachery. Betrayal is a horrible thing to deal with and a difficult thing to master. It is difficult to not become bitterer by betrayal. Jesus gives us an example of how to deal with betrayal. In the midst of that horrible night, Jesus did something so significant, that it actually changed the course of humanity. Paul gives us a principle of life and communicates over the many years the key to living with betrayal. The Lord's supper is more than a symbolic meal, but the answer of how to deal with the sting of betrayal. Jesus knew what would happen, but even as the traitor sat has his table, He broke bread and He gives a principle of how to live with betrayal. In the midst of this betrayal, Jesus never lost his composure. In a moment of treachery Jesus did not let the knowledge of the betrayal to elevate to anger against the one He knew would betray Him. He refused to get lost in that night. Many people are still fighting the same battles over and over because they are lost somewhere in a night that they cannot get past. Too many people are locked in their past. Lost in something that happened to them many years ago. Jesus refused to be lost in the reality of the very night He was betrayed. Jesus did not allow it to slow Him from His purpose. He refused to let what someone did to Him, to stop Him from what He was going to do. Paul tells us that on the night he was betrayed, He took bread. He took bread not a head. He took bread not a sword. Be careful what you talk hold of during times of betrayal, because what we take hold of will take hold of us. He took bread, and He gave thanks. By His actions, Jesus denied the twin sister of betrayal; bitterness. If we are to survive the night of betrayal, we will have to embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving. Even if we have lost it all, we still have God's hand in our life. If nothing else, we can be thankful for the hand of God in our life. The bible tells us that after He broke bread, Jesus sang hymns. Even in the face of His betrayal, Jesus offered praise in song. He prepared for agony with praise. The Lord's supper is not a story of betrayal, but a celebration of overcoming. On a night when a lot of things could have happened, Jesus' actions show us how to deal with betrayal. On a night when many things could have happened, Jesus’ response to the events of the night of his betrayal are the key to the mastery of life in many areas. In those final days, relationships and trusts that had been formed over many years fell apart… Kenneth Baker 2334 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20245359/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_betrayal/id/2209879.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20245359 Betrayal Sun, 09 Nov 2014 22:31:29 +0000 Ron Guidroz It is easy to believe that miracles are rare, but the truth is we experience miracles every day. We are living in a time where Satan is more active than ever trying to destroy lives. The world's markets are shaking. Our whole world needs a miracle. In our text, a women comes to Jesus with a daughter that is possessed of the devil. Jesus did not answer her, and the disciples tried to silence her. But she would not be silenced. Jesus explains that He could not help her because she was a Gentile. She responded with worship saying "Lord help me." Jesus then referred to her as a dog. Even so, she persisted. She said "even dogs eat the crumbs dropped by their master." She has called him Lord and Master which was much more than the Jews were doing. She was positioning herself for a miracle. Worship elevated her to the point where she received her miracle. Worship and praise will position us for a miracle. It is easy to believe that miracles are rare, but the truth is we experience miracles every day. We are living in a time where Satan is more active than ever trying to destroy lives. The world's markets are shaking. Our whole world needs a miracle. In our text, a women comes to Jesus with a daughter that is possessed of the devil. Jesus did not answer her, and the disciples tried to silence her. But she would not be silenced. Jesus explains that He could not help her because she was a Gentile. She responded with worship saying "Lord help me." Jesus then referred to her as a dog. Even so, she persisted. She said "even dogs eat the crumbs dropped by their master." She has called him Lord and Master which was much more than the Jews were doing. She was positioning herself for a miracle. Worship elevated her to the point where she received her miracle. Worship and praise will position us for a miracle. It is easy to believe that miracles are rare, but the truth is we experience miracles every day. We are living in a time where Satan is more active than ever trying to destroy lives. The world's markets are shaking. Our whole world needs a miracle.… Ron Guidroz 1950 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20239112/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_positionyourselfforamiracle/id/2204167.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20239112 Scripture: Matthew 15:22-15 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 03:51:01 +0000 Mark Hughes Luke points out that part his ministry is to guide us on the way to peace. In the hebrew, peace did not mean the absence of trouble, rather it spoke of all the things that make for man's highest good. There is a promise that is given in our text that Man would be able to walk in a way that leads to peace. There is a way of living and conducting life that will produce peace. Not just an absence of trouble, but all aspects of life working in unity that will lead to accomplishing God's purpose. If our life is chaotic and there is confusion at every turn, we are not walking down he path that leads to peace. The prophecy of the Lord is that not only will He lead us into salvation, he will lead us along a path that will take us to peace. How do we know when we are on that road that leads to peace? When we travel in the natural world, we rely on sign posts along the road to help get us to our destination. If there is a road that leads to peace, there will certainly be sign posts along that road to help us navigate. Bro Hughes offers several guideposts. The first sign is the way we regard life. The attitude we have about life is telling. If life is a grind, then we are probably not on the right road. Peace and harmony of life is wrapped up in the knowledge that life is a gift. Is life a blessing or a burden? It all depends on how we regard this gift that God has given. There are things in life that God cannot do. He cannot decide if we are happy or sad. That is a choice we have to make. The second sign post is contentment. That we learn to be satisfied with what we have and where we are. Knowing the difference between what we possess and what is on loan is important. The truth is that we do not own anything, it is all on loan. If we are never satisfied with what we have, God will never give us the things we need. We have to learn to accept the fact that we have certain abilities and disabilities in life. We need to focus on the things we can do and not be consumed with what we cannot do. The third guide post are the things that we leave behind. Fear, is one of those things that we need to leave behind. Contempt is another. Another guide post is that we are governed by the highest principles not the lowest. If we are on the road to peace, we will be drawn by the things that draw us closer to Him. We will be governed by what is good and pure. These are the things that will lead us to peace. The next road sign is "be careful what you covet" Envy is a bad thing. It undermines peace. When we look at what someone else has and wish that it was ours, we entertain a spirit of discontent. Finally Bro. Hughes offers that there should be sign that says Be careful what we think. What we allow our selves to think about will control our life. On the journey to peace, we must pay attention to the road signs to guide us. Luke points out that part his ministry is to guide us on the way to peace. In the hebrew, peace did not mean the absence of trouble, rather it spoke of all the things that make for man's highest good. There is a promise that is given in our text that Man would be able to walk in a way that leads to peace. There is a way of living and conducting life that will produce peace. Not just an absence of trouble, but all aspects of life working in unity that will lead to accomplishing God's purpose. If our life is chaotic and there is confusion at every turn, we are not walking down he path that leads to peace. The prophecy of the Lord is that not only will He lead us into salvation, he will lead us along a path that will take us to peace. How do we know when we are on that road that leads to peace? When we travel in the natural world, we rely on sign posts along the road to help get us to our destination. If there is a road that leads to peace, there will certainly be sign posts along that road to help us navigate. Bro Hughes offers several guideposts. The first sign is the way we regard life. The attitude we have about life is telling. If life is a grind, then we are probably not on the right road. Peace and harmony of life is wrapped up in the knowledge that life is a gift. Is life a blessing or a burden? It all depends on how we regard this gift that God has given. There are things in life that God cannot do. He cannot decide if we are happy or sad. That is a choice we have to make. The second sign post is contentment. That we learn to be satisfied with what we have and where we are. Knowing the difference between what we possess and what is on loan is important. The truth is that we do not own anything, it is all on loan. If we are never satisfied with what we have, God will never give us the things we need. We have to learn to accept the fact that we have certain abilities and disabilities in life. We need to focus on the things we can do and not be consumed with what we cannot do. The third guide post are the things that we leave behind. Fear, is one of those things that we need to leave behind. Contempt is another. Another guide post is that we are governed by the highest principles not the lowest. If we are on the road to peace, we will be drawn by the things that draw us closer to Him. We will be governed by what is good and pure. These are the things that will lead us to peace. The next road sign is "be careful what you covet" Envy is a bad thing. It undermines peace. When we look at what someone else has and wish that it was ours, we entertain a spirit of discontent. Finally Bro. Hughes offers that there should be sign that says Be careful what we think. What we allow our selves to think about will control our life. On the journey to peace, we must pay attention to the road signs to guide us. Luke points out that part his ministry is to guide us on the way to peace. In the hebrew, peace did not mean the absence of trouble, rather it spoke of all the things that make for man's highest good. There is a promise that is given in our text that… Mark Hughes 2400 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20235494/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_signpostsontheroadtopeace/id/2201032.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20235494 Scripture: Luke 1:76-1:79 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 21:47:35 +0000 Mark Hughes Words are powerful. Words become the things that bind us, or that loose us in life. Words have the ability to inspire or discourage. One cord can make a difference in a person's life. A word can change everything. In our text, we find the power of a word. One word changes a story of dispare and loss to one of hope and encouragement. Jonah was in a wrenched condition that is uncompromisable to us. Jonah's situation was one of his own making. Things could not have looked any bleaker for Jonah as he sat in the belly of the great fish. It is a word than confuses the Devil and can silence the voice of our enemy. Whatever our current situation, this one word can change that situation from destruction to victory. The word that can transform our life is: YET. Jonah said I am cut off from God, YET I will look toward His holy temple." That word changes the story and moves it in a new direction. That one word salved his life and lifted him up from the bottom. As simple as it may sound, it is the answer to the problems we find in life. The things that confuse us, baffle us and leave us confounded are answered by Yet. I don't know how to respond, yet, but there IS a response and it will come in time. We may be in trouble today YET our hope is in the Lord. Over our troubles today, we speak a word: Yet. Yet is a word of expectation. it is one of anticipation. We may be down now, but we will get up again. I am not healed...Yet. I am not over it...Yet. I am not where I need to be...Yet. That one word can silence the devil's minions that tell us that we are lost forever. They will say that there is no way up, no way out, and we simply say we just have not found the way up or out...yet. Speak it over our hurts, our shortcomings, our confusion, and our fears. God has a hope for all of us. When we are in over our head, there is yet a word that can speak into our situation. That is the power of a word. Words are powerful. Words become the things that bind us, or that loose us in life. Words have the ability to inspire or discourage. One cord can make a difference in a person's life. A word can change everything. In our text, we find the power of a word. One word changes a story of dispare and loss to one of hope and encouragement. Jonah was in a wrenched condition that is uncompromisable to us. Jonah's situation was one of his own making. Things could not have looked any bleaker for Jonah as he sat in the belly of the great fish. It is a word than confuses the Devil and can silence the voice of our enemy. Whatever our current situation, this one word can change that situation from destruction to victory. The word that can transform our life is: YET. Jonah said I am cut off from God, YET I will look toward His holy temple." That word changes the story and moves it in a new direction. That one word salved his life and lifted him up from the bottom. As simple as it may sound, it is the answer to the problems we find in life. The things that confuse us, baffle us and leave us confounded are answered by Yet. I don't know how to respond, yet, but there IS a response and it will come in time. We may be in trouble today YET our hope is in the Lord. Over our troubles today, we speak a word: Yet. Yet is a word of expectation. it is one of anticipation. We may be down now, but we will get up again. I am not healed...Yet. I am not over it...Yet. I am not where I need to be...Yet. That one word can silence the devil's minions that tell us that we are lost forever. They will say that there is no way up, no way out, and we simply say we just have not found the way up or out...yet. Speak it over our hurts, our shortcomings, our confusion, and our fears. God has a hope for all of us. When we are in over our head, there is yet a word that can speak into our situation. That is the power of a word. Words are powerful. Words become the things that bind us, or that loose us in life. Words have the ability to inspire or discourage. One cord can make a difference in a person's life. A word can change everything. In our text, we find the power o… Mark Hughes 1675 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20232208/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thepowerofaword/id/2197753.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20232208 Scripture: Jonah 2:4-2 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 04:38:41 +0000 Mark Hughes The key to life is not praying the loudest, but relying on God when things are tough. Life has a way of bringing things that challenge us. Bro. Hughes refers to these problems or painful situations as the givens of life. We can pray for things to be different, but they won't. It does not matter how much we pray, there are some things that will just not move. Learning how to live when things are not ideal is essential because life is seldom ideal. When we were young, we all had an idea of how life would work out, but few of us expected the twists and turns in life that would come along. If we were to write the script of our life, most of our lives would be quite different, but we don’t get to write the script, God does. We pray to let God use us, but sometimes, letting God use is can cause us to go through an uncomfortable time. God has a way of giving us things that we do not want, but that we desperately need. We just do not see that at the time we are going through it. Often times what God gives, we do not want. He gives burdens that bless. He gives pain that empowers and produces in our life. He gives adversity that will advance our life. Often we confuse these troubling times as the work of the devil. Some times we can lose faith in prayer because we do not recognize God's answer to us. We ask for strength and God gives us something to strengthen us. We pray for wisdom, and God gives us a challenge to that produces wisdom. We pray for courage, and God presents us an opportunity to be brave. So it was with Paul that God gave him an unwanted gift: A thorn in his side. It was painful. So deep was the hurt that it send him to his knees. He pled for God to relieve him of it, but God chose to let it remain. Dealing with God's given is not always easy. Paul learned something from this given from which we can learn also. First, he regarded it as a challenge given to him by God, not the devil. Even if it is from the devil, it can only enter our life without the consent of God. Paul allowed his pain to bring him nearer to God rather than drive him away from God. We have a choice; We can chose to be bitter, or get better. Whatever is going on in our life, God has a reason for it, and if God has a reason for it, we need to see I through so that His purpose is served. Paul admitted that he needed it. He needed correction. He needed discipline. Paul learned what it was in him that needed to be disciplined. We all have blind spots about things in our selves. So God gives things that will reveal those blind spots. This makes us more dependent upon Him and less dependent upon ourselves. What Paul learned tempered him. Could it be that we are experiencing some of the givens in our life are there to teach us to be more graceful and kind to others? The reason we have to go through some of the things in our life, is because there are still edges in our life that God needs to knock off in order to make us what He wants us to be. We do not read in the bible or in history that God ever removed that thorn, but we never hear Paul mention it again. Rather, Paul says that he glories in his infirmities. He accepted it as God's work in his life. God's givens are not always what we want, but they are what we need. The key to life is not praying the loudest, but relying on God when things are tough. Life has a way of bringing things that challenge us. Bro. Hughes refers to these problems or painful situations as the givens of life. We can pray for things to be different, but they won't. It does not matter how much we pray, there are some things that will just not move. Learning how to live when things are not ideal is essential because life is seldom ideal. When we were young, we all had an idea of how life would work out, but few of us expected the twists and turns in life that would come along. If we were to write the script of our life, most of our lives would be quite different, but we don’t get to write the script, God does. We pray to let God use us, but sometimes, letting God use is can cause us to go through an uncomfortable time. God has a way of giving us things that we do not want, but that we desperately need. We just do not see that at the time we are going through it. Often times what God gives, we do not want. He gives burdens that bless. He gives pain that empowers and produces in our life. He gives adversity that will advance our life. Often we confuse these troubling times as the work of the devil. Some times we can lose faith in prayer because we do not recognize God's answer to us. We ask for strength and God gives us something to strengthen us. We pray for wisdom, and God gives us a challenge to that produces wisdom. We pray for courage, and God presents us an opportunity to be brave. So it was with Paul that God gave him an unwanted gift: A thorn in his side. It was painful. So deep was the hurt that it send him to his knees. He pled for God to relieve him of it, but God chose to let it remain. Dealing with God's given is not always easy. Paul learned something from this given from which we can learn also. First, he regarded it as a challenge given to him by God, not the devil. Even if it is from the devil, it can only enter our life without the consent of God. Paul allowed his pain to bring him nearer to God rather than drive him away from God. We have a choice; We can chose to be bitter, or get better. Whatever is going on in our life, God has a reason for it, and if God has a reason for it, we need to see I through so that His purpose is served. Paul admitted that he needed it. He needed correction. He needed discipline. Paul learned what it was in him that needed to be disciplined. We all have blind spots about things in our selves. So God gives things that will reveal those blind spots. This makes us more dependent upon Him and less dependent upon ourselves. What Paul learned tempered him. Could it be that we are experiencing some of the givens in our life are there to teach us to be more graceful and kind to others? The reason we have to go through some of the things in our life, is because there are still edges in our life that God needs to knock off in order to make us what He wants us to be. We do not read in the bible or in history that God ever removed that thorn, but we never hear Paul mention it again. Rather, Paul says that he glories in his infirmities. He accepted it as God's work in his life. God's givens are not always what we want, but they are what we need. The key to life is not praying the loudest, but relying on God when things are tough. Life has a way of bringing things that challenge us. Bro. Hughes refers to these problems or painful situations as the givens of life. We can pray for things to … Mark Hughes 2100 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20226683/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dealingwithgodsgivens/id/2192669.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20226683 Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:1-12:9, Psalms 39:9-39 Sun, 26 Oct 2014 20:38:58 +0000 Mark Hughes The Costa Concordia had made her voyage in the Mediterranean Sea many times, but on this particular occasion, she ran aground due to an unauthorized course change made in the navigational system. She ran aground in familiar waters, because she deviated from the approved coarse. All indications were that the captain changed the ship’s course to bring it closer into the coast in order to show of his skill, or to provide a better view to the passengers. When she hit the reef, the passengers were assured that it was nothing but a minor electrical problem. It was a full hour before measures were taken to safeguard the passengers. Too often we live in troubled waters, and we do not take measures to assure our safety. This morning, Bro. Hughes comes as a messenger to someone who may not be in trouble but the course they are navigating is treacherous. In our text the ship Paul was in ran aground and began to break apart. They lost all their cargo. Like the captain of the Concordia, the captain of Paul's boat ignored good advice. Paul's boat ran into trouble at the coming together of two different seas. Two different currents pushing in different directions caused it to wreck. The storm added to the danger, but the real problem was the opposing forces that caused the chaos. What brought them to that place? Not only were they dealing with the storm on the surface, they also had to deal with the currents under the surface that had even a greater affect on their journey. What brought them into troubled waters in the first place? Bro. Hughes identifies three things that led Paul’s ill fated voyage into troubled waters. Before they even left port, Paul advised the captain of the dangers ahead, but the captain did not heed the warning. The captain chose to ignore the advise of the preacher in favor of his desire to explore. This discontented spirit put the ship and all aboard into danger. The captain's eyes were not on the situation, but on where he wanted to be. He risk his life, his ship and the lives of all aboard because of a discontented spirit. It is extremely important to be content with what we have. This discontented spirit led them into troubled waters. Not only were they in discontent, but they also misjudged their circumstances. They made the decision to leave port because it was not suited to them. They misjudged the winds. When they started out they were headed in one direction, but by the time we find them in our text, they were 500 miles off course. The misjudgments in life can cause people to miss the signs of a journey going off course and into danger. When we only hear what we want to hear, we are certainly headed into troubled waters. If we get to the point where the man of God or God Himself speaks a word of warning to us and we ignore it, we are surely headed for troubled waters. Finally, when the storm began to increase, the captain surely tried to outrun it. The real problem for those headed into troubled waters, is that they think they can outrun their problems. There are some things that we cannot out run. We cannot outrun poor decisions. Why try to outrun it? Why not go back to a safe place? We all meet with cross currents in life. When those cross currents are the result of our own poor decisions, it is time to take a step back and change coarse. It is time to look inside to find the source of the problem. It is time to exercise the spirit of discontent, to not misjudge the signs of trouble and to listen to the warnings from the man of God. The Costa Concordia had made her voyage in the Mediterranean Sea many times, but on this particular occasion, she ran aground due to an unauthorized course change made in the navigational system. She ran aground in familiar waters, because she deviated from the approved coarse. All indications were that the captain changed the ship’s course to bring it closer into the coast in order to show of his skill, or to provide a better view to the passengers. When she hit the reef, the passengers were assured that it was nothing but a minor electrical problem. It was a full hour before measures were taken to safeguard the passengers. Too often we live in troubled waters, and we do not take measures to assure our safety. This morning, Bro. Hughes comes as a messenger to someone who may not be in trouble but the course they are navigating is treacherous. In our text the ship Paul was in ran aground and began to break apart. They lost all their cargo. Like the captain of the Concordia, the captain of Paul's boat ignored good advice. Paul's boat ran into trouble at the coming together of two different seas. Two different currents pushing in different directions caused it to wreck. The storm added to the danger, but the real problem was the opposing forces that caused the chaos. What brought them to that place? Not only were they dealing with the storm on the surface, they also had to deal with the currents under the surface that had even a greater affect on their journey. What brought them into troubled waters in the first place? Bro. Hughes identifies three things that led Paul’s ill fated voyage into troubled waters. Before they even left port, Paul advised the captain of the dangers ahead, but the captain did not heed the warning. The captain chose to ignore the advise of the preacher in favor of his desire to explore. This discontented spirit put the ship and all aboard into danger. The captain's eyes were not on the situation, but on where he wanted to be. He risk his life, his ship and the lives of all aboard because of a discontented spirit. It is extremely important to be content with what we have. This discontented spirit led them into troubled waters. Not only were they in discontent, but they also misjudged their circumstances. They made the decision to leave port because it was not suited to them. They misjudged the winds. When they started out they were headed in one direction, but by the time we find them in our text, they were 500 miles off course. The misjudgments in life can cause people to miss the signs of a journey going off course and into danger. When we only hear what we want to hear, we are certainly headed into troubled waters. If we get to the point where the man of God or God Himself speaks a word of warning to us and we ignore it, we are surely headed for troubled waters. Finally, when the storm began to increase, the captain surely tried to outrun it. The real problem for those headed into troubled waters, is that they think they can outrun their problems. There are some things that we cannot out run. We cannot outrun poor decisions. Why try to outrun it? Why not go back to a safe place? We all meet with cross currents in life. When those cross currents are the result of our own poor decisions, it is time to take a step back and change coarse. It is time to look inside to find the source of the problem. It is time to exercise the spirit of discontent, to not misjudge the signs of trouble and to listen to the warnings from the man of God. The Costa Concordia had made her voyage in the Mediterranean Sea many times, but on this particular occasion, she ran aground due to an unauthorized course change made in the navigational system. She ran aground in familiar waters, because she devi… Mark Hughes 2336 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20226021/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_livingintroubledwaters/id/2191956.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20226021 Scripture: Acts 27:41-27 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 02:28:07 +0000 Mark Hughes The book of Ephesians is a continual flow of wisdom. Paul alludes in his writing that life is a journey. Life requires a certain carefulness in navigating this journey. In our text, he admonishes us to walk circumspectly. That means that we must be careful where and how we step. There are dangers that can soil life. Paul writing to the first century church reveals that the problems that we face today are not new, but have been around for a long time. One of the spirits he had to deal with was: Since God's grace covers all, there is little need to be careful about failure. Paul begins to address this attitude in our text. If we are going to avoid the land mines of life, there must be a certain cautiousness about life. In the journey of life there are currents, and winds that blow, and storms that come up that must be accounted for. Life is either ruled by the rudder, or ruined by the rocks. The rudder directs the course of the boat. Either there is a directing force in life, or life is at the mercy of the storm and risk being ruined on the rocks. Paul uses the word walk to describe how we are to conduct ourselves. It refers to the regulation of one's life; to live in a certain way. Paul suggests that we do not simply wander through life, but move with purpose. The world is full of people who want the blessings of God, but they do not want to live the way that will produce the blessings of God. We cannot truly enjoy the promises of God without embracing the precepts that facilitate those promises. There are many people who love talk about the word, but they do not live it. Paul points to a principle; the journey of life is treacherous, and it requires navigating in a certain way. Paul throughout all his writing in the new testament, uses the word WALK to living a life in a particular way. There ware four things that Paul was trying to communicate to us. First: To safely navigate life, we will need a lot of wisdom. WE need to walk wisely, talk wisely, think wisely and act wisely. If we do not employ wisdom, we will find problems. Wisdom is not craftiness and cunning. It is not shrewdness. Many people who exhibit these traits, often find their life a wreck. The kind of wisdom that Paul means is getting ahold of something divine. It is an acquaintance with a divine plan. It is knowledge which makes possible the skillful performance of life. Wisdom is dependent upon knowing Christ; Not knowing about Christ, but knowing Him. Wisdom has to do with the corresponding of our behavior and temper with eternal plans. We need wisdom. The only way to get this wisdom is to sped time with Jesus. Secondly safely navigating life requires limits. Paul said walk according to the rule. The Greek word rule is from the same word that gives us standards. We must have some kind of rules in our life. The word standard is not a graceless word. The world says that it doesn't matter how we life, that God's grace covers all. Paul specifically tells us to walk by a particular rule. There is something to the principle of limits and boundaries. We must all have limits in life. A life without standards is a ruined life. There must be things in our lives that are off limits. Boundaries are set by God's principles for our life. We need boundaries that are not determined by the situations we find our selves. We must live and walk within the lines. The third thing that is required is balance. Paul says to walk worthy. It is that balancing of life that is not too far to one side or the other. It speaks to a live of living consistantly. Finally living life requires vision. Driving teachers tell their students to fix their gaze on a point well ahead of the front of the car. If all we do is look just a few feet ahead, it will be too easy to run into something. Living life successfully requires looking ahead and anticipating hazards that appear on the horizon. If we are going to make it in life, it will take wisdom, limits, balance and vision. The book of Ephesians is a continual flow of wisdom. Paul alludes in his writing that life is a journey. Life requires a certain carefulness in navigating this journey. In our text, he admonishes us to walk circumspectly. That means that we must be careful where and how we step. There are dangers that can soil life. Paul writing to the first century church reveals that the problems that we face today are not new, but have been around for a long time. One of the spirits he had to deal with was: Since God's grace covers all, there is little need to be careful about failure. Paul begins to address this attitude in our text. If we are going to avoid the land mines of life, there must be a certain cautiousness about life. In the journey of life there are currents, and winds that blow, and storms that come up that must be accounted for. Life is either ruled by the rudder, or ruined by the rocks. The rudder directs the course of the boat. Either there is a directing force in life, or life is at the mercy of the storm and risk being ruined on the rocks. Paul uses the word walk to describe how we are to conduct ourselves. It refers to the regulation of one's life; to live in a certain way. Paul suggests that we do not simply wander through life, but move with purpose. The world is full of people who want the blessings of God, but they do not want to live the way that will produce the blessings of God. We cannot truly enjoy the promises of God without embracing the precepts that facilitate those promises. There are many people who love talk about the word, but they do not live it. Paul points to a principle; the journey of life is treacherous, and it requires navigating in a certain way. Paul throughout all his writing in the new testament, uses the word WALK to living a life in a particular way. There ware four things that Paul was trying to communicate to us. First: To safely navigate life, we will need a lot of wisdom. WE need to walk wisely, talk wisely, think wisely and act wisely. If we do not employ wisdom, we will find problems. Wisdom is not craftiness and cunning. It is not shrewdness. Many people who exhibit these traits, often find their life a wreck. The kind of wisdom that Paul means is getting ahold of something divine. It is an acquaintance with a divine plan. It is knowledge which makes possible the skillful performance of life. Wisdom is dependent upon knowing Christ; Not knowing about Christ, but knowing Him. Wisdom has to do with the corresponding of our behavior and temper with eternal plans. We need wisdom. The only way to get this wisdom is to sped time with Jesus. Secondly safely navigating life requires limits. Paul said walk according to the rule. The Greek word rule is from the same word that gives us standards. We must have some kind of rules in our life. The word standard is not a graceless word. The world says that it doesn't matter how we life, that God's grace covers all. Paul specifically tells us to walk by a particular rule. There is something to the principle of limits and boundaries. We must all have limits in life. A life without standards is a ruined life. There must be things in our lives that are off limits. Boundaries are set by God's principles for our life. We need boundaries that are not determined by the situations we find our selves. We must live and walk within the lines. The third thing that is required is balance. Paul says to walk worthy. It is that balancing of life that is not too far to one side or the other. It speaks to a live of living consistantly. Finally living life requires vision. Driving teachers tell their students to fix their gaze on a point well ahead of the front of the car. If all we do is look just a few feet ahead, it will be too easy to run into something. Living life successfully requires looking ahead and anticipating hazards that appear on the horizon. If we are going to make it in life, it will take wisdom, limits, balance and vision. The book of Ephesians is a continual flow of wisdom. Paul alludes in his writing that life is a journey. Life requires a certain carefulness in navigating this journey. In our text, he admonishes us to walk circumspectly. That means that we must … Mark Hughes 3060 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20223597/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_navigatinglife/id/2189752.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20223597 Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-5:17 Sun, 19 Oct 2014 14:10:35 +0000 Mark Hughes There exists in the power of the mind to either receive and recognize or fail to recognize the many things that God provides for us on a daily basis. Attitude is everything. We can never affect a positive outcome, with a negative attitude. The way in which we choose to think determines the outcome in any situation. If we take the time to consider and observe; we will find that over and over God has surrounded us with things to encourage, help and strengthen us. If we give into the feeling that the world is against us, we will be on the slippery slope to defeat. Thinking in the right frame of mind is essential to dealing with situations. The state of mind (heart) will have a powerful influence in our life. It can enlighten or blind us. In our text, we see that they had eyes and ears, but they could not see and hear. Even though God was speaking to them, they could not hear it. Israel had failed in an elementary way. God sent a prophet to speak to them about their transgression. This rebuke was not about their forgetfulness (which was their normal fault), but it was about their disconnection to the everyday things that God was doing for their benefit. They failed to give Him reverence and recognize Him for who He was. A person who fails to be thankful is a dangerous person to be around. Their unthankfulness makes them blind. It makes them insensitive to the daily things that God does. Jeremiah reminds Israel and us, that God is still in place and all powerful. Evidence is all around us that God cares, and cares very much for all of us. He reminds isareal of three things . The first is the boundary of the sea. Sand is unstable and will fall through our hands, but God uses this unstable material to form a boundary for the sea that it cannot go past. It reminds us that God not only puts a limit on the sea, but limits on our trials and troubles. God knows how much we can bear, and will give us no more than that. He keeps in check the destructive forces in life. Secondly, Jeremiah considers the falling rain. It cleanses, it replenishes what the sun had dried up. How do the clouds hold up all this moisture? Water weighs so much, yet God is able to elevate it into the sky and hold it there until it can fall where He decides it should. Finally Jeremiah points out the return of the harvest every year. Consistently the seed produces a crop every year. The miracle of life takes place every year from the humble seed. From something so small, such a great yield of crop to sustain God's people. God takes a little, and produces a lot. A little bit of praise, placed in God's hand can yield a great harvest. What an amazing thing to observe the everyday gifts of God. There exists in the power of the mind to either receive and recognize or fail to recognize the many things that God provides for us on a daily basis. Attitude is everything. We can never affect a positive outcome, with a negative attitude. The way in which we choose to think determines the outcome in any situation. If we take the time to consider and observe; we will find that over and over God has surrounded us with things to encourage, help and strengthen us. If we give into the feeling that the world is against us, we will be on the slippery slope to defeat. Thinking in the right frame of mind is essential to dealing with situations. The state of mind (heart) will have a powerful influence in our life. It can enlighten or blind us. In our text, we see that they had eyes and ears, but they could not see and hear. Even though God was speaking to them, they could not hear it. Israel had failed in an elementary way. God sent a prophet to speak to them about their transgression. This rebuke was not about their forgetfulness (which was their normal fault), but it was about their disconnection to the everyday things that God was doing for their benefit. They failed to give Him reverence and recognize Him for who He was. A person who fails to be thankful is a dangerous person to be around. Their unthankfulness makes them blind. It makes them insensitive to the daily things that God does. Jeremiah reminds Israel and us, that God is still in place and all powerful. Evidence is all around us that God cares, and cares very much for all of us. He reminds isareal of three things . The first is the boundary of the sea. Sand is unstable and will fall through our hands, but God uses this unstable material to form a boundary for the sea that it cannot go past. It reminds us that God not only puts a limit on the sea, but limits on our trials and troubles. God knows how much we can bear, and will give us no more than that. He keeps in check the destructive forces in life. Secondly, Jeremiah considers the falling rain. It cleanses, it replenishes what the sun had dried up. How do the clouds hold up all this moisture? Water weighs so much, yet God is able to elevate it into the sky and hold it there until it can fall where He decides it should. Finally Jeremiah points out the return of the harvest every year. Consistently the seed produces a crop every year. The miracle of life takes place every year from the humble seed. From something so small, such a great yield of crop to sustain God's people. God takes a little, and produces a lot. A little bit of praise, placed in God's hand can yield a great harvest. What an amazing thing to observe the everyday gifts of God. There exists in the power of the mind to either receive and recognize or fail to recognize the many things that God provides for us on a daily basis. Attitude is everything. We can never affect a positive outcome, with a negative attitude. The way i… Mark Hughes 2332 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20219797/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theeverydaygiftsofgod/id/2185954.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20219797 Scripture: Jeremiah 5:21-5:24 Mon, 06 Oct 2014 21:26:35 +0000 Landon Long Falling is enviable. it will happen. No one goes through life without falling. In our familiar parable, the farmer sows the seed. Some fell on the path; some fell on rocky ground; some fell into thorns and some fell on good ground. Not all seed falls on the same type of ground. Some seed fails to reach it's potential. The point of the parable is not the seed, rather it was about where the seed fell. All the seed is the same. The seed was for whatever ground would receive it. Jesus was telling us that there are four types of places to fall. The seed will find one of four different kinds of people. Where it lands will determine what becomes of the seed. Only one out of four will receive the full benefit of the seed. We will try to reach everyone, but only one in four will take it in. God pours out upon us, but are we ready to receive all that He has? Are we too hard to let the seed to take root? Do we think that the seed is falling by the wayside? Have we said "that seed isn't for me?" The seed that fell by the wayside did not live it's life outside the boundry. It didn't get to choose what became of it. It was eaten up by something else. The devil does not care about the seed, he just wants to keep it from us so he destroys it. Some of the seed fell in rocky places. At first there seemed to hope. The seed sprouted, but there were no roots to sustain it. The rocky soil wants the seed, but is too hard to allow it to fully take root. The rocky soil has the desire, but not the passion. He wants to receive the seed, but does not want to give anything back. The seed that falls into the thorny place is in a tumultuous environment. Life is crowded and busy. This ground is one of the most common in today's world. These people understand what is needed and required, but life gets busy. This ground understands the importance of the seed, but life requires more and more. The thorns begin to choke out the sprouts of the seed. Good intentions are great, but hell is full of people with good intentions. Trying to balance church, finances, job and family can become an overwhelming tangle of thorns. There are many people who have great intentions and spend a lot of time trying to work for the kingdom. If they are not careful, these things can choke out the seed that God has planted in our life. There are good people who do good things for God, but they may not be getting the better part. Finally there is the good soil. This is the soil that seems to just get it. It produces crops and yields much more than is put into it. This is the one that spends time seeking God's face. The one who seeks God's will. These people will remove the thorns and rocks from their life and prepare themselves to receive the seed that God wants to plant. Bro. Long wants to know where do we fall? It matters where we fall. Falling is enviable. it will happen. No one goes through life without falling. In our familiar parable, the farmer sows the seed. Some fell on the path; some fell on rocky ground; some fell into thorns and some fell on good ground. Not all seed falls on the same type of ground. Some seed fails to reach it's potential. The point of the parable is not the seed, rather it was about where the seed fell. All the seed is the same. The seed was for whatever ground would receive it. Jesus was telling us that there are four types of places to fall. The seed will find one of four different kinds of people. Where it lands will determine what becomes of the seed. Only one out of four will receive the full benefit of the seed. We will try to reach everyone, but only one in four will take it in. God pours out upon us, but are we ready to receive all that He has? Are we too hard to let the seed to take root? Do we think that the seed is falling by the wayside? Have we said "that seed isn't for me?" The seed that fell by the wayside did not live it's life outside the boundry. It didn't get to choose what became of it. It was eaten up by something else. The devil does not care about the seed, he just wants to keep it from us so he destroys it. Some of the seed fell in rocky places. At first there seemed to hope. The seed sprouted, but there were no roots to sustain it. The rocky soil wants the seed, but is too hard to allow it to fully take root. The rocky soil has the desire, but not the passion. He wants to receive the seed, but does not want to give anything back. The seed that falls into the thorny place is in a tumultuous environment. Life is crowded and busy. This ground is one of the most common in today's world. These people understand what is needed and required, but life gets busy. This ground understands the importance of the seed, but life requires more and more. The thorns begin to choke out the sprouts of the seed. Good intentions are great, but hell is full of people with good intentions. Trying to balance church, finances, job and family can become an overwhelming tangle of thorns. There are many people who have great intentions and spend a lot of time trying to work for the kingdom. If they are not careful, these things can choke out the seed that God has planted in our life. There are good people who do good things for God, but they may not be getting the better part. Finally there is the good soil. This is the soil that seems to just get it. It produces crops and yields much more than is put into it. This is the one that spends time seeking God's face. The one who seeks God's will. These people will remove the thorns and rocks from their life and prepare themselves to receive the seed that God wants to plant. Bro. Long wants to know where do we fall? It matters where we fall. Falling is enviable. it will happen. No one goes through life without falling. In our familiar parable, the farmer sows the seed. Some fell on the path; some fell on rocky ground; some fell into thorns and some fell on good ground. Not all seed fa… Landon Long 2551 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20208868/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itmatterswherewefall/id/2175626.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20208868 Scripture: Matthew 13:1-13:8, Matthew 13:19-13:23 Sun, 05 Oct 2014 14:58:19 +0000 Jay Hilton "In Love's Service Only Wounded Soldiers Can Serve." This quote from Thornton Wilders play "The Angel That Troubled the Waters" is a painful one, most of us don't "sign up" to be wounded soldiers. In this play, based on the story of the troubled waters front he bible, an angel stops the man from entering the pool explaining that in the service of love, only the wounded need apply. The message is that for some who are hurting, they need to see others who are experiencing problems in order to be healed. Through all the mess and hurt, God will see us through. The bible proclaims that He will strengthen our heart. People who have lived through problems can testify that through it all, God is faithful. The wounds in our life are there for a purpose. They are there so that we can be a witness to a hurting world. Only the wounded can heal. "In Love's Service Only Wounded Soldiers Can Serve." This quote from Thornton Wilders play "The Angel That Troubled the Waters" is a painful one, most of us don't "sign up" to be wounded soldiers. In this play, based on the story of the troubled waters front he bible, an angel stops the man from entering the pool explaining that in the service of love, only the wounded need apply. The message is that for some who are hurting, they need to see others who are experiencing problems in order to be healed. Through all the mess and hurt, God will see us through. The bible proclaims that He will strengthen our heart. People who have lived through problems can testify that through it all, God is faithful. The wounds in our life are there for a purpose. They are there so that we can be a witness to a hurting world. Only the wounded can heal. "In Love's Service Only Wounded Soldiers Can Serve." This quote from Thornton Wilders play "The Angel That Troubled the Waters" is a painful one, most of us don't "sign up" to be wounded soldiers. In this play, based on the story of the troubled waters… Jay Hilton 2273 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20206900/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_onlythewoundedcanheal/id/2173592.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20206900 Scripture: Revelation 5:1-5:9 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 14:44:54 +0000 Landon Long It is said that perception is reality. That is not true. In our text, the Moabites perceived that there was blood in the valley, but it was not blood. In advertising, products are presented in such a way as to make us want them. When we receive the burger, it will not appear as perfect as the one in the picture. In our text, they were without water and had been for some time. Elijah instructs the three kings to dig ditches in the valley. Those that expect God's blessing must make room for those blessings. If they had not dug the ditches, all that God sent would have run off and been gone. This blessing also caused them to be victorious against the Moabites. Had they not dug the ditches, the water would have run off. The blessings of God will flow, and if we are not prepared to receive it, they will flow to someone else. This water would come differently than it ever had before. They would not hear the wind, nor see the rain. But the water would come. God was letting them know that they had to prepare for the blessing that would come. Before they would receive the water and defeat Moab, they had some work to do. The work they did was worth every second that they spent. God will bless us for the work we are doing. It is difficult to grab a shovel and dig when there is no sign of rain, but God honors His promises. It is difficult to prepare. Prayer and fasting are difficult. Often we seem dry and barren in the dessert, and God asks us to dig. If, like the children of Israel, we obey, God will honor our labor and preparation and bless us as He has promised. Moab looked over the valley and believed that the three Kings had killed each other and set out to plunder. The enemy will have no mercy. When he perceives that we are down, he will rush in to trample us. God's distraction became the enemy's destruction. God provided water to the children of Israel, but it also served another purpose: to distract the enemy enough to allow His people to be victorious. The bible is full of stories about situations that appeared bleak, but God orchestrated a different outcome. God uses these situations to bring glory to HIm. No matter how bleak the situation,with God, it is not what it looks like. It is said that perception is reality. That is not true. In our text, the Moabites perceived that there was blood in the valley, but it was not blood. In advertising, products are presented in such a way as to make us want them. When we receive the burger, it will not appear as perfect as the one in the picture. In our text, they were without water and had been for some time. Elijah instructs the three kings to dig ditches in the valley. Those that expect God's blessing must make room for those blessings. If they had not dug the ditches, all that God sent would have run off and been gone. This blessing also caused them to be victorious against the Moabites. Had they not dug the ditches, the water would have run off. The blessings of God will flow, and if we are not prepared to receive it, they will flow to someone else. This water would come differently than it ever had before. They would not hear the wind, nor see the rain. But the water would come. God was letting them know that they had to prepare for the blessing that would come. Before they would receive the water and defeat Moab, they had some work to do. The work they did was worth every second that they spent. God will bless us for the work we are doing. It is difficult to grab a shovel and dig when there is no sign of rain, but God honors His promises. It is difficult to prepare. Prayer and fasting are difficult. Often we seem dry and barren in the dessert, and God asks us to dig. If, like the children of Israel, we obey, God will honor our labor and preparation and bless us as He has promised. Moab looked over the valley and believed that the three Kings had killed each other and set out to plunder. The enemy will have no mercy. When he perceives that we are down, he will rush in to trample us. God's distraction became the enemy's destruction. God provided water to the children of Israel, but it also served another purpose: to distract the enemy enough to allow His people to be victorious. The bible is full of stories about situations that appeared bleak, but God orchestrated a different outcome. God uses these situations to bring glory to HIm. No matter how bleak the situation,with God, it is not what it looks like. It is said that perception is reality. That is not true. In our text, the Moabites perceived that there was blood in the valley, but it was not blood. In advertising, products are presented in such a way as to make us want them. When we receive th… Landon Long 2290 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20200695/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itsnotwhatitlookslike/id/2167582.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20200695 Scripture: 2 Kings 3:3 Wed, 24 Sep 2014 14:27:44 +0000 Mark Hughes In Paul's writing, he is trying to make us aware of the life that we are endeavoring to live. All the "stuff" that goes on in life is not lost to God. Paul speaks of things. The "things" in life are the events of the day; trials, tasks, duties, and pressures that come with the everyday living of life. Paul cautions us to be careful of things because "things' have a way of working against us. They can blind us to the great realities of life. Pauls was so concerned for the early church as to warn them that things have the potential to separate us from the love of God. The things in life could drive a wedge between us and God. When we consider that, we have to think about what all Paul was implying. He was saying that present things have a way of blinding us to the what is down the world. Things can affect our perception of life. Paul was trying to help the Roman's understand that things can get so close and so personal that they can block out the things that God is trying to show us. Things can cause us to feel distant from God. In our busy crowded lives, we all need to withdraw from our problems to gain a better perspective. It is all too easy to only see the problem, and miss the possibilities and opportunities. In moments of crisis, we must step back and see Christ. Present things have a way of making us question the purpose; to see how anything good can come from them. Families, careers and lives are jeopardized because people lose sight of the bigger picture. What is blocking our vision of what God has for us. The question that Paul raises in our text is one that we all need to ask as we face life: What shall we say to these things? Paul is telling us that we have a choice of how we respond to these things. Some of them we resent, some we resisit, some depress us. No matter what the thing, we respond in some way. The answer to Paul's question will decided whether we are successful in dealing with things. The real difference in people is not their problems, but in their perspective. There are many things that are no in our control, but we do control is how we respond to things. Often in life our response to something is automatic. Our automatic responses to things block us from the possibilities that there are other ways to deal with things. Often there is a better way to respond than the way we usually respond. What shall we say to these things? In Paul's writing, he is trying to make us aware of the life that we are endeavoring to live. All the "stuff" that goes on in life is not lost to God. Paul speaks of things. The "things" in life are the events of the day; trials, tasks, duties, and pressures that come with the everyday living of life. Paul cautions us to be careful of things because "things' have a way of working against us. They can blind us to the great realities of life. Pauls was so concerned for the early church as to warn them that things have the potential to separate us from the love of God. The things in life could drive a wedge between us and God. When we consider that, we have to think about what all Paul was implying. He was saying that present things have a way of blinding us to the what is down the world. Things can affect our perception of life. Paul was trying to help the Roman's understand that things can get so close and so personal that they can block out the things that God is trying to show us. Things can cause us to feel distant from God. In our busy crowded lives, we all need to withdraw from our problems to gain a better perspective. It is all too easy to only see the problem, and miss the possibilities and opportunities. In moments of crisis, we must step back and see Christ. Present things have a way of making us question the purpose; to see how anything good can come from them. Families, careers and lives are jeopardized because people lose sight of the bigger picture. What is blocking our vision of what God has for us. The question that Paul raises in our text is one that we all need to ask as we face life: What shall we say to these things? Paul is telling us that we have a choice of how we respond to these things. Some of them we resent, some we resisit, some depress us. No matter what the thing, we respond in some way. The answer to Paul's question will decided whether we are successful in dealing with things. The real difference in people is not their problems, but in their perspective. There are many things that are no in our control, but we do control is how we respond to things. Often in life our response to something is automatic. Our automatic responses to things block us from the possibilities that there are other ways to deal with things. Often there is a better way to respond than the way we usually respond. What shall we say to these things? In Paul's writing, he is trying to make us aware of the life that we are endeavoring to live. All the "stuff" that goes on in life is not lost to God. Paul speaks of things. The "things" in life are the events of the day; trials, tasks, duties, and p… Mark Hughes 2874 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20200649/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatshallwesaytothesethings/id/2167534.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20200649 Scripture: Romans 8:28-8:31 Sun, 21 Sep 2014 22:22:17 +0000 Mark Hughes On his last trip to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled through the town of Bethany where he stopped to have a meal at his friend's home. In this familiar story, Mary anoints Jesus with ointment from the alabaster box. The disciples were outraged because of the cost of her sacrifice. If anyone should have appreciated what was being done, it should have been the disciples. But instead of applauding what she did, they looked at her with indignation and questioned "why was this wasted." To them it appeared to be a careless waste of a precious commodity. They said that it could have been sold for great value. Bro. Hughes proclaims that Mary knew well the value of that box. The disciples regarded it as waste, but Jesus admonished them and applauded her for her actions. He said that it would be remembered as a memorial and that She "did what she could." In this story, Jesus says that he is more interested in what she did than what she COULD do. It is better to have a church filled with people doing what they can, rather than talking about what could be done! She did more than she knew on that occasion. She was not absorbed int he present, she was preparing Him for what was to come. Preparing for the future is not a waste of time. Mary's act was selfless. Had she been concerned about the value of the box or it's contents, she would not have done it. She decided that He was worth it all. By breaking the box, she insured that it would never be used for any lesser purpose. In breaking the box, she was declaring that she was not holding back but giving all. Waste is not in what is given, waste is what is not given. All of the ointment went out and she satisfied the Lord with her giving. We need to give all to Him. Rather than loaning our services to God and counting the cost of what we give, we should do as Mary and give all to Him. We must stop measuring out what we give to God, we must give all. Pour it all out. The disciples criticism of Mary began with one man, but soon spread to the others. The real waste was not in Mary, but in Judas. The real waste was not in what she had poured out, the real waste was what the others held back and did not pour out. A waste is being blessed and not being a blessing to others. A waste is having to measure all we do to ensure that we do not do too much. A waste is someone who has a talent that they do not use. There is never a waste in the giving, but the true waste is in the withholding. Waste is when we have a gift to give, but we do not give it to God. A waste is when we only see the price, but not the value of what we do. The very reason many people cannot live for God is because they are always counting the cost of that life. What is waste? Not giving to Him is the real waste. On his last trip to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled through the town of Bethany where he stopped to have a meal at his friend's home. In this familiar story, Mary anoints Jesus with ointment from the alabaster box. The disciples were outraged because of the cost of her sacrifice. If anyone should have appreciated what was being done, it should have been the disciples. But instead of applauding what she did, they looked at her with indignation and questioned "why was this wasted." To them it appeared to be a careless waste of a precious commodity. They said that it could have been sold for great value. Bro. Hughes proclaims that Mary knew well the value of that box. The disciples regarded it as waste, but Jesus admonished them and applauded her for her actions. He said that it would be remembered as a memorial and that She "did what she could." In this story, Jesus says that he is more interested in what she did than what she COULD do. It is better to have a church filled with people doing what they can, rather than talking about what could be done! She did more than she knew on that occasion. She was not absorbed int he present, she was preparing Him for what was to come. Preparing for the future is not a waste of time. Mary's act was selfless. Had she been concerned about the value of the box or it's contents, she would not have done it. She decided that He was worth it all. By breaking the box, she insured that it would never be used for any lesser purpose. In breaking the box, she was declaring that she was not holding back but giving all. Waste is not in what is given, waste is what is not given. All of the ointment went out and she satisfied the Lord with her giving. We need to give all to Him. Rather than loaning our services to God and counting the cost of what we give, we should do as Mary and give all to Him. We must stop measuring out what we give to God, we must give all. Pour it all out. The disciples criticism of Mary began with one man, but soon spread to the others. The real waste was not in Mary, but in Judas. The real waste was not in what she had poured out, the real waste was what the others held back and did not pour out. A waste is being blessed and not being a blessing to others. A waste is having to measure all we do to ensure that we do not do too much. A waste is someone who has a talent that they do not use. There is never a waste in the giving, but the true waste is in the withholding. Waste is when we have a gift to give, but we do not give it to God. A waste is when we only see the price, but not the value of what we do. The very reason many people cannot live for God is because they are always counting the cost of that life. What is waste? Not giving to Him is the real waste. On his last trip to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled through the town of Bethany where he stopped to have a meal at his friend's home. In this familiar story, Mary anoints Jesus with ointment from the alabaster box. The disciples were outraged because of th… Mark Hughes 2130 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20194519/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatiswaste/id/2161995.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20194519 Scripture: Matthew 26:6-26:13, Mark 14:3-14 Sun, 21 Sep 2014 15:13:08 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is one of the most used passages in the bible. It is often used in hospital rooms, on death beds at funerals and in times of trouble and strife. In some point in everyone's life, the 23rd Psalm has meant something special. Every time it is read, something else reveals it self that speaks to our situation and life. When we read the 23 Psalm we are reminded that when we are in the fellowship of the Good Shepherd, we receive great benefits. There are great benefits in walking with God. It is great to know that He is watching out for us. The 23rd Psalm reminds us that it is the responsibility of the shepherd to ensure the safety of the sheep. God will protect us in everything we encounter and so. He leads, He directs, he feeds, He is a companion through he valley. Our specific text reminds us that God restores our soul. Life has a way of bringing unexpected things into our path. Sometimes in life we are not given an explanation why. This passage is re-assurance that we are equipped to deal with whatever comes. The issues in life can challenge our faith. There are times when our faith grows week and our own resolve becomes weary. If not careful, we can allow our life to drift along and become weak in the journey. Like sheep, the Lord's people can often lose our direction. Not on purpose, but by the very nature of the sheep, they will wonder off from the fold and thus find themselves in great danger. How many of us are struggling to make sense of life and cannot seem to find focus? When we find our selves in that position, it is important to remember that God has promised to restore our soul. To restore means to bring back. To bring back from what? From the wondering, the drifting, dispare and frustration. To return it from it's own weaknesses and put it into a place of safety and security. The shepherd has said that he would put our soul back into the right kind of relationship. Another definition of restore is to return. It does not matter how, or why, the shepherd wants to return the lost sheep to the fold. He would leave the 99 to look for the 1. This passage tells us that if we were the only one lost, He would come looking for us. Restore can mean to repair or make over. When we find our selves feeling broken down, God can restore us back to the place we need to be. This kind of restoration involves some work and removing the worn and broken parts. He is able to repair and rebuild. Some people think they can fix us, but it takes God to know what it will take to fix us. No matter where we have wandered, no matter what has been torn down, God can return us to a place and condition that He desires for us. In all ways, God restoreth our soul. Our text is one of the most used passages in the bible. It is often used in hospital rooms, on death beds at funerals and in times of trouble and strife. In some point in everyone's life, the 23rd Psalm has meant something special. Every time it is read, something else reveals it self that speaks to our situation and life. When we read the 23 Psalm we are reminded that when we are in the fellowship of the Good Shepherd, we receive great benefits. There are great benefits in walking with God. It is great to know that He is watching out for us. The 23rd Psalm reminds us that it is the responsibility of the shepherd to ensure the safety of the sheep. God will protect us in everything we encounter and so. He leads, He directs, he feeds, He is a companion through he valley. Our specific text reminds us that God restores our soul. Life has a way of bringing unexpected things into our path. Sometimes in life we are not given an explanation why. This passage is re-assurance that we are equipped to deal with whatever comes. The issues in life can challenge our faith. There are times when our faith grows week and our own resolve becomes weary. If not careful, we can allow our life to drift along and become weak in the journey. Like sheep, the Lord's people can often lose our direction. Not on purpose, but by the very nature of the sheep, they will wonder off from the fold and thus find themselves in great danger. How many of us are struggling to make sense of life and cannot seem to find focus? When we find our selves in that position, it is important to remember that God has promised to restore our soul. To restore means to bring back. To bring back from what? From the wondering, the drifting, dispare and frustration. To return it from it's own weaknesses and put it into a place of safety and security. The shepherd has said that he would put our soul back into the right kind of relationship. Another definition of restore is to return. It does not matter how, or why, the shepherd wants to return the lost sheep to the fold. He would leave the 99 to look for the 1. This passage tells us that if we were the only one lost, He would come looking for us. Restore can mean to repair or make over. When we find our selves feeling broken down, God can restore us back to the place we need to be. This kind of restoration involves some work and removing the worn and broken parts. He is able to repair and rebuild. Some people think they can fix us, but it takes God to know what it will take to fix us. No matter where we have wandered, no matter what has been torn down, God can return us to a place and condition that He desires for us. In all ways, God restoreth our soul. Our text is one of the most used passages in the bible. It is often used in hospital rooms, on death beds at funerals and in times of trouble and strife. In some point in everyone's life, the 23rd Psalm has meant something special. Every time it is … Mark Hughes 2376 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20193821/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_heresorethmysoul/id/2161266.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20193821 Scripture: Psalms 23:3-23 Sun, 14 Sep 2014 21:59:50 +0000 Mark Hughes Some people make life difficult. Some are of the opinion that if we try hard enough we can change and overcome anything. The truth is that some things cannot be changed. It is not a matter of not trying hard enough, but some things simply cannot be done. God did not intend life to be difficult and hard. God created man in an environment that if he had cooperated, he would lacked for nothing. God provided everything man needed in the garden. The only instruction was to take care of it. Through his actions, man disrupted Gods plan and humanity has paid for that action ever since. The world will tell us that if we have enough will power, we can overcome everything. Will all that we want, our will cannot transform our lives. Bro. Hughes shares a simple concept from God's word that can transform life. It is so simple that most will try to argue that it will not work. The bible tells us differently. In our text, Jesus is talking to people who are under a great deal of stress. They were in fear for their lives. Jesus said this: Consider the Lily. The do not work, but they get better. They do not work at being beautiful, but the Lily is one of the most beautiful flowers that grew in that area. The Lilly does not work to produce, yet they did produce. The did not struggle to grow, but yet they continued to grow. The principle Jesus was describing is this: It gets into a right relationship with the son and the soil and something beautiful happens. The Lilly does not stress and worry, it simply gets into the right relationship with the sun and the soil and it happens. It does not beg God to bless it, it just gets into the right relationship with he sun and beauty happens. When we get into the right relationship with the SON, beauty can happen in our lives too. Happiness, will come. Peace will come. When we live in a proper relationship growth, beauty, bounty, provision, peace, joy, contentment, and happiness all happen. We grow like what we live with. If we live with criticism, we will be critical. The lily knows that if God made us, God will keep us. What we fellowship we will follow. If we fellowship bitterness, then we will be bitter. Jesus came and died for us knowing how many times we would fail. He knew all this and He did it anyway. That tells us that there is enough grace and mercy to save us. When we bring ourselves in aliment with God's will and His law, a peace will come over our life. Jesus gave us the scret of how to de-stress life. Get into the right relationship. This contradicts human nature. Our human nature makes rules that if we follow, we will be blessed. The blessing comes from being in the right relationship. When we are in the right relationship, the rules are not necessary. When we are in the right relationship the rules are a safety boundary not a constraint. If life seems too hard and frustrating, consider the lilies of the field. Some people make life difficult. Some are of the opinion that if we try hard enough we can change and overcome anything. The truth is that some things cannot be changed. It is not a matter of not trying hard enough, but some things simply cannot be done. God did not intend life to be difficult and hard. God created man in an environment that if he had cooperated, he would lacked for nothing. God provided everything man needed in the garden. The only instruction was to take care of it. Through his actions, man disrupted Gods plan and humanity has paid for that action ever since. The world will tell us that if we have enough will power, we can overcome everything. Will all that we want, our will cannot transform our lives. Bro. Hughes shares a simple concept from God's word that can transform life. It is so simple that most will try to argue that it will not work. The bible tells us differently. In our text, Jesus is talking to people who are under a great deal of stress. They were in fear for their lives. Jesus said this: Consider the Lily. The do not work, but they get better. They do not work at being beautiful, but the Lily is one of the most beautiful flowers that grew in that area. The Lilly does not work to produce, yet they did produce. The did not struggle to grow, but yet they continued to grow. The principle Jesus was describing is this: It gets into a right relationship with the son and the soil and something beautiful happens. The Lilly does not stress and worry, it simply gets into the right relationship with the sun and the soil and it happens. It does not beg God to bless it, it just gets into the right relationship with he sun and beauty happens. When we get into the right relationship with the SON, beauty can happen in our lives too. Happiness, will come. Peace will come. When we live in a proper relationship growth, beauty, bounty, provision, peace, joy, contentment, and happiness all happen. We grow like what we live with. If we live with criticism, we will be critical. The lily knows that if God made us, God will keep us. What we fellowship we will follow. If we fellowship bitterness, then we will be bitter. Jesus came and died for us knowing how many times we would fail. He knew all this and He did it anyway. That tells us that there is enough grace and mercy to save us. When we bring ourselves in aliment with God's will and His law, a peace will come over our life. Jesus gave us the scret of how to de-stress life. Get into the right relationship. This contradicts human nature. Our human nature makes rules that if we follow, we will be blessed. The blessing comes from being in the right relationship. When we are in the right relationship, the rules are not necessary. When we are in the right relationship the rules are a safety boundary not a constraint. If life seems too hard and frustrating, consider the lilies of the field. Some people make life difficult. Some are of the opinion that if we try hard enough we can change and overcome anything. The truth is that some things cannot be changed. It is not a matter of not trying hard enough, but some things simply cannot be … Mark Hughes 2430 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20188008/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_considerthelilies/id/2155796.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20188008 Scripture: Matthew 6:25-6:29 Sun, 14 Sep 2014 14:53:46 +0000 Mark Hughes For too many people, life is but one celebration after another. There is no thought in the world of judgment, eternity or Heaven and Hell. The world has gone mad with pleasure. Life on this world is temporary. One day we will all have to give an account to God for our actions here. Not many in the world will admit that there is an hour of divine reckoning. There is a record that is being kept, and on that day the bible tells us that if those whose name is not written int he book of life will be cast into the lake of fire. On that day, no earthly poll or ranking will matter. On that day those that are lost, will be lost because of choices that they made, not because of a mean or vengeful God. The only opinion that will matter on that day will be God's. There are some things that we should like the lord to be able say about us. First, we must make the choice to be born again and settle the record of our choice for eternity. On that day the only thing that will matter is our relationship with Jesus Christ. We are not saved just because we have membership at a church, but we will be saved because we have been born again of the water and the spirit. We want the Lord to know that we have been born again in a new birth. Secondly we need the Lord to write in His book that we have been obedient to His will. Not that we are perfect and without fault, but that we were obedient to His will. Is He really Lord of our life? It is one thing to be saved, it is another to live saved. His vision for our life is better than ours. He knows the direction our life should go and we must yield to that direction. We are always better off when we submit to Him than when we do not. Lastly we need God to write down that our life is a witness to His love, grace and peace. Our life needs to be more influenced by God's opinion of us than the world's opinion. Our life must back up our profession. We should strive to reflect his character. The records should reveal that we were faithful to His word. We must not conform the Word to our life, but rather conform our life to the Word. We want the record to show that we knew the word and that we remained faithful to the word. The Lord is counting. What do we want him to record? We want him to record what really counts. For too many people, life is but one celebration after another. There is no thought in the world of judgment, eternity or Heaven and Hell. The world has gone mad with pleasure. Life on this world is temporary. One day we will all have to give an account to God for our actions here. Not many in the world will admit that there is an hour of divine reckoning. There is a record that is being kept, and on that day the bible tells us that if those whose name is not written int he book of life will be cast into the lake of fire. On that day, no earthly poll or ranking will matter. On that day those that are lost, will be lost because of choices that they made, not because of a mean or vengeful God. The only opinion that will matter on that day will be God's. There are some things that we should like the lord to be able say about us. First, we must make the choice to be born again and settle the record of our choice for eternity. On that day the only thing that will matter is our relationship with Jesus Christ. We are not saved just because we have membership at a church, but we will be saved because we have been born again of the water and the spirit. We want the Lord to know that we have been born again in a new birth. Secondly we need the Lord to write in His book that we have been obedient to His will. Not that we are perfect and without fault, but that we were obedient to His will. Is He really Lord of our life? It is one thing to be saved, it is another to live saved. His vision for our life is better than ours. He knows the direction our life should go and we must yield to that direction. We are always better off when we submit to Him than when we do not. Lastly we need God to write down that our life is a witness to His love, grace and peace. Our life needs to be more influenced by God's opinion of us than the world's opinion. Our life must back up our profession. We should strive to reflect his character. The records should reveal that we were faithful to His word. We must not conform the Word to our life, but rather conform our life to the Word. We want the record to show that we knew the word and that we remained faithful to the word. The Lord is counting. What do we want him to record? We want him to record what really counts. For too many people, life is but one celebration after another. There is no thought in the world of judgment, eternity or Heaven and Hell. The world has gone mad with pleasure. Life on this world is temporary. One day we will all have to give an ac… Mark Hughes 2155 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20187295/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatreallycounts/id/2155095.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20187295 Scripture: Proverbs 87:6-87:7 Sun, 07 Sep 2014 22:42:02 +0000 Landon Long If there is a message our world needs to hear today, it is the message of Jesus. This world needs Jesus. Too often we use Him as a second option or last resort. The Bible is full of stories of people who made Jesus their first option and received their healing. It does not matter how long it has taken to make Jesus the first option, He is ready to make a difference in life. There is an advertising slogan for a candy bar that asks "What would you do for a Klondike bar?" The commercials showed people going to extreme measures to get a candy bar. Bro. Long asks: What would we do for Jesus? Would we push through a crowd? Would we get out of the boat? Jesus is all we need. Jesus must be the focus of our worship and of our life. The bible does not tell us what the eunuch in our story was seeking. All it says was that he was reading and wanted understanding. Philip could have just talked about some scriptures and moved on, but the bible tells us that Philip preached Jesus. He was so moved that he had to be baptized right then.The world does not need more answers, it needs Jesus. God send Philip to that man because he was searching. Ne needed something more. God sent a Philip to bring the gospel of Jesus. Jesus needs to be our first response. The simple message from our text today is that we only need to preach one word: Jesus. If there is a message our world needs to hear today, it is the message of Jesus. This world needs Jesus. Too often we use Him as a second option or last resort. The Bible is full of stories of people who made Jesus their first option and received their healing. It does not matter how long it has taken to make Jesus the first option, He is ready to make a difference in life. There is an advertising slogan for a candy bar that asks "What would you do for a Klondike bar?" The commercials showed people going to extreme measures to get a candy bar. Bro. Long asks: What would we do for Jesus? Would we push through a crowd? Would we get out of the boat? Jesus is all we need. Jesus must be the focus of our worship and of our life. The bible does not tell us what the eunuch in our story was seeking. All it says was that he was reading and wanted understanding. Philip could have just talked about some scriptures and moved on, but the bible tells us that Philip preached Jesus. He was so moved that he had to be baptized right then.The world does not need more answers, it needs Jesus. God send Philip to that man because he was searching. Ne needed something more. God sent a Philip to bring the gospel of Jesus. Jesus needs to be our first response. The simple message from our text today is that we only need to preach one word: Jesus. If there is a message our world needs to hear today, it is the message of Jesus. This world needs Jesus. Too often we use Him as a second option or last resort. The Bible is full of stories of people who made Jesus their first option and received … Landon Long 1822 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20181430/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_onewordesus/id/2149505.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20181430 Scripture: Acts 8:26-8:35 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 22:20:15 +0000 Kenneth Baker The journey of live involves many ups and downs. Some roads we travel are chosen, but most are chosen for us. Life as we know it is full of changes. There will be valleys along the way. Our text begins with great anticipation: He is on his way to the house of God to worship. Our text highlights a place, a valley, that our traveler must go through to reach the house of God. Historians are not able to pinpoint the exact physical location of the valley reference in this Psalm. This Valley of Baca has been translated the valley of tears. Another called it the valley of misery. Though we do not know the exact location, we know that it was bleak and desolate. Our text indicates that he had to travel through this valley in order to reach the house of God. In life, the determining factor is not in it's valleys, but in the traveler who goes through the valley. It is not in the circumstances in life, but in the person that determines the worth of a man. God made the valley, but what we call the valley and what we make of that valley is up to us. Man can be use things, or be used by them. What we discern in this "valley of tears" will determine what we make of it. In our text, the Psalmist decided to make something of the valley they were in. They realized that God needed them to go through this valley in order to reach their destination and that they needed to make something of the situation. The message in our text is not just to grit our teeth an bear the situation until it is over; rather our Psalmist rejoiced and broke out in song in the valley of tears. He looked around and enjoyed a little bit of heaven. Something happened in that valley that transformed it from being a dry barren land to one with pools and springs. They did not make their way through the valley whining and complain, they found God in the midst of their misery. They left behind pools of water to benefit those that came behind them. Life is not what we find in it, but what we make of it. What we find in life is not always pleasant, The bible does not say that they found wells in the valley, but that they made wells. We do not always find life as we want it to be, we must make life what we want it to be. The journey of live involves many ups and downs. Some roads we travel are chosen, but most are chosen for us. Life as we know it is full of changes. There will be valleys along the way. Our text begins with great anticipation: He is on his way to the house of God to worship. Our text highlights a place, a valley, that our traveler must go through to reach the house of God. Historians are not able to pinpoint the exact physical location of the valley reference in this Psalm. This Valley of Baca has been translated the valley of tears. Another called it the valley of misery. Though we do not know the exact location, we know that it was bleak and desolate. Our text indicates that he had to travel through this valley in order to reach the house of God. In life, the determining factor is not in it's valleys, but in the traveler who goes through the valley. It is not in the circumstances in life, but in the person that determines the worth of a man. God made the valley, but what we call the valley and what we make of that valley is up to us. Man can be use things, or be used by them. What we discern in this "valley of tears" will determine what we make of it. In our text, the Psalmist decided to make something of the valley they were in. They realized that God needed them to go through this valley in order to reach their destination and that they needed to make something of the situation. The message in our text is not just to grit our teeth an bear the situation until it is over; rather our Psalmist rejoiced and broke out in song in the valley of tears. He looked around and enjoyed a little bit of heaven. Something happened in that valley that transformed it from being a dry barren land to one with pools and springs. They did not make their way through the valley whining and complain, they found God in the midst of their misery. They left behind pools of water to benefit those that came behind them. Life is not what we find in it, but what we make of it. What we find in life is not always pleasant, The bible does not say that they found wells in the valley, but that they made wells. We do not always find life as we want it to be, we must make life what we want it to be. The journey of live involves many ups and downs. Some roads we travel are chosen, but most are chosen for us. Life as we know it is full of changes. There will be valleys along the way. Our text begins with great anticipation: He is on his way to … Kenneth Baker 2385 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20177814/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_makingachangeinyourvalley/id/2146180.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20177814 Making a change in your valley Sun, 31 Aug 2014 16:54:24 +0000 Kenneth Baker The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes. Our vision can be impaired my many things. It may be impaired because of problems with health. Eyes get older and it is more difficult to see. But more often than not what affects our vision is familiarity. We can become so accustomed to our surroundings taht we miss the small details. We can easily thing that nothing is going to change and we think that the answer to our troubles is to find new territory. The reality is that if we can see with new eyes, the place we are holds many opportunities. There are many people that stand before great problems who are asking "what can be done?" Some have been standing before their mountain for so long, that they cannot see anything. Life is full of situations and issues that loom like a mountain. What could be more troubling than facing a problem that is so much larger than us? In our text, Jesus reminds us that a small amount of faith can change our troubles. The disciples had run up against a spiritual mountain. They were unable to exercise the spirit from young man. Jesus explains that they could not, because of their unbelief. Faith is the ability to see life though His eyes and not ours. There is more to this than we can understand, but that force and power is available through God. Once we grasp that, we know that any problem we face is temporary no matter how large is looms in front of us. What we see is limited, but God's vision is unlimited. We must trust that there is an answer that is not seen to us, and that from God's perspective, He has it worked out. With God nothing shall be impossible and we must put our life in His hands. Faith will turn the table in life and put us on that path to victory. Our text tells us that it is not the amount of faith, but the fact that we have it that will change our situation. How much is enough? Jesus says that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, that is enough. We do not need a mountain of faith to meet a mountain of problems. Faith will affect three things. Faith will affect what we feel. Faith will keep our emotions in check to allow us to keep thinking: Possible, not impossible. Faith will affect what we see. We will either see a mountain or movement. Finally faith will affect what we say. What we say affects our situation. If we have faith, we will talk about our optimism, not our challenges. What mountain are we facing today. Whatever it is, Jesus gave us that answer for what to do when we face a mountain. The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes. Our vision can be impaired my many things. It may be impaired because of problems with health. Eyes get older and it is more difficult to see. But more often than not what affects our vision is familiarity. We can become so accustomed to our surroundings taht we miss the small details. We can easily thing that nothing is going to change and we think that the answer to our troubles is to find new territory. The reality is that if we can see with new eyes, the place we are holds many opportunities. There are many people that stand before great problems who are asking "what can be done?" Some have been standing before their mountain for so long, that they cannot see anything. Life is full of situations and issues that loom like a mountain. What could be more troubling than facing a problem that is so much larger than us? In our text, Jesus reminds us that a small amount of faith can change our troubles. The disciples had run up against a spiritual mountain. They were unable to exercise the spirit from young man. Jesus explains that they could not, because of their unbelief. Faith is the ability to see life though His eyes and not ours. There is more to this than we can understand, but that force and power is available through God. Once we grasp that, we know that any problem we face is temporary no matter how large is looms in front of us. What we see is limited, but God's vision is unlimited. We must trust that there is an answer that is not seen to us, and that from God's perspective, He has it worked out. With God nothing shall be impossible and we must put our life in His hands. Faith will turn the table in life and put us on that path to victory. Our text tells us that it is not the amount of faith, but the fact that we have it that will change our situation. How much is enough? Jesus says that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, that is enough. We do not need a mountain of faith to meet a mountain of problems. Faith will affect three things. Faith will affect what we feel. Faith will keep our emotions in check to allow us to keep thinking: Possible, not impossible. Faith will affect what we see. We will either see a mountain or movement. Finally faith will affect what we say. What we say affects our situation. If we have faith, we will talk about our optimism, not our challenges. What mountain are we facing today. Whatever it is, Jesus gave us that answer for what to do when we face a mountain. The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes. Our vision can be impaired my many things. It may be impaired because of problems with health. Eyes get older and it is more difficult to see. But more of… Kenneth Baker 2182 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20175206/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whattodowhenfacingamountain/id/2143498.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20175206 What to do when facing a mountain Wed, 27 Aug 2014 22:43:17 +0000 Kenneth Baker We live in challenging times. Troubles and difficulties are in all of our lives. Some are more severe than others, but we all face them. Life's most difficult task is to try to understand and make sense of the whys of life. There are, however, some questions for which there are not answers. There are some things for which there are no reasonable explanation. They must be lived through in order to understand their significance. Sometimes lifes sorest test come from the things that we want the most. We want the will of God. We want to be used by God. Sometimes the trouble begins when God begins to answer that prayer. The way that God uses to bring His purpose in our life does not often line up with what we have in our mind that He should do. Often we want the blessing, but we do not like the way he brings that blessing to pass. Do all of the things that happen in life fall into this category? Certainly not, but God can make all things that happen in life work to the good if we will remain faithful to Him. In our text, Jesus is facing a path that he does not want to take. The lesson in this portion of scripture is in the way that He faced it. He is the example, and if He could face that situation, we can face whatever is in front of us. We see how He enters the Garden of Gethsemane. The mood was heavy. He knew what He was about to face and endure. Not only the physical elements of the Crucifixion, but the things that happened among the disciples in the next few days. He desperately needed support and someone to pray with Him. We see the intense struggle between God's will and His human desire. In stead of being overwhelmed by the trouble He faced, he knew and realized that in order to fulfill his purpose. Jesus came into the garden, heavy and anxious. When Jesus left the garden, He was in an completely different state of mind. When he arose from that prayer meeting, He got up victorious. What He found in prayer in the garden equipped Him to deal with all of the events of the next few hours that would result in Him hanging on the cross. In our text we see a confidence, an assurance and a determination when Jesus left the garden that is an example to us in how to face life. We live in challenging times. Troubles and difficulties are in all of our lives. Some are more severe than others, but we all face them. Life's most difficult task is to try to understand and make sense of the whys of life. There are, however, some questions for which there are not answers. There are some things for which there are no reasonable explanation. They must be lived through in order to understand their significance. Sometimes lifes sorest test come from the things that we want the most. We want the will of God. We want to be used by God. Sometimes the trouble begins when God begins to answer that prayer. The way that God uses to bring His purpose in our life does not often line up with what we have in our mind that He should do. Often we want the blessing, but we do not like the way he brings that blessing to pass. Do all of the things that happen in life fall into this category? Certainly not, but God can make all things that happen in life work to the good if we will remain faithful to Him. In our text, Jesus is facing a path that he does not want to take. The lesson in this portion of scripture is in the way that He faced it. He is the example, and if He could face that situation, we can face whatever is in front of us. We see how He enters the Garden of Gethsemane. The mood was heavy. He knew what He was about to face and endure. Not only the physical elements of the Crucifixion, but the things that happened among the disciples in the next few days. He desperately needed support and someone to pray with Him. We see the intense struggle between God's will and His human desire. In stead of being overwhelmed by the trouble He faced, he knew and realized that in order to fulfill his purpose. Jesus came into the garden, heavy and anxious. When Jesus left the garden, He was in an completely different state of mind. When he arose from that prayer meeting, He got up victorious. What He found in prayer in the garden equipped Him to deal with all of the events of the next few hours that would result in Him hanging on the cross. In our text we see a confidence, an assurance and a determination when Jesus left the garden that is an example to us in how to face life. We live in challenging times. Troubles and difficulties are in all of our lives. Some are more severe than others, but we all face them. Life's most difficult task is to try to understand and make sense of the whys of life. There are, however, some… Kenneth Baker 2742 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20172123/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtofacelifesmostdifficulttim/id/2140631.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20172123 How to face life's most difficult times Sun, 24 Aug 2014 22:32:56 +0000 Kenneth Baker This Psalm is written by Asaph. It is an individual complaint in absence of an answer from God. Some times prayers turn into moaning and complaint. As he expresses in the opening verse, he was sure that God heard his cry. He had faith. If he did not have faith, there would have been no reason for him to continue praying. He also had memories of times when God had answered prayers. He knew that God had been with him int he past, but he knew that God was with him in the present. We take pictures of our kids as they grow up for the memories. The memories are not so much for the kids, as they are for us as parents. We draw on these memories to draw strength and encouragement in the future. In our text, Asaph drew from a memory of a time that God had seen him through and blessed him in the past. Now that he is facing another trial, he can pull from his mind a memory of when God was faithful. If He did it once, He will do it again. There are other memories in our life. There are memories of sins. Scripture says that as far as the East is from the West, so far hath He removed our transgressions. Our sins are forgiven and far from His memory. If Jesus can forgive our sins an completely erase it from His memory, then why do we dwell on the memories we have of our sin? God does not erase the memories of our sin on purpose. He leaves them there so that we know that we have a reason to praise. The memories are for me. This Psalm is written by Asaph. It is an individual complaint in absence of an answer from God. Some times prayers turn into moaning and complaint. As he expresses in the opening verse, he was sure that God heard his cry. He had faith. If he did not have faith, there would have been no reason for him to continue praying. He also had memories of times when God had answered prayers. He knew that God had been with him int he past, but he knew that God was with him in the present. We take pictures of our kids as they grow up for the memories. The memories are not so much for the kids, as they are for us as parents. We draw on these memories to draw strength and encouragement in the future. In our text, Asaph drew from a memory of a time that God had seen him through and blessed him in the past. Now that he is facing another trial, he can pull from his mind a memory of when God was faithful. If He did it once, He will do it again. There are other memories in our life. There are memories of sins. Scripture says that as far as the East is from the West, so far hath He removed our transgressions. Our sins are forgiven and far from His memory. If Jesus can forgive our sins an completely erase it from His memory, then why do we dwell on the memories we have of our sin? God does not erase the memories of our sin on purpose. He leaves them there so that we know that we have a reason to praise. The memories are for me. This Psalm is written by Asaph. It is an individual complaint in absence of an answer from God. Some times prayers turn into moaning and complaint. As he expresses in the opening verse, he was sure that God heard his cry. He had faith. If he did n… Kenneth Baker 1965 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20172119/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thememoriesareforme/id/2140627.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20172119 Memories; Faith; Praise Sun, 24 Aug 2014 16:05:42 +0000 Jason Watts The word converted is spoken may times in scripture. Jesus, Matthew and Paul all speak of being converted. The word conversion means a change of attitude, emotion or viewpoint from a position of indifference or disbelief. It is a change on the inside that causes a change to also take place on the outside. When one is converted, there is a change in mind, body and spirit. When someone comes to God a transformation takes place. The change that takes place, the world may attribute that to a theory. We as believers know that the change in our life is deeper than a theory, but a true transformation in the way we think and life. There is a greater power at work in us than some worldly theory. We are born again of the water and the spirit! Now that we have been born again, we know through scripture, that we have come into a group know as the body of Christ. Jesus Christ the the power holder of the body of Christ. He wants us to take up His ways. Everything that He asks or wants for our lives, will better us. He is the ultimate power holder. For this to happen, that initial transformation must take place. In addition to the initial conversion, there is a continual conversion that takes place. The process is gradual. The first level is compliance. The new convert may not fully understand, but they will follow and do the things of the group while around the group. Away from the group, the new convert may still follow some of the things they used to do. The second phase is identification. In this phase, they desire to follow Jesus not just around the group, but in other aspects of their life. The final stage is internalization. In this stage, a person becomes so close to God that His wants become our wants. In this phase there is total obedience to the word of God. In this phase our church life and everyday life are not different. We must live to the point where we internalize the truth of the gospel of Christ. We must internalize God to the point that no matter what our parents, pastor, or anyone else believes or does, we believe and continue to strive for the truth. The word converted is spoken may times in scripture. Jesus, Matthew and Paul all speak of being converted. The word conversion means a change of attitude, emotion or viewpoint from a position of indifference or disbelief. It is a change on the inside that causes a change to also take place on the outside. When one is converted, there is a change in mind, body and spirit. When someone comes to God a transformation takes place. The change that takes place, the world may attribute that to a theory. We as believers know that the change in our life is deeper than a theory, but a true transformation in the way we think and life. There is a greater power at work in us than some worldly theory. We are born again of the water and the spirit! Now that we have been born again, we know through scripture, that we have come into a group know as the body of Christ. Jesus Christ the the power holder of the body of Christ. He wants us to take up His ways. Everything that He asks or wants for our lives, will better us. He is the ultimate power holder. For this to happen, that initial transformation must take place. In addition to the initial conversion, there is a continual conversion that takes place. The process is gradual. The first level is compliance. The new convert may not fully understand, but they will follow and do the things of the group while around the group. Away from the group, the new convert may still follow some of the things they used to do. The second phase is identification. In this phase, they desire to follow Jesus not just around the group, but in other aspects of their life. The final stage is internalization. In this stage, a person becomes so close to God that His wants become our wants. In this phase there is total obedience to the word of God. In this phase our church life and everyday life are not different. We must live to the point where we internalize the truth of the gospel of Christ. We must internalize God to the point that no matter what our parents, pastor, or anyone else believes or does, we believe and continue to strive for the truth. The word converted is spoken may times in scripture. Jesus, Matthew and Paul all speak of being converted. The word conversion means a change of attitude, emotion or viewpoint from a position of indifference or disbelief. It is a change on the insid… Jason Watts 2749 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20169087/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thetheoryofconversion/id/2137401.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20169087 Scripture: Ephesians 4:21-4:24 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 21:13:54 +0000 Jay Hilton Faith without works is dead. It is not enough to hear the word of God, we must DO something with it. James is very clear. If all we do is come to church and hear the word, and then leave without doing anything, we are failing in our obligation. James uses an analogy of a mirror. When we come to the house of God and hear the word, we are forced to look into a mirror at ourselves. When we look at the perfect law, we realize that we fall short. We realize our sin. There are two kinds of people who look into the mirror. One looks into the mirror and sees something that isn't so bad. When he walks away, he is satisfied with who he is. The other is one that looks into the mirror and is convicted. He strives to hear the word of God and tries to apply it to his life. We have to take what we hear in the preached word of God and apply it to our lives. Far too many listen but do not hear. They hear the preaching, but do not apply it to their lives. They are never changed in the way that they need to be changed. James tells us that these non-doers are deceiving themselves. They may come to church every Sunday, but they ignore what they hear and believe that they have it all together. When we hear the word, we become accountable for that word. We have to do more than hear, we must DO. Faith without works is dead. It is not enough to hear the word of God, we must DO something with it. James is very clear. If all we do is come to church and hear the word, and then leave without doing anything, we are failing in our obligation. James uses an analogy of a mirror. When we come to the house of God and hear the word, we are forced to look into a mirror at ourselves. When we look at the perfect law, we realize that we fall short. We realize our sin. There are two kinds of people who look into the mirror. One looks into the mirror and sees something that isn't so bad. When he walks away, he is satisfied with who he is. The other is one that looks into the mirror and is convicted. He strives to hear the word of God and tries to apply it to his life. We have to take what we hear in the preached word of God and apply it to our lives. Far too many listen but do not hear. They hear the preaching, but do not apply it to their lives. They are never changed in the way that they need to be changed. James tells us that these non-doers are deceiving themselves. They may come to church every Sunday, but they ignore what they hear and believe that they have it all together. When we hear the word, we become accountable for that word. We have to do more than hear, we must DO. Faith without works is dead. It is not enough to hear the word of God, we must DO something with it. James is very clear. If all we do is come to church and hear the word, and then leave without doing anything, we are failing in our obligation. Jam… Jay Hilton 2452 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20165317/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_mirrormirroronthewal/id/2134550.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20165317 Scripture: James 1:22-1:25 Sun, 17 Aug 2014 15:01:27 +0000 Kenneth Baker Our text is written from the perspective of having been there and come out. Asaph has come through a great battle and difficult waters. He has navigated some treacherous things and survived. He overcame and in overcoming he learned somethings about life's journey. Asaph was one of David's three chief musicians. He was a man who was gifted and spiritual. In spite of his gifts and spiritual understandings, he found himself struggling with things oin life that he did not understand. Life was filled with many questions and few answers. He observed that the wicked prospered, but the righteous struggled. In his mind there was no sense of justice. He came to the point in life where he ask the simple question: How can this be? Sometimes it is hard to balance the facts of life with the faith we are challenged to hold on to. It drew him into the arena of doubt. Doubt is faith that has gone sick. It is the power to believe the negative rather than the positive. Doubt is a slippery slope. It starts out as a shallow slope, but the further down we go down the path, the steeper it becomes to the point that we begin to lose our footing before we are aware of what is happening. Asaph got to the point where he realized that he couldn't talk to anyone about his doubts for fear of dragging others down with him. Even though his faith was sick and he was weakened, he did not let go and continued to fight against his decent. Asaph said he had almost slipped until he went into the sanctuary of God. The bible says he went, not he came. Went is purposeful while came is somewhat arbitrary. He went to the house of God to bring his troubles. There were three things that happens when he went to the sanctuary. Asaph regained his spiritual balance. He was slipping down the slope of doubt, but he was able to gain his footing and keep his spiritual balance. Asaph found that when he went to the sanctuary, it lifted his point of view. When we look at things from an earthly perspective, we do not see the full picture. From an Earthly perspective, problems seem insurmountable, but from a heavenly perspective, things look very different. From a heavenly perspective, many of the problems we face in life are insignificant. In the sanctuary, we become more aware of our destiny than our circumstances. Circumstances are like the seasons, they change. Life is full of hills and valleys. If we base life on circumstances, we will be pinned into a corner and block our mind from thinking that there is any hope. Circumstances are not what should drive life, but our destiny. The tide will turn. The storm will pass. It may be dark now, but morning is coming. In the house of God, circumstances fade, and we get a glimpse of our destiny. When faith get sick, we need to go to the house of God. Our text is written from the perspective of having been there and come out. Asaph has come through a great battle and difficult waters. He has navigated some treacherous things and survived. He overcame and in overcoming he learned somethings about life's journey. Asaph was one of David's three chief musicians. He was a man who was gifted and spiritual. In spite of his gifts and spiritual understandings, he found himself struggling with things oin life that he did not understand. Life was filled with many questions and few answers. He observed that the wicked prospered, but the righteous struggled. In his mind there was no sense of justice. He came to the point in life where he ask the simple question: How can this be? Sometimes it is hard to balance the facts of life with the faith we are challenged to hold on to. It drew him into the arena of doubt. Doubt is faith that has gone sick. It is the power to believe the negative rather than the positive. Doubt is a slippery slope. It starts out as a shallow slope, but the further down we go down the path, the steeper it becomes to the point that we begin to lose our footing before we are aware of what is happening. Asaph got to the point where he realized that he couldn't talk to anyone about his doubts for fear of dragging others down with him. Even though his faith was sick and he was weakened, he did not let go and continued to fight against his decent. Asaph said he had almost slipped until he went into the sanctuary of God. The bible says he went, not he came. Went is purposeful while came is somewhat arbitrary. He went to the house of God to bring his troubles. There were three things that happens when he went to the sanctuary. Asaph regained his spiritual balance. He was slipping down the slope of doubt, but he was able to gain his footing and keep his spiritual balance. Asaph found that when he went to the sanctuary, it lifted his point of view. When we look at things from an earthly perspective, we do not see the full picture. From an Earthly perspective, problems seem insurmountable, but from a heavenly perspective, things look very different. From a heavenly perspective, many of the problems we face in life are insignificant. In the sanctuary, we become more aware of our destiny than our circumstances. Circumstances are like the seasons, they change. Life is full of hills and valleys. If we base life on circumstances, we will be pinned into a corner and block our mind from thinking that there is any hope. Circumstances are not what should drive life, but our destiny. The tide will turn. The storm will pass. It may be dark now, but morning is coming. In the house of God, circumstances fade, and we get a glimpse of our destiny. When faith get sick, we need to go to the house of God. Our text is written from the perspective of having been there and come out. Asaph has come through a great battle and difficult waters. He has navigated some treacherous things and survived. He overcame and in overcoming he learned somethings about … Kenneth Baker 2159 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20161985/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whattodowhenfaithgetssick/id/2130154.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20161985 What to do when faith gets sick Sun, 10 Aug 2014 15:19:33 +0000 Kenneth Baker During the time that our text was written there were some 60,000 slaves in the Roman empire. Our text is a letter written by Paul to his friend Philemon about one of his slaves who had escaped and was captured. Paul met the runaway slave while in prision, and his letter to Philemon is one that asks that Onisimus be accepted back not as a slave, but as a converted child of God. Paul could have, because of who he was, ordered Philemon, but rather the letter uses language that was closer to begging. Paul offered Philemon an option. Many times we find our self in situations where we do not seem to have any options. The truth is that we always have options. When we can only see our problems, it can be difficult to see what those options are. None of us are locked into doing what seems to be the only course of action. While we may be blocked, we are not completely blocked. No matter what we face, God has provided a way out. Sometimes our problems are really God's doorway to get us to where He needs us to be. No matter what may be going on in our life, there is a love of God that is there to see us through. Often what God wants to do in our life is less than what He gets to do in our life because of the choices we make. If we will give God the option, he will bless us beyond our wildest dreams. If we would simply give Him the chance, He will bless us. During the time that our text was written there were some 60,000 slaves in the Roman empire. Our text is a letter written by Paul to his friend Philemon about one of his slaves who had escaped and was captured. Paul met the runaway slave while in prision, and his letter to Philemon is one that asks that Onisimus be accepted back not as a slave, but as a converted child of God. Paul could have, because of who he was, ordered Philemon, but rather the letter uses language that was closer to begging. Paul offered Philemon an option. Many times we find our self in situations where we do not seem to have any options. The truth is that we always have options. When we can only see our problems, it can be difficult to see what those options are. None of us are locked into doing what seems to be the only course of action. While we may be blocked, we are not completely blocked. No matter what we face, God has provided a way out. Sometimes our problems are really God's doorway to get us to where He needs us to be. No matter what may be going on in our life, there is a love of God that is there to see us through. Often what God wants to do in our life is less than what He gets to do in our life because of the choices we make. If we will give God the option, he will bless us beyond our wildest dreams. If we would simply give Him the chance, He will bless us. During the time that our text was written there were some 60,000 slaves in the Roman empire. Our text is a letter written by Paul to his friend Philemon about one of his slaves who had escaped and was captured. Paul met the runaway slave while in pri… Kenneth Baker 2195 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20155339/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_youroptions/id/2123856.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20155339 Your Options Wed, 06 Aug 2014 15:12:41 +0000 Kenneth Baker What God have us does not protect us from battle, but serves to protect us IN battle. Living for God does not exempt us from battles, but He has given us the tools that are sufficient to bear every attack that the enemy may bring. When we equip our selves in the whole armor of God we are unbeatable. Over the past several Wednesdays, we have talked about the various pieces of armor that God has provided. Tonight we take up the final element of God's armor: Praying Always. Prayer is essential. Without prayer, we cannot move forward in life. Prayer is often done on the knees. We can equate the protection of prayer to protecting the knees. The knee is one of the most complex joints in the body and carry the weight of the body. The knees carry a lot of weight an are integral to our moving about. The knees carry a lot of weight in the physical world, and prayer is the only thing that will sustain us in the spiritual life. When burdens begin to pile on spiritually, prayer is essential to carry that load. The knees provide stable support for the body. So does prayer provide stability in the spiritual realm. Paul concludes his list of armor with the spirit of prayer. The devil fears the weakest person who still has the power to pray. Paul gives a dissected example of prayer. He begins with always. Prayer should be a regular occurrence in life. There is no season of life that should be with out the protection of prayer: Rich or poor, adversity or prosperity, storm or calm, up or down; every circumstance in life needs to be covers by prayer. When we least want to pray, is when we should be praying the most. Prayer is not an escape route, it is something that must be done always. Paul says to pray always with ALL prayer: silent prayer, long prayers, short prayers, thought out prayers, and quick prayers. There are many different kinds of prayer, and all are important. Paul tell us that we must pray in the Spirit. He says watching. Many pray with their eyes closed. We must keep our spiritual eyes open when we pray and open ourselves honestly to the Lord. Eyes that are open in prayer What God have us does not protect us from battle, but serves to protect us IN battle. Living for God does not exempt us from battles, but He has given us the tools that are sufficient to bear every attack that the enemy may bring. When we equip our selves in the whole armor of God we are unbeatable. Over the past several Wednesdays, we have talked about the various pieces of armor that God has provided. Tonight we take up the final element of God's armor: Praying Always. Prayer is essential. Without prayer, we cannot move forward in life. Prayer is often done on the knees. We can equate the protection of prayer to protecting the knees. The knee is one of the most complex joints in the body and carry the weight of the body. The knees carry a lot of weight an are integral to our moving about. The knees carry a lot of weight in the physical world, and prayer is the only thing that will sustain us in the spiritual life. When burdens begin to pile on spiritually, prayer is essential to carry that load. The knees provide stable support for the body. So does prayer provide stability in the spiritual realm. Paul concludes his list of armor with the spirit of prayer. The devil fears the weakest person who still has the power to pray. Paul gives a dissected example of prayer. He begins with always. Prayer should be a regular occurrence in life. There is no season of life that should be with out the protection of prayer: Rich or poor, adversity or prosperity, storm or calm, up or down; every circumstance in life needs to be covers by prayer. When we least want to pray, is when we should be praying the most. Prayer is not an escape route, it is something that must be done always. Paul says to pray always with ALL prayer: silent prayer, long prayers, short prayers, thought out prayers, and quick prayers. There are many different kinds of prayer, and all are important. Paul tell us that we must pray in the Spirit. He says watching. Many pray with their eyes closed. We must keep our spiritual eyes open when we pray and open ourselves honestly to the Lord. Eyes that are open in prayer What God have us does not protect us from battle, but serves to protect us IN battle. Living for God does not exempt us from battles, but He has given us the tools that are sufficient to bear every attack that the enemy may bring. When we equip our… Kenneth Baker 3526 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20155321/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thespritofprayer/id/2123839.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20155321 The Sprit of Prayer Sun, 03 Aug 2014 15:19:29 +0000 Mark Hughes Storms come into every life. You do not have to be a bad person to endure storms. The level of stress reises and the sense of worry and fear in a storm can be shattering. The winds of the storm rock us in ways that we do not like. On the gulf coast, we liive with the threat of hurricanes. These hurricanes often churn up things from the past that were thought to be long gone. Unlike storms in the natural life, storms in the spiritual life often come without warning. Hurricanes are loud and the wind is deafening. The whistling of the wind produces an incessant roar. In any storm, we have to guard against the mental noise. When going through a storm, Bro. Hughes has a good word. We are not the only one in the storm. Everyone has a storm of some kind. What we need to remember is that God controls everything. If God brought you to this he can bring you through it. There are many kinds of storms in life; physical, family, or financial. Every stage of life has it's own set of issues. These are just part of the season, and they will pass. There are a lot of people fighting life storms that are simply the season of life that they are in. We can go through life fighting all that, or we can simply learn to live with the issues that the seasons of life bring. Some of the storms of life are there to distract us from our relationship with God and to try to get us to focus on the wrong things. We need to realize who we are and what stage of life we are in, we need to be happy with where we are and what we have and stop worrying about the 'issues' that our season in life bring. Do something with where we are right now, and quit worrying about what we were and what we cannot do any longer. Seasons change and the way we did it in our twenties does not work when we are in our forties. If we were not meant to be here, we would already been gone. If God did not intend for us to make it through, He would not have brought us to it. If God has given us a promise, He will keep that promise no matter how long it takes. If God have us a problem, hold on to it because He is a promise keeper. Most storms in life come to us with no explanation. There are hidden things along life's journey that we have to learn how to accept. God does not show us everything along the path, because He knows that we would not have the courage to go on the path. Storms may cause us to panic. The disciples were panicked in our text, but Jesus was in control. We must guard against letting the panic of others impact our faith. Panic will trick our brain into believing that we will lose all, but with God in control , we will only lose what we do not need. If it leaves us we do not need it. Quit worrying about what we do not have any more, and start thanking God for what we have and how He will use what we have to bless us. Storms often bring darkness. In the dark, things appear to be bigger and more scary than they really are. In our text, the disciples were in the boat with Jesus when the storm came up. They were in the best place they could be, but they were afraid. Jesus had commanded them to go intot he boat. The word from God today is simple; If God brought us to it, He will bring us through it. A storm in life is not the end. Hold on and God will bring us through. Storms come into every life. You do not have to be a bad person to endure storms. The level of stress reises and the sense of worry and fear in a storm can be shattering. The winds of the storm rock us in ways that we do not like. On the gulf coast, we liive with the threat of hurricanes. These hurricanes often churn up things from the past that were thought to be long gone. Unlike storms in the natural life, storms in the spiritual life often come without warning. Hurricanes are loud and the wind is deafening. The whistling of the wind produces an incessant roar. In any storm, we have to guard against the mental noise. When going through a storm, Bro. Hughes has a good word. We are not the only one in the storm. Everyone has a storm of some kind. What we need to remember is that God controls everything. If God brought you to this he can bring you through it. There are many kinds of storms in life; physical, family, or financial. Every stage of life has it's own set of issues. These are just part of the season, and they will pass. There are a lot of people fighting life storms that are simply the season of life that they are in. We can go through life fighting all that, or we can simply learn to live with the issues that the seasons of life bring. Some of the storms of life are there to distract us from our relationship with God and to try to get us to focus on the wrong things. We need to realize who we are and what stage of life we are in, we need to be happy with where we are and what we have and stop worrying about the 'issues' that our season in life bring. Do something with where we are right now, and quit worrying about what we were and what we cannot do any longer. Seasons change and the way we did it in our twenties does not work when we are in our forties. If we were not meant to be here, we would already been gone. If God did not intend for us to make it through, He would not have brought us to it. If God has given us a promise, He will keep that promise no matter how long it takes. If God have us a problem, hold on to it because He is a promise keeper. Most storms in life come to us with no explanation. There are hidden things along life's journey that we have to learn how to accept. God does not show us everything along the path, because He knows that we would not have the courage to go on the path. Storms may cause us to panic. The disciples were panicked in our text, but Jesus was in control. We must guard against letting the panic of others impact our faith. Panic will trick our brain into believing that we will lose all, but with God in control , we will only lose what we do not need. If it leaves us we do not need it. Quit worrying about what we do not have any more, and start thanking God for what we have and how He will use what we have to bless us. Storms often bring darkness. In the dark, things appear to be bigger and more scary than they really are. In our text, the disciples were in the boat with Jesus when the storm came up. They were in the best place they could be, but they were afraid. Jesus had commanded them to go intot he boat. The word from God today is simple; If God brought us to it, He will bring us through it. A storm in life is not the end. Hold on and God will bring us through. Storms come into every life. You do not have to be a bad person to endure storms. The level of stress reises and the sense of worry and fear in a storm can be shattering. The winds of the storm rock us in ways that we do not like. On the gulf coast… Mark Hughes 2080 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20149169/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_agoodwordforabadday/id/2118080.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20149169 Scripture: Mark 4:35-4:41 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 23:00:40 +0000 Mark Hughes Paul concludes his letter to the Epheisnas with a warning: Satin is working against us. Many of the things that we experience in life are a direct result of the Devil's efforts. he will attach and oppose us at every turn. God has equpied us with an armor that is sufficient: truth, righteousness, peace, faith the spirit, salvation and prayer. The most overlooked and most important part of our reading is that Paul describes all this armor to allow us to stand. He knew that it would take a lot of endurance and perseverance to stand and succeed. His armor is sufficient against any kind of attack. What divine resources we have been given. There is no excuse for failure because God has given us what we need. In verse 17, Paul tells us to Take the helmet of salvation. Take is a different word in this verse than the one where he said to take the armor of God. In verse 17, take means to receive (as in a gift). The helmet is one of the few pieces of a soldier's equipment that exists to this day. All fighting men have known that protecting the head is critical. Many things about warfare have changed, but the helmet is as important today as it was then. Our heads need protection. The head commands the whole body. An unprotected head (and mind) is open to the attack of the enemy. The devil will attack our minds. He will try to make us forget the goodness of God. He will plant the seeds of discontent. He will work to cloud or judgment of right and wrong. The devil will fight our will to progress and grow. The devil attacks our mind because he recognizes the potential of our minds. If we have a mind to work, we will work. If we have a mind to pray, we will pray. if we have a mind to praise, we will praise. If the devil can obstruct our mind, he can obstruct our relationship with God. If the devil can tie up our mind, he does not have to tie up our bodies. The only ting that can protect our mind is the salvation that God has provided. Everyone needs to receive the protection that salvation provides. When God protects the mind, it is not what we have done, but what God has done for us. Salvation is not dependent upon what I have done, but what HE has done. The devil will try to convince us that we are not saved; that salvation may work for other people, but not us. The helmet of salvation will protect our minds from these lies. Paul concludes his letter to the Epheisnas with a warning: Satin is working against us. Many of the things that we experience in life are a direct result of the Devil's efforts. he will attach and oppose us at every turn. God has equpied us with an armor that is sufficient: truth, righteousness, peace, faith the spirit, salvation and prayer. The most overlooked and most important part of our reading is that Paul describes all this armor to allow us to stand. He knew that it would take a lot of endurance and perseverance to stand and succeed. His armor is sufficient against any kind of attack. What divine resources we have been given. There is no excuse for failure because God has given us what we need. In verse 17, Paul tells us to Take the helmet of salvation. Take is a different word in this verse than the one where he said to take the armor of God. In verse 17, take means to receive (as in a gift). The helmet is one of the few pieces of a soldier's equipment that exists to this day. All fighting men have known that protecting the head is critical. Many things about warfare have changed, but the helmet is as important today as it was then. Our heads need protection. The head commands the whole body. An unprotected head (and mind) is open to the attack of the enemy. The devil will attack our minds. He will try to make us forget the goodness of God. He will plant the seeds of discontent. He will work to cloud or judgment of right and wrong. The devil will fight our will to progress and grow. The devil attacks our mind because he recognizes the potential of our minds. If we have a mind to work, we will work. If we have a mind to pray, we will pray. if we have a mind to praise, we will praise. If the devil can obstruct our mind, he can obstruct our relationship with God. If the devil can tie up our mind, he does not have to tie up our bodies. The only ting that can protect our mind is the salvation that God has provided. Everyone needs to receive the protection that salvation provides. When God protects the mind, it is not what we have done, but what God has done for us. Salvation is not dependent upon what I have done, but what HE has done. The devil will try to convince us that we are not saved; that salvation may work for other people, but not us. The helmet of salvation will protect our minds from these lies. Paul concludes his letter to the Epheisnas with a warning: Satin is working against us. Many of the things that we experience in life are a direct result of the Devil's efforts. he will attach and oppose us at every turn. God has equpied us with an … Mark Hughes 2592 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20146416/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thehelmetofsalvation/id/2115640.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20146416 Salvation, Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-6:18, Series: Armor of God Sun, 27 Jul 2014 22:33:03 +0000 Mark Hughes God showed Ezekiel a vision of a flow of water that builds in intensity as it flows from the temple and out throughout the city. The flow that started in the temple grows with force and power until it reached the dead sea. It speaks of the abundance of God; of His power and resources. God's power is not a trickle. It is a torrent. Like water over a water fall, God's spirit has no end and flows continually and with a strong current. The current in the river of God never goes down, it always increases. He is a God of plenty and overflow. Everywhere this water flowed was changed. In the flow came growth and increase and life. Three separate times, the bible tells us that the water flowed to the east. This is symbolic of a new day. God's power will propel us to new beginnings; point us to a new direction and move us toward a promise. When God's spirit begins to move, it carries us from darkness into light. The river flowed down to the sea. God is never afraid to come down to our level. No matter how low, wicked, or sinful we may be, God is not afraid to come down to our life to lift us out. The water flowed toward the Dead Sea. The dead sea is 3800 feet below Jerusalem. The distance from Jerusalem to the dead sea is about 15 miles. Water flowing down hill at that rate is not just flowing, it is rushing. His spirit rushes to the lowest places. It reaches to the lowest place and it heals. God showed this vision to Ezekiel. There is a river flowing. If we can get ourselves to the place where that river is flowing, we will experience life, rejuvenation and healing. This river can lift and move us to where we need to go. God showed Ezekiel a vision of a flow of water that builds in intensity as it flows from the temple and out throughout the city. The flow that started in the temple grows with force and power until it reached the dead sea. It speaks of the abundance of God; of His power and resources. God's power is not a trickle. It is a torrent. Like water over a water fall, God's spirit has no end and flows continually and with a strong current. The current in the river of God never goes down, it always increases. He is a God of plenty and overflow. Everywhere this water flowed was changed. In the flow came growth and increase and life. Three separate times, the bible tells us that the water flowed to the east. This is symbolic of a new day. God's power will propel us to new beginnings; point us to a new direction and move us toward a promise. When God's spirit begins to move, it carries us from darkness into light. The river flowed down to the sea. God is never afraid to come down to our level. No matter how low, wicked, or sinful we may be, God is not afraid to come down to our life to lift us out. The water flowed toward the Dead Sea. The dead sea is 3800 feet below Jerusalem. The distance from Jerusalem to the dead sea is about 15 miles. Water flowing down hill at that rate is not just flowing, it is rushing. His spirit rushes to the lowest places. It reaches to the lowest place and it heals. God showed this vision to Ezekiel. There is a river flowing. If we can get ourselves to the place where that river is flowing, we will experience life, rejuvenation and healing. This river can lift and move us to where we need to go. God showed Ezekiel a vision of a flow of water that builds in intensity as it flows from the temple and out throughout the city. The flow that started in the temple grows with force and power until it reached the dead sea. It speaks of the abundanc… Mark Hughes 1696 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20145567/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lettheriverflow/id/2114834.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20145567 Scripture: Ezekiel 47:1-47:8 Sun, 27 Jul 2014 22:23:03 +0000 Mark Hughes All of me sounds so simplistic, but the difficulty in life is to get us to see the real us. Not the person we project our selves to be, but the real us. The hidden, real us is the one that God wants. We do a lot to make ourselves presentable. We should all put our best foot forward, but sometimes in life we are tempted to try to take something that we are not in the spirit world. He wants the real us, and all of us. In life we have to partition our selves: giving some time to this, and some time to that. It is tempting to do this spiritually, but God wants all of us. In our text, Peter is promising to follow Jesus even to death. We know that before the morning, Peter would deny Him three times. Peter was unable to see himself. God wants to convert all of us. Baptism by immersion is giving all to God. The devil does not need all of us, all he needs is one little part that is not given to God. The devil can manipulate that one unbaptized thing to work against us. It might be a temper, it might be an unruly tongue. Whatever it is, we must give it to all to Him. We may ask "what is wrong with my life? " It might simply be that we have not given all of us to God and been truly converted. What part of us is ruining our future? What needs to be converted? Where do we need a change in thinking? In stead of fighting it, we need to turn our attitude, our desire, our thinking and surrender all to God. In all of our lives, there is something that we need to pull back under the blood! We may be afraid that God will be embarrassed by what we have to hide, but grace is sufficient. His grace is greater than all our sin. Whatever is wrong in our life, the power of His spirit can bring life back to it. We must surrender all! All of me sounds so simplistic, but the difficulty in life is to get us to see the real us. Not the person we project our selves to be, but the real us. The hidden, real us is the one that God wants. We do a lot to make ourselves presentable. We should all put our best foot forward, but sometimes in life we are tempted to try to take something that we are not in the spirit world. He wants the real us, and all of us. In life we have to partition our selves: giving some time to this, and some time to that. It is tempting to do this spiritually, but God wants all of us. In our text, Peter is promising to follow Jesus even to death. We know that before the morning, Peter would deny Him three times. Peter was unable to see himself. God wants to convert all of us. Baptism by immersion is giving all to God. The devil does not need all of us, all he needs is one little part that is not given to God. The devil can manipulate that one unbaptized thing to work against us. It might be a temper, it might be an unruly tongue. Whatever it is, we must give it to all to Him. We may ask "what is wrong with my life? " It might simply be that we have not given all of us to God and been truly converted. What part of us is ruining our future? What needs to be converted? Where do we need a change in thinking? In stead of fighting it, we need to turn our attitude, our desire, our thinking and surrender all to God. In all of our lives, there is something that we need to pull back under the blood! We may be afraid that God will be embarrassed by what we have to hide, but grace is sufficient. His grace is greater than all our sin. Whatever is wrong in our life, the power of His spirit can bring life back to it. We must surrender all! All of me sounds so simplistic, but the difficulty in life is to get us to see the real us. Not the person we project our selves to be, but the real us. The hidden, real us is the one that God wants. We do a lot to make ourselves presentable. We sh… Mark Hughes 2053 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20145563/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_allofme/id/2114829.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20145563 Scripture: Luke 22:31-22, Romans 7:15-7:25 Sun, 13 Jul 2014 22:05:49 +0000 Kenneth Baker Some of the most profound wisdom of life is found in the writing of Job. It is superior to any other behavior and psychological text you can read. The question ask in our text from Job cuts through to the very essence of life. Can the rush grow without mire? Mire is dirty, sticky and smelly. Our text implies that the rush cannot grow without mire. We can rightfully ask the question if life is not possible without some dirty, smelly and sticky situations? Life is not fair. Some people seem to be born with a silver spoon in their mouth, while others have to take a harder path. Does our environment determine our outcome? It is easy to play what if in life: What if I had a different upbringing? What if I had been born on the right side of the tracks. Is where we are born, and how we are raised the determining factor in our success or failure in living for God? Bro. Hughes answers the question by saying that where we are born, who our parent are, or to whom we are married does NOT determine our life. it is what is inside us. It is in us to determine what we are going to be. Will be be overcome, or will we overcome? The decision is up to us. If we make up our mind and make the best of our situation and be the best person we can be, we will find favor with God. Mire will be in everyone's life. We are tempted to think that others have it better than we do. Trouble does not lies in our surroundings, it lies within us. The sun above shines on the just and the unjust. God's word is the same for all. Our surroundings may be different, but the God above is the same for all of us. God will not judge me because of our environment, He will judge by the life that we live within our environment. The greater power is within, not without. Will we be a victim or a victor? Will we be a whiner or a worshiper? If we cannot serve God in our current situation, how can we serve God in a different situation. Our life is not consumed by circumstance, it is formed by the decisions and determinations that we make every day. Some of the most profound wisdom of life is found in the writing of Job. It is superior to any other behavior and psychological text you can read. The question ask in our text from Job cuts through to the very essence of life. Can the rush grow without mire? Mire is dirty, sticky and smelly. Our text implies that the rush cannot grow without mire. We can rightfully ask the question if life is not possible without some dirty, smelly and sticky situations? Life is not fair. Some people seem to be born with a silver spoon in their mouth, while others have to take a harder path. Does our environment determine our outcome? It is easy to play what if in life: What if I had a different upbringing? What if I had been born on the right side of the tracks. Is where we are born, and how we are raised the determining factor in our success or failure in living for God? Bro. Hughes answers the question by saying that where we are born, who our parent are, or to whom we are married does NOT determine our life. it is what is inside us. It is in us to determine what we are going to be. Will be be overcome, or will we overcome? The decision is up to us. If we make up our mind and make the best of our situation and be the best person we can be, we will find favor with God. Mire will be in everyone's life. We are tempted to think that others have it better than we do. Trouble does not lies in our surroundings, it lies within us. The sun above shines on the just and the unjust. God's word is the same for all. Our surroundings may be different, but the God above is the same for all of us. God will not judge me because of our environment, He will judge by the life that we live within our environment. The greater power is within, not without. Will we be a victim or a victor? Will we be a whiner or a worshiper? If we cannot serve God in our current situation, how can we serve God in a different situation. Our life is not consumed by circumstance, it is formed by the decisions and determinations that we make every day. Some of the most profound wisdom of life is found in the writing of Job. It is superior to any other behavior and psychological text you can read. The question ask in our text from Job cuts through to the very essence of life. Can the rush grow with… Kenneth Baker 1329 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20131815/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_outofthemire/id/2101579.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20131815 Out of the mire Sun, 13 Jul 2014 15:25:53 +0000 Kenneth Baker The greatest compliment that God can ever pay humanity is expressed in this text. It is evidence that God is interested us; who we are and what we are. In all the ways God could have chosen to manifest Himself, he chose to do it in the human body. He honors us so that he had declared that our body is the dwelling place of His holy spirit. Our body is a reflection of God's glory. If God honors the body, it is a sin for us to dis-honor our body. How does God honor the body? He formed it. He didn't speak it into existence as he did with the world and the animals. He formed the body from the dust of the earth. The bible tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Our body came from God's handiwork and craftsmanship. Secondly, God honors the body through His own carnation. God came to earth in a human body in the form of Jesus. God chose to reveal himself in the same kind of body in which we live. God honors the body by purchasing it. Our text tells us that we were purchased for a price. Our body is so valuable that He paid the ultimate price to come into possession of it. Calvary is the price that He had to pay to purchase our body and bring it back from destruction. Our body is not ours, it has been bought. We must take care of our body because it does not belong to us. God is the owner, and He is responsible for the upkeep and repairs. God honors the body by healing it. He honors the body by sanctifying it. God honors the body by someday raising it. He will not leave our body in the grave, but will raise it up to take to heaven. God places a high value on our body. The question is then: What have we done with our body. Why should we fill it with filth? Why should we dress it with ungodliness? Does our body groan under the burden of sin? Does our body falter under the weight of failure? Contrary to the lies of the devil, our body is not ours to do with as we please. Our body was not made for drink or drugs. Our body was not made for immoral relationships. Our body was not made for the things that our world counts as normal. He made our body to be a temple and we need to make sure that we take care of God's temple. The more that our body is in tune with God, the better it functions. The greatest compliment that God can ever pay humanity is expressed in this text. It is evidence that God is interested us; who we are and what we are. In all the ways God could have chosen to manifest Himself, he chose to do it in the human body. He honors us so that he had declared that our body is the dwelling place of His holy spirit. Our body is a reflection of God's glory. If God honors the body, it is a sin for us to dis-honor our body. How does God honor the body? He formed it. He didn't speak it into existence as he did with the world and the animals. He formed the body from the dust of the earth. The bible tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Our body came from God's handiwork and craftsmanship. Secondly, God honors the body through His own carnation. God came to earth in a human body in the form of Jesus. God chose to reveal himself in the same kind of body in which we live. God honors the body by purchasing it. Our text tells us that we were purchased for a price. Our body is so valuable that He paid the ultimate price to come into possession of it. Calvary is the price that He had to pay to purchase our body and bring it back from destruction. Our body is not ours, it has been bought. We must take care of our body because it does not belong to us. God is the owner, and He is responsible for the upkeep and repairs. God honors the body by healing it. He honors the body by sanctifying it. God honors the body by someday raising it. He will not leave our body in the grave, but will raise it up to take to heaven. God places a high value on our body. The question is then: What have we done with our body. Why should we fill it with filth? Why should we dress it with ungodliness? Does our body groan under the burden of sin? Does our body falter under the weight of failure? Contrary to the lies of the devil, our body is not ours to do with as we please. Our body was not made for drink or drugs. Our body was not made for immoral relationships. Our body was not made for the things that our world counts as normal. He made our body to be a temple and we need to make sure that we take care of God's temple. The more that our body is in tune with God, the better it functions. The greatest compliment that God can ever pay humanity is expressed in this text. It is evidence that God is interested us; who we are and what we are. In all the ways God could have chosen to manifest Himself, he chose to do it in the human body. H… Kenneth Baker 2331 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20131220/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thetempleofgod/id/2100941.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20131220 The temple of God Wed, 02 Jul 2014 15:09:43 +0000 Mark Hughes In our text, Paul portrays himself as a soldier dressed appropriately for battle. He indicates that we as Christians, should also prepare for battle. In this brief bit of scripture, Paul paints a full length picture of a soldier prepared for battle. Most of the things mentioned are defensive in nature. They are for the protection of the body so that we can survive the battles of life. His image of the armor is instructive. Bro. Hughes is stirred by what each piece of equipment mentioned is protecting and what spiritual concept Paul tied to the piece of equipment. In verse 15, he talks about having our feet shod with the gospel of peace. The sandals worn by soldiers of the time protected the feet, ankles and legs. They were made of brass and leather and had nails embedded in them for traction during battle. They were designed to protect the legs and feet from the knees down. They were designed to keep the soldier standing and on his feet. The enemy's tactic is to place obstacles in our path to cripple us and cause us to fall. The protection of the feet was essential for the soldier to do battle. Our feet are very important and hold clues to many aspects of human health. So back to Paul, he encourages us to protect our feet with the gospel of peace. How will our feet play into the success or failure in our spiritual journey? The feet represent the foundation that hold the rest of the body. It does not matter what may be in our hearts, of our feet are not capable of taking us there, we will never make it. If we are unprepared in our spiritual foundation, we will be easy prey for the enemy. If our feet are unprepared for battle, we are unprepared for battle. Paul tells us that God has given us the gospel of peace to keep us on our feet and ready to do battle with the enemy. The gospel is what allow us to handle the hard things in life. The gospel is what keeps us standing. When we read God's word we are reminded that God is for us; that God Loves us; that Greater is He that is in me, than what is in the world. It tells that we are love. That we are redeemed. It tells us that we are blood bought. I tells us that we are an overcomer, that we are covered. God's word tells us that we are protected. In our text, Paul portrays himself as a soldier dressed appropriately for battle. He indicates that we as Christians, should also prepare for battle. In this brief bit of scripture, Paul paints a full length picture of a soldier prepared for battle. Most of the things mentioned are defensive in nature. They are for the protection of the body so that we can survive the battles of life. His image of the armor is instructive. Bro. Hughes is stirred by what each piece of equipment mentioned is protecting and what spiritual concept Paul tied to the piece of equipment. In verse 15, he talks about having our feet shod with the gospel of peace. The sandals worn by soldiers of the time protected the feet, ankles and legs. They were made of brass and leather and had nails embedded in them for traction during battle. They were designed to protect the legs and feet from the knees down. They were designed to keep the soldier standing and on his feet. The enemy's tactic is to place obstacles in our path to cripple us and cause us to fall. The protection of the feet was essential for the soldier to do battle. Our feet are very important and hold clues to many aspects of human health. So back to Paul, he encourages us to protect our feet with the gospel of peace. How will our feet play into the success or failure in our spiritual journey? The feet represent the foundation that hold the rest of the body. It does not matter what may be in our hearts, of our feet are not capable of taking us there, we will never make it. If we are unprepared in our spiritual foundation, we will be easy prey for the enemy. If our feet are unprepared for battle, we are unprepared for battle. Paul tells us that God has given us the gospel of peace to keep us on our feet and ready to do battle with the enemy. The gospel is what allow us to handle the hard things in life. The gospel is what keeps us standing. When we read God's word we are reminded that God is for us; that God Loves us; that Greater is He that is in me, than what is in the world. It tells that we are love. That we are redeemed. It tells us that we are blood bought. I tells us that we are an overcomer, that we are covered. God's word tells us that we are protected. In our text, Paul portrays himself as a soldier dressed appropriately for battle. He indicates that we as Christians, should also prepare for battle. In this brief bit of scripture, Paul paints a full length picture of a soldier prepared for battle. … Mark Hughes 2354 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20122953/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_armorofgodfootgear/id/1869636.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20122953 Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-6:18, Series: Armor of God Sun, 29 Jun 2014 15:10:41 +0000 Kenneth Baker The church is referred to in many ways in scripture. The bride of Christ, the temple of God, the people of God. More than a building, the Church is God's representatives in this world. In our text, the church is described as being birthed in the fire of the Holy Ghost. It was a Holy Ghost eruption that literally shook the place they in which they were meeting and affected the lives of many thousands. This was some of the finest hours for the church. They did not have a program, but they had a purpose: Go out and preach the word to the world. In a few short years, much of the known world had been converted to Christianity. They did not have the modern technology and comfort we have. All they had was a hungry heart and a desire to do preach God's word. Bro. Hughes asks how can a church with no resources could have such reach but we, with all we have available to us, cannot accomplish the same? Our text highlights the church in some of her finest hours. We see her in her glory doing what God commanded her to do. What is necessary for the church to be at her finest? She is at her best when operating in the Holy Ghost. None of us are talented enough to change people's lives, but when follow the lead of the Holy Ghost, we can. The church in it's finest expects Great things from God. When faith dies so does breakthrough. The same power that can open the blind eyes in biblical times, still exists today. The church is at her best when she is bold. Our text says after they prayed, the building shook and that they spoke with boldness. They were not intimidated by the government or the religious leaders of the day. There are too many people who are afraid to be Pentecostal because of the way the world thinks of us. The truth is the truth no matter what the world thinks. The world needs to hear what we have to say. The church is at her best when there is a quest to learn more. Daily, they would come back and ask for more. They persisted in listening to the apostles as they taught and there was a hunger for more. What God has done, is nothing in comparison to what He will do. The greatest peril to the church is when we become stagnate and only look back to what was. We must look forward and desire for more. When the church is at her best, there is a sense of excitement. Our text says "they gladly received the word." They heard the word in their own language. They saw miracles. it stirred their curiosity. There was an excitement about going to church. There was such excitement that they did not want to miss anything. When we get excited about God, He will do exciting things among us. The church is at her best when there are certain sounds. The sound of praise and adoration; When talent is not promoted, but Jesus is. She is at her best when there is the sound of prayer. When the church is at her best, she is impacting her community. The bible says that they had favor with all the people. When people are drawn to the church, she is at her best. We must show our selves friendly so that people are attracted to us. The church is at her best when she is providing a sanctuary for all. She is at her best when there is ministry to the needs of the people. They found a need and they filled it. That means that people have to be willing ot get involved and look for those needs. Opportunities for ministry are all around us. The church is at her best when she resembles Jesus and Jesus went to the uttermost. The church is referred to in many ways in scripture. The bride of Christ, the temple of God, the people of God. More than a building, the Church is God's representatives in this world. In our text, the church is described as being birthed in the fire of the Holy Ghost. It was a Holy Ghost eruption that literally shook the place they in which they were meeting and affected the lives of many thousands. This was some of the finest hours for the church. They did not have a program, but they had a purpose: Go out and preach the word to the world. In a few short years, much of the known world had been converted to Christianity. They did not have the modern technology and comfort we have. All they had was a hungry heart and a desire to do preach God's word. Bro. Hughes asks how can a church with no resources could have such reach but we, with all we have available to us, cannot accomplish the same? Our text highlights the church in some of her finest hours. We see her in her glory doing what God commanded her to do. What is necessary for the church to be at her finest? She is at her best when operating in the Holy Ghost. None of us are talented enough to change people's lives, but when follow the lead of the Holy Ghost, we can. The church in it's finest expects Great things from God. When faith dies so does breakthrough. The same power that can open the blind eyes in biblical times, still exists today. The church is at her best when she is bold. Our text says after they prayed, the building shook and that they spoke with boldness. They were not intimidated by the government or the religious leaders of the day. There are too many people who are afraid to be Pentecostal because of the way the world thinks of us. The truth is the truth no matter what the world thinks. The world needs to hear what we have to say. The church is at her best when there is a quest to learn more. Daily, they would come back and ask for more. They persisted in listening to the apostles as they taught and there was a hunger for more. What God has done, is nothing in comparison to what He will do. The greatest peril to the church is when we become stagnate and only look back to what was. We must look forward and desire for more. When the church is at her best, there is a sense of excitement. Our text says "they gladly received the word." They heard the word in their own language. They saw miracles. it stirred their curiosity. There was an excitement about going to church. There was such excitement that they did not want to miss anything. When we get excited about God, He will do exciting things among us. The church is at her best when there are certain sounds. The sound of praise and adoration; When talent is not promoted, but Jesus is. She is at her best when there is the sound of prayer. When the church is at her best, she is impacting her community. The bible says that they had favor with all the people. When people are drawn to the church, she is at her best. We must show our selves friendly so that people are attracted to us. The church is at her best when she is providing a sanctuary for all. She is at her best when there is ministry to the needs of the people. They found a need and they filled it. That means that people have to be willing ot get involved and look for those needs. Opportunities for ministry are all around us. The church is at her best when she resembles Jesus and Jesus went to the uttermost. The church is referred to in many ways in scripture. The bride of Christ, the temple of God, the people of God. More than a building, the Church is God's representatives in this world. In our text, the church is described as being birthed in the fir… Kenneth Baker 2583 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20119524/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenthechurchisatherbest/id/1866249.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20119524 When the church is at her best Wed, 25 Jun 2014 23:49:41 +0000 Kenneth Baker Greater Life Church Greater Life Church Greater Life Church… Kenneth Baker 2115 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20116420/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thearmorofgodthebreastplateofr/id/1863801.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20116420 Series: Armor of God Sun, 22 Jun 2014 23:32:33 +0000 Mark Hughes Bro. Hughes brings a message from Paul's letter to the Philippine Church. Bro. Hughes brings a message from Paul's letter to the Philippine Church. Bro. Hughes brings a message from Paul's letter to the Philippine Church.… Mark Hughes 2529 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20116410/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thethingswhichhavehappenedunto/id/1863796.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20116410 Scripture: Philippians 1:12-1 Sun, 15 Jun 2014 22:29:03 +0000 Mark Hughes Men are very important to God's plan. Statistics show that children of homes without fathers are significantly more likely to be at risk than those who are in two parent homes. The importance of a father in a child's life cannot be over stated. Simply put, we need good Men. We as men, have a purpose for being and existing. We are not just an accident, God has a purpose for each of us. The powerful influence of a man with a purpose is significant. There is nothing more tragic than a man who wastes his life by not pursuing his divine purpose. As men, we must take a stand and protect what God has created. God is looking for men who will stand for righteousness, Godliness, families and for their homes. Our world tears down manhood. The entertainment industry portrays men as as dumb and incompetent. God needs men who will stand for what is right and will stand against this assault. It does not take much talent to tear something down, but it takes a man with skills and determination to build a home, a church, or a life. God is looking for not only a builder, but for a man who can repair that which has been torn down. The enemy will attack and tear down. A man of God must be prepared to stand in the gap and repair what has been destroyed. The mending of relationship begins with a strong, Godly man. God is seeking for a man who will protect. Our world is full of predators. God is looking for men who will protect his family from these predators. Paul admonished Timothy to guard his hands, his heart and his spirit. God is looking for men. Are there any men willing to answer the call? Men are very important to God's plan. Statistics show that children of homes without fathers are significantly more likely to be at risk than those who are in two parent homes. The importance of a father in a child's life cannot be over stated. Simply put, we need good Men. We as men, have a purpose for being and existing. We are not just an accident, God has a purpose for each of us. The powerful influence of a man with a purpose is significant. There is nothing more tragic than a man who wastes his life by not pursuing his divine purpose. As men, we must take a stand and protect what God has created. God is looking for men who will stand for righteousness, Godliness, families and for their homes. Our world tears down manhood. The entertainment industry portrays men as as dumb and incompetent. God needs men who will stand for what is right and will stand against this assault. It does not take much talent to tear something down, but it takes a man with skills and determination to build a home, a church, or a life. God is looking for not only a builder, but for a man who can repair that which has been torn down. The enemy will attack and tear down. A man of God must be prepared to stand in the gap and repair what has been destroyed. The mending of relationship begins with a strong, Godly man. God is seeking for a man who will protect. Our world is full of predators. God is looking for men who will protect his family from these predators. Paul admonished Timothy to guard his hands, his heart and his spirit. God is looking for men. Are there any men willing to answer the call? Men are very important to God's plan. Statistics show that children of homes without fathers are significantly more likely to be at risk than those who are in two parent homes. The importance of a father in a child's life cannot be over stated. Sim… Mark Hughes 1856 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20109450/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_themangodisseeking/id/1857319.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20109450 Scripture: Ezekiel 22:30-22, Acts 13:22-13 Wed, 11 Jun 2014 21:46:57 +0000 Mark Hughes We we were born again, we entered into a fellowship and into the possession of an assurance of eternal things. This journey also brings with it a fight. We are in an eternal war with the enemy. God has equipped us to rise to this fight and to be victorious. In our text, Paul identifies himself with the struggle that all of us endure in this battle of life. Paul tells us that the enemy we will fight will come at us from all angles and directions. His comparison of God's gifts to implements of war illustrate just how real the battle is. He begins with a command: Be strong. A command, not a suggestion or an offer. We must above all things be strong for this battle. We must consider all that is in the balance in this battle to fully appreciate how real this is. Failure is not an option. We do not want to be lost. We must not ignore the command. When Paul gives us the command, he is telling us that we can become what the scripture declares that we can become. Paul tells us how to dress for success using the armor of God. Bro. Hughes asks what is that the armor designed to protect. The answer to that explains where the devil will attack. In each of Paul's examples, he cites a piece or armor or a weapon and tells us what area that items is to protect. No matter how long we live for God, we will be vulnerable to the devil in these areas. There are six of items. The first piece is the girding our loins with truth. The first area of attack is our purpose for living. The devil knows that if he can strike at who we are and who God designed us to be, then we are vulnerable to any other attack that he can bring. The devil wants to undermine God's design for our life. If he can do that, we will begin to question God's way and purpose. The armor that is necessary to keep us against this attack, is the girdle of truth. The truth will keep us from becoming tripped up and becoming vulnerable to the enemy. The truth reveals God's purpose for our life. If the devil can get us to question why God made us, he can easily get us to question many other things about our relationship with God. We we were born again, we entered into a fellowship and into the possession of an assurance of eternal things. This journey also brings with it a fight. We are in an eternal war with the enemy. God has equipped us to rise to this fight and to be victorious. In our text, Paul identifies himself with the struggle that all of us endure in this battle of life. Paul tells us that the enemy we will fight will come at us from all angles and directions. His comparison of God's gifts to implements of war illustrate just how real the battle is. He begins with a command: Be strong. A command, not a suggestion or an offer. We must above all things be strong for this battle. We must consider all that is in the balance in this battle to fully appreciate how real this is. Failure is not an option. We do not want to be lost. We must not ignore the command. When Paul gives us the command, he is telling us that we can become what the scripture declares that we can become. Paul tells us how to dress for success using the armor of God. Bro. Hughes asks what is that the armor designed to protect. The answer to that explains where the devil will attack. In each of Paul's examples, he cites a piece or armor or a weapon and tells us what area that items is to protect. No matter how long we live for God, we will be vulnerable to the devil in these areas. There are six of items. The first piece is the girding our loins with truth. The first area of attack is our purpose for living. The devil knows that if he can strike at who we are and who God designed us to be, then we are vulnerable to any other attack that he can bring. The devil wants to undermine God's design for our life. If he can do that, we will begin to question God's way and purpose. The armor that is necessary to keep us against this attack, is the girdle of truth. The truth will keep us from becoming tripped up and becoming vulnerable to the enemy. The truth reveals God's purpose for our life. If the devil can get us to question why God made us, he can easily get us to question many other things about our relationship with God. We we were born again, we entered into a fellowship and into the possession of an assurance of eternal things. This journey also brings with it a fight. We are in an eternal war with the enemy. God has equipped us to rise to this fight and to be v… Mark Hughes 2964 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20109441/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_armyourself/id/1857310.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20109441 Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-6:18, Series: Armor of God Sun, 08 Jun 2014 21:55:22 +0000 Mark Hughes Just when we think we have life figured out, something comes along to knock of off our stride. The question is: Can we handle it? Can we survive this? Ezekiel found out that we can survive. We can thrive even int he most difficult of circumstances. He was not born in captivity, but at a young age, he was taken into Babylonian captivity. Here was a people who had been uprooted from their homes and who were beaten down. The spirit of the people was as low as it possibly could be. Their hope of a future and better day was gone. Something happened to Ezekiel. God began to speak to him and the spirit moved onto him. This encounter with God changed Ezekiel. When the spirit came, everything changed. Ezekiel found out that God is not dead. He is real! In the face of the reality that presented it self to Ezekiel, the move of he spirit showed a different picture. The spirt of God is the only thing that can renew hope. It is the only thing that can make us believe that we are greater than our circumstances. God knows what to do to put us on our feet and get us out of our situation. The spirit of God allows us to deal with our history and our situation. The spirit of God is more than a match for what life has in store for us. Ezekiel found out that the Spirit of God could do for us what we are unable to do on our own. The power of the Holy Ghost can place us on our feet. God is more interested in us than what we are in. God is more powerful than any situation we may be in and can deliver us from whatever may have us bound. Just when we think we have life figured out, something comes along to knock of off our stride. The question is: Can we handle it? Can we survive this? Ezekiel found out that we can survive. We can thrive even int he most difficult of circumstances. He was not born in captivity, but at a young age, he was taken into Babylonian captivity. Here was a people who had been uprooted from their homes and who were beaten down. The spirit of the people was as low as it possibly could be. Their hope of a future and better day was gone. Something happened to Ezekiel. God began to speak to him and the spirit moved onto him. This encounter with God changed Ezekiel. When the spirit came, everything changed. Ezekiel found out that God is not dead. He is real! In the face of the reality that presented it self to Ezekiel, the move of he spirit showed a different picture. The spirt of God is the only thing that can renew hope. It is the only thing that can make us believe that we are greater than our circumstances. God knows what to do to put us on our feet and get us out of our situation. The spirit of God allows us to deal with our history and our situation. The spirit of God is more than a match for what life has in store for us. Ezekiel found out that the Spirit of God could do for us what we are unable to do on our own. The power of the Holy Ghost can place us on our feet. God is more interested in us than what we are in. God is more powerful than any situation we may be in and can deliver us from whatever may have us bound. Just when we think we have life figured out, something comes along to knock of off our stride. The question is: Can we handle it? Can we survive this? Ezekiel found out that we can survive. We can thrive even int he most difficult of circumstances… Mark Hughes 1768 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20109435/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenthespiritenters/id/1857303.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20109435 Scripture: Ezekiel 2:1-2:2, Ezekiel 3:24-3 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 21:40:06 +0000 Mark Hughes There is a lot of music in our world. The best songs are the ones that speak to us. The 17th chapter of Psalms is one that speaks to Bro. Hughes. There are far too many in the world who do not know where they are spiritually. This psalm was not written by such a man. Our text is written by a man who knows what he is about. He states no matter what others choice may be, his mind was made up: He would follow the Lord. There were many things that we cannot control about life, but the Psalmist knew that he could control what was inside. This man is not waiting on the world to make him happy. He is not waiting on a better time to be happy. He is not waiting on better circumstances to decide that he will be happy. He had decided that in the midst of his struggles, he will be satisfied in the Lord. So few people are satisfied in our world, in life and even in the church. We live in a world that has more, but enjoys it less. Advertising plays on that unhappiness and exploit it to make a profit on it. We have a culture were no matter what we have, we want something better. What is it like to be satisfied. What does it take to make us happy? In this psalm, David was under attack. Most believe that this was written at at time when Saul was pursuing him. In spite of fleeing for his life and living in the wilderness, David states that he is satisfied. He found the secret to happiness and contentment. What really satisfies? Bro. Hughes tells us that satisfaction comes when we keep our eyes on God, because if we concentrate on anyone or anything else, we will never find the satisfaction we desire. Only God can deliver on His promise. The reason for all the unhappiness in the world is because we are looking for earthly, flawed things to provide all in all. Happiness derives from a relationship with God. What upheld David was not the face of a friend, but the face of God. What brings happiness is not what happens to us but what happens in us. The only way to be satisfied is to get our eyes on Him no matter what else is going on. There is a lot of music in our world. The best songs are the ones that speak to us. The 17th chapter of Psalms is one that speaks to Bro. Hughes. There are far too many in the world who do not know where they are spiritually. This psalm was not written by such a man. Our text is written by a man who knows what he is about. He states no matter what others choice may be, his mind was made up: He would follow the Lord. There were many things that we cannot control about life, but the Psalmist knew that he could control what was inside. This man is not waiting on the world to make him happy. He is not waiting on a better time to be happy. He is not waiting on better circumstances to decide that he will be happy. He had decided that in the midst of his struggles, he will be satisfied in the Lord. So few people are satisfied in our world, in life and even in the church. We live in a world that has more, but enjoys it less. Advertising plays on that unhappiness and exploit it to make a profit on it. We have a culture were no matter what we have, we want something better. What is it like to be satisfied. What does it take to make us happy? In this psalm, David was under attack. Most believe that this was written at at time when Saul was pursuing him. In spite of fleeing for his life and living in the wilderness, David states that he is satisfied. He found the secret to happiness and contentment. What really satisfies? Bro. Hughes tells us that satisfaction comes when we keep our eyes on God, because if we concentrate on anyone or anything else, we will never find the satisfaction we desire. Only God can deliver on His promise. The reason for all the unhappiness in the world is because we are looking for earthly, flawed things to provide all in all. Happiness derives from a relationship with God. What upheld David was not the face of a friend, but the face of God. What brings happiness is not what happens to us but what happens in us. The only way to be satisfied is to get our eyes on Him no matter what else is going on. There is a lot of music in our world. The best songs are the ones that speak to us. The 17th chapter of Psalms is one that speaks to Bro. Hughes. There are far too many in the world who do not know where they are spiritually. This psalm was not wri… Mark Hughes 2633 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20109439/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_satisfied/id/1857307.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20109439 Scripture: Psalms 17:5-17 Thu, 29 May 2014 12:35:03 +0000 Mark Hughes We are in a war. Not only a war, but a dirty war because the devil fights dirty. He is dirty because he is deceptive. If he would come straight at us, most of us would not have a problem dealing with his assault, but he rarely comes that way. That is why, the bible tells us to put on the full armor of all that God gives us to protect us from the assault. Paul writes to a church that was under assault. He reminds them of how the devil operates with his various devices. In the Greek, the word devices means strategy. Paul deals with a church that was liberal in their interpretation of the gospel. They embraced another gospel other than the one true gospel. Paul said that he was fearful that they did not see what was happening. Paul used the terminology of weddings of the time to illustrate his position. He reminded the church at Corinth that faithfulness was essential to the relationship with God. The only way to build a true relationship is to have faithfulness between the two parties. Paul was fearful that they were being led astray as Satan led Eve astray. We are dealing with a deceitful and cunning foe. He will come at us in a way that will be attractive and compelling. He will use what ever he can use to gain an advantage. Paul tells us that it is Satan's goal to move us from the simplicity that is in Christ. Christ was not simple, but our relationship with Him is. The simplicity of a relationship with Christ stands in contrast with the duplicity and complexity of a relationship with Satan. When we have complexity, we have things moving in different directions. The devil wants to complicate life to the point where we cannot focus on the simplicity of the relationship with Christ. If the devil cannot make us bad, he will make us busy. Paul describes a life that is all on one side of the page. If the page becomes folded, part of life is going a different way. Some of life is hidden. This is just what the devil wants. He wants to disrupt the flow of life by adding burden and distractions. That way we will lose sight of our true priorities. We are in a war. Not only a war, but a dirty war because the devil fights dirty. He is dirty because he is deceptive. If he would come straight at us, most of us would not have a problem dealing with his assault, but he rarely comes that way. That is why, the bible tells us to put on the full armor of all that God gives us to protect us from the assault. Paul writes to a church that was under assault. He reminds them of how the devil operates with his various devices. In the Greek, the word devices means strategy. Paul deals with a church that was liberal in their interpretation of the gospel. They embraced another gospel other than the one true gospel. Paul said that he was fearful that they did not see what was happening. Paul used the terminology of weddings of the time to illustrate his position. He reminded the church at Corinth that faithfulness was essential to the relationship with God. The only way to build a true relationship is to have faithfulness between the two parties. Paul was fearful that they were being led astray as Satan led Eve astray. We are dealing with a deceitful and cunning foe. He will come at us in a way that will be attractive and compelling. He will use what ever he can use to gain an advantage. Paul tells us that it is Satan's goal to move us from the simplicity that is in Christ. Christ was not simple, but our relationship with Him is. The simplicity of a relationship with Christ stands in contrast with the duplicity and complexity of a relationship with Satan. When we have complexity, we have things moving in different directions. The devil wants to complicate life to the point where we cannot focus on the simplicity of the relationship with Christ. If the devil cannot make us bad, he will make us busy. Paul describes a life that is all on one side of the page. If the page becomes folded, part of life is going a different way. Some of life is hidden. This is just what the devil wants. He wants to disrupt the flow of life by adding burden and distractions. That way we will lose sight of our true priorities. We are in a war. Not only a war, but a dirty war because the devil fights dirty. He is dirty because he is deceptive. If he would come straight at us, most of us would not have a problem dealing with his assault, but he rarely comes that way. Tha… Mark Hughes 2980 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20091257/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegoalofsatan/id/1840363.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20091257 Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-6:18, 2 Corinthians 11:1-11:3 Sun, 18 May 2014 15:15:01 +0000 Jim Shoemake In Exodus, God sets the stage for Israel’s escape from Egyptian bondage. Pharoh realizes that Israel was growing and would soon outnumber his own people. Israel would soon get to the place were, if they could realize their strength, they would overtake Egypt. Pharoh decreed that all male Hebrew children would be killed to keep the population from growing. He also increased the workload. Israel's burdens became greater and they lived in fear. The story is familiar: baby Moses was laid in a basket and put in a place where Pharaoh's daughter found him and raised him as her own. God had His hand on Moses. Israel thought there was no way out, but God was working. When Moses flees after killing the Egyptian, we finds himself in Median for 40 years. There at the burning bush, he has an encounter with God. Moses doubted, but he soon learned that he could not escape the plan God had for him. Never underestimate the ability of God to provide what is necessary in us to complete His plan. Whatever may be happening in our life, God had a plan. God has a desire that we succeed. There is an answer to the question that has been lingering. God's desire for our well being is greater than even our own. God will respond to the need of one individual. God wants to speak to our heart. Just as He did with Moses, He wants to have an encounter with each one of us. In Exodus, God sets the stage for Israel’s escape from Egyptian bondage. Pharoh realizes that Israel was growing and would soon outnumber his own people. Israel would soon get to the place were, if they could realize their strength, they would overtake Egypt. Pharoh decreed that all male Hebrew children would be killed to keep the population from growing. He also increased the workload. Israel's burdens became greater and they lived in fear. The story is familiar: baby Moses was laid in a basket and put in a place where Pharaoh's daughter found him and raised him as her own. God had His hand on Moses. Israel thought there was no way out, but God was working. When Moses flees after killing the Egyptian, we finds himself in Median for 40 years. There at the burning bush, he has an encounter with God. Moses doubted, but he soon learned that he could not escape the plan God had for him. Never underestimate the ability of God to provide what is necessary in us to complete His plan. Whatever may be happening in our life, God had a plan. God has a desire that we succeed. There is an answer to the question that has been lingering. God's desire for our well being is greater than even our own. God will respond to the need of one individual. God wants to speak to our heart. Just as He did with Moses, He wants to have an encounter with each one of us. In Exodus, God sets the stage for Israel’s escape from Egyptian bondage. Pharoh realizes that Israel was growing and would soon outnumber his own people. Israel would soon get to the place were, if they could realize their strength, they would overta… Jim Shoemake 2869 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20081609/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hecaresforus/id/1830919.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20081609 Scripture: Exodus 2:2 Sun, 11 May 2014 12:55:06 +0000 Lee Ann Hughes The Great wall of China took 2000 years to build and served to protect China from invading mongols. The Berlin wall was erected overnight and stood as a barrier between East and West for 28 years. Both of these walls stood for many years. One was built for protection the other for isolation. One took many years to build, one was erected quickly. We read about another wall in the bible in Nehemiah. The wall around Jerusalem. Walls around cities in biblical times were essential. They offered safecy and symbolized strength and peace. We need to rebuild and reestablish walls in our life that provide safety. Not only did Nehemiah rebuild the walls, but he had to establish gates. Gates allow good things to come through the walls of protection. They also allow a way to expel those things that need to be removed. Sis. Hughes ties the gates that Nehemiah repaired to our lives. We must keep our gates and walls in repair. The Great wall of China took 2000 years to build and served to protect China from invading mongols. The Berlin wall was erected overnight and stood as a barrier between East and West for 28 years. Both of these walls stood for many years. One was built for protection the other for isolation. One took many years to build, one was erected quickly. We read about another wall in the bible in Nehemiah. The wall around Jerusalem. Walls around cities in biblical times were essential. They offered safecy and symbolized strength and peace. We need to rebuild and reestablish walls in our life that provide safety. Not only did Nehemiah rebuild the walls, but he had to establish gates. Gates allow good things to come through the walls of protection. They also allow a way to expel those things that need to be removed. Sis. Hughes ties the gates that Nehemiah repaired to our lives. We must keep our gates and walls in repair. The Great wall of China took 2000 years to build and served to protect China from invading mongols. The Berlin wall was erected overnight and stood as a barrier between East and West for 28 years. Both of these walls stood for many years. One was … Lee Ann Hughes 1848 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20077608/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_maintainingthegates/id/1826915.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20077608 Maintaining the Gates Wed, 07 May 2014 17:54:10 +0000 Mark Hughes We often think that the world is different today than in biblical times. That is not necessary the case. Our text was written while Paul was in prison. He was writing to a church that was in a culture of wickedness and immorality. The world at that time was ruled by Nero. As corrupt and vile as our world is, it pales in comparison to what was found at that time. Paul writes to a church that lived in a culture like ours; where truth, morality, respect and purity did not have much significance. From his prison cell, Paul encourages the church at Philippa to do right not for the fear of being caught, but rather because doing right is what God wants of us. The things Paul mentions mattered then, and still matter today. Paul was not looking for a retreat from an evil word, but for sanity in an evil word. One translation of our finally as used in our text, is "This still needs to be said." The concepts stated in Philippians 4:8-9, were relevant in 100 AD, and they are relevant today. One commentator said of our text, that this is a paragraph of mental health. These concepts will help us lead a healthy life. When Bro. Hughes considers this verse, he is reminded of the power of human thought. Thoughts cannot be seen or measured, however there is nothing more in life that affects us than our thoughts. our thoughts determine weather we succeed or fail. They determine if we live in joy or sorrow. Restoration begins with thoughts. If we can turn it around in our mind, we can turn our life around. The human ind is the battle ground of the soul. That is why the devil fights our mind, because that is where the victory is won or lost. Paul gives us the ingredients of a power filled life. Paul's words are not there to "just keep in mind". The Greek indicates that he meant to FILL our mind with these things. He is saying "You will do best when you fill your mind with these.” These things still matter: Truth, Honesty, Justice, Purity, Loving Kindness and reputation. We often think that the world is different today than in biblical times. That is not necessary the case. Our text was written while Paul was in prison. He was writing to a church that was in a culture of wickedness and immorality. The world at that time was ruled by Nero. As corrupt and vile as our world is, it pales in comparison to what was found at that time. Paul writes to a church that lived in a culture like ours; where truth, morality, respect and purity did not have much significance. From his prison cell, Paul encourages the church at Philippa to do right not for the fear of being caught, but rather because doing right is what God wants of us. The things Paul mentions mattered then, and still matter today. Paul was not looking for a retreat from an evil word, but for sanity in an evil word. One translation of our finally as used in our text, is "This still needs to be said." The concepts stated in Philippians 4:8-9, were relevant in 100 AD, and they are relevant today. One commentator said of our text, that this is a paragraph of mental health. These concepts will help us lead a healthy life. When Bro. Hughes considers this verse, he is reminded of the power of human thought. Thoughts cannot be seen or measured, however there is nothing more in life that affects us than our thoughts. our thoughts determine weather we succeed or fail. They determine if we live in joy or sorrow. Restoration begins with thoughts. If we can turn it around in our mind, we can turn our life around. The human ind is the battle ground of the soul. That is why the devil fights our mind, because that is where the victory is won or lost. Paul gives us the ingredients of a power filled life. Paul's words are not there to "just keep in mind". The Greek indicates that he meant to FILL our mind with these things. He is saying "You will do best when you fill your mind with these.” These things still matter: Truth, Honesty, Justice, Purity, Loving Kindness and reputation. We often think that the world is different today than in biblical times. That is not necessary the case. Our text was written while Paul was in prison. He was writing to a church that was in a culture of wickedness and immorality. The world at that … Mark Hughes 2960 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20073777/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itstillmatters/id/1823241.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20073777 Scripture: Philippians 4:8-4:9 Mon, 05 May 2014 22:16:46 +0000 Kenneth Baker Greater Life Church Greater Life Church Greater Life Church… Kenneth Baker 2056 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20070669/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenitisbettertotalkthantolist/id/1820215.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20070669 When it is better to talk than to listen Sun, 04 May 2014 15:25:08 +0000 Kenneth Baker Our text is one of the most interesting miracles recorded in scripture. Most of the miracles recorded were ones of compassion and healing. This miracle is difficult to understand until we understand why it was done. All of the men involved in this story would eventually play a great part in the future church. When Jesus spoke to them, they had failed at their effort of fishing. These were men who were professional fishermen, and they had failed at that job. This miracle demonstrates to us what can happen by simple obedience. Simon did not try to understand what Jesus was doing or why He ask what He did, he simply obeyed. This was early in the ministry before Simon or any of the others had been called. Jesus ask Simon to launch out a little. Simon obeyed and received a miracle because he had obeyed the simple thing. He gave God an opportunity. If he had not pushed out a little, there would have been no launching out into the deep. God will ask a little thing of us to set up a great work. He is asking a little thing: open our heart to Him. A small thing: worship Him. Miracles begin with the simplest things. Failure is not final with God. If we will launch out a little, He will put us in a place to receive a great drought of blessing. Launching out into the deep begins with pushing out a little. Even though they had toiled all night and failed, Simon Peter subjugated himself to Jesus and obeyed. Nevertheless at thy word. Our text is one of the most interesting miracles recorded in scripture. Most of the miracles recorded were ones of compassion and healing. This miracle is difficult to understand until we understand why it was done. All of the men involved in this story would eventually play a great part in the future church. When Jesus spoke to them, they had failed at their effort of fishing. These were men who were professional fishermen, and they had failed at that job. This miracle demonstrates to us what can happen by simple obedience. Simon did not try to understand what Jesus was doing or why He ask what He did, he simply obeyed. This was early in the ministry before Simon or any of the others had been called. Jesus ask Simon to launch out a little. Simon obeyed and received a miracle because he had obeyed the simple thing. He gave God an opportunity. If he had not pushed out a little, there would have been no launching out into the deep. God will ask a little thing of us to set up a great work. He is asking a little thing: open our heart to Him. A small thing: worship Him. Miracles begin with the simplest things. Failure is not final with God. If we will launch out a little, He will put us in a place to receive a great drought of blessing. Launching out into the deep begins with pushing out a little. Even though they had toiled all night and failed, Simon Peter subjugated himself to Jesus and obeyed. Nevertheless at thy word. Our text is one of the most interesting miracles recorded in scripture. Most of the miracles recorded were ones of compassion and healing. This miracle is difficult to understand until we understand why it was done. All of the men involved in this s… Kenneth Baker 1809 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20068780/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_neverthelessatthyword/id/1818280.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20068780 Nevertheless at thy word Wed, 30 Apr 2014 17:57:06 +0000 Kenneth Baker Living for God does not exempt us from trouble or human problems. Neither does it exempt us from many other disastrous things that happen in life. It rains on the just and the unjust alike. In our text says evil tidings. This phrase conjures up all sorts of frighting and bad things. When faced with the news of the day, it is easy to become overwhelmed. The best of men have to endure evil tidings. In such times, some men run to many things: drugs, alcohol and panic. Many doubt God in such times. Our text speaks of one who is not phased by evil tidings. No matter how dark or foreboding the times, the man in our text is undeterred. We see a man that despite the forces against him, he remains faithful, prayerful and trusting in the Lord. The man described in Psalm 112 is one to pattern ourselves after. This man has found a secret to troubled times. Bro. Hughes offers the answer to dealing with evil tidings and dark times. He said said "He shall not fear evil tidings, because his heart is fixed." Translators have offered different interpretations for the word fixed; settled, prepared, suited for the times, unalterable, set in his mind. All of these are good traits. Psalm 112 describes a man who is in control when the enemy comes at him from every direction. He was fixed in his heart. Courage is the byproduct of a fixed heart. People who are not fixed in their heart are unstable. Many people in the world have great blessing and talent, but they are unstable because their heart is not fixed. What are some areas of life where we need to be fixed? We are a child of God, so we have a duty to act like a child of God. When we wake up in the morning, we should not have to question if we will be nice. We don't have to ask if we will be fair. We should not have to ask if we will compromise our principles to get along. That is all fixed. We do not lay aside who we are when the times are tough. The second area in which we need to be fixed is our knowledge. What we know is not up for discussion. The truth is the truth, and the situation of the world does not change the truth. We must not question in the dark what God showed us in the light. In times of stress and turmoil, we must not question what God told us while we were in our right mind. We must be fixed in what we know. We know that God is faithful. We know that God is merciful. We know than God will not put more on us than we can bear. Finally we must be fixed in our resignation. I have resigned myself to God. We must surrender all to God. When God told Abraham to offer Issac as a sacrifice, we do not read where he tried to negotiate with God. He simply obeyed. Abraham was resigned to God, and he did not pull back from that commitment. It is important that when we face trouble that we not try to negotiate with God or forget our promise to Him. We must not take back what we have committed to Him. Many have made promises to God during times of trouble, that when the trouble was over, they tried to re-negotiate with God. We must have a fixed heart when it comes to being resigned to Him. Living for God does not exempt us from trouble or human problems. Neither does it exempt us from many other disastrous things that happen in life. It rains on the just and the unjust alike. In our text says evil tidings. This phrase conjures up all sorts of frighting and bad things. When faced with the news of the day, it is easy to become overwhelmed. The best of men have to endure evil tidings. In such times, some men run to many things: drugs, alcohol and panic. Many doubt God in such times. Our text speaks of one who is not phased by evil tidings. No matter how dark or foreboding the times, the man in our text is undeterred. We see a man that despite the forces against him, he remains faithful, prayerful and trusting in the Lord. The man described in Psalm 112 is one to pattern ourselves after. This man has found a secret to troubled times. Bro. Hughes offers the answer to dealing with evil tidings and dark times. He said said "He shall not fear evil tidings, because his heart is fixed." Translators have offered different interpretations for the word fixed; settled, prepared, suited for the times, unalterable, set in his mind. All of these are good traits. Psalm 112 describes a man who is in control when the enemy comes at him from every direction. He was fixed in his heart. Courage is the byproduct of a fixed heart. People who are not fixed in their heart are unstable. Many people in the world have great blessing and talent, but they are unstable because their heart is not fixed. What are some areas of life where we need to be fixed? We are a child of God, so we have a duty to act like a child of God. When we wake up in the morning, we should not have to question if we will be nice. We don't have to ask if we will be fair. We should not have to ask if we will compromise our principles to get along. That is all fixed. We do not lay aside who we are when the times are tough. The second area in which we need to be fixed is our knowledge. What we know is not up for discussion. The truth is the truth, and the situation of the world does not change the truth. We must not question in the dark what God showed us in the light. In times of stress and turmoil, we must not question what God told us while we were in our right mind. We must be fixed in what we know. We know that God is faithful. We know that God is merciful. We know than God will not put more on us than we can bear. Finally we must be fixed in our resignation. I have resigned myself to God. We must surrender all to God. When God told Abraham to offer Issac as a sacrifice, we do not read where he tried to negotiate with God. He simply obeyed. Abraham was resigned to God, and he did not pull back from that commitment. It is important that when we face trouble that we not try to negotiate with God or forget our promise to Him. We must not take back what we have committed to Him. Many have made promises to God during times of trouble, that when the trouble was over, they tried to re-negotiate with God. We must have a fixed heart when it comes to being resigned to Him. Living for God does not exempt us from trouble or human problems. Neither does it exempt us from many other disastrous things that happen in life. It rains on the just and the unjust alike. In our text says evil tidings. This phrase conjures up a… Kenneth Baker 2381 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20067045/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_beingunshakable/id/1818901.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20067045 Being Unshakable Sun, 27 Apr 2014 20:44:56 +0000 Kenneth Baker None of us are here by accident. God has a purpose in every life. God has a divine plan, and a divine purpose for each of us. There are challenging situations in life. How we react to these situations can have eternal implications. In our text, the men that were sent to scout out the land, their observations had a great impact on them and future generations. The land was everything that God said it would be. There were however, somethings about it that He did not tell them. The inhabitants of that land were large and well fortified. The scout's perspective of what they saw effaced their lives and the lives of those around them and generations to come after them. Their report had a great impact in the nation of Israel. Two of them said "we are well able" The other 10 saw defeat. These men left a legacy. The two who were optimistic were allowed to enter the promised land. The other 10 doomed themselves and their generation to die in the wilderness. Their outlook affected many. The two knew that if God would bring them to it, He would deliver it to them. The two were remembered for their faith. The others for their doubt. Each of us is writing a legacy. What legacy are we leaving? Is it one of faith or one of doubt? Are we believing God's word, or are we doubting. Are we fulfilling God's plan, or are we frustrating it? What will be your legacy? None of us are here by accident. God has a purpose in every life. God has a divine plan, and a divine purpose for each of us. There are challenging situations in life. How we react to these situations can have eternal implications. In our text, the men that were sent to scout out the land, their observations had a great impact on them and future generations. The land was everything that God said it would be. There were however, somethings about it that He did not tell them. The inhabitants of that land were large and well fortified. The scout's perspective of what they saw effaced their lives and the lives of those around them and generations to come after them. Their report had a great impact in the nation of Israel. Two of them said "we are well able" The other 10 saw defeat. These men left a legacy. The two who were optimistic were allowed to enter the promised land. The other 10 doomed themselves and their generation to die in the wilderness. Their outlook affected many. The two knew that if God would bring them to it, He would deliver it to them. The two were remembered for their faith. The others for their doubt. Each of us is writing a legacy. What legacy are we leaving? Is it one of faith or one of doubt? Are we believing God's word, or are we doubting. Are we fulfilling God's plan, or are we frustrating it? What will be your legacy? None of us are here by accident. God has a purpose in every life. God has a divine plan, and a divine purpose for each of us. There are challenging situations in life. How we react to these situations can have eternal implications. In our text, the… Kenneth Baker 1434 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20064824/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatwillbeyourlegacy/id/1814793.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20064824 What will be your legacy? Sun, 27 Apr 2014 13:48:11 +0000 Mark Hughes Sometimes life catches us unaware. No one enjoys being unprepared for events that comes at us. When this happens, we try desperately to get a handle on things. In our text the disciples were not at all prepared for what was about to happen. Jesus turns to the disciples and asks, how much would it take to feed all the people that came out today? We ask the same questions when we encounter situations in life. How will we meet this particular need? How much will it take to make it through? Jesus takes them through a learning experience. The bible tells us that Jesus knew what He was about to do. He questioned the disciples not because He did not know the answer, but to illustrate to them how great what He was about to do actually was. How many times do we encounter things in life where we are baffled as to what to do. Jesus always has the answer. He begins by asking the disciples "How will we feed these people" He asks to teach them that it was going to take more than they had. He asks that to teach them that even though they did not know what to do, it does not mean that God does not know what to do. God is never caught unaware. God knows. God does not need our help to work things out. We are guilty too many times of trying to play God, or trying to “help God out.” God knows what we need, when we need it, and how to get it to us just when we need it. When God is trying to teach us something, we must give Him what we have no matter how meager or small it may seem. If we will give Him what we have, He will give us what we need. In life's unexpected situations, there is a miracle in the making. Sometimes life catches us unaware. No one enjoys being unprepared for events that comes at us. When this happens, we try desperately to get a handle on things. In our text the disciples were not at all prepared for what was about to happen. Jesus turns to the disciples and asks, how much would it take to feed all the people that came out today? We ask the same questions when we encounter situations in life. How will we meet this particular need? How much will it take to make it through? Jesus takes them through a learning experience. The bible tells us that Jesus knew what He was about to do. He questioned the disciples not because He did not know the answer, but to illustrate to them how great what He was about to do actually was. How many times do we encounter things in life where we are baffled as to what to do. Jesus always has the answer. He begins by asking the disciples "How will we feed these people" He asks to teach them that it was going to take more than they had. He asks that to teach them that even though they did not know what to do, it does not mean that God does not know what to do. God is never caught unaware. God knows. God does not need our help to work things out. We are guilty too many times of trying to play God, or trying to “help God out.” God knows what we need, when we need it, and how to get it to us just when we need it. When God is trying to teach us something, we must give Him what we have no matter how meager or small it may seem. If we will give Him what we have, He will give us what we need. In life's unexpected situations, there is a miracle in the making. Sometimes life catches us unaware. No one enjoys being unprepared for events that comes at us. When this happens, we try desperately to get a handle on things. In our text the disciples were not at all prepared for what was about to happen. Jesus t… Mark Hughes 1562 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20061892/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_amiracleinthemaking/id/1811653.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20061892 Scripture: John 6:1-6:13 Thu, 24 Apr 2014 14:33:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker God has always desired a close relationship with man. That was broken in the garden by sin. For 4000 years, God was separated from His creation until the crucifixion. After that, God could again touch His creation. In fact, God was able to inhabit his creation by infilling us with His spirit. When we are filled with the Holy Ghost, we are returned to the garden experience where we can have a close relationship with God. The bible is full of stories of people who lost things through trials in life. In every case, when these people are restored, they are not only made whole, but are restored to a level much higher then they were before. God promises a life and life lived more abundantly. Dr. Hughes points out that if we are not living the abundant life, it is not God's fault. There will be good days and there will be bad days. We tend to focus on the bad days rather than on the good days. Jesus came that we would have life, and life more abundantly. God has always desired a close relationship with man. That was broken in the garden by sin. For 4000 years, God was separated from His creation until the crucifixion. After that, God could again touch His creation. In fact, God was able to inhabit his creation by infilling us with His spirit. When we are filled with the Holy Ghost, we are returned to the garden experience where we can have a close relationship with God. The bible is full of stories of people who lost things through trials in life. In every case, when these people are restored, they are not only made whole, but are restored to a level much higher then they were before. God promises a life and life lived more abundantly. Dr. Hughes points out that if we are not living the abundant life, it is not God's fault. There will be good days and there will be bad days. We tend to focus on the bad days rather than on the good days. Jesus came that we would have life, and life more abundantly. God has always desired a close relationship with man. That was broken in the garden by sin. For 4000 years, God was separated from His creation until the crucifixion. After that, God could again touch His creation. In fact, God was able to inhabi… Kenneth Baker 3111 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20060105/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_anabundantlife/id/1810076.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20060105 An abundant life Sun, 20 Apr 2014 20:27:01 +0000 Kenneth Baker The Easter message is a simple one: He is Alive! Why seek you the living among the dead. The only thing that was left in the tomb were the clothes that were soaked in a 100 pounds of fragrances used to preserve the body. As we look at the promise of the risen Lord, we can bask in the fragrance of Grace and Mercy. In our text, the Psalmist cannot contain himself when he contemplates the greatness of God. When the psalmist describes the garnets of the king of kings. The fragrance of myrrh, aloes and casia. They were completely drenched in these strong fragrances. The bible tells us that 100 pounds of spices were used to preserve the body. The garment that smelled of myrrh speaks of His grace. Myrrh comes from a scraggly, ugly tree but it has a wonderful sweet smell. A very small amount of myrrh has a very strong smell. This sweet fragrance reminds us of His grace. His sweet presence will stay with us even when friends leave us. His garments smell of aloes. It comes from a tree that is separated into long strips used to bind the dead body. The fragrance of the aloes of His grace will cover the bitterness of life. Finally the His garments smelled of cassia. Believed to come from India, it is used as a fragrant incense. It was also used for medicinal purposes. It was thought to have the ability to heal many ailments. Grace does heal. We have all been healed by the grace of God. It heals our mind, it heals our body, it heals our soul. His grace heals! Easter brings the sent of new hope. There is covering in the resurrection, there is protection in the resurrection, there is a healing in the resurrection. The resurrection was a wonderful fragrance of grace. The Easter message is a simple one: He is Alive! Why seek you the living among the dead. The only thing that was left in the tomb were the clothes that were soaked in a 100 pounds of fragrances used to preserve the body. As we look at the promise of the risen Lord, we can bask in the fragrance of Grace and Mercy. In our text, the Psalmist cannot contain himself when he contemplates the greatness of God. When the psalmist describes the garnets of the king of kings. The fragrance of myrrh, aloes and casia. They were completely drenched in these strong fragrances. The bible tells us that 100 pounds of spices were used to preserve the body. The garment that smelled of myrrh speaks of His grace. Myrrh comes from a scraggly, ugly tree but it has a wonderful sweet smell. A very small amount of myrrh has a very strong smell. This sweet fragrance reminds us of His grace. His sweet presence will stay with us even when friends leave us. His garments smell of aloes. It comes from a tree that is separated into long strips used to bind the dead body. The fragrance of the aloes of His grace will cover the bitterness of life. Finally the His garments smelled of cassia. Believed to come from India, it is used as a fragrant incense. It was also used for medicinal purposes. It was thought to have the ability to heal many ailments. Grace does heal. We have all been healed by the grace of God. It heals our mind, it heals our body, it heals our soul. His grace heals! Easter brings the sent of new hope. There is covering in the resurrection, there is protection in the resurrection, there is a healing in the resurrection. The resurrection was a wonderful fragrance of grace. The Easter message is a simple one: He is Alive! Why seek you the living among the dead. The only thing that was left in the tomb were the clothes that were soaked in a 100 pounds of fragrances used to preserve the body. As we look at the promise o… Kenneth Baker 1966 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20057959/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theresurrectionafragranceofgra/id/1807961.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20057959 Easter, Sent, Hope, Grace Sun, 13 Apr 2014 22:20:50 +0000 Mark Hughes In our text, Jesus took the disciples to the garden of Gethsemane to pray. He needed their help. He needed their encouragement. He needed them to stand with him. He was looking for their support as He struggled with the questions of his flesh. Yet in this crucial hour, those that He counted on the most failed him. After all that He had done for them in the years of His ministry, this is how they say thanks. This was not their finest hour. In His grace, he allowed for their failure. He expected more than they had done. The text indicates that He was shocked by their behavior. They were not able to watch with Him for an hour. None of us would blame Jesus if He had dismissed them in disgust. It would have been easy for Him to lose His temper and tell them off. But in that hour, Jesus was tender and gentle. The disciples deserved harsh judgement, but Jesus did something quite different. He made allowance for their weakness. He saved them that night from something that could have easily destroyed them. Jesus speaks something to them that all of us need to hear even today: The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Each of us desires to do better than we are. For some it is too easy to forget the time when we have failed when we encounter someone who has failed us. In the garden the Lord spoke a wonderful truth: We are all imperfect. Even the best of us are flawed. Jesus allowed for their failures. There will always be defects in humans. The church must be a place where people can get over their failures. There is a love of God that can transform us into the man or woman that God said we could become. Jesus made an allowance that night. Do we make allowances for people in our life? Do we allow a margin for error? In our text, Jesus took the disciples to the garden of Gethsemane to pray. He needed their help. He needed their encouragement. He needed them to stand with him. He was looking for their support as He struggled with the questions of his flesh. Yet in this crucial hour, those that He counted on the most failed him. After all that He had done for them in the years of His ministry, this is how they say thanks. This was not their finest hour. In His grace, he allowed for their failure. He expected more than they had done. The text indicates that He was shocked by their behavior. They were not able to watch with Him for an hour. None of us would blame Jesus if He had dismissed them in disgust. It would have been easy for Him to lose His temper and tell them off. But in that hour, Jesus was tender and gentle. The disciples deserved harsh judgement, but Jesus did something quite different. He made allowance for their weakness. He saved them that night from something that could have easily destroyed them. Jesus speaks something to them that all of us need to hear even today: The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Each of us desires to do better than we are. For some it is too easy to forget the time when we have failed when we encounter someone who has failed us. In the garden the Lord spoke a wonderful truth: We are all imperfect. Even the best of us are flawed. Jesus allowed for their failures. There will always be defects in humans. The church must be a place where people can get over their failures. There is a love of God that can transform us into the man or woman that God said we could become. Jesus made an allowance that night. Do we make allowances for people in our life? Do we allow a margin for error? In our text, Jesus took the disciples to the garden of Gethsemane to pray. He needed their help. He needed their encouragement. He needed them to stand with him. He was looking for their support as He struggled with the questions of his flesh. Yet… Mark Hughes 2007 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20051252/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_amarginforerror/id/1797161.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20051252 Scripture: Matthew 26:36-26:46 Sun, 13 Apr 2014 15:33:25 +0000 Mark Hughes Greater Life Church Greater Life Church Greater Life Church… Mark Hughes 2636 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20048350/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lordofall/id/1794291.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20048350 Scripture: John 19:19-19:20 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 22:19:18 +0000 Mark Hughes n our text, Paul talks about a commitment to moving forward. He acknowledges the past, but he looks to the future. He said that his focus was forward. Life is before us. He defines words of faith. We don't have to be unhappy, we don't have to be chained to our past and can move ahead to a future that has promise and possibilities. Paul writes words of improvement, growth, and progress. The words reveal the subtle secret that progress in life is not defined by gifts and talent, but by purpose. Our gifts are not equal. If progress in life were determined by gifts, many would have an advantage. Progress in life is determined by our our desire because our desire can overcome our limitations. Paul tells us that no matter what we may have in our past, it does not determine our future. n our text, Paul talks about a commitment to moving forward. He acknowledges the past, but he looks to the future. He said that his focus was forward. Life is before us. He defines words of faith. We don't have to be unhappy, we don't have to be chained to our past and can move ahead to a future that has promise and possibilities. Paul writes words of improvement, growth, and progress. The words reveal the subtle secret that progress in life is not defined by gifts and talent, but by purpose. Our gifts are not equal. If progress in life were determined by gifts, many would have an advantage. Progress in life is determined by our our desire because our desire can overcome our limitations. Paul tells us that no matter what we may have in our past, it does not determine our future. n our text, Paul talks about a commitment to moving forward. He acknowledges the past, but he looks to the future. He said that his focus was forward. Life is before us. He defines words of faith. We don't have to be unhappy, we don't have to be c… Mark Hughes 2408 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20046616/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_themindthatmatters/id/1793073.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20046616 Scripture: Philippians 3:13-3:15 Sun, 06 Apr 2014 14:52:43 +0000 Donovan Burkett Many people try to climb Mt. Everest every year. They train for years of their life for this event. Some lose finger tips. Some suffer injuries. Some die. What is it about this challenge that causes people to take such a risk? Mountain biking, snow boarding and other sports are being taken to the extreme and to higher levels of risk. The two most risky endeavors in the world today are the arm chair olympics and the couch potato playoffs. These participatns have clogged artires and poor health. Compared to the extreme athletes who are in the best physical shape they can be, these sedentary "athletes" take bigger risks with their lives. There is no such thing as a risk free life. Life without risk is simply existing. To play it safe is often the bigger risk. Just getting to church is risky: a 1:2,000,000 chance of falling out of bed; A 1:7000 chance of a shaving accident. Driving can be fatal. Risks are part of life. It is the same with a spiritual life: There is a risk of being misunderstood or maligned by living a life for God. God has not called us to play it safe, but to live life in the faith zone. Those who risk nothing actually risk everything. In the story of the disciples in the boat where Peter walks on water, Jesus told Peter to do the impossible. God expects us to do the possible, but in the midst of the storm, He wants us to do the impossible. He wants us to take risks and depend upon Him. God will make us feel uncomfortable and task us to take a risk that will test our faith. Risk takers keep climbing. Risk takers keep walking away from the boat. Risk takers refuse to bow to false gods. Risk takers climb past dead bodies. We cannot quit living for God because others have fallen away and failed. We must be risk takers! Many people try to climb Mt. Everest every year. They train for years of their life for this event. Some lose finger tips. Some suffer injuries. Some die. What is it about this challenge that causes people to take such a risk? Mountain biking, snow boarding and other sports are being taken to the extreme and to higher levels of risk. The two most risky endeavors in the world today are the arm chair olympics and the couch potato playoffs. These participatns have clogged artires and poor health. Compared to the extreme athletes who are in the best physical shape they can be, these sedentary "athletes" take bigger risks with their lives. There is no such thing as a risk free life. Life without risk is simply existing. To play it safe is often the bigger risk. Just getting to church is risky: a 1:2,000,000 chance of falling out of bed; A 1:7000 chance of a shaving accident. Driving can be fatal. Risks are part of life. It is the same with a spiritual life: There is a risk of being misunderstood or maligned by living a life for God. God has not called us to play it safe, but to live life in the faith zone. Those who risk nothing actually risk everything. In the story of the disciples in the boat where Peter walks on water, Jesus told Peter to do the impossible. God expects us to do the possible, but in the midst of the storm, He wants us to do the impossible. He wants us to take risks and depend upon Him. God will make us feel uncomfortable and task us to take a risk that will test our faith. Risk takers keep climbing. Risk takers keep walking away from the boat. Risk takers refuse to bow to false gods. Risk takers climb past dead bodies. We cannot quit living for God because others have fallen away and failed. We must be risk takers! Many people try to climb Mt. Everest every year. They train for years of their life for this event. Some lose finger tips. Some suffer injuries. Some die. What is it about this challenge that causes people to take such a risk? Mountain biking, s… Donovan Burkett 2003 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20041350/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_risktakers/id/1787640.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20041350 Risks, Scripture: Daniel 3:16-3:18 Sun, 06 Apr 2014 12:51:27 +0000 James Hughes To the Jews, words were powerful. Their language only had 10,000 words. Greek has over 200,000. Once a word is spoken, it cannot be taken back. When we are filled with the Holy Ghost, the evidence of this is speaking in other tongues. We do not utter these words, but they are given by God's spirit. God actually begins to speak through us. John tells us that trough the death, burial, and resurrection process of water baptism and speaking in tongues, we become sons of God. This relationship gives us great power and privilege. Dr. Hughes provides great insight to the power of the word and uses a powerful story from his life to demonstrate the power of God’s word and what it can do in our life. To the Jews, words were powerful. Their language only had 10,000 words. Greek has over 200,000. Once a word is spoken, it cannot be taken back. When we are filled with the Holy Ghost, the evidence of this is speaking in other tongues. We do not utter these words, but they are given by God's spirit. God actually begins to speak through us. John tells us that trough the death, burial, and resurrection process of water baptism and speaking in tongues, we become sons of God. This relationship gives us great power and privilege. Dr. Hughes provides great insight to the power of the word and uses a powerful story from his life to demonstrate the power of God’s word and what it can do in our life. To the Jews, words were powerful. Their language only had 10,000 words. Greek has over 200,000. Once a word is spoken, it cannot be taken back. When we are filled with the Holy Ghost, the evidence of this is speaking in other tongues. We do not ut… James Hughes 2621 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20043886/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thepoweroftheword/id/1790386.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20043886 Words, Scripture: John 1:1-1:15, John 3:1-3:8 Sun, 30 Mar 2014 14:22:38 +0000 Jay Hilton Hosea was he first of the minor prophets. His name means salvation. He lived during the time of one of the wicked kings of Israel. It was a bad time. Israel's spirit was willing, but their flesh was weak. Hosea spoke the truth, but the people didn't want to hear this chastisement of their lifestyles. Hosea prophesied that the people of Isreasl would fall to their enemies. Te people paid no attention and rationalizd that God was god of love and that He would not come against them. Young Hosea found his audience browning smaller and smaller. He was regarded as "that crazy guy." Hosea went to God and God advised him to get married and selected Gomer to be his wife. Gomer was beautiful, but God told him that she would not be faithful to him. In fact, she would be unfaithful to the point of being no more than a common prostitute. Hosea was certinaly confused by this. God went on to tell him that there would be three children born to this marriage. God said that He would name the children. God often used names as a way to teach the people of Isreal. Hosea knew that God was going to use his family as a way to teach a lession. At first the marriage and the relationship was wonderful. Hosea loved Gomer deeply. After their first child, Hosea's heart was bursting with joy. He went to God for the name and God said: Jezreel. This means cast away. It was a name of shame. Hosea was obident. God was warning Isreal that they would be cast away if they continued to rebel. The second child was a girl that God named Loruhamah which means not pitied. It meant that God would no longer have pity on his people if they continued their stubborn ways, He would hand them over to an invading army. When the little girl was weaned, Gomer conceived again and gave birth to a little boy named Loammi which means not my people. God was announcing judgment on his people. There were no more children born, and Gomer began to fulfill the sad prophecy of unfaithfulness. Such a hard time for the young preacher to learn of the continued and constant unfaithfulness. One day Gomer left Hosea and the children. Hosea continued to preach the destruction at the hands of the Assyrians, but now his preaching was filled with tears and pain. Gomer's situation continue to decline until she was in poverty with a harsh man who could not provide for her. Hosea sought out the man Gomer was living with and gave him money to buy clothes and food for her. Love does not act according to logic and Hosea acted out of love We do not know how long that Hosea did this, but we learn that after a time, the man with whom she was living sent Gomer off to be sold as a slave. God told Hosea to go purchase his wife back at auction. He paid 15 pieces of silver and 3 bushels of barley to claim her back. It is here that our text picks up. His love for her turned her heart and she was faithful to him from then on. This story is familiar one. God loves us, but we continually turn away from him. His loves does not stop and he continues to seek and desire us. God longs for the day when His people return to him and remain faithful forever. God cannot restore us until we return to Him. This story is the story of humanity. We try to satisfy ourselves with other things. Like Gomer, we cannot distinguish between lust and love. We try to run from God and drown our sorrows in the things of he world, but we cannot run far enough to escape the reaching hand of God's love. At Calvary, God stepped into the slave market and purchased his love back at an enormous price. The story of Hosea and Gomer is the story of God's love for His people. HIs love is so much greater than we can comprehend. It is up to us to turn back to HIm and find a love renewed. Hosea was he first of the minor prophets. His name means salvation. He lived during the time of one of the wicked kings of Israel. It was a bad time. Israel's spirit was willing, but their flesh was weak. Hosea spoke the truth, but the people didn't want to hear this chastisement of their lifestyles. Hosea prophesied that the people of Isreasl would fall to their enemies. Te people paid no attention and rationalizd that God was god of love and that He would not come against them. Young Hosea found his audience browning smaller and smaller. He was regarded as "that crazy guy." Hosea went to God and God advised him to get married and selected Gomer to be his wife. Gomer was beautiful, but God told him that she would not be faithful to him. In fact, she would be unfaithful to the point of being no more than a common prostitute. Hosea was certinaly confused by this. God went on to tell him that there would be three children born to this marriage. God said that He would name the children. God often used names as a way to teach the people of Isreal. Hosea knew that God was going to use his family as a way to teach a lession. At first the marriage and the relationship was wonderful. Hosea loved Gomer deeply. After their first child, Hosea's heart was bursting with joy. He went to God for the name and God said: Jezreel. This means cast away. It was a name of shame. Hosea was obident. God was warning Isreal that they would be cast away if they continued to rebel. The second child was a girl that God named Loruhamah which means not pitied. It meant that God would no longer have pity on his people if they continued their stubborn ways, He would hand them over to an invading army. When the little girl was weaned, Gomer conceived again and gave birth to a little boy named Loammi which means not my people. God was announcing judgment on his people. There were no more children born, and Gomer began to fulfill the sad prophecy of unfaithfulness. Such a hard time for the young preacher to learn of the continued and constant unfaithfulness. One day Gomer left Hosea and the children. Hosea continued to preach the destruction at the hands of the Assyrians, but now his preaching was filled with tears and pain. Gomer's situation continue to decline until she was in poverty with a harsh man who could not provide for her. Hosea sought out the man Gomer was living with and gave him money to buy clothes and food for her. Love does not act according to logic and Hosea acted out of love We do not know how long that Hosea did this, but we learn that after a time, the man with whom she was living sent Gomer off to be sold as a slave. God told Hosea to go purchase his wife back at auction. He paid 15 pieces of silver and 3 bushels of barley to claim her back. It is here that our text picks up. His love for her turned her heart and she was faithful to him from then on. This story is familiar one. God loves us, but we continually turn away from him. His loves does not stop and he continues to seek and desire us. God longs for the day when His people return to him and remain faithful forever. God cannot restore us until we return to Him. This story is the story of humanity. We try to satisfy ourselves with other things. Like Gomer, we cannot distinguish between lust and love. We try to run from God and drown our sorrows in the things of he world, but we cannot run far enough to escape the reaching hand of God's love. At Calvary, God stepped into the slave market and purchased his love back at an enormous price. The story of Hosea and Gomer is the story of God's love for His people. HIs love is so much greater than we can comprehend. It is up to us to turn back to HIm and find a love renewed. Hosea was he first of the minor prophets. His name means salvation. He lived during the time of one of the wicked kings of Israel. It was a bad time. Israel's spirit was willing, but their flesh was weak. Hosea spoke the truth, but the people di… Jay Hilton 2307 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20034283/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_aloverenewed/id/1779995.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20034283 Scripture: Hosea 3:3-3 Wed, 26 Mar 2014 13:43:27 +0000 James Hughes Dr. Hughes noticed while reading in Luke 15, that "the publicans and sinners came to hear Him" The Pharisees came and mocked him for having anything to do with publicans and sinners. Jesus shares three parables that are quite familiar. In these parables, He accounts for three ways that people can become lost. Sheep have no sense of direction and when it becomes lost, it will panic an begin to run. The sheep gets lost because if it's nature. The next illustration is the 10 coins. This is the lost of thing by neglect. The final illustration is the prodigal son. Both sons are lost, but one is at home and the other leaves home for the world. This is being lost by choice, or a willful act. If we look at these things that are lost either by nature, neglect or choice, we see that when they were found, the Angels rejoiced. Jesus said when a sinner repents, the Angels rejoiced. Dr. Hughes wonders why this might be. His study took him tot he beginning in the garden. Adam's life was with out troubles or strife. The first Adam became lazy about his responsibility. He only had two jobs: clean the garden. The second job was to keep the garden. It was his job to decide who or what came into the garden. He failed to do this when he allowed Satan into the garden. Adam was not lost somewhere in the garden Satan came in. The bible said he was with Eve when the conversation ensued about the forbidden fruit. The reason Satan came after Eve, was that Adam had failed to protect her. She had been lied to about the tree. God said nothing about not touching the tree, only not to eat of it. He had added to what God had said. Before the fall, Adam demonstrated the ability to lie. Adam and Eve made the choices, but their reply to God's inquiry was to blame Him and Satan for their failure. Adam was willing to let Eve die. He let her eat of the tree knowing that God said that said it would result in death. After she didn't die, it was easy for him to eat too. Man became selfish in the garden, and remains that way today. The second Adam came into this world as Jesus. He started doing what first Adam should have done and protected His garden. Jesus came as the second Adam to put back into place what the first Adam messed up. Jesus showed us how to live an overcoming life. How do you live an overcoming life, you love people who do not love you? You pray for and love your enemy. The first Adam could have had all the fruits of the spirit if He had chosen to. The first Adam was self centered and concerned about himself. The second Adam was selfless and concerned about humanity. We can choose to be the first Adam or the second Adam. The choice is up to us. Our life is the struggle of the two Adams. Dr. Hughes noticed while reading in Luke 15, that "the publicans and sinners came to hear Him" The Pharisees came and mocked him for having anything to do with publicans and sinners. Jesus shares three parables that are quite familiar. In these parables, He accounts for three ways that people can become lost. Sheep have no sense of direction and when it becomes lost, it will panic an begin to run. The sheep gets lost because if it's nature. The next illustration is the 10 coins. This is the lost of thing by neglect. The final illustration is the prodigal son. Both sons are lost, but one is at home and the other leaves home for the world. This is being lost by choice, or a willful act. If we look at these things that are lost either by nature, neglect or choice, we see that when they were found, the Angels rejoiced. Jesus said when a sinner repents, the Angels rejoiced. Dr. Hughes wonders why this might be. His study took him tot he beginning in the garden. Adam's life was with out troubles or strife. The first Adam became lazy about his responsibility. He only had two jobs: clean the garden. The second job was to keep the garden. It was his job to decide who or what came into the garden. He failed to do this when he allowed Satan into the garden. Adam was not lost somewhere in the garden Satan came in. The bible said he was with Eve when the conversation ensued about the forbidden fruit. The reason Satan came after Eve, was that Adam had failed to protect her. She had been lied to about the tree. God said nothing about not touching the tree, only not to eat of it. He had added to what God had said. Before the fall, Adam demonstrated the ability to lie. Adam and Eve made the choices, but their reply to God's inquiry was to blame Him and Satan for their failure. Adam was willing to let Eve die. He let her eat of the tree knowing that God said that said it would result in death. After she didn't die, it was easy for him to eat too. Man became selfish in the garden, and remains that way today. The second Adam came into this world as Jesus. He started doing what first Adam should have done and protected His garden. Jesus came as the second Adam to put back into place what the first Adam messed up. Jesus showed us how to live an overcoming life. How do you live an overcoming life, you love people who do not love you? You pray for and love your enemy. The first Adam could have had all the fruits of the spirit if He had chosen to. The first Adam was self centered and concerned about himself. The second Adam was selfless and concerned about humanity. We can choose to be the first Adam or the second Adam. The choice is up to us. Our life is the struggle of the two Adams. Dr. Hughes noticed while reading in Luke 15, that "the publicans and sinners came to hear Him" The Pharisees came and mocked him for having anything to do with publicans and sinners. Jesus shares three parables that are quite familiar. In these para… James Hughes 3029 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20031075/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thestruggleofthetwoadams/id/1777121.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20031075 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:22-15, 1 Corinthians 15:42-15:46 Mon, 24 Mar 2014 18:48:30 +0000 Kenneth Baker How calming are the words of our text tonight. These words are timeless. He speaks in present tense. He speaks about all times. No matter what is happening, we must let these words sink down into our heart. Life is not easy, but it is possible. God never said that life would be easy, but He did say we can live a good life. Some times everything goes our way. The Lord was not speaking to those days in this text. It is in the dark, uncomfortable days that our text speaks to. An untroubled heart is rare. Jesus speaking here had just delivered some very troubling news. to the disciples. To comfort them, he speaks these comforting words: Let not your heart be troubled. To understand the significance of His words, it is important to understand what He did not say. He was speaking directly to them and not some unnamed people. He did not say let not your life be troubled, He said let not your heart be troubled. We cannot do a lot about life, but we have control over what happens in our heart. He is calling for us to play our part in life and understand that though life may be troubled, our hearts need not be. The bible tells us that we will experience tribulation. But through it all, our text tells us that no matter how heavy the burden in life may be, it is possible to have a peace inside like a river that passes all understanding. While others may be losing their composure, our text gives us the comfort of knowing that we can remain calm in the face of adversity. The basis of this untroubled heart is faith in God. God will not allow anything to happen in our life that has not passed His approval and knowledge that we can endure it. No matter what may happen, God's hand is there to guide, direct and lift up those who have stumbled. We may not understand what is going on around us, but we have peace like a river when we understand that God is in control. God has a plan for our life. Knowing this is the second key to an untroubled heart. Our life is not left to fate, there is a divine order and plan. We must get in step with His plan. When we are in step with HIs plan, we know that all things work together for the good. Life may not get easier, but it will be sweeter when we are in step with God's plan. When we get to the end of life, we will be able to look back and see the path He has led us down. The only way to get through this world with an untroubled heart is to understand that there is a future that will make all of this worth it. That is the secret to an untroubled heart. How calming are the words of our text tonight. These words are timeless. He speaks in present tense. He speaks about all times. No matter what is happening, we must let these words sink down into our heart. Life is not easy, but it is possible. God never said that life would be easy, but He did say we can live a good life. Some times everything goes our way. The Lord was not speaking to those days in this text. It is in the dark, uncomfortable days that our text speaks to. An untroubled heart is rare. Jesus speaking here had just delivered some very troubling news. to the disciples. To comfort them, he speaks these comforting words: Let not your heart be troubled. To understand the significance of His words, it is important to understand what He did not say. He was speaking directly to them and not some unnamed people. He did not say let not your life be troubled, He said let not your heart be troubled. We cannot do a lot about life, but we have control over what happens in our heart. He is calling for us to play our part in life and understand that though life may be troubled, our hearts need not be. The bible tells us that we will experience tribulation. But through it all, our text tells us that no matter how heavy the burden in life may be, it is possible to have a peace inside like a river that passes all understanding. While others may be losing their composure, our text gives us the comfort of knowing that we can remain calm in the face of adversity. The basis of this untroubled heart is faith in God. God will not allow anything to happen in our life that has not passed His approval and knowledge that we can endure it. No matter what may happen, God's hand is there to guide, direct and lift up those who have stumbled. We may not understand what is going on around us, but we have peace like a river when we understand that God is in control. God has a plan for our life. Knowing this is the second key to an untroubled heart. Our life is not left to fate, there is a divine order and plan. We must get in step with His plan. When we are in step with HIs plan, we know that all things work together for the good. Life may not get easier, but it will be sweeter when we are in step with God's plan. When we get to the end of life, we will be able to look back and see the path He has led us down. The only way to get through this world with an untroubled heart is to understand that there is a future that will make all of this worth it. That is the secret to an untroubled heart. How calming are the words of our text tonight. These words are timeless. He speaks in present tense. He speaks about all times. No matter what is happening, we must let these words sink down into our heart. Life is not easy, but it is possible. G… Kenneth Baker 2036 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20027912/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thesecrettoanuntroubledheart/id/1774064.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20027912 The secret to an untroubled heart Sun, 23 Mar 2014 14:01:43 +0000 Mark Hughes The place is all that Luke would call it. It was His familiar face. The garden of Gethsemane was a familiar place to Jesus. It was quite different from Jerusalem. Jerusalem was crowded with people coming in for the feast of the passover. Jesus retreats to a familiar place for a time to pray. There is no other place in scripture that revels such an intimate view of our Lord. In no other place do we get such a view of the cost of HIs sacrifice. In this text we are given a view of a private prayer of a powerful man. We are allowed to come into this setting by the writing of Luke. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all give us a glimpse into an very personal prayer of a spirit in agony. Jesus was the sacrifice. None other could redeam us. The others; bulls, lambs, turtle doves could only push sin aside, but this sacrifice would redeam mankind. In the pouring out of His soul, there is much to be learned. The writers used word agony to describe the scene. All of us know something about agony. It references being in the midst of a struggle; one that requires all of our attention. The limits of the flesh and of man were laid down in that moment of agony. Mark tells us that in the garden, He became sore amazed. What could cause this in HIm given all He had seen. He had delt with the pride and arrogance of the religious leaders of the time. He had witnessed the torment of demon posses. The affects of lame and broken lives. What is it that amazed Him in the garden? Bro. Hughes suggests that the thing that amazed Him was the cup of sin that he was about to drink. What amazed Him was the sin of man. How far man had fallen from the time of the creation until then. The events in the garden at that time changed the world forever. So what does this scene reveal? First it shows that dealing with flesh is no easy thing. Doing the will of God will take some kind of decision and determination. This decision pushed our Lord to the point where His sweat fell like drops of blood to the ground. It is no easy thing to bring our flesh under subjection. It is no easy task to tell our flesh: No. All the struggles that we feel in our flesh, Jesus knew that and even more. It is not easy to deal with our flesh, but it is important that we must. Secondly, this story reveals the voluntary way in which He suffered. No one made Him go there. He went willingly. He did it because He loves US. In the garden that evening there was a revelation of the full weight and breadth of sin. Not His sin, but ours. We live in a world that mocks sin. That trivializes sin. That promotes sin. Forgive us Lord for treating so lightly the sin that You came to forgive; that You agonized and for which your blood fell. As long as we trivialize sin; as long as we excuse sin; as long as we entertain ourselves with sin, we let His suffering and sacrifice be for nothing. Don't let it fall in vain. The place is all that Luke would call it. It was His familiar face. The garden of Gethsemane was a familiar place to Jesus. It was quite different from Jerusalem. Jerusalem was crowded with people coming in for the feast of the passover. Jesus retreats to a familiar place for a time to pray. There is no other place in scripture that revels such an intimate view of our Lord. In no other place do we get such a view of the cost of HIs sacrifice. In this text we are given a view of a private prayer of a powerful man. We are allowed to come into this setting by the writing of Luke. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all give us a glimpse into an very personal prayer of a spirit in agony. Jesus was the sacrifice. None other could redeam us. The others; bulls, lambs, turtle doves could only push sin aside, but this sacrifice would redeam mankind. In the pouring out of His soul, there is much to be learned. The writers used word agony to describe the scene. All of us know something about agony. It references being in the midst of a struggle; one that requires all of our attention. The limits of the flesh and of man were laid down in that moment of agony. Mark tells us that in the garden, He became sore amazed. What could cause this in HIm given all He had seen. He had delt with the pride and arrogance of the religious leaders of the time. He had witnessed the torment of demon posses. The affects of lame and broken lives. What is it that amazed Him in the garden? Bro. Hughes suggests that the thing that amazed Him was the cup of sin that he was about to drink. What amazed Him was the sin of man. How far man had fallen from the time of the creation until then. The events in the garden at that time changed the world forever. So what does this scene reveal? First it shows that dealing with flesh is no easy thing. Doing the will of God will take some kind of decision and determination. This decision pushed our Lord to the point where His sweat fell like drops of blood to the ground. It is no easy thing to bring our flesh under subjection. It is no easy task to tell our flesh: No. All the struggles that we feel in our flesh, Jesus knew that and even more. It is not easy to deal with our flesh, but it is important that we must. Secondly, this story reveals the voluntary way in which He suffered. No one made Him go there. He went willingly. He did it because He loves US. In the garden that evening there was a revelation of the full weight and breadth of sin. Not His sin, but ours. We live in a world that mocks sin. That trivializes sin. That promotes sin. Forgive us Lord for treating so lightly the sin that You came to forgive; that You agonized and for which your blood fell. As long as we trivialize sin; as long as we excuse sin; as long as we entertain ourselves with sin, we let His suffering and sacrifice be for nothing. Don't let it fall in vain. The place is all that Luke would call it. It was His familiar face. The garden of Gethsemane was a familiar place to Jesus. It was quite different from Jerusalem. Jerusalem was crowded with people coming in for the feast of the passover. Jesus r… Mark Hughes 2087 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20025648/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dontletitfallinvain/id/1770593.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20025648 Scripture: Luke 22:39-22:45 Sun, 16 Mar 2014 21:17:08 +0000 Kenneth Baker There are many churches today that are "seeker friendly" Bro. Hughes declares that he wants a GOD seeking church. Our text indicates that this is not a new problem. Paul writing to Timothy, had to council him on how to act in the House of God. Church is not about us. Church is not supposed to cater to us. This is the church of the LIVING God. We do not build it for our glory. We build it so that we can come an lift our voices, lift our hands, and lift our praise to the God of heaven. We must remember that God expects us to be open to Him when we come into His house. He doesn't need our thought or our words. He knows that, what He wants is our worship. Too many have forgotten that our lives were not changed by a song service, or a program. It was changed by the infilling of the Holy Ghost. His spirit picked us up and cleaned us up. Our life is not owed to talent or ability. It is owed to Him; the living God who came to earth and died for our sins. God deserves more than we are giving Him. Our worship has to be more than words we sing. It has to be more than following a schedule. It has to be more than a program. If we will quit making church about us, and start making it about Him, He will start making His power available to us. God is alive and still moves by His Spirit. He is very near those that hunger for Him. Our words of worship are a vehicle that take us into His presence. Where He is there are answers, solutions, healing and redemption. There are many churches today that are "seeker friendly" Bro. Hughes declares that he wants a GOD seeking church. Our text indicates that this is not a new problem. Paul writing to Timothy, had to council him on how to act in the House of God. Church is not about us. Church is not supposed to cater to us. This is the church of the LIVING God. We do not build it for our glory. We build it so that we can come an lift our voices, lift our hands, and lift our praise to the God of heaven. We must remember that God expects us to be open to Him when we come into His house. He doesn't need our thought or our words. He knows that, what He wants is our worship. Too many have forgotten that our lives were not changed by a song service, or a program. It was changed by the infilling of the Holy Ghost. His spirit picked us up and cleaned us up. Our life is not owed to talent or ability. It is owed to Him; the living God who came to earth and died for our sins. God deserves more than we are giving Him. Our worship has to be more than words we sing. It has to be more than following a schedule. It has to be more than a program. If we will quit making church about us, and start making it about Him, He will start making His power available to us. God is alive and still moves by His Spirit. He is very near those that hunger for Him. Our words of worship are a vehicle that take us into His presence. Where He is there are answers, solutions, healing and redemption. There are many churches today that are "seeker friendly" Bro. Hughes declares that he wants a GOD seeking church. Our text indicates that this is not a new problem. Paul writing to Timothy, had to council him on how to act in the House of God. Chur… Kenneth Baker 1521 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20017745/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtoactinthehouseofgod/id/1756144.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20017745 How to act in the House of God Sun, 16 Mar 2014 15:09:11 +0000 Kenneth Baker Today's message is for anyone who has ever felt like giving up and running away. Life is tough enough to deal with, but when we add in our own mistakes, it makes it almost unbearable. Circumstances can be overwhelming and can drive us to our knees in prayer. When life catches up with us and our mistakes find a way of resurfacing it can be devastating. Being heartsick is a troubling place. Bro. Hughes comes today with a word for a sore heart. A word's value depends upon two things: The person speaking the word and the condition of our heart. Comforting advise for someone who has never experienced what we are facing is not of much value to us. We want someone who has been though the fire and survived. Someone who has never experienced adversity cannot relate to our situation. David faced adversity. He fought a lion, a bear, a giant and great failings in his own life. In our text David states one of the most important pieces of advise that any of us can hear: I will trust in thee. Who is this man who wrote this psalm? Is he a man who is happy? Is he a man who has everything going his way? When this psalm is written, Davids son was leading a rebellion against him. There was a mob in the street seeking to find him. This is at the end of David's rule he is running for his life. This is not a man who had things going his way. Many of his prayers had gone unanswered. He felt alone and abandoned. But David did not regard God's silence as indifference. He knew that just because God does not answer, it does not mean that He does not have an answer. This man who faced a lion and a giant was now afraid. After all this, David concluded with : I will trust the Lord. David ask for wings to fly away, but he realized that he needed more than fleeing could provide. He needed something that would give him peace right where he was. What he found was that it was better to trust in the Lord than to do anything else. It is such a simple answer. It was the resolution that changed all the bad that was going in in his life. It was the determination that he would cling to God no matter what. Today's message is for anyone who has ever felt like giving up and running away. Life is tough enough to deal with, but when we add in our own mistakes, it makes it almost unbearable. Circumstances can be overwhelming and can drive us to our knees in prayer. When life catches up with us and our mistakes find a way of resurfacing it can be devastating. Being heartsick is a troubling place. Bro. Hughes comes today with a word for a sore heart. A word's value depends upon two things: The person speaking the word and the condition of our heart. Comforting advise for someone who has never experienced what we are facing is not of much value to us. We want someone who has been though the fire and survived. Someone who has never experienced adversity cannot relate to our situation. David faced adversity. He fought a lion, a bear, a giant and great failings in his own life. In our text David states one of the most important pieces of advise that any of us can hear: I will trust in thee. Who is this man who wrote this psalm? Is he a man who is happy? Is he a man who has everything going his way? When this psalm is written, Davids son was leading a rebellion against him. There was a mob in the street seeking to find him. This is at the end of David's rule he is running for his life. This is not a man who had things going his way. Many of his prayers had gone unanswered. He felt alone and abandoned. But David did not regard God's silence as indifference. He knew that just because God does not answer, it does not mean that He does not have an answer. This man who faced a lion and a giant was now afraid. After all this, David concluded with : I will trust the Lord. David ask for wings to fly away, but he realized that he needed more than fleeing could provide. He needed something that would give him peace right where he was. What he found was that it was better to trust in the Lord than to do anything else. It is such a simple answer. It was the resolution that changed all the bad that was going in in his life. It was the determination that he would cling to God no matter what. Today's message is for anyone who has ever felt like giving up and running away. Life is tough enough to deal with, but when we add in our own mistakes, it makes it almost unbearable. Circumstances can be overwhelming and can drive us to our knees in… Kenneth Baker 1921 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20016933/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_aresolutionforasoreheart/id/1755200.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20016933 A Resolution for a sore heart Wed, 12 Mar 2014 22:25:15 +0000 Mark Hughes A battlefield evokes something from us. Gettysburg, San Jacinto, Normandy and others cause us to replay in our minds the famous battles that took place so many years before. We are taken back by the events and the history. Life is a battle. It is a strange and dangerous journey. The soul of man is an active battlefield that still engages in conflict with the enemy. No matter the age or stage in life, we never outgrow the battle. We are a target of an enemy that seeks to destroy. Bro. Hughes observes that life is alternately building and battling. Our life is a series of battles. How well we do in these battles determine the outcome. Sometimes what appears to be a small skirmish, becomes the turning point in a person's life. In our text, Bro. Hughes finds a proven strategy for winning the battles of life. There is no better case study of the battles of life than the life of Joseph. His life is both instructive and inspiring. He was a great dreamer. The world both loves and hates a dreamer. Joseph had to live through a nightmare in order to see his dream come to pass. How did Joseph stay true to his character, to his convictions and to his God in the face of the opposition he encountered? In Joseph's story we find drama, pressure, conflict, and pleasure. There was power, temptation and many other elements that the greats of literature use to compel their audience. Joseph was tempted by a woman. She tempted him relentlessly. In this story, we see a man who was steadfast in his resolve to keep himself and his reputation pure. In the moment of great temptation, Joseph left it behind for the promise of a greater destiny. In a moment, Joseph had a decision to make. A moment can make or break a life. If he had succumbed to the moment of pleasure, Joseph would jeopardized his entire future. Joseph faced great odds and stood to overcome. At this time, he was a young man. Daily the advances of this attractive woman must have worn upon him. She was Potifer's wife. She had power and influence. History tells us that women of this time, especially women of power, were very loose in their morals and that this was accepted. She flattered him. Flattery can make us do a lot of things. She also used the promise of promotion to entice him. Joseph was second to only Potifer and he knew it. The enemy will try to convince us that he can give us something that we already have. How did Joseph win this victory on this battlefield of temptation? The answer to that question are found in our text. The first anchor to Joseph's defense was that he took time to look around and see how blessed he was. Since the garden, the devil has tried to focus man on what he did NOT have rather than what he DID have. When the devil comes against us, the first thing he will try to blur is our vision of how blessed we are. We do not need whatever the enemy has to offer, because God is with us. Joseph was blessed. He was chief of all of Potifer's house. Potifer held nothing back. Joseph realized that God had put him in a place of blessing, and he was not willing to betray that trust. Potifer had trusted Joseph, and that was worth more to him than the moment of pleasure would bring. Joseph was thankful. He did not feel entitled to take any liberties with her, he was simply thankful for what he had. The second thing Joseph did was to look inside himself. Ask "How can I do this?" He knew that he did not have to compromise himself to gain an advantage. He chose to live by a higher standard. Joseph drew a line, and refused to move that line. The devil does not care about our lines. He will modify his attack to see if he can get us to move our line. Joseph refused to move his line. The third thing Joseph did, was that he looked to the future to see the outcome of what she was tempting him to do. He had no future with another man's wife. The time to look ahead and anticipate the future, is before it happens, not after. Joseph looked ahead and ask "where is this taking me?" The conclusion he came to was that it was taking him down a path of destruction. In Joseph's no was the clear ring of a made up mind. That decisive mind made the difference in the outcome of his life. A battlefield evokes something from us. Gettysburg, San Jacinto, Normandy and others cause us to replay in our minds the famous battles that took place so many years before. We are taken back by the events and the history. Life is a battle. It is a strange and dangerous journey. The soul of man is an active battlefield that still engages in conflict with the enemy. No matter the age or stage in life, we never outgrow the battle. We are a target of an enemy that seeks to destroy. Bro. Hughes observes that life is alternately building and battling. Our life is a series of battles. How well we do in these battles determine the outcome. Sometimes what appears to be a small skirmish, becomes the turning point in a person's life. In our text, Bro. Hughes finds a proven strategy for winning the battles of life. There is no better case study of the battles of life than the life of Joseph. His life is both instructive and inspiring. He was a great dreamer. The world both loves and hates a dreamer. Joseph had to live through a nightmare in order to see his dream come to pass. How did Joseph stay true to his character, to his convictions and to his God in the face of the opposition he encountered? In Joseph's story we find drama, pressure, conflict, and pleasure. There was power, temptation and many other elements that the greats of literature use to compel their audience. Joseph was tempted by a woman. She tempted him relentlessly. In this story, we see a man who was steadfast in his resolve to keep himself and his reputation pure. In the moment of great temptation, Joseph left it behind for the promise of a greater destiny. In a moment, Joseph had a decision to make. A moment can make or break a life. If he had succumbed to the moment of pleasure, Joseph would jeopardized his entire future. Joseph faced great odds and stood to overcome. At this time, he was a young man. Daily the advances of this attractive woman must have worn upon him. She was Potifer's wife. She had power and influence. History tells us that women of this time, especially women of power, were very loose in their morals and that this was accepted. She flattered him. Flattery can make us do a lot of things. She also used the promise of promotion to entice him. Joseph was second to only Potifer and he knew it. The enemy will try to convince us that he can give us something that we already have. How did Joseph win this victory on this battlefield of temptation? The answer to that question are found in our text. The first anchor to Joseph's defense was that he took time to look around and see how blessed he was. Since the garden, the devil has tried to focus man on what he did NOT have rather than what he DID have. When the devil comes against us, the first thing he will try to blur is our vision of how blessed we are. We do not need whatever the enemy has to offer, because God is with us. Joseph was blessed. He was chief of all of Potifer's house. Potifer held nothing back. Joseph realized that God had put him in a place of blessing, and he was not willing to betray that trust. Potifer had trusted Joseph, and that was worth more to him than the moment of pleasure would bring. Joseph was thankful. He did not feel entitled to take any liberties with her, he was simply thankful for what he had. The second thing Joseph did was to look inside himself. Ask "How can I do this?" He knew that he did not have to compromise himself to gain an advantage. He chose to live by a higher standard. Joseph drew a line, and refused to move that line. The devil does not care about our lines. He will modify his attack to see if he can get us to move our line. Joseph refused to move his line. The third thing Joseph did, was that he looked to the future to see the outcome of what she was tempting him to do. He had no future with another man's wife. The time to look ahead and anticipate the future, is before it happens, not after. Joseph looked ahead and ask "where is this taking me?" The conclusion he came to was that it was taking him down a path of destruction. In Joseph's no was the clear ring of a made up mind. That decisive mind made the difference in the outcome of his life. A battlefield evokes something from us. Gettysburg, San Jacinto, Normandy and others cause us to replay in our minds the famous battles that took place so many years before. We are taken back by the events and the history. Life is a battle. It is a… Mark Hughes 3515 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20012407/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtowinthebattlesoflife/id/1750787.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20012407 Scripture: Genesis 39:7-39:12 Sun, 09 Mar 2014 16:25:09 +0000 Kenneth Baker Evening Service Blood is a mixture of cells suspended in a liquid called plasma. There are three different type of cells: Red, White and platelets. Red blood cells make up 40% of the blood and they serve to move oxygen to tissue and waste way. The while blood cells fight off infection. Platelets are small pieces of cell particles that serve to plug up holes in arteries when there is an injury. Of all the gifts that God has given us, none is more precious than the Blood of Jesus. Many churches no longer preach about the blood, because it is a gristly subject. The blood is necessary however, and when applied to our life, it gives forgiveness for our sins. When the Blood of Jesus is applied to our life, it cleanses and makes whole. It sanctifies us. Then the blood is applied to our life, it heals. Applying the blood allows us to overcome the work of the devil. Blood is so important to God, it is mentioned over 700 times int he the bible. In Leviticus, the bible tells us that the life of the flesh is in the blood. In our body, the blood brings oxygen and nutrients to the body. If the flow of blood is cut off, the body begins to die. Spiritually, the same thing will happen. In our bodies, the blood carry away waste from the cells. Spiritually, the blood carries away sin. The physical blood protects and fights off disease. The blood of Jesus protects us from the sicknesses of the world. Many Christians know about the shedding of blood, but not about the application of the blood. In our text, Israel was instructed to apply the blood to their doors. Those that did were spared the passover, but those that did not lost their first born. The killing of the lamb was not enough, it had to be applied to the door. God's protection was not dependent upon good works, it required that the death angle see the blood applied. Through the old testament, the blood shed was used to atone for sin. In the new testament, the blood of Jesus covers us all. In John, he refers to Jesus as the lamb. In John's gospel, Jesus is hanging on the cross literally on the same day as thousands of lambs are being sacrificed for the passover. Jesus became the passover lamb and atoned for our sin with his own blood. The blood of Jesus is the only thing that can bring about the forgiveness that we truly need. Without the blood of Jesus we are defenseless again the attacks of the devil. Applying the blood is necessary. It is already been shed, but we must apply that blood to our life. That is when it will become powerful. In the old covenant, the blood was applied with hyssop. In the new convent, the blood is applied with the word of God. When we read and study the word, we consume the word and apply that word to our life. Bro. Hilton invites three members of the congregation offer testimony on the how the power of blood applied to their life has protected, healed and sustained. The blood doesn't work if you don't apply it. Evening Service Blood is a mixture of cells suspended in a liquid called plasma. There are three different type of cells: Red, White and platelets. Red blood cells make up 40% of the blood and they serve to move oxygen to tissue and waste way. The while blood cells fight off infection. Platelets are small pieces of cell particles that serve to plug up holes in arteries when there is an injury. Of all the gifts that God has given us, none is more precious than the Blood of Jesus. Many churches no longer preach about the blood, because it is a gristly subject. The blood is necessary however, and when applied to our life, it gives forgiveness for our sins. When the Blood of Jesus is applied to our life, it cleanses and makes whole. It sanctifies us. Then the blood is applied to our life, it heals. Applying the blood allows us to overcome the work of the devil. Blood is so important to God, it is mentioned over 700 times int he the bible. In Leviticus, the bible tells us that the life of the flesh is in the blood. In our body, the blood brings oxygen and nutrients to the body. If the flow of blood is cut off, the body begins to die. Spiritually, the same thing will happen. In our bodies, the blood carry away waste from the cells. Spiritually, the blood carries away sin. The physical blood protects and fights off disease. The blood of Jesus protects us from the sicknesses of the world. Many Christians know about the shedding of blood, but not about the application of the blood. In our text, Israel was instructed to apply the blood to their doors. Those that did were spared the passover, but those that did not lost their first born. The killing of the lamb was not enough, it had to be applied to the door. God's protection was not dependent upon good works, it required that the death angle see the blood applied. Through the old testament, the blood shed was used to atone for sin. In the new testament, the blood of Jesus covers us all. In John, he refers to Jesus as the lamb. In John's gospel, Jesus is hanging on the cross literally on the same day as thousands of lambs are being sacrificed for the passover. Jesus became the passover lamb and atoned for our sin with his own blood. The blood of Jesus is the only thing that can bring about the forgiveness that we truly need. Without the blood of Jesus we are defenseless again the attacks of the devil. Applying the blood is necessary. It is already been shed, but we must apply that blood to our life. That is when it will become powerful. In the old covenant, the blood was applied with hyssop. In the new convent, the blood is applied with the word of God. When we read and study the word, we consume the word and apply that word to our life. Bro. Hilton invites three members of the congregation offer testimony on the how the power of blood applied to their life has protected, healed and sustained. The blood doesn't work if you don't apply it. Evening Service Blood is a mixture of cells suspended in a liquid called plasma. There are three different type of cells: Red, White and platelets. Red blood cells make up 40% of the blood and they serve to move oxygen to tissue and waste way. The… Kenneth Baker 2402 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20011716/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theblooddoesntworkifyoudontapp/id/1750240.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20011716 Blood, Sun, 09 Mar 2014 14:33:16 +0000 Mark Hughes In our familiar text, we often look at the perspective from man's perspective. However, Bro. Hughes looks today at these parables as being from God's perspective. The treasure is us and the pearl is the church. Bro. Hughes points out that when God is in control, then there are certain things that follow. There are many conflicting views about life. Many people's lives are messed up because of their take on life. Bro. Hughes tells us that he wants to go to the creator for his guidance in life. If we buy a IBM computer, we do not go to Apple for help in how to work it. What does our creator have to say about us and our journey on earth? Many people are looking for advice on how to live life from the wrong source. It is important to understand that when God rules, there will be characteristics of life that will be part of our life. By being part of the treasure of God's plan, we will enjoy the blessings of the best life, but there will be a cost associated with that. There is the discovery of a treasure in our text, but there is also a price required to attain that treasure. When God rules, that treasure will be more important than everything else. The treasure will be the focal point. We must all find the treasure. It cannot be discovered for us. The value of the treasure is far beyond any earthly currency. What kind of price can you put on healing or for the restoration of a life lost in sin? When God rules we discover that there are some things that are worth selling all. We will never regret any sacrifice made for God. God will always bless us more abundantly than any effort or sacrifice we may make. When God rules we discover what true happiness is. In our text, the merchant was seeking good pearls, but he discovered the best, and gave all he had to posses it. He had the wisdom to discern the best from all that may have been good. When we allow Him to rule, we can discover the best. There are a lot of good people in this world, but they will be lost unless they discover the best. Do we recognize the best when it is before us? Are we satisfied with good, and stop seeking the best? Be true to what is highest and not be lost in just good living. The crowing possession was not many thing, but one thing. Paul said "This one thing I do, I forget what is behind, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling." (Phil 3:14) We must learn that when God rules, we will find the best. In our familiar text, we often look at the perspective from man's perspective. However, Bro. Hughes looks today at these parables as being from God's perspective. The treasure is us and the pearl is the church. Bro. Hughes points out that when God is in control, then there are certain things that follow. There are many conflicting views about life. Many people's lives are messed up because of their take on life. Bro. Hughes tells us that he wants to go to the creator for his guidance in life. If we buy a IBM computer, we do not go to Apple for help in how to work it. What does our creator have to say about us and our journey on earth? Many people are looking for advice on how to live life from the wrong source. It is important to understand that when God rules, there will be characteristics of life that will be part of our life. By being part of the treasure of God's plan, we will enjoy the blessings of the best life, but there will be a cost associated with that. There is the discovery of a treasure in our text, but there is also a price required to attain that treasure. When God rules, that treasure will be more important than everything else. The treasure will be the focal point. We must all find the treasure. It cannot be discovered for us. The value of the treasure is far beyond any earthly currency. What kind of price can you put on healing or for the restoration of a life lost in sin? When God rules we discover that there are some things that are worth selling all. We will never regret any sacrifice made for God. God will always bless us more abundantly than any effort or sacrifice we may make. When God rules we discover what true happiness is. In our text, the merchant was seeking good pearls, but he discovered the best, and gave all he had to posses it. He had the wisdom to discern the best from all that may have been good. When we allow Him to rule, we can discover the best. There are a lot of good people in this world, but they will be lost unless they discover the best. Do we recognize the best when it is before us? Are we satisfied with good, and stop seeking the best? Be true to what is highest and not be lost in just good living. The crowing possession was not many thing, but one thing. Paul said "This one thing I do, I forget what is behind, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling." (Phil 3:14) We must learn that when God rules, we will find the best. In our familiar text, we often look at the perspective from man's perspective. However, Bro. Hughes looks today at these parables as being from God's perspective. The treasure is us and the pearl is the church. Bro. Hughes points out that when God… Mark Hughes 1984 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20009942/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whengodrules/id/1748377.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20009942 Scripture: Matthew 13:44-13:46 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 14:13:08 +0000 Mark Hughes Most of us are wise enough to know how to act when all is going well. When we get what we want; when our prayers are answered, we don't need anyone to encourage us to be faithful. But we need faith for times when everything is not falling into place. What we need to know is how to be happy when our prayers are not being answered. When life is raining down on our faith, we need to trust in God. We must learn how to trust God when He says no. No is an answer. Wait is an answer. Sometimes, God's silence is an answer. How do we live when things do not work out the way that we want. Do we still know how to serve Him? Do we still know how to worship Him? We do not have to backslide just because God said wait. We don't have to quit when the answer is no. In our text, David shows us an outstanding example of how to live through discouragement and disappointment. He was prepared to build a temple. God had given him the plans. He had made preperations and had assembled materials, but at some point, God said no. Bro. Hughes takes us on a study through 1 Chronicles chapter 28 and 29 to show us lessons from David on how to live when God says no. The first thing David reached out for was an attitude of gratitude. He remembered how God had blessed him in his life. Even though these plans had been changed, David refused to forget his gratitude for God's hand throughout his life. God may have said no to this, but David acknowledged that God had elevated him to be King over all others. Secondly, David continued to encourage those that God was going to use to accomplish what he had thought he would do. It takes a real man to encourage someone who is doing what he really wanted to do. Thirdly, he assessed the materials he had already gathered and gave from his own wealth to continue the work. When he didn't' get his prayers answered, David continued to give even when God was not giving. David remained a giver even in the midst of disappointment. Not only did he continue to encourage and give, David continued to praise. This praise was not limited to a private prayer closet, he publicly proclaimed God and praised him. Sometimes when God does not answer our prayers, we take it out on Him. David said there was a better way than that. Most of us are wise enough to know how to act when all is going well. When we get what we want; when our prayers are answered, we don't need anyone to encourage us to be faithful. But we need faith for times when everything is not falling into place. What we need to know is how to be happy when our prayers are not being answered. When life is raining down on our faith, we need to trust in God. We must learn how to trust God when He says no. No is an answer. Wait is an answer. Sometimes, God's silence is an answer. How do we live when things do not work out the way that we want. Do we still know how to serve Him? Do we still know how to worship Him? We do not have to backslide just because God said wait. We don't have to quit when the answer is no. In our text, David shows us an outstanding example of how to live through discouragement and disappointment. He was prepared to build a temple. God had given him the plans. He had made preperations and had assembled materials, but at some point, God said no. Bro. Hughes takes us on a study through 1 Chronicles chapter 28 and 29 to show us lessons from David on how to live when God says no. The first thing David reached out for was an attitude of gratitude. He remembered how God had blessed him in his life. Even though these plans had been changed, David refused to forget his gratitude for God's hand throughout his life. God may have said no to this, but David acknowledged that God had elevated him to be King over all others. Secondly, David continued to encourage those that God was going to use to accomplish what he had thought he would do. It takes a real man to encourage someone who is doing what he really wanted to do. Thirdly, he assessed the materials he had already gathered and gave from his own wealth to continue the work. When he didn't' get his prayers answered, David continued to give even when God was not giving. David remained a giver even in the midst of disappointment. Not only did he continue to encourage and give, David continued to praise. This praise was not limited to a private prayer closet, he publicly proclaimed God and praised him. Sometimes when God does not answer our prayers, we take it out on Him. David said there was a better way than that. Most of us are wise enough to know how to act when all is going well. When we get what we want; when our prayers are answered, we don't need anyone to encourage us to be faithful. But we need faith for times when everything is not falling into place.… Mark Hughes 2094 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20008324/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtolivewhenlifeisntfair/id/1746924.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20008324 gratitude, encourage, giver, praise, humble, sacrifice, perspective, Scripture: 1 Chronicles 28:28, 1 Chronicles 29:29 Sun, 02 Mar 2014 21:35:35 +0000 Mark Hughes Our God is an amazing God. He is omnipresent, but He is present int times of trouble. He is omniscient, but He is a God of mercy. He knows that even through we repent today, we will fail tomorrow. Yet that does not affect the grace for tomorrow. He is omnipotent. He hs all powerful. He can speak a word and worlds come into existence, bodies are healed, the dead revived. Even with all this power, He is a God of tenderness and caring. So powerful that He can create a universe, but he can still hear the sigh of His people. He is a God of perseverance. He seeks after us and our life. Thank God for that perseverance. Even though we may stumble, He does not give up on us. When He walked the earth, Jesus was not afraid to associate with some unsavory characters. He was willing to be connected with Simon Peter who was a foul mouthed foul tempered man. Jesus saw the potential in hIm. When Jesus came into contact with the demoniac, He turned that life around and set him in his right mind. There was no one that he would not connect with save one. The bible tells us that there was one that He refused to be connected to. Our text tells us that one is the "one who turns back" The man that does not have the back bone to continue. The Lord said He did not want to associate with that man. Our failure, disappointments, and maladies will not turn Jesus away. But Jesus will not identify with those start down the path but turn back. If we will but make an effort and try, Jesus will reach out and help. Those that will believe in spite of what their current circumstances might be will rewarded for their persistence. God said He would take an imperfect believer than a quitter. Living for God can be difficult at times. As long as we are trying, God will help, but He will not help those who will not help themselves. We live in a day when standing up is out, but giving up is in. The bible is clear, that we are to stand. God said "I take no pleasure in those who turn back." God's pleasure is in those who stand. Sometimes it is easier to quit, but we must not turn back. Our God is an amazing God. He is omnipresent, but He is present int times of trouble. He is omniscient, but He is a God of mercy. He knows that even through we repent today, we will fail tomorrow. Yet that does not affect the grace for tomorrow. He is omnipotent. He hs all powerful. He can speak a word and worlds come into existence, bodies are healed, the dead revived. Even with all this power, He is a God of tenderness and caring. So powerful that He can create a universe, but he can still hear the sigh of His people. He is a God of perseverance. He seeks after us and our life. Thank God for that perseverance. Even though we may stumble, He does not give up on us. When He walked the earth, Jesus was not afraid to associate with some unsavory characters. He was willing to be connected with Simon Peter who was a foul mouthed foul tempered man. Jesus saw the potential in hIm. When Jesus came into contact with the demoniac, He turned that life around and set him in his right mind. There was no one that he would not connect with save one. The bible tells us that there was one that He refused to be connected to. Our text tells us that one is the "one who turns back" The man that does not have the back bone to continue. The Lord said He did not want to associate with that man. Our failure, disappointments, and maladies will not turn Jesus away. But Jesus will not identify with those start down the path but turn back. If we will but make an effort and try, Jesus will reach out and help. Those that will believe in spite of what their current circumstances might be will rewarded for their persistence. God said He would take an imperfect believer than a quitter. Living for God can be difficult at times. As long as we are trying, God will help, but He will not help those who will not help themselves. We live in a day when standing up is out, but giving up is in. The bible is clear, that we are to stand. God said "I take no pleasure in those who turn back." God's pleasure is in those who stand. Sometimes it is easier to quit, but we must not turn back. Our God is an amazing God. He is omnipresent, but He is present int times of trouble. He is omniscient, but He is a God of mercy. He knows that even through we repent today, we will fail tomorrow. Yet that does not affect the grace for tomorrow. H… Mark Hughes 1639 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20006899/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatpleasesgod/id/1296353.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20006899 Scripture: Hebrews 10:38-10:39 Sun, 02 Mar 2014 15:09:55 +0000 Mark Hughes In our text certain, words jump of the page. "I am your brother" "I am your companion". How encouraging it is when we can talk to someone who had experienced what we are going through. It is good to know that someone else understands what we are facing and to gain experience from someone who understands. John speaks to the seven churches a message of partnership. He speaks of being in tribulation. In the Greek the word used means pressure. John had lived through a lot of pain and endured harsh environments. Bro. Hughes points out one more word that is often overlooked. It is only two letters, but the truth is that all that John learned on Patmos was condensed in this one word: IN. John said I was IN the isle called Patmos. All of us are in something of some kind: trouble, sickness, distress, pain, confusion. We are in turmoil. We are in so many things. John was in Patmos not by choice, but by force. There are a lot of forced environments in life. We do not get to choose many of the things that we are in. John didn't ask to go to Patmos, and we do not get to choose the situations and trials that we find our selves in. Serving the Lord does not exempt us from trouble and difficulties; John is proof of that. John did not turn away or question, and neither should we. Bro. Hughes comes this morning to share the lessons of a sufferer? Though we may be IN a particular situation, that does not have to be IN us. John was IN Patmos, but he didn't let Patmos get IN him. All of the beatings, labor and harshness of Patmos did not find themselves into John. If we ever let our situation get into us, we will become bitter, angry and hateful. If we let it get IN us, we will find some way to exact revenge on the one that sent us there. Whatever is IN us will determine what comes OUT of us. John was IN Patmos, but he was also IN the spirit of the Lord. When we are in the spirit, it can take us to places what we could never go if we stay in Patmos. If we are in the spirit, it beats whatever else we may be in. John made it through what he was in because he was in the spirit. What are you in? In our text certain, words jump of the page. "I am your brother" "I am your companion". How encouraging it is when we can talk to someone who had experienced what we are going through. It is good to know that someone else understands what we are facing and to gain experience from someone who understands. John speaks to the seven churches a message of partnership. He speaks of being in tribulation. In the Greek the word used means pressure. John had lived through a lot of pain and endured harsh environments. Bro. Hughes points out one more word that is often overlooked. It is only two letters, but the truth is that all that John learned on Patmos was condensed in this one word: IN. John said I was IN the isle called Patmos. All of us are in something of some kind: trouble, sickness, distress, pain, confusion. We are in turmoil. We are in so many things. John was in Patmos not by choice, but by force. There are a lot of forced environments in life. We do not get to choose many of the things that we are in. John didn't ask to go to Patmos, and we do not get to choose the situations and trials that we find our selves in. Serving the Lord does not exempt us from trouble and difficulties; John is proof of that. John did not turn away or question, and neither should we. Bro. Hughes comes this morning to share the lessons of a sufferer? Though we may be IN a particular situation, that does not have to be IN us. John was IN Patmos, but he didn't let Patmos get IN him. All of the beatings, labor and harshness of Patmos did not find themselves into John. If we ever let our situation get into us, we will become bitter, angry and hateful. If we let it get IN us, we will find some way to exact revenge on the one that sent us there. Whatever is IN us will determine what comes OUT of us. John was IN Patmos, but he was also IN the spirit of the Lord. When we are in the spirit, it can take us to places what we could never go if we stay in Patmos. If we are in the spirit, it beats whatever else we may be in. John made it through what he was in because he was in the spirit. What are you in? In our text certain, words jump of the page. "I am your brother" "I am your companion". How encouraging it is when we can talk to someone who had experienced what we are going through. It is good to know that someone else understands what we are fa… Mark Hughes 1568 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20005271/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatareyouin/id/1165355.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20005271 What are you in? Sat, 01 Mar 2014 21:06:56 +0000 Jay Hilton How do we respond to a discouraging situation? What do we feel when things do not work out? Many would just walk away. Giving up is not characteristic of Christians. As a follower of Jesus we expect the best. Giving up does not fit. We have all been faced with challenging situations where where we want to quit. Bro. Hilton gives us examples from the Apostle Paul's life that teach us a simple lesson: Don't Quit. We will be tested. Everything in us will cry out to quit. What was it that Paul knew that kept him in his faith? First was his awareness that God was with him. Most would say that God is with us, but do we claim Him when times are tough? Do we remind ourselves during these times, that almighty God is with us. His word promises that He will never leave or forsake us. His word is either all true, or none of it is true. He is with us. Many will give up right before they win the victory. As a Christian, if we give up, we are really saying that we don't trust God. In Corinthians 11, Paul recounts many of the trials in his life. Through all of this, Paul was aware that Jesus was with him. Secondly, Paul experienced the strength of God in his life. Historians tell us that Paul was not a big or powerful man, but he knew the strength of God in his life. He was aware of the strength that God released in him. No matter what we face, we have that same strength in us. The word of God says it, we must claim it. The bible tells us that He will call us to face anything that He will not give us the strength to endure. When we put our trust in the word of God, we will begin to feel that strength. If we neglect the word of God, we will continue to struggle. We have to know God. The Word is God, so to know God, we must know the Word. The third thing Paul knew was the assurance of God's will. Nothing is more comforting than knowing that we are in God's will. Paul knew exactly where he was in life and what God was up to in his life. Finally Paul had an overflowing joy that filled his soul. This helped him to make it through the tough times. By the time he got to the point in his life where he is writing our texts, Paul had a thousand reasons to quit and give up. However because of these four things, Paul was able to go on and see the wonders that God had waiting for him. Paul's life teaches us a powerful lesson: Don't Quit. How do we respond to a discouraging situation? What do we feel when things do not work out? Many would just walk away. Giving up is not characteristic of Christians. As a follower of Jesus we expect the best. Giving up does not fit. We have all been faced with challenging situations where where we want to quit. Bro. Hilton gives us examples from the Apostle Paul's life that teach us a simple lesson: Don't Quit. We will be tested. Everything in us will cry out to quit. What was it that Paul knew that kept him in his faith? First was his awareness that God was with him. Most would say that God is with us, but do we claim Him when times are tough? Do we remind ourselves during these times, that almighty God is with us. His word promises that He will never leave or forsake us. His word is either all true, or none of it is true. He is with us. Many will give up right before they win the victory. As a Christian, if we give up, we are really saying that we don't trust God. In Corinthians 11, Paul recounts many of the trials in his life. Through all of this, Paul was aware that Jesus was with him. Secondly, Paul experienced the strength of God in his life. Historians tell us that Paul was not a big or powerful man, but he knew the strength of God in his life. He was aware of the strength that God released in him. No matter what we face, we have that same strength in us. The word of God says it, we must claim it. The bible tells us that He will call us to face anything that He will not give us the strength to endure. When we put our trust in the word of God, we will begin to feel that strength. If we neglect the word of God, we will continue to struggle. We have to know God. The Word is God, so to know God, we must know the Word. The third thing Paul knew was the assurance of God's will. Nothing is more comforting than knowing that we are in God's will. Paul knew exactly where he was in life and what God was up to in his life. Finally Paul had an overflowing joy that filled his soul. This helped him to make it through the tough times. By the time he got to the point in his life where he is writing our texts, Paul had a thousand reasons to quit and give up. However because of these four things, Paul was able to go on and see the wonders that God had waiting for him. Paul's life teaches us a powerful lesson: Don't Quit. How do we respond to a discouraging situation? What do we feel when things do not work out? Many would just walk away. Giving up is not characteristic of Christians. As a follower of Jesus we expect the best. Giving up does not fit. We have all b… Jay Hilton 3126 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20004307/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dontquit/id/1164511.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20004307 Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:4-1:8, 2 Corinthians 11:22-11:27 Sun, 23 Feb 2014 15:41:22 +0000 Kenneth Baker The prophecy of Haggai is brief, but it could not have come at a more crucial time for the people of Isreal. They had come out of Babylonian captivity for some time, but they were not the people that they needed to be. They struggled with many problems. Their biggest problem is that they had lost their direction. The had lost the propose that God had for them. Then as now, it is easy to become distracted. We have a hard time keeping our focus. If the enemy can keep us distracted, he can sideline us and render us ineffective. Distraction can often be a more powerful weapon than deception. Israel were not bad people, they were just confused. Somehow through all the distractions and issues that have our attention, we need to seek the word from God that presented itself to Israel to direct us back to what is important. Israel had begun working on the rebuilding of the temple, but they became distracted and began to work on rebuilding their own homes and projects. God sends a man to redirect them and they completed it. The temple is finished, but it seems to the people that it is not as grand and good as the former temple. There was no excitement or enthusiasm about going to the temple because they were lost in what it used to be. God sends a man to get them focused back on the present. Often despondency and depression is a direct result of comparing the present to the past and finding the present lacking. Being lost in yesterday or former glory makes us useless to God today. The past may have been a great time, but the past is just that: past. Whatever the glory might have been is not as important to God as what we are doing with our present opportunity. Bro. Hughes comes with a message tot his church: Our future is more important to Him than our past. The potential that exists today is more important to the kingdom of God than whatever may have been accomplished in the past. The devil will lie and tell us that because we are not what we once were, that we are no good. God will not judge us on what WAS, He will judge us on what IS. Israel had come to a standstill in their spiritual life. They had given up on worship and praise. God sent a word that they needed to get over that. The good old days may have been great, but what is going on today is more important than whatever has come before. God reminded Israsel that He is a God of covenant. God is still the same God regardless if we are the same people we were before. Do we want to live our life of limitations, or do we want to give ourselves to God and let Him work with what we have! What God wants from us is simply this: Our best. The prophecy of Haggai is brief, but it could not have come at a more crucial time for the people of Isreal. They had come out of Babylonian captivity for some time, but they were not the people that they needed to be. They struggled with many problems. Their biggest problem is that they had lost their direction. The had lost the propose that God had for them. Then as now, it is easy to become distracted. We have a hard time keeping our focus. If the enemy can keep us distracted, he can sideline us and render us ineffective. Distraction can often be a more powerful weapon than deception. Israel were not bad people, they were just confused. Somehow through all the distractions and issues that have our attention, we need to seek the word from God that presented itself to Israel to direct us back to what is important. Israel had begun working on the rebuilding of the temple, but they became distracted and began to work on rebuilding their own homes and projects. God sends a man to redirect them and they completed it. The temple is finished, but it seems to the people that it is not as grand and good as the former temple. There was no excitement or enthusiasm about going to the temple because they were lost in what it used to be. God sends a man to get them focused back on the present. Often despondency and depression is a direct result of comparing the present to the past and finding the present lacking. Being lost in yesterday or former glory makes us useless to God today. The past may have been a great time, but the past is just that: past. Whatever the glory might have been is not as important to God as what we are doing with our present opportunity. Bro. Hughes comes with a message tot his church: Our future is more important to Him than our past. The potential that exists today is more important to the kingdom of God than whatever may have been accomplished in the past. The devil will lie and tell us that because we are not what we once were, that we are no good. God will not judge us on what WAS, He will judge us on what IS. Israel had come to a standstill in their spiritual life. They had given up on worship and praise. God sent a word that they needed to get over that. The good old days may have been great, but what is going on today is more important than whatever has come before. God reminded Israsel that He is a God of covenant. God is still the same God regardless if we are the same people we were before. Do we want to live our life of limitations, or do we want to give ourselves to God and let Him work with what we have! What God wants from us is simply this: Our best. The prophecy of Haggai is brief, but it could not have come at a more crucial time for the people of Isreal. They had come out of Babylonian captivity for some time, but they were not the people that they needed to be. They struggled with many proble… Kenneth Baker 2133 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20002128/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatgodwantsfrome/id/997945.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20002128 Past, Future, Best Sun, 23 Feb 2014 12:45:53 +0000 Landon Long In our text, the disciples are in a ship in the midst of a great storm. When they set out, there was no storm and they were not anticipating it. Even though the disciples has seen him heal the lame, open blind eyes, and perform other miracles, they still had trouble keeping faith in the storm. Storms will come into all of our lives; none are exempt. The bible tells us of Job. A righteous man, but he felt the affects of a storm that took all he had. Even so, Job fell down and worshiped God. In the end, Job was restored and made whole. There are things that come into each of our lives that take away the sunshine: Financial troubles, heath issues, marital strife. It is human to question: Why Me? The bible tells us that the rain will fall on the just and the unjust. Storms come in all shapes and sizes and from all directions; both spiritual and natural. We can prepare for storms, but no one is every totally prepared. We don't get to choose when the storm will come. We must learn that in the midst of all the storm, He is still our rock and our salvation. When the sun shins, He reigns. When it pours, He still reigns. In our text, the disciples are in a ship in the midst of a great storm. When they set out, there was no storm and they were not anticipating it. Even though the disciples has seen him heal the lame, open blind eyes, and perform other miracles, they still had trouble keeping faith in the storm. Storms will come into all of our lives; none are exempt. The bible tells us of Job. A righteous man, but he felt the affects of a storm that took all he had. Even so, Job fell down and worshiped God. In the end, Job was restored and made whole. There are things that come into each of our lives that take away the sunshine: Financial troubles, heath issues, marital strife. It is human to question: Why Me? The bible tells us that the rain will fall on the just and the unjust. Storms come in all shapes and sizes and from all directions; both spiritual and natural. We can prepare for storms, but no one is every totally prepared. We don't get to choose when the storm will come. We must learn that in the midst of all the storm, He is still our rock and our salvation. When the sun shins, He reigns. When it pours, He still reigns. In our text, the disciples are in a ship in the midst of a great storm. When they set out, there was no storm and they were not anticipating it. Even though the disciples has seen him heal the lame, open blind eyes, and perform other miracles, they s… Landon Long 2259 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20002507/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenitrainsitpoursbutwhenitpou/id/998337.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/20002507 Storms, Rain, Valleys,, Scripture: Matthew 14:27-14:33 Wed, 19 Feb 2014 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The word life speaks to a number of different possibles. What we are involved in is an ongoing process. Life is taking us somewhere. Most would agree that we live in a bizarre time. We can describe our world as chaotic, crazy, confusing, tumultuous. Part of the chaos we see in life is because we live in a world where change happens by the second. In the midst of this change many people are casting things off. Change happens so quickly that we won't fully understand if it is good or bad for some time. Because of this we have to be careful of what we cast away as part of this change. When we look at the bigger picture, we all are interested in living successful lives. No one enjoys struggling with the failures and setbacks in life. Yet there are many people who feel a sense of failure because life has not gone as we thought it would. How can we live a successful life? What is the formula for a successful life? How do we keep life from being falling down into the gutter and becoming frustrating? How can we keep life in focus and on a path to a divine destiny? In our text, Paul talked about the life that he was living. He lays out four foundational components of a successful life. The first component is truth. We cannot build our life on a life and expect that life to withstand the storms that will come. There must be a foundational truth that anchors us. Paul says that foundational truth is Jesus Christ. Jesus is not an answer for life, He is THE answer for life. Too many people are trying to get though life with Jesus as an option in life instead of being the center of life. A blessed life begins with truth. The second component that Paul mentions is faith. We must believe something. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. With faith, nothing shall be impossible. The third component is in verse 20: Love. Love becomes a constraining force in life. Love is what compels us to do what we do, not because we have to, but because we want to. Love is the greatest motivational force in the world. There must be love in our spiritual life. It governs our thoughts, our actions and our desires. Too many people love the blessings, but are not in love with the giver of those blessings. Finally the forth component of a blessed life is rules. Some people seem to feel that they can have truth, faith and love, but no rules. The lie of the teaching of this age is that we have too many rules and that God's grace eliminates the need for rules. The truth is that if we are to have a relationship with God, there will be rules to facilitate that. We cannot be made perfect by adhering to rules. We cannot live a perfect enough life to merit salvation. We cannot have a relationship without rules. A rule is a principle that governs our behavior. Rules are needed for order. They help create a safe environment. The word life speaks to a number of different possibles. What we are involved in is an ongoing process. Life is taking us somewhere. Most would agree that we live in a bizarre time. We can describe our world as chaotic, crazy, confusing, tumultuous. Part of the chaos we see in life is because we live in a world where change happens by the second. In the midst of this change many people are casting things off. Change happens so quickly that we won't fully understand if it is good or bad for some time. Because of this we have to be careful of what we cast away as part of this change. When we look at the bigger picture, we all are interested in living successful lives. No one enjoys struggling with the failures and setbacks in life. Yet there are many people who feel a sense of failure because life has not gone as we thought it would. How can we live a successful life? What is the formula for a successful life? How do we keep life from being falling down into the gutter and becoming frustrating? How can we keep life in focus and on a path to a divine destiny? In our text, Paul talked about the life that he was living. He lays out four foundational components of a successful life. The first component is truth. We cannot build our life on a life and expect that life to withstand the storms that will come. There must be a foundational truth that anchors us. Paul says that foundational truth is Jesus Christ. Jesus is not an answer for life, He is THE answer for life. Too many people are trying to get though life with Jesus as an option in life instead of being the center of life. A blessed life begins with truth. The second component that Paul mentions is faith. We must believe something. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. With faith, nothing shall be impossible. The third component is in verse 20: Love. Love becomes a constraining force in life. Love is what compels us to do what we do, not because we have to, but because we want to. Love is the greatest motivational force in the world. There must be love in our spiritual life. It governs our thoughts, our actions and our desires. Too many people love the blessings, but are not in love with the giver of those blessings. Finally the forth component of a blessed life is rules. Some people seem to feel that they can have truth, faith and love, but no rules. The lie of the teaching of this age is that we have too many rules and that God's grace eliminates the need for rules. The truth is that if we are to have a relationship with God, there will be rules to facilitate that. We cannot be made perfect by adhering to rules. We cannot live a perfect enough life to merit salvation. We cannot have a relationship without rules. A rule is a principle that governs our behavior. Rules are needed for order. They help create a safe environment. The word life speaks to a number of different possibles. What we are involved in is an ongoing process. Life is taking us somewhere. Most would agree that we live in a bizarre time. We can describe our world as chaotic, crazy, confusing, tumultuous… Mark Hughes 3043 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9852572/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_foundationalcomponentsofabless/id/953597.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9852572 Faith,Truth,Love,Rules, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 12 Feb 2014 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes When looking at the skyline of New York City it is easy to wonder how those buildings can be built so tall and still be stable. The answer is that they dig deep into the earth until they reach the bedrock and from there begin to build the foundation. Our text is simple. The message is not hidden in type or shadows. It is evident at the first reading. However, before we read too quickly, Bro. Hughes takes a closer look. Jesus likens a life to building a house. God allows us the freedom to play a part in the building of our life. We have choices to make. God had enough confidence in humanity that He allows us to exercise choices in the development of our life. With those choices come responsibilities. The outcomes presented in our text are stark: Success or Failure. It portrays the difference between what can be shaken and what will stand. We get to choice and we get to play a part in whether we succeed or fail. If we build our life on a strong foundation, it will withstand the shaking that will come. The difference between these two outcomes is simple. The foundation matters. When looking a beautiful architecture, the foundation is seldom noticed. The beautiful trim and fixtures will not last if the foundation is weak. It may not be viable, but it will affect everything that is done afterwords. Many, if not most of the issues that the world struggles against, are caused by a weak foundation. The swirling winds and changing tides do not affect those who build on a strong foundation. The foundation is a predictor of life. The story of these two buildings tells us that life is created. Both builders started with raw materials and built a home. All of us begin life with a clean slate and have the ability to create life that will either be good or bad. We have the creative capacity to choose how life will be for us. This story also tells us that no one else is to blame for failure. Equally important as the creative aspect is he selective part of life. We must be selective about what we build and where we choose to build it. The choices we make determine the result we attain. We cannot just build anywhere. We must learn to build with a longer view in mind. We have to look far enough into the future to see what our choices right now will cause down the road. The reason so many fail in life is that they live for the moment, and do not see what that will produce down the road. Finally, life is decisive. We make decisions every day that will affect not only right now, but our future too. Both builders had equal opportunity. They both had the ability to hear. What they heard affected what they did. They both heard the same words. There were not two different messages. How differently they responded. How we respond to the word of God will determine the course of our life. Our hearing will determine our doing. Both heard the same words, but only one was obedient. An obedient life will produce blessings that outweigh whatever we must deny ourselves for in the moment. We are not born naturally obedient. There are different outcomes to the story because they responded differently to what they heard. It is not what we know, but what we do with what we know that determines the success or failure in life. When looking at the skyline of New York City it is easy to wonder how those buildings can be built so tall and still be stable. The answer is that they dig deep into the earth until they reach the bedrock and from there begin to build the foundation. Our text is simple. The message is not hidden in type or shadows. It is evident at the first reading. However, before we read too quickly, Bro. Hughes takes a closer look. Jesus likens a life to building a house. God allows us the freedom to play a part in the building of our life. We have choices to make. God had enough confidence in humanity that He allows us to exercise choices in the development of our life. With those choices come responsibilities. The outcomes presented in our text are stark: Success or Failure. It portrays the difference between what can be shaken and what will stand. We get to choice and we get to play a part in whether we succeed or fail. If we build our life on a strong foundation, it will withstand the shaking that will come. The difference between these two outcomes is simple. The foundation matters. When looking a beautiful architecture, the foundation is seldom noticed. The beautiful trim and fixtures will not last if the foundation is weak. It may not be viable, but it will affect everything that is done afterwords. Many, if not most of the issues that the world struggles against, are caused by a weak foundation. The swirling winds and changing tides do not affect those who build on a strong foundation. The foundation is a predictor of life. The story of these two buildings tells us that life is created. Both builders started with raw materials and built a home. All of us begin life with a clean slate and have the ability to create life that will either be good or bad. We have the creative capacity to choose how life will be for us. This story also tells us that no one else is to blame for failure. Equally important as the creative aspect is he selective part of life. We must be selective about what we build and where we choose to build it. The choices we make determine the result we attain. We cannot just build anywhere. We must learn to build with a longer view in mind. We have to look far enough into the future to see what our choices right now will cause down the road. The reason so many fail in life is that they live for the moment, and do not see what that will produce down the road. Finally, life is decisive. We make decisions every day that will affect not only right now, but our future too. Both builders had equal opportunity. They both had the ability to hear. What they heard affected what they did. They both heard the same words. There were not two different messages. How differently they responded. How we respond to the word of God will determine the course of our life. Our hearing will determine our doing. Both heard the same words, but only one was obedient. An obedient life will produce blessings that outweigh whatever we must deny ourselves for in the moment. We are not born naturally obedient. There are different outcomes to the story because they responded differently to what they heard. It is not what we know, but what we do with what we know that determines the success or failure in life. When looking at the skyline of New York City it is easy to wonder how those buildings can be built so tall and still be stable. The answer is that they dig deep into the earth until they reach the bedrock and from there begin to build the foundation… Mark Hughes 3333 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9843785/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_buildingonarock/id/953596.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9843785 Foundation,Choices,Selection,Obedience, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 09 Feb 2014 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker The greatest power of prayer is not persuading God to do something. God does not need to be persuaded. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. God is willing. The greatest things that takes place in fervent prayer is what happens in our own heart. If our prayers do not affect our own life, they are not effective prayers. We do not have to beg God to love us. "For God so love the world...." God is always there. Our prayers must affect us so that God can use us the way He wants to use us. One of the biggest mistakes a church can make is giving into the desires of the congregation. This is not new, but dates back to the old test. (Micah 3:11). We want a church that is comfortable. We want to hear the songs we like, we want to hear the kind of preaching we like. Bro. Shoemake declares that we must preach the word and not pay attention to the popular trends of today. The world does not need more sophisticated programs, the world needs the word of God. We need more of the power of God that changes lives. We don't need grandeur, we need God! When God is involved in our services, there is nothing that can hold people back. There is not anything that is too great for God. There is no limit to what God can do if we will just allow Him. The greatest power of prayer is not persuading God to do something. God does not need to be persuaded. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. God is willing. The greatest things that takes place in fervent prayer is what happens in our own heart. If our prayers do not affect our own life, they are not effective prayers. We do not have to beg God to love us. "For God so love the world...." God is always there. Our prayers must affect us so that God can use us the way He wants to use us. One of the biggest mistakes a church can make is giving into the desires of the congregation. This is not new, but dates back to the old test. (Micah 3:11). We want a church that is comfortable. We want to hear the songs we like, we want to hear the kind of preaching we like. Bro. Shoemake declares that we must preach the word and not pay attention to the popular trends of today. The world does not need more sophisticated programs, the world needs the word of God. We need more of the power of God that changes lives. We don't need grandeur, we need God! When God is involved in our services, there is nothing that can hold people back. There is not anything that is too great for God. There is no limit to what God can do if we will just allow Him. The greatest power of prayer is not persuading God to do something. God does not need to be persuaded. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. God is willing. The greatest things that takes place in fervent prayer is what happens in our ow… Kenneth Baker 3199 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9842345/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_weustneedgod/id/953595.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9842345 Trust,Power Sun, 09 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We hear a lot about destiny. We are usually speaking about what we are intended to do, become or accomplish. We reference the potential that lies in each one of us. A lot of books are sold trying to reveal to people what their destiny may be. We spend a lot of time talking about destiny and potential, but not a lot of time talking about the journey that must be undertaken to realize that destiny or potential. There is a process that must be undertaken to reach God's purpose for us. Our text from Deuteronomy is one of the longest farewell addresses known to exist. Moses reviews and recounts to the people of Israel the journey thus far and what was left to be done in their journey. Deuteronomy is one fo the most quoted old testimate books in the new testimate. Jesus himself often referred to it. It is a work that outlines Moses' understanding ot God and HIs protection, provision and leadership. Our text is taken from an illustrative story of God's work in the lives of the people of Israel. It is s picture of how God cares for His people and how He takes us from one place to another. The eagle and the nest represent God and His protection and coverage. In reading this story, we learn about God's attitude about us. There is nothing left to chance. He has all of our life and experiences planned. Our life has a design and purpose that when He brought us into this world, He had a destiny in mind. He has a role for us to fill and a purpose for us to accomplish. God's attitude toward us is not one of indifference. God's action in our life has purpose and meaning. When God allows or causes things to disturb us or move us, it is all designed to move us toward a purpose. God does not look at each day an wonder what will happen to us. God is working for us. There are things that GOd allows in our life that, when we are experiencing it, we do not know the reason. We may never know the reason, but just as a parent disciplines a child out of love, so too does God discipline us out of love. Our text says: as an eagle...so the Lord. An eagle is chosen as a mighty, majestic creature. The eagle shelters her young and when necessary, pushes them from the shelter of the nest. God protected his people until it was necessary to bring them out of Egypt. Before he could get them out of Egypt, He had to send trouble. Even after He got them out of Egypt, it took many years to get Egypt out of them. Progress in life is seldom pleasant. Any progress requires work, discomfort and effort. This story displays a principle of life: Change, conflict, and struggle are part of growth. We cannot grow and remain the same. The trouble, struggle and conflict we experience in life are part of the growth process. Every struggle or conflict in life are to prepare us for a better life that God has in store for us. God did not design us to stay in the comfort of the nest. He designed us to soar. In order to soar, we have to be pushed out of our comfort zone. Just as the eagle, God will push us out of the comfort of the nest. As we fall, He flies faster than we can fall to under gird us until we can learn to fly on our own. There is purpose in our pain, in our hardships and in the stiring we feel in our spirit. There are many things that we fight in life, that we should give into and let God set us on the journey of our destiny. We hear a lot about destiny. We are usually speaking about what we are intended to do, become or accomplish. We reference the potential that lies in each one of us. A lot of books are sold trying to reveal to people what their destiny may be. We spend a lot of time talking about destiny and potential, but not a lot of time talking about the journey that must be undertaken to realize that destiny or potential. There is a process that must be undertaken to reach God's purpose for us. Our text from Deuteronomy is one of the longest farewell addresses known to exist. Moses reviews and recounts to the people of Israel the journey thus far and what was left to be done in their journey. Deuteronomy is one fo the most quoted old testimate books in the new testimate. Jesus himself often referred to it. It is a work that outlines Moses' understanding ot God and HIs protection, provision and leadership. Our text is taken from an illustrative story of God's work in the lives of the people of Israel. It is s picture of how God cares for His people and how He takes us from one place to another. The eagle and the nest represent God and His protection and coverage. In reading this story, we learn about God's attitude about us. There is nothing left to chance. He has all of our life and experiences planned. Our life has a design and purpose that when He brought us into this world, He had a destiny in mind. He has a role for us to fill and a purpose for us to accomplish. God's attitude toward us is not one of indifference. God's action in our life has purpose and meaning. When God allows or causes things to disturb us or move us, it is all designed to move us toward a purpose. God does not look at each day an wonder what will happen to us. God is working for us. There are things that GOd allows in our life that, when we are experiencing it, we do not know the reason. We may never know the reason, but just as a parent disciplines a child out of love, so too does God discipline us out of love. Our text says: as an eagle...so the Lord. An eagle is chosen as a mighty, majestic creature. The eagle shelters her young and when necessary, pushes them from the shelter of the nest. God protected his people until it was necessary to bring them out of Egypt. Before he could get them out of Egypt, He had to send trouble. Even after He got them out of Egypt, it took many years to get Egypt out of them. Progress in life is seldom pleasant. Any progress requires work, discomfort and effort. This story displays a principle of life: Change, conflict, and struggle are part of growth. We cannot grow and remain the same. The trouble, struggle and conflict we experience in life are part of the growth process. Every struggle or conflict in life are to prepare us for a better life that God has in store for us. God did not design us to stay in the comfort of the nest. He designed us to soar. In order to soar, we have to be pushed out of our comfort zone. Just as the eagle, God will push us out of the comfort of the nest. As we fall, He flies faster than we can fall to under gird us until we can learn to fly on our own. There is purpose in our pain, in our hardships and in the stiring we feel in our spirit. There are many things that we fight in life, that we should give into and let God set us on the journey of our destiny. We hear a lot about destiny. We are usually speaking about what we are intended to do, become or accomplish. We reference the potential that lies in each one of us. A lot of books are sold trying to reveal to people what their destiny may be. We sp… Mark Hughes 2580 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9841976/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theourneyofdestiny/id/953594.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9841976 destiny,growth,conflict, Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:11-32:12, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 02 Feb 2014 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes When we look around at our world, it is easy to become disheartened. There are some that feel that the times in which we live are hopeless. We are not the first people to live in times that can be described as hopeless. Our text is taken from a time when God's people were facing a hopeless situation. The real question is can our tomorrow be better than today. God shows Ezekiel that it is possible with the help of God. God spoke this lesson: No matter how long things have been bad, God's word can change everything in a moment. The valley was evidence of a battle. We don't know how long they had been there, but the bible is clear that it had been a long time. The word of God comes to tell us that no matter how long it has been bad, or how desolate the destruction, God can change it all with one word: Live! God can come to the most dysfunctional situation imaginable, and instantly make a difference. God is on a mission to rebirth hope. One word spoken can change a messed up situation and bring it back together. God has a remedy for our brokenness. God knows how to fix what is wrong in our life. Those bones had been in that valley for a long time and no one was able to do anything about it. But God could with one word. The bones were scattered about, but God knew how to put it all back together in the correct order. On His word, all the bones went back together not only in the correct order, but with the correct body. God wants us to be whole. It is not enough that we function, but He wants us to be whole. God will restore things as they ought to be. Change will not come without some kind of movement. We cannot be transformed without some kind of movement. The bible says the bones began to move. It must have appeard chaotic, but it was the beginning of a miraculous restoration. If we let God work, the movement we see will produce a miraculous restoration. We must be willing to submit to this movement in order to become what God designed us to be. If we want transformation we must be willing to move. Even in that desolate dry valley, they were in a place where God can do a work. No matter how bad the situation in our life might be, we are in a good place for God to perform a miracle. One word is all it takes. When we look around at our world, it is easy to become disheartened. There are some that feel that the times in which we live are hopeless. We are not the first people to live in times that can be described as hopeless. Our text is taken from a time when God's people were facing a hopeless situation. The real question is can our tomorrow be better than today. God shows Ezekiel that it is possible with the help of God. God spoke this lesson: No matter how long things have been bad, God's word can change everything in a moment. The valley was evidence of a battle. We don't know how long they had been there, but the bible is clear that it had been a long time. The word of God comes to tell us that no matter how long it has been bad, or how desolate the destruction, God can change it all with one word: Live! God can come to the most dysfunctional situation imaginable, and instantly make a difference. God is on a mission to rebirth hope. One word spoken can change a messed up situation and bring it back together. God has a remedy for our brokenness. God knows how to fix what is wrong in our life. Those bones had been in that valley for a long time and no one was able to do anything about it. But God could with one word. The bones were scattered about, but God knew how to put it all back together in the correct order. On His word, all the bones went back together not only in the correct order, but with the correct body. God wants us to be whole. It is not enough that we function, but He wants us to be whole. God will restore things as they ought to be. Change will not come without some kind of movement. We cannot be transformed without some kind of movement. The bible says the bones began to move. It must have appeard chaotic, but it was the beginning of a miraculous restoration. If we let God work, the movement we see will produce a miraculous restoration. We must be willing to submit to this movement in order to become what God designed us to be. If we want transformation we must be willing to move. Even in that desolate dry valley, they were in a place where God can do a work. No matter how bad the situation in our life might be, we are in a good place for God to perform a miracle. One word is all it takes. When we look around at our world, it is easy to become disheartened. There are some that feel that the times in which we live are hopeless. We are not the first people to live in times that can be described as hopeless. Our text is taken from a time… Mark Hughes 1404 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9832174/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_oneword/id/953592.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9832174 Let,One word,speak, Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-37:5, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 02 Feb 2014 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes It has been said that a man's life is the outcome of what he believes or does not believe. We as believers are called to a life of faith. We are called to live by faith. More than once the bible declares taht the just shall live by their faith. Often as we look at the future, many would conclude that things do not look promising right now. When we observe current events and trends, it is easy to become downcast and conclude that the times are not that good. There are many that believe in this hour that being faithful to GOd is a waste of time and effort in these times. Our text is an example of putting faith into practice. It is one thing to say we are faithful, but another to live by it. In our text, Jeremiah the prophet was in prison. The economic times were bleak as the market was down. It seemed at the time that the end of God's people was at hand. In that setting, Jeremiah is approached by his cousin to sell him some land. God spoke to Jeremiah and told him to buy the land at it's full market price. It does not take a financial expert to understand that when the market is down, things do no sell at full price. But God's direction was to purchase the land at full price. Given the circumstances of the times, purchasing this land was questionable at any price, but God directed him to buy it at full price. By do this, Jeremiah demonstrated his faith in God's word. The question is this: Why did Jeremiah buy the land? Why take such a risk? Jeremiah's actions were a reflection of his faith, not his times. The times said it was time to sell, not buy. But his faith said to buy. He believed in spite of what it looked like, stock in God's economy is always a good investment. We must decided what our future will look like. We can look at our circumstances or we can look at our faith. Circumstances tell us that our young people are lost. Circumstances tell us that we cannot reach a lost world. But our faith shows us something different. What is our faith saying about our times? Out times would tell us that we are part of a losing effort and that faith in God is declining. We must ask ourselves if our efforts to worship God is worth it. Is it worth keeping the lights of the church on and the doors open? Does it matter that we pray? Our future is worth it. Every time we give an offering; Every time we praise and worship; everytime we sing, we reaffirm that our future and the future of our children are worth it. Faith is an investment; not in what is, but in what will be. It has been said that a man's life is the outcome of what he believes or does not believe. We as believers are called to a life of faith. We are called to live by faith. More than once the bible declares taht the just shall live by their faith. Often as we look at the future, many would conclude that things do not look promising right now. When we observe current events and trends, it is easy to become downcast and conclude that the times are not that good. There are many that believe in this hour that being faithful to GOd is a waste of time and effort in these times. Our text is an example of putting faith into practice. It is one thing to say we are faithful, but another to live by it. In our text, Jeremiah the prophet was in prison. The economic times were bleak as the market was down. It seemed at the time that the end of God's people was at hand. In that setting, Jeremiah is approached by his cousin to sell him some land. God spoke to Jeremiah and told him to buy the land at it's full market price. It does not take a financial expert to understand that when the market is down, things do no sell at full price. But God's direction was to purchase the land at full price. Given the circumstances of the times, purchasing this land was questionable at any price, but God directed him to buy it at full price. By do this, Jeremiah demonstrated his faith in God's word. The question is this: Why did Jeremiah buy the land? Why take such a risk? Jeremiah's actions were a reflection of his faith, not his times. The times said it was time to sell, not buy. But his faith said to buy. He believed in spite of what it looked like, stock in God's economy is always a good investment. We must decided what our future will look like. We can look at our circumstances or we can look at our faith. Circumstances tell us that our young people are lost. Circumstances tell us that we cannot reach a lost world. But our faith shows us something different. What is our faith saying about our times? Out times would tell us that we are part of a losing effort and that faith in God is declining. We must ask ourselves if our efforts to worship God is worth it. Is it worth keeping the lights of the church on and the doors open? Does it matter that we pray? Our future is worth it. Every time we give an offering; Every time we praise and worship; everytime we sing, we reaffirm that our future and the future of our children are worth it. Faith is an investment; not in what is, but in what will be. It has been said that a man's life is the outcome of what he believes or does not believe. We as believers are called to a life of faith. We are called to live by faith. More than once the bible declares taht the just shall live by their faith. Oft… Mark Hughes 2326 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9833859/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatisyourfaithsayingaboutthet/id/953593.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9833859 Faith,Action, Scripture: Jeremiah 32:1-32:0, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 29 Jan 2014 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes It has never been easy to live for God. It has always required some effort. This journey requires some perseverance. Bro. Hughes points out that there are some things that are common to those who are successful in this journey. He shares one of them with us tonight as being a key to living an overcoming life. This concept is not complicated. In fact, many skip over it in looking for some more complex answers. When we look at Paul, we wonder what gave him such confidence in his living for God. What was it about Paul that made him such a stalwart man of God? It was not Paul's personality or disposition that made him what he was. He lived all through all he did by adhering to the simple principle contained in our text. He says "I am persuaded..." The real secret to Paul's life is that persuasion. That conviction set into motion all else in his life. It gave him confidence. It allowed him to be satisfied if he was in prison or walking free. Paul was convinced of some things in his life. The key to living an overcoming life is settling some things in life so that there are no questions. Paul was not confused about key things. In our world, convictions are falling away, but Paul settled things in his heart about who he was and who he served. He didn't necessary know WHAT he would believe, but he knew WHO he believed. Once we settle WHO we believe, we then know WHAT we are supposed to believe. What we believe will then determine how we live. It all starts with in whom we believe. If we get our focus on Jesus and let Him determine our path, then what we believe will take care if itself. When things are settled in our life, convictions will come. Convictions then will lead to commitments. Commitments result in confidence. When we have confidence in life we are satisfied. Paul, not matter what situation he was in, was satisfied. It all started with his believing in Jesus and being persuaded. It has never been easy to live for God. It has always required some effort. This journey requires some perseverance. Bro. Hughes points out that there are some things that are common to those who are successful in this journey. He shares one of them with us tonight as being a key to living an overcoming life. This concept is not complicated. In fact, many skip over it in looking for some more complex answers. When we look at Paul, we wonder what gave him such confidence in his living for God. What was it about Paul that made him such a stalwart man of God? It was not Paul's personality or disposition that made him what he was. He lived all through all he did by adhering to the simple principle contained in our text. He says "I am persuaded..." The real secret to Paul's life is that persuasion. That conviction set into motion all else in his life. It gave him confidence. It allowed him to be satisfied if he was in prison or walking free. Paul was convinced of some things in his life. The key to living an overcoming life is settling some things in life so that there are no questions. Paul was not confused about key things. In our world, convictions are falling away, but Paul settled things in his heart about who he was and who he served. He didn't necessary know WHAT he would believe, but he knew WHO he believed. Once we settle WHO we believe, we then know WHAT we are supposed to believe. What we believe will then determine how we live. It all starts with in whom we believe. If we get our focus on Jesus and let Him determine our path, then what we believe will take care if itself. When things are settled in our life, convictions will come. Convictions then will lead to commitments. Commitments result in confidence. When we have confidence in life we are satisfied. Paul, not matter what situation he was in, was satisfied. It all started with his believing in Jesus and being persuaded. It has never been easy to live for God. It has always required some effort. This journey requires some perseverance. Bro. Hughes points out that there are some things that are common to those who are successful in this journey. He shares one of the… Mark Hughes 1697 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9824827/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_persuaded/id/953591.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9824827 Persuaded,Convictions,Commitments,Confidence, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 26 Jan 2014 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text references Noah, Daniel and Job four times. They lived in different times and different circumstances. If we were to call them saints, we would certainly be correct. Their are no names in scripture that are more descriptive than Noah, Daniel and Job. They remind us of righteousness and a Godly life. Consider the influence of these three men. What would it be like to receive council from these three men in our current situation? Noah was the pattern of Godly fear. He ignored the ridicule of the hour and set about God's work. Daniel was a young man of sterling character. There is nothing about him which could be said to be defective or flawed. He was a model of manliness and a see or God's will. Job is the example of how to live a Godly life. Even Satan could not find a fault in Job. Job is a model of excellence and patience. When we consider the combined virtue of these men we are in awe. God brings these men together to make a point to His people: In spite of the combined virtue of these great men can be wiped out by one thing. These men could save no one but themselves. In spite of all the Godly influence, we can nullify it by making the wrong choice. It doesn't matter who our parents or grand parents were, if we make the wrong choices, we will be lost. Associations will not save us. We know that, but some do not live that. There is no amount of prayer from someone else that can void wrong choices. We have the power to decide how the word of God affects us. God was trying to get a point across to His people. We can be surrounded by all the good and Godly influences, but it will all be for naught if we make the wrong choices. There is no amount of prayer that can go up that will save us from being burned if we willingly stick our hand in the fire. We cannot cling to old things and expect new things to happen. Associations will not save us. We can carry a bible around until it is worn out from being carried, but if we do not get it into our heart, that bible will not make a difference. The differences is when we decide that that Word will become the foundation of our life. All our life must be founded on the Word. It doesn't matter how good church is, it cannot get us out of the hole we are in if we decide to stay in it. No amount of good can void a wrong choice. It doesn't matter who is trying to help, if we do not open up and accept that help, there is nothing that can be done if we keep making wrong choices. Our text references Noah, Daniel and Job four times. They lived in different times and different circumstances. If we were to call them saints, we would certainly be correct. Their are no names in scripture that are more descriptive than Noah, Daniel and Job. They remind us of righteousness and a Godly life. Consider the influence of these three men. What would it be like to receive council from these three men in our current situation? Noah was the pattern of Godly fear. He ignored the ridicule of the hour and set about God's work. Daniel was a young man of sterling character. There is nothing about him which could be said to be defective or flawed. He was a model of manliness and a see or God's will. Job is the example of how to live a Godly life. Even Satan could not find a fault in Job. Job is a model of excellence and patience. When we consider the combined virtue of these men we are in awe. God brings these men together to make a point to His people: In spite of the combined virtue of these great men can be wiped out by one thing. These men could save no one but themselves. In spite of all the Godly influence, we can nullify it by making the wrong choice. It doesn't matter who our parents or grand parents were, if we make the wrong choices, we will be lost. Associations will not save us. We know that, but some do not live that. There is no amount of prayer from someone else that can void wrong choices. We have the power to decide how the word of God affects us. God was trying to get a point across to His people. We can be surrounded by all the good and Godly influences, but it will all be for naught if we make the wrong choices. There is no amount of prayer that can go up that will save us from being burned if we willingly stick our hand in the fire. We cannot cling to old things and expect new things to happen. Associations will not save us. We can carry a bible around until it is worn out from being carried, but if we do not get it into our heart, that bible will not make a difference. The differences is when we decide that that Word will become the foundation of our life. All our life must be founded on the Word. It doesn't matter how good church is, it cannot get us out of the hole we are in if we decide to stay in it. No amount of good can void a wrong choice. It doesn't matter who is trying to help, if we do not open up and accept that help, there is nothing that can be done if we keep making wrong choices. Our text references Noah, Daniel and Job four times. They lived in different times and different circumstances. If we were to call them saints, we would certainly be correct. Their are no names in scripture that are more descriptive than Noah, Danie… Mark Hughes 2114 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9814934/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_choices/id/953590.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9814934 Choices,Salvation,Word, Scripture: Ezekiel 14:12-14:14, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 19 Jan 2014 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes here is no more beautiful story than the one told in the Song of Soloman. It is a very intimate book. Some parts can be embarrassing at first glance. Many avoid reading Song of Soloman because it is so intimate. It is however, a portrait of divine love. It is a picture of the type of love that God has for us and His desire to have a relationship with His creation. It is a great book for couples to read because it teaches how to talk to each other, and how to talk about one another in the context of a marriage. That is the earthly application, but the book is more than that. In our text, he comes to his beloved. God is not content to sit above His creation, but he wants to come to us and be connected in a very personal way on a daily basis. In our text, we see a divine intent. He comes deliberately because he wants to fellowship with His beloved. God of heaven wants to talk and fellowship with us personally. What a wonderful revelation! There is something in God that longs for a relationship with us. So much so that He takes the initiative and makes the first move. God came after us. He will use any possible way He can to talk to our heart. How many times and in how many ways has God tried to make a connection to us? How many times during the day does He make an effort to speak to us? Do we still recognize God's voice? When He begins to move, do we realize that He is speaking directly to us? God is trying to talk to each one of us to let us know "I am here!" God is not here to frighten us. In our text, the beloved speaks to her to calm her and communicate his love to her. God speaks to us to communicate His love, not to fill us with fear. As He speaks, he does not bring up the failures of our past, but instead use words like, beloved, dove, undefiled. In our text, he comes and asks "open to me." In the next verse, she offers excuses why she cannot open. Our spirit is saying come on! But on the other side, our flesh is offering excuses. God has an intent desire to come to us. If we can get past our flesh; our carnality, we can experience joy everlasting. We must press through our flesh and answer the call to "Open to me." here is no more beautiful story than the one told in the Song of Soloman. It is a very intimate book. Some parts can be embarrassing at first glance. Many avoid reading Song of Soloman because it is so intimate. It is however, a portrait of divine love. It is a picture of the type of love that God has for us and His desire to have a relationship with His creation. It is a great book for couples to read because it teaches how to talk to each other, and how to talk about one another in the context of a marriage. That is the earthly application, but the book is more than that. In our text, he comes to his beloved. God is not content to sit above His creation, but he wants to come to us and be connected in a very personal way on a daily basis. In our text, we see a divine intent. He comes deliberately because he wants to fellowship with His beloved. God of heaven wants to talk and fellowship with us personally. What a wonderful revelation! There is something in God that longs for a relationship with us. So much so that He takes the initiative and makes the first move. God came after us. He will use any possible way He can to talk to our heart. How many times and in how many ways has God tried to make a connection to us? How many times during the day does He make an effort to speak to us? Do we still recognize God's voice? When He begins to move, do we realize that He is speaking directly to us? God is trying to talk to each one of us to let us know "I am here!" God is not here to frighten us. In our text, the beloved speaks to her to calm her and communicate his love to her. God speaks to us to communicate His love, not to fill us with fear. As He speaks, he does not bring up the failures of our past, but instead use words like, beloved, dove, undefiled. In our text, he comes and asks "open to me." In the next verse, she offers excuses why she cannot open. Our spirit is saying come on! But on the other side, our flesh is offering excuses. God has an intent desire to come to us. If we can get past our flesh; our carnality, we can experience joy everlasting. We must press through our flesh and answer the call to "Open to me." here is no more beautiful story than the one told in the Song of Soloman. It is a very intimate book. Some parts can be embarrassing at first glance. Many avoid reading Song of Soloman because it is so intimate. It is however, a portrait of divine … Mark Hughes 1578 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9805263/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_opentome/id/953589.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9805263 Open,Relationship, Scripture: Song of Solomon 5:2-5:3, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 15 Jan 2014 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes In many ways Israel limited God. Because of their spirit, choices and lack of desire. We must take care to not limit God by our lack of faith, or motivation. Sometimes we develop spiritual blind spots that cause us to miss what God has for us. We get into a routine and become comfortable with life and we do not allow ourselves to worship God in the way that He wants and deserves. There is a world that God wants to expose us to that are without limit. As much as we see, God sees more. From our perspective, we can only see so much. God can see so much more. We should not allow our spiritual blessing to be limited by what we can see with our human eye. We need to see a world according to God, not a world according to me. Israel limited God by trying to define HIm in their terms. We must not be guilty of putting restraints on God. In our text, God lays out a prescription for a breakthrough. One of the first things to understand is that it is not possible to have a breakthrough, and be satisfied. A breakthrough comes when people are reaching, praying, and expecting. In a simple way, God lays out what has to be in place for a breakthrough to happen. Bro. Hughes notes four words that challenge the spirit of meritocracy. They call us to a better future. They say that if we incorporate these things into our lives, we will have a breakthrough. The first word is enlarge. To enlarge is to make room for increase. We must always make room for what God has for us. We must grow. The second word is stretch. Like muscles that are tight, we have to stretch spiritually to get to what God has for us. We have to stretch to reach for more. To take our lives in all directions. We have to stretch out of our comfort zone. To worship differently, to begin a new ministry, to reach out and to go beyond where we have gone before. Get out of our comfort zone and teach a home bible study. Stretch a little and go visit people. The third word is spare not. To give it all we have. To hold nothing back. It means to not be stingy or tight fisted. It means that we are not hard to move. We should not let a service go by where we regret not responding to they way we felt God wanting us to worship. We should never leave feeling that we had not given God our all. The last word is strengthen. We must always seek to strengthen our relationship with God. Our spiritual building is no stronger than the foundation on which it is built. We must remain strong on our core principles and Biblical values. We must strengthen the things within and the steaks that hold up the tent of our life. Without this, all of the other things will fall. If we incorporate these things into our life, we will experience the breakthrough we desire. In many ways Israel limited God. Because of their spirit, choices and lack of desire. We must take care to not limit God by our lack of faith, or motivation. Sometimes we develop spiritual blind spots that cause us to miss what God has for us. We get into a routine and become comfortable with life and we do not allow ourselves to worship God in the way that He wants and deserves. There is a world that God wants to expose us to that are without limit. As much as we see, God sees more. From our perspective, we can only see so much. God can see so much more. We should not allow our spiritual blessing to be limited by what we can see with our human eye. We need to see a world according to God, not a world according to me. Israel limited God by trying to define HIm in their terms. We must not be guilty of putting restraints on God. In our text, God lays out a prescription for a breakthrough. One of the first things to understand is that it is not possible to have a breakthrough, and be satisfied. A breakthrough comes when people are reaching, praying, and expecting. In a simple way, God lays out what has to be in place for a breakthrough to happen. Bro. Hughes notes four words that challenge the spirit of meritocracy. They call us to a better future. They say that if we incorporate these things into our lives, we will have a breakthrough. The first word is enlarge. To enlarge is to make room for increase. We must always make room for what God has for us. We must grow. The second word is stretch. Like muscles that are tight, we have to stretch spiritually to get to what God has for us. We have to stretch to reach for more. To take our lives in all directions. We have to stretch out of our comfort zone. To worship differently, to begin a new ministry, to reach out and to go beyond where we have gone before. Get out of our comfort zone and teach a home bible study. Stretch a little and go visit people. The third word is spare not. To give it all we have. To hold nothing back. It means to not be stingy or tight fisted. It means that we are not hard to move. We should not let a service go by where we regret not responding to they way we felt God wanting us to worship. We should never leave feeling that we had not given God our all. The last word is strengthen. We must always seek to strengthen our relationship with God. Our spiritual building is no stronger than the foundation on which it is built. We must remain strong on our core principles and Biblical values. We must strengthen the things within and the steaks that hold up the tent of our life. Without this, all of the other things will fall. If we incorporate these things into our life, we will experience the breakthrough we desire. In many ways Israel limited God. Because of their spirit, choices and lack of desire. We must take care to not limit God by our lack of faith, or motivation. Sometimes we develop spiritual blind spots that cause us to miss what God has for us. W… Mark Hughes 3457 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9800999/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_aprescriptionforabreakthrough/id/953588.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9800999 Break through,Revival, Scripture: Isaiah 54:1-54:5, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 12 Jan 2014 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Sometimes the greatest gifts come to us in the simplest form. One of the greatest and most magnificent messages are on our text today; He came. He came from the perfection of heaven to our world for us. He did not send a representative, God came Himself to the world He created because we needed Him to do it. Our text assures us that He came for everyone. "But as many as received Him." THis means that anyone has access. It is not lmited to Jews, the rich, or the prominent. He came for the sick, for the needy, for the lame, for the sinner and the saint all alike. No one is denied access. We have the privilege of walking into the throne room of glory and boldly bring our needs. He gives us access to the blood which can cleans all sins. His blood is sufficient to cover all sins. For those who access this power, there is a door that is opened that affords them the greatest opportunity known: The right to become a son of God. He gives us permission to live, to win, to overcome, to leave our past behind and enter a life of freedom, grace and mercy. God wants us to know that we have options and opportunities. We have no reason to be defeated, doubtful or lost. Because here today, we have an opportunity. No matter who we are, not matter our past, not matter our outlook, God gives us the opportunity to change that outcome. God leads us to this intersection, but the choice to change direction is up to us. If we do not like the present, our text is the opportunity to take advantage of the opportunity that God has afforded. Sometimes the greatest gifts come to us in the simplest form. One of the greatest and most magnificent messages are on our text today; He came. He came from the perfection of heaven to our world for us. He did not send a representative, God came Himself to the world He created because we needed Him to do it. Our text assures us that He came for everyone. "But as many as received Him." THis means that anyone has access. It is not lmited to Jews, the rich, or the prominent. He came for the sick, for the needy, for the lame, for the sinner and the saint all alike. No one is denied access. We have the privilege of walking into the throne room of glory and boldly bring our needs. He gives us access to the blood which can cleans all sins. His blood is sufficient to cover all sins. For those who access this power, there is a door that is opened that affords them the greatest opportunity known: The right to become a son of God. He gives us permission to live, to win, to overcome, to leave our past behind and enter a life of freedom, grace and mercy. God wants us to know that we have options and opportunities. We have no reason to be defeated, doubtful or lost. Because here today, we have an opportunity. No matter who we are, not matter our past, not matter our outlook, God gives us the opportunity to change that outcome. God leads us to this intersection, but the choice to change direction is up to us. If we do not like the present, our text is the opportunity to take advantage of the opportunity that God has afforded. Sometimes the greatest gifts come to us in the simplest form. One of the greatest and most magnificent messages are on our text today; He came. He came from the perfection of heaven to our world for us. He did not send a representative, God came Hi… Mark Hughes 1560 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9794349/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theintersectionofopportunity/id/953586.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9794349 Opportuinty,Choice,Direction, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 12 Jan 2014 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes I never thought I would be in this place. How often have we observed that. Most of us would write the story of our life differently. We would have eliminated the mountains and storms that are part of our story. We would not write into our lives the painful things that we have had to endure. The truth is, however, it is the experience of those storms, mountains and dark places that have formed who we are. When we look at the life of Paul, we see that he has spent more time in prison than he did in church. By looking at his resume, he would not be an in demand speaker for most churches. However, Paul has one of the most remarkable lives and, if he were to be alive today, his speaking calendar would be booked for years. Paul was able to use the things in his life as a way to praise God. It is easy for us to become frustrated with life. We wish and dream and wonder what might have been if only we could be free of the things that afflict us. Paul didn't want to be in prison. Many of the letters that he wrote to the first century church came out of a prison cell. Paul learned that it does not matter where he was or the circumstances he was in, God was the same and worshiping Him was the key. How often have we found ourselves in a prison and all we could do was complain? In a prison cell, Paul witnesses to a run away slave named Onesimon who is converted. This is a lesson to us that no matter what, we can be fruitful and preach the gospel to a hungry world. Even from a prison cell, we can bring things to life. We have problem and trials that we are in. The lesson Paul teaches us is that no matter what, there are opportunities to reach out to people and teach the gospel. The world is not going to get any better. We have to make up our mind that even if it does not get better, we have to put ourselves in a place where God can use us. We do not have time to wait until things are better. The devil fights that which he fears. So when we are seeing the most opposition may be the time we are going to see our biggest success for God. I never thought I would be in this place. How often have we observed that. Most of us would write the story of our life differently. We would have eliminated the mountains and storms that are part of our story. We would not write into our lives the painful things that we have had to endure. The truth is, however, it is the experience of those storms, mountains and dark places that have formed who we are. When we look at the life of Paul, we see that he has spent more time in prison than he did in church. By looking at his resume, he would not be an in demand speaker for most churches. However, Paul has one of the most remarkable lives and, if he were to be alive today, his speaking calendar would be booked for years. Paul was able to use the things in his life as a way to praise God. It is easy for us to become frustrated with life. We wish and dream and wonder what might have been if only we could be free of the things that afflict us. Paul didn't want to be in prison. Many of the letters that he wrote to the first century church came out of a prison cell. Paul learned that it does not matter where he was or the circumstances he was in, God was the same and worshiping Him was the key. How often have we found ourselves in a prison and all we could do was complain? In a prison cell, Paul witnesses to a run away slave named Onesimon who is converted. This is a lesson to us that no matter what, we can be fruitful and preach the gospel to a hungry world. Even from a prison cell, we can bring things to life. We have problem and trials that we are in. The lesson Paul teaches us is that no matter what, there are opportunities to reach out to people and teach the gospel. The world is not going to get any better. We have to make up our mind that even if it does not get better, we have to put ourselves in a place where God can use us. We do not have time to wait until things are better. The devil fights that which he fears. So when we are seeing the most opposition may be the time we are going to see our biggest success for God. I never thought I would be in this place. How often have we observed that. Most of us would write the story of our life differently. We would have eliminated the mountains and storms that are part of our story. We would not write into our lives the… Mark Hughes 1623 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9795824/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thethingsbegotteninprison/id/953587.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9795824 Witness,Opportunity,Thankfullness, Scripture: Philemon 1:10-1:11, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 08 Jan 2014 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes God is able. He can do exceeding above all we can ask or think. God has not exhausted His supply. The greatest of tragedies in life is to live among plenty, but be without. We have all things that we need for life. The danger to a lot of folks is to think that our best days are behind us. Many think that we cannot experience revival because the world has become too carnal. Many people have fallen into a posture of defensiveness. Far too many have the attitude of "if I can hold on until then, I will be saved." God is not running out of resources. He is not lacking for grace or mercy. He did not birth the church in the way he did, to have it run out in the latter days. He did not pour out all of His spirit in the beginning and not have enough left for the end. The latter house shall be greater than the former house. God can finish what He started. There is a tendency among people to long for days gone by as if our best days are past. God is able and is has the resources to finish what He started. Once we realize that God is still up to something, we should then try to find out what that is and get involved in it. If God is doing something, we do not want to miss it. Unbelief will steal from us the promise that God has for us. Fear will keep us from acting or taking advantage of God's promise. It takes faith to believe that if God brought us to something, He can take us through it. Going though it is requried to reach what God has on the other side. Fear and unbelife coudl keep us from even reaching the thing that God wants to bring us through. What must we resolve to experience revival? First we must live by faith and not by fear. What are we missing because we are afraid? Afraid to worship? Afraid to move on the prompting of the Holy Ghost. Fear will never take us where we want to go. We cannot be afraid to take new steps or take new opportunities. Secondly, we must work to see that it comes to pass. It takes work to make anything happen in life. If we want a good marriage, we have to work at it. If we want a good church, we have to work at it. We have to strive to achieve God's ends. Some things only come by prayer and fasting. Third, we must hold fast. It is not a time to move back from what we know to be right. We must be steadfast and unmovable. We cannot let our convictions be movable by the affects of our world. We don't have to let anything go to have revival. We do not have to compromise our standards in order to have revival. Finally, the last resolution is that we must remember that wherever we go, we will go there because of Him. If we do not access His power, we will not get there. These are the resolutions that will bring revival. God is able. He can do exceeding above all we can ask or think. God has not exhausted His supply. The greatest of tragedies in life is to live among plenty, but be without. We have all things that we need for life. The danger to a lot of folks is to think that our best days are behind us. Many think that we cannot experience revival because the world has become too carnal. Many people have fallen into a posture of defensiveness. Far too many have the attitude of "if I can hold on until then, I will be saved." God is not running out of resources. He is not lacking for grace or mercy. He did not birth the church in the way he did, to have it run out in the latter days. He did not pour out all of His spirit in the beginning and not have enough left for the end. The latter house shall be greater than the former house. God can finish what He started. There is a tendency among people to long for days gone by as if our best days are past. God is able and is has the resources to finish what He started. Once we realize that God is still up to something, we should then try to find out what that is and get involved in it. If God is doing something, we do not want to miss it. Unbelief will steal from us the promise that God has for us. Fear will keep us from acting or taking advantage of God's promise. It takes faith to believe that if God brought us to something, He can take us through it. Going though it is requried to reach what God has on the other side. Fear and unbelife coudl keep us from even reaching the thing that God wants to bring us through. What must we resolve to experience revival? First we must live by faith and not by fear. What are we missing because we are afraid? Afraid to worship? Afraid to move on the prompting of the Holy Ghost. Fear will never take us where we want to go. We cannot be afraid to take new steps or take new opportunities. Secondly, we must work to see that it comes to pass. It takes work to make anything happen in life. If we want a good marriage, we have to work at it. If we want a good church, we have to work at it. We have to strive to achieve God's ends. Some things only come by prayer and fasting. Third, we must hold fast. It is not a time to move back from what we know to be right. We must be steadfast and unmovable. We cannot let our convictions be movable by the affects of our world. We don't have to let anything go to have revival. We do not have to compromise our standards in order to have revival. Finally, the last resolution is that we must remember that wherever we go, we will go there because of Him. If we do not access His power, we will not get there. These are the resolutions that will bring revival. God is able. He can do exceeding above all we can ask or think. God has not exhausted His supply. The greatest of tragedies in life is to live among plenty, but be without. We have all things that we need for life. The danger to a lot of folks … Mark Hughes 2462 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9790329/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theresolutionsofrevival/id/953585.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9790329 Resolution,Faith,Fear,Convictions, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 05 Jan 2014 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We are often afraid to address the new. Often we compare the new to the old. New makes us uncomfortable. It can rightly be ask, what is wrong with the old. There are many who believe that new is better, but that is not always the case. In marketing, an old product can be revitalized by simply changing the color of the package and putting the word NEW on it. There is nothing changed about the product inside, but the package says new and improved. In our text, was Jesus telling us to throw away all old things and embrace the new? The answer is absolutely no. He was dealing with His very presence on earth among them. He was dealing with men who were crippled in their minds and spirits by the old ways. Jesus was dealing with attitudes and customs that has crippled the work of God for generations. At the time of this writing, the people of Israel could not get past the old thinking to embrace the truth that was standing in front of them. This can happen to us today. When presented with a new experience, we often withdraw and have trouble embracing what God is showing us. God is up to something right now, and we have to let go of the old thinking in order to embrace it. The disciples thought they knew so much about Jesus, but in reality they knew very little. They were too comfortable with what was. In life we must make adjustments because nothing remains the same. One of the secret of life is learning how to make adjustments. If we succeed in life it is because we learn make adjustments to match the changes in life. Israel had this concept in their mind that everything that God would do, had already happened. The could not comprehend that God was standing in front of them in human form. Jesus was not advocating throwing out the old, but rather He was trying to make them understand that they would have to embrace the new. The word in the Greek that Jesus used for new was not new in time, but the word for current and fresh. The disciples were wrapped up in customs and traditions for the way that their relationship with God had always worked. Jesus was trying to draw a contrast between that which is fresh or that which is stale. God has fresh bread for us every day, but too many of us want the stale bread that we already have because it is familiar. God is not a god of the past, He is a PRESENT help in time of need. God is up to something new. He wants to do something that He has never done before. Jesus was trying to get them to understand that the operation of the Holy Ghost requires newness of life. When things begin to go stale, there is a hardness that begins to take over. Spiritually if we begin to go stale, there will be a hardness that creeps into our life. When the spirit begins to harden, it becomes more difficult for us to receive a fresh inflow. We need a fresh touch to receive what God has for us. We need a fresh attitude to receive God's blessing. There are people who are struggling with attitudes that can easily become a wall or a barrier. God can turn that around. He can make all things new and fresh. We need a fresh mindset for 2014. Thing that are stale and hard can also be brittle. Don't be so brittle that the new things that God has for us will shatter or break us. God could have started with the spiritual and religious leaders of that time, but He couldn't get through to them. He instead called 12 men who were not equipped to do what they were called to do. Through them He changed the world. As we begin this new year, we all need a fresh touch from the Holy Ghost. We must throw off the old stale thinking and embrace the fresh blessing that God wants to bestow on us. We are often afraid to address the new. Often we compare the new to the old. New makes us uncomfortable. It can rightly be ask, what is wrong with the old. There are many who believe that new is better, but that is not always the case. In marketing, an old product can be revitalized by simply changing the color of the package and putting the word NEW on it. There is nothing changed about the product inside, but the package says new and improved. In our text, was Jesus telling us to throw away all old things and embrace the new? The answer is absolutely no. He was dealing with His very presence on earth among them. He was dealing with men who were crippled in their minds and spirits by the old ways. Jesus was dealing with attitudes and customs that has crippled the work of God for generations. At the time of this writing, the people of Israel could not get past the old thinking to embrace the truth that was standing in front of them. This can happen to us today. When presented with a new experience, we often withdraw and have trouble embracing what God is showing us. God is up to something right now, and we have to let go of the old thinking in order to embrace it. The disciples thought they knew so much about Jesus, but in reality they knew very little. They were too comfortable with what was. In life we must make adjustments because nothing remains the same. One of the secret of life is learning how to make adjustments. If we succeed in life it is because we learn make adjustments to match the changes in life. Israel had this concept in their mind that everything that God would do, had already happened. The could not comprehend that God was standing in front of them in human form. Jesus was not advocating throwing out the old, but rather He was trying to make them understand that they would have to embrace the new. The word in the Greek that Jesus used for new was not new in time, but the word for current and fresh. The disciples were wrapped up in customs and traditions for the way that their relationship with God had always worked. Jesus was trying to draw a contrast between that which is fresh or that which is stale. God has fresh bread for us every day, but too many of us want the stale bread that we already have because it is familiar. God is not a god of the past, He is a PRESENT help in time of need. God is up to something new. He wants to do something that He has never done before. Jesus was trying to get them to understand that the operation of the Holy Ghost requires newness of life. When things begin to go stale, there is a hardness that begins to take over. Spiritually if we begin to go stale, there will be a hardness that creeps into our life. When the spirit begins to harden, it becomes more difficult for us to receive a fresh inflow. We need a fresh touch to receive what God has for us. We need a fresh attitude to receive God's blessing. There are people who are struggling with attitudes that can easily become a wall or a barrier. God can turn that around. He can make all things new and fresh. We need a fresh mindset for 2014. Thing that are stale and hard can also be brittle. Don't be so brittle that the new things that God has for us will shatter or break us. God could have started with the spiritual and religious leaders of that time, but He couldn't get through to them. He instead called 12 men who were not equipped to do what they were called to do. Through them He changed the world. As we begin this new year, we all need a fresh touch from the Holy Ghost. We must throw off the old stale thinking and embrace the fresh blessing that God wants to bestow on us. We are often afraid to address the new. Often we compare the new to the old. New makes us uncomfortable. It can rightly be ask, what is wrong with the old. There are many who believe that new is better, but that is not always the case. In marketi… Mark Hughes 2471 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9784505/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_newvsold/id/953583.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9784505 New,Old,Fresh,Stale, Scripture: Luke 5:36-5:37, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 05 Jan 2014 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes God is always taking his people on a journey. From the beginning of Genesis to the end of Revelation, God the Bible is full of examples of God trying to move his people to where He wants them to be. As we move along this journey, there will be set backs and difficulties. The thing that keeps a set back from being a failure, is getting backup. In our text, Jesus uses a fishing boat as a stage to teach a group of people on the shore. After His teaching, he tells the fishermen to go further out into the deep. These men had fished all night and had not been successful. They were tired. These men were not novices. They made their living catching fish. After a night of failure, Jesus tells them to go back out into the same water, using the same boat and the same net to try to catch fish. The difference this time is that Jesus told them to go deeper. Shallow living will not yield the results that God is looking for. Shallow worship will not propel us to to the point that God needs us to be. Far too many are comfortable where they are, and with the results they are getting. In order to achieve the revival that we say we want, we must dive deeper into worship. We must go deeper into our relationship with God. The difference is deeper. God is always taking his people on a journey. From the beginning of Genesis to the end of Revelation, God the Bible is full of examples of God trying to move his people to where He wants them to be. As we move along this journey, there will be set backs and difficulties. The thing that keeps a set back from being a failure, is getting backup. In our text, Jesus uses a fishing boat as a stage to teach a group of people on the shore. After His teaching, he tells the fishermen to go further out into the deep. These men had fished all night and had not been successful. They were tired. These men were not novices. They made their living catching fish. After a night of failure, Jesus tells them to go back out into the same water, using the same boat and the same net to try to catch fish. The difference this time is that Jesus told them to go deeper. Shallow living will not yield the results that God is looking for. Shallow worship will not propel us to to the point that God needs us to be. Far too many are comfortable where they are, and with the results they are getting. In order to achieve the revival that we say we want, we must dive deeper into worship. We must go deeper into our relationship with God. The difference is deeper. God is always taking his people on a journey. From the beginning of Genesis to the end of Revelation, God the Bible is full of examples of God trying to move his people to where He wants them to be. As we move along this journey, there will be set ba… Mark Hughes 2045 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9785828/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thedifferenceisdeeper/id/953584.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9785828 Deeper,Failure,Success, Scripture: Luke 5:2-5:4, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 29 Dec 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes It does not take much look at our world and know that our faith is under attack. Anything that is decent, clean and wholesome is ridiculed and maligned by the world. Those who live by faith and hope and who live by the love that Jesus demonstrated are a target. We live in a world that is in constant change and flux. Uncertainty is a fact of life. There is little that remains the same year after year. Our text says "and now abideth..." Paul reminds us that no matter how much changes in life, these things remain constant: Faith, Hope and Charity. They define the character of a spiritual life. Faith, Hope and Love continue to work no matter what may change in life. Not only do these things last, they outlast all. They have survived kings and kingdoms. These three things must be held. We cannot allow our lives to be stripped of these three things. Paul tells us that these three things will survive all no matter what our world may do. Faith, Hope and Charity will get us through life. Amidst all the changes, Faith, Hope and Love will see us through. In order to understand all that God has for our life, we must possess Faith, Hope and Love. They develop and perfect the soul. The value of these three things is almost impossible to explain. These three things sustain us. Our faith is under daily assault. The devil fights to undermine our faith. If he can cause us t question the promises of God, he will have us just as he had Eve. If the devil can destroy our hope, he can destroy us. The bible tells us that a man without hope is most miserable. We can live for a while without food and water, be cannot live without hope. God reminds us that hope is still here and still works. The world has corrupted love; It works to convince us that love is all about us. The prodigal son returned home because he knew that his father loved him. Such is the love of God. It will draw us to Him. God is love. Love is the evidence of Faith and Hope. It is the highest development of the Christian character. It is not self service, it is the opposite of selfishness. Love will help keep us tender when life wants to make us brittle. It will keep lend a hand when we are down. Faith, Hope and Love give strength and confidence to the soul. We cannot live without these three virtues. That is why there is such an assault against them. We live in an evil time and it will be Faith, Hope and Love that will allow us to survive. It does not take much look at our world and know that our faith is under attack. Anything that is decent, clean and wholesome is ridiculed and maligned by the world. Those who live by faith and hope and who live by the love that Jesus demonstrated are a target. We live in a world that is in constant change and flux. Uncertainty is a fact of life. There is little that remains the same year after year. Our text says "and now abideth..." Paul reminds us that no matter how much changes in life, these things remain constant: Faith, Hope and Charity. They define the character of a spiritual life. Faith, Hope and Love continue to work no matter what may change in life. Not only do these things last, they outlast all. They have survived kings and kingdoms. These three things must be held. We cannot allow our lives to be stripped of these three things. Paul tells us that these three things will survive all no matter what our world may do. Faith, Hope and Charity will get us through life. Amidst all the changes, Faith, Hope and Love will see us through. In order to understand all that God has for our life, we must possess Faith, Hope and Love. They develop and perfect the soul. The value of these three things is almost impossible to explain. These three things sustain us. Our faith is under daily assault. The devil fights to undermine our faith. If he can cause us t question the promises of God, he will have us just as he had Eve. If the devil can destroy our hope, he can destroy us. The bible tells us that a man without hope is most miserable. We can live for a while without food and water, be cannot live without hope. God reminds us that hope is still here and still works. The world has corrupted love; It works to convince us that love is all about us. The prodigal son returned home because he knew that his father loved him. Such is the love of God. It will draw us to Him. God is love. Love is the evidence of Faith and Hope. It is the highest development of the Christian character. It is not self service, it is the opposite of selfishness. Love will help keep us tender when life wants to make us brittle. It will keep lend a hand when we are down. Faith, Hope and Love give strength and confidence to the soul. We cannot live without these three virtues. That is why there is such an assault against them. We live in an evil time and it will be Faith, Hope and Love that will allow us to survive. It does not take much look at our world and know that our faith is under attack. Anything that is decent, clean and wholesome is ridiculed and maligned by the world. Those who live by faith and hope and who live by the love that Jesus demonstrated ar… Mark Hughes 2523 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9774252/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenthesmokeclears/id/953581.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9774252 Faith,Hope,Love,Charity, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 29 Dec 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Landon Long The Boston Red Socks had not been to the world series in 86 years. This long drought had come to be known as the curse of the bambino. After a come from behind win in game 4 of the divisonal play off series, they find them selves down 3-1 in the series. They began to ask themselves "Why not us" Someone would win game 5 and game 6, why not them? With this they went on to win that series and ultimately the world series breaking the 86 year curse. Bro. Long shares the story of the leapers sitting outside the gate. They realized that they could sit there and die, or they could go to the army camp and seek help. They realized that they could either die or be blessed; but they wondered, why not us? In every service, it is possible that someone will be blessed, why not us? God wants to pour out his blessings and someone will receive them; why not us? If someone is going to make it, why not us? In Joshua, we read the story of a battle. Joshua knew that if the son went down, that they would lose the battle. He prayed to God to stop the sun. He was desperate. He knew that someone would win that battle and he ask: Why not us? God answered that prayer. The bible tells us that never before, and never since, has such a thing happened, but God answered Joshua's prayer with a miracle that honored his faith. If it is going to happen, why not today. In Mark 5, we read of of a woman who had suffered with a blood disorder for many years. She came to find Jesus and only wanted to touch the hem of His garment. She was healed by her faith, and Jesus asks "Who touched me?" This woman had exhausted all of her options and did not know where else to turn. She knew that Jesus could heal, and she asks "why not me?" She was weak and pushed trough a crowd to find Him. Someone was going to be healed that day, why not her? The touch healed her, but her faith made her whole. Many will the answer the why not me question with "I am not worthy" Jesus came for the sick, not the healed. Jesus came for the broken not the whole. Jesus came for the sinner, not the saved. Jesus wants to save, to bless, to heal to make whole. He is going to do that for someone; Why not us? In the new year, God wants to bless, to heal and to restore. He wants to visit revival upon His church. We are commanded to go and reach a lost world that is hungry for salvation. Someone must reach them, why not us? The Boston Red Socks had not been to the world series in 86 years. This long drought had come to be known as the curse of the bambino. After a come from behind win in game 4 of the divisonal play off series, they find them selves down 3-1 in the series. They began to ask themselves "Why not us" Someone would win game 5 and game 6, why not them? With this they went on to win that series and ultimately the world series breaking the 86 year curse. Bro. Long shares the story of the leapers sitting outside the gate. They realized that they could sit there and die, or they could go to the army camp and seek help. They realized that they could either die or be blessed; but they wondered, why not us? In every service, it is possible that someone will be blessed, why not us? God wants to pour out his blessings and someone will receive them; why not us? If someone is going to make it, why not us? In Joshua, we read the story of a battle. Joshua knew that if the son went down, that they would lose the battle. He prayed to God to stop the sun. He was desperate. He knew that someone would win that battle and he ask: Why not us? God answered that prayer. The bible tells us that never before, and never since, has such a thing happened, but God answered Joshua's prayer with a miracle that honored his faith. If it is going to happen, why not today. In Mark 5, we read of of a woman who had suffered with a blood disorder for many years. She came to find Jesus and only wanted to touch the hem of His garment. She was healed by her faith, and Jesus asks "Who touched me?" This woman had exhausted all of her options and did not know where else to turn. She knew that Jesus could heal, and she asks "why not me?" She was weak and pushed trough a crowd to find Him. Someone was going to be healed that day, why not her? The touch healed her, but her faith made her whole. Many will the answer the why not me question with "I am not worthy" Jesus came for the sick, not the healed. Jesus came for the broken not the whole. Jesus came for the sinner, not the saved. Jesus wants to save, to bless, to heal to make whole. He is going to do that for someone; Why not us? In the new year, God wants to bless, to heal and to restore. He wants to visit revival upon His church. We are commanded to go and reach a lost world that is hungry for salvation. Someone must reach them, why not us? The Boston Red Socks had not been to the world series in 86 years. This long drought had come to be known as the curse of the bambino. After a come from behind win in game 4 of the divisonal play off series, they find them selves down 3-1 in the se… Landon Long 2361 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9775200/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whynotus/id/953582.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9775200 Blessing,Healing,Restoration,Opportunity, Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:26-17:39 Sun, 15 Dec 2013 01:00:00 +0000 James Hughes In studying the account of the birth of Jesus, Dr. Hughes noticed something in the writing of Luke. Luke is writing to a man named Theopolis. We do not know who this is other than he is probably someone of importance. It occurred to him that we all have the same opportunity as Luke did to tell our account of Jesus to someone. The beauty of the bible is that at first it is a story that we read and hear, but after we develop a relationship with Him, it becomes a story that we can tell others because it is personal. Luke is the only writer that tells us about shepherds in the field and angels appearing to them. For him to tell that story, Luke would have had to talk to shepherds. These shepherds were tending flocks that were used for the morning and evening sacrifice in the temple. They understood their role in worship. On the night Jesus was born, Luke recounts that an angel appeared to them. Lukes writings are not to a Jewish audience. He writes to a gentile world to let them know that salvation is available to all. Just as Luke, we have the opportunity to describe Jesus to a world that desperately needs Him. To describe Him, we must examine our relationship with Him and how we view Him. Dr. Hughes tells us that we must not only view HIm from our perspective, we must do as Luke did and find others who know Him and see Him from their perspective. We get to write our own story. Luke first heard stories about Jesus, but as he traveled with Paul, he began to see things for himself and was able to tell his own story. At first he was only hearing stories, but he moved to the place where he was an eyewitness. A savior was born to the world that day, and we have the opportunity to be an eyewitness to the world of our version of Jesus. In studying the account of the birth of Jesus, Dr. Hughes noticed something in the writing of Luke. Luke is writing to a man named Theopolis. We do not know who this is other than he is probably someone of importance. It occurred to him that we all have the same opportunity as Luke did to tell our account of Jesus to someone. The beauty of the bible is that at first it is a story that we read and hear, but after we develop a relationship with Him, it becomes a story that we can tell others because it is personal. Luke is the only writer that tells us about shepherds in the field and angels appearing to them. For him to tell that story, Luke would have had to talk to shepherds. These shepherds were tending flocks that were used for the morning and evening sacrifice in the temple. They understood their role in worship. On the night Jesus was born, Luke recounts that an angel appeared to them. Lukes writings are not to a Jewish audience. He writes to a gentile world to let them know that salvation is available to all. Just as Luke, we have the opportunity to describe Jesus to a world that desperately needs Him. To describe Him, we must examine our relationship with Him and how we view Him. Dr. Hughes tells us that we must not only view HIm from our perspective, we must do as Luke did and find others who know Him and see Him from their perspective. We get to write our own story. Luke first heard stories about Jesus, but as he traveled with Paul, he began to see things for himself and was able to tell his own story. At first he was only hearing stories, but he moved to the place where he was an eyewitness. A savior was born to the world that day, and we have the opportunity to be an eyewitness to the world of our version of Jesus. In studying the account of the birth of Jesus, Dr. Hughes noticed something in the writing of Luke. Luke is writing to a man named Theopolis. We do not know who this is other than he is probably someone of importance. It occurred to him that we … James Hughes 2340 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9759494/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theeyewitness/id/953580.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9759494 Eyewitness,Story Wed, 11 Dec 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We live in a time when we have little patience. We are used to things happening on the first click. If it does not, many in the millennial generation will give up and think that it does not work. Life does not work that way. We cannot get to something until we go through something. As a society, we talk about the destination: Triumph, Winning, Success. But many do not have the desire to do the things that are required to be a winner or successful. This leads Bro. Hughes to talk to us about the discipline required in a spiritual life. There is no shortcut to life. We must all travel through some issues to reach our destination. Everyone wants to have a successful marriage, but many do not want to invest the time and energy required to attain a successful marriage. In our text, we see Jesus talking with the disciples about what lay ahead. He finally began to explain that in order to accomplish His ministry, He would have to go to Jerusalem and die. The disciples could not comprehend that, and Jesus had to rebuke them. They wanted the promises of His ministry, but did not want to go through the things required to attain it. Jesus said that He “must die” in order to reach the goal. There are no shortcuts in getting to where God wants to take us. We do not always understand God’s plan for our life. Often He is trying to teach us something by what He takes us through. Getting to the destination is not always easy and may be painful, but the journey is necessary. To get to it, we must go through it. We live in a time when we have little patience. We are used to things happening on the first click. If it does not, many in the millennial generation will give up and think that it does not work. Life does not work that way. We cannot get to something until we go through something. As a society, we talk about the destination: Triumph, Winning, Success. But many do not have the desire to do the things that are required to be a winner or successful. This leads Bro. Hughes to talk to us about the discipline required in a spiritual life. There is no shortcut to life. We must all travel through some issues to reach our destination. Everyone wants to have a successful marriage, but many do not want to invest the time and energy required to attain a successful marriage. In our text, we see Jesus talking with the disciples about what lay ahead. He finally began to explain that in order to accomplish His ministry, He would have to go to Jerusalem and die. The disciples could not comprehend that, and Jesus had to rebuke them. They wanted the promises of His ministry, but did not want to go through the things required to attain it. Jesus said that He “must die” in order to reach the goal. There are no shortcuts in getting to where God wants to take us. We do not always understand God’s plan for our life. Often He is trying to teach us something by what He takes us through. Getting to the destination is not always easy and may be painful, but the journey is necessary. To get to it, we must go through it. We live in a time when we have little patience. We are used to things happening on the first click. If it does not, many in the millennial generation will give up and think that it does not work. Life does not work that way. We cannot get to somethi… Mark Hughes 2071 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9756720/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_togettoityoumustgothroughit/id/953579.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9756720 Journey,Trials,Tests, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 20 Nov 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes There are times in life when we believe that we would not be dealing with the things that are happening to us if we had made better choices. People may say "Maybe if I had prayed more" or "if I had fasted more" There are things in life that we will deal with that come to everybody no matter how much we may pray, read our bible or talk in tongues. Those are all good things, but they will not insulate us from the trials and tribulations of life. As Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, it was important that they saw in him someone who accurately reflected the life of Jesus. In our text, he paints a picture of a believer who in all things, live for God no matter what the circumstances. One of the biggest obstacle to our communication of the gospel is not the doctrine or the message, it is the example that we set by living for God. What people observe in our life, must match the message that we preach. Paul mentions 9 things in II Corinthians that are examples of trials that can come into life. He mentions imprisonment, suffering and persecution. Most have not had to deal with those things, but in verse 4, he mentions necessities. When Paul looked at life, he didn't include the trials, pressure and issues, he included the everyday necessities of life. He didn't mean food, air, water and the like. He was talking about the experiences in life that no one escapes. Everyman will face these things in life regardless of stature, position or background. In all these things, Paul says he wants to be approved in all things including these necessities. In all things, we need to demonstrate the grace, mercy and joy of a life living for God even during times of trial. What are these necessities that no one escapes. Jesus has examples of these things in his own life. Bro. Hughes notes four things in life that all men must endure even our Lord Jesus. First there is a Jerusalem for everyone to visit in their life. In Jerusalem, no body in that city will like us, or care a bit about what we have to say. Every person in life will experience people who do not like us no matter what we may do or say. Jerusalem is a thing that will challenge all that we say we are as a child of God. Being in Jerusalem does not mean that we are out of the will of God. Despite all the disbelief and opposition in Jerusalem, Jesus continued to be who He was. Jerusalem did not change Him, or make Him question who He was. We all have to go to Jerusalem, and we may have to go through it more than once. Secondly, there are bitter things in life. No matter what, we will not get through life without having to drink from that cup. It is human nature to say "I don't have to do this" "I don't deserve this. No you don't deserve it, but yes you must do it. Many have let life embitter them because of the cup they have had to drink. The third necessity from the life of Jesus that we must all face is temptation. No man or woman is exempt from temptation. More than just the temptation to sin, but it is the temptation to do it our way instead of God's way. There are no shortcuts to doing it God's way. We will be tempted to quit. Jesus' greatest temptation was not in the wilderness after 40 days of fasting. The greatest moment of temptation was hanging on the cross. They told Him "if you come down from the cross, we will believe you are who you say you are. Jesus' greatest temptation was to quit and come down off the cross, and He resisted. Finally the last necessity is a cross. Everyone has a cross to bear. That cross is whatever it takes for God to keep us humble and keep us in the proper relationship with God. The cross that we must bear is designed to strengthens and to bring out the best in us. What finder testimony is there than for a child of God to take up their cross and follow Him. Paul's message to the church at Corinth, was that no matter what life has; no matter what the circumstance, that the best testimony that we can have is to be joyful and live an approved life. Be joyful even in the face of necessities. There are times in life when we believe that we would not be dealing with the things that are happening to us if we had made better choices. People may say "Maybe if I had prayed more" or "if I had fasted more" There are things in life that we will deal with that come to everybody no matter how much we may pray, read our bible or talk in tongues. Those are all good things, but they will not insulate us from the trials and tribulations of life. As Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, it was important that they saw in him someone who accurately reflected the life of Jesus. In our text, he paints a picture of a believer who in all things, live for God no matter what the circumstances. One of the biggest obstacle to our communication of the gospel is not the doctrine or the message, it is the example that we set by living for God. What people observe in our life, must match the message that we preach. Paul mentions 9 things in II Corinthians that are examples of trials that can come into life. He mentions imprisonment, suffering and persecution. Most have not had to deal with those things, but in verse 4, he mentions necessities. When Paul looked at life, he didn't include the trials, pressure and issues, he included the everyday necessities of life. He didn't mean food, air, water and the like. He was talking about the experiences in life that no one escapes. Everyman will face these things in life regardless of stature, position or background. In all these things, Paul says he wants to be approved in all things including these necessities. In all things, we need to demonstrate the grace, mercy and joy of a life living for God even during times of trial. What are these necessities that no one escapes. Jesus has examples of these things in his own life. Bro. Hughes notes four things in life that all men must endure even our Lord Jesus. First there is a Jerusalem for everyone to visit in their life. In Jerusalem, no body in that city will like us, or care a bit about what we have to say. Every person in life will experience people who do not like us no matter what we may do or say. Jerusalem is a thing that will challenge all that we say we are as a child of God. Being in Jerusalem does not mean that we are out of the will of God. Despite all the disbelief and opposition in Jerusalem, Jesus continued to be who He was. Jerusalem did not change Him, or make Him question who He was. We all have to go to Jerusalem, and we may have to go through it more than once. Secondly, there are bitter things in life. No matter what, we will not get through life without having to drink from that cup. It is human nature to say "I don't have to do this" "I don't deserve this. No you don't deserve it, but yes you must do it. Many have let life embitter them because of the cup they have had to drink. The third necessity from the life of Jesus that we must all face is temptation. No man or woman is exempt from temptation. More than just the temptation to sin, but it is the temptation to do it our way instead of God's way. There are no shortcuts to doing it God's way. We will be tempted to quit. Jesus' greatest temptation was not in the wilderness after 40 days of fasting. The greatest moment of temptation was hanging on the cross. They told Him "if you come down from the cross, we will believe you are who you say you are. Jesus' greatest temptation was to quit and come down off the cross, and He resisted. Finally the last necessity is a cross. Everyone has a cross to bear. That cross is whatever it takes for God to keep us humble and keep us in the proper relationship with God. The cross that we must bear is designed to strengthens and to bring out the best in us. What finder testimony is there than for a child of God to take up their cross and follow Him. Paul's message to the church at Corinth, was that no matter what life has; no matter what the circumstance, that the best testimony that we can have is to be joyful and live an approved life. Be joyful even in the face of necessities. There are times in life when we believe that we would not be dealing with the things that are happening to us if we had made better choices. People may say "Maybe if I had prayed more" or "if I had fasted more" There are things in life that we will… Mark Hughes 2517 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9731637/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_necessities/id/953578.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9731637 Necessities,Life,Joy, Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:1-6:7, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 17 Nov 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Solomon was not just a smart man he was a wise man. Not only is he wise and blessed with this gift, he apparently has anything anyone could ever want. He is the most unhappy person even though he has everything a man could want. Your born, you grow, you decay, you die. How can a man who has that kind of resource at his fingertips still complain? This tells us that having it all doesn't mean anything, having nothing doesn't mean anything. Smart people can still be griping people, and wise people don't always make good decisions. He is worn out by life, and when he looks around at nature it is reminding Solomon there is just a cycle of life. The trees grow and die, we grow and we die, water runs into the sea and yet the sea is not full. Life is just a cycle. What Solomon said is partially true, the outline of life is all the same, we are born, we grow, we decay and we die. But the secret in life is not in the outline of life, but it is in the details of life that determines whether it's going to be a good day or a bad day. No one can mess this the details in your life but YOU. I am what I am because I want to be what I am. Solomon as smart as he was, got hung up on the outline, and didn't think about changing the details. The outline is set, but the details are the key to our life. Solomon's biggest problem was when he started living for himself. He said "I" 43 times in the first 2 chapters and only referenced God 4 times. Life had become about nothing other than himself. When I make life about me, I not only make myself miserable, I make everyone around me miserable. We want to know what's wrong in our lives, it's because we talk about all that is wrong in our lives and not the things that are right. The first problems was it was all about him, the second problem was that he began to compare. The quickest way to wreck your life is to begin comparing. In the entire book of Ecclesiastes, you will not find the words, thanks, thankfulness, and happy. Joy was only mentioned 4 times. Even is Solomon's griping he said something that is true and positive. There are 3 keys that are elements to a good happy life. 1. You have to learn to be a receiver in life. Everyone knows how to take, not everyone knows how to receive 2. Greater receivers must be generous givers. What the rivers bring in, it returns to the clouds to produce rain. Life is not lost when it is given away. 3. In order for all of the above to happen, the receiving and the giving, you have to stay open to the influence of the sun. The only kind of life that is ever going to be blessed it the one who is open to the influence of God. It teaches us to give and receive. My giving and my life becomes abundantly blessed when I learn to live under the son of all suns. Had it been turned around where he mention God 44 times and himself 4 times it would have been a different book. But it was not that way. There is going to be days where you have to fight to get under the sunlight. But if you will there is something that happens when your are under the Son. Solomon was not just a smart man he was a wise man. Not only is he wise and blessed with this gift, he apparently has anything anyone could ever want. He is the most unhappy person even though he has everything a man could want. Your born, you grow, you decay, you die. How can a man who has that kind of resource at his fingertips still complain? This tells us that having it all doesn't mean anything, having nothing doesn't mean anything. Smart people can still be griping people, and wise people don't always make good decisions. He is worn out by life, and when he looks around at nature it is reminding Solomon there is just a cycle of life. The trees grow and die, we grow and we die, water runs into the sea and yet the sea is not full. Life is just a cycle. What Solomon said is partially true, the outline of life is all the same, we are born, we grow, we decay and we die. But the secret in life is not in the outline of life, but it is in the details of life that determines whether it's going to be a good day or a bad day. No one can mess this the details in your life but YOU. I am what I am because I want to be what I am. Solomon as smart as he was, got hung up on the outline, and didn't think about changing the details. The outline is set, but the details are the key to our life. Solomon's biggest problem was when he started living for himself. He said "I" 43 times in the first 2 chapters and only referenced God 4 times. Life had become about nothing other than himself. When I make life about me, I not only make myself miserable, I make everyone around me miserable. We want to know what's wrong in our lives, it's because we talk about all that is wrong in our lives and not the things that are right. The first problems was it was all about him, the second problem was that he began to compare. The quickest way to wreck your life is to begin comparing. In the entire book of Ecclesiastes, you will not find the words, thanks, thankfulness, and happy. Joy was only mentioned 4 times. Even is Solomon's griping he said something that is true and positive. There are 3 keys that are elements to a good happy life. 1. You have to learn to be a receiver in life. Everyone knows how to take, not everyone knows how to receive 2. Greater receivers must be generous givers. What the rivers bring in, it returns to the clouds to produce rain. Life is not lost when it is given away. 3. In order for all of the above to happen, the receiving and the giving, you have to stay open to the influence of the sun. The only kind of life that is ever going to be blessed it the one who is open to the influence of God. It teaches us to give and receive. My giving and my life becomes abundantly blessed when I learn to live under the son of all suns. Had it been turned around where he mention God 44 times and himself 4 times it would have been a different book. But it was not that way. There is going to be days where you have to fight to get under the sunlight. But if you will there is something that happens when your are under the Son. Solomon was not just a smart man he was a wise man. Not only is he wise and blessed with this gift, he apparently has anything anyone could ever want. He is the most unhappy person even though he has everything a man could want. Your born, you grow, … Mark Hughes 3084 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9717317/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wherehasalltheoygone/id/953577.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9717317 Grumpy,Self Centered,Joy, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 03 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Some have suffered all that they think they can suffer. Some have lost all that they think they can lose. Our text tonight applies to all of us for we have all experienced storms in the path of life. Paul is in a ship on his way to Rome. He warned them, but they did not listen to the dangers that lay before them. Life was rough for Paul and the others on this ship. The storm was intense. The ship rocked and was out of control. There are times in life like that when things seem out of control and there is no place to find comfort. We might question, how can God be with us and we are still dealing with so many issues? To make matters worse, the ship they are on runs aground and begins to break apart in the heavy seas. The very thing they counted on to bring them through began to fall apart in the relentless winds of of the storm. They moved into survival mode. Many of these men surly thought that they were done for. The word of God said that they all survived. Some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. Like Paul's journey, all of us suffer loss in our journal through life. Some have lost family members to death or divorce. Some have lost possessions, homes, or savings. Life will test us. It will test us to see how far we will go to survive. We will all experience storms. It is never comfortable in a storm. There will be times of confusion, fear and loss. There was much lost that night, but every man on the boat survived because God said that they would. We may not get to the end of life traveling in the same vessel we started in. We may only make it on a piece of the ship, but we will make it. Many of us do not have things we once had. We never envisioned that life would look like this. Despite of what may be broken up: homes, finances, families, we still have what we need to survive on the broken pieces of the ship. Some have suffered all that they think they can suffer. Some have lost all that they think they can lose. Our text tonight applies to all of us for we have all experienced storms in the path of life. Paul is in a ship on his way to Rome. He warned them, but they did not listen to the dangers that lay before them. Life was rough for Paul and the others on this ship. The storm was intense. The ship rocked and was out of control. There are times in life like that when things seem out of control and there is no place to find comfort. We might question, how can God be with us and we are still dealing with so many issues? To make matters worse, the ship they are on runs aground and begins to break apart in the heavy seas. The very thing they counted on to bring them through began to fall apart in the relentless winds of of the storm. They moved into survival mode. Many of these men surly thought that they were done for. The word of God said that they all survived. Some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. Like Paul's journey, all of us suffer loss in our journal through life. Some have lost family members to death or divorce. Some have lost possessions, homes, or savings. Life will test us. It will test us to see how far we will go to survive. We will all experience storms. It is never comfortable in a storm. There will be times of confusion, fear and loss. There was much lost that night, but every man on the boat survived because God said that they would. We may not get to the end of life traveling in the same vessel we started in. We may only make it on a piece of the ship, but we will make it. Many of us do not have things we once had. We never envisioned that life would look like this. Despite of what may be broken up: homes, finances, families, we still have what we need to survive on the broken pieces of the ship. Some have suffered all that they think they can suffer. Some have lost all that they think they can lose. Our text tonight applies to all of us for we have all experienced storms in the path of life. Paul is in a ship on his way to Rome. He warned … Mark Hughes 2150 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690773/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_survivingonthebrokenpiecesofth/id/953576.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690773 Storm,Survival,Make it,enough, Scripture: Acts 27:41-27:44, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 03 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The enigma of Judas is an interesting study. Judas has come to become the name for everything that is base and treacherous in the human heart. The mention of his name invokes images of betrayal and treachery. No parent would name their child Judas. No doubt the name Judas being given to children went into steep decline. Ironicaly the name Judas comes from the root word Juda which means praise. When his parents named him, Judas' parents surly had no concept of what he would eventually become or to. Bro. Hughes ask this morning: Hw can a man who was associated with such high things, fall into something so base and evil? The life of Judas is one of the most difficult to understand of any character it he bible. How could he witness all that he did, who was so close to the Lord and have such an intimate relationship still be lost? As we contemplate his life, we must not forget that Judas was chosen. He was not chose because he was evil. There was evidence of goodness that outweighed whatever evil was within him. All the disciples were human and therefore had faults. Judas was no different, but he was called to be part of the 12. When he was called, he was surly just as dedicated and moved to follow Jesus as the rest. Today's message about Judas is not for those who do not know the Lord. It is a message to saints who must know and recognize the things in life than can derail even the chosen. Jesus knew that Judas was capable of what he did, so why would Jesus choose him? The answer is the same reason that He chose any of us. We must learn to deal with those things in our life that could destroy our relationship with the Lord. Jesus did not come for the righteous. He came for the sinner so that they could be saved. There were indications along the way that Judas was moving toward his ultimate failure, yet Jesus continued to love him and reach for him. Judas' greatest fault was that he refused to take Jesus for who He was. Judas tried to make Jesus something that He was not. When those things did not work, Judas' life began to unravel. How many people come to God with their own agenda? The truth is that we have to come to God seeking His agenda. God has a purpose for our lives and we must seek to find what that is rather than trying to direct God to what our purpose for our lives. There are four things that Bro. Hughes noticed that contributed to the downfall of Judas First, somewhere in Judas' life, material things became for important to Judas than Jesus. Apparently he had some kind of gift for dealing with money. That gift contributed to his downfall. In the story about the alabaster box, Judas was concerned about the waste, but not because he cared. Jesus reminded him that it was an act of worship. The material had become more important than worship. If we are not careful in life, even the blessings in life we receive are not enough for us to praise Him. Secondly he never allowed Jesus to deal with the real Judas. Judas kept the real him hidden away. As close as he was, Judas never opened up to Jesus. Thirdly and perhaps the most critical point: Judas became disappointing in Jesus. He believed in the power of Jesus, but Judas was let down about the way that He operated. When Jesus did not operate as an earthly ruler, Judas became angry and disappointing. Jesus' method and time frame did not meet Judas' expectation. When our exceptions are not we see the fruits of disappointment: frustration, anger, depression, apathy. Ultimately these things attack our faith. Finally, Judas' wounded pride was his ultimate failure. Pride is the feeling that we are not getting what we deserve. If we are not careful, we can look at the life of Judas and see ourselves. How many times have we hurt someone because of wounded pride? That wounded pride is a result of disappointment that runs wild. The enigma of Judas is an interesting study. Judas has come to become the name for everything that is base and treacherous in the human heart. The mention of his name invokes images of betrayal and treachery. No parent would name their child Judas. No doubt the name Judas being given to children went into steep decline. Ironicaly the name Judas comes from the root word Juda which means praise. When his parents named him, Judas' parents surly had no concept of what he would eventually become or to. Bro. Hughes ask this morning: Hw can a man who was associated with such high things, fall into something so base and evil? The life of Judas is one of the most difficult to understand of any character it he bible. How could he witness all that he did, who was so close to the Lord and have such an intimate relationship still be lost? As we contemplate his life, we must not forget that Judas was chosen. He was not chose because he was evil. There was evidence of goodness that outweighed whatever evil was within him. All the disciples were human and therefore had faults. Judas was no different, but he was called to be part of the 12. When he was called, he was surly just as dedicated and moved to follow Jesus as the rest. Today's message about Judas is not for those who do not know the Lord. It is a message to saints who must know and recognize the things in life than can derail even the chosen. Jesus knew that Judas was capable of what he did, so why would Jesus choose him? The answer is the same reason that He chose any of us. We must learn to deal with those things in our life that could destroy our relationship with the Lord. Jesus did not come for the righteous. He came for the sinner so that they could be saved. There were indications along the way that Judas was moving toward his ultimate failure, yet Jesus continued to love him and reach for him. Judas' greatest fault was that he refused to take Jesus for who He was. Judas tried to make Jesus something that He was not. When those things did not work, Judas' life began to unravel. How many people come to God with their own agenda? The truth is that we have to come to God seeking His agenda. God has a purpose for our lives and we must seek to find what that is rather than trying to direct God to what our purpose for our lives. There are four things that Bro. Hughes noticed that contributed to the downfall of Judas First, somewhere in Judas' life, material things became for important to Judas than Jesus. Apparently he had some kind of gift for dealing with money. That gift contributed to his downfall. In the story about the alabaster box, Judas was concerned about the waste, but not because he cared. Jesus reminded him that it was an act of worship. The material had become more important than worship. If we are not careful in life, even the blessings in life we receive are not enough for us to praise Him. Secondly he never allowed Jesus to deal with the real Judas. Judas kept the real him hidden away. As close as he was, Judas never opened up to Jesus. Thirdly and perhaps the most critical point: Judas became disappointing in Jesus. He believed in the power of Jesus, but Judas was let down about the way that He operated. When Jesus did not operate as an earthly ruler, Judas became angry and disappointing. Jesus' method and time frame did not meet Judas' expectation. When our exceptions are not we see the fruits of disappointment: frustration, anger, depression, apathy. Ultimately these things attack our faith. Finally, Judas' wounded pride was his ultimate failure. Pride is the feeling that we are not getting what we deserve. If we are not careful, we can look at the life of Judas and see ourselves. How many times have we hurt someone because of wounded pride? That wounded pride is a result of disappointment that runs wild. The enigma of Judas is an interesting study. Judas has come to become the name for everything that is base and treacherous in the human heart. The mention of his name invokes images of betrayal and treachery. No parent would name their child Judas.… Mark Hughes 3415 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690772/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thedownfallofudas/id/953575.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690772 Judas,Fall, Scripture: Matthew 27:47-27:50, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 30 Oct 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes It is often amazing to ponder the people that God chooses to use for His purpose. If we had to choose a group of people to be disciples, likely none of us would have chosen the men that He did. One couldn't keep his foot out of his mouth and had a temper, but Peter was chosen to stand up on the day of Pentecost and deliver the most important message that anyone had ever heard. The cast of characters that God uses to accomplish His purpose is amazing. God does not make mistakes, and He has not made one with any of us. When we look at ourselves, we see flaws and limitations. God helps us through our weaknesses and strengthens us through adversity. Solomon had been chosen to be king after David. There were other men who were more qualified to become king, but God chose him. Solomon is credited with great wisdom, but likely he did not posses that wisdom before this prayer. If we were given the opportunity to receive something from God, many would ask for power, riches, prestige, or position. Solomon was given such an opportunity. He had enough wisdom at this point in his life to not ask for those things. He realized that none of those things could do for him what needed to be done in his life and in the lives of those he would lead. If we are going to become what God had called us to be, we must seek the same thing Solomon did: An understanding heart. Solomon followed the most beloved king Israel had ever known, and he was fearful that he was not sufficient for what God had called him to do. This prayer revels a certain degree of intimidation. So Solomon prays for the kind of heart that he would need to deal with people, to deal with adversity. He prayed for an understanding heart. In the Hebrew, the phrase is a "hearing heart." This is ironic because Solomon is known for the things he said. But by having an understanding heart, he knew that he needed to listen in order to know what to say in that situation. In fact, Solomon's down fall came when he stopped listening and felt that he knew everything. It doesn't matter how long we live, we must constantly listen, learn and grow. There is an art to living well and living right. It is a way to navigate what life throws at us. There are people who are frustrated because of the things and people we have to deal with. There are some who are frustrated because they feel that they should be further along the path then they are. Bro. Hughes asks how much better off would we be if we ask God for an wise and understanding heart. We need wisdom and understanding in order to deal with people. We need a wise and understanding heart to face what is ahead of us. There will be great opportunity, but there will also be great trials. We will need a wise and understanding heart in order to live in accord with God's expectation for our life. It is often amazing to ponder the people that God chooses to use for His purpose. If we had to choose a group of people to be disciples, likely none of us would have chosen the men that He did. One couldn't keep his foot out of his mouth and had a temper, but Peter was chosen to stand up on the day of Pentecost and deliver the most important message that anyone had ever heard. The cast of characters that God uses to accomplish His purpose is amazing. God does not make mistakes, and He has not made one with any of us. When we look at ourselves, we see flaws and limitations. God helps us through our weaknesses and strengthens us through adversity. Solomon had been chosen to be king after David. There were other men who were more qualified to become king, but God chose him. Solomon is credited with great wisdom, but likely he did not posses that wisdom before this prayer. If we were given the opportunity to receive something from God, many would ask for power, riches, prestige, or position. Solomon was given such an opportunity. He had enough wisdom at this point in his life to not ask for those things. He realized that none of those things could do for him what needed to be done in his life and in the lives of those he would lead. If we are going to become what God had called us to be, we must seek the same thing Solomon did: An understanding heart. Solomon followed the most beloved king Israel had ever known, and he was fearful that he was not sufficient for what God had called him to do. This prayer revels a certain degree of intimidation. So Solomon prays for the kind of heart that he would need to deal with people, to deal with adversity. He prayed for an understanding heart. In the Hebrew, the phrase is a "hearing heart." This is ironic because Solomon is known for the things he said. But by having an understanding heart, he knew that he needed to listen in order to know what to say in that situation. In fact, Solomon's down fall came when he stopped listening and felt that he knew everything. It doesn't matter how long we live, we must constantly listen, learn and grow. There is an art to living well and living right. It is a way to navigate what life throws at us. There are people who are frustrated because of the things and people we have to deal with. There are some who are frustrated because they feel that they should be further along the path then they are. Bro. Hughes asks how much better off would we be if we ask God for an wise and understanding heart. We need wisdom and understanding in order to deal with people. We need a wise and understanding heart to face what is ahead of us. There will be great opportunity, but there will also be great trials. We will need a wise and understanding heart in order to live in accord with God's expectation for our life. It is often amazing to ponder the people that God chooses to use for His purpose. If we had to choose a group of people to be disciples, likely none of us would have chosen the men that He did. One couldn't keep his foot out of his mouth and had a … Mark Hughes 2944 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690771/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_masteringtheartoflivinginaccor/id/953574.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690771 Understanding,Wisdom,Hearing, Scripture: 1 Kings 3:4-3:13, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 27 Oct 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes He was born in 1899 to a baptist pastor. Like his mother he became a pianist. The music in the church had a tremendous impact upon him and by age 12 he was emulating that in his music. In his late teens he left home and to make his life in music He began to play in speak easys and other outlets for the emerging jazz music scene. He made his way to Chicago. He turned away from his convictions learned in his youth. His talent took him to many places, but he could not get away from his upbringing in the church. A relative eventually contacted him and convinced him that he was wasting his talent and needed to return it to God. He would later say that he was consumed by a desire to pour himself into the kingdom of God. This opened a new style in music that included rhythm and blues and worship music. Thomas' career took off and he worked with many great artists in the world of christian music. Sadly he received the news that his young wife had died giving birth and the young child had also died. He was crushed. It silenced the music in him. He secluded himself and withdrew. he became angry at God. It felt as if God had abandoned him. A friend came to him after some time and encouraged him to take a trip to a music school. He sat down at a piano and began to play. As he played, he began to pray for the first time in a long time. He poured out the anger and bitterness and has he poured it out, God filled him with healing. There at that piano, Thomas Dorsey wrote one of the most famous woship songs ever written. From that point, he wrote over 3000 songs. All because God's hand reached out to him on that troubling night and turned his soul. When going through trials and trouble, it is easy to become lost in the emotion and fear of the moment. Bro. Hughes reminds us that at times like this we must remember that no matter what happens, nothing can pull us out of the hand of God that is reaching for us. During times of trial, the touch of an outreached hand of a friend is comforting. How much more so it the touch of the Lord? Throughout the new testament, Jesus reached his hand out toward the failure, the misfit, the unlovable, the lost. We must be thankful for the might hand of God that reaches for each of us. Bro. Hughes shares instances in the bible where Jesus reached out to those in need. Just like then, we have a hand reaching out to us to lead us to where He wants us to be. A place of comfort, of restoration, of salvation. The hand of God can bring us from wherever we are to where we need to be. He was born in 1899 to a baptist pastor. Like his mother he became a pianist. The music in the church had a tremendous impact upon him and by age 12 he was emulating that in his music. In his late teens he left home and to make his life in music He began to play in speak easys and other outlets for the emerging jazz music scene. He made his way to Chicago. He turned away from his convictions learned in his youth. His talent took him to many places, but he could not get away from his upbringing in the church. A relative eventually contacted him and convinced him that he was wasting his talent and needed to return it to God. He would later say that he was consumed by a desire to pour himself into the kingdom of God. This opened a new style in music that included rhythm and blues and worship music. Thomas' career took off and he worked with many great artists in the world of christian music. Sadly he received the news that his young wife had died giving birth and the young child had also died. He was crushed. It silenced the music in him. He secluded himself and withdrew. he became angry at God. It felt as if God had abandoned him. A friend came to him after some time and encouraged him to take a trip to a music school. He sat down at a piano and began to play. As he played, he began to pray for the first time in a long time. He poured out the anger and bitterness and has he poured it out, God filled him with healing. There at that piano, Thomas Dorsey wrote one of the most famous woship songs ever written. From that point, he wrote over 3000 songs. All because God's hand reached out to him on that troubling night and turned his soul. When going through trials and trouble, it is easy to become lost in the emotion and fear of the moment. Bro. Hughes reminds us that at times like this we must remember that no matter what happens, nothing can pull us out of the hand of God that is reaching for us. During times of trial, the touch of an outreached hand of a friend is comforting. How much more so it the touch of the Lord? Throughout the new testament, Jesus reached his hand out toward the failure, the misfit, the unlovable, the lost. We must be thankful for the might hand of God that reaches for each of us. Bro. Hughes shares instances in the bible where Jesus reached out to those in need. Just like then, we have a hand reaching out to us to lead us to where He wants us to be. A place of comfort, of restoration, of salvation. The hand of God can bring us from wherever we are to where we need to be. He was born in 1899 to a baptist pastor. Like his mother he became a pianist. The music in the church had a tremendous impact upon him and by age 12 he was emulating that in his music. In his late teens he left home and to make his life in music … Mark Hughes 2320 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690770/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thehandofgod/id/953573.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690770 Hand,Help,Comfort, Scripture: John 10:27-10:29, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 20 Oct 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The worth of faith in a person's life is seen when it is subjected to the changes and challenges of life. Our text is the story of a father and a tormented son, a tortured home. It is the story of the agony of son and all that he endured with the spirits that possessed his life. The issues of the son were many, but the father too had issues. The father was a troubled man. He was a believer, but also an unbelief. Inside this man there was strength, but there was also weakness. There was conflict in his life. Jesus said that all that was necessary was belief. He did not say how much, simply that there must be belief. The father was like many of us. We believe in one breath, but in the next we question how God can do a work in our life. This father was a good man just like many of us; and like us he struggled between his faith and his unbelief. Faith and unbelief in the same heart is not illogical nor is it un-scriptiral. There is an unbelief that is wickedness, but that is not what this man had. This father's unbelief was weakness. Sometimes it is a battle to get from where we are to where God wants us to be, but battle we must. To get to a better place, many times it is a struggle and we must battle through it. Unbelief doubts the promise and power of God. It wants to keep us bound in our torment. God's power to work in our life is not limited by our unbelief. God can do a work in our life with the little amount of faith that we may have. Weak faith is better than no faith. Do not let a weak faith become an excuse for doing nothing. This story reminds us that we have the power to choose how our story ends. Will we keep struggling, or will we step out in our weakness and ask: Lord Help me. The worth of faith in a person's life is seen when it is subjected to the changes and challenges of life. Our text is the story of a father and a tormented son, a tortured home. It is the story of the agony of son and all that he endured with the spirits that possessed his life. The issues of the son were many, but the father too had issues. The father was a troubled man. He was a believer, but also an unbelief. Inside this man there was strength, but there was also weakness. There was conflict in his life. Jesus said that all that was necessary was belief. He did not say how much, simply that there must be belief. The father was like many of us. We believe in one breath, but in the next we question how God can do a work in our life. This father was a good man just like many of us; and like us he struggled between his faith and his unbelief. Faith and unbelief in the same heart is not illogical nor is it un-scriptiral. There is an unbelief that is wickedness, but that is not what this man had. This father's unbelief was weakness. Sometimes it is a battle to get from where we are to where God wants us to be, but battle we must. To get to a better place, many times it is a struggle and we must battle through it. Unbelief doubts the promise and power of God. It wants to keep us bound in our torment. God's power to work in our life is not limited by our unbelief. God can do a work in our life with the little amount of faith that we may have. Weak faith is better than no faith. Do not let a weak faith become an excuse for doing nothing. This story reminds us that we have the power to choose how our story ends. Will we keep struggling, or will we step out in our weakness and ask: Lord Help me. The worth of faith in a person's life is seen when it is subjected to the changes and challenges of life. Our text is the story of a father and a tormented son, a tortured home. It is the story of the agony of son and all that he endured with the spir… Mark Hughes 2199 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690769/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_helpme/id/953572.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690769 Help,Faith,Weak, Scripture: Mark 8:14-8:24, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 20 Oct 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes There are times when we have to face things when we didn't know what to say. In those times, the right words can make all the difference the world. This miracle is one of the most interesting in the bible. In everything that Jesus did, there was a lesson within the miracle. When studying the miracles, we need to be mindful that there is something more than just the miracle, but there is a lesson too. Throughout the bible, men come to Jesus in different ways. Some are led, some are found and other seek Him. No matter how they get there, the important thing is that they had an encounter with Jesus. A blind man is brought to Jesus and they want Him to touch him and heal him. In this instance, Jesus does something different. Rather that just healing by touching, Jesus leads the man out of town and spits in his eyes. The first lesson is that God will not always operate in the way we think He will. We must be careful to let God have His way and not put constraints upon Him. We must not limit God in how He wants to operate in our lives. There are a lot of good people who try to play God by trying to manipulate how He operates. We try to make opportunities. We try to open doors based upon what we believe God's will. We say "God I need you to fix it this way" Bro. Hughes asks, why not just let God do it? He does not need our help to work His will. In our text, Jesus leads the man out of town. Why would He do this. Perhaps it is because some times the only way for God to have His way is to be moved out of our comfort zone. Sometimes God has to move us away from the things that we are co-dependent upon. We have to get away from those things so that the only thing we have to depend on is Him. In our text, the man was blind and was dependent upon others for guidance. By moving him out of town Jesus placed him in an atmosphere where he could only depend upon God. There are too many of us that cannot get away from our failures because we keep wallowing in it. Victory for some begins when they leave their failures behind and they go with Him to a place where He can help them. We don't have to be afraid of this because He will stay with us until He is done. This is the only progressive miracle noted in the bible. The healing was not instantaneous. At first, the blind man could not see clearly. He was partially healed, but there was more to be done. The Lord used a different method. Before the blind man felt the touch of God, he felt the spittle running down his cheeks. There will come a time when we decide that we are tired of being in our situation, and we will allow God to do whatever is necessary to resolve it. Our perspective is narrow. We can only see life from our human perspective. After the second touch, the bible tells us that Jesus made the man to look up. Many of us go through life looking down. We have to stay in a place where God can continue to work on us. When Jesus made the man look up, he saw clearly. IF we will just stay where God can keep touching us we see clearly. God is not limited by our thinking. We need to quit telling God how to do His job. We need to get ourselves into the position where God can touch us that second time and complete the work that He is trying to do in our life. There are times when we have to face things when we didn't know what to say. In those times, the right words can make all the difference the world. This miracle is one of the most interesting in the bible. In everything that Jesus did, there was a lesson within the miracle. When studying the miracles, we need to be mindful that there is something more than just the miracle, but there is a lesson too. Throughout the bible, men come to Jesus in different ways. Some are led, some are found and other seek Him. No matter how they get there, the important thing is that they had an encounter with Jesus. A blind man is brought to Jesus and they want Him to touch him and heal him. In this instance, Jesus does something different. Rather that just healing by touching, Jesus leads the man out of town and spits in his eyes. The first lesson is that God will not always operate in the way we think He will. We must be careful to let God have His way and not put constraints upon Him. We must not limit God in how He wants to operate in our lives. There are a lot of good people who try to play God by trying to manipulate how He operates. We try to make opportunities. We try to open doors based upon what we believe God's will. We say "God I need you to fix it this way" Bro. Hughes asks, why not just let God do it? He does not need our help to work His will. In our text, Jesus leads the man out of town. Why would He do this. Perhaps it is because some times the only way for God to have His way is to be moved out of our comfort zone. Sometimes God has to move us away from the things that we are co-dependent upon. We have to get away from those things so that the only thing we have to depend on is Him. In our text, the man was blind and was dependent upon others for guidance. By moving him out of town Jesus placed him in an atmosphere where he could only depend upon God. There are too many of us that cannot get away from our failures because we keep wallowing in it. Victory for some begins when they leave their failures behind and they go with Him to a place where He can help them. We don't have to be afraid of this because He will stay with us until He is done. This is the only progressive miracle noted in the bible. The healing was not instantaneous. At first, the blind man could not see clearly. He was partially healed, but there was more to be done. The Lord used a different method. Before the blind man felt the touch of God, he felt the spittle running down his cheeks. There will come a time when we decide that we are tired of being in our situation, and we will allow God to do whatever is necessary to resolve it. Our perspective is narrow. We can only see life from our human perspective. After the second touch, the bible tells us that Jesus made the man to look up. Many of us go through life looking down. We have to stay in a place where God can continue to work on us. When Jesus made the man look up, he saw clearly. IF we will just stay where God can keep touching us we see clearly. God is not limited by our thinking. We need to quit telling God how to do His job. We need to get ourselves into the position where God can touch us that second time and complete the work that He is trying to do in our life. There are times when we have to face things when we didn't know what to say. In those times, the right words can make all the difference the world. This miracle is one of the most interesting in the bible. In everything that Jesus did, there was a… Mark Hughes 2434 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690768/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_quittellinggodnowtodohisob/id/953571.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690768 Different,Blessing,Miracle, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 06 Oct 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We live in a time when it seems that all of the old guidelines of life have been torn down. Our moral standards have been swept away and replaced. It seems as the fabric of who we are has been ripped apart. We seem to be a confused and drunken nation that has drifted off the path and find our self stumbling toward an unknown destination. Bro. Hughes reminds us that as Christians we have to guard against only seeing what is wrong with any situation. No matter where we go, or what we are seeking, the answer to life is found in God. In the pages of God's word we will find life, encouragement and the answer to every problem in life. Life at its best is confusing for everyone. It can be burdensome and painful. If we are not careful, we can buy into the idea that there is no way out. Bro. Hughes has read the second chapter of Acts many times, but this time, something new revealed itself. In it, Peter quotes a Psalm written by David many years before. The psalm he quoted was written at at time when Saul was after David to try to kill him. On a number of occasions, David narrowly escaped Saul's pursuit. Psalm 16 is believed to be written just after one of these close calls. God kept David in that situation. That same God who protected David when he was in the same cave as his enemy, can protect us in our trials. God showed David something in the midst of his trial. Life from David's perspective was bleak and dire. But God, showed David the situation from God's perspective. Far too few of us are hearing what God is trying to reveal. What God showed David moved him from survival mode to victory mode. When we live in the presence of God rather than the presence of our enemy, we have a promise of victory. We live in a time when it seems that all of the old guidelines of life have been torn down. Our moral standards have been swept away and replaced. It seems as the fabric of who we are has been ripped apart. We seem to be a confused and drunken nation that has drifted off the path and find our self stumbling toward an unknown destination. Bro. Hughes reminds us that as Christians we have to guard against only seeing what is wrong with any situation. No matter where we go, or what we are seeking, the answer to life is found in God. In the pages of God's word we will find life, encouragement and the answer to every problem in life. Life at its best is confusing for everyone. It can be burdensome and painful. If we are not careful, we can buy into the idea that there is no way out. Bro. Hughes has read the second chapter of Acts many times, but this time, something new revealed itself. In it, Peter quotes a Psalm written by David many years before. The psalm he quoted was written at at time when Saul was after David to try to kill him. On a number of occasions, David narrowly escaped Saul's pursuit. Psalm 16 is believed to be written just after one of these close calls. God kept David in that situation. That same God who protected David when he was in the same cave as his enemy, can protect us in our trials. God showed David something in the midst of his trial. Life from David's perspective was bleak and dire. But God, showed David the situation from God's perspective. Far too few of us are hearing what God is trying to reveal. What God showed David moved him from survival mode to victory mode. When we live in the presence of God rather than the presence of our enemy, we have a promise of victory. We live in a time when it seems that all of the old guidelines of life have been torn down. Our moral standards have been swept away and replaced. It seems as the fabric of who we are has been ripped apart. We seem to be a confused and drunken natio… Mark Hughes 2683 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690765/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thewayoflife/id/953568.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690765 Protection,Victory, Scripture: Acts 2:22-2:28, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 06 Oct 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The world does not need our talent. There are singers that can out sing us. There are musicians that can out play us. There are men and women of talent that can out do any that we may have. But we have the sprit of the living God within us. The worlds problems are not going to be solved by talented worldly men. The solutions to the world's problems begin at an alter with the submission of a man or woman to the will of God. So many churches today are changing their message to be more "relevant' There are those that think that if we were not so Pentecostal, we would not scare so many people away. Across the world the Pentecostal belief is taking over continents. The world needs what we have. They may not understand our worship. According to the book of Acts, they never have. Our text says that those who saw what was going on in the upper room, mocked and questioned if the men were drunk. In order for us to be the church that God intended us to be, we must emulate those original 120. They were in the proper atmosphere. They were in the upper room waiting as they had been told. Those in the upper room were willing to become the vessels that God wanted them to be. God's spirit is greater than the environment we live in. The men in the upper room were in a hostile environment. Jerusalem hated them and had just crucified Christ. In spite of this, they were transformed and began to transform their world. We need to stop apologizing for we are and what we are and let God work through us to save the lost. The church cannot change to fit the times. Bro. Hughes says that if we do, that the world will not want what we have. The world needs the radical transformation that the Holy Ghost provides. There are people in each of our lives that are hungry for what we have. It is time to quit hiding what we are. A Pentecostal church is what our world needs. Not a denomination, but a spirit anointed and driven body. The world does not need our talent. There are singers that can out sing us. There are musicians that can out play us. There are men and women of talent that can out do any that we may have. But we have the sprit of the living God within us. The worlds problems are not going to be solved by talented worldly men. The solutions to the world's problems begin at an alter with the submission of a man or woman to the will of God. So many churches today are changing their message to be more "relevant' There are those that think that if we were not so Pentecostal, we would not scare so many people away. Across the world the Pentecostal belief is taking over continents. The world needs what we have. They may not understand our worship. According to the book of Acts, they never have. Our text says that those who saw what was going on in the upper room, mocked and questioned if the men were drunk. In order for us to be the church that God intended us to be, we must emulate those original 120. They were in the proper atmosphere. They were in the upper room waiting as they had been told. Those in the upper room were willing to become the vessels that God wanted them to be. God's spirit is greater than the environment we live in. The men in the upper room were in a hostile environment. Jerusalem hated them and had just crucified Christ. In spite of this, they were transformed and began to transform their world. We need to stop apologizing for we are and what we are and let God work through us to save the lost. The church cannot change to fit the times. Bro. Hughes says that if we do, that the world will not want what we have. The world needs the radical transformation that the Holy Ghost provides. There are people in each of our lives that are hungry for what we have. It is time to quit hiding what we are. A Pentecostal church is what our world needs. Not a denomination, but a spirit anointed and driven body. The world does not need our talent. There are singers that can out sing us. There are musicians that can out play us. There are men and women of talent that can out do any that we may have. But we have the sprit of the living God within us. The … Mark Hughes 1885 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690766/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_unapologeticallypentecostal/id/953569.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690766 Pentecostal,Spirit,Anointed, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 02 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000 Jay Hilton Discouragement can hide behind a lot of things. It can even hide behind a smile. Discouragement can walk into any house at any time. Discouragement can tell us that life is not worth living. It can lie and cause us to think things that we normally don' t think. Our mouth might be saying praise the Lord, but discouragement can hide right under that. We look and see people that do not seem to be living right, but that are blessed while we deal with struggles and storms in our own lives. It becomes not our test that baffles us, but the trying to understand how they can succeed. David warns us that the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. David spends a lot of time in our text talking about steps. The word steps implies process. It is going take a while. We cannot take shortcuts to the destination. We must go along the path that God has for us in order to reach the goal. A blessing given too soon is not a blessing. We need to learn patience with the process. Most of us do not like the process. We don't like waiting in line. We don't want God to order steps. We want Him to order blessing, healing, and opportunity. God has a pace for our lives. Too often our prayers are to short circuit the process or to speed it up. In God's economy, we cannot skip steps. If we do, we will have to go back and do it. God uses these steps to prepare us to receive His blessing. He is not preparing the blessing, He is preparing us to receive it. We must go through the process to get it all lined up. Even Jesus had steps. They tried to crown Him too soon, and He had to withdraw to maintain the process. What God is trying to teach us is that we do not have to be at our destination to praise Him. We have to praise Him on the steps. We have to praise Him for the process. The devil hates step praises. Our flesh fights praising on the steps. Like Paul, we must learn to be content in whatever step we find ourselves, because it is only a step. Discouragement can hide behind a lot of things. It can even hide behind a smile. Discouragement can walk into any house at any time. Discouragement can tell us that life is not worth living. It can lie and cause us to think things that we normally don' t think. Our mouth might be saying praise the Lord, but discouragement can hide right under that. We look and see people that do not seem to be living right, but that are blessed while we deal with struggles and storms in our own lives. It becomes not our test that baffles us, but the trying to understand how they can succeed. David warns us that the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. David spends a lot of time in our text talking about steps. The word steps implies process. It is going take a while. We cannot take shortcuts to the destination. We must go along the path that God has for us in order to reach the goal. A blessing given too soon is not a blessing. We need to learn patience with the process. Most of us do not like the process. We don't like waiting in line. We don't want God to order steps. We want Him to order blessing, healing, and opportunity. God has a pace for our lives. Too often our prayers are to short circuit the process or to speed it up. In God's economy, we cannot skip steps. If we do, we will have to go back and do it. God uses these steps to prepare us to receive His blessing. He is not preparing the blessing, He is preparing us to receive it. We must go through the process to get it all lined up. Even Jesus had steps. They tried to crown Him too soon, and He had to withdraw to maintain the process. What God is trying to teach us is that we do not have to be at our destination to praise Him. We have to praise Him on the steps. We have to praise Him for the process. The devil hates step praises. Our flesh fights praising on the steps. Like Paul, we must learn to be content in whatever step we find ourselves, because it is only a step. Discouragement can hide behind a lot of things. It can even hide behind a smile. Discouragement can walk into any house at any time. Discouragement can tell us that life is not worth living. It can lie and cause us to think things that we normally … Jay Hilton 2524 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690764/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_stepup/id/953567.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690764 Step,Stages,Process, Custom categories: Pastor : Jay Hilton Sun, 29 Sep 2013 01:00:00 +0000 James Hughes Beginning late last year and Bro. Hughes was reading the book of John, he realized that there were several phrases that appear but they didn't need to be there. The story about the healing of the man by the pool concludes with the statement that it was on the Sabbath. It was not consequential to the story other than it points out the attitude of the leadership at that time. At the time of this writing, John has all of the gospels available to him. So he has the perspectiv of being able to add his perspective about the events that had taken place. His comments illustrate that Jesus was keenly aware of all of His actions and the totality of the affect of what He was doing. God is not relegated by any clock. He knew what was going to happen because time has not meaning to God. As John writes, his accounts highlight to us that we need to pay attention to the details. The healing of the man by the pool, the feeding of the multitudes, and other miracles didn't happen by chance. Bro. Hughes explains that the religious leadership knew Jesus was who He said he was, but they could not accept Him because He had not come as they expected. They wanted to make Him king, but Jesus knew that could not happen because it would not fulfill HIs purpose. John's account tells us that Jesus escaped to the mount of Olives. We are not told what He did, other than that He went. Jesus would escape to the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. John account illustrates to us how human Jesus was because He needed a place of escape in order to meditate and pray. Jesus worked to make sure that the garden was not desecrated. The next day would be the story of the woman caught in the act of adultery. Jesus knew that it would happen, but he controlled the environment in which it would happen, so He arose at daybreak to go to the temple. His garden was so important to Him that He wanted to protect it. Adam failed to protect his garden. God had given Adam two jobs to keep the garden safe and clean. Adam chose to let his garden to be defiled. He allowed Satan into that garden. Bro. Hughes ask "what are we allowing in our garden." What are we allowing into our homes? What are we allowing to our lives, our children's lives and the lives of our loved ones? We have to learn to protect the people around us from the things that would destroy them. This includes the influence of our own flesh. We have to protect our garden. Beginning late last year and Bro. Hughes was reading the book of John, he realized that there were several phrases that appear but they didn't need to be there. The story about the healing of the man by the pool concludes with the statement that it was on the Sabbath. It was not consequential to the story other than it points out the attitude of the leadership at that time. At the time of this writing, John has all of the gospels available to him. So he has the perspectiv of being able to add his perspective about the events that had taken place. His comments illustrate that Jesus was keenly aware of all of His actions and the totality of the affect of what He was doing. God is not relegated by any clock. He knew what was going to happen because time has not meaning to God. As John writes, his accounts highlight to us that we need to pay attention to the details. The healing of the man by the pool, the feeding of the multitudes, and other miracles didn't happen by chance. Bro. Hughes explains that the religious leadership knew Jesus was who He said he was, but they could not accept Him because He had not come as they expected. They wanted to make Him king, but Jesus knew that could not happen because it would not fulfill HIs purpose. John's account tells us that Jesus escaped to the mount of Olives. We are not told what He did, other than that He went. Jesus would escape to the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. John account illustrates to us how human Jesus was because He needed a place of escape in order to meditate and pray. Jesus worked to make sure that the garden was not desecrated. The next day would be the story of the woman caught in the act of adultery. Jesus knew that it would happen, but he controlled the environment in which it would happen, so He arose at daybreak to go to the temple. His garden was so important to Him that He wanted to protect it. Adam failed to protect his garden. God had given Adam two jobs to keep the garden safe and clean. Adam chose to let his garden to be defiled. He allowed Satan into that garden. Bro. Hughes ask "what are we allowing in our garden." What are we allowing into our homes? What are we allowing to our lives, our children's lives and the lives of our loved ones? We have to learn to protect the people around us from the things that would destroy them. This includes the influence of our own flesh. We have to protect our garden. Beginning late last year and Bro. Hughes was reading the book of John, he realized that there were several phrases that appear but they didn't need to be there. The story about the healing of the man by the pool concludes with the statement that it wa… James Hughes 3010 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690763/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_protectingyourgarden/id/953566.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690763 Protect,Garden, Scripture: John 7:50-7:53 Sun, 29 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0000 James Hughes When we discuss or think about the coming of the Lord, many are more concerned with the day and time of HIs coming, but Bro. Hughes explains that we should be more concerned about the events that will take place preceding HIs return. In our text, Jesus and the disciples have left Jerusalem and look back to view the city. Jesus said that the city would be dismantled and no stone would be left stacked upon another. He said that there would be many that would be anointed and who would call themselves anointed who would come; but they will be deceivers. This prophecy was hard for them to believe. Bro. Hughes says it is not too hard to understand. Who could have imagined a time in America when we would become so wicked? Our world has moved to the point where is becomes easier and easier to sin and to accept sin in our daily lives. The world no longer convicts us for sin, lying, or immorality. Because iniquity abounds, we know that the Lord is soon coming. Bro. Hughes focuses in on the issue of offense in our text. Offense is rampant. We have been offended by politics, by jokes, by schools, our neighbors and now more easily by others in the church. Jesus said that offenses will come. As we move toward the end times, it will not get better, and will only get worse. Offenses will come in life. Offenses will cause some to look at life and rationalize that if that can happen, then other things may be okay too. It is not too difficult to question why God is involved in these offenses. The truth is that God is not in the offense business. God will allow things to happen in our life, but He does not want to offend us. God understands where our real issue are. Offenses are the biggest battle that most of us face. Our temper exists just below the surface and it does not take much to reveal it. Whatever we allow to offend us will eventually produce the tree that will be used to build our casket. If we do not deal with offenses, we will perish. There is only one way to deal with offenses and that is forgiveness. When we discuss or think about the coming of the Lord, many are more concerned with the day and time of HIs coming, but Bro. Hughes explains that we should be more concerned about the events that will take place preceding HIs return. In our text, Jesus and the disciples have left Jerusalem and look back to view the city. Jesus said that the city would be dismantled and no stone would be left stacked upon another. He said that there would be many that would be anointed and who would call themselves anointed who would come; but they will be deceivers. This prophecy was hard for them to believe. Bro. Hughes says it is not too hard to understand. Who could have imagined a time in America when we would become so wicked? Our world has moved to the point where is becomes easier and easier to sin and to accept sin in our daily lives. The world no longer convicts us for sin, lying, or immorality. Because iniquity abounds, we know that the Lord is soon coming. Bro. Hughes focuses in on the issue of offense in our text. Offense is rampant. We have been offended by politics, by jokes, by schools, our neighbors and now more easily by others in the church. Jesus said that offenses will come. As we move toward the end times, it will not get better, and will only get worse. Offenses will come in life. Offenses will cause some to look at life and rationalize that if that can happen, then other things may be okay too. It is not too difficult to question why God is involved in these offenses. The truth is that God is not in the offense business. God will allow things to happen in our life, but He does not want to offend us. God understands where our real issue are. Offenses are the biggest battle that most of us face. Our temper exists just below the surface and it does not take much to reveal it. Whatever we allow to offend us will eventually produce the tree that will be used to build our casket. If we do not deal with offenses, we will perish. There is only one way to deal with offenses and that is forgiveness. When we discuss or think about the coming of the Lord, many are more concerned with the day and time of HIs coming, but Bro. Hughes explains that we should be more concerned about the events that will take place preceding HIs return. In our text, Jesu… James Hughes 2680 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690767/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_offenseswillcome/id/953570.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690767 Offenses,Forgivness Thu, 26 Sep 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Landon Long When we are expecting guests most of us go out of our way to make sure that their visit will go well. If the person visiting is an important person, we will make sure every detail is taken care of so that the VIP will be pleased. In our text, we read the familiar story of Joseph and Mary and no room at the Inn. For many years, the arrival of the Messiah was prophesied, but the world was unprepared. Mary and Joseph had no reservations and the world had no expectations. The owner of the manger did not have a lot to offer, but he did have something to offer the new born king. Our lord is not looking for the most talented preacher or the most energetic worship leader. He is not only seeking the most dedicated Sunday school teacher or praise singer. He wants each and every one of us. The question is will each of us make room for the King? Are our lives too full to have room for God? We may say that "I will never do that", but what occupies our time. Does our prayer and devotion time give way to soccer practice, birthday parties or Sunday afternoon football? What is the center of our focus? Has that focus shifted from God to something else? Is there room in our life for a king? In Matthew 25 we read the story of the 10 virgins waiting on their bridegroom. Five of them were prepared, and five were not. The five that were unprepared returned to find the door closed. They wanted in, but because they had not done was was necessary to prepare for the coming of the King, they missed their opportunity. Bro. Long asks: Have we done what is necessary to prepare for the coming of our King? Have we built a relationship with Him? Have we made room for Him? When we are expecting guests most of us go out of our way to make sure that their visit will go well. If the person visiting is an important person, we will make sure every detail is taken care of so that the VIP will be pleased. In our text, we read the familiar story of Joseph and Mary and no room at the Inn. For many years, the arrival of the Messiah was prophesied, but the world was unprepared. Mary and Joseph had no reservations and the world had no expectations. The owner of the manger did not have a lot to offer, but he did have something to offer the new born king. Our lord is not looking for the most talented preacher or the most energetic worship leader. He is not only seeking the most dedicated Sunday school teacher or praise singer. He wants each and every one of us. The question is will each of us make room for the King? Are our lives too full to have room for God? We may say that "I will never do that", but what occupies our time. Does our prayer and devotion time give way to soccer practice, birthday parties or Sunday afternoon football? What is the center of our focus? Has that focus shifted from God to something else? Is there room in our life for a king? In Matthew 25 we read the story of the 10 virgins waiting on their bridegroom. Five of them were prepared, and five were not. The five that were unprepared returned to find the door closed. They wanted in, but because they had not done was was necessary to prepare for the coming of the King, they missed their opportunity. Bro. Long asks: Have we done what is necessary to prepare for the coming of our King? Have we built a relationship with Him? Have we made room for Him? When we are expecting guests most of us go out of our way to make sure that their visit will go well. If the person visiting is an important person, we will make sure every detail is taken care of so that the VIP will be pleased. In our text, we read… Landon Long 2133 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690762/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_noreservationsnoexpectations/id/953565.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690762 Preperation,Expectation,Room Wed, 18 Sep 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Many people say that they do not know how to pray. They need to be taught. When trying to learn how to pray, prayer itself is the best teacher. We can talk about prayer, but the best way to learn how to pray is to pray. Prayer is just word; simple language, but the worth of prayer is much more than simple words. Prayer connects us with a limitless supply of blessing from God. When we pray, it connects us to something greater than our sin, or someone's sin against us. Prayer connects us to forgiveness. Nothing releases our heart and life like forgiveness. The answer to life's failures is forgiveness. When we pray, we connect ourselves to that power. When we pray, it connects us to hope. Hope that not matter what our failures or mistakes may be, God provides a way out. Prayer connects us to the right kind of leadership in our lives. Prayer reveals to us that God is not afraid to be associated with our failure. People who are rich do not usually associate with poor people. However, the Lord of lords, and King of kings is not ashamed to identify with us. Prayer reminds us that God is approachable. Prayer affords us in our weakness, the opportunity to fellowship with His love and His holiness. Prayer will help keep us humble. We are reminded that we are all sinners. It reminds us to look at our own sins before we look at other people's sins. Prayer enables us to have more understanding, more tolerance of others and we have more patience with people. Through Jesus' teaching in this prayer, we learn: Let go, and let God Forget and move on We need our lives to be led. We learn to live an empowered life Many people say that they do not know how to pray. They need to be taught. When trying to learn how to pray, prayer itself is the best teacher. We can talk about prayer, but the best way to learn how to pray is to pray. Prayer is just word; simple language, but the worth of prayer is much more than simple words. Prayer connects us with a limitless supply of blessing from God. When we pray, it connects us to something greater than our sin, or someone's sin against us. Prayer connects us to forgiveness. Nothing releases our heart and life like forgiveness. The answer to life's failures is forgiveness. When we pray, we connect ourselves to that power. When we pray, it connects us to hope. Hope that not matter what our failures or mistakes may be, God provides a way out. Prayer connects us to the right kind of leadership in our lives. Prayer reveals to us that God is not afraid to be associated with our failure. People who are rich do not usually associate with poor people. However, the Lord of lords, and King of kings is not ashamed to identify with us. Prayer reminds us that God is approachable. Prayer affords us in our weakness, the opportunity to fellowship with His love and His holiness. Prayer will help keep us humble. We are reminded that we are all sinners. It reminds us to look at our own sins before we look at other people's sins. Prayer enables us to have more understanding, more tolerance of others and we have more patience with people. Through Jesus' teaching in this prayer, we learn: Let go, and let God Forget and move on We need our lives to be led. We learn to live an empowered life Many people say that they do not know how to pray. They need to be taught. When trying to learn how to pray, prayer itself is the best teacher. We can talk about prayer, but the best way to learn how to pray is to pray. Prayer is just word; simpl… Mark Hughes 2289 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690761/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theconnectingpowerofprayer/id/953564.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690761 Prayer,Connection,Power, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 15 Sep 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Most bible scholars agree that our text was written by David. David was a man of great experience and love. The songs written in the first part of the book of Psalms deal with a particular time in David's life. They were written during a time when he was under great pressure due to the actions of his son Absalom. These were days that were unexpected and unwanted. At this particular point in his life, David had many enemies and he didn't know who all of them were. Some were his closest friends. Many who had been loyal to David had turned against him. David faced many foes some of which were in his own family. By reading the Psalms, we see that David most certainly wrestled with many fears. Most believe that our text was written on the second or third day of David's escape from Israel. He had to do something. He know the only thing he could do was talk to God. He was not sure of what the next day might hold, so David prayed. As he prayed, David became aware of the fact that he was a blessed man. It began to dawn on him that all of his gifting, talents and opportunities could not do for him what he needed in his current situation. He realized that the only place he could find what he needed was the house of God. No other place can give to us what the house of God can. So David went to the house of God and began to pour out his petition to God. This verse implies that David had options and choices. No one is forced to come to the house of God. After evaluating his options, David decided that the best thing he could do was to be in the house of God because that was his best hope. So what did David find in the house of God that was so attractive. It was not the programs or the music. He found fellowship there. There were others there that were just like him. The enemy will tell us that we are alone, but when we come to the house of God, we are brought into a fellowship with others who are facing the same things we are. We are not alone. He also found that there was a message of the past. He found encouragement in the past, but it wasn't his past. It was God's past. David defines for us that church should be a place where we can come celebrate the things that God has already blessed us with. God has shown himself repeatedly that He is able to deliver, He is able to make a way, He is able to do what no one else can do for us. So David came to the house of God not to review his past, but His past. This story is not about us, but about Him. The only place we will find what we need is in the house of God. This is a place of healing and help. More than anything, David found mercy in God's house that was more than enought to cover his failures. Most bible scholars agree that our text was written by David. David was a man of great experience and love. The songs written in the first part of the book of Psalms deal with a particular time in David's life. They were written during a time when he was under great pressure due to the actions of his son Absalom. These were days that were unexpected and unwanted. At this particular point in his life, David had many enemies and he didn't know who all of them were. Some were his closest friends. Many who had been loyal to David had turned against him. David faced many foes some of which were in his own family. By reading the Psalms, we see that David most certainly wrestled with many fears. Most believe that our text was written on the second or third day of David's escape from Israel. He had to do something. He know the only thing he could do was talk to God. He was not sure of what the next day might hold, so David prayed. As he prayed, David became aware of the fact that he was a blessed man. It began to dawn on him that all of his gifting, talents and opportunities could not do for him what he needed in his current situation. He realized that the only place he could find what he needed was the house of God. No other place can give to us what the house of God can. So David went to the house of God and began to pour out his petition to God. This verse implies that David had options and choices. No one is forced to come to the house of God. After evaluating his options, David decided that the best thing he could do was to be in the house of God because that was his best hope. So what did David find in the house of God that was so attractive. It was not the programs or the music. He found fellowship there. There were others there that were just like him. The enemy will tell us that we are alone, but when we come to the house of God, we are brought into a fellowship with others who are facing the same things we are. We are not alone. He also found that there was a message of the past. He found encouragement in the past, but it wasn't his past. It was God's past. David defines for us that church should be a place where we can come celebrate the things that God has already blessed us with. God has shown himself repeatedly that He is able to deliver, He is able to make a way, He is able to do what no one else can do for us. So David came to the house of God not to review his past, but His past. This story is not about us, but about Him. The only place we will find what we need is in the house of God. This is a place of healing and help. More than anything, David found mercy in God's house that was more than enought to cover his failures. Most bible scholars agree that our text was written by David. David was a man of great experience and love. The songs written in the first part of the book of Psalms deal with a particular time in David's life. They were written during a time when… Mark Hughes 3384 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690759/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ahouseofhelp/id/953562.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690759 Help,Mercy,House of God, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 15 Sep 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Paul writing in 1 Timothy 3:15 says something that seems out of place about behaving oneself in the house of God. Paul was addressing a spirit and an attitude that can develop in people who become comfortable in the way the conduct themselves in the House of the Lord. We should always come into the house of God with a spirit of remembrance. There are truths that must be repeated often. Our world is trying to undermine our standards and beliefs. Sometimes these attitudes can infiltrate the church. Bro. Hughes comes tonight to remind us of some things that should be in the foundation of our lives. The word of God is being picked apart and edited by so called religious people. Bro. Hughes declares that if God's word says "Thou shalt not", that is what will be preached from our pulpit! In Ephesians, we are given a comparison to God's love for the church as that of a man's love for his wife. Bro. Hughes reflects that all the blessings and support in his life have come through the church. We need to remember God's deliverance. In our text, God reminds Israel of how they had been delivered and protected for 40 years. God was the one that made a way. He didn't just bring them out, He directed their steps through terrible places and impossible situations. He reminds them that they were living off of His provision; His water, His manna, His quail that fed them. They came to the promised land, but failed to go in. God did not abandon them, but led them back into the wilderness and continued to provide for them. God does not let our setbacks be the end of the story, but He will lead us back to the gates of the promised land. Our failures are not the end of the story. He did all of that in spite of their murmuring, complaining, and unbelief. What Israel was in the physical, the Church is in the spirit. God kept blessing Israel, and He will continue to bless His church. We do not have a right to come into a place that has offered us so much peace, love, provision and support with an attitude. We do not have a right to come into this church with a sense of entitlement. We owe the church a debt that we cannot pay. We should come into the church with a sense of remembrance for all that He has done. Think about where we would be if it were not for the church. Paul writing in 1 Timothy 3:15 says something that seems out of place about behaving oneself in the house of God. Paul was addressing a spirit and an attitude that can develop in people who become comfortable in the way the conduct themselves in the House of the Lord. We should always come into the house of God with a spirit of remembrance. There are truths that must be repeated often. Our world is trying to undermine our standards and beliefs. Sometimes these attitudes can infiltrate the church. Bro. Hughes comes tonight to remind us of some things that should be in the foundation of our lives. The word of God is being picked apart and edited by so called religious people. Bro. Hughes declares that if God's word says "Thou shalt not", that is what will be preached from our pulpit! In Ephesians, we are given a comparison to God's love for the church as that of a man's love for his wife. Bro. Hughes reflects that all the blessings and support in his life have come through the church. We need to remember God's deliverance. In our text, God reminds Israel of how they had been delivered and protected for 40 years. God was the one that made a way. He didn't just bring them out, He directed their steps through terrible places and impossible situations. He reminds them that they were living off of His provision; His water, His manna, His quail that fed them. They came to the promised land, but failed to go in. God did not abandon them, but led them back into the wilderness and continued to provide for them. God does not let our setbacks be the end of the story, but He will lead us back to the gates of the promised land. Our failures are not the end of the story. He did all of that in spite of their murmuring, complaining, and unbelief. What Israel was in the physical, the Church is in the spirit. God kept blessing Israel, and He will continue to bless His church. We do not have a right to come into a place that has offered us so much peace, love, provision and support with an attitude. We do not have a right to come into this church with a sense of entitlement. We owe the church a debt that we cannot pay. We should come into the church with a sense of remembrance for all that He has done. Think about where we would be if it were not for the church. Paul writing in 1 Timothy 3:15 says something that seems out of place about behaving oneself in the house of God. Paul was addressing a spirit and an attitude that can develop in people who become comfortable in the way the conduct themselves in the … Mark Hughes 1881 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690760/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_remember/id/953563.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690760 Remember,Church, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 11 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Jesus taught principle before He taught power. In the sermon on the mount, he begins that message with what we call the beatitudes. They are check points for us to align our life with. The beatitudes are principles that we must understand before we can understand the power of God. We live in a world that wants power, but is not interested in principles. Jesus taught that we cannot know is power until we embrace His principles. This prayer that the world knows as the Lord's Prayer, is Jesus teaching us how to pray. More than just things to say, this prayer is a model of a pattern of thinking that will lead to the most effective prayer. These four verses touch on all aspects of human life. It encompasses the past, present and the future. It offers answers for every area of need in our lives. When we pray, we gain things that we cannot receive anywhere else. They cannot be learned in a class or from a book. They can only be received when we humble ourselves before God. Many people look at prayer as an obligation. Bro. Hughes suggest that we look at prayer as a gift. We cannot afford to NOT pray. There are too many benefits to prayer to ignore them. If we could ever see what it wrapped up in prayer, we would pray all the time. We can never rise above the level of our prayer. All the issues that are contained in life are dealt with in prayer, and it is through prayer that God equips us to handle these issues. Without prayer, we will attempt to deal with the issues of life from a strictly human perspective. This causes many of the frustrations of life simply because we do not practice prayer. So why is prayer so vital. What did Jesus teach us in the Lord's prayer? What was He trying to get us to understand? Prayer teaches us about relationships. When we go to prayer, we are not alone. He is with us. Prayer teaches us that we have responsibility too. This prayer teaches us that He has thought about all the areas of need in our life; Our needs, our failures, and our frustrations. Everything about our life has already been provided for. When we pray, we have the confidence that no matter what we circumstance or situation, God has it under control. Secondly, this prayer reveals to us how much God cares for us. He says "our daily bread" God will provide for our needs. We can trust God with our physical, emotional and financial needs. Bread can also be interpreted to mean the daily needs of life. God's provision is more than just the daily bread. He provides for all needs. Thirdly, this prayer reminds us that we must live our life one day at a time. He said "daily bread." This implies that we meets our needs for today and that He will provide tomorrow. This concept also implies that we should trust the unknowns of tomorrow to Him. If He can take care of today's daily bread, we can trust Him for tomorrow's bread too. If we will learn to pray in this way, we will learn to be satisfied with the provision that God makes in our life. There are a lot of frustrated people because they are not satisfied with the answer God has already given them. Until we learn to be satisfied with what He has given us, He will not give us anything else. When God give us something it is enough, we need to learn to modify our expectations. When we learn how to pray, it will lend balance to our life. It helps us remember the source of everything. There are no self made men. No matter what the accomplishment, man had to start with something. No crop has ever been grown that did not start with a seed. When we pray, we are reminded of the source of all of our blessing and provision. Jesus taught principle before He taught power. In the sermon on the mount, he begins that message with what we call the beatitudes. They are check points for us to align our life with. The beatitudes are principles that we must understand before we can understand the power of God. We live in a world that wants power, but is not interested in principles. Jesus taught that we cannot know is power until we embrace His principles. This prayer that the world knows as the Lord's Prayer, is Jesus teaching us how to pray. More than just things to say, this prayer is a model of a pattern of thinking that will lead to the most effective prayer. These four verses touch on all aspects of human life. It encompasses the past, present and the future. It offers answers for every area of need in our lives. When we pray, we gain things that we cannot receive anywhere else. They cannot be learned in a class or from a book. They can only be received when we humble ourselves before God. Many people look at prayer as an obligation. Bro. Hughes suggest that we look at prayer as a gift. We cannot afford to NOT pray. There are too many benefits to prayer to ignore them. If we could ever see what it wrapped up in prayer, we would pray all the time. We can never rise above the level of our prayer. All the issues that are contained in life are dealt with in prayer, and it is through prayer that God equips us to handle these issues. Without prayer, we will attempt to deal with the issues of life from a strictly human perspective. This causes many of the frustrations of life simply because we do not practice prayer. So why is prayer so vital. What did Jesus teach us in the Lord's prayer? What was He trying to get us to understand? Prayer teaches us about relationships. When we go to prayer, we are not alone. He is with us. Prayer teaches us that we have responsibility too. This prayer teaches us that He has thought about all the areas of need in our life; Our needs, our failures, and our frustrations. Everything about our life has already been provided for. When we pray, we have the confidence that no matter what we circumstance or situation, God has it under control. Secondly, this prayer reveals to us how much God cares for us. He says "our daily bread" God will provide for our needs. We can trust God with our physical, emotional and financial needs. Bread can also be interpreted to mean the daily needs of life. God's provision is more than just the daily bread. He provides for all needs. Thirdly, this prayer reminds us that we must live our life one day at a time. He said "daily bread." This implies that we meets our needs for today and that He will provide tomorrow. This concept also implies that we should trust the unknowns of tomorrow to Him. If He can take care of today's daily bread, we can trust Him for tomorrow's bread too. If we will learn to pray in this way, we will learn to be satisfied with the provision that God makes in our life. There are a lot of frustrated people because they are not satisfied with the answer God has already given them. Until we learn to be satisfied with what He has given us, He will not give us anything else. When God give us something it is enough, we need to learn to modify our expectations. When we learn how to pray, it will lend balance to our life. It helps us remember the source of everything. There are no self made men. No matter what the accomplishment, man had to start with something. No crop has ever been grown that did not start with a seed. When we pray, we are reminded of the source of all of our blessing and provision. Jesus taught principle before He taught power. In the sermon on the mount, he begins that message with what we call the beatitudes. They are check points for us to align our life with. The beatitudes are principles that we must understand before we … Mark Hughes 3326 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690758/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_learningthepowerofprayer/id/953561.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690758 Power,Prayer,Principles, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 08 Sep 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text paints an unattractive picture, of a newborn baby that had been abandoned after birth; left by the side of the highway to die. He points out that each of us came from just as unattractive beginnings before He found us. Dispite the ill treatment, this baby was struggling to survive. Against all odds, God steps into that situation to save the helpless baby. Just as He did in our text, God will stop by to pick us up when we are helpless. When life has abandon us and left us alone to die, God is looking out for us. He cares about us and our situation. Others may have abandoned us, but He is there looking for the one that is down and forsaken. In verse 6 he says "I saw thee…and said unto thee live." When God sees our situation, He has something to say about it. God can change our life by speaking a single word. The word of God is powerful enough to take on anything that we may be facing. When God speaks, it does not matter how hopeless and impossible the situation may be, the situation will change. When He speaks, all the devils in hell cannot keep us in that tomb. There is a future in the word LIVE. All that life has done to us is not enough to stop what His word can do at this moment. It can all be changed by the power of His word. He says Live in spite of your past, live in spite of your trouble, live in spite of your trouble because I said you could Live. Mercy wills something for us. Mercy wills for us a better life, a better future, and life that is not tormented by past trouble and failures. Mercy has a command for us and that command is: Live. The mandate of mercy is that we will rise up and live. When life tries to bury us, God has a word: Live. God does not want us to die in our dilemma. He does not want us to give up. God has come to help us get up. Every time the devil whispers in your ear: "You are a failure", don't listen to him. Speak one word: Live. Our text paints an unattractive picture, of a newborn baby that had been abandoned after birth; left by the side of the highway to die. He points out that each of us came from just as unattractive beginnings before He found us. Dispite the ill treatment, this baby was struggling to survive. Against all odds, God steps into that situation to save the helpless baby. Just as He did in our text, God will stop by to pick us up when we are helpless. When life has abandon us and left us alone to die, God is looking out for us. He cares about us and our situation. Others may have abandoned us, but He is there looking for the one that is down and forsaken. In verse 6 he says "I saw thee…and said unto thee live." When God sees our situation, He has something to say about it. God can change our life by speaking a single word. The word of God is powerful enough to take on anything that we may be facing. When God speaks, it does not matter how hopeless and impossible the situation may be, the situation will change. When He speaks, all the devils in hell cannot keep us in that tomb. There is a future in the word LIVE. All that life has done to us is not enough to stop what His word can do at this moment. It can all be changed by the power of His word. He says Live in spite of your past, live in spite of your trouble, live in spite of your trouble because I said you could Live. Mercy wills something for us. Mercy wills for us a better life, a better future, and life that is not tormented by past trouble and failures. Mercy has a command for us and that command is: Live. The mandate of mercy is that we will rise up and live. When life tries to bury us, God has a word: Live. God does not want us to die in our dilemma. He does not want us to give up. God has come to help us get up. Every time the devil whispers in your ear: "You are a failure", don't listen to him. Speak one word: Live. Our text paints an unattractive picture, of a newborn baby that had been abandoned after birth; left by the side of the highway to die. He points out that each of us came from just as unattractive beginnings before He found us. Dispite the ill tre… Mark Hughes 1916 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690756/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_amandateofmercylive/id/953559.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690756 Live,Mercy, Scripture: Ezekiel 16:1-16:6, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 08 Sep 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Robert Frizzell We hear a lot about what this preacher or that preacher said, but Bro. Frizzell asks: "Tell me what Jesus said." Jesus said "I am the way" Jesus is the path of life and to fullness of joy. Our life should be a worship to God. Shouting and dancing in a service is not worship, it is physical demonstration of how we feel. A true worship is the life that we live. We need to be in harmony with God. The only way to do that is to understand His thoughts. The only way to do that is to study His word. It is by studying His word that we can develop the relationship that we need with Him and that He desires to have with us. We hear a lot about what this preacher or that preacher said, but Bro. Frizzell asks: "Tell me what Jesus said." Jesus said "I am the way" Jesus is the path of life and to fullness of joy. Our life should be a worship to God. Shouting and dancing in a service is not worship, it is physical demonstration of how we feel. A true worship is the life that we live. We need to be in harmony with God. The only way to do that is to understand His thoughts. The only way to do that is to study His word. It is by studying His word that we can develop the relationship that we need with Him and that He desires to have with us. We hear a lot about what this preacher or that preacher said, but Bro. Frizzell asks: "Tell me what Jesus said." Jesus said "I am the way" Jesus is the path of life and to fullness of joy. Our life should be a worship to God. Shouting and dancing … Robert Frizzell 2727 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690757/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_tellmewhatesussaid/id/953560.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690757 Truth,Understanding Wed, 04 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes For some when the subject of prayer comes up, they begin to get nervous. Some people do not feel that they know how to pray. They feel overwhelmed. Many are afraid to pray. Still others have forgotten about prayer due to the insecurities they feel about it and their abilities. When we fail to pray, we undermine the very foundation of our peace and the very strength of our life. Tonight Bro. Hughes comes with a mission to shed a light on prayer that we have not seen before. Other than the 23 Psalm, our text is one of the most recognized scriptures in the bible. Most people can quote the Lord's Prayer word for word. For many people, reciting these words from memory is the only praying they do. In truth, the Lord's prayer is a model of how we are to pray. The disciples were with Jesus through many miracles and wondrous events. They did not ask Him to teach them how to do these miracles. They did however, ask Him to teach them to pray. Because they knew that by knowing how to pray they could have the power to do the miraculous. In the Lord's prayer, he gave them a model to use in their own prayer. We know it as the Lord's Prayer, but in truth, it is the apostle's prayer. What He teaches is that the power of prayer is not in the words that are spoken, but in the pattern of thinking that happens when we are praying. When our thoughts begin to flow in the pattern of this prayer, it becomes powerful, transforming and renewing. Bro. Hughes notes that there are seven points to this prayer. Some theologians believe that there are six points. Seven is God's number and six is the number of man. Bro. Hughes notes that prayer is actually connecting God's world with man's world. So when we look at this prayer we should note the order of the prayer. Secondly, the prayer deals with the three essential needs of man. * Give us this day our daily bread * Bread is a present need * Prayer brings our present needs to God * Forgive us our trespasses * This is a past need, we need forgiveness for things that happen in the past. * Man people struggle because they hide their past rather than bring their past to God to deal with. * Lead us not into temptation * This is a future need * We leave the unknown in God's hands. Prayer is a ladder, and the key to prayer is knowing where to start. In the open in line, Jesus sets the stage: Our father which art in heaven. You begin in the heavens and work down. We don't start on the earth and drag it up. We must fill our mind with God first before we begin to pray. Four times in the opening of the prayer, Jesus directs us to God before he moves on. By focusing on God first, we reaffirm that He is in control and can handle anything that we may bring to Him. When we pray like Jesus taught the disciples, we gain perspective. When we start high, we can see the whole picture and understand that God sees the entire situation and has it under control. Prayer connects us to His name and His kingdom. We realize that if there is a kingdom, there is a plan to run that kingdom. This is more than just about us. There is a divine purpose and plan at work. When we pray, we begin to realize that we are part of a kingdom that has no end. The world will fade away, but God's kingdom and His plan will go on forever. Thy will be done. This is a prayer of submission. We understand that God is sufficient and that by submitting to His will, we are giving ourselves over to the One that has the plan and complete picture of situation. For some when the subject of prayer comes up, they begin to get nervous. Some people do not feel that they know how to pray. They feel overwhelmed. Many are afraid to pray. Still others have forgotten about prayer due to the insecurities they feel about it and their abilities. When we fail to pray, we undermine the very foundation of our peace and the very strength of our life. Tonight Bro. Hughes comes with a mission to shed a light on prayer that we have not seen before. Other than the 23 Psalm, our text is one of the most recognized scriptures in the bible. Most people can quote the Lord's Prayer word for word. For many people, reciting these words from memory is the only praying they do. In truth, the Lord's prayer is a model of how we are to pray. The disciples were with Jesus through many miracles and wondrous events. They did not ask Him to teach them how to do these miracles. They did however, ask Him to teach them to pray. Because they knew that by knowing how to pray they could have the power to do the miraculous. In the Lord's prayer, he gave them a model to use in their own prayer. We know it as the Lord's Prayer, but in truth, it is the apostle's prayer. What He teaches is that the power of prayer is not in the words that are spoken, but in the pattern of thinking that happens when we are praying. When our thoughts begin to flow in the pattern of this prayer, it becomes powerful, transforming and renewing. Bro. Hughes notes that there are seven points to this prayer. Some theologians believe that there are six points. Seven is God's number and six is the number of man. Bro. Hughes notes that prayer is actually connecting God's world with man's world. So when we look at this prayer we should note the order of the prayer. Secondly, the prayer deals with the three essential needs of man. * Give us this day our daily bread * Bread is a present need * Prayer brings our present needs to God * Forgive us our trespasses * This is a past need, we need forgiveness for things that happen in the past. * Man people struggle because they hide their past rather than bring their past to God to deal with. * Lead us not into temptation * This is a future need * We leave the unknown in God's hands. Prayer is a ladder, and the key to prayer is knowing where to start. In the open in line, Jesus sets the stage: Our father which art in heaven. You begin in the heavens and work down. We don't start on the earth and drag it up. We must fill our mind with God first before we begin to pray. Four times in the opening of the prayer, Jesus directs us to God before he moves on. By focusing on God first, we reaffirm that He is in control and can handle anything that we may bring to Him. When we pray like Jesus taught the disciples, we gain perspective. When we start high, we can see the whole picture and understand that God sees the entire situation and has it under control. Prayer connects us to His name and His kingdom. We realize that if there is a kingdom, there is a plan to run that kingdom. This is more than just about us. There is a divine purpose and plan at work. When we pray, we begin to realize that we are part of a kingdom that has no end. The world will fade away, but God's kingdom and His plan will go on forever. Thy will be done. This is a prayer of submission. We understand that God is sufficient and that by submitting to His will, we are giving ourselves over to the One that has the plan and complete picture of situation. For some when the subject of prayer comes up, they begin to get nervous. Some people do not feel that they know how to pray. They feel overwhelmed. Many are afraid to pray. Still others have forgotten about prayer due to the insecurities they feel … Mark Hughes 2728 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690755/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thereispowerinprayer/id/953558.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690755 Prayer,Lord's Prayer,Model, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 01 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes It may sound too good to be true; But one prayer Can change your life forever. Our text usually ony gets visited at Christmas, but the message is instructive and enlightening at any time. Think about the time in Mary's life that this happened. Most historians believe that she was between 14-16. She surely had plans and dreams for her life. When the angel visited Mary it was just a normal day. Her response to the word from God changed the course of her life and that of humanity. Here in this life defining moment, God spoke to her about her future and how it played into HIs eternal plan. How many times do things happened to us that we think are just a coincidence, but in reality are a moment such as Mary encountered? It is the unplanned moments that can make or break a life. Often these defining moments show themselves as a problem. Never ignore problems in life, because it is through the problems in life that God advances us and brings us to the place we need to be. God has a divine purpose for our life. When we listen to that purpose and attempt to fulfill it, we will be lifted to a higher level. We cannot let the world tell us that we do not count. God has a plan and a purpose that the world cannot understand. Mary's reaction was normal: fear and doubt. She felt unworthy and unable to fulfil his purpose. She also realized that if be word were true that something would have to change n her life, Twice the angle told her to not to fear. Most would rather go their own way rather than think about change. Mary saw the limitation in her life. The questioning of the realities of what God was trying to do in her life, she says "How can it be?" We ask the same question as if God had not considered all the possibilities. We limit Him to the level of our own fleshly understanding. We have allowed that kind if thinking to limit Gods will and plan in our life. God has an answer to all of the questions and reservations we may have, we set limitations by our own weak thinking. As long as Mary viewed things for a human prospective, it was impossible. But once she saw it through the lens of God's eyes it changed her life. That is why Gods word is so important. The more we study the word, the more we see things through God's eyes. God has always had an answer to our objections, we must learn to see them though His eyes. If God calls us to do it, we can do it with His help. He has provided all that we need to accomplish his purpose. When it began to dawn on Mary what was possible in her lift, she began to change her attitude, she prays a simple prayer that changed her life for ever: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. ". A simple prayer with an amazing outcome. A prayer of submission. That is what God was waiting on in her life. Think. Of what Mary set into motion by praying that simple prayer. What can we set in motion by surrendering to God? It may sound too good to be true; But one prayer Can change your life forever. Our text usually ony gets visited at Christmas, but the message is instructive and enlightening at any time. Think about the time in Mary's life that this happened. Most historians believe that she was between 14-16. She surely had plans and dreams for her life. When the angel visited Mary it was just a normal day. Her response to the word from God changed the course of her life and that of humanity. Here in this life defining moment, God spoke to her about her future and how it played into HIs eternal plan. How many times do things happened to us that we think are just a coincidence, but in reality are a moment such as Mary encountered? It is the unplanned moments that can make or break a life. Often these defining moments show themselves as a problem. Never ignore problems in life, because it is through the problems in life that God advances us and brings us to the place we need to be. God has a divine purpose for our life. When we listen to that purpose and attempt to fulfill it, we will be lifted to a higher level. We cannot let the world tell us that we do not count. God has a plan and a purpose that the world cannot understand. Mary's reaction was normal: fear and doubt. She felt unworthy and unable to fulfil his purpose. She also realized that if be word were true that something would have to change n her life, Twice the angle told her to not to fear. Most would rather go their own way rather than think about change. Mary saw the limitation in her life. The questioning of the realities of what God was trying to do in her life, she says "How can it be?" We ask the same question as if God had not considered all the possibilities. We limit Him to the level of our own fleshly understanding. We have allowed that kind if thinking to limit Gods will and plan in our life. God has an answer to all of the questions and reservations we may have, we set limitations by our own weak thinking. As long as Mary viewed things for a human prospective, it was impossible. But once she saw it through the lens of God's eyes it changed her life. That is why Gods word is so important. The more we study the word, the more we see things through God's eyes. God has always had an answer to our objections, we must learn to see them though His eyes. If God calls us to do it, we can do it with His help. He has provided all that we need to accomplish his purpose. When it began to dawn on Mary what was possible in her lift, she began to change her attitude, she prays a simple prayer that changed her life for ever: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. ". A simple prayer with an amazing outcome. A prayer of submission. That is what God was waiting on in her life. Think. Of what Mary set into motion by praying that simple prayer. What can we set in motion by surrendering to God? It may sound too good to be true; But one prayer Can change your life forever. Our text usually ony gets visited at Christmas, but the message is instructive and enlightening at any time. Think about the time in Mary's life that this happened. Most h… Mark Hughes 3232 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690754/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_aprayerthatcanchangeyourlifefo/id/953557.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690754 Prayer,Submission,Change, Scripture: Luke 1:23-1:28, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 28 Aug 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Pastor preaches a message about the spirit of the Pharisee. Even though we live in a different day, that spirit still lives today. We have to learn not to be hypocritical and know that we are all trying to be more like Jesus. Pastor preaches a message about the spirit of the Pharisee. Even though we live in a different day, that spirit still lives today. We have to learn not to be hypocritical and know that we are all trying to be more like Jesus. Pastor preaches a message about the spirit of the Pharisee. Even though we live in a different day, that spirit still lives today. We have to learn not to be hypocritical and know that we are all trying to be more like Jesus.… Mark Hughes 3312 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690753/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theresponsibilityofprivilege/id/953556.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690753 Pharisee,spirit,hypocrite,Pastor Mark Hughes, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Fri, 23 Aug 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Pastor Hughes Preaches an awesome message about being a true christian. The book of Acts noticed people of Christians because they reminded them of Christ. When people look at you who do you remind them of? Pastor Hughes Preaches an awesome message about being a true christian. The book of Acts noticed people of Christians because they reminded them of Christ. When people look at you who do you remind them of? Pastor Hughes Preaches an awesome message about being a true christian. The book of Acts noticed people of Christians because they reminded them of Christ. When people look at you who do you remind them of? … Mark Hughes 3148 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690752/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatitreallymeanstobeachristia/id/953555.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690752 Christian,Acts,Pastor Mark Hughes,True, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Fri, 23 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Pastor Preaches About Hope. There was a tree that lied in the rubble of the devastating scene of 9/11 that had very little life. But someone took the time to take this "survivor tree" and plant it again, though scarred and burn marks were its reminder of that tragic day, its stands taller today than ever and bloomed into something beautiful. Though it doesn't look good in your situation right now, remember, There is Hope. Pastor Preaches About Hope. There was a tree that lied in the rubble of the devastating scene of 9/11 that had very little life. But someone took the time to take this "survivor tree" and plant it again, though scarred and burn marks were its reminder of that tragic day, its stands taller today than ever and bloomed into something beautiful. Though it doesn't look good in your situation right now, remember, There is Hope. Pastor Preaches About Hope. There was a tree that lied in the rubble of the devastating scene of 9/11 that had very little life. But someone took the time to take this "survivor tree" and plant it again, though scarred and burn marks were its reminder … Mark Hughes 2000 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690751/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thereishope/id/953554.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690751 Hope,Tree,9/11,Survivor, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Thu, 22 Aug 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Pastor preaches a message about a word of encouragement when times get tough, "be of good cheer or comfort", which meant be of good courage. Pastor preaches a message about a word of encouragement when times get tough, "be of good cheer or comfort", which meant be of good courage. Pastor preaches a message about a word of encouragement when times get tough, "be of good cheer or comfort", which meant be of good courage.… Mark Hughes 2281 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690749/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godhasawordforyourseason/id/953552.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690749 Pastor,Courage,Season,Word, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 11 Aug 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Pastor Preaches an awesome message about getting what you need from God right when you need it and what He gives to you will be the strength that you need to go on. Pastor Preaches an awesome message about getting what you need from God right when you need it and what He gives to you will be the strength that you need to go on. Pastor Preaches an awesome message about getting what you need from God right when you need it and what He gives to you will be the strength that you need to go on.… Mark Hughes 1779 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690750/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_strengthtogoon/id/953553.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690750 Strength,go on,Hughes,Pastor, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 07 Aug 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Why am I Not Suprised? Why am I Not Suprised? Why am I Not Suprised?… Mark Hughes 2288 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690748/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whyaminotsuprised/id/953551.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690748 Devil,Mark,Suprised,Why?, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 04 Aug 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison The curiosity of humans is evident. Babies who cannot even walk begin to reach out to explore their world. It is human nature to press against the limitation of our minds to investigate our environment. This curious nature is why we child proof our homes. There is a curiosity that is woven into the fabric of humanity. It is constantly there. It can be a blessing or it can be a curse. If it were not for the curious nature of Ben Franklin, the Wright Brothers, and countless others, our society would not be as advanced as it is now. These men had an idea that might work. They were willing to move forward on that maybe. This trait is not limited to these inventors. Curiosity is also the means by which God will push us to a new dimension spiritually. God did not intend our Christian walk to take place in stagnate waters. We cannot be satisfied with where we have been; we must push forward into another dimension. In our text Jonathan tells his armor bearer “It may be that the Lord will work for us.” He didn’t have a promise from God, but he was willing to step out on a maybe to reach a breakthrough. In our other text, the four lepers come to decision that if they didn’t move they would die. They might die, if the moved, but if they didn’t they would surely perish. As long as we stay put, nothing will change. If we stay where we are, we will be continue to be bound, tired, and sick. Only those people who are willing to move will be able to experience where God wants to take us. There is no reason to leave the same way we came. We must step out and move into another dimension. We must move on a maybe. The curiosity of humans is evident. Babies who cannot even walk begin to reach out to explore their world. It is human nature to press against the limitation of our minds to investigate our environment. This curious nature is why we child proof our homes. There is a curiosity that is woven into the fabric of humanity. It is constantly there. It can be a blessing or it can be a curse. If it were not for the curious nature of Ben Franklin, the Wright Brothers, and countless others, our society would not be as advanced as it is now. These men had an idea that might work. They were willing to move forward on that maybe. This trait is not limited to these inventors. Curiosity is also the means by which God will push us to a new dimension spiritually. God did not intend our Christian walk to take place in stagnate waters. We cannot be satisfied with where we have been; we must push forward into another dimension. In our text Jonathan tells his armor bearer “It may be that the Lord will work for us.” He didn’t have a promise from God, but he was willing to step out on a maybe to reach a breakthrough. In our other text, the four lepers come to decision that if they didn’t move they would die. They might die, if the moved, but if they didn’t they would surely perish. As long as we stay put, nothing will change. If we stay where we are, we will be continue to be bound, tired, and sick. Only those people who are willing to move will be able to experience where God wants to take us. There is no reason to leave the same way we came. We must step out and move into another dimension. We must move on a maybe. The curiosity of humans is evident. Babies who cannot even walk begin to reach out to explore their world. It is human nature to press against the limitation of our minds to investigate our environment. This curious nature is why we child proof our … Tyler Stevison 1616 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690745/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_movingonamaybe/id/953548.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690745 Curiosity,Maybe,Move,Step out Sun, 04 Aug 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison Bro Stevinson Preaches a message about what it REALLY takes to be successful in the Kingdom. Bro Stevinson Preaches a message about what it REALLY takes to be successful in the Kingdom. Bro Stevinson Preaches a message about what it REALLY takes to be successful in the Kingdom.… Tyler Stevison 2070 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690747/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thesecrettosuccess/id/953550.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690747 Success,Tyler Stevinson,Preaching,Secret, Custom categories: Reverend: Tyler Stevison Wed, 31 Jul 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison Living for God is the best life that someone could live. Living for God is a privilege that goes unnoticed. We get the opportunity to serve Him. We should have a full understanding of that privilege. Regardless of status in life, everybody has the same privilege. Money cannot buy it, and education cannot earn it. All are entitled to the privilege to serve God. God wants us to change our world. We need the power of God. Everything we do should be with the power of the Holy Ghost. There are misunderstandings about this power. We place great emphasis on what we see. When we see a powerful service where people are dancing, praying and shouting, we can see the power of the Holy Ghost. Too many people equate a Sunday night shout down as the power. Bro. Stevison reminds us that that kind of service is a manifestation of the power, not the power. That is not where we go to get the anointing and the power. So where do we go to recharge our spiritual batteries? What is the source of the power that we need to change our world. Bro. Stevison explains that the source of power is an alter. All through the bible, we see examples of alter building and the celebration of significant events. In times of joy, God’s people built an alter. In times of sorrow; in times of defeat; in times of victory, they built an alter. Alters are symbolic of submission, obedience and worship. Noah, Moses, Abraham, Isaac, David all built alters. Everything that we desire begins at an alter. Before we can operate in the fullness of God’s power, we must assess the condition of our alter. Living for God is the best life that someone could live. Living for God is a privilege that goes unnoticed. We get the opportunity to serve Him. We should have a full understanding of that privilege. Regardless of status in life, everybody has the same privilege. Money cannot buy it, and education cannot earn it. All are entitled to the privilege to serve God. God wants us to change our world. We need the power of God. Everything we do should be with the power of the Holy Ghost. There are misunderstandings about this power. We place great emphasis on what we see. When we see a powerful service where people are dancing, praying and shouting, we can see the power of the Holy Ghost. Too many people equate a Sunday night shout down as the power. Bro. Stevison reminds us that that kind of service is a manifestation of the power, not the power. That is not where we go to get the anointing and the power. So where do we go to recharge our spiritual batteries? What is the source of the power that we need to change our world. Bro. Stevison explains that the source of power is an alter. All through the bible, we see examples of alter building and the celebration of significant events. In times of joy, God’s people built an alter. In times of sorrow; in times of defeat; in times of victory, they built an alter. Alters are symbolic of submission, obedience and worship. Noah, Moses, Abraham, Isaac, David all built alters. Everything that we desire begins at an alter. Before we can operate in the fullness of God’s power, we must assess the condition of our alter. Living for God is the best life that someone could live. Living for God is a privilege that goes unnoticed. We get the opportunity to serve Him. We should have a full understanding of that privilege. Regardless of status in life, everybody has the … Tyler Stevison 2497 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690744/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thepowerofaproperalter/id/953547.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690744 Power,Alter Sun, 28 Jul 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison From Almost To Altogether From Almost To Altogether From Almost To Altogether… Tyler Stevison 1658 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690746/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_fromalmosttoaltogether/id/953549.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690746 Tyler Stevinson,Almost,Preaching,Message, Custom categories: Reverend: Tyler Stevison Sun, 21 Jul 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison There is little to compare to the feeling we get when we experience something fresh and new. A new coat of paint even on old walls, evoke a sense of pride. Nothing can compare to donuts as they come out of the cooker or fresh rolls straight out of the oven. No one wants the day old rolls or donuts. We are attracted to something that is fresh. Even one-day-old bread can hide mold or otherwise not be as good as it once was. In our text, the Lord provided manna for Israel to eat. It was fresh every morning, and Moses told the people to only gather as much as they could eat in one day. The Lord commanded that they would go out each and every day and get a fresh supply. Even so, some tried to keep extra bread for the next day, and they found it to be full of worms the next day. God could have said, “Gather enough for the week.” He didn’t because he wanted Israel to know that they had to rely on Him each and every day. God specializes in what is new. He is not a god of yesterday, but a god of today. There are too many people who are trying to make it living for God on what He did yesterday. We must seek something new every day. Our greatest breakthrough has not happened yet. We need a fresh move of God. Living for God is an everyday thing and we need a fresh move. We cannot be satisfied with an old piece of bread, we need new bread! God is looking for a people who are not satisfied with the blessing from last week. There is little to compare to the feeling we get when we experience something fresh and new. A new coat of paint even on old walls, evoke a sense of pride. Nothing can compare to donuts as they come out of the cooker or fresh rolls straight out of the oven. No one wants the day old rolls or donuts. We are attracted to something that is fresh. Even one-day-old bread can hide mold or otherwise not be as good as it once was. In our text, the Lord provided manna for Israel to eat. It was fresh every morning, and Moses told the people to only gather as much as they could eat in one day. The Lord commanded that they would go out each and every day and get a fresh supply. Even so, some tried to keep extra bread for the next day, and they found it to be full of worms the next day. God could have said, “Gather enough for the week.” He didn’t because he wanted Israel to know that they had to rely on Him each and every day. God specializes in what is new. He is not a god of yesterday, but a god of today. There are too many people who are trying to make it living for God on what He did yesterday. We must seek something new every day. Our greatest breakthrough has not happened yet. We need a fresh move of God. Living for God is an everyday thing and we need a fresh move. We cannot be satisfied with an old piece of bread, we need new bread! God is looking for a people who are not satisfied with the blessing from last week. There is little to compare to the feeling we get when we experience something fresh and new. A new coat of paint even on old walls, evoke a sense of pride. Nothing can compare to donuts as they come out of the cooker or fresh rolls straight out of th… Tyler Stevison 2013 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690743/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thedangerofdayoldbread/id/953546.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690743 Fresh,New,Stale, Scripture: Exodus 16:11-16:20 Sun, 21 Jul 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison God is for us. This sounds simple, but the world in which we live has painted a portrait of a God who would delight in our misfortune and pain. It seems as if there are times in our life when we cannot understand His plan, and feel as if we are victims of Heaven’s wrath. This mindset is born of a misunderstanding on what it takes to receive a miracle. Miracles do not just happen. People who receive miracles must pursue after God. Our texts point out three different miracles that were a result of someone seeking after God to receive it. The desires of the heart are always demonstrated with an outward manifestation. Think of a child in the toy isle. If they want something, they will make it known. Likewise, if we want something from God, but do not ask or demonstrate that need to God, He is not going to move. There is a formula for receiving a miracle. We cannot just believe that God will deliver miracles and blessings on us without reaching out to Him. Whatever we need it available, but in order to receive it, we must ask and praise Him in order to receive it. Our text shows different scenarios of people reaching out to God. In Mark 3, we find the man with the withered hand. He was in the synagogue, but his hand was still withered. He was in the house of God, but he still had problems. Jesus walks up to him and asks him to stretch forth his hand. This man had a decision. He could have stretched forth his other hand, but he chose to expose his problem to Jesus. His decision to expose his weakness led to his miracle. We have the same opportunity. We must show and open up to God what we need fixed. Jesus knew what that man’s problem was, but he had to make the decision to open up expose his flaw to Jesus. In Mark 5 is the story of the woman with the issue of blood. She had exhausted all her resources and energy trying to fix it. She was out of options and she made up her mind that if she could just touch the hem of Jesus’ garment, she would be made whole. She didn’t need the spotlight or even His attention; she just knew that she need only get close to Jesus. This one moment with Jesus changed her life. We never read again about this woman ever having an encounter with Jesus again. Some in church have multiple encounters with Jesus and are never changed. In order to be changed, we must put forth the effort. Jacob led a life of deception and trickery. Finally in Genesis 32, Jacob finds himself alone. He wrestled with a man all night. This was a physical manifestation of what had been going on in his life for years spirally. The angel demands to know Jacob’s name because his name defined his past. Jacob had to confess his past to God before he could receive his blessing. Nothing is too hard for God. If we can reach out; reach past our insecurities, reach past what we cannot understand, our miracle is within reach. God is for us. This sounds simple, but the world in which we live has painted a portrait of a God who would delight in our misfortune and pain. It seems as if there are times in our life when we cannot understand His plan, and feel as if we are victims of Heaven’s wrath. This mindset is born of a misunderstanding on what it takes to receive a miracle. Miracles do not just happen. People who receive miracles must pursue after God. Our texts point out three different miracles that were a result of someone seeking after God to receive it. The desires of the heart are always demonstrated with an outward manifestation. Think of a child in the toy isle. If they want something, they will make it known. Likewise, if we want something from God, but do not ask or demonstrate that need to God, He is not going to move. There is a formula for receiving a miracle. We cannot just believe that God will deliver miracles and blessings on us without reaching out to Him. Whatever we need it available, but in order to receive it, we must ask and praise Him in order to receive it. Our text shows different scenarios of people reaching out to God. In Mark 3, we find the man with the withered hand. He was in the synagogue, but his hand was still withered. He was in the house of God, but he still had problems. Jesus walks up to him and asks him to stretch forth his hand. This man had a decision. He could have stretched forth his other hand, but he chose to expose his problem to Jesus. His decision to expose his weakness led to his miracle. We have the same opportunity. We must show and open up to God what we need fixed. Jesus knew what that man’s problem was, but he had to make the decision to open up expose his flaw to Jesus. In Mark 5 is the story of the woman with the issue of blood. She had exhausted all her resources and energy trying to fix it. She was out of options and she made up her mind that if she could just touch the hem of Jesus’ garment, she would be made whole. She didn’t need the spotlight or even His attention; she just knew that she need only get close to Jesus. This one moment with Jesus changed her life. We never read again about this woman ever having an encounter with Jesus again. Some in church have multiple encounters with Jesus and are never changed. In order to be changed, we must put forth the effort. Jacob led a life of deception and trickery. Finally in Genesis 32, Jacob finds himself alone. He wrestled with a man all night. This was a physical manifestation of what had been going on in his life for years spirally. The angel demands to know Jacob’s name because his name defined his past. Jacob had to confess his past to God before he could receive his blessing. Nothing is too hard for God. If we can reach out; reach past our insecurities, reach past what we cannot understand, our miracle is within reach. God is for us. This sounds simple, but the world in which we live has painted a portrait of a God who would delight in our misfortune and pain. It seems as if there are times in our life when we cannot understand His plan, and feel as if we are victim… Tyler Stevison 2085 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690742/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_yourmiracleiswithinreach/id/953545.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690742 Miracle,Reach,desperation, Scripture: Genesis 23:24-23:26 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison Our world is increasingly materialistic. Often success is defined as enough money, or a bigger house, or a collection of possessions. For too many, success is defined on what we can see. Because of this, many people place unreasonable demands on their lives. These unreasonable demands bring a great deal of stress into our lives. Couple this with the continuous onslaught from Hell, and it is easy to understand why many churches are not able to experience revival. The compounded affect of the world’s demands, and the relentless attacks from Hell leads Bro. Stevison to use one word to describe Christians today: Weary. This is a good versus evil battle. God has the power to bring us out. There is more power in the Holy Ghost that the Devil ever thought of. So why do we allow the devil to have such influence in our life? We cannot overcome it by ourselves, but with God’s help we can see victory. We have become so weary in living for God and dealing with the world that we live from breakthrough to breakthrough. Between the breakthroughs is weariness. This church has seen victory in the past, but they have been partial victories. If we want to see a complete victory, we must fight through weariness and continue to fight. We must not allow their weariness to supersede our willingness. Our world is increasingly materialistic. Often success is defined as enough money, or a bigger house, or a collection of possessions. For too many, success is defined on what we can see. Because of this, many people place unreasonable demands on their lives. These unreasonable demands bring a great deal of stress into our lives. Couple this with the continuous onslaught from Hell, and it is easy to understand why many churches are not able to experience revival. The compounded affect of the world’s demands, and the relentless attacks from Hell leads Bro. Stevison to use one word to describe Christians today: Weary. This is a good versus evil battle. God has the power to bring us out. There is more power in the Holy Ghost that the Devil ever thought of. So why do we allow the devil to have such influence in our life? We cannot overcome it by ourselves, but with God’s help we can see victory. We have become so weary in living for God and dealing with the world that we live from breakthrough to breakthrough. Between the breakthroughs is weariness. This church has seen victory in the past, but they have been partial victories. If we want to see a complete victory, we must fight through weariness and continue to fight. We must not allow their weariness to supersede our willingness. Our world is increasingly materialistic. Often success is defined as enough money, or a bigger house, or a collection of possessions. For too many, success is defined on what we can see. Because of this, many people place unreasonable demands on the… Tyler Stevison 1727 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690741/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wearybutwilling/id/953544.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690741 Tired,Weary,Willing, Scripture: Judges 8:4-8:5 Sun, 14 Jul 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison We live in a day when “religion” is more prevalent than it has ever been. There are approximately 20 known religions in the world. Christians make up roughly 2.5 billion people. In the Christian movement alone, there are 34,000 denominations. Religion and denominations do not scare Satan. Hell focus on those who are passionate and who are determined to live for God regardless of the effort required doing so. Satan does not want us to go to heaven. Satan does not want us to service Jesus. When we declare that we will serve God, Satan will not step aside and let us do it. The enemy will do anything he can to impede any progress in living for God. He will try to bind us in anyway he can. One of our texts tells of Paul and Silas being bound in physical chains and detained in prison. The other text describes a man that was not bound by chains. In fact, chains could not hold him. He was possessed by sprits that kept him bound. Regardless of what we may face or how we may be detained, but we are not defeated. Jesus purchased victory for us all! It all starts with a desire: The desire for deliverance; the desire for a break through; the desire for victory. Paul and Silas may have well questioned if they would make it, but they worshiped God anyway. Their circumstances were dire, but they did not allow this to get in the way of their worship. We sometimes rely on our feelings to move us into worship, but the reality is that when we feel least like it, is when we need to worship the most. The man with the legion of demons in him did not allow that to interfere with his worship of Jesus. If we are going to have a breakthrough, we have to be sick of being where we are. It is time for someone to take authority over what has ruled them for so long. We may be detained, but we are not defeated. We live in a day when “religion” is more prevalent than it has ever been. There are approximately 20 known religions in the world. Christians make up roughly 2.5 billion people. In the Christian movement alone, there are 34,000 denominations. Religion and denominations do not scare Satan. Hell focus on those who are passionate and who are determined to live for God regardless of the effort required doing so. Satan does not want us to go to heaven. Satan does not want us to service Jesus. When we declare that we will serve God, Satan will not step aside and let us do it. The enemy will do anything he can to impede any progress in living for God. He will try to bind us in anyway he can. One of our texts tells of Paul and Silas being bound in physical chains and detained in prison. The other text describes a man that was not bound by chains. In fact, chains could not hold him. He was possessed by sprits that kept him bound. Regardless of what we may face or how we may be detained, but we are not defeated. Jesus purchased victory for us all! It all starts with a desire: The desire for deliverance; the desire for a break through; the desire for victory. Paul and Silas may have well questioned if they would make it, but they worshiped God anyway. Their circumstances were dire, but they did not allow this to get in the way of their worship. We sometimes rely on our feelings to move us into worship, but the reality is that when we feel least like it, is when we need to worship the most. The man with the legion of demons in him did not allow that to interfere with his worship of Jesus. If we are going to have a breakthrough, we have to be sick of being where we are. It is time for someone to take authority over what has ruled them for so long. We may be detained, but we are not defeated. We live in a day when “religion” is more prevalent than it has ever been. There are approximately 20 known religions in the world. Christians make up roughly 2.5 billion people. In the Christian movement alone, there are 34,000 denominations. Relig… Tyler Stevison 2240 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690740/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_detainedbutnotdefeated/id/953543.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690740 Detained,Bound,Free, Scripture: Mark 5:1-5:13 Sun, 14 Jul 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison God’s ability to provide and perform has left many in disbelief. At the depth of his trial, God spoke into Job’s life and reminded him of His power. We can become blinded by our problems and our dilemma, but God has not changed with time. He is still on the throne. The same God that worked in Job’s life is working in our life now. Sometimes we need to be reminded of His power. God takes pleasure in doing a good work. Our legitimate needs are compelling to God. God loves to heal a broken heart, or cleansing a sin stained soul. When men say it is impossible, that is when God is at His best. Given this, we would think we would always let God have His way. The reality is quite different. Some people choose to rob God of opportunities to do a work in their lives. Every time we allow unbelief to grip our spirit, we rob God of an opportunity to reveal His greatness and power. As much as God wants to do it for us, He can only do what we believe He can do. If we do not believe it, we tie God’s hands. God takes offense at our unbelief. Unbelief robs God of an opportunity to show His glory and power. If we can believe it, God can perform it! Often unbelief is not rooted in knowledge that He cannot do it, but that He has not done it yet. Everything that God does starts with someone believing that He can do it. If we can believe it, God can perform it! God’s ability to provide and perform has left many in disbelief. At the depth of his trial, God spoke into Job’s life and reminded him of His power. We can become blinded by our problems and our dilemma, but God has not changed with time. He is still on the throne. The same God that worked in Job’s life is working in our life now. Sometimes we need to be reminded of His power. God takes pleasure in doing a good work. Our legitimate needs are compelling to God. God loves to heal a broken heart, or cleansing a sin stained soul. When men say it is impossible, that is when God is at His best. Given this, we would think we would always let God have His way. The reality is quite different. Some people choose to rob God of opportunities to do a work in their lives. Every time we allow unbelief to grip our spirit, we rob God of an opportunity to reveal His greatness and power. As much as God wants to do it for us, He can only do what we believe He can do. If we do not believe it, we tie God’s hands. God takes offense at our unbelief. Unbelief robs God of an opportunity to show His glory and power. If we can believe it, God can perform it! Often unbelief is not rooted in knowledge that He cannot do it, but that He has not done it yet. Everything that God does starts with someone believing that He can do it. If we can believe it, God can perform it! God’s ability to provide and perform has left many in disbelief. At the depth of his trial, God spoke into Job’s life and reminded him of His power. We can become blinded by our problems and our dilemma, but God has not changed with time. He is stil… Tyler Stevison 2260 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690739/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_robbersofdivineopportunities/id/953542.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690739 Opportunities,Belief,Blessing Fri, 12 Jul 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison Bro Tyler preaches an awesome message about God's grace and us forgiving others and not being so quick to judge when they have done wrong. Bro Tyler preaches an awesome message about God's grace and us forgiving others and not being so quick to judge when they have done wrong. Bro Tyler preaches an awesome message about God's grace and us forgiving others and not being so quick to judge when they have done wrong.… Tyler Stevison 1819 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690738/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_pleaseputdownthestones/id/953541.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690738 Forgiveness,stone,mercy ,Tyler Sun, 07 Jul 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison He Calls Because He Cares He Calls Because He Cares He Calls Because He Cares… Tyler Stevison 1872 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690737/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hecallsbecausehecares/id/953540.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690737 Calls,Tyler,Stevinson,Love Sun, 30 Jun 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Pastor Hughes preaches a message about getting back to God when you feel like all hope is gone. Pastor Hughes preaches a message about getting back to God when you feel like all hope is gone. Pastor Hughes preaches a message about getting back to God when you feel like all hope is gone.… Mark Hughes 1795 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690735/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thereisawayback/id/953538.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690735 Pastor,Mark,Hughes,way back, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 30 Jun 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Bro Alexander talks about making plans for God. Bro Alexander talks about making plans for God. Bro Alexander talks about making plans for God.… Kenneth Baker 1875 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690736/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whereisgodinyourplans/id/953539.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690736 Alexander,Plans,Time Sun, 23 Jun 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Pastor Hughes Preaches a message about How to make it home. Pastor Hughes Preaches a message about How to make it home. Pastor Hughes Preaches a message about How to make it home. … Mark Hughes 2012 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690734/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtomakeithome/id/953537.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690734 Hughes,Pastor,Home,Mark, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Bro Hughes Preaches a message about change. Bro Hughes Preaches a message about change. Bro Hughes Preaches a message about change.… Mark Hughes 2330 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690733/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_facingthechallengesofchange/id/953536.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690733 Change,Hughes,Challenges,antichrist, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 09 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0000 Jay Hilton Bro Jay Preaches about a Holy Ghost Desperation. Bro Jay Preaches about a Holy Ghost Desperation. Bro Jay Preaches about a Holy Ghost Desperation.… Jay Hilton 2603 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690732/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_aholyghostdesperation/id/953535.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690732 Jay Hilton,Holy Ghost,Preaching,Desperation, Custom categories: Reverend: Jay Hilton Sun, 09 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0000 Landon Long Landon Long Ministering from the subject I'm Still Alive.(Good Samaritan) Landon Long Ministering from the subject I'm Still Alive.(Good Samaritan) Landon Long Ministering from the subject I'm Still Alive.(Good Samaritan) … Landon Long 2697 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690731/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_imstillalive/id/953534.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690731 Alive,Half Dead,Preaching,Landon Long, Custom categories: Reverend: Landon Long Wed, 05 Jun 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Pastor Hughes brings the word, that there are few that find the Right way to life and many find the wrong way in life, and we must desire the right way of life need to stop and think and will the road we are on take us to that right way of life. Pastor Hughes brings the word, that there are few that find the Right way to life and many find the wrong way in life, and we must desire the right way of life need to stop and think and will the road we are on take us to that right way of life. Pastor Hughes brings the word, that there are few that find the Right way to life and many find the wrong way in life, and we must desire the right way of life need to stop and think and will the road we are on take us to that right way of life.… Mark Hughes 2477 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690730/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_aninconvenienttruth/id/953533.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690730 Preaching, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 02 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Bro Tim Milligan Tells us of a God who gives second chances and teaches us how to mend our nets. Bro Tim Milligan Tells us of a God who gives second chances and teaches us how to mend our nets. Bro Tim Milligan Tells us of a God who gives second chances and teaches us how to mend our nets.… Kenneth Baker 2398 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690729/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_mendednetsandsecondchances/id/953532.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690729 Preaching,Chruch,Worship,Praise, Custom categories: Guest Speaker: Tim Milligan Sun, 02 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Bro Milligan bringing the word on our sunday evening service June 2nd 2013. Bro Milligan bringing the word on our sunday evening service June 2nd 2013. Bro Milligan bringing the word on our sunday evening service June 2nd 2013.… Kenneth Baker 2719 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690728/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_principlesinthepathtorestorati/id/953531.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690728 Preaching,Worship,Prayer,Church, Custom categories: Guest Speaker: Tim Milligan Sun, 02 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Bro Milligan bringing the word on our sunday evening service June 2nd 2013. Bro Milligan bringing the word on our sunday evening service June 2nd 2013. Bro Milligan bringing the word on our sunday evening service June 2nd 2013.… Kenneth Baker https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690728/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_principlesinthepathtorestorati/id/150584 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690728 Preaching,Worship,Prayer,Church, Custom categories: Guest Speaker: Tim Milligan Wed, 29 May 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Where has normal gone? Most things that we have considered normal have been changed, redefined or unraveled. The world spends a lot of energy and time to convince us that what we are experiencing now is the new normal. Normal as we have known it will never be seen again. The world and the media push an agenda that is contrary to the normal that most of us grew up with. Attendance at church is on a steady decline. It can be argued that America is no longer a Christian nation. It is increasingly difficult for a person to live by Godly principles in our wicked world. Jesus was not ignorant of 2013 when He walked the earth. He knew what we would face and He understands the world in which we live. Our text tells us that we would live in times of tribulation. Our text contains some of the most reassuring and uplifting words that Jesus ever spoke: “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Nothing that we face today, none of the reports that we read, and none of the happenings in the world have caught the Lord off guard. Jesus declares that he has a remedy for these pressing times. Where has normal gone? Most things that we have considered normal have been changed, redefined or unraveled. The world spends a lot of energy and time to convince us that what we are experiencing now is the new normal. Normal as we have known it will never be seen again. The world and the media push an agenda that is contrary to the normal that most of us grew up with. Attendance at church is on a steady decline. It can be argued that America is no longer a Christian nation. It is increasingly difficult for a person to live by Godly principles in our wicked world. Jesus was not ignorant of 2013 when He walked the earth. He knew what we would face and He understands the world in which we live. Our text tells us that we would live in times of tribulation. Our text contains some of the most reassuring and uplifting words that Jesus ever spoke: “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Nothing that we face today, none of the reports that we read, and none of the happenings in the world have caught the Lord off guard. Jesus declares that he has a remedy for these pressing times. Where has normal gone? Most things that we have considered normal have been changed, redefined or unraveled. The world spends a lot of energy and time to convince us that what we are experiencing now is the new normal. Normal as we have known it wil… Mark Hughes 2339 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690727/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theremedyforpressingtimes/id/953530.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690727 Pressing,Overcome, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 22 May 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our church is in the midst of revival. When this happens, it is no surprise that the enemy will redouble his effort to stop that and bring it to a halt. Bro. Hughes compares this effort of and the experience of Nehemiah. He was part of the greatest revival that ever came to Jerusalem. Not only does revival anger the devil, but it will also make carnal people uncomfortable. Nehemiah faced great opposition. They criticized him, they murmured against him, but Nehemiah never ceased in his work to rebuild the walls. When we are doing a good work, there will always be people who will come against us and try to sabotage the good work. In the face of all the distractions, Nehemiah had tremendous focus on his vision. He never lost sight of what God had called him to do. Bro. Hughes asks: What was the key to Nehemiah’s perseverance? How did he face the opposition and continue building? How did he deal with all that was thrown at him, and yet continue building the wall? The answer to these questions is in verse three. In his own words, Nehemiah says: “I am doing a great work.” How he viewed the work he was doing framed the way that he approached it. His vision was that he was doing a GREAT work. If he had been just doing a work he might not have been so dedicated. The attitude he had about his work determined the way he went about doing it. The reason we have mediocrity in our lives, church and families is because of our attitude about hour lives, church and families. The quality of our effort is determined by our attitude about what we are doing. We need the attitude that our family, our life, our church is great and worth our best effort. Whats the use: It is a great work; that is the answer. Our church is in the midst of revival. When this happens, it is no surprise that the enemy will redouble his effort to stop that and bring it to a halt. Bro. Hughes compares this effort of and the experience of Nehemiah. He was part of the greatest revival that ever came to Jerusalem. Not only does revival anger the devil, but it will also make carnal people uncomfortable. Nehemiah faced great opposition. They criticized him, they murmured against him, but Nehemiah never ceased in his work to rebuild the walls. When we are doing a good work, there will always be people who will come against us and try to sabotage the good work. In the face of all the distractions, Nehemiah had tremendous focus on his vision. He never lost sight of what God had called him to do. Bro. Hughes asks: What was the key to Nehemiah’s perseverance? How did he face the opposition and continue building? How did he deal with all that was thrown at him, and yet continue building the wall? The answer to these questions is in verse three. In his own words, Nehemiah says: “I am doing a great work.” How he viewed the work he was doing framed the way that he approached it. His vision was that he was doing a GREAT work. If he had been just doing a work he might not have been so dedicated. The attitude he had about his work determined the way he went about doing it. The reason we have mediocrity in our lives, church and families is because of our attitude about hour lives, church and families. The quality of our effort is determined by our attitude about what we are doing. We need the attitude that our family, our life, our church is great and worth our best effort. Whats the use: It is a great work; that is the answer. Our church is in the midst of revival. When this happens, it is no surprise that the enemy will redouble his effort to stop that and bring it to a halt. Bro. Hughes compares this effort of and the experience of Nehemiah. He was part of the greatest … Mark Hughes 2640 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690726/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatstheuse/id/953529.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690726 Great Work,Great, Scripture: Nehemiah 6:1-6:3, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 15 May 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Jay Hilton Peter was the most outspoken of the 12. Peter was originally named Simon, but when he met Jesus called him Peter meaning rock. Peter was married and was a follower of John the Baptist. He was a sinful man. Peter was the first disciple called. He was a fisherman. Fishermen at that time were rough and crude. Peter often put his foot in his mouth. When Jesus called them, they turned and walked away from their former life. Peter was present at the wedding when Jesus performed his first miracle. Peter walked on the water to meet Jesus. Peter had a strong love for Jesus. Peter would have given his life for Jesus. When they came to arrest Jesus, Peter drew his sword and cut off the ear of one of the guards. Peter also denied Jesus three times. Bro. Hilton asks: “Why did Peter deny Jesus?” Given all we know about Peter’s life, why would he do this? The usual reasons given for this are fear, a character flaw or something similar. Earlier in the evening, Peter was ready to take on a mob to project Jesus, but now he denies him and we are supposed to believe that it is out of fear for his personal safety? Bro. Hilton offers another reason. Peter was the most outspoken of the 12. Peter was originally named Simon, but when he met Jesus called him Peter meaning rock. Peter was married and was a follower of John the Baptist. He was a sinful man. Peter was the first disciple called. He was a fisherman. Fishermen at that time were rough and crude. Peter often put his foot in his mouth. When Jesus called them, they turned and walked away from their former life. Peter was present at the wedding when Jesus performed his first miracle. Peter walked on the water to meet Jesus. Peter had a strong love for Jesus. Peter would have given his life for Jesus. When they came to arrest Jesus, Peter drew his sword and cut off the ear of one of the guards. Peter also denied Jesus three times. Bro. Hilton asks: “Why did Peter deny Jesus?” Given all we know about Peter’s life, why would he do this? The usual reasons given for this are fear, a character flaw or something similar. Earlier in the evening, Peter was ready to take on a mob to project Jesus, but now he denies him and we are supposed to believe that it is out of fear for his personal safety? Bro. Hilton offers another reason. Peter was the most outspoken of the 12. Peter was originally named Simon, but when he met Jesus called him Peter meaning rock. Peter was married and was a follower of John the Baptist. He was a sinful man. Peter was the first disciple called. He w… Jay Hilton 3117 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690725/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thatthyfaithfailnot/id/953528.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690725 Denial,Faith,Obedience, Scripture: Matthew 16:20-16:21 Sun, 12 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes This world needs mothers that will let their lives reflects Godly principles. Our text explains that we are all epistles. A mother’s life that is an example of Godly living is a better testimony than any other. A woman’s desire for her family is powerful and has a great deal in determining the lives of her children. The vision that a woman casts over her home is more so important in determining the relationship her family has with God. A legacy is what you leave behind. The best legacy that a mother can leave behind is her translation of the bible into her life. This world needs mothers that will let their lives reflects Godly principles. Our text explains that we are all epistles. A mother’s life that is an example of Godly living is a better testimony than any other. A woman’s desire for her family is powerful and has a great deal in determining the lives of her children. The vision that a woman casts over her home is more so important in determining the relationship her family has with God. A legacy is what you leave behind. The best legacy that a mother can leave behind is her translation of the bible into her life. This world needs mothers that will let their lives reflects Godly principles. Our text explains that we are all epistles. A mother’s life that is an example of Godly living is a better testimony than any other. A woman’s desire for her family is powe… Mark Hughes 2107 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690724/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_amotherslegacy/id/953527.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690724 Legacy,Godly,Translation, Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:1-3:3, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Thu, 09 May 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes How heavy does something have to be before it is too heavy? The weight does not matter, but the longer you hold something the heavier it becomes. Many people are holding onto things that are causing them to be weary. It might be something small, but even a small thing can weigh on a man over time. It is important that we know how to lay our burdens down. Our text tonight is not a feel good passage. He is not saying “cheer up, it will be okay.” They are not words of sympathy. They are words of an invitation. Many have equated this verse to salvation, but in fact it is a verse of survival. It is an invitation to a new quality of life. The only place to find this new quality of life is in His presence. The promise that Jesus made is that if we will come to Him, He WILL give rest. The word used in the original Greek is not rest, as we know it, it is the word that we have come to know as rejuvenate. If we can get into His presence He will and provide an answer for the tired. How heavy does something have to be before it is too heavy? The weight does not matter, but the longer you hold something the heavier it becomes. Many people are holding onto things that are causing them to be weary. It might be something small, but even a small thing can weigh on a man over time. It is important that we know how to lay our burdens down. Our text tonight is not a feel good passage. He is not saying “cheer up, it will be okay.” They are not words of sympathy. They are words of an invitation. Many have equated this verse to salvation, but in fact it is a verse of survival. It is an invitation to a new quality of life. The only place to find this new quality of life is in His presence. The promise that Jesus made is that if we will come to Him, He WILL give rest. The word used in the original Greek is not rest, as we know it, it is the word that we have come to know as rejuvenate. If we can get into His presence He will and provide an answer for the tired. How heavy does something have to be before it is too heavy? The weight does not matter, but the longer you hold something the heavier it becomes. Many people are holding onto things that are causing them to be weary. It might be something small, but … Mark Hughes 1930 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690723/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theanswerforatiredworld/id/953526.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690723 Tired,burden,Load,Rest, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 01 May 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Habits are formed over a long period of time. Some habits are of no consequence. However, some can greatly affect life. In his letter to the church at Thessalonica, Paul sets out seven principles. These seven simple, but profound principles can help in leading a blessed life. 1. Rejoice evermore. The knowledge of what God has done in our life should create in us a spirit of happiness. When we allow Him into our lives, it moves out all the fear, uncertainty and doubt that try to crowd into each of our lives. When our life is filled with the Holy Ghost, there is no room for those other things. 2. Pray always. This means that there is a consistency to our prayer life. We make our dependence upon God, not on man. There should not be a day that goes by without prayer. Never give up on prayers. God wants us to pray consistently on a daily basis. 3. Give thanks. Thank God in everything and for everything. No matter what happens, in all circumstances, give thanks. Do this because giving thanks is the attitude of an overcomer. 4. Quench not the spirit. We must develop the habit of rekindling the Holy Ghost in our sprit. We must keep the fire burning. The nature of a fire is to burn out. We must actively work to keep the spiritual fire going. 5. Do not despise the prophesying. Do not ignore the word of God. It is important to hear good preaching and take it into our lives. 6. Test all things. Not everything that glitters is gold. We must learn to be able to tell the difference. We do that by handling the good in life, and learning to discern the bad when it comes along. 7. Abstain from the appearance of evil. Don’t live so close to the edge that it would be easy to fall off. Habits are formed over a long period of time. Some habits are of no consequence. However, some can greatly affect life. In his letter to the church at Thessalonica, Paul sets out seven principles. These seven simple, but profound principles can help in leading a blessed life. 1. Rejoice evermore. The knowledge of what God has done in our life should create in us a spirit of happiness. When we allow Him into our lives, it moves out all the fear, uncertainty and doubt that try to crowd into each of our lives. When our life is filled with the Holy Ghost, there is no room for those other things. 2. Pray always. This means that there is a consistency to our prayer life. We make our dependence upon God, not on man. There should not be a day that goes by without prayer. Never give up on prayers. God wants us to pray consistently on a daily basis. 3. Give thanks. Thank God in everything and for everything. No matter what happens, in all circumstances, give thanks. Do this because giving thanks is the attitude of an overcomer. 4. Quench not the spirit. We must develop the habit of rekindling the Holy Ghost in our sprit. We must keep the fire burning. The nature of a fire is to burn out. We must actively work to keep the spiritual fire going. 5. Do not despise the prophesying. Do not ignore the word of God. It is important to hear good preaching and take it into our lives. 6. Test all things. Not everything that glitters is gold. We must learn to be able to tell the difference. We do that by handling the good in life, and learning to discern the bad when it comes along. 7. Abstain from the appearance of evil. Don’t live so close to the edge that it would be easy to fall off. Habits are formed over a long period of time. Some habits are of no consequence. However, some can greatly affect life. In his letter to the church at Thessalonica, Paul sets out seven principles. These seven simple, but profound principles can help… Mark Hughes 2621 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690722/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sevenhabitsofablessedlife/id/953525.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690722 Habits,Rejoice,Pray,Thanks, Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-5:22, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Mon, 29 Apr 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes In 1464 a sculptor named Agostino di Duccio began working on a flawed piece of marble to make sculpture as part of a series of Old Testament sculptures for the buttresses of the cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore. He soon stopped work on the stone because of an imperfection in it. Two years later Antonio Rossellino began to work on the same piece. He too abandoned the project after discovering the flaw in the stone. In 1501 a 26-year-old sculptor was offered large sum of money to make something out of the rock that had come to be known as the giant. He soon found the same flaw in the stone that had stumped the other artists. Michelangelo decided to turn that flawed part of the stone into a tree stump that the 17 foot statue of David would have it’s foot upon. One of the most famous and valuable works of art in the world came out of what was a flawed stone. Michelangelo found a way to work around the imperfection in the stone to bring out of the stone the beauty that was within. There is one who is more powerful than Michelangelo that can use flawed material in order to produce the beautiful results that He desires. Michelangelo saw in his mind what he was trying to create before he began to work with the chisel. God has a vision for each of us and He works with that intent to bring out that vision. In our text, God directs Jeremiah to the potter’s house. There on the wheel the potter worked with clay, but there was a flaw in the piece. There was something wrong with the plan. Life has a way of not working out like we plan. There are things that come into our lives that mar it. Like the potter, God knows what to do when these flaws are discovered. We may have an imperfection, but He does not, and He has a plan when life does not go as we planned it. When we think life is so messed up that it will never work again, God makes it over as another vessel. When it looks like things are not going as we planned, God still has a plan. In 1464 a sculptor named Agostino di Duccio began working on a flawed piece of marble to make sculpture as part of a series of Old Testament sculptures for the buttresses of the cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore. He soon stopped work on the stone because of an imperfection in it. Two years later Antonio Rossellino began to work on the same piece. He too abandoned the project after discovering the flaw in the stone. In 1501 a 26-year-old sculptor was offered large sum of money to make something out of the rock that had come to be known as the giant. He soon found the same flaw in the stone that had stumped the other artists. Michelangelo decided to turn that flawed part of the stone into a tree stump that the 17 foot statue of David would have it’s foot upon. One of the most famous and valuable works of art in the world came out of what was a flawed stone. Michelangelo found a way to work around the imperfection in the stone to bring out of the stone the beauty that was within. There is one who is more powerful than Michelangelo that can use flawed material in order to produce the beautiful results that He desires. Michelangelo saw in his mind what he was trying to create before he began to work with the chisel. God has a vision for each of us and He works with that intent to bring out that vision. In our text, God directs Jeremiah to the potter’s house. There on the wheel the potter worked with clay, but there was a flaw in the piece. There was something wrong with the plan. Life has a way of not working out like we plan. There are things that come into our lives that mar it. Like the potter, God knows what to do when these flaws are discovered. We may have an imperfection, but He does not, and He has a plan when life does not go as we planned it. When we think life is so messed up that it will never work again, God makes it over as another vessel. When it looks like things are not going as we planned, God still has a plan. In 1464 a sculptor named Agostino di Duccio began working on a flawed piece of marble to make sculpture as part of a series of Old Testament sculptures for the buttresses of the cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore. He soon stopped work on the stone bec… Mark Hughes 1823 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690721/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenlifedoesnotgoasplanned/id/953524.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690721 Plan,Potter,Clay, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 28 Apr 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes A bird’s song is important. It is often loud and repetitive. Birds sing their song’s thousands of time throughout the day some even spending 70% of their day singing. Some birds sing many different songs, while others only sing one. They use these songs to communicate with other birds. Sometimes the reason for singing is to attract a mate, but the chief reason that they sing is to notify the other birds in the area, that this territory belongs to them. Their song reinforces their ownership and to stake their territory. Life has a way to taking the song out of us. Unexpected things come and knock the song out of us. When the bird sings, he is declaring who he is and identifies himself to other birds. Our song allows us to declare who we are and to serve notice to the devil that we are a child of God. Our worship is our song. It is our declaration that this life, this joy, this hope belongs to us and no one can take it away from us. Life’s hurts have a way of muting our music, but it is time to get our song back. A bird’s song is important. It is often loud and repetitive. Birds sing their song’s thousands of time throughout the day some even spending 70% of their day singing. Some birds sing many different songs, while others only sing one. They use these songs to communicate with other birds. Sometimes the reason for singing is to attract a mate, but the chief reason that they sing is to notify the other birds in the area, that this territory belongs to them. Their song reinforces their ownership and to stake their territory. Life has a way to taking the song out of us. Unexpected things come and knock the song out of us. When the bird sings, he is declaring who he is and identifies himself to other birds. Our song allows us to declare who we are and to serve notice to the devil that we are a child of God. Our worship is our song. It is our declaration that this life, this joy, this hope belongs to us and no one can take it away from us. Life’s hurts have a way of muting our music, but it is time to get our song back. A bird’s song is important. It is often loud and repetitive. Birds sing their song’s thousands of time throughout the day some even spending 70% of their day singing. Some birds sing many different songs, while others only sing one. They use these … Mark Hughes 2017 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690720/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thedayyougotyoursongback/id/953523.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690720 Song,Praise, Scripture: Song of Solomon 2:11-2:12, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Thu, 25 Apr 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Landon Long Bro. Long shares a story about a contractor who did some work at a client’s home to restore some water damage. The client’s insurance company sent another contractor to look at the job. The original contractor provided a bid to restore the client’s home. The insurance companies’ contractor only wanted to do the minimum needed for repair. The difference in the two bids were that one would have restored the home to it’s original state. The other would only make the minimum needed to repair and would not restore it to what it was before. Sometimes we encounter the same situation spiritually. We may consult the pastor about an issue and the Man of God offers what is needed to deal with a situation. Some will not like what the pastor says, and will seek out a second opinion. The difference is that the path to restoration involves fasting and prayer, while the repair may just offer temporary relief. When we try to repair our own soul, we fall short. We must seek God and the full restoration that He can offer. Repairing is temporary. Restoring is being made new. Often restoration seems to be more expensive, but the truth is that in the long run, restoration costs less. Too many are settling for repair in their life because it is cheaper. The cost may be more than they thought. Bro. Long shares a story about a contractor who did some work at a client’s home to restore some water damage. The client’s insurance company sent another contractor to look at the job. The original contractor provided a bid to restore the client’s home. The insurance companies’ contractor only wanted to do the minimum needed for repair. The difference in the two bids were that one would have restored the home to it’s original state. The other would only make the minimum needed to repair and would not restore it to what it was before. Sometimes we encounter the same situation spiritually. We may consult the pastor about an issue and the Man of God offers what is needed to deal with a situation. Some will not like what the pastor says, and will seek out a second opinion. The difference is that the path to restoration involves fasting and prayer, while the repair may just offer temporary relief. When we try to repair our own soul, we fall short. We must seek God and the full restoration that He can offer. Repairing is temporary. Restoring is being made new. Often restoration seems to be more expensive, but the truth is that in the long run, restoration costs less. Too many are settling for repair in their life because it is cheaper. The cost may be more than they thought. Bro. Long shares a story about a contractor who did some work at a client’s home to restore some water damage. The client’s insurance company sent another contractor to look at the job. The original contractor provided a bid to restore the client’s h… Landon Long 2612 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690719/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thedifferencebetweenrestoratio/id/953522.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690719 Restoration,Repair,Cost Sun, 21 Apr 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes 23000 people lined up to watch the Boston marathon. They came from all over the world to view this historic event. Every runner in the pack wanted to finish. Among them stood Bill Iffrig running his third marathon at age 78. He was on a pace to beat his best time. He had the finish line in site when the first bomb exploded a mere only feet away from him. The force crumpled his body as though he were a dishrag. When he regained consciousness, he realized that he was still alive and found only a scrape on his knee. A race official helped him up and Bill walked the final 10-15 feet to finish the race. Bill would explain: “After you have run 26 miles, you are not going to stop 10 feet from the finish line.” He realized that he was too close to give up now. He had every reason in the world to give up, but he did not. Bill is not the only one to be knocked down in life. The apostle Paul knew what it was to be knocked down; persecuted, tortured and beaten. Like Bill, Paul proclaimed that he was not giving up. When life deals the blows, we cannot lay there in self-pity. There is something more important: We must finish what we started. Things can explode in life unexpectedly. Terrorists attack to disrupt life and cause fear. Spiritual terrorism does the same thing. The devil seeks to disrupt life and instill fear. The answer to physical and spiritual terrorism is to get up. You cannot beat a man that will not stay down. It would be easier to stay down, but Bro. Hughes comes today to tell us that God has a better plan. Get back up and finish what we started. Bad things happen to good people. Getting knocked down is not a problem of weak people, or who are uncommitted or uninvolved. Bill Iffrig in addition running marathons, climbed mountains. He was a strong man and in better health than many men younger the he. Good men can get knocked down. No matter how stunned, confused and hurt we may be, we have to get up because finishing is worthwhile. We will never regret finishing, but we will regret quitting. Getting back up is what the devil didn’t count on. 23000 people lined up to watch the Boston marathon. They came from all over the world to view this historic event. Every runner in the pack wanted to finish. Among them stood Bill Iffrig running his third marathon at age 78. He was on a pace to beat his best time. He had the finish line in site when the first bomb exploded a mere only feet away from him. The force crumpled his body as though he were a dishrag. When he regained consciousness, he realized that he was still alive and found only a scrape on his knee. A race official helped him up and Bill walked the final 10-15 feet to finish the race. Bill would explain: “After you have run 26 miles, you are not going to stop 10 feet from the finish line.” He realized that he was too close to give up now. He had every reason in the world to give up, but he did not. Bill is not the only one to be knocked down in life. The apostle Paul knew what it was to be knocked down; persecuted, tortured and beaten. Like Bill, Paul proclaimed that he was not giving up. When life deals the blows, we cannot lay there in self-pity. There is something more important: We must finish what we started. Things can explode in life unexpectedly. Terrorists attack to disrupt life and cause fear. Spiritual terrorism does the same thing. The devil seeks to disrupt life and instill fear. The answer to physical and spiritual terrorism is to get up. You cannot beat a man that will not stay down. It would be easier to stay down, but Bro. Hughes comes today to tell us that God has a better plan. Get back up and finish what we started. Bad things happen to good people. Getting knocked down is not a problem of weak people, or who are uncommitted or uninvolved. Bill Iffrig in addition running marathons, climbed mountains. He was a strong man and in better health than many men younger the he. Good men can get knocked down. No matter how stunned, confused and hurt we may be, we have to get up because finishing is worthwhile. We will never regret finishing, but we will regret quitting. Getting back up is what the devil didn’t count on. 23000 people lined up to watch the Boston marathon. They came from all over the world to view this historic event. Every runner in the pack wanted to finish. Among them stood Bill Iffrig running his third marathon at age 78. He was on a pace to bea… Mark Hughes 1282 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690717/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatthedevildidntcounton/id/953521.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690717 Explosions,Get up,finish, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 17 Apr 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Paul did not write the book of Romans in a luxury resort. This and many other books were written during adverse times in his life and in difficult situations. There is nothing in life that serves to encourage us to live right and to adhere to Godly principles. Paul’s life was no exception. Even so, our text is an insight into Paul’s faith and dedication. In the midst of adversity and struggle, Paul would pen words like “Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer.” Paul was not so worried about the season in life he might find himself, as he was concerned with the attitude he had about this situation. Weather he was in a prison, or on the isle of Patmos, Paul was able to have an attitude about his situation that allowed him to survive the situation and grown in his faith. Bro. Hughes offers three observations from Romans 12 to help us when life is difficult. Paul did not write the book of Romans in a luxury resort. This and many other books were written during adverse times in his life and in difficult situations. There is nothing in life that serves to encourage us to live right and to adhere to Godly principles. Paul’s life was no exception. Even so, our text is an insight into Paul’s faith and dedication. In the midst of adversity and struggle, Paul would pen words like “Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer.” Paul was not so worried about the season in life he might find himself, as he was concerned with the attitude he had about this situation. Weather he was in a prison, or on the isle of Patmos, Paul was able to have an attitude about his situation that allowed him to survive the situation and grown in his faith. Bro. Hughes offers three observations from Romans 12 to help us when life is difficult. Paul did not write the book of Romans in a luxury resort. This and many other books were written during adverse times in his life and in difficult situations. There is nothing in life that serves to encourage us to live right and to adhere to Godly p… Mark Hughes 2645 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690716/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtolivewhenlifeisdifficult/id/953520.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690716 Hope,Comfort,Prayer, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 14 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text introduces us to a man who had been bed ridden for eight years. He had not always been paralyzed, but for whatever reason, his life was such that he was flat on his back and dependent upon others to help him. There are many reasons that people get down in life. There are things that happen that are life altering. They can leave a person flat on their back spiritually. There are things in life that can knock people down to the point where they are unable to get back up. Our text is a promise that no matter how long we may have been flat on our backs, God can bring us up and bring us out. No matter what it is that may have us paralyzed, the power of God can heal us. The power of God can set us back on our feet. Peter did not say “the power of Jesus can make you better.” He didn’t say “the power of Jesus can improve your situation” He said “The power of Jesus Christ will make you WHOLE.” This man had not been out of his bed for eight years. The man of God commanded him to “Get up and make your bed.” Through the power of Jesus Christ, this man had the power to get up and get out of the situation he had been in for eight years. Bro. Hughes declares that for someone here today: It is time to make your bed. Our text introduces us to a man who had been bed ridden for eight years. He had not always been paralyzed, but for whatever reason, his life was such that he was flat on his back and dependent upon others to help him. There are many reasons that people get down in life. There are things that happen that are life altering. They can leave a person flat on their back spiritually. There are things in life that can knock people down to the point where they are unable to get back up. Our text is a promise that no matter how long we may have been flat on our backs, God can bring us up and bring us out. No matter what it is that may have us paralyzed, the power of God can heal us. The power of God can set us back on our feet. Peter did not say “the power of Jesus can make you better.” He didn’t say “the power of Jesus can improve your situation” He said “The power of Jesus Christ will make you WHOLE.” This man had not been out of his bed for eight years. The man of God commanded him to “Get up and make your bed.” Through the power of Jesus Christ, this man had the power to get up and get out of the situation he had been in for eight years. Bro. Hughes declares that for someone here today: It is time to make your bed. Our text introduces us to a man who had been bed ridden for eight years. He had not always been paralyzed, but for whatever reason, his life was such that he was flat on his back and dependent upon others to help him. There are many reasons that peop… Mark Hughes 1694 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690715/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itistimetomakeyourbed/id/953519.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690715 Made Whole,Healed,Arise, Scripture: Acts 9:32-9:35, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 10 Apr 2013 01:00:00 +0000 James Hughes After reading the news reports daily for the last few months, Bro. Hughes is not able to recall a single day when he felt better after reading the news than he did before. There is not a lot there from which to draw comfort. It is easy to think that God is not aware of the condition of the world. This is simply not true. Bro. Hughes recalls preaching from his childhood that had the theme that God is everywhere. We cannot hide from God, because He knows every event that will happen in our life. The world looks at this as a negative. Quite the opposite, we should draw comfort from the fact that God is never taken by surprise. He knows all that is going on, and our path trough it. We can get focused on life and the turmoil in the world, and we sometimes forget the promises of God offered in His word. The concept of safety appears throughout the bible. God wants us to feel safe. The reason is that if we do not feel safe, the fight or flight mechanism takes over. If we feel safe, we are comfortable with the presence of God. There are three areas of life in which we must be safe; Sprit, Soul and Body. Each of these areas requires a different type of safety. The only way to be safe spiritually is to be in the presence of God. The longer we linger in the presence of God, the more relaxed we become. We must all have physical safety. God gave Adam the responsibility of guarding and protecting the garden. Adam failed to do that. He allowed Satan in. Too many men are not guarding what is allowed into their home. We had better pay attention to what is safe in our homes. We put latches on cabinet doors to keep our children out of the cleaning supplies. We cover the electrical outlets. As the children grow older the safety needs change. We must be careful what we allow into our homes. Our world tells us that there is no need for this kind of safety. They are wrong. When men fail to provide the physical security in our homes, we damage the other two areas in which we must be safe. God is responsible for Spiritual safety. The man of the house is responsible for Physical safety. It is up to the mother to see to the emotional safety. Men are not equipped to do this. Women are uniquely qualified in this area. The key to this safety is communication. The only way relationships are built is through communication. As we communicate and learn more about each other, we build trust. Without trust, safety is not possible. God will take care of the spiritual safety. If the man takes care of the physical security of the home, the woman will be able to take care of the emotional security. If both of these do their jobs, they will be able to raise children who know who they are and how to live a Godly life. After reading the news reports daily for the last few months, Bro. Hughes is not able to recall a single day when he felt better after reading the news than he did before. There is not a lot there from which to draw comfort. It is easy to think that God is not aware of the condition of the world. This is simply not true. Bro. Hughes recalls preaching from his childhood that had the theme that God is everywhere. We cannot hide from God, because He knows every event that will happen in our life. The world looks at this as a negative. Quite the opposite, we should draw comfort from the fact that God is never taken by surprise. He knows all that is going on, and our path trough it. We can get focused on life and the turmoil in the world, and we sometimes forget the promises of God offered in His word. The concept of safety appears throughout the bible. God wants us to feel safe. The reason is that if we do not feel safe, the fight or flight mechanism takes over. If we feel safe, we are comfortable with the presence of God. There are three areas of life in which we must be safe; Sprit, Soul and Body. Each of these areas requires a different type of safety. The only way to be safe spiritually is to be in the presence of God. The longer we linger in the presence of God, the more relaxed we become. We must all have physical safety. God gave Adam the responsibility of guarding and protecting the garden. Adam failed to do that. He allowed Satan in. Too many men are not guarding what is allowed into their home. We had better pay attention to what is safe in our homes. We put latches on cabinet doors to keep our children out of the cleaning supplies. We cover the electrical outlets. As the children grow older the safety needs change. We must be careful what we allow into our homes. Our world tells us that there is no need for this kind of safety. They are wrong. When men fail to provide the physical security in our homes, we damage the other two areas in which we must be safe. God is responsible for Spiritual safety. The man of the house is responsible for Physical safety. It is up to the mother to see to the emotional safety. Men are not equipped to do this. Women are uniquely qualified in this area. The key to this safety is communication. The only way relationships are built is through communication. As we communicate and learn more about each other, we build trust. Without trust, safety is not possible. God will take care of the spiritual safety. If the man takes care of the physical security of the home, the woman will be able to take care of the emotional security. If both of these do their jobs, they will be able to raise children who know who they are and how to live a Godly life. After reading the news reports daily for the last few months, Bro. Hughes is not able to recall a single day when he felt better after reading the news than he did before. There is not a lot there from which to draw comfort. It is easy to think that … James Hughes 2596 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690714/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theneedtobesafe/id/953518.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690714 Safety,Physical,Emotional,Spiritual Sun, 07 Apr 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The world and science tells us that man is nothing more than an advanced ape that has mastered his environment. The psalmist has a different view. There are various theories about the origin of this Psalm. Most agree that David wrote it early on in his life. Without the aid of telescopes or other instruments, he was able to capture the essence of life and man’s position in it. In modern life we have all means of technology to communicate with each other and view the other side of the world with a few mouse clicks. Even given this advanced technology, we are living in the most depressing time with regard to people’s happiness with their lives. Most of us are limited by our problems and the surroundings in which we find ourselves. This text shows us that we can live freed from these problems by trusting in and having faith in God. God is in control and knows what He is doing. What you and I see will determine what we find. There is no problem that besets any of us that have not been experienced before and God handled it then and can handle it now. When the psalmist looked to the heavens he saw on display the wonder of God’s creation and was moved to understand that He had it all in His hand. The observations about nature in the psalms are not the point of the songs. The point is what the sun, moon, start, and thunderstorms represent: the awesome power of God. When we observe the glory of God’s creation, we understand just as the psalmist did: If God could do all that, He can handle everything else in the world that perplexes us. The power and glory of God are undeniable and He declares: I AM HERE. No matter what the world might be telling us about evolution, our text reminds us that we are divinely created. The same God that created the heavens, the mountains and sea, also created us. God’s divined intent is that we would not be ruled by our fears. We have divine possibilities. Bro. Hughes declares that we should quit wasting our time worried about our problems, because God has a divine intent for us. The world has propagated the lie that you and I do not matter. The bible confirms that this is a lie. God has called each of us to become something and that means that we DO matter. Our text reminds us that if we take time to consider the heavens, we can gain an understanding of God’s power and His plan for our life. Maybe it is time to look up. The world and science tells us that man is nothing more than an advanced ape that has mastered his environment. The psalmist has a different view. There are various theories about the origin of this Psalm. Most agree that David wrote it early on in his life. Without the aid of telescopes or other instruments, he was able to capture the essence of life and man’s position in it. In modern life we have all means of technology to communicate with each other and view the other side of the world with a few mouse clicks. Even given this advanced technology, we are living in the most depressing time with regard to people’s happiness with their lives. Most of us are limited by our problems and the surroundings in which we find ourselves. This text shows us that we can live freed from these problems by trusting in and having faith in God. God is in control and knows what He is doing. What you and I see will determine what we find. There is no problem that besets any of us that have not been experienced before and God handled it then and can handle it now. When the psalmist looked to the heavens he saw on display the wonder of God’s creation and was moved to understand that He had it all in His hand. The observations about nature in the psalms are not the point of the songs. The point is what the sun, moon, start, and thunderstorms represent: the awesome power of God. When we observe the glory of God’s creation, we understand just as the psalmist did: If God could do all that, He can handle everything else in the world that perplexes us. The power and glory of God are undeniable and He declares: I AM HERE. No matter what the world might be telling us about evolution, our text reminds us that we are divinely created. The same God that created the heavens, the mountains and sea, also created us. God’s divined intent is that we would not be ruled by our fears. We have divine possibilities. Bro. Hughes declares that we should quit wasting our time worried about our problems, because God has a divine intent for us. The world has propagated the lie that you and I do not matter. The bible confirms that this is a lie. God has called each of us to become something and that means that we DO matter. Our text reminds us that if we take time to consider the heavens, we can gain an understanding of God’s power and His plan for our life. Maybe it is time to look up. The world and science tells us that man is nothing more than an advanced ape that has mastered his environment. The psalmist has a different view. There are various theories about the origin of this Psalm. Most agree that David wrote it early on in … Mark Hughes 2215 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690712/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_maybeitistimethatwelookedup/id/953516.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690712 Devine,Creation,Power, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 07 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Some men’s lives are written in chapters and stages. History is full of stories of men like Caesar, Napoleon. Our text however is only two short verses that tell our entire knowledge of Jabez. In this momentary glimpse we see a great deal that is essential about life. His life leaves behind lessons that are worth remembering. His very name means “He causes me pain.” Even though childbirth is painful, women do not name their children in a way that reference3s that pain. This very fact speaks to the troubled life that Jabez’s mother. There is no mention of his father. Culturally, this indicates that the father had shamed the family and was an outcast. His mother so lowly regarded Jabez that she passed her grief and pain along to him. His name was however just a label. Life and the world will place labels upon us: Loser, failure, troublesome, etc. Our text tonight is proof that we can outlive the labels that life places upon us. Jabez called upon God of Israel to bless his life and help him get out from under the label that had been placed upon his life. Jabez discovered that the key to life is not what happens to us, but what we do about what happens to us. He found that it does not matter how he started, it matters how he would finish. He ask to be delivered from the detractors in his life. God answered his prayer and later in the book of Chronicles, we learn of a city that was named after Jabez. This city housed scholars and people who wrote scripture. Out of a clouded beginning and dissatisfaction with his situation, Jabez offered prayers to be delivered from all of that and God granted his request. Bro. Hughes tells us that life cannot give us a label that we cannot outlive, but we have to want something better. Jabez refused to get stuck in the past. The story of Jabez tells us all that we can overcome our past, but we have to let it go. Jabez had a vision of what he wanted. He asks God to enlarge his tent. He didn’t just ask for a better life, he defined it. Jabez looked beyond what he was; who they said he was and ask God for the vision of the life he wanted. God granted him every word of his prayer. If you want out you have to get your eyes off of the current situation and look forward to the future. Some men’s lives are written in chapters and stages. History is full of stories of men like Caesar, Napoleon. Our text however is only two short verses that tell our entire knowledge of Jabez. In this momentary glimpse we see a great deal that is essential about life. His life leaves behind lessons that are worth remembering. His very name means “He causes me pain.” Even though childbirth is painful, women do not name their children in a way that reference3s that pain. This very fact speaks to the troubled life that Jabez’s mother. There is no mention of his father. Culturally, this indicates that the father had shamed the family and was an outcast. His mother so lowly regarded Jabez that she passed her grief and pain along to him. His name was however just a label. Life and the world will place labels upon us: Loser, failure, troublesome, etc. Our text tonight is proof that we can outlive the labels that life places upon us. Jabez called upon God of Israel to bless his life and help him get out from under the label that had been placed upon his life. Jabez discovered that the key to life is not what happens to us, but what we do about what happens to us. He found that it does not matter how he started, it matters how he would finish. He ask to be delivered from the detractors in his life. God answered his prayer and later in the book of Chronicles, we learn of a city that was named after Jabez. This city housed scholars and people who wrote scripture. Out of a clouded beginning and dissatisfaction with his situation, Jabez offered prayers to be delivered from all of that and God granted his request. Bro. Hughes tells us that life cannot give us a label that we cannot outlive, but we have to want something better. Jabez refused to get stuck in the past. The story of Jabez tells us all that we can overcome our past, but we have to let it go. Jabez had a vision of what he wanted. He asks God to enlarge his tent. He didn’t just ask for a better life, he defined it. Jabez looked beyond what he was; who they said he was and ask God for the vision of the life he wanted. God granted him every word of his prayer. If you want out you have to get your eyes off of the current situation and look forward to the future. Some men’s lives are written in chapters and stages. History is full of stories of men like Caesar, Napoleon. Our text however is only two short verses that tell our entire knowledge of Jabez. In this momentary glimpse we see a great deal that is es… Mark Hughes 2074 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690713/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wherethereisawillthereisaway/id/953517.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690713 Vision,Prayer,Faith, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 03 Apr 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Jay Hilton Everything has to stay connected to its essence in order to live. If you take the fish out of the ocean, he will die. If you take a cow and put him in the ocean, he will drown. If you pull a plant out of the ground it will die. The only way a man can live in a spiritual sense, is to stay connected to the source. In our text, Paul wants to know Him. We must stay connected to Jesus in order to know Him. If we can get connected to Jesus we will have found the essence of our spiritual origin. God called us to a relationship with Him. Power comes from the relationship. The apostles were called to a relationship long before they were called upon to perform miracles and teach. A ministry is not a replacement for relationship. There were those that cried Lord, Lord, but He told them “I never knew you.” He did not deny that they had done good works, but He said that He did not know them. Being Christian is more than what we do. What we do is important, but more important is the nature of our spirit. We must have the right attitude. It has been said that to truly see the spirit of a person, observe how they react to a troubling situation. When someone is under pressure, their reaction will display the true nature of their spirit. A man who cannot control his spirit is like a city without walls. Bro. Hilton sums up the solution to being a Christian: If you are not going to be intimate with God, you are wasting your time. An intimate relationship with Jesus is the key to a successful life as a Christian. Everything has to stay connected to its essence in order to live. If you take the fish out of the ocean, he will die. If you take a cow and put him in the ocean, he will drown. If you pull a plant out of the ground it will die. The only way a man can live in a spiritual sense, is to stay connected to the source. In our text, Paul wants to know Him. We must stay connected to Jesus in order to know Him. If we can get connected to Jesus we will have found the essence of our spiritual origin. God called us to a relationship with Him. Power comes from the relationship. The apostles were called to a relationship long before they were called upon to perform miracles and teach. A ministry is not a replacement for relationship. There were those that cried Lord, Lord, but He told them “I never knew you.” He did not deny that they had done good works, but He said that He did not know them. Being Christian is more than what we do. What we do is important, but more important is the nature of our spirit. We must have the right attitude. It has been said that to truly see the spirit of a person, observe how they react to a troubling situation. When someone is under pressure, their reaction will display the true nature of their spirit. A man who cannot control his spirit is like a city without walls. Bro. Hilton sums up the solution to being a Christian: If you are not going to be intimate with God, you are wasting your time. An intimate relationship with Jesus is the key to a successful life as a Christian. Everything has to stay connected to its essence in order to live. If you take the fish out of the ocean, he will die. If you take a cow and put him in the ocean, he will drown. If you pull a plant out of the ground it will die. The only way a man c… Jay Hilton 1905 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690711/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thatimayknowhim/id/953515.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690711 Know,Relationship Sun, 31 Mar 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We celebrate Easter in a world that is shadowed by many uncertainties: war, economic distress, and moral decay. Our world is in the process of rewriting history to eliminate references to the difference between good and evil. The world does not want to deal with the evil that condemns us, so they try to purge it. No matter how they may try, the world cannot put Jesus back in the tomb. Easter is a celebration of the greatest thing that has ever happened to mankind. It is a celebration not of a past event, but a celebration of life. Many try to discount the gospel, but they cannot discount the empty tomb. Jesus is alive! Easter reminds us that sin and man did not win. Man has been trying to do away with Jesus since His birth. Easter declares that He is still here and is able to save and deliver. The women going to the tomb on that first Easter were fearful that they would not get past the stone that covered the entrance. Then as now, Easter shows us that we do not need to fear the obstacles in life. Easter is the affirmation that God finishes what He starts. If God started a good work in us, He will finish it. Easter is a personal message to each of us that if we let Him work, he will bring to pass desires and hopes in our life. Easter is an affirmation to us about how important our life is to Him. We celebrate Easter in a world that is shadowed by many uncertainties: war, economic distress, and moral decay. Our world is in the process of rewriting history to eliminate references to the difference between good and evil. The world does not want to deal with the evil that condemns us, so they try to purge it. No matter how they may try, the world cannot put Jesus back in the tomb. Easter is a celebration of the greatest thing that has ever happened to mankind. It is a celebration not of a past event, but a celebration of life. Many try to discount the gospel, but they cannot discount the empty tomb. Jesus is alive! Easter reminds us that sin and man did not win. Man has been trying to do away with Jesus since His birth. Easter declares that He is still here and is able to save and deliver. The women going to the tomb on that first Easter were fearful that they would not get past the stone that covered the entrance. Then as now, Easter shows us that we do not need to fear the obstacles in life. Easter is the affirmation that God finishes what He starts. If God started a good work in us, He will finish it. Easter is a personal message to each of us that if we let Him work, he will bring to pass desires and hopes in our life. Easter is an affirmation to us about how important our life is to Him. We celebrate Easter in a world that is shadowed by many uncertainties: war, economic distress, and moral decay. Our world is in the process of rewriting history to eliminate references to the difference between good and evil. The world does not want… Mark Hughes 1934 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690710/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_easterpromises/id/953514.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690710 Promise,Alive,Savior, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Since 3600 BC the world has known only 292 years of peace. During this period of time there have been 14,351 wars in which 3.64 Billion people have been killed. Since 650 BC there have been 1656 arms races only 16 of which have not ended in war. The remaining 16 resulted in the economic destruction of the countries involved. Our world has needed and sought peace since for a long time. These statistics show that peace has yet to be found. Duke University conducted a study of peace of mind and the contributing factors to emotional stability. They determined that it is important to not live in the past consumed with past failures and mistakes. They discovered that we must not waste time trying to change that, which cannot be changed. The forth thing they learns is that we must resist the temptation to withdraw and hide in order to deal with emotional issues. The fifth thing is that we must resist the urge to indulge in self-pitty. In order to know peace of mind we must cultivate old fashion virtues: Love, Humor, Compassion, and Loyalty. Finally they found that men must find something bigger than themselves to believe in. They also discovered that we must not place unreasonable expectations of ourselves. Duke spent a large amount of money and time to come to conclusions that are readily available in the Bible. Human kind wants to know peace. Peace is mentioned in 420 passages in the Bible. Peace in scripture means totality or completeness. It refers to health, prosperity, blessing and so on. So when God speaks to us about peace he is talking to us about something that helps to make sense of life and provide a sense of wholeness. How can we have peace in the face of the strife, angst and daily grind of life? Bro. Hughes tells us that the answer is in the 11 verses of scripture that we read tonight. There are three factors that are noted in our text that hold the answer to peace in spite of everything. First our text tells us that we cannot serve two masters. Everyone will serve some master, but a divided life is the most troubling thing a person can endure. Too often people try to make two world mesh. They reach for heaven with one hand but cling to the world with the other. A divided mind will never know peace. In biblical times there was slave ownership. The slave had no rights or say, however they also had no responsibilities. The master assumed all responsibility to provide for the slave. When we submit to God as our master, we are committed to Him and putting our full trust in him to provide for all the needs we have in life. Secondly after deciding the issue of who is the master, we must understand that He is able. Our text tells us to look around at nature to observe that the Lord has taken care of everything for His creation. As bad as things might be, nothing can stop the wind from blowing. Nothing can stop the sun from shining, or the seasons from turning. And nothing can stop the mercy of the Lord for His creation or His endless grace for us. If he can maintain the world and all that is required to sustain life on a dally basis, He can easily handle our needs. We need to learn to be happy where we are because if we are not happy where we are, we will not be happy whenever we get to where we think we need to be. Thirdly in order to have peace, we must develop the right priorities. Keep the first things first. We must love the right things. Money, fame, talent are nice, but it is not the most important. There is far more to life than things. We must learn to measure life with the right scale. What counts and what doesn’t. If we try to measure our life by what someone else things our life should be, we will never be happy. We have to measure our life against what God wants our life to be. If we want peace in spite of everything, then we have to focus no only on doing His will but on accepting His will. Since 3600 BC the world has known only 292 years of peace. During this period of time there have been 14,351 wars in which 3.64 Billion people have been killed. Since 650 BC there have been 1656 arms races only 16 of which have not ended in war. The remaining 16 resulted in the economic destruction of the countries involved. Our world has needed and sought peace since for a long time. These statistics show that peace has yet to be found. Duke University conducted a study of peace of mind and the contributing factors to emotional stability. They determined that it is important to not live in the past consumed with past failures and mistakes. They discovered that we must not waste time trying to change that, which cannot be changed. The forth thing they learns is that we must resist the temptation to withdraw and hide in order to deal with emotional issues. The fifth thing is that we must resist the urge to indulge in self-pitty. In order to know peace of mind we must cultivate old fashion virtues: Love, Humor, Compassion, and Loyalty. Finally they found that men must find something bigger than themselves to believe in. They also discovered that we must not place unreasonable expectations of ourselves. Duke spent a large amount of money and time to come to conclusions that are readily available in the Bible. Human kind wants to know peace. Peace is mentioned in 420 passages in the Bible. Peace in scripture means totality or completeness. It refers to health, prosperity, blessing and so on. So when God speaks to us about peace he is talking to us about something that helps to make sense of life and provide a sense of wholeness. How can we have peace in the face of the strife, angst and daily grind of life? Bro. Hughes tells us that the answer is in the 11 verses of scripture that we read tonight. There are three factors that are noted in our text that hold the answer to peace in spite of everything. First our text tells us that we cannot serve two masters. Everyone will serve some master, but a divided life is the most troubling thing a person can endure. Too often people try to make two world mesh. They reach for heaven with one hand but cling to the world with the other. A divided mind will never know peace. In biblical times there was slave ownership. The slave had no rights or say, however they also had no responsibilities. The master assumed all responsibility to provide for the slave. When we submit to God as our master, we are committed to Him and putting our full trust in him to provide for all the needs we have in life. Secondly after deciding the issue of who is the master, we must understand that He is able. Our text tells us to look around at nature to observe that the Lord has taken care of everything for His creation. As bad as things might be, nothing can stop the wind from blowing. Nothing can stop the sun from shining, or the seasons from turning. And nothing can stop the mercy of the Lord for His creation or His endless grace for us. If he can maintain the world and all that is required to sustain life on a dally basis, He can easily handle our needs. We need to learn to be happy where we are because if we are not happy where we are, we will not be happy whenever we get to where we think we need to be. Thirdly in order to have peace, we must develop the right priorities. Keep the first things first. We must love the right things. Money, fame, talent are nice, but it is not the most important. There is far more to life than things. We must learn to measure life with the right scale. What counts and what doesn’t. If we try to measure our life by what someone else things our life should be, we will never be happy. We have to measure our life against what God wants our life to be. If we want peace in spite of everything, then we have to focus no only on doing His will but on accepting His will. Since 3600 BC the world has known only 292 years of peace. During this period of time there have been 14,351 wars in which 3.64 Billion people have been killed. Since 650 BC there have been 1656 arms races only 16 of which have not ended in war. The… Mark Hughes 2773 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690709/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtohavepeaceinspiteofeveryth/id/953513.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690709 Peace,Calm, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 24 Mar 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes In our text, Jesus is entering Jerusalem for the last time. As he entered, those that saw him cried out and worshiped him loudly and boisterously. The Pharisees wanted Jesus to rebuke them. Jesus replied that if those that worshiped were silent, the very stones of the earth would cry out in praise. The question is not could the stones speak. If He said that they could speak, they surely would. Bro. Hughes asks not if the stones could speak, but what would they say? These stones had been around from the formation of the earth so they would say that when God speaks, things happen. If the stones could speak this morning they would praise the wisdom and power of their maker. They would testify of chaos turned into order. If stones could speak they would say that with God all things are possible. When we read the bible we find a God of blessing, help, strengthening and calming peace. If stones could speak they would tell of the successive stages of God’s way of working His will. God’s process is as important as His promise. The process will lead you to His purpose. The way that God leads us is as important as the destination He is leading us to. If stones could speak they would cry out to the majesty of the builder; the one who put everything in its place. None of this happened by chance, but by a divine purpose and plan. If stones could speak they would tell us of how wonderful God is, about the wonders of His creation and they would tell us that whatever chaos we may be experiencing right now, that God had an answer. In our text, Jesus is entering Jerusalem for the last time. As he entered, those that saw him cried out and worshiped him loudly and boisterously. The Pharisees wanted Jesus to rebuke them. Jesus replied that if those that worshiped were silent, the very stones of the earth would cry out in praise. The question is not could the stones speak. If He said that they could speak, they surely would. Bro. Hughes asks not if the stones could speak, but what would they say? These stones had been around from the formation of the earth so they would say that when God speaks, things happen. If the stones could speak this morning they would praise the wisdom and power of their maker. They would testify of chaos turned into order. If stones could speak they would say that with God all things are possible. When we read the bible we find a God of blessing, help, strengthening and calming peace. If stones could speak they would tell of the successive stages of God’s way of working His will. God’s process is as important as His promise. The process will lead you to His purpose. The way that God leads us is as important as the destination He is leading us to. If stones could speak they would cry out to the majesty of the builder; the one who put everything in its place. None of this happened by chance, but by a divine purpose and plan. If stones could speak they would tell us of how wonderful God is, about the wonders of His creation and they would tell us that whatever chaos we may be experiencing right now, that God had an answer. In our text, Jesus is entering Jerusalem for the last time. As he entered, those that saw him cried out and worshiped him loudly and boisterously. The Pharisees wanted Jesus to rebuke them. Jesus replied that if those that worshiped were silent, the… Mark Hughes 1907 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690707/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ifstonescouldspeak/id/953511.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690707 Stones,Praise,Worship,Perspective, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 24 Mar 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Jay Hilton Bro. Hilton begins with the story of a young man who was the first draft pick in the Major league draft in 1999. He had a rocky start to his career with injuries and missed games. As he dealt with these, he turned to substance abuse including alcohol, and both prescription and illegal drugs. In 2004 he was banned from baseball. In 2005 he hit rock bottom when he awoke on his grandmother’s doorstep from a crack cocaine stupor. He was at a cross roads in his life. Fortunately he chose the right path and began a come back. He describes his recovery experience as a “God thing.” He recalled a dream where he battled with the devil with a baseball bat until he was exhausted and could no longer raise his arms. In June 2006 he was reinstated to baseball. Soon after, the devil began to return to his dreams. This time the dream was different. He would hit the devil and knock him down, but he would always get backup. At the point of giving up, he felt a presence. That presence was Jesus battling with him. At that point this young man understood the scripture “I can do all things through God who strengthens me.” Josh Hamilton fought many things in his recovery and has gone on to win batting titles and MVP awards and has played in the World Series with the Texas Rangers. He credits God for his recovery. Bro. Hilton shares this story to convey God’s message: Take my hand you can get up. You can make it. Sin is defined as missing the mark. While many of us in the church lead what we would call a righteous life, if we are not doing something that God has called us to do, we are missing the mark. Bro. Hilton shares a very personal story from his life where he submitted himself to God’s will and it changed the course of his life. He gave up opportunities for football scholarships and followed God’s will that led him to Texas Bible College and the ministry. Even though we knew he was in the will of God, he struggled with many things and attacks from the enemy. Like many others, Bro Hilton questioned the will of God in his life and strayed from that path. He shares this story and asks the question: “Have you missed the mark?” What is it in your life that you are not doing that you know you should be doing? It is time to get up. Bro. Hilton begins with the story of a young man who was the first draft pick in the Major league draft in 1999. He had a rocky start to his career with injuries and missed games. As he dealt with these, he turned to substance abuse including alcohol, and both prescription and illegal drugs. In 2004 he was banned from baseball. In 2005 he hit rock bottom when he awoke on his grandmother’s doorstep from a crack cocaine stupor. He was at a cross roads in his life. Fortunately he chose the right path and began a come back. He describes his recovery experience as a “God thing.” He recalled a dream where he battled with the devil with a baseball bat until he was exhausted and could no longer raise his arms. In June 2006 he was reinstated to baseball. Soon after, the devil began to return to his dreams. This time the dream was different. He would hit the devil and knock him down, but he would always get backup. At the point of giving up, he felt a presence. That presence was Jesus battling with him. At that point this young man understood the scripture “I can do all things through God who strengthens me.” Josh Hamilton fought many things in his recovery and has gone on to win batting titles and MVP awards and has played in the World Series with the Texas Rangers. He credits God for his recovery. Bro. Hilton shares this story to convey God’s message: Take my hand you can get up. You can make it. Sin is defined as missing the mark. While many of us in the church lead what we would call a righteous life, if we are not doing something that God has called us to do, we are missing the mark. Bro. Hilton shares a very personal story from his life where he submitted himself to God’s will and it changed the course of his life. He gave up opportunities for football scholarships and followed God’s will that led him to Texas Bible College and the ministry. Even though we knew he was in the will of God, he struggled with many things and attacks from the enemy. Like many others, Bro Hilton questioned the will of God in his life and strayed from that path. He shares this story and asks the question: “Have you missed the mark?” What is it in your life that you are not doing that you know you should be doing? It is time to get up. Bro. Hilton begins with the story of a young man who was the first draft pick in the Major league draft in 1999. He had a rocky start to his career with injuries and missed games. As he dealt with these, he turned to substance abuse including alcohol… Jay Hilton 2275 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690708/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itistimetogetup/id/953512.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690708 Sin,Get up,Help up Wed, 20 Mar 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Trials are not good or bad. They are something that happens. They are unavoidable and unstoppable. Bro Hughes is not concerned with the actual trials, but our response to the trials. Our responses to trials determine whether the trials are done to us or for us. Trials are not good or bad. They are something that happens. They are unavoidable and unstoppable. Bro Hughes is not concerned with the actual trials, but our response to the trials. Our responses to trials determine whether the trials are done to us or for us. Trials are not good or bad. They are something that happens. They are unavoidable and unstoppable. Bro Hughes is not concerned with the actual trials, but our response to the trials. Our responses to trials determine whether the trials are done to us… Mark Hughes 2911 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690706/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thetemptationofourtrials/id/953510.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690706 Temptation,Reaction,Response, Scripture: Hebrews 2:17-2:18, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 17 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Fear is one of the most troublesome emotions we have in life. None of us are beyond its reach. It affects us in many ways; none of them good. It is easy to tell someone to not be afraid, but the person offering that advice is not dealing with the same thing we are. Bro. Hughes comes today to do more than tell us to not fear, but to give us a word that can help deal with fear. Our text is rich with opportunities to apply the word to our life. This text is more than a story; it is a moment of revelation. Many see the failure of Peter, but the focus of this text is not failure. Peter may have failed, but he failed trying to do the greatest thing in his life. The winds were against the disciples. Jesus came to where they were in the midst of their struggles. He came with a calming voice. In our human nature we look at people in their struggle and often have no compassion for them. Jesus came with a word to help them deal with their fear. The Lord told them to be of good cheer. In the Greek, the word literally means to have courage. Only Peter responded to the Lord’s words. Peter often gets criticized for being rash and impulsive, but Bro. Hughes explains that this is not the case here. Peter reached out and took hold of the word and believed that he was hearing from the Lord. Jesus said be of good courage, and Peter took hold of that and wanted to obey the word of God. The power of God’s word can get us out of any situation we are in. It can break the hold of fear and release us from the torment. This text tells us that when we believe and act on the word of God, we can experience the supernatural. The Lord is in the midst of our storm. We many not recognize Him, but He is there. When Peter believed the word of the Lord, his fear left him. Peter would have never thought to ask to walk on the water, but when he had faith in the Lord, his mind was clear to think things he had never even considered. When God speaks, we had better reach out and embrace it, because it is the only thing that will help us survive our storm. When we listen to God, we hear the voice that answers our fears. Fear is one of the most troublesome emotions we have in life. None of us are beyond its reach. It affects us in many ways; none of them good. It is easy to tell someone to not be afraid, but the person offering that advice is not dealing with the same thing we are. Bro. Hughes comes today to do more than tell us to not fear, but to give us a word that can help deal with fear. Our text is rich with opportunities to apply the word to our life. This text is more than a story; it is a moment of revelation. Many see the failure of Peter, but the focus of this text is not failure. Peter may have failed, but he failed trying to do the greatest thing in his life. The winds were against the disciples. Jesus came to where they were in the midst of their struggles. He came with a calming voice. In our human nature we look at people in their struggle and often have no compassion for them. Jesus came with a word to help them deal with their fear. The Lord told them to be of good cheer. In the Greek, the word literally means to have courage. Only Peter responded to the Lord’s words. Peter often gets criticized for being rash and impulsive, but Bro. Hughes explains that this is not the case here. Peter reached out and took hold of the word and believed that he was hearing from the Lord. Jesus said be of good courage, and Peter took hold of that and wanted to obey the word of God. The power of God’s word can get us out of any situation we are in. It can break the hold of fear and release us from the torment. This text tells us that when we believe and act on the word of God, we can experience the supernatural. The Lord is in the midst of our storm. We many not recognize Him, but He is there. When Peter believed the word of the Lord, his fear left him. Peter would have never thought to ask to walk on the water, but when he had faith in the Lord, his mind was clear to think things he had never even considered. When God speaks, we had better reach out and embrace it, because it is the only thing that will help us survive our storm. When we listen to God, we hear the voice that answers our fears. Fear is one of the most troublesome emotions we have in life. None of us are beyond its reach. It affects us in many ways; none of them good. It is easy to tell someone to not be afraid, but the person offering that advice is not dealing with the sa… Mark Hughes 2352 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690705/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thevoicethatanswersourfears/id/953509.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690705 Fear,Listen,Faith, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 03 Mar 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker In our text, Jesus sends the disciples into the city to secure a place to eat for the Passover feast. The journey took them some two miles into town in search of a man with a water pitcher. Just as the Lord said, they found the man and were shown to the upper room. Bro. Marler offers several examples from his many years of ministry where simply following the Lords command, allowed a series of events to take place to bring blessing, to keep safe or to otherwise allow God’s plan to work out. If we maintain an alignment with God and His will, the course of our life is already assured. In our text, Jesus sends the disciples into the city to secure a place to eat for the Passover feast. The journey took them some two miles into town in search of a man with a water pitcher. Just as the Lord said, they found the man and were shown to the upper room. Bro. Marler offers several examples from his many years of ministry where simply following the Lords command, allowed a series of events to take place to bring blessing, to keep safe or to otherwise allow God’s plan to work out. If we maintain an alignment with God and His will, the course of our life is already assured. In our text, Jesus sends the disciples into the city to secure a place to eat for the Passover feast. The journey took them some two miles into town in search of a man with a water pitcher. Just as the Lord said, they found the man and were shown to … Kenneth Baker 2962 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690704/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_alignment/id/953508.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690704 Alighment,Path,Blessing, Scripture: Mark 14:13-14:15 Wed, 27 Feb 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We do not have to look very hard to find parallels between our world today and the world of Noah’s time that was described as wicked. We cannot watch the news or read a newspaper without feeling the tension, friction and turmoil in the world. We observe unusual weather and natural phenomenon throughout the world. All these things are fulfilling the prophecy of the end times. Though the day is unknown, the season of the end is easily observable. We can argue many things but we cannot refute the powerful truths demonstrating in nature those things that were described in the bible many years ago. Who could have predicted a hurricane in New York City followed by a blizzard within days. The wickedness and violence that we see in our world cannot be denied. We need look no further than the story of Noah to understand what lies in our future. What are the timeless lessons of Noah that we can embrace to live today? First, No matter what man may think, God is watching. The story of Noah reminds us that God is not indifferent to what is going on. The hour will come when He will act and He will let the world know that He is in charge. Not only does God see the evil and vile, he will take note of and make provision for the righteous. Secondly Noah’s story tells us that in uncertain times, we must live by faith and not by fear. Fear will not tie us to God’s promises; in fact it will tear us away from them. Fear of tomorrow; fear of the economy; fear of guns; fear of running out all consume our chaotic world. Like Noah, if we live by faith in a wicked world, we are sure to be mocked and ridiculed. In God’s economy there is more than is visible on the surface. The skies were not dark when Noah began building the ark. There were no clouds when he finished. But once the doors were shut, they turned dark quickly. Finally this story tells us that we cannot let standing alone bother us. No matter what the world does, living for God pays off. We may be the only one standing there, but stand we must. The bible says that Noah find favor in the eyes of the Lord. Favor with God is better than favor with men. In fact, because Noah found favor with God, God saw to it that Noah also found favor with men. The moral of Noah’s story is simple. Do right no matter what. No matter how out of step we may be with society it is worth standing with God in order to be saved. That is a good word for troubled times. We do not have to look very hard to find parallels between our world today and the world of Noah’s time that was described as wicked. We cannot watch the news or read a newspaper without feeling the tension, friction and turmoil in the world. We observe unusual weather and natural phenomenon throughout the world. All these things are fulfilling the prophecy of the end times. Though the day is unknown, the season of the end is easily observable. We can argue many things but we cannot refute the powerful truths demonstrating in nature those things that were described in the bible many years ago. Who could have predicted a hurricane in New York City followed by a blizzard within days. The wickedness and violence that we see in our world cannot be denied. We need look no further than the story of Noah to understand what lies in our future. What are the timeless lessons of Noah that we can embrace to live today? First, No matter what man may think, God is watching. The story of Noah reminds us that God is not indifferent to what is going on. The hour will come when He will act and He will let the world know that He is in charge. Not only does God see the evil and vile, he will take note of and make provision for the righteous. Secondly Noah’s story tells us that in uncertain times, we must live by faith and not by fear. Fear will not tie us to God’s promises; in fact it will tear us away from them. Fear of tomorrow; fear of the economy; fear of guns; fear of running out all consume our chaotic world. Like Noah, if we live by faith in a wicked world, we are sure to be mocked and ridiculed. In God’s economy there is more than is visible on the surface. The skies were not dark when Noah began building the ark. There were no clouds when he finished. But once the doors were shut, they turned dark quickly. Finally this story tells us that we cannot let standing alone bother us. No matter what the world does, living for God pays off. We may be the only one standing there, but stand we must. The bible says that Noah find favor in the eyes of the Lord. Favor with God is better than favor with men. In fact, because Noah found favor with God, God saw to it that Noah also found favor with men. The moral of Noah’s story is simple. Do right no matter what. No matter how out of step we may be with society it is worth standing with God in order to be saved. That is a good word for troubled times. We do not have to look very hard to find parallels between our world today and the world of Noah’s time that was described as wicked. We cannot watch the news or read a newspaper without feeling the tension, friction and turmoil in the world. We obse… Mark Hughes 2247 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690703/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_agoodwordfortroubledtimes/id/953507.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690703 Watching,Stand,righteous, Scripture: Genesis 7:1-7:6, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 24 Feb 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The story is told that Michelangelo is walking though a stone yard one day when he saw a block of granite and he said “I must let the angel out of that rock” He began to work on the stone until he had carved the stone to a beautiful angel. God sees in us far more in us than we see in ourselves. He sees more than we can imagine possible. It has always been God’s desire to release that which He placed in us. John offers in our text, the first glimpse of a man who will become one of the most influential apostles. When we meet him here, he is far from what he would become. There was something inside Simon that God would eventually transform into Peter. God saw something there that was hidden inside. God saw beyond all the shortcomings, and sees what can become when His love and His Grace are applied. God knows how to do it, if we will just yield to His touch. Few of us know all that God had to work through in Simon’s life that was trying to defeat God’s purpose. Jesus would have to battle issues in Simon before he could work out that better man. There are three specific roadblocks that Jesus had to go through in order to release the man inside Simon. The first thing that God had to deal with was Simon’s own personality. Simon was known among his peers as someone who was hotheaded, mouthy, and brash. Many people let their mouth overload them. They come to God, but they do not bring their sharp tongue to Him. Eventually Simon allowed God to bring his personality under His grace and this allowed the man inside to come forth. The second thing God had to deal with was Simon’s heredity. We all have a history. We all have baggage. There are some people who excuse their failures based upon their parents, their upbringing or their history. If we will let grace have say in our life, God can release the better man inside. We do not have to be a victim of our past. Finally God had to deal with his environment. Simon was from Bethsaida. Bethsaida was a bad place that the bible tells us that Jesus passed judgment over. God was able to overcome the wickedness of this environment to bring Peter out of Simon. If Grace can have a say in our life, it can overcome our personality, our past and our environment to release the man or woman that God desires for us to be. The story is told that Michelangelo is walking though a stone yard one day when he saw a block of granite and he said “I must let the angel out of that rock” He began to work on the stone until he had carved the stone to a beautiful angel. God sees in us far more in us than we see in ourselves. He sees more than we can imagine possible. It has always been God’s desire to release that which He placed in us. John offers in our text, the first glimpse of a man who will become one of the most influential apostles. When we meet him here, he is far from what he would become. There was something inside Simon that God would eventually transform into Peter. God saw something there that was hidden inside. God saw beyond all the shortcomings, and sees what can become when His love and His Grace are applied. God knows how to do it, if we will just yield to His touch. Few of us know all that God had to work through in Simon’s life that was trying to defeat God’s purpose. Jesus would have to battle issues in Simon before he could work out that better man. There are three specific roadblocks that Jesus had to go through in order to release the man inside Simon. The first thing that God had to deal with was Simon’s own personality. Simon was known among his peers as someone who was hotheaded, mouthy, and brash. Many people let their mouth overload them. They come to God, but they do not bring their sharp tongue to Him. Eventually Simon allowed God to bring his personality under His grace and this allowed the man inside to come forth. The second thing God had to deal with was Simon’s heredity. We all have a history. We all have baggage. There are some people who excuse their failures based upon their parents, their upbringing or their history. If we will let grace have say in our life, God can release the better man inside. We do not have to be a victim of our past. Finally God had to deal with his environment. Simon was from Bethsaida. Bethsaida was a bad place that the bible tells us that Jesus passed judgment over. God was able to overcome the wickedness of this environment to bring Peter out of Simon. If Grace can have a say in our life, it can overcome our personality, our past and our environment to release the man or woman that God desires for us to be. The story is told that Michelangelo is walking though a stone yard one day when he saw a block of granite and he said “I must let the angel out of that rock” He began to work on the stone until he had carved the stone to a beautiful angel. God sees in… Mark Hughes 2293 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690701/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ifgracecanhaveasay/id/953505.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690701 Grace,Inside, Scripture: John 1:39-1:44, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 24 Feb 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The title of tonight’s message is a bit shocking. As strange as giving up may sound, Bro. Hughes believes that it is the best option. After all that we have gone through, we would be best served is to give up. According to Solomon, there is a time for everything. Our text tells us that there is a time to cast stones and a time to gather together. There is a time to get and a time to lose. And Bro. Hughes tells us that tonight is a time to quit. Most of us understand that the definition of giving up is to quit. That is however not what Bro. Hughes is saying. We do not need to admit defeat or to abandon hope. Another definition of giving up is to surrender; to abandon one’s self for a cause. So Bro. Hughes’ advise is to give up and surrender things in life that we are trying to work out on our own and allow God to work them out. It is time for us tot quit playing God and let God do what He can do. Today would be a good day for someone to give up and surrender to God and quit tying to answer all the questions of life and let God determine the outcome. Today is a great day to give up. The title of tonight’s message is a bit shocking. As strange as giving up may sound, Bro. Hughes believes that it is the best option. After all that we have gone through, we would be best served is to give up. According to Solomon, there is a time for everything. Our text tells us that there is a time to cast stones and a time to gather together. There is a time to get and a time to lose. And Bro. Hughes tells us that tonight is a time to quit. Most of us understand that the definition of giving up is to quit. That is however not what Bro. Hughes is saying. We do not need to admit defeat or to abandon hope. Another definition of giving up is to surrender; to abandon one’s self for a cause. So Bro. Hughes’ advise is to give up and surrender things in life that we are trying to work out on our own and allow God to work them out. It is time for us tot quit playing God and let God do what He can do. Today would be a good day for someone to give up and surrender to God and quit tying to answer all the questions of life and let God determine the outcome. Today is a great day to give up. The title of tonight’s message is a bit shocking. As strange as giving up may sound, Bro. Hughes believes that it is the best option. After all that we have gone through, we would be best served is to give up. According to Solomon, there is a time f… Mark Hughes 1500 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690702/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_todayisagooddaytoquit/id/953506.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690702 Quit,Surrender,Give up, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 20 Feb 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Jay Hilton Tonight’s scripture is an example of faithfulness. Shadrack, Meshack and Abed-nego were faithful to God in defiance of Nebuchadnezzar. These young Hebrew boys were strangers to Babylon and had attained a position of favor with the king. They had been faithful in their worship of God, and this angered the native Babylonian princes who were jealous of them. The Babylonian princes set a trap. The trap was to use Shadrack, Meshack and Abed-nego’s own faith against them. The young Hebrews declared that God would deliver them, but even if He did not, they would not bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden statue. God is looking for people who have faith that He will deliver them but if not, they will still serve Him. Tonight’s scripture is an example of faithfulness. Shadrack, Meshack and Abed-nego were faithful to God in defiance of Nebuchadnezzar. These young Hebrew boys were strangers to Babylon and had attained a position of favor with the king. They had been faithful in their worship of God, and this angered the native Babylonian princes who were jealous of them. The Babylonian princes set a trap. The trap was to use Shadrack, Meshack and Abed-nego’s own faith against them. The young Hebrews declared that God would deliver them, but even if He did not, they would not bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden statue. God is looking for people who have faith that He will deliver them but if not, they will still serve Him. Tonight’s scripture is an example of faithfulness. Shadrack, Meshack and Abed-nego were faithful to God in defiance of Nebuchadnezzar. These young Hebrew boys were strangers to Babylon and had attained a position of favor with the king. They had been… Jay Hilton 1924 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690700/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_butifnot/id/953504.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690700 Faithfulness,Not bending Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000 James Hughes Jesus has a way of finding those who need Him. Jesus did not say that he needed to go through Samaria. He did not declare to the disciples that He had to go to Samaria, but John records that “he needs go through Samaria.” To get from where he was to Galilee, was not an easy journey both in terms of distance and physical demands to climb out of the Jordan valley. This was an all day journey and by the time Jesus gets to Jacob’s well he is exhausted. He there encounters a Samaritan woman. When the disciples returned from town they were quite concerned. John tells is this story some sixty years after Jesus’ death and for him to have the details indicates that he must have gotten them from the woman herself. Bro. Hughes gives us the history of this passage and reveals that this meeting was one of the most important in Jesus’ ministry and has a direct connection to Peter’s message on the day of Pentecost. Jesus did not come to save the saved, but to save the lost. He went to the well to find the woman because He knew she would be there. Jacob dug the well to mark his territory and Jesus came to this well to stake His territory of those He came to save. The little lady that came to the well that day with all the troubles of her life in tow was transformed that day. She has a revelation that day that Jesus was the Christ, and she left her old life behind and went back to town and converted the entire town. This story tells us that Jesus went miles out of His way to change this woman’s life and he will also go out of His way to find us. Jesus has a way of finding those who need Him. Jesus did not say that he needed to go through Samaria. He did not declare to the disciples that He had to go to Samaria, but John records that “he needs go through Samaria.” To get from where he was to Galilee, was not an easy journey both in terms of distance and physical demands to climb out of the Jordan valley. This was an all day journey and by the time Jesus gets to Jacob’s well he is exhausted. He there encounters a Samaritan woman. When the disciples returned from town they were quite concerned. John tells is this story some sixty years after Jesus’ death and for him to have the details indicates that he must have gotten them from the woman herself. Bro. Hughes gives us the history of this passage and reveals that this meeting was one of the most important in Jesus’ ministry and has a direct connection to Peter’s message on the day of Pentecost. Jesus did not come to save the saved, but to save the lost. He went to the well to find the woman because He knew she would be there. Jacob dug the well to mark his territory and Jesus came to this well to stake His territory of those He came to save. The little lady that came to the well that day with all the troubles of her life in tow was transformed that day. She has a revelation that day that Jesus was the Christ, and she left her old life behind and went back to town and converted the entire town. This story tells us that Jesus went miles out of His way to change this woman’s life and he will also go out of His way to find us. Jesus has a way of finding those who need Him. Jesus did not say that he needed to go through Samaria. He did not declare to the disciples that He had to go to Samaria, but John records that “he needs go through Samaria.” To get from where he was to G… James Hughes 2340 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690699/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hefindsthoseinneed/id/953503.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690699 Find,Gift Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The devil is not able to cause us to do anything, but he is a master at setting traps and snares. One of these is found in our text and is the snare of worry. We live in an age of stress, pressure and anxiety. We look around today and see the affects of worry on people’s faces. We see it demonstrated in their attitudes. We can see the physical effects in general poor health. We worry about finances, identity theft, having enough, budget woes, job pressures, life and death and a host of other things. In spite of all this worry we are still alive and still in relative good health. Over the course of a lifetime, worry accounts for many valuable hours of lost time. Worry is destructive in many ways. It is a suppresser and often impacts our worship. Worry is more than a worship killer, it will steal blessing and hope. None of us are exempt from worry. If we are not careful, worry will cause us to focus on our bodies and we can miss the blessings that God has for us. The promises of God are not based upon our abilities or talents; they are based upon His word and His ability to perform. Bro. Hughes extols us to get our eyes off of our bodies, and our limitations, and focus on what God has to say. If God said it, it is settled. The way to live in troubled times is to not worry and continue to praise the Lord. In troubled times remember that God can do abundantly exceeding all expectation. The simple truth of our text is that it clearly defines God’s role and our role. Jesus shows us an attitude that can be transformational. This is the antidote to worry: Remember that God gave life and only God can sustain life. God is the one that will give the fruit for the labor. Secondly, as a child of God, we must learn to accept uncertainty. We do not know it all. It is not to know why some suffer and others do not. We simply have to trust it all to God. Thirdly we have to challenge our thoughts. Not every thought is a valid or worthy thought. Some thoughts must be challenged. Our mind can play tricks on us, so we must challenge some of the things that come into our mind. Finally we have to let God be enough. He said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all this will be added unto you.” God is enough. If we can do these four things we can drive worry from our mind. The devil is not able to cause us to do anything, but he is a master at setting traps and snares. One of these is found in our text and is the snare of worry. We live in an age of stress, pressure and anxiety. We look around today and see the affects of worry on people’s faces. We see it demonstrated in their attitudes. We can see the physical effects in general poor health. We worry about finances, identity theft, having enough, budget woes, job pressures, life and death and a host of other things. In spite of all this worry we are still alive and still in relative good health. Over the course of a lifetime, worry accounts for many valuable hours of lost time. Worry is destructive in many ways. It is a suppresser and often impacts our worship. Worry is more than a worship killer, it will steal blessing and hope. None of us are exempt from worry. If we are not careful, worry will cause us to focus on our bodies and we can miss the blessings that God has for us. The promises of God are not based upon our abilities or talents; they are based upon His word and His ability to perform. Bro. Hughes extols us to get our eyes off of our bodies, and our limitations, and focus on what God has to say. If God said it, it is settled. The way to live in troubled times is to not worry and continue to praise the Lord. In troubled times remember that God can do abundantly exceeding all expectation. The simple truth of our text is that it clearly defines God’s role and our role. Jesus shows us an attitude that can be transformational. This is the antidote to worry: Remember that God gave life and only God can sustain life. God is the one that will give the fruit for the labor. Secondly, as a child of God, we must learn to accept uncertainty. We do not know it all. It is not to know why some suffer and others do not. We simply have to trust it all to God. Thirdly we have to challenge our thoughts. Not every thought is a valid or worthy thought. Some thoughts must be challenged. Our mind can play tricks on us, so we must challenge some of the things that come into our mind. Finally we have to let God be enough. He said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all this will be added unto you.” God is enough. If we can do these four things we can drive worry from our mind. The devil is not able to cause us to do anything, but he is a master at setting traps and snares. One of these is found in our text and is the snare of worry. We live in an age of stress, pressure and anxiety. We look around today and see the affects… Mark Hughes 2843 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690698/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_bewarethesnareofworry/id/953502.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690698 Worry,Concern,Snare, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 10 Feb 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Life does not come with an instruction manual. We come into this world and begin living. In that living we face many things. There are no crystal balls that can give us a vision of how life will turn out. Some will look at life and say life is killing me. Another will look at the same set of circumstances and describe their life as wonderful. Our text is an example of that principle. The first ten verses of the psalm are dark and dismal, while the remaining ten are upbeat and optimistic. Some have speculated that two different people wrote it, but in fact it was the same man. What was the difference? Somehow he found an adjustment in his life and they way he looked at it. Now the same man that minutes before was questioning if God even knew where he was, saw things in a completely different light. In the opening nine verses, the writer makes 22 personal references and only 11 times does he reference God. He is talking about his problems and his troubles twice as often as he is talking about God. This is indicative of a man whose problems were bigger than his God. In the last nine verses, his attitude changes. He only mentions himself 3 times while he mentions God 22 times. Life really does depend upon how you see it. Is life going to kill you? Are your troubles going to get the best of you? It all depends upon how you look at it. How do you have an outlook like the latter part of this Psalm rather than the first part? Learn how to saturate yourself with a sense of God. Realize that your life is in His hands. You cannot dwell upon your problems and be healed. Is your life going to get better? It all depends upon how you look at it. Life does not come with an instruction manual. We come into this world and begin living. In that living we face many things. There are no crystal balls that can give us a vision of how life will turn out. Some will look at life and say life is killing me. Another will look at the same set of circumstances and describe their life as wonderful. Our text is an example of that principle. The first ten verses of the psalm are dark and dismal, while the remaining ten are upbeat and optimistic. Some have speculated that two different people wrote it, but in fact it was the same man. What was the difference? Somehow he found an adjustment in his life and they way he looked at it. Now the same man that minutes before was questioning if God even knew where he was, saw things in a completely different light. In the opening nine verses, the writer makes 22 personal references and only 11 times does he reference God. He is talking about his problems and his troubles twice as often as he is talking about God. This is indicative of a man whose problems were bigger than his God. In the last nine verses, his attitude changes. He only mentions himself 3 times while he mentions God 22 times. Life really does depend upon how you see it. Is life going to kill you? Are your troubles going to get the best of you? It all depends upon how you look at it. How do you have an outlook like the latter part of this Psalm rather than the first part? Learn how to saturate yourself with a sense of God. Realize that your life is in His hands. You cannot dwell upon your problems and be healed. Is your life going to get better? It all depends upon how you look at it. Life does not come with an instruction manual. We come into this world and begin living. In that living we face many things. There are no crystal balls that can give us a vision of how life will turn out. Some will look at life and say life is kill… Mark Hughes 2231 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690697/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_italldependsuponhowyoulookatit/id/953501.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690697 Perspective,Viewpoint, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 10 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes There is perhaps no more colorful character in the bible than Jacob. He was an extremely troubled man. He had come into the world reaching for something. Jacob was a man who knew what he wanted. He didn’t always go about getting what he wanted in the best way, but Jacob was the kind of man who would find a way to get what he wanted. Jacob had talents and abilities, but he lived a troubled life because he did it his way rather than God’s way. Jacob plowed through life with no regard for whom he hurt or deceived. For that reason, he lived his life always looking over his shoulder for the time that his past would catch up with him. For more than 20 years Jacob had been on the run from his past and his brother. In our text, Jacob is on his way home to face his brother and to attempt to reconcile the past. Jacob has sent all his family away and he is alone. He feels an unknown hand reach out and begin to fight. It had taken a long time, but God had gotten Jacob to the place of reckoning. In each of our lives, we will all come to a place where we have to account for our actions. All night they wrestled, but Jacob could not prevail. Then Jacob came to the life changing moment. Jacob faced God for the first time in his life. In that moment, he did what he had been unable to do in all his life: surrender himself to God. When he surrendered to God, God began to change the temperament that had been a problem for him all his life. In all his life, Jacob had never totally surrendered to God until he got to Jabock. It was a place of healing. There is perhaps no more colorful character in the bible than Jacob. He was an extremely troubled man. He had come into the world reaching for something. Jacob was a man who knew what he wanted. He didn’t always go about getting what he wanted in the best way, but Jacob was the kind of man who would find a way to get what he wanted. Jacob had talents and abilities, but he lived a troubled life because he did it his way rather than God’s way. Jacob plowed through life with no regard for whom he hurt or deceived. For that reason, he lived his life always looking over his shoulder for the time that his past would catch up with him. For more than 20 years Jacob had been on the run from his past and his brother. In our text, Jacob is on his way home to face his brother and to attempt to reconcile the past. Jacob has sent all his family away and he is alone. He feels an unknown hand reach out and begin to fight. It had taken a long time, but God had gotten Jacob to the place of reckoning. In each of our lives, we will all come to a place where we have to account for our actions. All night they wrestled, but Jacob could not prevail. Then Jacob came to the life changing moment. Jacob faced God for the first time in his life. In that moment, he did what he had been unable to do in all his life: surrender himself to God. When he surrendered to God, God began to change the temperament that had been a problem for him all his life. In all his life, Jacob had never totally surrendered to God until he got to Jabock. It was a place of healing. There is perhaps no more colorful character in the bible than Jacob. He was an extremely troubled man. He had come into the world reaching for something. Jacob was a man who knew what he wanted. He didn’t always go about getting what he wanted in t… Mark Hughes 1906 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690696/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_aplaceofhealing/id/953500.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690696 Healing,Surrender, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 06 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes There is nothing in our lives that the Lord Himself didn't to encounter in His time on earth. In Hebrews, Paul says that we do not have a high priest who is not capable of understanding our problems and who was in all points tempted. One of the most difficult things to overcome in life is betrayal. It is so bitter that we even have difficulty talking about it. It is difficult to move on when someone that we trust, love, or otherwise had faith in, lets us down. Betrayal can breed bitterness that will linger for a long time; especially if the betrayal is at the hands of someone who is close. We naturally question: “Why did it happen” In our text, Jesus is at the end of His earthly ministry and He is in the garden of Gethsemane. The Lord is surrounded by the people closest to Him and in whom He had invested much time, effort and love. He has one request: Wait while I go pray. When He returns, Jesus finds these trusted men asleep. The anguish in His words jump off the page as he asks: “Could you not watch with me for an hour?” When He needed them the most, they had let Him down. Twice more he comes back to find them asleep. In this text, Jesus teaches one of the most powerful principles of life: None of us will get through life without being betrayed; without being hurt. And those that we love and trust the most will betray us. Many of us will blame ourselves for this betrayal. Jesus did not spend any time searching Himself for failings. Jesus teaches us in this story how to deal with disloyalty. The first thing that He said that is not a justification of their failure, but an explanation: The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. He made allowances for their humanity. By saying this, He was forgiving them for that shortcoming. That is the first step that anyone who wants to overcome disloyalty: The power of forgiveness. When we forgive, we don’t let them go. What we are really letting go is ourselves. Forgiveness is a way of releasing toxic things from our life. The second thing that Bro. Hughes observes is that Jesus did not let their disloyalty disturb His purpose and His future. When He came back the third time He said: “Sleep on” and continued on His way. He did not throw up His hands and quit. Their failure did not limit His future. Jesus was not going to allow bitterness to tie him to that night. There are far too many people that are tied to some point in time by bitterness. They are never able to get past something that happened in the past and are never able to grown and become what God wants them to be. The last thing Jesus did in the midst of their disloyalty, was find a budding future. He said: “Rise, let us be going.” Betrayal is not the end, but the beginning. There is life beyond this midnight, this pain, and this sorrow. There is life beyond this hurt. We cannot allow a betrayal to limit our life. There is nothing in our lives that the Lord Himself didn't to encounter in His time on earth. In Hebrews, Paul says that we do not have a high priest who is not capable of understanding our problems and who was in all points tempted. One of the most difficult things to overcome in life is betrayal. It is so bitter that we even have difficulty talking about it. It is difficult to move on when someone that we trust, love, or otherwise had faith in, lets us down. Betrayal can breed bitterness that will linger for a long time; especially if the betrayal is at the hands of someone who is close. We naturally question: “Why did it happen” In our text, Jesus is at the end of His earthly ministry and He is in the garden of Gethsemane. The Lord is surrounded by the people closest to Him and in whom He had invested much time, effort and love. He has one request: Wait while I go pray. When He returns, Jesus finds these trusted men asleep. The anguish in His words jump off the page as he asks: “Could you not watch with me for an hour?” When He needed them the most, they had let Him down. Twice more he comes back to find them asleep. In this text, Jesus teaches one of the most powerful principles of life: None of us will get through life without being betrayed; without being hurt. And those that we love and trust the most will betray us. Many of us will blame ourselves for this betrayal. Jesus did not spend any time searching Himself for failings. Jesus teaches us in this story how to deal with disloyalty. The first thing that He said that is not a justification of their failure, but an explanation: The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. He made allowances for their humanity. By saying this, He was forgiving them for that shortcoming. That is the first step that anyone who wants to overcome disloyalty: The power of forgiveness. When we forgive, we don’t let them go. What we are really letting go is ourselves. Forgiveness is a way of releasing toxic things from our life. The second thing that Bro. Hughes observes is that Jesus did not let their disloyalty disturb His purpose and His future. When He came back the third time He said: “Sleep on” and continued on His way. He did not throw up His hands and quit. Their failure did not limit His future. Jesus was not going to allow bitterness to tie him to that night. There are far too many people that are tied to some point in time by bitterness. They are never able to get past something that happened in the past and are never able to grown and become what God wants them to be. The last thing Jesus did in the midst of their disloyalty, was find a budding future. He said: “Rise, let us be going.” Betrayal is not the end, but the beginning. There is life beyond this midnight, this pain, and this sorrow. There is life beyond this hurt. We cannot allow a betrayal to limit our life. There is nothing in our lives that the Lord Himself didn't to encounter in His time on earth. In Hebrews, Paul says that we do not have a high priest who is not capable of understanding our problems and who was in all points tempted. One of the most … Mark Hughes 2521 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690695/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dealingwithdisloyalty/id/953499.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690695 Betrayal,Foregiveness,Bitterness,Move On, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 03 Feb 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Haggai had one job and that was to get a people who had become side tracked back on track. The people had started well, but had grown weary and had become distracted. Somewhere between their starting point and the setting of our text some fourteen years went by and they quit working on a place of worship. Their houses were built, and they had food and clothing, but they were never satisfied. They had started on the tabernacle, but work had gone unfinished. This was not a sudden thing that happened. The seasons changed, unexpected problems cropped up, life got in the way and eventually progress on the building project stopped. God sent a man and over the course of three months, Haggai labored to stir the people. God continued to reach for His people. We should thank God for the man of God in our life that will keep reaching and will work to keep us from drifting. Haggai was committed to awaking a dormant people. They had started well, but starting well is not enough. We must finish. Bro. Hughes examines this story and began to wonder what is it that causes people to become dormant. First he notes that Israel had begun to prosper in their business and dealings. Prosperity began to rock them to sleep. They had money in the bank; they had food to eat and clothes to wear. When they were in poverty it was not hard to motivate the people to build. Times of plenty bring with them times of complacency. Prosperity had taken the fight out of them. Another issue that took the fight out of them was that the Samaritans were ridiculing them for their work on the temple. We become conscious of what people think of us; we alter our behavior to avoid the embarrassment. The number one reason that the fight left them was that the task was harder than they thought. The process of getting where we need to go is much harder than we understand. Haggai was sent for one purpose: To refocus God’s people. His message was this simple: If we refocus on God, He will focus on us. If we will put our efforts toward living for God and doing what is right, God will help in that effort. Haggai had one job and that was to get a people who had become side tracked back on track. The people had started well, but had grown weary and had become distracted. Somewhere between their starting point and the setting of our text some fourteen years went by and they quit working on a place of worship. Their houses were built, and they had food and clothing, but they were never satisfied. They had started on the tabernacle, but work had gone unfinished. This was not a sudden thing that happened. The seasons changed, unexpected problems cropped up, life got in the way and eventually progress on the building project stopped. God sent a man and over the course of three months, Haggai labored to stir the people. God continued to reach for His people. We should thank God for the man of God in our life that will keep reaching and will work to keep us from drifting. Haggai was committed to awaking a dormant people. They had started well, but starting well is not enough. We must finish. Bro. Hughes examines this story and began to wonder what is it that causes people to become dormant. First he notes that Israel had begun to prosper in their business and dealings. Prosperity began to rock them to sleep. They had money in the bank; they had food to eat and clothes to wear. When they were in poverty it was not hard to motivate the people to build. Times of plenty bring with them times of complacency. Prosperity had taken the fight out of them. Another issue that took the fight out of them was that the Samaritans were ridiculing them for their work on the temple. We become conscious of what people think of us; we alter our behavior to avoid the embarrassment. The number one reason that the fight left them was that the task was harder than they thought. The process of getting where we need to go is much harder than we understand. Haggai was sent for one purpose: To refocus God’s people. His message was this simple: If we refocus on God, He will focus on us. If we will put our efforts toward living for God and doing what is right, God will help in that effort. Haggai had one job and that was to get a people who had become side tracked back on track. The people had started well, but had grown weary and had become distracted. Somewhere between their starting point and the setting of our text some fourteen ye… Mark Hughes 1831 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690694/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenlifetakesthefightoutofyou/id/953498.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690694 Fight,Distraction,Complacent, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Rodney Mississippi sits near the Mississippi river between St. Louis and New Orleans. It missed becoming the capital of Mississippi by three votes, but today it is on the verge of being a ghost time. In the late 1800s it was a busy seaport. At the time it was a cultural center with shopping, banking and Broadway shows. It was not only a town of growth and prosperity; it was a town of vision. They built what would become Alcorn State University. It is a ghost town today because the mighty Mississippi river changed coarse and the town is no longer located on the river, but near the river. The leadership of the town did nothing when the river began to change course and did not expand their town to match the path of the river. Last Wednesday, Bro. Hughes used a vision from Ezekiel to describe the flow of God’s spirit as being a mighty river. When the spirit of God begins to move, we must be prepared to move with it lest we become like Rodney Mississippi and be only a ghost of what might have been. In tonight’s text, Paul admonishes the church at Ephesus about the difficult times in which they lived. Paul said that they would be known as evil days. He said that even in the difficult times there are great opportunities. The child of God who is connected to the spirit will realizes that challenging times are the best opportunity show the power of God. Bro. Hughes notes three things from our text. Paul talks about awakening. The danger of our time is that the people will go to sleep spiritually. People go to sleep because they get to comfortable, or too warm, or too full. If we are not careful we can become so content on a pew that we sleep through the best parts of our life. Our conscious has gone to sleep. The news is no longer shocking to us. Our values and lifestyle are under such an assault that we become numb to the decay of our society. Paul said that there would be a danger of slippage. There are reasons why the church has taken a stand on values, standards and beliefs. Bro. Hughes asks why we are allowing them to slip away from us? We no longer ask, “Is this really what we should be doing?” Finally Paul tells us that sloppiness can be a danger. We should not be sloppy in our relationship with God. There is nothing about God that is sloppy, so why would we not want to give God our very best. Rodney Mississippi sits near the Mississippi river between St. Louis and New Orleans. It missed becoming the capital of Mississippi by three votes, but today it is on the verge of being a ghost time. In the late 1800s it was a busy seaport. At the time it was a cultural center with shopping, banking and Broadway shows. It was not only a town of growth and prosperity; it was a town of vision. They built what would become Alcorn State University. It is a ghost town today because the mighty Mississippi river changed coarse and the town is no longer located on the river, but near the river. The leadership of the town did nothing when the river began to change course and did not expand their town to match the path of the river. Last Wednesday, Bro. Hughes used a vision from Ezekiel to describe the flow of God’s spirit as being a mighty river. When the spirit of God begins to move, we must be prepared to move with it lest we become like Rodney Mississippi and be only a ghost of what might have been. In tonight’s text, Paul admonishes the church at Ephesus about the difficult times in which they lived. Paul said that they would be known as evil days. He said that even in the difficult times there are great opportunities. The child of God who is connected to the spirit will realizes that challenging times are the best opportunity show the power of God. Bro. Hughes notes three things from our text. Paul talks about awakening. The danger of our time is that the people will go to sleep spiritually. People go to sleep because they get to comfortable, or too warm, or too full. If we are not careful we can become so content on a pew that we sleep through the best parts of our life. Our conscious has gone to sleep. The news is no longer shocking to us. Our values and lifestyle are under such an assault that we become numb to the decay of our society. Paul said that there would be a danger of slippage. There are reasons why the church has taken a stand on values, standards and beliefs. Bro. Hughes asks why we are allowing them to slip away from us? We no longer ask, “Is this really what we should be doing?” Finally Paul tells us that sloppiness can be a danger. We should not be sloppy in our relationship with God. There is nothing about God that is sloppy, so why would we not want to give God our very best. Rodney Mississippi sits near the Mississippi river between St. Louis and New Orleans. It missed becoming the capital of Mississippi by three votes, but today it is on the verge of being a ghost time. In the late 1800s it was a busy seaport. At the t… Mark Hughes 2171 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690693/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtoliveindangeroustimes/id/953497.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690693 Dangers,Sleep,Slippage,Sloppy, Scripture: Ephesians 5:11-5:17, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 27 Jan 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes For many people it is natural to see the negative side of situations. It is easy to get caught up in what life had done to us rather than focusing on what is happening in our life. Many people are so focused on the things that have been lost in life that they forget to look at the blessings they still enjoy. Bro Hughes believes we need to get over what is not here. Often our life is defined by what is missing. If we just get over by what we have lost and focus on what is still here, God can do something with that. Some of us have been thru a war and we only see what has been taken out. Sometimes we limit our life by what we have or don’t have. Life has changed for a lot of us because of what we have lost or don’t have. What are you focused on today? We must quit defining life by what has been lost. For many people it is natural to see the negative side of situations. It is easy to get caught up in what life had done to us rather than focusing on what is happening in our life. Many people are so focused on the things that have been lost in life that they forget to look at the blessings they still enjoy. Bro Hughes believes we need to get over what is not here. Often our life is defined by what is missing. If we just get over by what we have lost and focus on what is still here, God can do something with that. Some of us have been thru a war and we only see what has been taken out. Sometimes we limit our life by what we have or don’t have. Life has changed for a lot of us because of what we have lost or don’t have. What are you focused on today? We must quit defining life by what has been lost. For many people it is natural to see the negative side of situations. It is easy to get caught up in what life had done to us rather than focusing on what is happening in our life. Many people are so focused on the things that have been lost in life … Mark Hughes 1930 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690691/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_getoverwhatislost/id/953495.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690691 Missing,Lost, Scripture: Hebrews 11:33-11:34, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sat, 26 Jan 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker The Komodo dragon is capable of killing a cape buffalo. They don’t do this by a direct attack. They do this by biting the buffalo on the leg. The bite will become infected and eventually the buffalo will die. It is a horrible and tortuous way to die. The Cape buffalo is one of the most feared and most powerful animals in the world. It is know as Black Death, but this wound can bring down this huge dangerous animal. During the Vietnam War, the enemy would set traps that would not kill the American soldier, but that would inflict wounds that would cause the advancing troops to slow down in order to deal with the wounded man. In our spirit, there are things that cause wounds. If these wounds are left untended, they can cause us great harm. Some people will try to manage these wounds rather than taking them to God for Him to heal. The enemy has set traps that can wound us. These wounds that we encounter in our life can fester and can eventually kill spiritually. We must have faith for spiritual healing. The Komodo dragon is capable of killing a cape buffalo. They don’t do this by a direct attack. They do this by biting the buffalo on the leg. The bite will become infected and eventually the buffalo will die. It is a horrible and tortuous way to die. The Cape buffalo is one of the most feared and most powerful animals in the world. It is know as Black Death, but this wound can bring down this huge dangerous animal. During the Vietnam War, the enemy would set traps that would not kill the American soldier, but that would inflict wounds that would cause the advancing troops to slow down in order to deal with the wounded man. In our spirit, there are things that cause wounds. If these wounds are left untended, they can cause us great harm. Some people will try to manage these wounds rather than taking them to God for Him to heal. The enemy has set traps that can wound us. These wounds that we encounter in our life can fester and can eventually kill spiritually. We must have faith for spiritual healing. The Komodo dragon is capable of killing a cape buffalo. They don’t do this by a direct attack. They do this by biting the buffalo on the leg. The bite will become infected and eventually the buffalo will die. It is a horrible and tortuous way to di… Kenneth Baker 2055 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690692/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_faithforspiritualhealing/id/953496.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690692 Wounds,Healing, Scripture: Mark 2:5-2:6 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The port of Shanghai China is some 20 miles inland from the sea and is accessed via the Yangtze River. The large river deposits slit as the waters begin to slow their flow as it approaches the sea. This threatens to choke off access to the port by filling up the channel so that the large ships cannot come in and out. To combat this, the port officials continually dredge the river to remove all the buildup and junk. Life can be like that. As the flow of life slows, the dirt and debris that have been carried along begin to clog up the flow and threaten to block passage. Bro. Hughes observes that we need a transformational flow of the spirit to clean out our life of all the silt. In our text Ezekiel has been taken on a journey that brings him back to the temple where he is shown the headwaters of what will become a mighty river that originates at the throne of God. What God showed Ezekiel was that when the spirit of God begins to flow, it will totally transform the landscape and will result in something so different than what he had known. It ran out of the city, down into the desert area and ultimately to the Dead Sea. This flowing water literally transformed everything it touched. Bro. Hughes tells us that if we find ourselves burdened down with the debris of life, that we need to get with the flow of God’s sprit to cleanse our life. The bible says that the water flowed out into their world and wherever it flowed, it healed. That is the transforming power of the spirit. The port of Shanghai China is some 20 miles inland from the sea and is accessed via the Yangtze River. The large river deposits slit as the waters begin to slow their flow as it approaches the sea. This threatens to choke off access to the port by filling up the channel so that the large ships cannot come in and out. To combat this, the port officials continually dredge the river to remove all the buildup and junk. Life can be like that. As the flow of life slows, the dirt and debris that have been carried along begin to clog up the flow and threaten to block passage. Bro. Hughes observes that we need a transformational flow of the spirit to clean out our life of all the silt. In our text Ezekiel has been taken on a journey that brings him back to the temple where he is shown the headwaters of what will become a mighty river that originates at the throne of God. What God showed Ezekiel was that when the spirit of God begins to flow, it will totally transform the landscape and will result in something so different than what he had known. It ran out of the city, down into the desert area and ultimately to the Dead Sea. This flowing water literally transformed everything it touched. Bro. Hughes tells us that if we find ourselves burdened down with the debris of life, that we need to get with the flow of God’s sprit to cleanse our life. The bible says that the water flowed out into their world and wherever it flowed, it healed. That is the transforming power of the spirit. The port of Shanghai China is some 20 miles inland from the sea and is accessed via the Yangtze River. The large river deposits slit as the waters begin to slow their flow as it approaches the sea. This threatens to choke off access to the port by fi… Mark Hughes 2648 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690690/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thetransformingpowerofthespiri/id/953494.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690690 Sprit,Flow, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 20 Jan 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Where would we be with out the faithfulness of the Pastor? In a world of turmoil, chaos, confusion God has placed a great man in our life to turn to. How many times have things seemed impossible, when God gave us a promise and victory because God blessed the feet of the Pastor? When the children of Israel came to the river the Red Sea, God parted the waters and provided safe passage because of a promise made to Moses. At the river Jordan, when the feet of the priests entered the water, God caused the river to stop flowing and allowed safe passage for His people. At Jericho God crumbled the walls because the man of God marched His people around the city as he had been directed. The bible directs that we have a pastor over us to lead us. Like a shepherd, the pastor looks over his flock and cares for them. Greater Life church has been blessed for 20 years with a loving, compassionate and caring pastor and pastor’s wife. Bro. and Sis. Hughes have labored, prayed, sacrificed and followed God’s vision for our church. They, and we have been blessed for 20 years. Bro. Clark shares his heart today about the need for a pastor in our life and brings an anointed word of God to GLC today on the celebration of the Hughes 20th pastoral anniversary. Where would we be with out the faithfulness of the Pastor? In a world of turmoil, chaos, confusion God has placed a great man in our life to turn to. How many times have things seemed impossible, when God gave us a promise and victory because God blessed the feet of the Pastor? When the children of Israel came to the river the Red Sea, God parted the waters and provided safe passage because of a promise made to Moses. At the river Jordan, when the feet of the priests entered the water, God caused the river to stop flowing and allowed safe passage for His people. At Jericho God crumbled the walls because the man of God marched His people around the city as he had been directed. The bible directs that we have a pastor over us to lead us. Like a shepherd, the pastor looks over his flock and cares for them. Greater Life church has been blessed for 20 years with a loving, compassionate and caring pastor and pastor’s wife. Bro. and Sis. Hughes have labored, prayed, sacrificed and followed God’s vision for our church. They, and we have been blessed for 20 years. Bro. Clark shares his heart today about the need for a pastor in our life and brings an anointed word of God to GLC today on the celebration of the Hughes 20th pastoral anniversary. Where would we be with out the faithfulness of the Pastor? In a world of turmoil, chaos, confusion God has placed a great man in our life to turn to. How many times have things seemed impossible, when God gave us a promise and victory because God ble… Kenneth Baker 2257 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690689/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whyiwantapastoronmyside/id/953493.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690689 Pastor,Shepherd,Leader Wed, 16 Jan 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes There are some things about life that when we get them right, everything else works like it is supposed to. Conversely, if we get them wrong, nothing falls into place. Bro. Hughes shares a story about how he assembled something. He had in his mind how is should work, but he decided to follow the instructions provided. While doing this, he discovered that there was a process that the manufacturer had laid out. Had he followed his intuition, he may have gotten the piece assembled, but by following the instructions the assembly was easier and worked better than if he had done it without following the directions. Our scripture text is one of the keys to life. There is a principle here that if we get it right will make a lot of other things right. Salvation should be everyone’s goal. There are dangers and obstacles along this earthly journey that can cause us to get off track and to miss out on that salvation. Paul outlines three things that we must do to avoid falling short and not see the Lord. Our text begins with following peace. In the Greek, the word peace means to pursue; to diligently strive after peace with all men. This means that we must work at getting along with people. The second part of verse 14 involves holiness. Holiness describes a relationship with God. It will affect every part of life. It is not an outdated way of living. It is a relationship between God and us. God is clean and pure, and that if we are going to have a relationship with Him, we must also be clean and pure in everything we do. Holiness is a spirit. For far too many, holiness is something that they wear, not something that they are. In verses 15-16, Paul talks about missing grace’s work. The only way for this to happen is for a person to become disconnected or distracted. If we do not get the holiness and peace part right, we may become distracted or disconnected and risk missing out on the grace that God offers. Paul mentions bitterness. If we don’t get the holiness and peace part, it is easy to become bitter. There are a lot of broken relationships due to bitterness. Finally Paul says we must be aware of the possibility of falling into an immoral or un-holy life. Most of us hear that and say no way. Bro. Hughes offers the example of Abraham. Abraham was called a friend of God, but even this great man of faith struggled with an unconsecrated life. There are some things about life that when we get them right, everything else works like it is supposed to. Conversely, if we get them wrong, nothing falls into place. Bro. Hughes shares a story about how he assembled something. He had in his mind how is should work, but he decided to follow the instructions provided. While doing this, he discovered that there was a process that the manufacturer had laid out. Had he followed his intuition, he may have gotten the piece assembled, but by following the instructions the assembly was easier and worked better than if he had done it without following the directions. Our scripture text is one of the keys to life. There is a principle here that if we get it right will make a lot of other things right. Salvation should be everyone’s goal. There are dangers and obstacles along this earthly journey that can cause us to get off track and to miss out on that salvation. Paul outlines three things that we must do to avoid falling short and not see the Lord. Our text begins with following peace. In the Greek, the word peace means to pursue; to diligently strive after peace with all men. This means that we must work at getting along with people. The second part of verse 14 involves holiness. Holiness describes a relationship with God. It will affect every part of life. It is not an outdated way of living. It is a relationship between God and us. God is clean and pure, and that if we are going to have a relationship with Him, we must also be clean and pure in everything we do. Holiness is a spirit. For far too many, holiness is something that they wear, not something that they are. In verses 15-16, Paul talks about missing grace’s work. The only way for this to happen is for a person to become disconnected or distracted. If we do not get the holiness and peace part right, we may become distracted or disconnected and risk missing out on the grace that God offers. Paul mentions bitterness. If we don’t get the holiness and peace part, it is easy to become bitter. There are a lot of broken relationships due to bitterness. Finally Paul says we must be aware of the possibility of falling into an immoral or un-holy life. Most of us hear that and say no way. Bro. Hughes offers the example of Abraham. Abraham was called a friend of God, but even this great man of faith struggled with an unconsecrated life. There are some things about life that when we get them right, everything else works like it is supposed to. Conversely, if we get them wrong, nothing falls into place. Bro. Hughes shares a story about how he assembled something. He had in his mind h… Mark Hughes 2381 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690688/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_followtheinstructions/id/953492.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690688 Instructions,Peace,Holiness,Concecration, Scripture: Hebrews 12:14-12:16, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 13 Jan 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker We are creatures of habit. We easily fall into a routine of doing things. It is more difficult to get out of a routine than it is to get into one. We have gotten into the routine of singing and expecting good preaching. Good preaching and wonderful singing do not save people. It doesn’t matter if the music is just right or if the preacher says the right thing, we have to communicate the glory and goodness of God to a lost world. There is no limit to what God can do. He cannot fail. He can do exceeding and abundantly above all we can do or think. He can do all this, and He deserves all the glory. Faith is contagious especially to those that are faithful. Bro. Custer observes that usually the manifestation of God’s power happens outside of the house of God. The prayer or the promise may happen in the house of God, but the result of that usually happens elsewhere. In the bible, healings didn’t happen in the temple or the tabernacle. This gives us an opportunity to praise God to those who are outside our four walls. The people that we want to reach don’t believe what we believe. The world needs to hear of the goodness of God and the story of salvation. We are creatures of habit. We easily fall into a routine of doing things. It is more difficult to get out of a routine than it is to get into one. We have gotten into the routine of singing and expecting good preaching. Good preaching and wonderful singing do not save people. It doesn’t matter if the music is just right or if the preacher says the right thing, we have to communicate the glory and goodness of God to a lost world. There is no limit to what God can do. He cannot fail. He can do exceeding and abundantly above all we can do or think. He can do all this, and He deserves all the glory. Faith is contagious especially to those that are faithful. Bro. Custer observes that usually the manifestation of God’s power happens outside of the house of God. The prayer or the promise may happen in the house of God, but the result of that usually happens elsewhere. In the bible, healings didn’t happen in the temple or the tabernacle. This gives us an opportunity to praise God to those who are outside our four walls. The people that we want to reach don’t believe what we believe. The world needs to hear of the goodness of God and the story of salvation. We are creatures of habit. We easily fall into a routine of doing things. It is more difficult to get out of a routine than it is to get into one. We have gotten into the routine of singing and expecting good preaching. Good preaching and wonderful… Kenneth Baker 2026 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690687/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_doitdifferently/id/953491.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690687 Differently,Routine Sun, 13 Jan 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes What God wants to do and what He gets to do in our life is often is very different. What God wants to do is often limited by what we will let Him do. God is love and God loves us. Understanding that simple truth is key to our allowing God to work in our lives. If we can embrace the truth of our text, something will happen that will transform our live. It will lift burdens from our shoulder and bring the sunshine of God’s presence and His love. In our text, Paul writes about the everyday problems that people experience in life. He says that we need to be conscious of those whose hands and knees have become weak dealing with the daily grind of life. He tells us to provide encouragement to those around us. The simple statement at the end of our text is the key to dealing with the burdens and struggles of life: “Let it be.” That means step back and allow for something that we are not seeing to come to fruition. That means to take our hands off of it, and let God work it out. That means that we have to give it some time. That means that we have to stop talking about it. That means that we cannot keep being mad about it. Just maybe we are not seeing everything that is part of the equations. God’s perspective is much better than ours, and if we will let God do it, he can do it better than we can. God’s outcome is better than any outcome we can engineer. Time can be our greatest ally. If we will simply let it go, time will heal our hurts. There are a lot of messed up people that are messed up because they cannot let it be. God wants to heal, God wants to restore, God wants to bless; we have to let it be. What God wants to do and what He gets to do in our life is often is very different. What God wants to do is often limited by what we will let Him do. God is love and God loves us. Understanding that simple truth is key to our allowing God to work in our lives. If we can embrace the truth of our text, something will happen that will transform our live. It will lift burdens from our shoulder and bring the sunshine of God’s presence and His love. In our text, Paul writes about the everyday problems that people experience in life. He says that we need to be conscious of those whose hands and knees have become weak dealing with the daily grind of life. He tells us to provide encouragement to those around us. The simple statement at the end of our text is the key to dealing with the burdens and struggles of life: “Let it be.” That means step back and allow for something that we are not seeing to come to fruition. That means to take our hands off of it, and let God work it out. That means that we have to give it some time. That means that we have to stop talking about it. That means that we cannot keep being mad about it. Just maybe we are not seeing everything that is part of the equations. God’s perspective is much better than ours, and if we will let God do it, he can do it better than we can. God’s outcome is better than any outcome we can engineer. Time can be our greatest ally. If we will simply let it go, time will heal our hurts. There are a lot of messed up people that are messed up because they cannot let it be. God wants to heal, God wants to restore, God wants to bless; we have to let it be. What God wants to do and what He gets to do in our life is often is very different. What God wants to do is often limited by what we will let Him do. God is love and God loves us. Understanding that simple truth is key to our allowing God to work in… Mark Hughes 2144 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690686/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_letitbe/id/953490.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690686 let go,let God,Healed, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 06 Jan 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes GPS technology has changed navigation. Even with this, one of the biggest keys to getting somewhere is know where you are now. When you feel trapped by life, look up from where you are to find God. God will help you get beyond where you are now and moving to where He wants you to be. GPS technology has changed navigation. Even with this, one of the biggest keys to getting somewhere is know where you are now. When you feel trapped by life, look up from where you are to find God. God will help you get beyond where you are now and moving to where He wants you to be. GPS technology has changed navigation. Even with this, one of the biggest keys to getting somewhere is know where you are now. When you feel trapped by life, look up from where you are to find God. God will help you get beyond where you are now and … Mark Hughes 2438 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690685/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_fromwhereyouarenow/id/953489.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690685 Directon,Look Up, Scripture: Genesis 13:14-13:18, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 30 Dec 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes As we draw to a close of the year, we tend to reflect upon the changes and events of the previous 12 months. Many times in the bible, God encourages His people to reflect and think about the happenings and experiences in their lives and to use that to chart a course going forward. Bro. Hughes stops to consider what has happened, and what may lay ahead in 2013. God often commanded Israel to certain actions in order to sustain themselves as a people. God knew that life would have situations and battles, and so for the preservation of His people, their future was dependent upon them keeping His commandments. One of these things was to teach their young. This was more than to just preserve their history and heritage. The reason God told Israel to teach their children was to remind them that what God has done, He will do again. Often times when we review the year, we remember the bad, pressures and troubles that happened. It is just as important to remember the blessing and good that came. The best evidence of what to expect in the future, is to remember what has happened in the past. The best way to face the future is simply to have faith in God. Faith is not blind acceptance of life’s problems, but faith is the promise that God has the answer to whatever problems there may be. The best indicator of what He will do is what He has already done. If He did it once, He will do it again! The hidden lesson of the past is that whatever God did, he has committed Himself to doing again. As we draw to a close of the year, we tend to reflect upon the changes and events of the previous 12 months. Many times in the bible, God encourages His people to reflect and think about the happenings and experiences in their lives and to use that to chart a course going forward. Bro. Hughes stops to consider what has happened, and what may lay ahead in 2013. God often commanded Israel to certain actions in order to sustain themselves as a people. God knew that life would have situations and battles, and so for the preservation of His people, their future was dependent upon them keeping His commandments. One of these things was to teach their young. This was more than to just preserve their history and heritage. The reason God told Israel to teach their children was to remind them that what God has done, He will do again. Often times when we review the year, we remember the bad, pressures and troubles that happened. It is just as important to remember the blessing and good that came. The best evidence of what to expect in the future, is to remember what has happened in the past. The best way to face the future is simply to have faith in God. Faith is not blind acceptance of life’s problems, but faith is the promise that God has the answer to whatever problems there may be. The best indicator of what He will do is what He has already done. If He did it once, He will do it again! The hidden lesson of the past is that whatever God did, he has committed Himself to doing again. As we draw to a close of the year, we tend to reflect upon the changes and events of the previous 12 months. Many times in the bible, God encourages His people to reflect and think about the happenings and experiences in their lives and to use that to… Mark Hughes 2855 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690682/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hiddenlessonsfromthepast/id/953486.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690682 Reflect,Remember,Promise,Predictions, Scripture: Mark 11:20-11:22, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 30 Dec 2012 01:00:00 +0000 James Hughes Most of the struggles people have in life have nothing to do with the truth, but with perception. The truth can set us free, but perception can cloud the truth to the point that it will interfere with that. The perception is that if we get close enough to God, then that will change lives. The truth is that the Holy Ghost does not change people; people change people. We can have the greatest relationship with God, but still not be where He desires us to be. Yesterday cannot have control over today or tomorrow. God has given us the hope of absolute freedom, but very few of His children take advantage of that. The truth will make us free. The problem is that our perception of the truth will keep us from accepting that. When we allow life to define truth instead of allowing God do define it, we are bound even though freedom is there waiting to be claimed. We must not allow yesterday to define who we or were we are going. Perceptions cloud our minds. We look at life through the junk, the issues and problems. Until we change our perceptions, they will control us. Most of the struggles people have in life have nothing to do with the truth, but with perception. The truth can set us free, but perception can cloud the truth to the point that it will interfere with that. The perception is that if we get close enough to God, then that will change lives. The truth is that the Holy Ghost does not change people; people change people. We can have the greatest relationship with God, but still not be where He desires us to be. Yesterday cannot have control over today or tomorrow. God has given us the hope of absolute freedom, but very few of His children take advantage of that. The truth will make us free. The problem is that our perception of the truth will keep us from accepting that. When we allow life to define truth instead of allowing God do define it, we are bound even though freedom is there waiting to be claimed. We must not allow yesterday to define who we or were we are going. Perceptions cloud our minds. We look at life through the junk, the issues and problems. Until we change our perceptions, they will control us. Most of the struggles people have in life have nothing to do with the truth, but with perception. The truth can set us free, but perception can cloud the truth to the point that it will interfere with that. The perception is that if we get close enou… James Hughes 3462 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690684/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_perceptionismorepowerfulthantr/id/953488.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690684 Perception,Reality Sun, 23 Dec 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We all think we know what Christmas is, but for many the meaning of Christmas is lost. It is buried beneath gifts, bows, parties and Santa. Bro. Hughes comes today to tell us why he celebrates Christmas. The reason for celebrating Christmas is found in our text. God created both men and angels. Both are very different, but there are similarities. God made a decision eons ago that of the two; man was to be saved. There is no salvation for angels. There are no prophets for angels. This verse describes how Christmas gives a gift to all of us. Why did God choose to save man and not angels? We cannot answer that question, but God decided to save man and that is why we celebrate Christmas. Christmas tells us that you and I mean more to God than anything else. The tree will be put away. Santa will come and go. The lights and tinsel will be taken down and put away. But the God that made a decision to save man will be with us all day every day all year. That is why I celebrate Christmas. We all think we know what Christmas is, but for many the meaning of Christmas is lost. It is buried beneath gifts, bows, parties and Santa. Bro. Hughes comes today to tell us why he celebrates Christmas. The reason for celebrating Christmas is found in our text. God created both men and angels. Both are very different, but there are similarities. God made a decision eons ago that of the two; man was to be saved. There is no salvation for angels. There are no prophets for angels. This verse describes how Christmas gives a gift to all of us. Why did God choose to save man and not angels? We cannot answer that question, but God decided to save man and that is why we celebrate Christmas. Christmas tells us that you and I mean more to God than anything else. The tree will be put away. Santa will come and go. The lights and tinsel will be taken down and put away. But the God that made a decision to save man will be with us all day every day all year. That is why I celebrate Christmas. We all think we know what Christmas is, but for many the meaning of Christmas is lost. It is buried beneath gifts, bows, parties and Santa. Bro. Hughes comes today to tell us why he celebrates Christmas. The reason for celebrating Christmas is found… Mark Hughes 1711 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690683/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whyicelebratechristmas/id/953487.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690683 Christmas,Choice,Gift, Scripture: Hebrews 2:16-2:17, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 19 Dec 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Life knows how to humble you. The wise person will learn the lesson that it is best to hold your tongue, because often when you least expect it, your chickens will come home to roost. The songwriter says that life can change swiftly. It can change with out warning or notification. Life is a strange mixture of seasons. There are times when everything turns out right, all prayers seem to be answered and your life is blessed by exceeding favor. During those times, worship can just flow out of us. Without warning an in season can change to an out season. There will be times when we can live by faith and other times we won’t be able to see through the lens of faith. In our text, Paul admonishes Timothy that no matter the season, he must still worship God. We must take advantage of every day and make it work for us. Paul said that we must know who we are and when we know who we are, we are more than a match for whatever season. We must not let the season determine our joy. The circumstances of life cannot determine our destiny. Realize that God called you and if God called you, He equipped you to handle whatever He called you to do. This calling is a promise from God that we will make it through. This calling trumps whatever life may throw at us. Life knows how to humble you. The wise person will learn the lesson that it is best to hold your tongue, because often when you least expect it, your chickens will come home to roost. The songwriter says that life can change swiftly. It can change with out warning or notification. Life is a strange mixture of seasons. There are times when everything turns out right, all prayers seem to be answered and your life is blessed by exceeding favor. During those times, worship can just flow out of us. Without warning an in season can change to an out season. There will be times when we can live by faith and other times we won’t be able to see through the lens of faith. In our text, Paul admonishes Timothy that no matter the season, he must still worship God. We must take advantage of every day and make it work for us. Paul said that we must know who we are and when we know who we are, we are more than a match for whatever season. We must not let the season determine our joy. The circumstances of life cannot determine our destiny. Realize that God called you and if God called you, He equipped you to handle whatever He called you to do. This calling is a promise from God that we will make it through. This calling trumps whatever life may throw at us. Life knows how to humble you. The wise person will learn the lesson that it is best to hold your tongue, because often when you least expect it, your chickens will come home to roost. The songwriter says that life can change swiftly. It can change w… Mark Hughes 2017 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690681/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_yourcallingtrumpslife/id/953485.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690681 Season,worship, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 16 Dec 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The news in our nation today is very sad with the tragedy in Connecticut. In our text, Mary asks, “How can this be.” Surly there are those throughout our nation that are asking the same thing. Recovering from such a horrendous event seems to be impossible. Bro. Hughes reminds us that God specializes in the impossible. He does not need our help. When God gets ready to do something He can do it all by Himself. In our text, He used a virgin to produce the Christ child. God can take the impossible and work it out. Our second text is the familiar quote about it being easier to push a camel through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven. With man this would be impossible, but with God NOTHING is impossible. You and I cannot do it, but God knows how to thread the needle in our life. When you need a miracle, God is still in the miracle business. The news in our nation today is very sad with the tragedy in Connecticut. In our text, Mary asks, “How can this be.” Surly there are those throughout our nation that are asking the same thing. Recovering from such a horrendous event seems to be impossible. Bro. Hughes reminds us that God specializes in the impossible. He does not need our help. When God gets ready to do something He can do it all by Himself. In our text, He used a virgin to produce the Christ child. God can take the impossible and work it out. Our second text is the familiar quote about it being easier to push a camel through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven. With man this would be impossible, but with God NOTHING is impossible. You and I cannot do it, but God knows how to thread the needle in our life. When you need a miracle, God is still in the miracle business. The news in our nation today is very sad with the tragedy in Connecticut. In our text, Mary asks, “How can this be.” Surly there are those throughout our nation that are asking the same thing. Recovering from such a horrendous event seems to be impo… Mark Hughes 2033 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690680/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenyouneedamiracle/id/953484.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690680 Miracle,Impossible,Possible, Scripture: Luke 1:30-1:37, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 12 Dec 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes There are times when we wonder what is going on in our life. We wonder if there will ever be an end to what we are going through. It is human nature to question if what we are facing is fair and why we are facing it. Bro. Hughes comes tonight to attempt to erase that question from our mind. However heavy life may be at the moment, God has compensations for each of those burdens. The bible tells us that He will never put more on us than we can bear. We question that sometimes, but if He promised it, it is true. Zechariah was a prophet to Israel. He was called to encourage God’s people as they returned to their land after 70 years of exile and attempted to put their lives back together. God has often chosen the dark times of our life to reveal His greatest blessings. God gave Zechariah a vision at just the right time. He spoke clearly and specifically in this vision to help Israel to rebuild their hope and revive their faith. God caused Zechariah to see and understand what Israel was going through and why they were going through. God revealed that there were two spirits working in their situation: A builder and a destroyer. It does not take a skilled person to destroy, but to build takes skill and experience. Each of us has destroyers in our lives. This sprit tears down and divides. God had a message for Israel and for us; it doesn’t matter what is against us, He is for us. Our text describes four horns and goes on to talk about four carpenters. God will never give us more troubles than He does solutions. That is four for four. There are times when we wonder what is going on in our life. We wonder if there will ever be an end to what we are going through. It is human nature to question if what we are facing is fair and why we are facing it. Bro. Hughes comes tonight to attempt to erase that question from our mind. However heavy life may be at the moment, God has compensations for each of those burdens. The bible tells us that He will never put more on us than we can bear. We question that sometimes, but if He promised it, it is true. Zechariah was a prophet to Israel. He was called to encourage God’s people as they returned to their land after 70 years of exile and attempted to put their lives back together. God has often chosen the dark times of our life to reveal His greatest blessings. God gave Zechariah a vision at just the right time. He spoke clearly and specifically in this vision to help Israel to rebuild their hope and revive their faith. God caused Zechariah to see and understand what Israel was going through and why they were going through. God revealed that there were two spirits working in their situation: A builder and a destroyer. It does not take a skilled person to destroy, but to build takes skill and experience. Each of us has destroyers in our lives. This sprit tears down and divides. God had a message for Israel and for us; it doesn’t matter what is against us, He is for us. Our text describes four horns and goes on to talk about four carpenters. God will never give us more troubles than He does solutions. That is four for four. There are times when we wonder what is going on in our life. We wonder if there will ever be an end to what we are going through. It is human nature to question if what we are facing is fair and why we are facing it. Bro. Hughes comes tonight to att… Mark Hughes 2941 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690679/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_fourforfour/id/953483.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690679 Builders,Destroyers,Faith,Overcoming, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 09 Dec 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Often life hangs on the smallest of things. It is usually not the big things that get us; it is the small things that wear us down. There are two words in our text that speak to our lives. Mary approached Jesus about solving the problem of no wine at the wedding. She wanted him to do it immediately. His reply was “not yet.” This is often God’s response to us when we desperately approach Him with a need. Mary didn’t turn away in frustration that she didn’t get the answer she wanted. Her response to this answer was to turn to the servants and tell them to do as Jesus said. Mary knew that we do not tell God how to do it; we simply tell Him our need and leave it to Him to work out. This is faith’s response to life’s wait. Often life hangs on the smallest of things. It is usually not the big things that get us; it is the small things that wear us down. There are two words in our text that speak to our lives. Mary approached Jesus about solving the problem of no wine at the wedding. She wanted him to do it immediately. His reply was “not yet.” This is often God’s response to us when we desperately approach Him with a need. Mary didn’t turn away in frustration that she didn’t get the answer she wanted. Her response to this answer was to turn to the servants and tell them to do as Jesus said. Mary knew that we do not tell God how to do it; we simply tell Him our need and leave it to Him to work out. This is faith’s response to life’s wait. Often life hangs on the smallest of things. It is usually not the big things that get us; it is the small things that wear us down. There are two words in our text that speak to our lives. Mary approached Jesus about solving the problem of no wine a… Mark Hughes 2049 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690677/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_faithsanswertolifeswait/id/953482.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690677 Faith,Not Yet,Wait,Get Ready, Scripture: John 2:1-2:5, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 05 Dec 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison Promises are part of our life. Children promise parents their best behavior. Students promise to do their best. Couples promise eternal love and devotion. Employees promise a day’s work for a day’s pay. Promises flowed across the air in the recently concluded political season. The truth is that a promise is only as good as the person making it. We have all known people that we could not trust to keep their word. Others make a promise with all intentions of following through, but circumstances prevent them from keeping their promise. Still others will not rest until they fulfill their promise. We have all promised God certain things only to fail Him for various reasons. God however, never fails on His promises. There are promises that God has given to all of us generally, and then there are promises that He makes personally to us. It is those promises that can carry us in our weak moments. There are times that it seems that the promises God has given us are not coming or that seem to be no existent. God has never made a promise that was too good to be true. He is well able to keep every promise He has ever made. Just because we don’t understand his methods, do not mean that He will not come through. The woman in our text can testify to that last statement. The man of God prophesied to her that she would have a child. Due to her age, it seemed to be an impossible promise, but indeed she did have a son. As the boy grew up, one day he fell sick and died. The promise that she had held so dearly now was dead. Bro. Stevinson notes things about what she did, but more importantly, what she did not do. She did not sit and try to nurse her dead promise back to life, she put it back in the hand of God. God’s promise happens in His time and by His method. It is not our responsibility to figure out how or when the promise will happen. Our responsibility is to trust in Him and to take our hands off of the situation and allow Him to work it out. Promises are part of our life. Children promise parents their best behavior. Students promise to do their best. Couples promise eternal love and devotion. Employees promise a day’s work for a day’s pay. Promises flowed across the air in the recently concluded political season. The truth is that a promise is only as good as the person making it. We have all known people that we could not trust to keep their word. Others make a promise with all intentions of following through, but circumstances prevent them from keeping their promise. Still others will not rest until they fulfill their promise. We have all promised God certain things only to fail Him for various reasons. God however, never fails on His promises. There are promises that God has given to all of us generally, and then there are promises that He makes personally to us. It is those promises that can carry us in our weak moments. There are times that it seems that the promises God has given us are not coming or that seem to be no existent. God has never made a promise that was too good to be true. He is well able to keep every promise He has ever made. Just because we don’t understand his methods, do not mean that He will not come through. The woman in our text can testify to that last statement. The man of God prophesied to her that she would have a child. Due to her age, it seemed to be an impossible promise, but indeed she did have a son. As the boy grew up, one day he fell sick and died. The promise that she had held so dearly now was dead. Bro. Stevinson notes things about what she did, but more importantly, what she did not do. She did not sit and try to nurse her dead promise back to life, she put it back in the hand of God. God’s promise happens in His time and by His method. It is not our responsibility to figure out how or when the promise will happen. Our responsibility is to trust in Him and to take our hands off of the situation and allow Him to work it out. Promises are part of our life. Children promise parents their best behavior. Students promise to do their best. Couples promise eternal love and devotion. Employees promise a day’s work for a day’s pay. Promises flowed across the air in the rece… Tyler Stevison 1628 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690676/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtodealwithadeadpromise/id/953481.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690676 Promise,Time,Hands off, Scripture: 2 Kings 4:16-4:35 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison In life things will be lost; Keys, money, possessions. If we want to find something badly enough, we will go to any length to find it. Bro. Stevison proclaims that victory will not find us. Victory has a hiding place. If we want to find victory, we must seek after it. In our text, David is offered Goliath’s sword. David knew this sword and had experienced victory with it before. This time, if he was to seek victory, he had to seek it in it’s hiding place. The sword was hidden behind an ephod. The ephod was a garment of praise. The priest would put on the ephod and then praise God. That is the way it should work in God’s economy. We should praise Him before we receive the victory. Victory is hiding behind our worship. Bro. Stevison asks if it is possible that the reason that we have not experienced a breakthrough in a long time is because we are not putting on the garment of worship. David knew that victory was hiding behind the ephod. He knew where to find victory’s hiding place. In life things will be lost; Keys, money, possessions. If we want to find something badly enough, we will go to any length to find it. Bro. Stevison proclaims that victory will not find us. Victory has a hiding place. If we want to find victory, we must seek after it. In our text, David is offered Goliath’s sword. David knew this sword and had experienced victory with it before. This time, if he was to seek victory, he had to seek it in it’s hiding place. The sword was hidden behind an ephod. The ephod was a garment of praise. The priest would put on the ephod and then praise God. That is the way it should work in God’s economy. We should praise Him before we receive the victory. Victory is hiding behind our worship. Bro. Stevison asks if it is possible that the reason that we have not experienced a breakthrough in a long time is because we are not putting on the garment of worship. David knew that victory was hiding behind the ephod. He knew where to find victory’s hiding place. In life things will be lost; Keys, money, possessions. If we want to find something badly enough, we will go to any length to find it. Bro. Stevison proclaims that victory will not find us. Victory has a hiding place. If we want to find victory, we… Tyler Stevison 1552 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690675/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_victoryshidingplace/id/953480.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690675 ephod,worship,victory Sun, 02 Dec 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison If we live for any length of time, we will face a storm in our life. It is foolish to think we can make it through life carefree simply because we are children of God. Life is full of unexpected storms. There are times in life when we will be tossed to and fro. The rain falls on the just and the unjust. People try to fix their own storms. They try to manipulate the situation to make their own miracle. It happened in the garden. Adam and Eve tried to fix their storm with fig leaves never thinking that in a few days the leaves would dry up and they would be back to the same problem they started with. We cannot control from where the storm comes. The fear of the unknown is the downfall of many. Often our failing is not that we don’t trust God, but that we don’t trust His way. Our world looks to drugs, alcohol, promiscuity and counseling to deal with their storms. None of these things will fix storms, nor will any amount of money. The disciples found themselves in a storm. They were in a boat to cross the sea. This was comfortable territory for these men as they were all experienced fishermen. They had the promise of a safe passage, but they did not know what would occur during the trip. The storm came up without warning and they did all they could to cope. Jesus remained asleep until they called upon him. When they did come to Him, they were not asking for help, but questioning if He cared that they were going down. Their fear overtook their faith. Jesus was right there with them the whole time, but they tried to handle the situation themselves. Once they quit trying to handle the storm by themselves and turned to Jesus, He spoke “Peace be still” to the storm and it was calm. Then as now, He still calms storms. If we live for any length of time, we will face a storm in our life. It is foolish to think we can make it through life carefree simply because we are children of God. Life is full of unexpected storms. There are times in life when we will be tossed to and fro. The rain falls on the just and the unjust. People try to fix their own storms. They try to manipulate the situation to make their own miracle. It happened in the garden. Adam and Eve tried to fix their storm with fig leaves never thinking that in a few days the leaves would dry up and they would be back to the same problem they started with. We cannot control from where the storm comes. The fear of the unknown is the downfall of many. Often our failing is not that we don’t trust God, but that we don’t trust His way. Our world looks to drugs, alcohol, promiscuity and counseling to deal with their storms. None of these things will fix storms, nor will any amount of money. The disciples found themselves in a storm. They were in a boat to cross the sea. This was comfortable territory for these men as they were all experienced fishermen. They had the promise of a safe passage, but they did not know what would occur during the trip. The storm came up without warning and they did all they could to cope. Jesus remained asleep until they called upon him. When they did come to Him, they were not asking for help, but questioning if He cared that they were going down. Their fear overtook their faith. Jesus was right there with them the whole time, but they tried to handle the situation themselves. Once they quit trying to handle the storm by themselves and turned to Jesus, He spoke “Peace be still” to the storm and it was calm. Then as now, He still calms storms. If we live for any length of time, we will face a storm in our life. It is foolish to think we can make it through life carefree simply because we are children of God. Life is full of unexpected storms. There are times in life when we will be tossed… Tyler Stevison 2195 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690674/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hestillcalmsstorms/id/953479.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690674 Storm,Calm,Faith Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Bro. Kilgore offers prevailing forces that must be in the church. First is prayer. Prayer keeps us connected. Without prayer we will not have communication with the master and will not know what to do. The second prevailing force is the Church. The church is not a building, but a body of people. Jesus promised Peter that the gates of Hell itself will not prevail against the church. The third force is the attitude and sprit. Joseph had to overcome the sprit and attitude of his brothers. Through all the trials in his life, Joseph kept the right sprit and attitude. God honored that and brought great blessing to his life. Job suffered more than any other man ever had. He lost his wealth, and his children. In all of this, Job did not sin nor charge God foolishly. Faith is the next prevailing force. Some had faith to go through the fire and others had faith to avoid the fire. One is not better than the other. The fifth force is the word of God. The word of God speaks to our life in every situation. The most powerful of the forces is the blood of Jesus. Through the blood of Jesus, sins are cast into the sea of forgetfulness. If we let these prevailing forces work in our life, they will then be in the church. Bro. Kilgore offers prevailing forces that must be in the church. First is prayer. Prayer keeps us connected. Without prayer we will not have communication with the master and will not know what to do. The second prevailing force is the Church. The church is not a building, but a body of people. Jesus promised Peter that the gates of Hell itself will not prevail against the church. The third force is the attitude and sprit. Joseph had to overcome the sprit and attitude of his brothers. Through all the trials in his life, Joseph kept the right sprit and attitude. God honored that and brought great blessing to his life. Job suffered more than any other man ever had. He lost his wealth, and his children. In all of this, Job did not sin nor charge God foolishly. Faith is the next prevailing force. Some had faith to go through the fire and others had faith to avoid the fire. One is not better than the other. The fifth force is the word of God. The word of God speaks to our life in every situation. The most powerful of the forces is the blood of Jesus. Through the blood of Jesus, sins are cast into the sea of forgetfulness. If we let these prevailing forces work in our life, they will then be in the church. Bro. Kilgore offers prevailing forces that must be in the church. First is prayer. Prayer keeps us connected. Without prayer we will not have communication with the master and will not know what to do. The second prevailing force is the Church. … Kenneth Baker 2697 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690673/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_prevailingforces/id/953478.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690673 Forces,Prayer,The Blood,Faith Wed, 14 Nov 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker In our text, it is said that David was a man after God’s own heart. Bro. Kilgore notes that the bible mentions several people about whom God felt similarly: Moses, Noah, Abraham and many others. These men enjoyed a closeness to God that comes from a familiar relationship. In order to find that closeness, we must study His word and pray. Bro. Kilgore asks: What are the prerequisites of being a man after God’s own heart. First David was a protector of the innocent. As a shepherd he protected his flock, and as King he protected God’s people. David endured hardships in his life. After he won victory against Goliath, he had to battle the jealousy of Saul. David encouraged himself in the Lord by reminding himself of past victories the Lord had delivered to him. He kept up his walk with God and kept doing His will. In our text, it is said that David was a man after God’s own heart. Bro. Kilgore notes that the bible mentions several people about whom God felt similarly: Moses, Noah, Abraham and many others. These men enjoyed a closeness to God that comes from a familiar relationship. In order to find that closeness, we must study His word and pray. Bro. Kilgore asks: What are the prerequisites of being a man after God’s own heart. First David was a protector of the innocent. As a shepherd he protected his flock, and as King he protected God’s people. David endured hardships in his life. After he won victory against Goliath, he had to battle the jealousy of Saul. David encouraged himself in the Lord by reminding himself of past victories the Lord had delivered to him. He kept up his walk with God and kept doing His will. In our text, it is said that David was a man after God’s own heart. Bro. Kilgore notes that the bible mentions several people about whom God felt similarly: Moses, Noah, Abraham and many others. These men enjoyed a closeness to God that comes from a… Kenneth Baker 2750 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690672/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_aftergodsownheart/id/1884814.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690672 Relationship,Walk,Victory, Scripture: Acts 13:14-13:23 Sun, 11 Nov 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker When we read the bible we are picking up a treasure chest. Forty different men wrote it over a period of hundreds of year. They were led by the Sprit of God, so when we read the bible, we are reading the actual word of God. We all have items in our life that have sentimental value. Bro. Kilgore shows a Martin guitar that belonged to his father. We all have things that are precious to us. We cannot put a price on these things. Bro. Kilgore teaches about several things that each of us should have in our life that we regard at priceless treasures. When we read the bible we are picking up a treasure chest. Forty different men wrote it over a period of hundreds of year. They were led by the Sprit of God, so when we read the bible, we are reading the actual word of God. We all have items in our life that have sentimental value. Bro. Kilgore shows a Martin guitar that belonged to his father. We all have things that are precious to us. We cannot put a price on these things. Bro. Kilgore teaches about several things that each of us should have in our life that we regard at priceless treasures. When we read the bible we are picking up a treasure chest. Forty different men wrote it over a period of hundreds of year. They were led by the Sprit of God, so when we read the bible, we are reading the actual word of God. We all have items in ou… Kenneth Baker 2151 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690671/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_pricelesstreasures/id/953477.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690671 Priceless, Scripture: Proverbs 31:10-31:15 Sun, 28 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker In our text Israel was in Babylonian captivity. The children of Israel ask how can we sing in a strange land. Bro. Kilgore tells us that Babylon needed the singing as much as any place ever did. As children of God, we must have a song of praise on our lips no matter what the circumstances. Fear can cause us to lose our song. Sin can cause us to lose our song. Adversity can cause us to lose our song. Singing can refresh us. No matter what, don’t lose your song. In our text Israel was in Babylonian captivity. The children of Israel ask how can we sing in a strange land. Bro. Kilgore tells us that Babylon needed the singing as much as any place ever did. As children of God, we must have a song of praise on our lips no matter what the circumstances. Fear can cause us to lose our song. Sin can cause us to lose our song. Adversity can cause us to lose our song. Singing can refresh us. No matter what, don’t lose your song. In our text Israel was in Babylonian captivity. The children of Israel ask how can we sing in a strange land. Bro. Kilgore tells us that Babylon needed the singing as much as any place ever did. As children of God, we must have a song of praise on ou… Kenneth Baker 2671 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690666/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dontloseyoursong/id/953476.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690666 Song,Whatever it takes Wed, 24 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Living for God is a journey. There are no stopping places on this journey. If we are not growing, we are failing. Bro. Kilgore proclaims that we cannot stop; we must go on! Living for God is a journey. There are no stopping places on this journey. If we are not growing, we are failing. Bro. Kilgore proclaims that we cannot stop; we must go on! Living for God is a journey. There are no stopping places on this journey. If we are not growing, we are failing. Bro. Kilgore proclaims that we cannot stop; we must go on!… Kenneth Baker 1691 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690665/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dimensionsofgrowth/id/953475.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690665 Journey,No turning back, Scripture: 2 Peter 1:1-1:10 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0000 James Hughes Being is state in which things are continuously happening. Living for God is not a momentary experience; it is a journey. It is a lifetime experience. Our text refers to being justified. It is not past tense meaning that it has already happened. It is being as in a process of becoming justified. Living for God is a journey that is a daily process of becoming justified by faith. The result of that relationship is peace. It is not God’s will that we live in a panic or in constant turmoil. When we place our faith in the Lord, we can go through life in peace knowing that He has a plan for our life no matter what the current circumstances may be. So as we live our life, we are in the process of being justified by faith. As we travel along this process, we enjoy several blessings along the way. We have access to His grace. We can rejoice in the hope of God’s glory. We can glory in our tribulations because these tribulations lead to patience. It is the disappointment and heartbreaks in life that give us the ability to empathize with others who are struggling. The stress and pressure in life make us a better person. Patience helps us to build character. Without these trials and problems we cannot develop character. It is character that develops hope. Hope is faith that has been achieved and witnessed. Bro. Hughes shares two stories of young men who had tremendous pressure and tribulation in their lives. Both of these young men illustrated the lessons outlined in our text and developed an inspirational character that should cause each of us to examine ourselves. These young men speak volumes to each of us about being justified by faith. Being is state in which things are continuously happening. Living for God is not a momentary experience; it is a journey. It is a lifetime experience. Our text refers to being justified. It is not past tense meaning that it has already happened. It is being as in a process of becoming justified. Living for God is a journey that is a daily process of becoming justified by faith. The result of that relationship is peace. It is not God’s will that we live in a panic or in constant turmoil. When we place our faith in the Lord, we can go through life in peace knowing that He has a plan for our life no matter what the current circumstances may be. So as we live our life, we are in the process of being justified by faith. As we travel along this process, we enjoy several blessings along the way. We have access to His grace. We can rejoice in the hope of God’s glory. We can glory in our tribulations because these tribulations lead to patience. It is the disappointment and heartbreaks in life that give us the ability to empathize with others who are struggling. The stress and pressure in life make us a better person. Patience helps us to build character. Without these trials and problems we cannot develop character. It is character that develops hope. Hope is faith that has been achieved and witnessed. Bro. Hughes shares two stories of young men who had tremendous pressure and tribulation in their lives. Both of these young men illustrated the lessons outlined in our text and developed an inspirational character that should cause each of us to examine ourselves. These young men speak volumes to each of us about being justified by faith. Being is state in which things are continuously happening. Living for God is not a momentary experience; it is a journey. It is a lifetime experience. Our text refers to being justified. It is not past tense meaning that it has already happened. I… James Hughes 3040 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690664/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ustifiedbyfaith/id/953474.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690664 Faith,Justified,Being Sun, 21 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0000 James Hughes Bro. James Hughes comes to the pulpit today to share his heart on a subject he has been struggling with for over a month. By his own description, this situation has caused him to reevaluate his entire belief system. His involvement in this situation took him to the book of Romans seeking the answer to the question of how it could have happened. Bro. James Hughes comes to the pulpit today to share his heart on a subject he has been struggling with for over a month. By his own description, this situation has caused him to reevaluate his entire belief system. His involvement in this situation took him to the book of Romans seeking the answer to the question of how it could have happened. Bro. James Hughes comes to the pulpit today to share his heart on a subject he has been struggling with for over a month. By his own description, this situation has caused him to reevaluate his entire belief system. His involvement in this situation … James Hughes 2801 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690663/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_therealstruggle/id/953473.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690663 Struggle,Flesh, Scripture: Romans 1:16-1:25 Wed, 17 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Isaiah lived in a very difficult and troubling time. He served as a prophet to three kings, two of which were exceedingly wicked. Our text is a vision that Isaiah had for his people. Some of the most powerful promises and assurances are enumerated in the book of Isaiah. It is this book that we read that no weapon that is formed would be effective on God’s people. Isaiah lived in a time when the Israelites had all but turned their back on God. Isaiah described them as a sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity. Bro. Hughes points out that in many ways, Isaiah could be describing our lives today. Isaiah preached and taught in an effort to save his people, but other voices at the time contradicted him and told the people that all was well. Then as now, they preached moral relativism and that there was no such thing as sin. Isaiah held on to the vision he had been given and kept holding no to his faith to seem him through. Many were down on the times and were saying that there was no way out, but Isaiah chose to believe the vision he had received in the house of God. Isaiah chapter 54 is his message to his people about how to recover and return to a time of revival. Bro. Hughes notes three points in this text. Isaiah’s prophesy to his people was “don’t be satisfied with your brokenness.” There is something beyond the present situation, and no matter what God has a plan for our life. If we will seek Him and His will, there is a path back to a better way of living. Isaiah told his people that they had to have a vision of a better future. Things may be messed up right now, but a right vision can pull us out of a slump and see us through difficult times. Everything is not going to stay as it is now. It won’t always be this dark. The right vision can change the day. Lastly Isaiah challenged Israel to get up and get busy. At some point when we find ourselves in hard times, we have to quit feeling sorry for ourselves, and get up and get busy. When we find our selves in troubling times the words of Isaiah help to remind us of a needed vision. Isaiah lived in a very difficult and troubling time. He served as a prophet to three kings, two of which were exceedingly wicked. Our text is a vision that Isaiah had for his people. Some of the most powerful promises and assurances are enumerated in the book of Isaiah. It is this book that we read that no weapon that is formed would be effective on God’s people. Isaiah lived in a time when the Israelites had all but turned their back on God. Isaiah described them as a sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity. Bro. Hughes points out that in many ways, Isaiah could be describing our lives today. Isaiah preached and taught in an effort to save his people, but other voices at the time contradicted him and told the people that all was well. Then as now, they preached moral relativism and that there was no such thing as sin. Isaiah held on to the vision he had been given and kept holding no to his faith to seem him through. Many were down on the times and were saying that there was no way out, but Isaiah chose to believe the vision he had received in the house of God. Isaiah chapter 54 is his message to his people about how to recover and return to a time of revival. Bro. Hughes notes three points in this text. Isaiah’s prophesy to his people was “don’t be satisfied with your brokenness.” There is something beyond the present situation, and no matter what God has a plan for our life. If we will seek Him and His will, there is a path back to a better way of living. Isaiah told his people that they had to have a vision of a better future. Things may be messed up right now, but a right vision can pull us out of a slump and see us through difficult times. Everything is not going to stay as it is now. It won’t always be this dark. The right vision can change the day. Lastly Isaiah challenged Israel to get up and get busy. At some point when we find ourselves in hard times, we have to quit feeling sorry for ourselves, and get up and get busy. When we find our selves in troubling times the words of Isaiah help to remind us of a needed vision. Isaiah lived in a very difficult and troubling time. He served as a prophet to three kings, two of which were exceedingly wicked. Our text is a vision that Isaiah had for his people. Some of the most powerful promises and assurances are enumerated i… Mark Hughes 2483 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690662/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_aneededvision/id/953472.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690662 Vision,Get Up,Beyond, Scripture: Isaiah 54:2-54:7, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 14 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes All of us have fallen at some point in our life. Whether it is by our own actions or the actions of others, we have all suffered setbacks in life. It is important to know how to get back up after such a fall. The man who will not stay down is the man who will know the sound of victory. Whatever has put us down, we must realize that it is not the will of God that we stay down. We will not always succeed in life, but if we know how to get back up, it does not matter how many times we fail. No matter what is against us, if we will learn to get backup, we will never be defeated. We cannot let our failures define us or our falling mar or our life. We must get up from sin. We all live in fleshly bodies. We all fall to sin, but that falling does not have to define us. We need to get up from failure. We may be embarrassed, but we must get up. Failure is not final unless we do not get back up. We have to get up from heartbreak. God is counting on us to get up. We can be knocked down, but not knocked out as long as we get back up. All of us have fallen at some point in our life. Whether it is by our own actions or the actions of others, we have all suffered setbacks in life. It is important to know how to get back up after such a fall. The man who will not stay down is the man who will know the sound of victory. Whatever has put us down, we must realize that it is not the will of God that we stay down. We will not always succeed in life, but if we know how to get back up, it does not matter how many times we fail. No matter what is against us, if we will learn to get backup, we will never be defeated. We cannot let our failures define us or our falling mar or our life. We must get up from sin. We all live in fleshly bodies. We all fall to sin, but that falling does not have to define us. We need to get up from failure. We may be embarrassed, but we must get up. Failure is not final unless we do not get back up. We have to get up from heartbreak. God is counting on us to get up. We can be knocked down, but not knocked out as long as we get back up. All of us have fallen at some point in our life. Whether it is by our own actions or the actions of others, we have all suffered setbacks in life. It is important to know how to get back up after such a fall. The man who will not stay down is the ma… Mark Hughes 1540 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690661/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_getbackup/id/1884813.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690661 Down,Up,Setback,Victory, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 14 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We live in a world that is acutely aware of the value of something. None of us want to be short changed. If we pay a price, we expect to get something in return. We all want what we have paid for. Our text says that God paid a price for us. He paid an enormous price for our salvation and our service. Bro. Hughes asks “Is God getting what He paid for in our life? He paid the ultimate price to buy back that which had been lost due to sin. We were bought with the blood of Christ. There is something about the blood of Jesus that is greater that anything we can understand. With all that He has done, and all that He as paid, how is it possible that some of us still struggle with submission? He paid the price, why are we still bound by sin? We are bought with a price; therefore we owe it to Him to glorify God through our life. Is God getting what He paid for? We live in a world that is acutely aware of the value of something. None of us want to be short changed. If we pay a price, we expect to get something in return. We all want what we have paid for. Our text says that God paid a price for us. He paid an enormous price for our salvation and our service. Bro. Hughes asks “Is God getting what He paid for in our life? He paid the ultimate price to buy back that which had been lost due to sin. We were bought with the blood of Christ. There is something about the blood of Jesus that is greater that anything we can understand. With all that He has done, and all that He as paid, how is it possible that some of us still struggle with submission? He paid the price, why are we still bound by sin? We are bought with a price; therefore we owe it to Him to glorify God through our life. Is God getting what He paid for? We live in a world that is acutely aware of the value of something. None of us want to be short changed. If we pay a price, we expect to get something in return. We all want what we have paid for. Our text says that God paid a price for us. He pai… Mark Hughes 2326 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690660/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whathepaidfor/id/1884812.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690660 Paid,Bought, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 10 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We live in a time that is difficult to define. We want more, but we want it for less. We try more, but we stand for less than we ever have. We want blessings and increase without challenges. We want to win the battle without ever going to war. What we want and what we have are not the same. Bro. Hughes says we are living a time of dumbing down; the degradation of the standards we have known. Our world says that the standard is unattainable, so we should lower the standard. People want blessing and increase, but are not willing to live up to God’s standards that will result in that blessing and increase. We look at the boundaries in our life and want to move them without fully understanding the reason for the boundaries. The question then becomes: is life better after we have lowered the standards? Bro. Hughes answers his own question by saying that “We do not get better by following the least. We get better by following the best.” None of us get better by lowering our standards. We do not get better and stronger without some resistance and opposition. There has to be someone that challenges us and says, “that’s not good enough, you can do better!” In our text, James challenges us to maintain our standards and defines how to do that. He mentions three areas that have to be lifted and maintained: Be mindful of our conversation. Be mindful of our concerns and what moves us. Be mindful of our conduct and our character. In doing these things we will maintain God’s Gold Standard. We live in a time that is difficult to define. We want more, but we want it for less. We try more, but we stand for less than we ever have. We want blessings and increase without challenges. We want to win the battle without ever going to war. What we want and what we have are not the same. Bro. Hughes says we are living a time of dumbing down; the degradation of the standards we have known. Our world says that the standard is unattainable, so we should lower the standard. People want blessing and increase, but are not willing to live up to God’s standards that will result in that blessing and increase. We look at the boundaries in our life and want to move them without fully understanding the reason for the boundaries. The question then becomes: is life better after we have lowered the standards? Bro. Hughes answers his own question by saying that “We do not get better by following the least. We get better by following the best.” None of us get better by lowering our standards. We do not get better and stronger without some resistance and opposition. There has to be someone that challenges us and says, “that’s not good enough, you can do better!” In our text, James challenges us to maintain our standards and defines how to do that. He mentions three areas that have to be lifted and maintained: Be mindful of our conversation. Be mindful of our concerns and what moves us. Be mindful of our conduct and our character. In doing these things we will maintain God’s Gold Standard. We live in a time that is difficult to define. We want more, but we want it for less. We try more, but we stand for less than we ever have. We want blessings and increase without challenges. We want to win the battle without ever going to war. Wha… Mark Hughes 2067 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690659/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godsgoldstandard/id/1884811.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690659 Standards,Say,Do,Care About, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 07 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Jay Hilton The gospel as described in our text is a story that is all familiar to us. However knowing the story of the death, burial and resurrection is not enough. We need to understand the significance of the events. We have to understand what God purchased by these events. How do we apply the gospel to our lives and how do we really obey the gospel. We must identify with Christ who was crucified. Secondly we must identify with the burial of Jesus. Finally we must identify with the resurrection. Bro. Hilton offers examples of how we can do this. By doing these things, we can identify with the gospel The gospel as described in our text is a story that is all familiar to us. However knowing the story of the death, burial and resurrection is not enough. We need to understand the significance of the events. We have to understand what God purchased by these events. How do we apply the gospel to our lives and how do we really obey the gospel. We must identify with Christ who was crucified. Secondly we must identify with the burial of Jesus. Finally we must identify with the resurrection. Bro. Hilton offers examples of how we can do this. By doing these things, we can identify with the gospel The gospel as described in our text is a story that is all familiar to us. However knowing the story of the death, burial and resurrection is not enough. We need to understand the significance of the events. We have to understand what God purchased … Jay Hilton 1918 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690658/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_identifyingwiththegospel/id/1884810.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690658 Death,Burial,Resurrection,Identify Sun, 30 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Jay Hilton There was a more direct route that God could have taken the children of Israel out of Egypt than he chose, but He took them into what seems to be a dead end. There are times that God sends us down a path that is seemingly a trap in order to teach us to rely upon Him totally. The lesson in our text is that God means for us to be where we are. God leads us to places where there seems to be no escape so that we can learn to be totally reliant upon Him. The Red Sea was in front of them. Mountains and valleys were on either side of them and Pharaoh’s army chased them from behind. They were truly between the devil and the deep blue sea. God could have brought them out through an easier path, but God led them to this place to demonstrate to them that He would provide for their needs. There are times in life where there seems to be no escape. No matter how many people love or care for us, and how many people that try to help, there are some situations that only God can handle. When God handles it, there is no one else who can be given credit. In a hopeless situation where there seem to be no escape, God can make a way. There was a more direct route that God could have taken the children of Israel out of Egypt than he chose, but He took them into what seems to be a dead end. There are times that God sends us down a path that is seemingly a trap in order to teach us to rely upon Him totally. The lesson in our text is that God means for us to be where we are. God leads us to places where there seems to be no escape so that we can learn to be totally reliant upon Him. The Red Sea was in front of them. Mountains and valleys were on either side of them and Pharaoh’s army chased them from behind. They were truly between the devil and the deep blue sea. God could have brought them out through an easier path, but God led them to this place to demonstrate to them that He would provide for their needs. There are times in life where there seems to be no escape. No matter how many people love or care for us, and how many people that try to help, there are some situations that only God can handle. When God handles it, there is no one else who can be given credit. In a hopeless situation where there seem to be no escape, God can make a way. There was a more direct route that God could have taken the children of Israel out of Egypt than he chose, but He took them into what seems to be a dead end. There are times that God sends us down a path that is seemingly a trap in order to teach us… Jay Hilton 1936 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690657/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_betweenthedevilandthedeepblues/id/953471.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690657 no way out,trust,rely on God Sun, 30 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is not a long one, but like other short verses in the bible, it contains much. It offers in insight into how God works and how a life can be transformed by His work. This was Peter’s first introduction to Jesus. Prior to this, we have no indication that Jesus and Simon Peter had ever met. The bible paints a picture of Peter as a colorful character who could be brash and profane at times. This meeting with Jesus began a great transformation in Peter’s life. It was not instantaneous, but a steady process. In this first meeting Jesus spoke great things into Peter’s life and set a foundation that Peter continued to rely upon for the rest of his days. God speaks into our lives too. We must listen to and heed the words that He is speaking. He stated, “Thou art Simon.” Jesus had never met Peter, but He knew him and knew him to the core. He knew him to be the quick-tempered, impetuous bold person that he was. What Peter was at that time did not worry Jesus. God has to start somewhere with us. Until we let God get to the real us, we cannot begin to make progress. God knows the real us, but He as to get through layers of protection that we put up in order to get there. After he cut to the core, Jesus says “But you shall be called Cephas.” Jesus promises that there will be a transformation in his life that would make him a new man. Jesus identified who Simon was, and then speaks of what he could become. The same is true of us. God can speak into our lives and shows a vision of what we can become with His divine intervention. When the Lord speaks to us, he does not address us as what we are, but what we can become. We must hear what He has to say and let it move us toward what He wants us to become. Just as Jesus spoke to Simon, He tells us “You are, but you shall be….” Our text is not a long one, but like other short verses in the bible, it contains much. It offers in insight into how God works and how a life can be transformed by His work. This was Peter’s first introduction to Jesus. Prior to this, we have no indication that Jesus and Simon Peter had ever met. The bible paints a picture of Peter as a colorful character who could be brash and profane at times. This meeting with Jesus began a great transformation in Peter’s life. It was not instantaneous, but a steady process. In this first meeting Jesus spoke great things into Peter’s life and set a foundation that Peter continued to rely upon for the rest of his days. God speaks into our lives too. We must listen to and heed the words that He is speaking. He stated, “Thou art Simon.” Jesus had never met Peter, but He knew him and knew him to the core. He knew him to be the quick-tempered, impetuous bold person that he was. What Peter was at that time did not worry Jesus. God has to start somewhere with us. Until we let God get to the real us, we cannot begin to make progress. God knows the real us, but He as to get through layers of protection that we put up in order to get there. After he cut to the core, Jesus says “But you shall be called Cephas.” Jesus promises that there will be a transformation in his life that would make him a new man. Jesus identified who Simon was, and then speaks of what he could become. The same is true of us. God can speak into our lives and shows a vision of what we can become with His divine intervention. When the Lord speaks to us, he does not address us as what we are, but what we can become. We must hear what He has to say and let it move us toward what He wants us to become. Just as Jesus spoke to Simon, He tells us “You are, but you shall be….” Our text is not a long one, but like other short verses in the bible, it contains much. It offers in insight into how God works and how a life can be transformed by His work. This was Peter’s first introduction to Jesus. Prior to this, we have no in… Mark Hughes 2004 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690656/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_youarebutyoushallbe/id/953470.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690656 Become,Potential, Scripture: John 1:24-1:25, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 26 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We live in a wicked world. Our times are not the first time in history that the world could be described as wicked. Sodom and Gomorrah are but one example. Then as now, God was displeased with the sin, but He still had a people that he loved. Things are moving so quickly in our world, that we sometimes accept the change that comes our way without really knowing if it is the right thing to do. Sometimes we do not know if these things are good until several years down the way. In our text, Paul describes his life as though he were an athlete in training for a race. He laments that he does not want to train all his life and run the race, only to be disqualified. Of anyone in his time, Paul was should have been someone who did not need to worry about his salvation. However this text clearly states that he was ever vigilant to stay with his living for God. Paul reminds us that we are always in a battle and a race, and that if we are to win this race, we need to discipline ourselves and never lose sight of the goal. The goal is not popularity in the world. The goal is not to see how large a church we can have. The goal is to reach the prize of salvation that God has placed before us. Bro. Hughes points out lessons that Paul brings to us in this letter to the church in Corinth to avoid being disqualified. • Wake up. Some people can come to church in their sleep. The motions are there, but some people are sleep walking through church. • Stay humble. The sprit of pride is present in everyone and come in many forms. None of us deserve to be here and we must enter church with a sense of humility. • Stay accountable • Stay submitted • Stay focused • Never stop running in the race. We live in a wicked world. Our times are not the first time in history that the world could be described as wicked. Sodom and Gomorrah are but one example. Then as now, God was displeased with the sin, but He still had a people that he loved. Things are moving so quickly in our world, that we sometimes accept the change that comes our way without really knowing if it is the right thing to do. Sometimes we do not know if these things are good until several years down the way. In our text, Paul describes his life as though he were an athlete in training for a race. He laments that he does not want to train all his life and run the race, only to be disqualified. Of anyone in his time, Paul was should have been someone who did not need to worry about his salvation. However this text clearly states that he was ever vigilant to stay with his living for God. Paul reminds us that we are always in a battle and a race, and that if we are to win this race, we need to discipline ourselves and never lose sight of the goal. The goal is not popularity in the world. The goal is not to see how large a church we can have. The goal is to reach the prize of salvation that God has placed before us. Bro. Hughes points out lessons that Paul brings to us in this letter to the church in Corinth to avoid being disqualified. • Wake up. Some people can come to church in their sleep. The motions are there, but some people are sleep walking through church. • Stay humble. The sprit of pride is present in everyone and come in many forms. None of us deserve to be here and we must enter church with a sense of humility. • Stay accountable • Stay submitted • Stay focused • Never stop running in the race. We live in a wicked world. Our times are not the first time in history that the world could be described as wicked. Sodom and Gomorrah are but one example. Then as now, God was displeased with the sin, but He still had a people that he loved. Things… Mark Hughes 1791 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690655/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_disqualified/id/1884809.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690655 Focused,Submitted,Humble, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 23 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes John received his revelation while exiled on the isle of Patmos. We all have a Patmos like experience and Bro. Hughes explains that we can learn lessons from John in how to deal with life on Patmos. John was cut off from everyone. All of us find ourselves isolated and alone sometimes when we are surrounded by people. John had to carry burdens that he did not ask for. He was made to endure more than he expected. John lived with situations that were very unpleasant. It was in this place of isolation and misery that John had many visions of God and God revealed to John the future. The revelations were inspiring and disturbing at the same time. After all the images of beasts, war, evil and plagues, God also revealed to John a vision of a better life that was to come after all the trials, worries and problems. This promise allowed John to live through the misery and pain because he knew that God had a better life for him after the trial. The revelation of John shows us that no matter how bad it may seem right now, this is not how the story will end. A vision of a better life does not mean that we are blind to what is going on right now, it means that we understand that what is going on right now is only temporary and there is something better coming for us. The key to what we see in our Isle of Patmos is determined by the spirit under which we operate. God showed John that you can get to the good, but first you must live through the bad. God revealed to John that it might get worse before it gets better, but it will get better. God helped John to see and realize that he was in a temporary situation not a permanent dwelling. God showed John that He has a permanent resolution to our current problems. John received his revelation while exiled on the isle of Patmos. We all have a Patmos like experience and Bro. Hughes explains that we can learn lessons from John in how to deal with life on Patmos. John was cut off from everyone. All of us find ourselves isolated and alone sometimes when we are surrounded by people. John had to carry burdens that he did not ask for. He was made to endure more than he expected. John lived with situations that were very unpleasant. It was in this place of isolation and misery that John had many visions of God and God revealed to John the future. The revelations were inspiring and disturbing at the same time. After all the images of beasts, war, evil and plagues, God also revealed to John a vision of a better life that was to come after all the trials, worries and problems. This promise allowed John to live through the misery and pain because he knew that God had a better life for him after the trial. The revelation of John shows us that no matter how bad it may seem right now, this is not how the story will end. A vision of a better life does not mean that we are blind to what is going on right now, it means that we understand that what is going on right now is only temporary and there is something better coming for us. The key to what we see in our Isle of Patmos is determined by the spirit under which we operate. God showed John that you can get to the good, but first you must live through the bad. God revealed to John that it might get worse before it gets better, but it will get better. God helped John to see and realize that he was in a temporary situation not a permanent dwelling. God showed John that He has a permanent resolution to our current problems. John received his revelation while exiled on the isle of Patmos. We all have a Patmos like experience and Bro. Hughes explains that we can learn lessons from John in how to deal with life on Patmos. John was cut off from everyone. All of us find our… Mark Hughes 1643 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690653/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_avisionofabetterlife/id/1884807.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690653 vision,promise,lesson, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 23 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our scripture text occurs during a trying time in the life of David. Rebellion had destroyed his family and his son had led a large portion of the people away from David and sought to kill him. David could have stayed and fought and would have likely won, but instead he elected to leave and save the pain and heartache that fighting would have caused. Shimei is led by a sprit of revenge and calls David out as he leaves the city. Shimei’s sprit will always attack when we are down and weak. David’s men wanted to kill Shimei, but David stayed them because he knew that God had a hand in the situation. Every one of us will encounter a Shimei in life. Their only purpose is to stir up problems and throw stones and kick up dirt. They have no respect for leadership; they are quick to descend upon someone who is down like vultures. Bro. Hughes tells us that we have lessons to learn from David. First David was willing to leave the city rather than see it destroyed. When Shimei began to cast stones, David accepted it as the hand of God. By doing this, he took a weapon out of his enemy’s hand. If we can learn to do that, we will steal Devil’s joy away from beating us down. Rather than responding in anger, David asks what God was trying to tell him. Shimei sprits can throw dirt, but they cannot accept direction. Later in the bible, Shimea lost his life because he did not realize that God’s word was true. Every Shimei sprit will have their day of reckoning. This story teaches us that no matter what, we have to forgive the Shimeis in our life. Finally, we learn from David, that Shimeis can throw stones and kick up dirt, but they cannot stop us in our journey. David simply moved on and ignored Shimei and continued on his journey. Walk on, keep our head up and let God deal with Shimei. Our scripture text occurs during a trying time in the life of David. Rebellion had destroyed his family and his son had led a large portion of the people away from David and sought to kill him. David could have stayed and fought and would have likely won, but instead he elected to leave and save the pain and heartache that fighting would have caused. Shimei is led by a sprit of revenge and calls David out as he leaves the city. Shimei’s sprit will always attack when we are down and weak. David’s men wanted to kill Shimei, but David stayed them because he knew that God had a hand in the situation. Every one of us will encounter a Shimei in life. Their only purpose is to stir up problems and throw stones and kick up dirt. They have no respect for leadership; they are quick to descend upon someone who is down like vultures. Bro. Hughes tells us that we have lessons to learn from David. First David was willing to leave the city rather than see it destroyed. When Shimei began to cast stones, David accepted it as the hand of God. By doing this, he took a weapon out of his enemy’s hand. If we can learn to do that, we will steal Devil’s joy away from beating us down. Rather than responding in anger, David asks what God was trying to tell him. Shimei sprits can throw dirt, but they cannot accept direction. Later in the bible, Shimea lost his life because he did not realize that God’s word was true. Every Shimei sprit will have their day of reckoning. This story teaches us that no matter what, we have to forgive the Shimeis in our life. Finally, we learn from David, that Shimeis can throw stones and kick up dirt, but they cannot stop us in our journey. David simply moved on and ignored Shimei and continued on his journey. Walk on, keep our head up and let God deal with Shimei. Our scripture text occurs during a trying time in the life of David. Rebellion had destroyed his family and his son had led a large portion of the people away from David and sought to kill him. David could have stayed and fought and would have likely… Mark Hughes 1554 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690654/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dealingwiththeshimeisprit/id/1884808.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690654 vulture,move on,let God, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 19 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes If we had a choice, most of us would not choose many of the things that we must face in life. In our text, Paul helps us understand some things about life and how to live in uncertain times and how to finish our course with joy. Paul does not wish that he could change things about his life. He was not worried about changing his life, he was worried about finishing his life in a manner that was pleasing to God. This teaches us that we need to quit fighting and fretting about our circumstances, and simply continue on the path that God has for us. In stead of being worried about it, he was strengthened by the fact that even though he did not know what was ahead of him, God DID know and had it worked out. We cannot go back and we cannot stand still. We have no choice. We are bound to go, but not bound by the uncertainty. Paul knew that he could not alter what lay before him, but he had already placed it on the alter of God and that his life was in His hands. We cannot decide where life takes us, but we can decide the attitude with which we approach it. There are many people in the world and far too many people in the church that are worried about tomorrow. When we learn the lessons of Paul and live our life by faith rather than by sight, we can finish with joy. If we had a choice, most of us would not choose many of the things that we must face in life. In our text, Paul helps us understand some things about life and how to live in uncertain times and how to finish our course with joy. Paul does not wish that he could change things about his life. He was not worried about changing his life, he was worried about finishing his life in a manner that was pleasing to God. This teaches us that we need to quit fighting and fretting about our circumstances, and simply continue on the path that God has for us. In stead of being worried about it, he was strengthened by the fact that even though he did not know what was ahead of him, God DID know and had it worked out. We cannot go back and we cannot stand still. We have no choice. We are bound to go, but not bound by the uncertainty. Paul knew that he could not alter what lay before him, but he had already placed it on the alter of God and that his life was in His hands. We cannot decide where life takes us, but we can decide the attitude with which we approach it. There are many people in the world and far too many people in the church that are worried about tomorrow. When we learn the lessons of Paul and live our life by faith rather than by sight, we can finish with joy. If we had a choice, most of us would not choose many of the things that we must face in life. In our text, Paul helps us understand some things about life and how to live in uncertain times and how to finish our course with joy. Paul does not wish th… Mark Hughes 2184 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690652/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtofinishwithoy/id/1884806.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690652 faith,attitude,fair,selfless, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 16 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker In our text, Jesus had returned to His hometown. As was his custom, He went to the House of God to worship. That custom: That God is in the house of God is still a custom today. Jesus stood before them that day in His hometown and proclaimed that the was the Jubilee, and no one believed him. He marveled at their unbelief. They could not and would not believe that He was who he said he was. They made him commonplace. They thought that they knew Him and could not get beyond seeing Him as they had known Him in the past. Many of them had known Him as a friend. We sing a song called Friend of God. It is important to be His friend, but that is not enough. Jesus is a friend to all, but in being His friend, it is still possible to be a sinner. Peter was surly a friend of Jesus, but even this most faithful of disciples denied Him three times. Peter’s brokenness after this saw him converted. No one was ever able to identify Peter has having denied Jesus, because after his conversion, Peter was a different man. Bro. Custer observes that many people do not believe that they need to come to church to worship. The truth is that if people will not go to the house of God to worship, they will not find a prayer closet at home. The alter is the only place we need to go to resolve our problems. There are many programs and groups where people sit around and talk about their problems. They can talk all they want, but until people fall of their face at an alter, they will not find resolution to their problems. Even if we have been to the alter before for the same problem, it is not a sin to come back again. God will work the same work every time. The devil tricks us into thinking that if we go back to the alter for the same problem, we have somehow failed. Bro. Custer tells us that every time we go to the alter; God strengthens us to make it through until we can. Instead of taking our problems to support groups, we need to take them to the great physician. The great physician can restore joy and heal the broken hearted. In our text, Jesus had returned to His hometown. As was his custom, He went to the House of God to worship. That custom: That God is in the house of God is still a custom today. Jesus stood before them that day in His hometown and proclaimed that the was the Jubilee, and no one believed him. He marveled at their unbelief. They could not and would not believe that He was who he said he was. They made him commonplace. They thought that they knew Him and could not get beyond seeing Him as they had known Him in the past. Many of them had known Him as a friend. We sing a song called Friend of God. It is important to be His friend, but that is not enough. Jesus is a friend to all, but in being His friend, it is still possible to be a sinner. Peter was surly a friend of Jesus, but even this most faithful of disciples denied Him three times. Peter’s brokenness after this saw him converted. No one was ever able to identify Peter has having denied Jesus, because after his conversion, Peter was a different man. Bro. Custer observes that many people do not believe that they need to come to church to worship. The truth is that if people will not go to the house of God to worship, they will not find a prayer closet at home. The alter is the only place we need to go to resolve our problems. There are many programs and groups where people sit around and talk about their problems. They can talk all they want, but until people fall of their face at an alter, they will not find resolution to their problems. Even if we have been to the alter before for the same problem, it is not a sin to come back again. God will work the same work every time. The devil tricks us into thinking that if we go back to the alter for the same problem, we have somehow failed. Bro. Custer tells us that every time we go to the alter; God strengthens us to make it through until we can. Instead of taking our problems to support groups, we need to take them to the great physician. The great physician can restore joy and heal the broken hearted. In our text, Jesus had returned to His hometown. As was his custom, He went to the House of God to worship. That custom: That God is in the house of God is still a custom today. Jesus stood before them that day in His hometown and proclaimed that t… Kenneth Baker 3226 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690650/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_iamtheubilee/id/1884804.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690650 Friend of God,Converted, Scripture: Luke 4:16-4:22 Sun, 16 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Bro. Kilgore returns to the same text he used when he spoke to us back in July. In our text, David saw that the people were prepared to stone him, but he remembered the past where God had saved him. He remembered Goliath, he remembered the lion, and he remembered the bear. If God saved him then, He would do it again. David had a promise. God had told him that he would wear the crown in Israel, and that had not yet happened. David knew that they could not kill him, because he had a promise from God that had not yet happened. If we remember the lessons of David, we can face any situation where our back is against the wall. Bro. Kilgore returns to the same text he used when he spoke to us back in July. In our text, David saw that the people were prepared to stone him, but he remembered the past where God had saved him. He remembered Goliath, he remembered the lion, and he remembered the bear. If God saved him then, He would do it again. David had a promise. God had told him that he would wear the crown in Israel, and that had not yet happened. David knew that they could not kill him, because he had a promise from God that had not yet happened. If we remember the lessons of David, we can face any situation where our back is against the wall. Bro. Kilgore returns to the same text he used when he spoke to us back in July. In our text, David saw that the people were prepared to stone him, but he remembered the past where God had saved him. He remembered Goliath, he remembered the lion, and … Kenneth Baker 1685 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690651/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenyourbackisagainstthewall/id/1884805.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690651 Remember,Promises Wed, 12 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Experience is the best teacher. Most of us wish that was not true, because experience is often not the most enjoyable way to learn something. Like the child that cannot resist touching the hot stove, many of us cannot learn without getting burned. Though many of us would have it otherwise, we must go through in pleasant experiences in life. Most often learning experiences are bitter experiences. When things are going well, we tend to not be in learning mode. In our text, Israel had just been delivered from Egyptian bondage. They had crossed Red Sea on dry land and saw Pharos’s army swallowed up by the waters. Now only three days from this miraculous experience, they begin to murmur and complain that they would perish in this desolate place without water. Their day of triumph gave way to a day of turmoil. This illustrates how quickly the journey of life can change. Bro. Hughes offers lessons learned from Marah. Life is a mixture: It is not all good and not all bad. Tears may follow laughter, but the reverse is also true, great blessing can follow times of turmoil. Marah also teaches us that we have short memories. Only three days removed from a miraculous exodus from bondage, Israel could not remember that God had led them there and that if He led them there, He can lead them out. Israel learned that bitter experiences have a way of forcing them to look at themselves and deal with things in their life that need to be dealt with. Marah reminds us that bitter experiences that God always has a remedy for our situation. Marah teaches us that if when we are willing to see what God shows us during our bitter experiences, they can be turned in to something sweet. Finally Marah teaches us to be totally dependent upon God. Marah’s have to come because they serve a divine end. Days of disappointment are placed into our lives, so that we can learn more about Him. Marah’s come so that we may keep ourselves alert to the fact that God is leading us. Experience is the best teacher. Most of us wish that was not true, because experience is often not the most enjoyable way to learn something. Like the child that cannot resist touching the hot stove, many of us cannot learn without getting burned. Though many of us would have it otherwise, we must go through in pleasant experiences in life. Most often learning experiences are bitter experiences. When things are going well, we tend to not be in learning mode. In our text, Israel had just been delivered from Egyptian bondage. They had crossed Red Sea on dry land and saw Pharos’s army swallowed up by the waters. Now only three days from this miraculous experience, they begin to murmur and complain that they would perish in this desolate place without water. Their day of triumph gave way to a day of turmoil. This illustrates how quickly the journey of life can change. Bro. Hughes offers lessons learned from Marah. Life is a mixture: It is not all good and not all bad. Tears may follow laughter, but the reverse is also true, great blessing can follow times of turmoil. Marah also teaches us that we have short memories. Only three days removed from a miraculous exodus from bondage, Israel could not remember that God had led them there and that if He led them there, He can lead them out. Israel learned that bitter experiences have a way of forcing them to look at themselves and deal with things in their life that need to be dealt with. Marah reminds us that bitter experiences that God always has a remedy for our situation. Marah teaches us that if when we are willing to see what God shows us during our bitter experiences, they can be turned in to something sweet. Finally Marah teaches us to be totally dependent upon God. Marah’s have to come because they serve a divine end. Days of disappointment are placed into our lives, so that we can learn more about Him. Marah’s come so that we may keep ourselves alert to the fact that God is leading us. Experience is the best teacher. Most of us wish that was not true, because experience is often not the most enjoyable way to learn something. Like the child that cannot resist touching the hot stove, many of us cannot learn without getting burned. T… Mark Hughes 2031 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690649/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_learningfromlifesbitterlessons/id/1884803.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690649 Bitter,Lesson,Sweet, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 09 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text chronicles an amazing conversation between Jesus and a woman from Samaria. Culturally at the time, Jews had no regard for Samaritans. Jews regarded Samaritans as a lower class and insignificant people. The bible describes this woman as someone whose life was a mess. She had been married five times, and was living with a sixth man. Bro. Hughes surmises that due to her social situation, her own people did not welcome her. She was at the point of simply trying to survive. She comes to this well that is at least a half-mile away from her home, and she encounters a loving God who speaks to her. Her life was a mess, but she finds a God that offers her a love that is unreserved. She finds a love of God that surpasses all understanding. God loves us despite of our shortcomings, and failures. It was no accident that Jesus was at the well that day. His journey did not have to go through Samaria, but the bible says, “He needs go through Samaria.” Bro. Hughes explains that during this conversation, Jesus extends to her four gifts that changed her life. First He showed that He loved her by simply speaking to her. Jesus was a Jew, and Jews had no dealing with Samaritans. By simply speaking to her, He was demonstrating a love that she could not understand. Secondly, He understood her. Jesus knew her background. Often we feel as if no one understands us, but Jesus does. Next, He extends to her a third gift: He wants us. God wants those that no one else wants. Others had rejected and use this woman, but Jesus reaches out to her out of love. Despite of all of our failures and shortcoming, He wants us. Finally He extends to her a forth gift: Another chance. God can step into a broken life extending love, understanding, desire and another chance. Our text chronicles an amazing conversation between Jesus and a woman from Samaria. Culturally at the time, Jews had no regard for Samaritans. Jews regarded Samaritans as a lower class and insignificant people. The bible describes this woman as someone whose life was a mess. She had been married five times, and was living with a sixth man. Bro. Hughes surmises that due to her social situation, her own people did not welcome her. She was at the point of simply trying to survive. She comes to this well that is at least a half-mile away from her home, and she encounters a loving God who speaks to her. Her life was a mess, but she finds a God that offers her a love that is unreserved. She finds a love of God that surpasses all understanding. God loves us despite of our shortcomings, and failures. It was no accident that Jesus was at the well that day. His journey did not have to go through Samaria, but the bible says, “He needs go through Samaria.” Bro. Hughes explains that during this conversation, Jesus extends to her four gifts that changed her life. First He showed that He loved her by simply speaking to her. Jesus was a Jew, and Jews had no dealing with Samaritans. By simply speaking to her, He was demonstrating a love that she could not understand. Secondly, He understood her. Jesus knew her background. Often we feel as if no one understands us, but Jesus does. Next, He extends to her a third gift: He wants us. God wants those that no one else wants. Others had rejected and use this woman, but Jesus reaches out to her out of love. Despite of all of our failures and shortcoming, He wants us. Finally He extends to her a forth gift: Another chance. God can step into a broken life extending love, understanding, desire and another chance. Our text chronicles an amazing conversation between Jesus and a woman from Samaria. Culturally at the time, Jews had no regard for Samaritans. Jews regarded Samaritans as a lower class and insignificant people. The bible describes this woman as some… Mark Hughes 1698 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690647/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_giftsgodhasforus/id/1884801.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690647 Love,Understanding,Desire,Chance, Scripture: John 4:3-4:14, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 09 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes It would be nice if one could build without having to battle; If we could build relationships with out conflict. All of us face some kind of opposition in whatever we do. If we are to make progress, we cannot sit around and wait for a better day, because a better day is not coming. Many times we must make progress in the midst of adversity and resistance. Any one who is trying to establish something for God or lead a Godly life that is not facing opposition. We must learn that even though there is opposition that does not mean that God is opposed to us. We have to learn that the presence of opposition does not mean that we have done something wrong. When we begin to look for reasons for opposition, we quit working on what we are trying to do. This is exactly what the enemy wants. In our text Nehemiah shows us that it is possible to make progress and have revival in the face of opposing forces. Bro. Hughes tells us that we do not have to look for trouble; it will find us. It is how we respond and react to trouble that will define the outcome. If we lose our focus on our purpose and instead focus on our trouble, we will no succeed in accomplishing what God wants us to do. There are people in the world that will never cheer for our success. In fact, they lay in wait for our failures so that they can mock and ridicule. We must learn to not seek these people’s approval, and only seek approval from God. What we can learn from Nehemiah is that the best defense to this opposition is a good offence. Adversity and criticism will make us defensive. When this happens, we have lost our focus, and need to refocus on our goal. In our text when the enemy criticized the building of the wall, the people began to worry about their efforts. Nehemiah re-focused them on their task and pressed on with the building of the wall. We need to get to where are acting and reacting to the Holy Ghost, and not on what people are saying or doing. If we can learn the lessons from Nehemiah, we can have Revival in the midst of conflict. It would be nice if one could build without having to battle; If we could build relationships with out conflict. All of us face some kind of opposition in whatever we do. If we are to make progress, we cannot sit around and wait for a better day, because a better day is not coming. Many times we must make progress in the midst of adversity and resistance. Any one who is trying to establish something for God or lead a Godly life that is not facing opposition. We must learn that even though there is opposition that does not mean that God is opposed to us. We have to learn that the presence of opposition does not mean that we have done something wrong. When we begin to look for reasons for opposition, we quit working on what we are trying to do. This is exactly what the enemy wants. In our text Nehemiah shows us that it is possible to make progress and have revival in the face of opposing forces. Bro. Hughes tells us that we do not have to look for trouble; it will find us. It is how we respond and react to trouble that will define the outcome. If we lose our focus on our purpose and instead focus on our trouble, we will no succeed in accomplishing what God wants us to do. There are people in the world that will never cheer for our success. In fact, they lay in wait for our failures so that they can mock and ridicule. We must learn to not seek these people’s approval, and only seek approval from God. What we can learn from Nehemiah is that the best defense to this opposition is a good offence. Adversity and criticism will make us defensive. When this happens, we have lost our focus, and need to refocus on our goal. In our text when the enemy criticized the building of the wall, the people began to worry about their efforts. Nehemiah re-focused them on their task and pressed on with the building of the wall. We need to get to where are acting and reacting to the Holy Ghost, and not on what people are saying or doing. If we can learn the lessons from Nehemiah, we can have Revival in the midst of conflict. It would be nice if one could build without having to battle; If we could build relationships with out conflict. All of us face some kind of opposition in whatever we do. If we are to make progress, we cannot sit around and wait for a better day, bec… Mark Hughes 2449 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690648/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_revivalinthemidstofconflict/id/1884802.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690648 Defense,Offense,Revival,Conflict, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 02 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Of all the blessings that we enjoy, sight is certainly one of the most important. Many wear contacts, glasses or have surgery to improve their eyesight. However, it is possible to have 20/20 vision but still not see life clearly. Life can take us down paths that bring us to the point that we cannot see the way out, or to be able to understand the purpose of what is going on. We can become overwhelmed with how life is looking at the moment. Life can often look bleak. When this happens, we must find our way to a place where our eyes can be opened to His purpose and allow us to see the world from a different perspective. Jeremiah is called the weeping prophet. He ministered to a people that were not receptive to his message. He observed in Gods people a path that would take them down the road to destruction. He could not see that his ministry was doing any good. God directs Jeremiah to the potter’s house to give him a new vision. On the potter’s wheel Jeremiah sees a lump of clay in the process of becoming a new vessel. Something went wrong and the project became marred in the potter’s hand. The potter did not discard the clay; he simply crushed it down and started over. Jeremiah watched that marred vessel as it was was molded into a new vessel in the potter’s hand. All of our lives have marred features; lost opportunities, unrealized potential, weaknesses and defects. Our text show us that if we allow the potter to have His way, God can take a marred, broken, imperfect life and turn it into a new vessel. If we will just stay in His hands, and stay on the wheel, God can work it out. Of all the blessings that we enjoy, sight is certainly one of the most important. Many wear contacts, glasses or have surgery to improve their eyesight. However, it is possible to have 20/20 vision but still not see life clearly. Life can take us down paths that bring us to the point that we cannot see the way out, or to be able to understand the purpose of what is going on. We can become overwhelmed with how life is looking at the moment. Life can often look bleak. When this happens, we must find our way to a place where our eyes can be opened to His purpose and allow us to see the world from a different perspective. Jeremiah is called the weeping prophet. He ministered to a people that were not receptive to his message. He observed in Gods people a path that would take them down the road to destruction. He could not see that his ministry was doing any good. God directs Jeremiah to the potter’s house to give him a new vision. On the potter’s wheel Jeremiah sees a lump of clay in the process of becoming a new vessel. Something went wrong and the project became marred in the potter’s hand. The potter did not discard the clay; he simply crushed it down and started over. Jeremiah watched that marred vessel as it was was molded into a new vessel in the potter’s hand. All of our lives have marred features; lost opportunities, unrealized potential, weaknesses and defects. Our text show us that if we allow the potter to have His way, God can take a marred, broken, imperfect life and turn it into a new vessel. If we will just stay in His hands, and stay on the wheel, God can work it out. Of all the blessings that we enjoy, sight is certainly one of the most important. Many wear contacts, glasses or have surgery to improve their eyesight. However, it is possible to have 20/20 vision but still not see life clearly. Life can take us do… Mark Hughes 1807 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690646/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godcanstillworkitout/id/1884800.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690646 Submission,Give yourself,Yield, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 29 Aug 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Life can become heavy at times. So heavy, that many times we feel as if we cannot bear up under it. Life often overwhelms us beyond what we think is our ability to endure. At one time or another, all of us have said of our troubles: “This is killing me.” Bro. Hughes asks, “What do you do when life is killing you?” It is not hard to imagine that Paul was talking about life in our modern world. Godly people find life hard. We expect that wicked people to suffer in life. But when we observe good people going through storms while evil people prosper, some may question the reasons. In our text, Paul describes a time when he was at the point of saying “This is killing me.” He was so low that he “despaired for life.” This is not some casual Christian; we are talking about the apostle Paul. Paul was not a bad person, but he went through some trying situations that pressed him to the point of losing his will to live. So much was his burden that he expected and prepared to die. Then something happened. The bible does not say what, but God intervened and something resurrected in him. What he discovered during this time literally pulled him back from the brink of death. What did Paul discover when life was killing him? Bro. Hughes observes that Paul realized three things. 1) When life is killing you, go ahead and die. Don’t die to life, but die to self. Paul discovered that while dealing with his problems, he was relying on Paul, not God. He was trying to solve his problems without God. We try to fix things ourselves. We try to right all that is not working when we should turn it over to Him. We must die to ourselves, so that we can be totally dependent upon Him. 2) Paul changed his focus from his burdens to his blessings. He observed that God had saved, is saving, and would save in the future. 3) Finally, Paul recognized that no matter how weak his human hands might be, God’s hands still had a strong hold on him. Life can become heavy at times. So heavy, that many times we feel as if we cannot bear up under it. Life often overwhelms us beyond what we think is our ability to endure. At one time or another, all of us have said of our troubles: “This is killing me.” Bro. Hughes asks, “What do you do when life is killing you?” It is not hard to imagine that Paul was talking about life in our modern world. Godly people find life hard. We expect that wicked people to suffer in life. But when we observe good people going through storms while evil people prosper, some may question the reasons. In our text, Paul describes a time when he was at the point of saying “This is killing me.” He was so low that he “despaired for life.” This is not some casual Christian; we are talking about the apostle Paul. Paul was not a bad person, but he went through some trying situations that pressed him to the point of losing his will to live. So much was his burden that he expected and prepared to die. Then something happened. The bible does not say what, but God intervened and something resurrected in him. What he discovered during this time literally pulled him back from the brink of death. What did Paul discover when life was killing him? Bro. Hughes observes that Paul realized three things. 1) When life is killing you, go ahead and die. Don’t die to life, but die to self. Paul discovered that while dealing with his problems, he was relying on Paul, not God. He was trying to solve his problems without God. We try to fix things ourselves. We try to right all that is not working when we should turn it over to Him. We must die to ourselves, so that we can be totally dependent upon Him. 2) Paul changed his focus from his burdens to his blessings. He observed that God had saved, is saving, and would save in the future. 3) Finally, Paul recognized that no matter how weak his human hands might be, God’s hands still had a strong hold on him. Life can become heavy at times. So heavy, that many times we feel as if we cannot bear up under it. Life often overwhelms us beyond what we think is our ability to endure. At one time or another, all of us have said of our troubles: “This is killing… Mark Hughes 2185 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690645/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenlifeiskillingyou/id/1884799.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690645 Heavy,Dispare,Trust, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 26 Aug 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes In chapter 17 of Luke, Jesus is discussing the future with the disciples. He ends with the sobering statement: “Remember Lot’s Wife.” We do not know much about her. She is introduced to us in the bible just before she disappears forever. It is significant that He calls us to remember a nameless woman. She is only known as Lot’s wife. Bro. Hughes asks what is so important about her that we should remember her. Jesus uses her as an example about what indecision can do in a life. The message of Lot’s wife is simple: People will be lost. Not everyone will be saved. She was on her way out to be saved from God’s wrath, but her action caused her to fall in the midst of her salvation. Her careless regard of the word of God illustrates that fundamental principle that God’s word means things. Her story tells us that He will save all those that want to be saved. No one that wants out will be left behind. When this woman should have been going out, she was going back. How many are going back today to an old life, to an old way? Lot’s wife exemplifies a weakness that is prevalent in too many people. When she should have been going out, she was too busy going back to what God was saving her from. When we go back and pick up things that God has delivered us from, they will have an even greater hold on us than they did before. Lot’s wife reminds us that we can go a long way and still be lost. Her story tells us that even with the best efforts of heaven, some will still be lost. Finally, the story of Lot’s wife tells us that a person can be lost even when connected to the right people. The bible refers to Lot as righteous. She was in the right place, connected to the right people and on the path to salvation, and yet fell short. Though they are just three simple words, our text is a powerful reminder to us to remain focused on our journey to salvation. In chapter 17 of Luke, Jesus is discussing the future with the disciples. He ends with the sobering statement: “Remember Lot’s Wife.” We do not know much about her. She is introduced to us in the bible just before she disappears forever. It is significant that He calls us to remember a nameless woman. She is only known as Lot’s wife. Bro. Hughes asks what is so important about her that we should remember her. Jesus uses her as an example about what indecision can do in a life. The message of Lot’s wife is simple: People will be lost. Not everyone will be saved. She was on her way out to be saved from God’s wrath, but her action caused her to fall in the midst of her salvation. Her careless regard of the word of God illustrates that fundamental principle that God’s word means things. Her story tells us that He will save all those that want to be saved. No one that wants out will be left behind. When this woman should have been going out, she was going back. How many are going back today to an old life, to an old way? Lot’s wife exemplifies a weakness that is prevalent in too many people. When she should have been going out, she was too busy going back to what God was saving her from. When we go back and pick up things that God has delivered us from, they will have an even greater hold on us than they did before. Lot’s wife reminds us that we can go a long way and still be lost. Her story tells us that even with the best efforts of heaven, some will still be lost. Finally, the story of Lot’s wife tells us that a person can be lost even when connected to the right people. The bible refers to Lot as righteous. She was in the right place, connected to the right people and on the path to salvation, and yet fell short. Though they are just three simple words, our text is a powerful reminder to us to remain focused on our journey to salvation. In chapter 17 of Luke, Jesus is discussing the future with the disciples. He ends with the sobering statement: “Remember Lot’s Wife.” We do not know much about her. She is introduced to us in the bible just before she disappears forever. It is signi… Mark Hughes 1266 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690643/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_rememberlotswife/id/1884797.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690643 Lost,Indicision,Looking Back, Scripture: Luke 17:32-17:33, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 26 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000 James Hughes In our text, Nehemiah addresses Israel after years of Babylonian captivity. Israel is building walls around Jerusalem for protection. On a daily basis they were harassed for building walls by an enemy that wanted to destroy them. Nehemiah gives his brother the responsibility of opening the gates of the city, but stipulates that they not be opened until the sun burns hot each day. This means that on cloudy, foggy, or rainy days, the gates would not be opened at all. This stipulation had a potential affect on commerce and trade and other important aspects of daily life. Bro. Hughes asks, “Why was the time of the opening of the gates such a critical issue?” At that time, the walls around cities and the gates that granted access to them were critical for protection. Whoever kept the gates literally held the safety and security of the city in their hands. By making this stipulation, Nehemiah ensured that when the gates were opened, the people on the outside would be clearly visible. Those outside the gate could not hide in the shadows. By not opening the gates until the sun was well up ensured that all who waited outside were clearly visible and it could be determined if they posed a threat. There are some things in life that we must make the decision that are worth protecting. We cannot simply open the gates to everything without considering if it may be harmful. Our world has taken our safety mechanisms away. No longer are we shocked and embarrassed by behavior that not too many years ago would have caused shame and outrage. Our world has ridiculed our beliefs and standards to the point that many have allow the lines of right and wrong to become blurred and we have compromised ourselves in order to get along. Many have allowed things into their homes and lives that threaten the safety and security of our homes and families. The things that we let into our lives must be examined. Who is standing at the gate deciding who and what gets let in? If we want our homes to be happy and safe we have to guard the gate. We must guard the gates of our life to prevent these things from coming in and destroying us. In our text, Nehemiah addresses Israel after years of Babylonian captivity. Israel is building walls around Jerusalem for protection. On a daily basis they were harassed for building walls by an enemy that wanted to destroy them. Nehemiah gives his brother the responsibility of opening the gates of the city, but stipulates that they not be opened until the sun burns hot each day. This means that on cloudy, foggy, or rainy days, the gates would not be opened at all. This stipulation had a potential affect on commerce and trade and other important aspects of daily life. Bro. Hughes asks, “Why was the time of the opening of the gates such a critical issue?” At that time, the walls around cities and the gates that granted access to them were critical for protection. Whoever kept the gates literally held the safety and security of the city in their hands. By making this stipulation, Nehemiah ensured that when the gates were opened, the people on the outside would be clearly visible. Those outside the gate could not hide in the shadows. By not opening the gates until the sun was well up ensured that all who waited outside were clearly visible and it could be determined if they posed a threat. There are some things in life that we must make the decision that are worth protecting. We cannot simply open the gates to everything without considering if it may be harmful. Our world has taken our safety mechanisms away. No longer are we shocked and embarrassed by behavior that not too many years ago would have caused shame and outrage. Our world has ridiculed our beliefs and standards to the point that many have allow the lines of right and wrong to become blurred and we have compromised ourselves in order to get along. Many have allowed things into their homes and lives that threaten the safety and security of our homes and families. The things that we let into our lives must be examined. Who is standing at the gate deciding who and what gets let in? If we want our homes to be happy and safe we have to guard the gate. We must guard the gates of our life to prevent these things from coming in and destroying us. In our text, Nehemiah addresses Israel after years of Babylonian captivity. Israel is building walls around Jerusalem for protection. On a daily basis they were harassed for building walls by an enemy that wanted to destroy them. Nehemiah gives his … James Hughes 2541 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690644/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_guardingthegate/id/1884798.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690644 Guard,Protection,Standards Sun, 19 Aug 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Bro. Hughes observes that many of the messages he preaches have to do with dealing with trouble. The reason is that all of us will encounter trying situations no matter who we are. We do not have to be a bad person for trouble come into our life. When we look at our world and the state of our society we quickly come to the conclusion that we are all in trouble. Trouble is everywhere and it is overwhelming. It floods our minds and thinking and overwhelms our emotions. In our text, Habakkuk was struggling with problems. He was puzzled and could not understand what God was doing and what He was allowing to happen to Israel. He could not understand how God would allow Israel to be threatened as it was. In such a state of mind Habakkuk went to pray. He sought to understand, he was looking for encouragement and he needed a word for his people from the Lord. He recalled that God had delivered Israel from great peril and danger in the past. If He did it once, He will do it again. No matter what it looks like right now, it is not over until God says it is over. Habakkuk offers his prayer, and in verse three God answers by moving. God is coming. He is coming to our problem. He has heard our prayer and He is coming. God’s power is greater than our problem. God is coming to where we are to address our problem and nothing is going to stop Him. Our unbelief, our doubt, our sin is not going to stop Him. By His coming he restates His profound interest in all of us. He cares about us. He loves His people. God is coming; That is a good word for a bad day. Bro. Hughes observes that many of the messages he preaches have to do with dealing with trouble. The reason is that all of us will encounter trying situations no matter who we are. We do not have to be a bad person for trouble come into our life. When we look at our world and the state of our society we quickly come to the conclusion that we are all in trouble. Trouble is everywhere and it is overwhelming. It floods our minds and thinking and overwhelms our emotions. In our text, Habakkuk was struggling with problems. He was puzzled and could not understand what God was doing and what He was allowing to happen to Israel. He could not understand how God would allow Israel to be threatened as it was. In such a state of mind Habakkuk went to pray. He sought to understand, he was looking for encouragement and he needed a word for his people from the Lord. He recalled that God had delivered Israel from great peril and danger in the past. If He did it once, He will do it again. No matter what it looks like right now, it is not over until God says it is over. Habakkuk offers his prayer, and in verse three God answers by moving. God is coming. He is coming to our problem. He has heard our prayer and He is coming. God’s power is greater than our problem. God is coming to where we are to address our problem and nothing is going to stop Him. Our unbelief, our doubt, our sin is not going to stop Him. By His coming he restates His profound interest in all of us. He cares about us. He loves His people. God is coming; That is a good word for a bad day. Bro. Hughes observes that many of the messages he preaches have to do with dealing with trouble. The reason is that all of us will encounter trying situations no matter who we are. We do not have to be a bad person for trouble come into our life. Wh… Mark Hughes 1735 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690642/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_agoodwordforabadday/id/1884796.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690642 Trouble,Coming,Puzzled, Scripture: Habakkuk 3:1-3:3, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 19 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes God wants us to succeed in life. Many people were brought up thinking that God was just waiting for them to step out of line so that He could strike them down. This is unfortunate, because it is not true. The bible is full of examples of how God wants us to have life and live it more abundantly. Our text is one of those examples. In it Paul writing to Timothy advises that if we keep the doctrine and take care of our life being an example to others, not only will we save ourselves, but we will have a affect on the lives of others around us. Bro. Hughes tells us that if we take control of life, we can save ourselves as well as others. The bible uses the words “take heed.” Using our modern vernacular, we need to pay attention to ourselves. We are all where we are because of decisions we have made in life. No one else is responsible for the decisions we have made and therefore are not at fault for our lives. The blood of Jesus can save us from anything except for one thing. The blood of Jesus cannot save us from our selves. Our greatest enemy is not Satan it is our self. If we want our life to be better we must get control of our selves because all that God wants to do will be for naught if we do not save our selves. Paul admonishes Timothy to be mindful of his words, his conduct, his spirit, and moral priorities. There is a rule of life what when we take control or ourselves, we are putting our selves in a place where God can bless us and bless those around us. When we heed Paul’s advise to Timothy we secure blessings not only for ourselves, but also for those around us. The advice he offers seems contrary to normal church teaching. However, if we save ourselves first, we will be in a position to bless others. God wants us to succeed in life. Many people were brought up thinking that God was just waiting for them to step out of line so that He could strike them down. This is unfortunate, because it is not true. The bible is full of examples of how God wants us to have life and live it more abundantly. Our text is one of those examples. In it Paul writing to Timothy advises that if we keep the doctrine and take care of our life being an example to others, not only will we save ourselves, but we will have a affect on the lives of others around us. Bro. Hughes tells us that if we take control of life, we can save ourselves as well as others. The bible uses the words “take heed.” Using our modern vernacular, we need to pay attention to ourselves. We are all where we are because of decisions we have made in life. No one else is responsible for the decisions we have made and therefore are not at fault for our lives. The blood of Jesus can save us from anything except for one thing. The blood of Jesus cannot save us from our selves. Our greatest enemy is not Satan it is our self. If we want our life to be better we must get control of our selves because all that God wants to do will be for naught if we do not save our selves. Paul admonishes Timothy to be mindful of his words, his conduct, his spirit, and moral priorities. There is a rule of life what when we take control or ourselves, we are putting our selves in a place where God can bless us and bless those around us. When we heed Paul’s advise to Timothy we secure blessings not only for ourselves, but also for those around us. The advice he offers seems contrary to normal church teaching. However, if we save ourselves first, we will be in a position to bless others. God wants us to succeed in life. Many people were brought up thinking that God was just waiting for them to step out of line so that He could strike them down. This is unfortunate, because it is not true. The bible is full of examples of how God wan… Mark Hughes 2293 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690641/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_saveyourself/id/1884795.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690641 Keep,Save,Control, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 15 Aug 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Contrary winds come from many sources and can have a great affect on lives. Our text is set on the Sea of Galilee, which is about 600 feet below the Mediterranean Sea. This severe elevation change caused violent and unpredictable storms and winds to sweep over the water. The men in the boat were all skilled fishermen and knew how to handle themselves on the water. Even these experienced strong men were at the mercy of these contrary winds. These winds represent the strong, powerful, and merciless forces that come against our lives. These winds oppose our progress in life and seek to frustrate the labor of sincere people. Contrary winds will blow in each person’s life to oppose the effort of good people to follow the will of God. Our story is about His disciples. They were on a journey on which He had sent them. This story illustrates that good men will find strong opposition to accomplishing His will even with their best efforts. The bible says they were toiling against these contrary winds. They were not making much headway, but yet they continued to row. Bro. Hughes observes of this text, that we need to be more careful about how we judge other lives. We do not know the contrary winds that people have had to toil against just to get to where they are. It is only about 12 miles across the sea, but even after rowing all night against the wind, they were only about half way across. It is easy to look at someone and think that they need to be further along than they are. However the disciples toiled all night, but were only a short distance across the Sea of Galilee. This story should make all of us a little more merciful and less judgmental. When we understand contrary winds it will make us judge less harshly, love more deeply and give more freely and become what Jesus was: A comfort to people facing their own contrary winds. Contrary winds come from many sources and can have a great affect on lives. Our text is set on the Sea of Galilee, which is about 600 feet below the Mediterranean Sea. This severe elevation change caused violent and unpredictable storms and winds to sweep over the water. The men in the boat were all skilled fishermen and knew how to handle themselves on the water. Even these experienced strong men were at the mercy of these contrary winds. These winds represent the strong, powerful, and merciless forces that come against our lives. These winds oppose our progress in life and seek to frustrate the labor of sincere people. Contrary winds will blow in each person’s life to oppose the effort of good people to follow the will of God. Our story is about His disciples. They were on a journey on which He had sent them. This story illustrates that good men will find strong opposition to accomplishing His will even with their best efforts. The bible says they were toiling against these contrary winds. They were not making much headway, but yet they continued to row. Bro. Hughes observes of this text, that we need to be more careful about how we judge other lives. We do not know the contrary winds that people have had to toil against just to get to where they are. It is only about 12 miles across the sea, but even after rowing all night against the wind, they were only about half way across. It is easy to look at someone and think that they need to be further along than they are. However the disciples toiled all night, but were only a short distance across the Sea of Galilee. This story should make all of us a little more merciful and less judgmental. When we understand contrary winds it will make us judge less harshly, love more deeply and give more freely and become what Jesus was: A comfort to people facing their own contrary winds. Contrary winds come from many sources and can have a great affect on lives. Our text is set on the Sea of Galilee, which is about 600 feet below the Mediterranean Sea. This severe elevation change caused violent and unpredictable storms and winds to … Mark Hughes 1854 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690640/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_contrarywinds/id/1884793.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690640 Contrary,Opposition,Judgmental, Scripture: Matthew 14:24-14:25, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 12 Aug 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is one of the most amazing stories chronicled in scripture. Saul had fallen in battle and David was coming into power. He remembered his predecessor. Saul had not always been kind to him, but even so, David respected and honored Saul and ask if there were any left of his court that could be honored. A servant was found to explained that there was one who remained. This young man was crippled. Mephivosheth had enjoyed a blessed life living in Saul’s house but his life changed quickly as his family tried to escape Jerusalem to escape what the family was sure to be the wrath of David. Mephibosheth’s spent years hiding and dealing with the physical change of becoming crippled. He was about to experience a grace that he had never known. Our text shows the beginning of a quest to find him in his place of hiding and an effort to extend a grace and courtesy. Like Mephibosheth, we cannot imagine or understand the effect of the grace that comes to us. Bro. Hughes offers his observations about grace. Grace remembers us. Others may walk away and leave us, but grace never will. Grace is not afraid to come into our hell in order to take us into His heaven. Where we cannot, grace can. Grace may find a wounded man who cannot function, but grace does not turn away. Grace picks us up and takes us to where we need to be. Grace changes us; it can make a difference in our lives. Mephibosheth let go of his crippledness and he came into the place where the king wanted him to be. We may have lost a lot of things in life, but grace restores. Grace introduces us to what we are born to be. When we think about what grace has brought to us, kept us from, helped us over come and where it is taking us that we cannot help but be amazed. Our text is one of the most amazing stories chronicled in scripture. Saul had fallen in battle and David was coming into power. He remembered his predecessor. Saul had not always been kind to him, but even so, David respected and honored Saul and ask if there were any left of his court that could be honored. A servant was found to explained that there was one who remained. This young man was crippled. Mephivosheth had enjoyed a blessed life living in Saul’s house but his life changed quickly as his family tried to escape Jerusalem to escape what the family was sure to be the wrath of David. Mephibosheth’s spent years hiding and dealing with the physical change of becoming crippled. He was about to experience a grace that he had never known. Our text shows the beginning of a quest to find him in his place of hiding and an effort to extend a grace and courtesy. Like Mephibosheth, we cannot imagine or understand the effect of the grace that comes to us. Bro. Hughes offers his observations about grace. Grace remembers us. Others may walk away and leave us, but grace never will. Grace is not afraid to come into our hell in order to take us into His heaven. Where we cannot, grace can. Grace may find a wounded man who cannot function, but grace does not turn away. Grace picks us up and takes us to where we need to be. Grace changes us; it can make a difference in our lives. Mephibosheth let go of his crippledness and he came into the place where the king wanted him to be. We may have lost a lot of things in life, but grace restores. Grace introduces us to what we are born to be. When we think about what grace has brought to us, kept us from, helped us over come and where it is taking us that we cannot help but be amazed. Our text is one of the most amazing stories chronicled in scripture. Saul had fallen in battle and David was coming into power. He remembered his predecessor. Saul had not always been kind to him, but even so, David respected and honored Saul and as… Mark Hughes 1948 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690638/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itisstillamazing/id/1884791.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690638 Grace,Amazing, Scripture: 2 Samuel 9:1-9:3, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 12 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We live in a dark time. We are in a great spiritual conflict. More than just personal problems, we are in an eternal struggle. Bro. Hughes observes from reading the bible, that the settings and cultures may have changed, the base underlying conflict has not changed: light against darkness, truth against lies, good against evil. There is as war going on that affects all of our lives. There is no middle ground in this war. We cannot find a compromise position between good and evil. Unfortunately this battle is not limited to the world, it has infiltrated the church too. The news is full of stories of adultery, financial misdeeds and other breaches in morality within the church. Our text refers back to the children of Israel who escaped Egyptian bondage. God removed them from Egypt in a night, but it took him more than 40 years to get Egypt out of them. It is during this time that our text is set. They were camped near the Promised Land. The Israelites began to interact and engage the Moabite people, which was forbidden by God. God’s punishment was to order the death of every person who had engaged in this sin. This brought Israel to their knees calling out to God. In the midst of this scene, Phinehas stood up and took action that spared action from the wrath of God. The bible does not chronicle what Phineahas said, but Bro. Hughes suggests that if he said anything it was: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Bro. Hughes wants to know: Is there anyone who is willing to stand up and declare ENOUGN IS ENOUGH and take action against the immoral behavior that surrounds us. Our association in the world has caused us to lose our ability to be embarrassed by some things. It is time that someone stood up and said ENOUGH OF UNGODLENSS, ENOUGH OF IMORALITY! Someone to say I don’t want that in my house. I don’t want that in my Church. I don’t want that in my country. The bible tells us that God counted Phinehas’ actions as righteousness. Bro. Hughes asks if we have a Phineahas. Will someone please stand up? We live in a dark time. We are in a great spiritual conflict. More than just personal problems, we are in an eternal struggle. Bro. Hughes observes from reading the bible, that the settings and cultures may have changed, the base underlying conflict has not changed: light against darkness, truth against lies, good against evil. There is as war going on that affects all of our lives. There is no middle ground in this war. We cannot find a compromise position between good and evil. Unfortunately this battle is not limited to the world, it has infiltrated the church too. The news is full of stories of adultery, financial misdeeds and other breaches in morality within the church. Our text refers back to the children of Israel who escaped Egyptian bondage. God removed them from Egypt in a night, but it took him more than 40 years to get Egypt out of them. It is during this time that our text is set. They were camped near the Promised Land. The Israelites began to interact and engage the Moabite people, which was forbidden by God. God’s punishment was to order the death of every person who had engaged in this sin. This brought Israel to their knees calling out to God. In the midst of this scene, Phinehas stood up and took action that spared action from the wrath of God. The bible does not chronicle what Phineahas said, but Bro. Hughes suggests that if he said anything it was: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Bro. Hughes wants to know: Is there anyone who is willing to stand up and declare ENOUGN IS ENOUGH and take action against the immoral behavior that surrounds us. Our association in the world has caused us to lose our ability to be embarrassed by some things. It is time that someone stood up and said ENOUGH OF UNGODLENSS, ENOUGH OF IMORALITY! Someone to say I don’t want that in my house. I don’t want that in my Church. I don’t want that in my country. The bible tells us that God counted Phinehas’ actions as righteousness. Bro. Hughes asks if we have a Phineahas. Will someone please stand up? We live in a dark time. We are in a great spiritual conflict. More than just personal problems, we are in an eternal struggle. Bro. Hughes observes from reading the bible, that the settings and cultures may have changed, the base underlying conflict… Mark Hughes 2274 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690639/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_willsomeonepleasestandup/id/1884792.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690639 Stand,Enough, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 08 Aug 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text tonight speaks a critical truth. It has been said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. Light comes in through this window. The condition of these windows determines the type and quality of light that gets in. If they are clean and clear, we see things correctly. We make good judgments and decisions. If however, these windows are dirty and smudged, we will make poor judgments and not see things as they truly are and our life will be affected in a negative way. Everything that we see in life depends upon the condition of the eyes. The window of our soul determines how we look at other people and how we handle adversity. When the smoke of life clouds our eyes our view of life changes and we become unappreciative of the blessings we have. Our scripture tells us that if the lens is clouded and dirty, that our life is impaired. When the windows are unclear, morality and truth issues are debated and then become optional. When the eyes are dirty, people begin to justify their actions and standards are allowed to fall away. Jesus stated very clearly in our text. Life can be blessed or cursed depending upon the cleanliness of our eyes. As he considered this scripture, Bro. Hughes began to wonder, “what darkens the windows of our soul?” Trials can certainly cloud our eyes. Our disadvantages and handicaps can dim our vision. Perhaps the most devastating thing that can darken our eyes is pride. Pride darkens our soul quicker than anything. It is only when we humble ourselves and admit to our faults and failures that we can begin to make progress to resolve the situations. So how do we clean the windows of our soul? Repentance will clear away the fogginess. Forgiveness will clear the dirt from the eyes. The truth is that as often as we repent, we must forgive. Worship will also clear the lenses that have become clouded. When we begin to worship, our perspective changes. Worship can transform. So the keys to cleaning the windows of life are Repentance, Forgiveness and Worship. Our text tonight speaks a critical truth. It has been said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. Light comes in through this window. The condition of these windows determines the type and quality of light that gets in. If they are clean and clear, we see things correctly. We make good judgments and decisions. If however, these windows are dirty and smudged, we will make poor judgments and not see things as they truly are and our life will be affected in a negative way. Everything that we see in life depends upon the condition of the eyes. The window of our soul determines how we look at other people and how we handle adversity. When the smoke of life clouds our eyes our view of life changes and we become unappreciative of the blessings we have. Our scripture tells us that if the lens is clouded and dirty, that our life is impaired. When the windows are unclear, morality and truth issues are debated and then become optional. When the eyes are dirty, people begin to justify their actions and standards are allowed to fall away. Jesus stated very clearly in our text. Life can be blessed or cursed depending upon the cleanliness of our eyes. As he considered this scripture, Bro. Hughes began to wonder, “what darkens the windows of our soul?” Trials can certainly cloud our eyes. Our disadvantages and handicaps can dim our vision. Perhaps the most devastating thing that can darken our eyes is pride. Pride darkens our soul quicker than anything. It is only when we humble ourselves and admit to our faults and failures that we can begin to make progress to resolve the situations. So how do we clean the windows of our soul? Repentance will clear away the fogginess. Forgiveness will clear the dirt from the eyes. The truth is that as often as we repent, we must forgive. Worship will also clear the lenses that have become clouded. When we begin to worship, our perspective changes. Worship can transform. So the keys to cleaning the windows of life are Repentance, Forgiveness and Worship. Our text tonight speaks a critical truth. It has been said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. Light comes in through this window. The condition of these windows determines the type and quality of light that gets in. If they are clean and cle… Mark Hughes 2555 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690637/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_cleaningthewindowsoflife/id/1884790.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690637 Window,Smoke,Dirty,Clean, Scripture: Luke 11:34-11:35, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 05 Aug 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes All of us to some degree are concerned about the direction of our world and our country. Where does the deterioration of anything begin? Where does the confusion and unhappiness begin? Where does the lowering of standards in a nation, a church, or a person begin? Our text explains simply that it begins when we compare ourselves to ourselves. The bible talks at length about wisdom. What it is, how to find it, and the importance of it. In order to get out of life everything that God intended for us to get, we must have wisdom. There are many options in life. Wisdom is knowing which option to choose. Wisdom is knowing that there are many ways to live life, but only one way will live to blessing and favor with God. Wisdom is knowing that there are many ways to gauge success in life, but only one way will place value on the right things. It is important to know to measure life. Knowing that life is too valuable to be wasted by wrong living. Life is too important to waste by not measuring it against the right standards. In our text, Paul was writing to the church in Corinth to establish his apostolic authority. They had judged him by his outward appearance and his manner of speaking. He explains that they were measuring by the wrong standard. When we lower our standards and begin comparing ourselves to each other, we begin the process of degrading our nation, our church ourselves. When we look at others and say “well I’m not as bad as him”, we measure by the wrong standard. Bro. Hughes declares that we have a perfect standard defined by Jesus. When we judge ourselves by the actions of others, we justify our own imperfect actions. It is time that we get our eyes off of each other, and back on Him. Jesus needs to be our example and our standard. The truth is that it does not matter what other say or do, it only matters what Jesus wants in our life. The way to ruin a church or a life is to measure ourselves by the wrong standard. All of us to some degree are concerned about the direction of our world and our country. Where does the deterioration of anything begin? Where does the confusion and unhappiness begin? Where does the lowering of standards in a nation, a church, or a person begin? Our text explains simply that it begins when we compare ourselves to ourselves. The bible talks at length about wisdom. What it is, how to find it, and the importance of it. In order to get out of life everything that God intended for us to get, we must have wisdom. There are many options in life. Wisdom is knowing which option to choose. Wisdom is knowing that there are many ways to live life, but only one way will live to blessing and favor with God. Wisdom is knowing that there are many ways to gauge success in life, but only one way will place value on the right things. It is important to know to measure life. Knowing that life is too valuable to be wasted by wrong living. Life is too important to waste by not measuring it against the right standards. In our text, Paul was writing to the church in Corinth to establish his apostolic authority. They had judged him by his outward appearance and his manner of speaking. He explains that they were measuring by the wrong standard. When we lower our standards and begin comparing ourselves to each other, we begin the process of degrading our nation, our church ourselves. When we look at others and say “well I’m not as bad as him”, we measure by the wrong standard. Bro. Hughes declares that we have a perfect standard defined by Jesus. When we judge ourselves by the actions of others, we justify our own imperfect actions. It is time that we get our eyes off of each other, and back on Him. Jesus needs to be our example and our standard. The truth is that it does not matter what other say or do, it only matters what Jesus wants in our life. The way to ruin a church or a life is to measure ourselves by the wrong standard. All of us to some degree are concerned about the direction of our world and our country. Where does the deterioration of anything begin? Where does the confusion and unhappiness begin? Where does the lowering of standards in a nation, a church, or a… Mark Hughes 2189 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690636/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtoruinachurch/id/1884789.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690636 Standards,Measure, Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:12-10:13, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 05 Aug 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The love of God is an amazing thing. It has to overcome a great deal to reach us. In spite of all that it has to overcome, it continues to overcome until the end. One of the great promises in the word of God is contained in our text: He loved them until the end. The disciples were an eclectic bunch that all had their faults. Some would look at that group of men and ask why would he call them. Bro. Hughes tells us that He choose them because He saw what love could do. To the very end, Jesus’ main concern what that the disciples would know God’s love for them. At times there was not much to love about the disciples: Arguing, doubting, being lazy. Yet through it all, He continued to love them…to the end. Like them, we too can be unlovable. How many times have we stumbled? How many times have we ignored His attempt to reveal Himself in our lives? How man times have we argued with Him about the path we are on? As with the disciples, He loves us to the end no matter what. The love of God just keeps on. The love of God is just there. More than we will ever know and more than we deserve, the love of God will be with us until the end. The love of God is an amazing thing. It has to overcome a great deal to reach us. In spite of all that it has to overcome, it continues to overcome until the end. One of the great promises in the word of God is contained in our text: He loved them until the end. The disciples were an eclectic bunch that all had their faults. Some would look at that group of men and ask why would he call them. Bro. Hughes tells us that He choose them because He saw what love could do. To the very end, Jesus’ main concern what that the disciples would know God’s love for them. At times there was not much to love about the disciples: Arguing, doubting, being lazy. Yet through it all, He continued to love them…to the end. Like them, we too can be unlovable. How many times have we stumbled? How many times have we ignored His attempt to reveal Himself in our lives? How man times have we argued with Him about the path we are on? As with the disciples, He loves us to the end no matter what. The love of God just keeps on. The love of God is just there. More than we will ever know and more than we deserve, the love of God will be with us until the end. The love of God is an amazing thing. It has to overcome a great deal to reach us. In spite of all that it has to overcome, it continues to overcome until the end. One of the great promises in the word of God is contained in our text: He loved them … Mark Hughes 1643 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690635/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theloveofgod/id/1884788.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690635 Love,End,Always, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 01 Aug 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Jay Hilton None of us can say that we are without sin. No matter how good we may be, we all fall short of the glory of God. The bible says that if we confess our sin, Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us of unrighteousness. Bor. Hilton points out that this is a one-day at a time endeavor. None of us have enough character to live the rest of our life without His grace and mercy. Fortunately we do not have to even try to do that. In our text, David addresses with the errors, secret faults and presumptuousness that we all commit. As sin progresses from an error, to a secret fault and then a presumptuous sin, it has more and more control and dominion over us. In our text, David tells us that there is something even worse than having dominion over us. What could be worse than being dominated by sin? David talks about the great transgression. The great transgression is when there is sin in our life, but we still approach God as if everything is all right. This is also called hypocrisy. God will never quit calling our name. It is possible however, to talk away from God enough that we cannot hear Him call. The good news here is that we serve a forgiving God. No matter how far we may have progressed on this timeline: error, secret fault, dominion sin or the great transgression, He is still willing to forgive us. The key is that we must daily ask God to cleanse us and search ourselves to root out the errors, secret faults and sin that seeks to control and kill us. None of us can say that we are without sin. No matter how good we may be, we all fall short of the glory of God. The bible says that if we confess our sin, Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us of unrighteousness. Bor. Hilton points out that this is a one-day at a time endeavor. None of us have enough character to live the rest of our life without His grace and mercy. Fortunately we do not have to even try to do that. In our text, David addresses with the errors, secret faults and presumptuousness that we all commit. As sin progresses from an error, to a secret fault and then a presumptuous sin, it has more and more control and dominion over us. In our text, David tells us that there is something even worse than having dominion over us. What could be worse than being dominated by sin? David talks about the great transgression. The great transgression is when there is sin in our life, but we still approach God as if everything is all right. This is also called hypocrisy. God will never quit calling our name. It is possible however, to talk away from God enough that we cannot hear Him call. The good news here is that we serve a forgiving God. No matter how far we may have progressed on this timeline: error, secret fault, dominion sin or the great transgression, He is still willing to forgive us. The key is that we must daily ask God to cleanse us and search ourselves to root out the errors, secret faults and sin that seeks to control and kill us. None of us can say that we are without sin. No matter how good we may be, we all fall short of the glory of God. The bible says that if we confess our sin, Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us of unrighteousness. Bor. Hilton po… Jay Hilton 1883 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690634/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_everyday/id/1884787.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690634 Sin,Redemption,Secret,Transgression Sun, 29 Jul 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Every one of us at some time or another has had our backs to the wall. In our text, David finds himself in that place. He had been on a journey and conquered the enemy. As they returned they found their city in flames and their wives and daughters taken captive. The men picked up stones to kill David. There was only one direction David could turn and it is the same direction we have; he encouraged himself in the Lord his God. Many will turn to friends in time of need, but friends will fail us. There is only one who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is s friend that will stick closer than a brother. Bro. Kilgore tells us that if we could strengthen our friendship with Jesus, our lives would be much better. There were things that were important to David at this time. He remembered past victories and he remembered the promise of God. Bro. Kilgore shares stories from his heart how in his own life, he has remembered past victories and stood on the promises of God. Every one of us at some time or another has had our backs to the wall. In our text, David finds himself in that place. He had been on a journey and conquered the enemy. As they returned they found their city in flames and their wives and daughters taken captive. The men picked up stones to kill David. There was only one direction David could turn and it is the same direction we have; he encouraged himself in the Lord his God. Many will turn to friends in time of need, but friends will fail us. There is only one who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is s friend that will stick closer than a brother. Bro. Kilgore tells us that if we could strengthen our friendship with Jesus, our lives would be much better. There were things that were important to David at this time. He remembered past victories and he remembered the promise of God. Bro. Kilgore shares stories from his heart how in his own life, he has remembered past victories and stood on the promises of God. Every one of us at some time or another has had our backs to the wall. In our text, David finds himself in that place. He had been on a journey and conquered the enemy. As they returned they found their city in flames and their wives and daughters t… Kenneth Baker 2623 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690633/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenyourbackisagainstthewall/id/1884786.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690633 Remember,Stand Sun, 29 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Jay Hilton Many people discount the “name it and claim it” preachers. Bro. Hilton points out that this is biblical. God says things and it began to happen. “Let there be light and there was light.” The bible says “ye have not because ye ask not.” It also says “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh.” The heart believes, but the heart confesses. We open our mouth for everything else, why not for God? Everything God said in Genesis 1, is still working today. God spoke it and it was. Nothing will become void that God speaks into existence. We release our faith with our mouth. The healing, the blessing, the solution to a need is already there we simply need to speak it into existence by our faith: “I can make it.” “I will make it.” “I won’t do that.” We can talk our selves out of a blessing, or we can talk ourselves into a blessing. Fear keeps many people from realizing their blessing. Bro. Hilton explains that fear is not an emotion, it is a spirit. When the spirit of fear comes over a person, it can paralyze them and inhibit their faith. By speaking our faith out loud, we can combat and defeat the spirit of fear. Many people discount the “name it and claim it” preachers. Bro. Hilton points out that this is biblical. God says things and it began to happen. “Let there be light and there was light.” The bible says “ye have not because ye ask not.” It also says “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh.” The heart believes, but the heart confesses. We open our mouth for everything else, why not for God? Everything God said in Genesis 1, is still working today. God spoke it and it was. Nothing will become void that God speaks into existence. We release our faith with our mouth. The healing, the blessing, the solution to a need is already there we simply need to speak it into existence by our faith: “I can make it.” “I will make it.” “I won’t do that.” We can talk our selves out of a blessing, or we can talk ourselves into a blessing. Fear keeps many people from realizing their blessing. Bro. Hilton explains that fear is not an emotion, it is a spirit. When the spirit of fear comes over a person, it can paralyze them and inhibit their faith. By speaking our faith out loud, we can combat and defeat the spirit of fear. Many people discount the “name it and claim it” preachers. Bro. Hilton points out that this is biblical. God says things and it began to happen. “Let there be light and there was light.” The bible says “ye have not because ye ask not.” It also say… Jay Hilton 2497 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690632/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godsaiditanditwas/id/1884785.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690632 Faith,Speak it,Claim it,Fear, Scripture: Genesis 1:1-1:4 Wed, 25 Jul 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Life is a mystery to most of us. The reason is that life has so many moving parts. It is not a static thing. It is constantly changing like the tides. If life is down today, it will not always be down. If life were more predictable most of us feel that it would be more bearable. For most people it is the constantly changing nature of life that causes distress. Our text is a song that was written during a desperate time. Two different speakers probably wrote it. This psalm confirms to us that God has an answer to all of our problems. There are four problems mentioned in this text: Weariness, Weakness, Wickedness, and Walk of life. God’s promise in our text is that he will protect, guard and preserve the movement of our life. He will protect the going out and coming in of life. In the flux and flow of life, here is a pledge from God that He is going to help us. No matter the direction of life: up or down, in or out, God will protect us. Life is a mystery to most of us. The reason is that life has so many moving parts. It is not a static thing. It is constantly changing like the tides. If life is down today, it will not always be down. If life were more predictable most of us feel that it would be more bearable. For most people it is the constantly changing nature of life that causes distress. Our text is a song that was written during a desperate time. Two different speakers probably wrote it. This psalm confirms to us that God has an answer to all of our problems. There are four problems mentioned in this text: Weariness, Weakness, Wickedness, and Walk of life. God’s promise in our text is that he will protect, guard and preserve the movement of our life. He will protect the going out and coming in of life. In the flux and flow of life, here is a pledge from God that He is going to help us. No matter the direction of life: up or down, in or out, God will protect us. Life is a mystery to most of us. The reason is that life has so many moving parts. It is not a static thing. It is constantly changing like the tides. If life is down today, it will not always be down. If life were more predictable most of us feel… Mark Hughes 1476 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690631/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thecomingandgoingoflife/id/1884784.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690631 Going,Coming,Protection, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 22 Jul 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is a powerful one. In it we experience the tale of one who was stalked and captured by the enemy. We cannot help but feel the deep emotion that runs throughout its words. When the psalmist tries to explain what happened to him, he stammers and repeats himself. When he remembered the events about which he was writing, he trembled at the situation he was in and what the Lord had done for him. Because of the Lord, he was delivered from the teeth of the enemy. This song proclaims, that if it had not been for the Lord he would have perished. Many others in the Bible have claimed this song, and we too can claim it as our own. No matter what we are facing, we can look to God for resolution. There are forces that are working against us in the world. The enemy hates us because of our freedom, because of our connection to God, because of the promises we can lay claim to. Because he hates us, he seeks to snare and trap us. Even so, we can rely on the promise of “If it had not been for the Lord…” This new song can carry us through any situation. We are here today because God is on our side! We are not perfect, and we may not be where we want to be, but God is still on our side. God is going to make a way out of whatever we are in right now. Because of God, we can escape! Our text is a powerful one. In it we experience the tale of one who was stalked and captured by the enemy. We cannot help but feel the deep emotion that runs throughout its words. When the psalmist tries to explain what happened to him, he stammers and repeats himself. When he remembered the events about which he was writing, he trembled at the situation he was in and what the Lord had done for him. Because of the Lord, he was delivered from the teeth of the enemy. This song proclaims, that if it had not been for the Lord he would have perished. Many others in the Bible have claimed this song, and we too can claim it as our own. No matter what we are facing, we can look to God for resolution. There are forces that are working against us in the world. The enemy hates us because of our freedom, because of our connection to God, because of the promises we can lay claim to. Because he hates us, he seeks to snare and trap us. Even so, we can rely on the promise of “If it had not been for the Lord…” This new song can carry us through any situation. We are here today because God is on our side! We are not perfect, and we may not be where we want to be, but God is still on our side. God is going to make a way out of whatever we are in right now. Because of God, we can escape! Our text is a powerful one. In it we experience the tale of one who was stalked and captured by the enemy. We cannot help but feel the deep emotion that runs throughout its words. When the psalmist tries to explain what happened to him, he stammers … Mark Hughes 1836 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690629/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_escaped/id/1884782.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690629 Escape,Snare, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 22 Jul 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We live in a very disturbed world. The headlines demonstrate this sad fact. The words of the Lord in our scripture text indicate that He knew of all trouble in the future. Here he tries to prepare us for these troubled times when he offers: “Let not your heart be troubled.” The word used in the Greek is one that is defined as turbulent, stirred, confusing. Bro. Hughes speculates that perhaps many people are not concerned about the troubling events of our world. Some people do not trouble a world that has lost its morality. However most of us are concerned about the decline of society and it’s affects on our families. Jesus’s advice to his disciples was to continue to believe in God and to hold on to faith. That advice to them is just as valid to us today as we deal with troubled times. God is still in control and has His hand on our lives. Faith is the key to living in troubled times. We live in a very disturbed world. The headlines demonstrate this sad fact. The words of the Lord in our scripture text indicate that He knew of all trouble in the future. Here he tries to prepare us for these troubled times when he offers: “Let not your heart be troubled.” The word used in the Greek is one that is defined as turbulent, stirred, confusing. Bro. Hughes speculates that perhaps many people are not concerned about the troubling events of our world. Some people do not trouble a world that has lost its morality. However most of us are concerned about the decline of society and it’s affects on our families. Jesus’s advice to his disciples was to continue to believe in God and to hold on to faith. That advice to them is just as valid to us today as we deal with troubled times. God is still in control and has His hand on our lives. Faith is the key to living in troubled times. We live in a very disturbed world. The headlines demonstrate this sad fact. The words of the Lord in our scripture text indicate that He knew of all trouble in the future. Here he tries to prepare us for these troubled times when he offers: “Let no… Mark Hughes 1836 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690630/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_livingintroubledtimes/id/1884783.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690630 Troubled,Faith, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 18 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes There are thing in life that come along that prevent us from going where are think we are destined to go. Even when we pursue the highest goals, there will be times that we run into obstacles and hindrances to keep us from reaching those goals. Someone else gets the promotion, we do not get the job we thought we should, or the economy turns bad. These events have a way of changing our plans. They cause us to step back and look at our path and our progression. The word is hinder In our text, Paul described that he was hindered not once but twice in his plans to visit Thessalonica. We can infer that he was actually on that journey when things got in the way. He lays the blame at satin’s feet. The word used in the original Greek for hinder has two meanings. The first refers to a road that was damaged to the point that it was impassable due to military action. The second meaning referred to a man who was in a race and is bumped and knocke There are thing in life that come along that prevent us from going where are think we are destined to go. Even when we pursue the highest goals, there will be times that we run into obstacles and hindrances to keep us from reaching those goals. Someone else gets the promotion, we do not get the job we thought we should, or the economy turns bad. These events have a way of changing our plans. They cause us to step back and look at our path and our progression. The word is hinder In our text, Paul described that he was hindered not once but twice in his plans to visit Thessalonica. We can infer that he was actually on that journey when things got in the way. He lays the blame at satin’s feet. The word used in the original Greek for hinder has two meanings. The first refers to a road that was damaged to the point that it was impassable due to military action. The second meaning referred to a man who was in a race and is bumped and knocke There are thing in life that come along that prevent us from going where are think we are destined to go. Even when we pursue the highest goals, there will be times that we run into obstacles and hindrances to keep us from reaching those goals. Someon… Mark Hughes 1874 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690628/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenlifebumpsyou/id/1884781.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690628 obstacles,Hinder,bump, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 15 Jul 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Bro. Kilgore shares his heart this morning about his life and ministry. Even after more than 60 years in the ministry, Bro. Kilgore has a desire and drive to reach further and do more to reach the lost. Jesus Himself served as an example in the garden when He went in with some of the disciples, and then went even further. We must all strive to go a little further. Bro. Kilgore shares his heart this morning about his life and ministry. Even after more than 60 years in the ministry, Bro. Kilgore has a desire and drive to reach further and do more to reach the lost. Jesus Himself served as an example in the garden when He went in with some of the disciples, and then went even further. We must all strive to go a little further. Bro. Kilgore shares his heart this morning about his life and ministry. Even after more than 60 years in the ministry, Bro. Kilgore has a desire and drive to reach further and do more to reach the lost. Jesus Himself served as an example in the garde… Kenneth Baker 2704 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690626/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_iwanttogofurther/id/1884779.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690626 further,stretch Sun, 15 Jul 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our story tonight is a moving one. We are moved by his problem. We are moved by the dedication of his friends. There have been a good many sermons preached with the understanding that the man’s sickness was his palsy. He could not walk or move on his own. Bro. Hughes looks at the story from a different angle: Rather than this man being sick with palsy, he was sick of the palsy. It may have been that this man was so desperate that he convinced his four friends to go to such extraordinary lengths. Until we become sick of our situation, there will be no changes. As long as we are resolved to live with problems and make work a rounds for them, we will never be willing to do those things necessary to get to the place where there can be real change. There are problems in life that we have tried to get rid of, but they always find their way back to us. Bro. Hughes suggests, “Maybe it is time to get sick of being sick.” The reason that many people live in mediocrity is because it takes too much effort to get to something better. Until we get sick of being sick, we will never get well. Given this, Bro. Hughes asks: “What are you sick of?” Our story tonight is a moving one. We are moved by his problem. We are moved by the dedication of his friends. There have been a good many sermons preached with the understanding that the man’s sickness was his palsy. He could not walk or move on his own. Bro. Hughes looks at the story from a different angle: Rather than this man being sick with palsy, he was sick of the palsy. It may have been that this man was so desperate that he convinced his four friends to go to such extraordinary lengths. Until we become sick of our situation, there will be no changes. As long as we are resolved to live with problems and make work a rounds for them, we will never be willing to do those things necessary to get to the place where there can be real change. There are problems in life that we have tried to get rid of, but they always find their way back to us. Bro. Hughes suggests, “Maybe it is time to get sick of being sick.” The reason that many people live in mediocrity is because it takes too much effort to get to something better. Until we get sick of being sick, we will never get well. Given this, Bro. Hughes asks: “What are you sick of?” Our story tonight is a moving one. We are moved by his problem. We are moved by the dedication of his friends. There have been a good many sermons preached with the understanding that the man’s sickness was his palsy. He could not walk or move on h… Mark Hughes 2339 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690627/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatareyousickof/id/1884780.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690627 Sick,Change, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Peace is one of the most valuable things a person can have in life. There is no amount of anything that can be possessed in life that can make up for a lack of peace. Our text begins with the phrase “let not your heart be troubled.” This indicates God’s desire that we be at peace in life. Jesus was explaining to the disciples that He was going to leave them. They did not understand what was coming next. Jesus understood their fear and uncertainty, and gave them something that would see then through what was coming next. We cannot choose options in life like ordering a coffee at Starbucks. Life is full of issues and situations that are unexpected. No person on earth is exempt from the surprises that come along with life. We do not question the changing of the seasons. Summer fades to fall and fall to winter without our worrying about what comes next. However when the seasons of life change, some people panic and fret about what is next. So it was with the disciples. He had been telling them for some time that He would go away. They were too caught up in the miracles and the power of His ministry to believe. God will always send someone or something to calm and comfort us during these times of upheaval. Peace is God’s promise that we never have to face the future without His help and presence. When everything else changes, God’s presence never does. Peace means that God will always leave us better than He found us. When we don’t know what is next, we need to rejoice because He knows what is next. Peace is one of the most valuable things a person can have in life. There is no amount of anything that can be possessed in life that can make up for a lack of peace. Our text begins with the phrase “let not your heart be troubled.” This indicates God’s desire that we be at peace in life. Jesus was explaining to the disciples that He was going to leave them. They did not understand what was coming next. Jesus understood their fear and uncertainty, and gave them something that would see then through what was coming next. We cannot choose options in life like ordering a coffee at Starbucks. Life is full of issues and situations that are unexpected. No person on earth is exempt from the surprises that come along with life. We do not question the changing of the seasons. Summer fades to fall and fall to winter without our worrying about what comes next. However when the seasons of life change, some people panic and fret about what is next. So it was with the disciples. He had been telling them for some time that He would go away. They were too caught up in the miracles and the power of His ministry to believe. God will always send someone or something to calm and comfort us during these times of upheaval. Peace is God’s promise that we never have to face the future without His help and presence. When everything else changes, God’s presence never does. Peace means that God will always leave us better than He found us. When we don’t know what is next, we need to rejoice because He knows what is next. Peace is one of the most valuable things a person can have in life. There is no amount of anything that can be possessed in life that can make up for a lack of peace. Our text begins with the phrase “let not your heart be troubled.” This indicates G… Mark Hughes 2113 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690625/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtolivewithwhatsnext/id/1884778.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690625 Peace,Comfort, Scripture: John 14:27-14:29, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 08 Jul 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker We all have our roles to play in God’s kingdom. Bro. Shoemake shares stories from his years in the ministry that highlight the fact that we must seek and fulfill God’s purpose for us in His kingdom. Our failure to do this could result in someone being lost for eternity. We all have our roles to play in God’s kingdom. Bro. Shoemake shares stories from his years in the ministry that highlight the fact that we must seek and fulfill God’s purpose for us in His kingdom. Our failure to do this could result in someone being lost for eternity. We all have our roles to play in God’s kingdom. Bro. Shoemake shares stories from his years in the ministry that highlight the fact that we must seek and fulfill God’s purpose for us in His kingdom. Our failure to do this could result in someone bein… Kenneth Baker 3458 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690624/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_everyonemustdotheirpart/id/1884777.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690624 Ministry,Purpose,Calling Sun, 08 Jul 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker The gospel is not a complicated thing. It isn’t as simple as simple thinking in our mind “I believe.” It is however not much more complicated than that. The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord. Through repentance we have the ability to do more than all the councilors, psychiatrists and doctors in the world. The blood of Christ has the ability to wash away all sin. We do not have to walk in the bondage of sin because we have been redeemed by the power of the Holy Ghost. The message of the Gospel is simple, and it is our duty to share the glorious gospel with the world. The gospel is not a complicated thing. It isn’t as simple as simple thinking in our mind “I believe.” It is however not much more complicated than that. The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord. Through repentance we have the ability to do more than all the councilors, psychiatrists and doctors in the world. The blood of Christ has the ability to wash away all sin. We do not have to walk in the bondage of sin because we have been redeemed by the power of the Holy Ghost. The message of the Gospel is simple, and it is our duty to share the glorious gospel with the world. The gospel is not a complicated thing. It isn’t as simple as simple thinking in our mind “I believe.” It is however not much more complicated than that. The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord. Through repentance we have the a… Kenneth Baker 3277 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690623/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegloriousgospel/id/1884776.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690623 Gospel,Blood,Christ Sun, 01 Jul 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Most of us we understand that life is a difficult game. Life is always in change. No matter how good we are doing today, tomorrow could be different. The winds of life change in an instant. It takes determination and stamina to live life. Our text is a story of a journey that began in calm winds but that quickly turned into a hurricane strength storm on their journey to Rome. Paul was on this journey. This tells us that even good men will encounter storms in life. Our text also offers an illustration of how people react to storms that they encounter. They began to go to pieces and loose their nerve. They became desperate as they tried to stabilize the ship and weather the storm. As the storm increased, these men began to throw everything overboard in order to lighten the ship. They came to the point where they had given up. Even in the midst of all that, faith still had a word. Paul believed God and declared that none would be lost. Bro. Hughes tells us that no matter what has happened or what is going on in life, there is always room for faith to speak. No matter how black the night or how dire the situation; if we will seek God, He will make a way. Most of us we understand that life is a difficult game. Life is always in change. No matter how good we are doing today, tomorrow could be different. The winds of life change in an instant. It takes determination and stamina to live life. Our text is a story of a journey that began in calm winds but that quickly turned into a hurricane strength storm on their journey to Rome. Paul was on this journey. This tells us that even good men will encounter storms in life. Our text also offers an illustration of how people react to storms that they encounter. They began to go to pieces and loose their nerve. They became desperate as they tried to stabilize the ship and weather the storm. As the storm increased, these men began to throw everything overboard in order to lighten the ship. They came to the point where they had given up. Even in the midst of all that, faith still had a word. Paul believed God and declared that none would be lost. Bro. Hughes tells us that no matter what has happened or what is going on in life, there is always room for faith to speak. No matter how black the night or how dire the situation; if we will seek God, He will make a way. Most of us we understand that life is a difficult game. Life is always in change. No matter how good we are doing today, tomorrow could be different. The winds of life change in an instant. It takes determination and stamina to live life. Our text… Mark Hughes 1489 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690621/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_iffaithcouldspeak/id/1884774.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690621 Faith,Storms,Promise, Scripture: Acts 27:14-27:25, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 01 Jul 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text tonight is John’s account of the loaves and fishes. This story is recounted in the other gospels and each tells the story with the detail about the disciples gathering the fragments so that none be lost. This miracle is a picture of Jesus’ gracious sprit and willingness to help. This story is a philosophy of life. The miracle had been performed. Most would be satisfied with the multitude being fed. The command of the Lord to pick up the pieces is a crucial detail. Life is lived in the details and God never forgets the details. He said, “Gather all of the pieces that nothing be lost.” This is an underlying principle of Jesus’ ministry that none be lost. Many times life comes to us broken and in fragments and pieces. This story illustrates that God is interested in the pieces. These pieces are important to the Lord. When life seems to be broken and fragmented, we are close to the heart of God as He is interested in those broken pieces. The way that we act during these broken fragmented times says much about us. The God who made a whole sea of fish and fields of grain sent His disciples to pick up the pieces. There are times in life when we feast and all is going our way, but then comes the other side of life. This story is an illustration that we should handle all of life with care not just the whole. We may be dealing with fragments, but how we handle these fragments is important to God. Don’t let anything be lost, because it all belongs to God. There is a blessing and a ministry of picking up the pieces. Our text tonight is John’s account of the loaves and fishes. This story is recounted in the other gospels and each tells the story with the detail about the disciples gathering the fragments so that none be lost. This miracle is a picture of Jesus’ gracious sprit and willingness to help. This story is a philosophy of life. The miracle had been performed. Most would be satisfied with the multitude being fed. The command of the Lord to pick up the pieces is a crucial detail. Life is lived in the details and God never forgets the details. He said, “Gather all of the pieces that nothing be lost.” This is an underlying principle of Jesus’ ministry that none be lost. Many times life comes to us broken and in fragments and pieces. This story illustrates that God is interested in the pieces. These pieces are important to the Lord. When life seems to be broken and fragmented, we are close to the heart of God as He is interested in those broken pieces. The way that we act during these broken fragmented times says much about us. The God who made a whole sea of fish and fields of grain sent His disciples to pick up the pieces. There are times in life when we feast and all is going our way, but then comes the other side of life. This story is an illustration that we should handle all of life with care not just the whole. We may be dealing with fragments, but how we handle these fragments is important to God. Don’t let anything be lost, because it all belongs to God. There is a blessing and a ministry of picking up the pieces. Our text tonight is John’s account of the loaves and fishes. This story is recounted in the other gospels and each tells the story with the detail about the disciples gathering the fragments so that none be lost. This miracle is a picture of Jesus’ g… Mark Hughes 1226 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690622/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theimportanceofpickingupthepie/id/1884775.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690622 Pieces,Fragments, Scripture: John 6:10-6:12, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 27 Jun 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The story of the sower and the seeds that fell by the wayside is a parable. A parable is a unique way of ministering the word. It is three things: First it is a picture that paints a story that the Lord wants us to understand. Secondly a parable is a promise. Finally a parable is a revelation of a principle. Our text is a picture of a sower that goes out to sew a seed. The story goes on to describe the various ground that he encounter and the results of his efforts. Bro. Hughes focuses on the sower and the seed for tonight’s message. We do not know much about the sower. We know however what he did. He went out to change the world. He went into a blank field, but when he was finished, there was new life. We should thank God for the sower because it is through his efforts that we enjoy a better life. The purpose of the sower is to improve, to increase and to raise the level of life. The sower has made life better for all of us. God was not content to have our lives be barren and empty, so He sent the sower to fill that need. The second thing to consider from this story is the seed. The seed is powerful. The seed can reproduce itself 30-60 times. The seed is promise. What you see with a seed is not what you will get. If we sow a seed today, we will reap the harvest tomorrow. This parable is that story of God’s effort to help us, to bless us, to increase our life and to improve our lot in life. It is also a sobering truth that sometimes God’s best efforts will not be effective due to the condition of the soil. If we continue to read the story we realize that 75% of the sower’s effort resulted in failure. No matter how powerful the seed, or how diligent the sower; the results are dependent upon the soil on which the seed falls. The seed represents God’s investment in our life. Bro. Hughes asks: What has become of His investment? The story of the sower and the seeds that fell by the wayside is a parable. A parable is a unique way of ministering the word. It is three things: First it is a picture that paints a story that the Lord wants us to understand. Secondly a parable is a promise. Finally a parable is a revelation of a principle. Our text is a picture of a sower that goes out to sew a seed. The story goes on to describe the various ground that he encounter and the results of his efforts. Bro. Hughes focuses on the sower and the seed for tonight’s message. We do not know much about the sower. We know however what he did. He went out to change the world. He went into a blank field, but when he was finished, there was new life. We should thank God for the sower because it is through his efforts that we enjoy a better life. The purpose of the sower is to improve, to increase and to raise the level of life. The sower has made life better for all of us. God was not content to have our lives be barren and empty, so He sent the sower to fill that need. The second thing to consider from this story is the seed. The seed is powerful. The seed can reproduce itself 30-60 times. The seed is promise. What you see with a seed is not what you will get. If we sow a seed today, we will reap the harvest tomorrow. This parable is that story of God’s effort to help us, to bless us, to increase our life and to improve our lot in life. It is also a sobering truth that sometimes God’s best efforts will not be effective due to the condition of the soil. If we continue to read the story we realize that 75% of the sower’s effort resulted in failure. No matter how powerful the seed, or how diligent the sower; the results are dependent upon the soil on which the seed falls. The seed represents God’s investment in our life. Bro. Hughes asks: What has become of His investment? The story of the sower and the seeds that fell by the wayside is a parable. A parable is a unique way of ministering the word. It is three things: First it is a picture that paints a story that the Lord wants us to understand. Secondly a parable is… Mark Hughes 2216 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690620/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whathasbecomeofhisinvestment/id/1884773.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690620 Seed,Sower,Investment, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 24 Jun 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Abraham is a man of great inspiration in scripture. He is the father of the faithful. He is a man would go through many changes and ups and down in his life, but he remained faithful. Even so, at one point, Abraham faltered in that faith. During a famine he traveled to Egypt and while there, lied about his situation and got himself and his wife into a delicate situation. When failure comes into life it has a way of exposing the true nature of a man. None of us are exempt from weak moments and failures, but it is what we do in the face of these challenges that define our character. Abraham was a traveler. He never built a home, but as he traveled, he built an alter and called upon the name of the Lord. The alter was not a symbol of his faith, but it was something that kept Abraham’s faith strong. Every man needs an alter. It is a place to reconsecrate our life when we fail. We need a specific place in our life where we can come and humble ourselves before God. Life is full of change, and we must learn to connect our change to the alter. No matter how we fail our how misdirected life becomes, if we go back to the alter, God has a way of working it all out. Abraham is a man of great inspiration in scripture. He is the father of the faithful. He is a man would go through many changes and ups and down in his life, but he remained faithful. Even so, at one point, Abraham faltered in that faith. During a famine he traveled to Egypt and while there, lied about his situation and got himself and his wife into a delicate situation. When failure comes into life it has a way of exposing the true nature of a man. None of us are exempt from weak moments and failures, but it is what we do in the face of these challenges that define our character. Abraham was a traveler. He never built a home, but as he traveled, he built an alter and called upon the name of the Lord. The alter was not a symbol of his faith, but it was something that kept Abraham’s faith strong. Every man needs an alter. It is a place to reconsecrate our life when we fail. We need a specific place in our life where we can come and humble ourselves before God. Life is full of change, and we must learn to connect our change to the alter. No matter how we fail our how misdirected life becomes, if we go back to the alter, God has a way of working it all out. Abraham is a man of great inspiration in scripture. He is the father of the faithful. He is a man would go through many changes and ups and down in his life, but he remained faithful. Even so, at one point, Abraham faltered in that faith. During a … Mark Hughes 1564 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690619/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_letsgobacktothealter/id/1884772.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690619 Alter,Return, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 24 Jun 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Jacob was a man who had a shady reputation. His trickery and deceitfulness was only outdone by his audacity. When one lives such a lifestyle, often it is necessary to run away from those that have been tricked and deceived. For twenty something years, Jacob ran and stayed one-step ahead of the consequences of his actions. Life will eventually catch up with such a person. Life finally caught up with Jacob at a place called Jabbok. There in that lonely place Jacob wrestled with the result of a lifetime of bad decisions and deceit. Ultimately he wrestled with himself. He finally decided to quit running and deal with the issues in his life that had gotten him to that point. He wrestled himself down and put his life in the hands of God. Jacob was a man who had a shady reputation. His trickery and deceitfulness was only outdone by his audacity. When one lives such a lifestyle, often it is necessary to run away from those that have been tricked and deceived. For twenty something years, Jacob ran and stayed one-step ahead of the consequences of his actions. Life will eventually catch up with such a person. Life finally caught up with Jacob at a place called Jabbok. There in that lonely place Jacob wrestled with the result of a lifetime of bad decisions and deceit. Ultimately he wrestled with himself. He finally decided to quit running and deal with the issues in his life that had gotten him to that point. He wrestled himself down and put his life in the hands of God. Jacob was a man who had a shady reputation. His trickery and deceitfulness was only outdone by his audacity. When one lives such a lifestyle, often it is necessary to run away from those that have been tricked and deceived. For twenty something year… Mark Hughes 1467 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690618/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenyougettiredofrunning/id/1884771.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690618 Running,Hiding,Wrestling, Scripture: Genesis 32:24-32:29, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 10 Jun 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is the familiar story of Jesus sending the disciples into a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee. This takes place immediately following the feeding of the multitude. As can happen often in our lives, the great blessing of this miracle is followed by a time of crisis and trouble. The bible tells us that disciples were toiling in rowing. This indicates that they were working very hard and were struggling to even hold their position. The literal translation of the original word is tormented. These men were skilled fishermen and were very well acquainted with sailing a boat. Bible historians feel like the storm had been going on for about 9 hours when Jesus comes upon them. They had only made it about half way across the sea in 9 hours of torment. So it is in life. We feel that we are toiling in vain. We struggle but seem to make no headway, or even worse have lost ground. They were simply following what Jesus had told them to do and now they find themselves struggling to survive. They certainly felt exhausted with their efforts and were Jesus was nowhere to be found. They were scared. They were tired, and when they saw Jesus coming to them, they feared that it was a ghost; something evil. The last verse of our text offers a reason for their confusion, frustration and fear: They considered not the miracle of the loaves. They had just left the presence of the miracle worker. They forgot what He had told them: I will meet you on the other side. They forgot. When we forget we panic. When we forget we fear. When we forget we fail to see Jesus’ promise. When we forget we make the mistake of supposing the worst. The truth is that if He called us, He’ll keep us. The truth is that if He promised, He will deliver. The simple answer is: Don’t Forget. Don’t forget the promise He has given. Don’t forget what He has delivered us from. Don’t forget that God has never failed us. Don’t forget that God has never been late. Don’t forget that God has never come up short. If He blessed us back there He will bless us now! Our text is the familiar story of Jesus sending the disciples into a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee. This takes place immediately following the feeding of the multitude. As can happen often in our lives, the great blessing of this miracle is followed by a time of crisis and trouble. The bible tells us that disciples were toiling in rowing. This indicates that they were working very hard and were struggling to even hold their position. The literal translation of the original word is tormented. These men were skilled fishermen and were very well acquainted with sailing a boat. Bible historians feel like the storm had been going on for about 9 hours when Jesus comes upon them. They had only made it about half way across the sea in 9 hours of torment. So it is in life. We feel that we are toiling in vain. We struggle but seem to make no headway, or even worse have lost ground. They were simply following what Jesus had told them to do and now they find themselves struggling to survive. They certainly felt exhausted with their efforts and were Jesus was nowhere to be found. They were scared. They were tired, and when they saw Jesus coming to them, they feared that it was a ghost; something evil. The last verse of our text offers a reason for their confusion, frustration and fear: They considered not the miracle of the loaves. They had just left the presence of the miracle worker. They forgot what He had told them: I will meet you on the other side. They forgot. When we forget we panic. When we forget we fear. When we forget we fail to see Jesus’ promise. When we forget we make the mistake of supposing the worst. The truth is that if He called us, He’ll keep us. The truth is that if He promised, He will deliver. The simple answer is: Don’t Forget. Don’t forget the promise He has given. Don’t forget what He has delivered us from. Don’t forget that God has never failed us. Don’t forget that God has never been late. Don’t forget that God has never come up short. If He blessed us back there He will bless us now! Our text is the familiar story of Jesus sending the disciples into a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee. This takes place immediately following the feeding of the multitude. As can happen often in our lives, the great blessing of this miracle is follow… Mark Hughes 2138 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690617/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whathappenswhenweforget/id/1884770.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690617 Forget,Remember,tormented, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 06 Jun 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison We are all looking for love. Hollywood projects a fairytale version of what love is. The reality of love is often different than it is in the movies. The world has a concept of love that is based upon the exterior. The movies and TV are full of beautiful people living beautiful lives. Bro. Stevison asks if your love is based upon a physical appearance or superficial characteristic, what happens if that physical appearance changes? If love is based upon a beauty that is on the inside, other people will not see what you see. The old saying that beauty is in the eye of the beholder is true. If we sit and people watch at the mall, it will not take very long to find a couple that will cause us to ask “what does she see in him?” The answer is that she sees an inner beauty that is not apparent to those who only see the exterior. Too many people are basing their relationship with God on what they see. If that is the case, when what we see changes, so will relationship with Him. We have to be more worried about the glory of God than our social status or the World’s perception of us. Until we can unashamedly be identified with the body of Jesus Christ, we will never enjoy the blessing of God we so desire. God did not design the church to be attractive, but once we get on the inside, we see the true beauty of God. If people are in love with the church, they have the wrong motivation. The purpose of the church is to provide a place to worship the true beauty of God. If our relationship is built upon what is on the outside, then we are missing so much. As long as we focus on the things about the church that we do not like, we will never see the beauty of God. When we behold His beauty, it changes us. When we see His beauty; standards are not a hindrance, they are a protection. When we see His beauty; service is not a burden, it is an opportunity. Bro. Stevison asks: “What are you looking at? Are you looking at the external, or are you seeing the beauty inside.” We are all looking for love. Hollywood projects a fairytale version of what love is. The reality of love is often different than it is in the movies. The world has a concept of love that is based upon the exterior. The movies and TV are full of beautiful people living beautiful lives. Bro. Stevison asks if your love is based upon a physical appearance or superficial characteristic, what happens if that physical appearance changes? If love is based upon a beauty that is on the inside, other people will not see what you see. The old saying that beauty is in the eye of the beholder is true. If we sit and people watch at the mall, it will not take very long to find a couple that will cause us to ask “what does she see in him?” The answer is that she sees an inner beauty that is not apparent to those who only see the exterior. Too many people are basing their relationship with God on what they see. If that is the case, when what we see changes, so will relationship with Him. We have to be more worried about the glory of God than our social status or the World’s perception of us. Until we can unashamedly be identified with the body of Jesus Christ, we will never enjoy the blessing of God we so desire. God did not design the church to be attractive, but once we get on the inside, we see the true beauty of God. If people are in love with the church, they have the wrong motivation. The purpose of the church is to provide a place to worship the true beauty of God. If our relationship is built upon what is on the outside, then we are missing so much. As long as we focus on the things about the church that we do not like, we will never see the beauty of God. When we behold His beauty, it changes us. When we see His beauty; standards are not a hindrance, they are a protection. When we see His beauty; service is not a burden, it is an opportunity. Bro. Stevison asks: “What are you looking at? Are you looking at the external, or are you seeing the beauty inside.” We are all looking for love. Hollywood projects a fairytale version of what love is. The reality of love is often different than it is in the movies. The world has a concept of love that is based upon the exterior. The movies and TV are full of beau… Tyler Stevison 1834 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690616/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_beautyisintheeyeofthebeholder/id/1884769.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690616 Beauty,External,Internal Sun, 03 Jun 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Jay Hilton Bro. Hilton shares his heart about the message that God has been speaking into his heart. With all our concern about social issues, standards, and how the church needs to respond to our world, God has impressed on Bro. Hilton a need for a return to basics. The answer to the world and all the issues presented to us each day is simply the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The challenge for us is to identify with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. This simple concept must be grounded in our hearts. Our flesh and our carnal nature must die in order to make room for Jesus in our life. Our world will try to convince us to water down our belief. The truth is that God does not tolerate sin. Even if “everybody is doing it”, it is still sin. We must repent from our sin. Repent does not mean to simply ask forgiveness, it requires that we turn away from and walk away from those actions. By being baptized, we identify with Jesus’ burial. By submitting to water baptism we enter into death with Christ and accept the sacrifice He made to forgive our sin. We identify with the resurrection by witnessing to a lost world. By spreading the message of the gospel, we bring hope to a lost world. We have the answer to the questions and fears of our world. By embracing the basics of the gospel we can save a dying world. Bro. Hilton shares his heart about the message that God has been speaking into his heart. With all our concern about social issues, standards, and how the church needs to respond to our world, God has impressed on Bro. Hilton a need for a return to basics. The answer to the world and all the issues presented to us each day is simply the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The challenge for us is to identify with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. This simple concept must be grounded in our hearts. Our flesh and our carnal nature must die in order to make room for Jesus in our life. Our world will try to convince us to water down our belief. The truth is that God does not tolerate sin. Even if “everybody is doing it”, it is still sin. We must repent from our sin. Repent does not mean to simply ask forgiveness, it requires that we turn away from and walk away from those actions. By being baptized, we identify with Jesus’ burial. By submitting to water baptism we enter into death with Christ and accept the sacrifice He made to forgive our sin. We identify with the resurrection by witnessing to a lost world. By spreading the message of the gospel, we bring hope to a lost world. We have the answer to the questions and fears of our world. By embracing the basics of the gospel we can save a dying world. Bro. Hilton shares his heart about the message that God has been speaking into his heart. With all our concern about social issues, standards, and how the church needs to respond to our world, God has impressed on Bro. Hilton a need for a return to ba… Jay Hilton 1505 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690614/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_backtobasics/id/1884767.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690614 Gospel,Salvation Sun, 03 Jun 2012 01:00:00 +0000 James Hughes Bro. Hughes confesses that he has spent the last year or so arguing with God. At some point he must have crossed a line because God spoke to him asking: James has there ever been a time in history where I needed your opinion? God is not looking for our opinion; He is looking for our obedience. The bible tells us that obedience is better than sacrifice. It matters to God if we allow our world to cause us to think like it. The early churches fell victim to becoming like the environment in which they lived. We struggle with this too. We are not in a position to negotiate with God. He is not interested in our trying to customize God’s word to fit our desire for how to live life. Generations change. We live in a generation that says “If you cannot prove it by the bible, it is not important.” So we wind up doing things that are not right because our world says, “there isn’t any rule against it, what is wrong with it.” The problem with this that if we give into these things it will lead us down a path that will take us away from God. Our world tells us that it is okay to do just about anything in life. Bro. Hughes reminds us that our Bible tells us that this is wrong. The only one who can save us from the crookedness of our world is us. We must make a conscious decision to separate our selves from this perverse thinking and stay obedient to God. Bro. Hughes confesses that he has spent the last year or so arguing with God. At some point he must have crossed a line because God spoke to him asking: James has there ever been a time in history where I needed your opinion? God is not looking for our opinion; He is looking for our obedience. The bible tells us that obedience is better than sacrifice. It matters to God if we allow our world to cause us to think like it. The early churches fell victim to becoming like the environment in which they lived. We struggle with this too. We are not in a position to negotiate with God. He is not interested in our trying to customize God’s word to fit our desire for how to live life. Generations change. We live in a generation that says “If you cannot prove it by the bible, it is not important.” So we wind up doing things that are not right because our world says, “there isn’t any rule against it, what is wrong with it.” The problem with this that if we give into these things it will lead us down a path that will take us away from God. Our world tells us that it is okay to do just about anything in life. Bro. Hughes reminds us that our Bible tells us that this is wrong. The only one who can save us from the crookedness of our world is us. We must make a conscious decision to separate our selves from this perverse thinking and stay obedient to God. Bro. Hughes confesses that he has spent the last year or so arguing with God. At some point he must have crossed a line because God spoke to him asking: James has there ever been a time in history where I needed your opinion? God is not looking for … James Hughes 3023 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690615/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_twistedgeneration/id/1884768.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690615 Obedience,Generations,Justification, Scripture: Acts 2:38-2:40 Wed, 30 May 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The church at Colossi was comprised of a vastly different group of people. Rich, poor, aristocrats, commoners, learned, simple Jews, and Gentiles were all part of the church. Paul had a burden for all of them and truly believed that they could enjoy the full blessing of God. He had a burden for the down trodden and for those who were persecuted because of their race, position in life or background. He believed that every man could be perfected in Christ. He wanted every man to know Him in the fullest of His blessing and glory. He came against arrogance and the exclusivity that some felt belonged in the church. He came against halfhearted living for God. He was against whatever would limit the effect of the gospel in people’s lives. God’s grace extends to all people regardless of where they are from, what they have done, or what they may look like. Paul preached that every man is entitled to know the Lord. Since Paul had this attitude, he had trouble understanding how people could settle for a life that was less than it could be by their refusal to submit totally to God. Paul wanted every man to know the joy and blessing of a relationship with God. The only thing that limits God’s blessing in our life is our desire to reach for more. The church at Colossi was comprised of a vastly different group of people. Rich, poor, aristocrats, commoners, learned, simple Jews, and Gentiles were all part of the church. Paul had a burden for all of them and truly believed that they could enjoy the full blessing of God. He had a burden for the down trodden and for those who were persecuted because of their race, position in life or background. He believed that every man could be perfected in Christ. He wanted every man to know Him in the fullest of His blessing and glory. He came against arrogance and the exclusivity that some felt belonged in the church. He came against halfhearted living for God. He was against whatever would limit the effect of the gospel in people’s lives. God’s grace extends to all people regardless of where they are from, what they have done, or what they may look like. Paul preached that every man is entitled to know the Lord. Since Paul had this attitude, he had trouble understanding how people could settle for a life that was less than it could be by their refusal to submit totally to God. Paul wanted every man to know the joy and blessing of a relationship with God. The only thing that limits God’s blessing in our life is our desire to reach for more. The church at Colossi was comprised of a vastly different group of people. Rich, poor, aristocrats, commoners, learned, simple Jews, and Gentiles were all part of the church. Paul had a burden for all of them and truly believed that they could enjoy … Mark Hughes 2417 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690613/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_everyman/id/1884766.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690613 Every Man,Halfhearted,Sold Out, Scripture: Colossians 1:27-1:29, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 27 May 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes In 1866 the US had just emerged from a bloody Civil War. Henry Wells, a drug store owner from Waterloo New York, had heard the stories of crippled and wounded soldiers and had an idea that we should set aside a day to honor those who had fallen in battle. At the same time retired Major General Jonathan Logan had a similar idea and he also organized a memorial to the fallen warriors. By 1882, the celebrations had been combined had been expanded to include the soldiers of all wars who had given their life in the service of their country. In 1971, President Nixon singed a law making Memorial Day a federal holiday. Sadly 3 out of 4 Americans have no understanding of what this holiday represents. For far too many Memorial Day is a day for bar-b-que and the unofficial start of summer. Bro. Hughes reminds us that Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and honoring those who gave their life to pay a price for us. Bro. Hughes encourages us remember those who have gone before us and paid a price for us to enjoy what we have right now. All of us sitting in service today can remember someone who played a pivotal part in our lives. We need to take time to remember those people and thank God for placing those people in our life at just the right time with just the right word. It is far too easy to forget those who have helped us. Jesus healed ten lepers and sent them on their way. Only one of those turned and thanked Jesus for healing them. It is far too easy to forget those that have helped us along the way. The truth is that none of us have gotten to where we are on our own. Each of us owes a debt of gratitude to someone along the way that helped us. So on this Memorial Day, take time to remember the price paid by so many in our nation’s military and also take time to thank God for those individuals in our lives that have helped to make us what we are today. In 1866 the US had just emerged from a bloody Civil War. Henry Wells, a drug store owner from Waterloo New York, had heard the stories of crippled and wounded soldiers and had an idea that we should set aside a day to honor those who had fallen in battle. At the same time retired Major General Jonathan Logan had a similar idea and he also organized a memorial to the fallen warriors. By 1882, the celebrations had been combined had been expanded to include the soldiers of all wars who had given their life in the service of their country. In 1971, President Nixon singed a law making Memorial Day a federal holiday. Sadly 3 out of 4 Americans have no understanding of what this holiday represents. For far too many Memorial Day is a day for bar-b-que and the unofficial start of summer. Bro. Hughes reminds us that Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and honoring those who gave their life to pay a price for us. Bro. Hughes encourages us remember those who have gone before us and paid a price for us to enjoy what we have right now. All of us sitting in service today can remember someone who played a pivotal part in our lives. We need to take time to remember those people and thank God for placing those people in our life at just the right time with just the right word. It is far too easy to forget those who have helped us. Jesus healed ten lepers and sent them on their way. Only one of those turned and thanked Jesus for healing them. It is far too easy to forget those that have helped us along the way. The truth is that none of us have gotten to where we are on our own. Each of us owes a debt of gratitude to someone along the way that helped us. So on this Memorial Day, take time to remember the price paid by so many in our nation’s military and also take time to thank God for those individuals in our lives that have helped to make us what we are today. In 1866 the US had just emerged from a bloody Civil War. Henry Wells, a drug store owner from Waterloo New York, had heard the stories of crippled and wounded soldiers and had an idea that we should set aside a day to honor those who had fallen in bat… Mark Hughes 2229 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690612/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_somethingworthremembering/id/1884765.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690612 Remember,Memorial Day, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 23 May 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We often assume that progress cannot be made in the face of trouble. We are of the opinion that unless things are calm and orderly, we are not making progress. Many people say “I cannot live for God until I get it all together.” The word of God contradicts this common misconception. The apostle Paul led a life that can only be described as chaotic. Paul knew what it was like to be rejected, to be attacked, and to be ridiculed. He also knew what it was like to doubt himself and what he was doing. He knew what it was like to be in prison, beaten and be literally hours away from a death sentence. Amid all of this, he preached a gospel and helped birth a church that changed the world. Chaos did not prevent God from moving in Paul’s life. Through all this, Paul also knew how to place his faith in God and to work for the kingdom of God and to persevere. He knew what it was to have victory over these situations with God’s help. None of the things that came against Paul were successful, because God can overcome any obstacle. Bro. Hughes tells us that it is time to stop waiting around for things to be right. It is time to pray, to praise God and realize that we can make progress in the midst of chaos. We often assume that progress cannot be made in the face of trouble. We are of the opinion that unless things are calm and orderly, we are not making progress. Many people say “I cannot live for God until I get it all together.” The word of God contradicts this common misconception. The apostle Paul led a life that can only be described as chaotic. Paul knew what it was like to be rejected, to be attacked, and to be ridiculed. He also knew what it was like to doubt himself and what he was doing. He knew what it was like to be in prison, beaten and be literally hours away from a death sentence. Amid all of this, he preached a gospel and helped birth a church that changed the world. Chaos did not prevent God from moving in Paul’s life. Through all this, Paul also knew how to place his faith in God and to work for the kingdom of God and to persevere. He knew what it was to have victory over these situations with God’s help. None of the things that came against Paul were successful, because God can overcome any obstacle. Bro. Hughes tells us that it is time to stop waiting around for things to be right. It is time to pray, to praise God and realize that we can make progress in the midst of chaos. We often assume that progress cannot be made in the face of trouble. We are of the opinion that unless things are calm and orderly, we are not making progress. Many people say “I cannot live for God until I get it all together.” The word of God contr… Mark Hughes 2255 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690611/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_makingprogressamongchaos/id/1884764.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690611 Chaos,Progress, Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:1-7:6, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 20 May 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes He was a man of remarkable vision and talent, but no one seemed to notice. There are those that discounted his talent, but this only served to empower him. He was fired from a newspaper job because they said he had no ideas. He had a dream, but there seemed no way that he would be able to achieve it. He found work doing advertising art for a church. He lived in the church’s mouse infested garage. One of these mice inspired Walt Disney to pursue his dream. Dreams are part of all of our lives. They are necessary for progress and to advance in life. In our text, Joseph recounted his dreams to his family. His brothers hated him for his dreams and his father rebuked him. Nevertheless, Joseph’s dreams came to pass. Between the dream and its fulfillment, there was a lot that Joseph did not see. He did not see the hatred of his brothers or the rejection in his life. He didn’t see prisons and problems and trouble that would be set him between the dream and it’s coming to fruition. Like Walt Disney, Joseph didn’t lose sight of his dream and continued to work toward it. The hidden parts of the dream of both men were instrumental in the ultimate fulfillment of it in their lives. Bro. Hughes advises our graduates to not lose sight of their dream. There will be those that will laugh at our dreams, there are those that will attempt to discourage out dreams, but nevertheless, we have to continue to work toward those dreams. The key to Joseph’s dream was that he never lost sight of the promise that God had given him. It all depends upon whose hands it is in. If we keep our lives in God’s hands, He will work to our good in achieving our dreams. He was a man of remarkable vision and talent, but no one seemed to notice. There are those that discounted his talent, but this only served to empower him. He was fired from a newspaper job because they said he had no ideas. He had a dream, but there seemed no way that he would be able to achieve it. He found work doing advertising art for a church. He lived in the church’s mouse infested garage. One of these mice inspired Walt Disney to pursue his dream. Dreams are part of all of our lives. They are necessary for progress and to advance in life. In our text, Joseph recounted his dreams to his family. His brothers hated him for his dreams and his father rebuked him. Nevertheless, Joseph’s dreams came to pass. Between the dream and its fulfillment, there was a lot that Joseph did not see. He did not see the hatred of his brothers or the rejection in his life. He didn’t see prisons and problems and trouble that would be set him between the dream and it’s coming to fruition. Like Walt Disney, Joseph didn’t lose sight of his dream and continued to work toward it. The hidden parts of the dream of both men were instrumental in the ultimate fulfillment of it in their lives. Bro. Hughes advises our graduates to not lose sight of their dream. There will be those that will laugh at our dreams, there are those that will attempt to discourage out dreams, but nevertheless, we have to continue to work toward those dreams. The key to Joseph’s dream was that he never lost sight of the promise that God had given him. It all depends upon whose hands it is in. If we keep our lives in God’s hands, He will work to our good in achieving our dreams. He was a man of remarkable vision and talent, but no one seemed to notice. There are those that discounted his talent, but this only served to empower him. He was fired from a newspaper job because they said he had no ideas. He had a dream, but ther… Mark Hughes 1179 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690610/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thehiddenpartofadream/id/1884763.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690610 Dreams,Promises, Scripture: Genesis 37:5-37:11, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 20 May 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Most of the time when we read the bible, we look at what is there; what Jesus did and the miracles He performed. We do not usually look for the things that He did not do. We are so inspired by what He said and did, that we seldom look at what He refused to say or do. His ministry was filled with miracles. Feeding the masses, healing the blind eyes, and raising the dead. Our text outlines His refusal to perform a miracle. The devil entices Jesus to turn stones into bread to satisfy His hunger. He refused to use the power He had to benefit himself. He refused to play games with spiritual gifts. Jesus had such a respect for the spiritual realm that He refused to misuse it to simply satisfy his desire. He would not play games with spiritual things. In Matthew 5, Jesus refused to answer the prayer of the demoniac. After answering the prayer of the demons who inhabited the demoniac’s body and casting them into the swine, He refused to honor the request of the healed man.. The demoniac wanted to allow him to Take up his belongings and follow Jesus as His servant. The answer to the Demoniac was no because Jesus felt that it was more important that he remain in his home. Sometimes our prayers are refused because our purpose is involved. Sometimes it is in the denied prayers that we find our purpose. In Matthew 21, Jesus runs the moneychangers out of the temple. The Pharisees demanded to know His authority. He refused to answer them. God does not owe us an explanation and often times will not offer one. It is human nature to look at others and question “well what about them.” The truth is that it does not matter what about them. The only thing that matters is our relationship with God. God tells us “you follow me, and let me worry about them.” All we need to worry about is Him and me. He refused a drink at the most crucial time in His life. While hanging on the cross he refused a drink that would have helped ease the pain. He would not accept anything that would sedate his purpose. Too often we humans try to escape our problems by masking or trying to “knock the edge” off of life. The only way to find relief is in the presence of God. This isn’t always alcohol or drugs. Some try to sedate life with relationships or activities. The only true place to find the answer to the hurts of life is in the presence of God. Most of the time when we read the bible, we look at what is there; what Jesus did and the miracles He performed. We do not usually look for the things that He did not do. We are so inspired by what He said and did, that we seldom look at what He refused to say or do. His ministry was filled with miracles. Feeding the masses, healing the blind eyes, and raising the dead. Our text outlines His refusal to perform a miracle. The devil entices Jesus to turn stones into bread to satisfy His hunger. He refused to use the power He had to benefit himself. He refused to play games with spiritual gifts. Jesus had such a respect for the spiritual realm that He refused to misuse it to simply satisfy his desire. He would not play games with spiritual things. In Matthew 5, Jesus refused to answer the prayer of the demoniac. After answering the prayer of the demons who inhabited the demoniac’s body and casting them into the swine, He refused to honor the request of the healed man.. The demoniac wanted to allow him to Take up his belongings and follow Jesus as His servant. The answer to the Demoniac was no because Jesus felt that it was more important that he remain in his home. Sometimes our prayers are refused because our purpose is involved. Sometimes it is in the denied prayers that we find our purpose. In Matthew 21, Jesus runs the moneychangers out of the temple. The Pharisees demanded to know His authority. He refused to answer them. God does not owe us an explanation and often times will not offer one. It is human nature to look at others and question “well what about them.” The truth is that it does not matter what about them. The only thing that matters is our relationship with God. God tells us “you follow me, and let me worry about them.” All we need to worry about is Him and me. He refused a drink at the most crucial time in His life. While hanging on the cross he refused a drink that would have helped ease the pain. He would not accept anything that would sedate his purpose. Too often we humans try to escape our problems by masking or trying to “knock the edge” off of life. The only way to find relief is in the presence of God. This isn’t always alcohol or drugs. Some try to sedate life with relationships or activities. The only true place to find the answer to the hurts of life is in the presence of God. Most of the time when we read the bible, we look at what is there; what Jesus did and the miracles He performed. We do not usually look for the things that He did not do. We are so inspired by what He said and did, that we seldom look at what He refu… Mark Hughes 2205 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690609/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thethingsherefusedtodo/id/1884762.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690609 Refuse,No, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 16 May 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Jay Hilton The setting of this miracle was by the Sea of Galilee just after the feeding of the multitude with the loaves and fishes. The crowd was energized and was ready to take Jesus by force to make him king. If they had made him king as they thought, it would have destroyed his ministry and he would have never fulfilled His purpose on earth. God has a purpose for each of our lives and it is important to discover what it is. The bible tells us that it is better to have never been born than to fail to fulfill God’s plan. The setting of this miracle was by the Sea of Galilee just after the feeding of the multitude with the loaves and fishes. The crowd was energized and was ready to take Jesus by force to make him king. If they had made him king as they thought, it would have destroyed his ministry and he would have never fulfilled His purpose on earth. God has a purpose for each of our lives and it is important to discover what it is. The bible tells us that it is better to have never been born than to fail to fulfill God’s plan. The setting of this miracle was by the Sea of Galilee just after the feeding of the multitude with the loaves and fishes. The crowd was energized and was ready to take Jesus by force to make him king. If they had made him king as they thought, it w… Jay Hilton 2767 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690608/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godhasathereforyou/id/1884761.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690608 Purpose,Storm Wed, 09 May 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The last verse of our text says “They desire a better country.” The word country is not in the original text, but was added later by bible scholars to make for easier reading. If we remove it the resulting text is “They desire a better.” This prompts Bro. Hughes to question a better what; A better life, a better marriage, a better job etc. How do we know what better looks like? Most of us have made a move and questioned ourselves afterwards. We have changed jobs, bought new homes, changed churches. Some have started businesses, moved to new cities, Many of us have prayed before these decisions, and thought that we were moving in God’s will only to find that after we changed, we were not happy with our change or otherwise encounter trouble in our quest for trouble. We wonder if we have made the right decision. Worse, we may wonder about God’s plan for our life and if we will follow that plan in the future. What do we do when we think we have made a mistake in our quest for better? Abraham was a man of faith. He did what God told him to do and went where God told him to go. Our text tells us that Abraham set out on a journey but he didn’t know where he was going. He was on a quest for a better, but he did not know where he was going. It is all right to not know because God knows. When Abraham reached the Promised Land, the first people he encountered were the Philistines who would turn out to be his life-long enemy. On our way to better, we will encounter people that will oppose our progress and will work for our defeat. Bro. Hughes extols us to not get caught up in the fact that we find opposition early on our way to better. Abraham got to the Promised Land and found that he was a stranger. It is okay to feel a little strange when we get to our promise. Bro. Hughes explains that like Abraham, we must have these things to deal with the uncertainties and challenges of getting to a better: • Confidence in the word of God that outweighs all else • A good grip on reality and a hold on eternity • An attitude that is not discouraged by improbabilities • The ability to live for the future not by the past The last verse of our text says “They desire a better country.” The word country is not in the original text, but was added later by bible scholars to make for easier reading. If we remove it the resulting text is “They desire a better.” This prompts Bro. Hughes to question a better what; A better life, a better marriage, a better job etc. How do we know what better looks like? Most of us have made a move and questioned ourselves afterwards. We have changed jobs, bought new homes, changed churches. Some have started businesses, moved to new cities, Many of us have prayed before these decisions, and thought that we were moving in God’s will only to find that after we changed, we were not happy with our change or otherwise encounter trouble in our quest for trouble. We wonder if we have made the right decision. Worse, we may wonder about God’s plan for our life and if we will follow that plan in the future. What do we do when we think we have made a mistake in our quest for better? Abraham was a man of faith. He did what God told him to do and went where God told him to go. Our text tells us that Abraham set out on a journey but he didn’t know where he was going. He was on a quest for a better, but he did not know where he was going. It is all right to not know because God knows. When Abraham reached the Promised Land, the first people he encountered were the Philistines who would turn out to be his life-long enemy. On our way to better, we will encounter people that will oppose our progress and will work for our defeat. Bro. Hughes extols us to not get caught up in the fact that we find opposition early on our way to better. Abraham got to the Promised Land and found that he was a stranger. It is okay to feel a little strange when we get to our promise. Bro. Hughes explains that like Abraham, we must have these things to deal with the uncertainties and challenges of getting to a better: • Confidence in the word of God that outweighs all else • A good grip on reality and a hold on eternity • An attitude that is not discouraged by improbabilities • The ability to live for the future not by the past The last verse of our text says “They desire a better country.” The word country is not in the original text, but was added later by bible scholars to make for easier reading. If we remove it the resulting text is “They desire a better.” This prompt… Mark Hughes 2596 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690607/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_adesireforabetter/id/1884760.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690607 Better,Obey,Go,Don't Know, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 06 May 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Faith is probably the most troubling subject in the spiritual life. We have a hard time believing that we have faith. Whatever we have inside us that we call faith, we fell that it is inadequate. God did not intend faith to be a troubling experience. Faith from God’s perspective is a bridge that will bring us to better things. When we trust him and place our confidence in Him; that trust and confidence will become a bridge to a better place. It if often (wrongly) said that “If you had enough faith God would move.” How much faith is enough? The bible tells us that if we have the faith as of a mustard seed and say unto the mountain be cast into the sea, it will be cast into the sea. In our text there is a simple but profound truth: We become what we believe. There is no standard for faith. There is not a blueprint that describes faith in each of our lives. Faith may look different in one person’s life than it does in another’s. The heart of faith is not only trusting God is going to do it, but also be willing to follow God knowing that He will do it. Faith is spelled differently for different people. To Enoch it was walk, to Noah it was prepare, to Abraham it was obey, and to the two blind men in our text it was diligent. Every one of us must demonstrate faith in our own way. How do you spell faith Faith is probably the most troubling subject in the spiritual life. We have a hard time believing that we have faith. Whatever we have inside us that we call faith, we fell that it is inadequate. God did not intend faith to be a troubling experience. Faith from God’s perspective is a bridge that will bring us to better things. When we trust him and place our confidence in Him; that trust and confidence will become a bridge to a better place. It if often (wrongly) said that “If you had enough faith God would move.” How much faith is enough? The bible tells us that if we have the faith as of a mustard seed and say unto the mountain be cast into the sea, it will be cast into the sea. In our text there is a simple but profound truth: We become what we believe. There is no standard for faith. There is not a blueprint that describes faith in each of our lives. Faith may look different in one person’s life than it does in another’s. The heart of faith is not only trusting God is going to do it, but also be willing to follow God knowing that He will do it. Faith is spelled differently for different people. To Enoch it was walk, to Noah it was prepare, to Abraham it was obey, and to the two blind men in our text it was diligent. Every one of us must demonstrate faith in our own way. How do you spell faith Faith is probably the most troubling subject in the spiritual life. We have a hard time believing that we have faith. Whatever we have inside us that we call faith, we fell that it is inadequate. God did not intend faith to be a troubling experience… Mark Hughes 2057 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690605/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howdoyouspellfaith/id/1884758.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690605 Faith, Scripture: Matthew 9:27-9:29, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 06 May 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The idea for tonight’s message came to Bro. Hughes at a funeral. Funerals can be an awkward time for a preacher. Often times the preacher is called upon to offer an account of a person’s life that sounds good, but that bears no relation to the actual life lived by the deceased. Bro. Hughes remarks that he wants his life to be such that whomever speaks at his funeral will not have to make up things to make him sound good. We live in wicked times. Our text is from Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church. The church at Ephesus was mired in a list of immoral and unclean activities that were, if not sanctioned, at least tolerated by the church. Paul had to remind the church that they were supposed to be children of God and that their life should reflect the life of Jesus Christ. Paul further tells them that there are some things in the world that cannot be tolerated, or even discussed, in the church. He reproves them saying “walk as children of light.” Biblically night represents evil, sin or trouble. Light is goodness. In Genesis, God’s first task was to divide the light from the dark. Paul tells us that we should have no part of darkness. We are children of light and should life a life that represents that. Bro. Hughes tells us to guard against letting darkness come into our life. We need to discover what God calls sin, and not allow that into our life in any way. We should not tolerate it, or try to justify what we know to be sin. God desires light and we must walk in the light. The idea for tonight’s message came to Bro. Hughes at a funeral. Funerals can be an awkward time for a preacher. Often times the preacher is called upon to offer an account of a person’s life that sounds good, but that bears no relation to the actual life lived by the deceased. Bro. Hughes remarks that he wants his life to be such that whomever speaks at his funeral will not have to make up things to make him sound good. We live in wicked times. Our text is from Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church. The church at Ephesus was mired in a list of immoral and unclean activities that were, if not sanctioned, at least tolerated by the church. Paul had to remind the church that they were supposed to be children of God and that their life should reflect the life of Jesus Christ. Paul further tells them that there are some things in the world that cannot be tolerated, or even discussed, in the church. He reproves them saying “walk as children of light.” Biblically night represents evil, sin or trouble. Light is goodness. In Genesis, God’s first task was to divide the light from the dark. Paul tells us that we should have no part of darkness. We are children of light and should life a life that represents that. Bro. Hughes tells us to guard against letting darkness come into our life. We need to discover what God calls sin, and not allow that into our life in any way. We should not tolerate it, or try to justify what we know to be sin. God desires light and we must walk in the light. The idea for tonight’s message came to Bro. Hughes at a funeral. Funerals can be an awkward time for a preacher. Often times the preacher is called upon to offer an account of a person’s life that sounds good, but that bears no relation to the actual… Mark Hughes 2210 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690606/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_walkingaschildrenoflight/id/1884759.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690606 Sin,Darkness,Light, Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-5:16, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 02 May 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The decisions we make have an enormous impact on our life. Bro. Hughes shares the stories of two men who made one very different decisions. One decided to forgo any association with God. He lived a hard and sinful life. The account of the 1000 or so descendants and the lives they led is a shocking list of failure and sorrow. By contrast the other man chose to live for God, and of account of the lives of his 900+ descendants is a list of accomplishments and success that is in stark contrast to the other family. This illustration points out the importance of the decisions we make in life an their affect not only on us, but on our children and their children. In our text, David has set out to get the Arc of the Covenant back from the Philistines. While it was traveling back to Israel, David realized that He did not know how to properly transport it. At some point it was decided to store the Arc in Obed-edom’s home. The bible tells us that because of his decision to allow the Arc into his him Obed-edom and all that he had was blessed. The arc had resided in Abinadab’s house for 40 years, and the bible does not record that he was blessed. Both men were exposed to the presence of God, but the result was very different. The difference was that attitude of the man who held it. There is a difference between lodging and hospitality. Every day we are presented with opportunities. The decisions we make about those opportunities determine the course of out life. Our happiness and future all depend upon what we do with the opportunities that are given to us today. Obed-edom didn’t know that the arc would come to his home, but he was ready when that opportunity presented itself. Every day God brings things our way that can be a blessing and benefit our life, but we must recognize these opportunities for what they are or they will pass us by. How we handle God’s opportunities can be a blessing to us or can hurt us. Uzza lost his life for putting his hand on the arc to keep it from falling. Yet Obed-edom was blessed. Bro. Hughes offers that the difference was the attitude of the two men. One was just part of a work detail, and the other reverenced the presence of God. What can we set in motion when we make the right decisions? Most bible historians agree that Obed-edom was not a wealthy man. His house would not have been large, and he no doubt had to move something out to make room for the Arc. He wanted the presence of God in his home, and was willing to move other things out of the way to make room for it. There are opportunities that come our way every day. When given the chance we need to accept the arc into our home. The decisions we make have an enormous impact on our life. Bro. Hughes shares the stories of two men who made one very different decisions. One decided to forgo any association with God. He lived a hard and sinful life. The account of the 1000 or so descendants and the lives they led is a shocking list of failure and sorrow. By contrast the other man chose to live for God, and of account of the lives of his 900+ descendants is a list of accomplishments and success that is in stark contrast to the other family. This illustration points out the importance of the decisions we make in life an their affect not only on us, but on our children and their children. In our text, David has set out to get the Arc of the Covenant back from the Philistines. While it was traveling back to Israel, David realized that He did not know how to properly transport it. At some point it was decided to store the Arc in Obed-edom’s home. The bible tells us that because of his decision to allow the Arc into his him Obed-edom and all that he had was blessed. The arc had resided in Abinadab’s house for 40 years, and the bible does not record that he was blessed. Both men were exposed to the presence of God, but the result was very different. The difference was that attitude of the man who held it. There is a difference between lodging and hospitality. Every day we are presented with opportunities. The decisions we make about those opportunities determine the course of out life. Our happiness and future all depend upon what we do with the opportunities that are given to us today. Obed-edom didn’t know that the arc would come to his home, but he was ready when that opportunity presented itself. Every day God brings things our way that can be a blessing and benefit our life, but we must recognize these opportunities for what they are or they will pass us by. How we handle God’s opportunities can be a blessing to us or can hurt us. Uzza lost his life for putting his hand on the arc to keep it from falling. Yet Obed-edom was blessed. Bro. Hughes offers that the difference was the attitude of the two men. One was just part of a work detail, and the other reverenced the presence of God. What can we set in motion when we make the right decisions? Most bible historians agree that Obed-edom was not a wealthy man. His house would not have been large, and he no doubt had to move something out to make room for the Arc. He wanted the presence of God in his home, and was willing to move other things out of the way to make room for it. There are opportunities that come our way every day. When given the chance we need to accept the arc into our home. The decisions we make have an enormous impact on our life. Bro. Hughes shares the stories of two men who made one very different decisions. One decided to forgo any association with God. He lived a hard and sinful life. The account of the 1000 or s… Mark Hughes 2648 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690604/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thearcinmyhouse/id/1884757.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690604 Opportunities,Decisions,Blessing,Sorrow, Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:11-6:12, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 29 Apr 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Faith is the currency of heaven. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Many struggle with faith in terms of whether they have enough or any at all. Some feel that if they had enough faith they would not be facing what they are facing. Still others think that they could get out of what they are facing if they had better faith. The truth is that even among the weakest among us, we all have some faith. As weak and vulnerable we may feel, there is faith in all of us. It may be struggling, but it is there. In our text Paul deals with some of the most troubling things in life; failure, condemnation, fear, suffering, weaknesses, disasters and the unknown. Paul asks, “What shall we say to these things?” The overwhelming answer is: “If God be for me, who can be against me!” That answer describes a faith that is a match to all of life’s troubling things. That answer describes a faith that does not crawl away from every crisis. It is a faith that stands up and believes God. Some people have allowed their trouble to talk to them too much. Our troubles will haunt us and push us into further troubles. Paul tells us that we must stand up to our troubles and declare: If God be for me, who can be against me! Faith is the currency of heaven. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Many struggle with faith in terms of whether they have enough or any at all. Some feel that if they had enough faith they would not be facing what they are facing. Still others think that they could get out of what they are facing if they had better faith. The truth is that even among the weakest among us, we all have some faith. As weak and vulnerable we may feel, there is faith in all of us. It may be struggling, but it is there. In our text Paul deals with some of the most troubling things in life; failure, condemnation, fear, suffering, weaknesses, disasters and the unknown. Paul asks, “What shall we say to these things?” The overwhelming answer is: “If God be for me, who can be against me!” That answer describes a faith that is a match to all of life’s troubling things. That answer describes a faith that does not crawl away from every crisis. It is a faith that stands up and believes God. Some people have allowed their trouble to talk to them too much. Our troubles will haunt us and push us into further troubles. Paul tells us that we must stand up to our troubles and declare: If God be for me, who can be against me! Faith is the currency of heaven. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Many struggle with faith in terms of whether they have enough or any at all. Some feel that if they had enough faith they would not be facing what they are facing. Still… Mark Hughes 2395 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690602/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtotalktoyourtroubles/id/1884755.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690602 Faith,Trouble,overcoming, Scripture: Romans 8:28-8:31, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 29 Apr 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Paul had to deal with carnality in the early church. They had allowed some terrible things creep into the church. In our text, Paul talks about some things in life that will be in everyone’s life. No matter how much we may pray and how faithful we may be, some of the experiences that Paul mentions will find their way into our life. He determined that he wanted men to know that he was a Christian while dealing with these inescapable things. It is easy to praise God when all is going right, but when things are at their worst is when men must be able to see that we serve a faithful and merciful God. Bro. Hughes explains that some of the things that come into our life do so in order to make us stronger. Jesus said that we must each take up our own cross and follow Him. Not a cross, but our cross. This cross is something personal to each one of us that we must carry. It is a burden, but without it we cannot become the Christian that God desires us to be. Paul had to deal with carnality in the early church. They had allowed some terrible things creep into the church. In our text, Paul talks about some things in life that will be in everyone’s life. No matter how much we may pray and how faithful we may be, some of the experiences that Paul mentions will find their way into our life. He determined that he wanted men to know that he was a Christian while dealing with these inescapable things. It is easy to praise God when all is going right, but when things are at their worst is when men must be able to see that we serve a faithful and merciful God. Bro. Hughes explains that some of the things that come into our life do so in order to make us stronger. Jesus said that we must each take up our own cross and follow Him. Not a cross, but our cross. This cross is something personal to each one of us that we must carry. It is a burden, but without it we cannot become the Christian that God desires us to be. Paul had to deal with carnality in the early church. They had allowed some terrible things creep into the church. In our text, Paul talks about some things in life that will be in everyone’s life. No matter how much we may pray and how faithful we m… Mark Hughes 1674 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690603/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theinescapableelementsoflife/id/1884756.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690603 cross,trouble,fear,stumble, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Many people skip over our scripture text as being a simple genealogy. It is monotonous for most of us and we have trouble pronouncing the names. Even so, there is a message in this text. There is more than just a genealogy of Adam’s line. There are 10 names mentioned and they cover a period of approximately 1430 years. Bro. Hughes notes that each of the names has a dictionary meaning, and when he looked at the meanings and the order in which they were born, he discovered a sentence that when read all together form a sentence that took over 1400 years to be fully revealed. The sentence when put together is: God has appointed that mortal man shall sorrow, but the blessed God came down teaching that his death shall bring strength and comfort through his name. If God would take over 1400 years to carve out this message of hope and encouragement, He certainly knows about all of our problems and that He has an answer for that problem. God wants us to know that there is hope. God wants us to know that He is there. Bro. Hughes tells us that is the only thing that matters. If God is there, all will be okay. God cares and God knows. Many people skip over our scripture text as being a simple genealogy. It is monotonous for most of us and we have trouble pronouncing the names. Even so, there is a message in this text. There is more than just a genealogy of Adam’s line. There are 10 names mentioned and they cover a period of approximately 1430 years. Bro. Hughes notes that each of the names has a dictionary meaning, and when he looked at the meanings and the order in which they were born, he discovered a sentence that when read all together form a sentence that took over 1400 years to be fully revealed. The sentence when put together is: God has appointed that mortal man shall sorrow, but the blessed God came down teaching that his death shall bring strength and comfort through his name. If God would take over 1400 years to carve out this message of hope and encouragement, He certainly knows about all of our problems and that He has an answer for that problem. God wants us to know that there is hope. God wants us to know that He is there. Bro. Hughes tells us that is the only thing that matters. If God is there, all will be okay. God cares and God knows. Many people skip over our scripture text as being a simple genealogy. It is monotonous for most of us and we have trouble pronouncing the names. Even so, there is a message in this text. There is more than just a genealogy of Adam’s line. There are… Mark Hughes 1518 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690601/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_onesentence/id/1884754.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690601 God's patience,God's Love, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 22 Apr 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Life can be trying. It inflicts hurts and pain that can result in a withering of the spirit. Bro. Hughes notes in our text God’s ability in the midst of disability. God’s abilities and strength can overcome our inability and weakness. Many people let the setbacks of life marginalize and sideline them. Our text describes a man with a withered hand. Most Bible scholars agree that this man was inured wile working as a brick mason. With his hand injured and damaged he could no longer work. He surly felt as if he was not useful and that he was less than he was before. When we meet him, he is standing on the sideline in the temple. Many things can cause life to wither: betrayal, broken promises, failed ambitions, personal failures, and sinfulness. These things can frustrate and limit us. Bro. Hughes notes that even though the man in our text was sidelined, but he was still in the temple. He continued to go to the House of God. Jesus did not go to the synagogue that day to be seen, or to engage the Pharisees in a theological debate. He went to that place that day to find the man with the withered hand. Jesus is not deterred by our problems. He wants us to bring our withered lives to Him so that He can make us whole. Jesus asks the man to stretch forth his hand. He knew the man’s problem and He went straight to it. We try to hide our problems from each other, but Jesus knows and goes right to the heart of the problem. Not only that, Jesus ask the man to do the very thing that he had been unable to do for so long. The challenge for that man at that moment was to obey. He hand not been able to do what Jesus ask him to do for so long. He had to decide if he was going to believe that he was hearing from Jesus, or if he was going to believe his feelings. He must have thought, “I’ve tried to stretch my hand before, and it did no good.” When this man looked into the face of Jesus he saw possibility, hope and ability. As did he, we do not see eyes that condemn us. We see eyes that cry out: “You can do it!” Life can be trying. It inflicts hurts and pain that can result in a withering of the spirit. Bro. Hughes notes in our text God’s ability in the midst of disability. God’s abilities and strength can overcome our inability and weakness. Many people let the setbacks of life marginalize and sideline them. Our text describes a man with a withered hand. Most Bible scholars agree that this man was inured wile working as a brick mason. With his hand injured and damaged he could no longer work. He surly felt as if he was not useful and that he was less than he was before. When we meet him, he is standing on the sideline in the temple. Many things can cause life to wither: betrayal, broken promises, failed ambitions, personal failures, and sinfulness. These things can frustrate and limit us. Bro. Hughes notes that even though the man in our text was sidelined, but he was still in the temple. He continued to go to the House of God. Jesus did not go to the synagogue that day to be seen, or to engage the Pharisees in a theological debate. He went to that place that day to find the man with the withered hand. Jesus is not deterred by our problems. He wants us to bring our withered lives to Him so that He can make us whole. Jesus asks the man to stretch forth his hand. He knew the man’s problem and He went straight to it. We try to hide our problems from each other, but Jesus knows and goes right to the heart of the problem. Not only that, Jesus ask the man to do the very thing that he had been unable to do for so long. The challenge for that man at that moment was to obey. He hand not been able to do what Jesus ask him to do for so long. He had to decide if he was going to believe that he was hearing from Jesus, or if he was going to believe his feelings. He must have thought, “I’ve tried to stretch my hand before, and it did no good.” When this man looked into the face of Jesus he saw possibility, hope and ability. As did he, we do not see eyes that condemn us. We see eyes that cry out: “You can do it!” Life can be trying. It inflicts hurts and pain that can result in a withering of the spirit. Bro. Hughes notes in our text God’s ability in the midst of disability. God’s abilities and strength can overcome our inability and weakness. Many peop… Mark Hughes 1753 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690599/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_gettingyourgripback/id/1884753.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690599 Withered,Setbacks,Grip, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 22 Apr 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes For most people, life is governed by what we plan to do versus what we actually do. We plan to do better, to be better, to face situations and to deal with problems. However, much of that is relegated to the future. “I’ll do that someday.” It is in the mind of most of us to take care of situations at some point. In our text, Jesus had traveled to Samaria. While there, He encountered a woman at the well whose life was less than an example of moral living. She in fact had many problems in her life. He spoke into her life and ministered to her. The disciples went to find Him to provide Him food. He replies that the meat of doing God’s will had filled Him. Jesus further admonished them; even through the time of harvest were yet to come, the fields were ready now. In this simple story, Brother Hughes sees the message that we must seize the opportunity now. We can put off resolving issues now, but God asks “Why not now?” Jesus bids us to quit waiting for a better time and seize the opportunity now. For most people, life is governed by what we plan to do versus what we actually do. We plan to do better, to be better, to face situations and to deal with problems. However, much of that is relegated to the future. “I’ll do that someday.” It is in the mind of most of us to take care of situations at some point. In our text, Jesus had traveled to Samaria. While there, He encountered a woman at the well whose life was less than an example of moral living. She in fact had many problems in her life. He spoke into her life and ministered to her. The disciples went to find Him to provide Him food. He replies that the meat of doing God’s will had filled Him. Jesus further admonished them; even through the time of harvest were yet to come, the fields were ready now. In this simple story, Brother Hughes sees the message that we must seize the opportunity now. We can put off resolving issues now, but God asks “Why not now?” Jesus bids us to quit waiting for a better time and seize the opportunity now. For most people, life is governed by what we plan to do versus what we actually do. We plan to do better, to be better, to face situations and to deal with problems. However, much of that is relegated to the future. “I’ll do that someday.” It is in… Mark Hughes 1557 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690600/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_saynotye/id/953469.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690600 Now,Ripe,Seize the day, Scripture: John 4:32-4:35, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Thu, 19 Apr 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We are all aware that we have an enemy. The bible identifies him by many names, but the goal is always the same: to attack and destroy. He attempts to tear away and destroy the things that are vital to our salvation. We have all felt that evil working against us at times. While we may not see it coming, God is never caught off guard. He always has a plan before the devil ever comes against us. Before the serpent tempted Adam and Eve in the garden, God knew that Jesus would die on the cross for the salvation of mankind. There is nothing that can come into our lives that God does not already have a plan to see us through. God does not want any of us to fail. We mail fail at some things, but we are not failures. With God the only way we can fail is to quit. As long as there is prayer, there is hope for each of us. In our text the Lord warns Peter that he is about to be sifted. His life was about to be tumbled and thrown around. But before that even happened, Jesus had a plan for Peter’s life. His specific prayer was for Peter’s faith. Because He knew that if faith could stay alive, Peter could go on to do what God had called him to do. No matter what comes into our life, if we maintain our faith and continue to live for God, we can survive and outlive whatever comes along. No matter what plan the devil may have God has a counter plan that will see us through. We are all aware that we have an enemy. The bible identifies him by many names, but the goal is always the same: to attack and destroy. He attempts to tear away and destroy the things that are vital to our salvation. We have all felt that evil working against us at times. While we may not see it coming, God is never caught off guard. He always has a plan before the devil ever comes against us. Before the serpent tempted Adam and Eve in the garden, God knew that Jesus would die on the cross for the salvation of mankind. There is nothing that can come into our lives that God does not already have a plan to see us through. God does not want any of us to fail. We mail fail at some things, but we are not failures. With God the only way we can fail is to quit. As long as there is prayer, there is hope for each of us. In our text the Lord warns Peter that he is about to be sifted. His life was about to be tumbled and thrown around. But before that even happened, Jesus had a plan for Peter’s life. His specific prayer was for Peter’s faith. Because He knew that if faith could stay alive, Peter could go on to do what God had called him to do. No matter what comes into our life, if we maintain our faith and continue to live for God, we can survive and outlive whatever comes along. No matter what plan the devil may have God has a counter plan that will see us through. We are all aware that we have an enemy. The bible identifies him by many names, but the goal is always the same: to attack and destroy. He attempts to tear away and destroy the things that are vital to our salvation. We have all felt that evil wor… Mark Hughes 1834 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690598/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_attackcounterattack/id/953468.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690598 Attack,Plan, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 11 Apr 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Jay Hilton Our scripture text has been used as a basis for many sermons. Bro. Hilton takes a little liberty with the fact that we do not know much about the woman that is the subject of our text. We do not know her age. We do not know if she is married. We do not know if she had children. We do not know how much money she started with, but we do know that she had expended all her savings trying to become cured. We can surmise that she suffered from her disease, and also from continual disappointment and perhaps lost all hope. Over the course of her twelve-year ordeal with this disease, she traveled from physician to physician and found no relief. We can imagine that she awakens each day and goes about her day trying to get through life. She sends her husband off to work with what she can provide for lunch. Then the children get up and go off for their day. In the quiet of the home after the morning routine, she sits down in her chair exhausted. We do not know the full nature of her illness, but we know that diseases that affect the blood can make those who suffer from them very weak. One day she hears a commotion in the street. She struggles to get outside and investigate and finds that Jesus was passing by. She had heard of this Jesus. She had heard that Jesus healed people. She began to say within herself “If I can but touch Him, I will be made whole.” Bro. Hilton describes how she pressed through the crowd seeking Him and how she did touch the hem of His garment. She was made whole that day because of her inspiration in side herself to seek Jesus. We do not know if it happened the way that Bro. Hilton supposes, but we do know that it did happen. Because of this woman’s faith and drive, many more were healed. If she had not had such faith, all those in chapter 14 would have missed their opportunity. Bro. Hilton asks “What would have happened if she had not overcome her fear and weariness to seek Jesus?” Like this woman, when we finally get tired of living like we are living and dealing with what we are dealing with, we will finally step out and do something about it. Our scripture text has been used as a basis for many sermons. Bro. Hilton takes a little liberty with the fact that we do not know much about the woman that is the subject of our text. We do not know her age. We do not know if she is married. We do not know if she had children. We do not know how much money she started with, but we do know that she had expended all her savings trying to become cured. We can surmise that she suffered from her disease, and also from continual disappointment and perhaps lost all hope. Over the course of her twelve-year ordeal with this disease, she traveled from physician to physician and found no relief. We can imagine that she awakens each day and goes about her day trying to get through life. She sends her husband off to work with what she can provide for lunch. Then the children get up and go off for their day. In the quiet of the home after the morning routine, she sits down in her chair exhausted. We do not know the full nature of her illness, but we know that diseases that affect the blood can make those who suffer from them very weak. One day she hears a commotion in the street. She struggles to get outside and investigate and finds that Jesus was passing by. She had heard of this Jesus. She had heard that Jesus healed people. She began to say within herself “If I can but touch Him, I will be made whole.” Bro. Hilton describes how she pressed through the crowd seeking Him and how she did touch the hem of His garment. She was made whole that day because of her inspiration in side herself to seek Jesus. We do not know if it happened the way that Bro. Hilton supposes, but we do know that it did happen. Because of this woman’s faith and drive, many more were healed. If she had not had such faith, all those in chapter 14 would have missed their opportunity. Bro. Hilton asks “What would have happened if she had not overcome her fear and weariness to seek Jesus?” Like this woman, when we finally get tired of living like we are living and dealing with what we are dealing with, we will finally step out and do something about it. Our scripture text has been used as a basis for many sermons. Bro. Hilton takes a little liberty with the fact that we do not know much about the woman that is the subject of our text. We do not know her age. We do not know if she is married. We do… Jay Hilton 2578 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690597/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_stepout/id/953467.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690597 Step out,faith,fed up, Scripture: Matthew 9:20-9:21 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The story of Easter is familiar. Bro. Hughes jokes that the job of the preacher is much more difficult on Easter because we already know what he will preach. He however looks into the familiar story and finds four promises that Easter makes to each of us. It promises a refuge to those whose faith has been under assault. The women had gone to anoint a dead body, but they left with the greatest anointing of all time. Easter is a promise that faith can be restored in any heart. The promise of Easter is that there is life after death. God already has it taken care of. Easter also is a promise that no matter what the failure in life is, that failure does not have to be final. The story of Easter is familiar. Bro. Hughes jokes that the job of the preacher is much more difficult on Easter because we already know what he will preach. He however looks into the familiar story and finds four promises that Easter makes to each of us. It promises a refuge to those whose faith has been under assault. The women had gone to anoint a dead body, but they left with the greatest anointing of all time. Easter is a promise that faith can be restored in any heart. The promise of Easter is that there is life after death. God already has it taken care of. Easter also is a promise that no matter what the failure in life is, that failure does not have to be final. The story of Easter is familiar. Bro. Hughes jokes that the job of the preacher is much more difficult on Easter because we already know what he will preach. He however looks into the familiar story and finds four promises that Easter makes to each o… Mark Hughes 1325 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690596/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_easterpromises/id/953466.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690596 Promises,Empty Tomb,Ressurection, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Most of us feel like we have a grasp on life, but Bro. Hughes speculates that we do not. Often we interpret the bad things that happen in life as being the worst possible thing that could happen. Just as often, we are wrong. It is hard to tell the truth about life because we all have such a limited view of it. We all only see a small segment of life. The story of Naomi is one of the grandest stories of redemption recounted in the bible. Naomi and her family traveled to Moab to escape a famine in their homeland. While they were there, Naomi’s life began to unravel. Her husband died after they arrive. Her sons marry women who are Gentile. Then after ten years, both her sons unexpectedly died. She got word that God had visited her homeland and the famine was over. She makes the decision to return home. One of the daughters in laws stayed in Moab, but Ruth goes with her. She returns home a broken woman who had suffered great losses. Upon her return, those who had known her called to her to welcome her back and she responded by saying “Don’t call me Naomi, call me Mara” which means bitter. She allowed the circumstances of her life to define who she was. At that moment, her life looked like a failure. For some of us, we might make the same assessment. Bro. Hughes asks, “Things may be bad, but are they really that bad?” Naomi made the same mistake that some of us do and compared her wisdom and knowledge of the situation to God’s knowledge of the situation. What Naomi needed in her life was perspective. If she could have just seen three months down the road she would have seen how blessed her life was about to become. We are not good judges of God’s unfinished work. At that moment, she judged herself to be a failure. She focused on the bad things in her life, but she didn’t appreciate the blessings that were already a part of her life and that would come into her life. None of us are good at evaluating the unfishished work that is each of our lives. We must trust in God and believe that our best days are yet to come. Most of us feel like we have a grasp on life, but Bro. Hughes speculates that we do not. Often we interpret the bad things that happen in life as being the worst possible thing that could happen. Just as often, we are wrong. It is hard to tell the truth about life because we all have such a limited view of it. We all only see a small segment of life. The story of Naomi is one of the grandest stories of redemption recounted in the bible. Naomi and her family traveled to Moab to escape a famine in their homeland. While they were there, Naomi’s life began to unravel. Her husband died after they arrive. Her sons marry women who are Gentile. Then after ten years, both her sons unexpectedly died. She got word that God had visited her homeland and the famine was over. She makes the decision to return home. One of the daughters in laws stayed in Moab, but Ruth goes with her. She returns home a broken woman who had suffered great losses. Upon her return, those who had known her called to her to welcome her back and she responded by saying “Don’t call me Naomi, call me Mara” which means bitter. She allowed the circumstances of her life to define who she was. At that moment, her life looked like a failure. For some of us, we might make the same assessment. Bro. Hughes asks, “Things may be bad, but are they really that bad?” Naomi made the same mistake that some of us do and compared her wisdom and knowledge of the situation to God’s knowledge of the situation. What Naomi needed in her life was perspective. If she could have just seen three months down the road she would have seen how blessed her life was about to become. We are not good judges of God’s unfinished work. At that moment, she judged herself to be a failure. She focused on the bad things in her life, but she didn’t appreciate the blessings that were already a part of her life and that would come into her life. None of us are good at evaluating the unfishished work that is each of our lives. We must trust in God and believe that our best days are yet to come. Most of us feel like we have a grasp on life, but Bro. Hughes speculates that we do not. Often we interpret the bad things that happen in life as being the worst possible thing that could happen. Just as often, we are wrong. It is hard to tell the t… Mark Hughes 2102 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690595/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_noamismistake/id/953465.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690595 Unfinished,Mistake,Best is yet to come, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 01 Apr 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Jay Hilton It is not possible to get through life without bumps, bruises and scars. For most of us nice clothes and carefully fixed hair cover these scars and wounds. We come to church and put on a nice face and try to hide our pain and suffering. Bro. Hilton reminds us that no matter what pain or problem we may experience in life, God is more than enough to see us through it. Through the pain and wounds of life, we learn to rely upon God and give us the experience to minister to others who may be going through a rough time in life. It is not possible to get through life without bumps, bruises and scars. For most of us nice clothes and carefully fixed hair cover these scars and wounds. We come to church and put on a nice face and try to hide our pain and suffering. Bro. Hilton reminds us that no matter what pain or problem we may experience in life, God is more than enough to see us through it. Through the pain and wounds of life, we learn to rely upon God and give us the experience to minister to others who may be going through a rough time in life. It is not possible to get through life without bumps, bruises and scars. For most of us nice clothes and carefully fixed hair cover these scars and wounds. We come to church and put on a nice face and try to hide our pain and suffering. Bro. Hilton … Jay Hilton 1657 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690594/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_onythewoundedcanheal/id/953464.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690594 Wounds,Scars,Healing, Scripture: Revelation 5:1-5:9 Sun, 01 Apr 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes In life things can become lost. Some of these things are valuable. Our text highlights the loss of a piece of silver and likens the finding of this valuable piece to the salvation of even a single sinner. Heaven does not rejoice when we have financial success in the market. It does not rejoice over weather we have won or lost at earthly endeavors. There is only one thing over which heaven rejoices and that is when a soul seeks to recover what it has lost spiritualty. Heaven does not rejoice over great monetary success, but in overcoming and getting up after great failure. In our text, the woman lit a candle and got out a broom. She began to clean her house to find, that which was lost. The bible implies that she did not find it on her first effort. It says she swept until she found it. The coin was valuable, but it was useless to her until she found it. God gives us things in our life that are useful, but if we lose it, it is of no value to us. It is possible to lose things in life that can make us unable to be thankful for the blessings that God provides. We do not always manage life well. God gives to each of us talents and gifts to help make our life complete. The coin that this woman lost was part of the economy of her life and it had a negative impact. The coin was essential to her living. We can lose things in our life that are essential to us, and the loss of one of those things can be damaging to us. The bible tells us that the lost coin was one of 10 pieces she had. The bible also describes nine fruits of the spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Long Suffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness and Temperance. Bro. Hughes likens these 9 gifts to the coins. The tenth coin is not mentioned as fruit of the spirit, but it is evident through out the bible. It is given only to humanity. It is the gift to dream; to envision a better future. Dreaming will save us from giving up and quitting. It will save us from despair. If we lose one of these things, we must do as the woman in the story and get out a broom and sweep until we find it. In life things can become lost. Some of these things are valuable. Our text highlights the loss of a piece of silver and likens the finding of this valuable piece to the salvation of even a single sinner. Heaven does not rejoice when we have financial success in the market. It does not rejoice over weather we have won or lost at earthly endeavors. There is only one thing over which heaven rejoices and that is when a soul seeks to recover what it has lost spiritualty. Heaven does not rejoice over great monetary success, but in overcoming and getting up after great failure. In our text, the woman lit a candle and got out a broom. She began to clean her house to find, that which was lost. The bible implies that she did not find it on her first effort. It says she swept until she found it. The coin was valuable, but it was useless to her until she found it. God gives us things in our life that are useful, but if we lose it, it is of no value to us. It is possible to lose things in life that can make us unable to be thankful for the blessings that God provides. We do not always manage life well. God gives to each of us talents and gifts to help make our life complete. The coin that this woman lost was part of the economy of her life and it had a negative impact. The coin was essential to her living. We can lose things in our life that are essential to us, and the loss of one of those things can be damaging to us. The bible tells us that the lost coin was one of 10 pieces she had. The bible also describes nine fruits of the spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Long Suffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness and Temperance. Bro. Hughes likens these 9 gifts to the coins. The tenth coin is not mentioned as fruit of the spirit, but it is evident through out the bible. It is given only to humanity. It is the gift to dream; to envision a better future. Dreaming will save us from giving up and quitting. It will save us from despair. If we lose one of these things, we must do as the woman in the story and get out a broom and sweep until we find it. In life things can become lost. Some of these things are valuable. Our text highlights the loss of a piece of silver and likens the finding of this valuable piece to the salvation of even a single sinner. Heaven does not rejoice when we have financi… Mark Hughes 2893 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690593/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_usefulbutlost/id/953463.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690593 Lost,Sweep,Find, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 28 Mar 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes According to Martin Luther it takes three things to make someone a child of God: meditation, prayer and temptation. Few would quibble with the first two, but the final point seems to be out of place. Bro. Hughes speculates what Martin Luther meant is that it is the trials, struggles, and temptation of life in order to make us strong. Our text tells us that Jesus was tempted in all points as we are and yet without sin. When we think about our natural life, we can question how Jesus could have been tempted as we are when His life was so different than ours. The bible tells us that he was tempted in all POINTS as we are, not in all situations as we are. So the question becomes how was He tempted in ways that relate to our modern life. Bro. Hughes lists three areas where he was tempted as we are. The first is the temptation to avoid. From the beginning of His ministry, the Devil tempted Jesus to short circuit, sidestep or otherwise change God’s plan for His life. He was tempted to avoid the process and go straight to the prize. It is human nature to try to take the easy way. Bro. Hughes tells us that often the easy way is not the right way. The second way He was tempted to hurry the plan of God. We too are tempted to interfere with God’s plan by acting on our own without waiting for God. Our society has fostered an attitude of get it now. God’s plan is always slower than our flesh wants it to go. Lastly He was tempted to come down. Our world tempts us to lower our standards and expectations. The problem is that once we lower our selves, the world will want us to lower our standards even more. The devil will not quit until we debase ourselves to the lowest we can go. If Christ had come down from the cross as they taunted Him to do, they would not have believed. The glory was in His enduring until he could say “It is finished.” According to Martin Luther it takes three things to make someone a child of God: meditation, prayer and temptation. Few would quibble with the first two, but the final point seems to be out of place. Bro. Hughes speculates what Martin Luther meant is that it is the trials, struggles, and temptation of life in order to make us strong. Our text tells us that Jesus was tempted in all points as we are and yet without sin. When we think about our natural life, we can question how Jesus could have been tempted as we are when His life was so different than ours. The bible tells us that he was tempted in all POINTS as we are, not in all situations as we are. So the question becomes how was He tempted in ways that relate to our modern life. Bro. Hughes lists three areas where he was tempted as we are. The first is the temptation to avoid. From the beginning of His ministry, the Devil tempted Jesus to short circuit, sidestep or otherwise change God’s plan for His life. He was tempted to avoid the process and go straight to the prize. It is human nature to try to take the easy way. Bro. Hughes tells us that often the easy way is not the right way. The second way He was tempted to hurry the plan of God. We too are tempted to interfere with God’s plan by acting on our own without waiting for God. Our society has fostered an attitude of get it now. God’s plan is always slower than our flesh wants it to go. Lastly He was tempted to come down. Our world tempts us to lower our standards and expectations. The problem is that once we lower our selves, the world will want us to lower our standards even more. The devil will not quit until we debase ourselves to the lowest we can go. If Christ had come down from the cross as they taunted Him to do, they would not have believed. The glory was in His enduring until he could say “It is finished.” According to Martin Luther it takes three things to make someone a child of God: meditation, prayer and temptation. Few would quibble with the first two, but the final point seems to be out of place. Bro. Hughes speculates what Martin Luther meant i… Mark Hughes 2459 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690592/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_temptedinallpoints/id/953462.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690592 Tempted,Avoid,Hurry,Come Down Sun, 25 Mar 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our text is a recount from an unknown Israelite who had come out of Babylonian captivity. He tells of a story of his captors compelling him to sing and play for their entertainment. He asks “how shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?” We too can find our selves in strange lands and find it difficult to praise the Lord. When we find our self in a strange place, that is the time when we need to praise more than any other. In these strange places, our attitude and moral can be at its lowest place. Like the Babylonians, the enemy will try to knock us down and then taunt us. The Israelites were in captivity due to their own actions. Their continued turning to idolatry and sin caused God to fulfill the prophecy of them being taken into captivity. In the seventy years that they were in captivity, they sulked and came up with every excuse in the world. They were uncomfortable and out of their element and the Psalmist ask, “How can we praise in a strange place. Bro. Hughes asks: Why Not? Life can put us in some strange places. We have all been in places where we say “I can’t do this.” Spiritually we will all find ourselves in some form of Babylonian captivity. Life will take us to places that we do not want to be and will keep us longer than we want to be there. It is at this time more than any other that we need to praise and sing. God can do anything and can forgive no matter why we find ourselves in Babylon. Anyone can sing in Jerusalem, but it takes real strength to sing in Babylon. To do so tells the world that we may be in captivity, we are not lost. Being able to praise in these strange lands is the key to getting out. The victory is in the song. Our text is a recount from an unknown Israelite who had come out of Babylonian captivity. He tells of a story of his captors compelling him to sing and play for their entertainment. He asks “how shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?” We too can find our selves in strange lands and find it difficult to praise the Lord. When we find our self in a strange place, that is the time when we need to praise more than any other. In these strange places, our attitude and moral can be at its lowest place. Like the Babylonians, the enemy will try to knock us down and then taunt us. The Israelites were in captivity due to their own actions. Their continued turning to idolatry and sin caused God to fulfill the prophecy of them being taken into captivity. In the seventy years that they were in captivity, they sulked and came up with every excuse in the world. They were uncomfortable and out of their element and the Psalmist ask, “How can we praise in a strange place. Bro. Hughes asks: Why Not? Life can put us in some strange places. We have all been in places where we say “I can’t do this.” Spiritually we will all find ourselves in some form of Babylonian captivity. Life will take us to places that we do not want to be and will keep us longer than we want to be there. It is at this time more than any other that we need to praise and sing. God can do anything and can forgive no matter why we find ourselves in Babylon. Anyone can sing in Jerusalem, but it takes real strength to sing in Babylon. To do so tells the world that we may be in captivity, we are not lost. Being able to praise in these strange lands is the key to getting out. The victory is in the song. Our text is a recount from an unknown Israelite who had come out of Babylonian captivity. He tells of a story of his captors compelling him to sing and play for their entertainment. He asks “how shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?” We t… Mark Hughes 1557 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690590/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howcanising/id/953460.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690590 Sing,Praise,Captivity, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 25 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Life can wear us out. Life can be discouraging until we go to the word of God. In that word we can find what we need for the moment, and for the future. Often the secret of the word of God is not evident when it is first read, but only realized after thought and prayer. Bro. Hughes refers to this as the hidden gems in the bible. By allowing the word of God to saturate our life, the hidden gems become evident. So it is that we can read and re-read the bible and an awesome mystery will reveal itself even in often read and familiar scriptures. God has made it so that we will never be disappointed in what we find in Him. God likes to hide things. He does not hide things to be difficult, but to make us better. In nature there are hidden things: Gold, diamonds, and oil are things that are not obvious and on the surface, but things that must be worked for or dug up in order to find. God hides things for our good. God hides tomorrow. None of us know what will happen tomorrow. He has promised that His grace is sufficient for today. Bro. Hughes tells us that we must rely on His grace for today, because we cannot handle tomorrow until it gets here. When we don’t know what tomorrow will hold, we know that He has enough for us to handle tomorrow. He says that if we will put our trust in Him today, He will give us what is necessary for tomorrow. He not only hides tomorrow, He hides experience. Life is a struggle and in that struggle God hides experience. Through that experience, we become a better person. The beauty in our life is found in the struggles that put color and experience into our lives. It is in the struggles that we find ourselves. God also hides our sin. Through Calvary, He hides our sins and they are blotted out. When we repent and God extends His forgiveness, we are made whole and He forgets our sins so that they cannot be used against us again. God hides things from us that are for our good. He hides natural resources that must be discovered. He gives us a savior and tells us that we must seek Him. God likes to hide things from us, and if we take time to evaluate it, we realize that there is saving grace in the thing that God hides. Life can wear us out. Life can be discouraging until we go to the word of God. In that word we can find what we need for the moment, and for the future. Often the secret of the word of God is not evident when it is first read, but only realized after thought and prayer. Bro. Hughes refers to this as the hidden gems in the bible. By allowing the word of God to saturate our life, the hidden gems become evident. So it is that we can read and re-read the bible and an awesome mystery will reveal itself even in often read and familiar scriptures. God has made it so that we will never be disappointed in what we find in Him. God likes to hide things. He does not hide things to be difficult, but to make us better. In nature there are hidden things: Gold, diamonds, and oil are things that are not obvious and on the surface, but things that must be worked for or dug up in order to find. God hides things for our good. God hides tomorrow. None of us know what will happen tomorrow. He has promised that His grace is sufficient for today. Bro. Hughes tells us that we must rely on His grace for today, because we cannot handle tomorrow until it gets here. When we don’t know what tomorrow will hold, we know that He has enough for us to handle tomorrow. He says that if we will put our trust in Him today, He will give us what is necessary for tomorrow. He not only hides tomorrow, He hides experience. Life is a struggle and in that struggle God hides experience. Through that experience, we become a better person. The beauty in our life is found in the struggles that put color and experience into our lives. It is in the struggles that we find ourselves. God also hides our sin. Through Calvary, He hides our sins and they are blotted out. When we repent and God extends His forgiveness, we are made whole and He forgets our sins so that they cannot be used against us again. God hides things from us that are for our good. He hides natural resources that must be discovered. He gives us a savior and tells us that we must seek Him. God likes to hide things from us, and if we take time to evaluate it, we realize that there is saving grace in the thing that God hides. Life can wear us out. Life can be discouraging until we go to the word of God. In that word we can find what we need for the moment, and for the future. Often the secret of the word of God is not evident when it is first read, but only realized afte… Mark Hughes 2261 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690591/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thesavinggraceofgodshiddenpowe/id/953461.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690591 Hidden,Gems,Grace, Scripture: Habakkuk 3:4-3:5, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000 James Hughes Dr. Hughes shares his thoughts resulting from a conversation he recently had with a man who ask “Why do some people come to church like they are going to war?” God wants us to be comfortable when we enter His presence. Dr. Hughes points out however that if when we enter into the presence of God or read His word, we can become uncomfortable because by doing so we must honestly examine ourselves. This is counter-intuitive. We have difficulty opening up and being vulnerable with other humans. But we must be totally open with God. We have no choice, because there is no way we can hide anything from an omnipotent God. Unlike with men, we are assured that God will not use our vulnerability against us. God understands our situation because He was tempted in all way as we are. Every struggle, problem or issue we have, He experienced it and still remained sinless. In Jesus we have a high priest who can totally sympathize with our pain and struggles. No matter what may experience in life, we can go to God who will take us into His loving arms and with total understanding forgive us and make us whole. Dr. Hughes shares his thoughts resulting from a conversation he recently had with a man who ask “Why do some people come to church like they are going to war?” God wants us to be comfortable when we enter His presence. Dr. Hughes points out however that if when we enter into the presence of God or read His word, we can become uncomfortable because by doing so we must honestly examine ourselves. This is counter-intuitive. We have difficulty opening up and being vulnerable with other humans. But we must be totally open with God. We have no choice, because there is no way we can hide anything from an omnipotent God. Unlike with men, we are assured that God will not use our vulnerability against us. God understands our situation because He was tempted in all way as we are. Every struggle, problem or issue we have, He experienced it and still remained sinless. In Jesus we have a high priest who can totally sympathize with our pain and struggles. No matter what may experience in life, we can go to God who will take us into His loving arms and with total understanding forgive us and make us whole. Dr. Hughes shares his thoughts resulting from a conversation he recently had with a man who ask “Why do some people come to church like they are going to war?” God wants us to be comfortable when we enter His presence. Dr. Hughes points out however t… James Hughes 2582 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690589/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_agodwhounderstands/id/953459.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690589 Understanding,Grace,Mercy Sun, 18 Mar 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes No description available No description available No description available… Mark Hughes 1949 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690587/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ahardplacebutaheavenlyexperien/id/953457.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690587 Heaven, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 18 Mar 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The word Saul used to describe himself is a startling one. Many people would not want to describe themselves as a fool. The story is one of great possibility and tragedy. A man who began with so much ended in such a pitiful and disastrous situation. Out text is a tragic confession of his life. The word that is used to describe a fool is one that indicates a lack of sense of moral direction and spiritual comprehension. In truth, none of us are exempt from playing a fool as Saul did. We all have the possibility to fall into a situation where we lose our sense of spiritual boundaries and adherence to moral convictions. Saul held a position of power and success. He had everything going for him, but he still had a destructive nature about him that caused him to lose it all. Saul had a good heritage and background. He was physically strong and tall. God called him to be the first king of Israel. He had an opportunity to cooperate with God and be part of God’s plan for His people. However as we read the story of Saul we see pride come up in his life and a tendency to act on his own without reliance on God. He becomes rash and impulsive in a manner that was destructive to both himself and his people. Bro. Hughes observes that we are all susceptible to the same trap as Saul. No matter how blessed we are, or how close we feel that we are to God, we all have the ability to play the fool, as did Saul. We can play the fool: • When we fail to submit to the King of King and Lord of Lords. • When we make enemies of the people that God put into our life to help us. • When we are disobedient in the small things that matter to God. • When we allow hatred to become the master of our life. The word Saul used to describe himself is a startling one. Many people would not want to describe themselves as a fool. The story is one of great possibility and tragedy. A man who began with so much ended in such a pitiful and disastrous situation. Out text is a tragic confession of his life. The word that is used to describe a fool is one that indicates a lack of sense of moral direction and spiritual comprehension. In truth, none of us are exempt from playing a fool as Saul did. We all have the possibility to fall into a situation where we lose our sense of spiritual boundaries and adherence to moral convictions. Saul held a position of power and success. He had everything going for him, but he still had a destructive nature about him that caused him to lose it all. Saul had a good heritage and background. He was physically strong and tall. God called him to be the first king of Israel. He had an opportunity to cooperate with God and be part of God’s plan for His people. However as we read the story of Saul we see pride come up in his life and a tendency to act on his own without reliance on God. He becomes rash and impulsive in a manner that was destructive to both himself and his people. Bro. Hughes observes that we are all susceptible to the same trap as Saul. No matter how blessed we are, or how close we feel that we are to God, we all have the ability to play the fool, as did Saul. We can play the fool: • When we fail to submit to the King of King and Lord of Lords. • When we make enemies of the people that God put into our life to help us. • When we are disobedient in the small things that matter to God. • When we allow hatred to become the master of our life. The word Saul used to describe himself is a startling one. Many people would not want to describe themselves as a fool. The story is one of great possibility and tragedy. A man who began with so much ended in such a pitiful and disastrous situation.… Mark Hughes 1500 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690588/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_playingthefool/id/953458.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690588 Fool,Disobedience,Falling from grace, Scripture: 1 Samuel 26:21-26:22, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 11 Mar 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We are all on a journey. It is the journey of life. On life’s journey we have to deal with life as we meet it. We cannot go back and change that which happened in the past. We must look toward the future and deal with the journey that is before us. None of us can make it on this journey by ourselves; we must have divine assistance. God knew what was to happen to Elijah before it happened, and He had a plan in motion to deal with this particular point in his life. Life is never a straight line between two points. There will be hills, valleys and mountains that must be overcome. Life is never stress free. Life can quickly turn from victory to defeat with alarming suddenness. The chapter 18 of 1 Kings sees Elijah in the midst of a great victory, but chapter 19 has him at one of the lowest points in his life. Bro. Hughes points out that because of this journey, it is dangerous to react to a particular moment in life. Elijah reacted to a moment in his life, and asks God to take his life. If we read about Elijah, we see that he was not a man who reacted to life, but who acted with a purpose. Rather than rebuking Elijah, God provided a meal for him. The meal that God provided Elijah was enough to sustain him for 40 days and 40 nights. Bro. Hughes tells us that we need to take what God provides for us because He knows the journey ahead of us and whatever He provides will sustain us. We are not lost in our journey. God knows where we are and He has already made provision for us. When we eat the meat that God provides, we will it will change our focus and will get our eyes off those things that are trying to destroy our life, and fix them on God’s plan. If we eat what God provides, it will take us further than we thought we could go and bring us to the place that God wants us to be. We are all on a journey. It is the journey of life. On life’s journey we have to deal with life as we meet it. We cannot go back and change that which happened in the past. We must look toward the future and deal with the journey that is before us. None of us can make it on this journey by ourselves; we must have divine assistance. God knew what was to happen to Elijah before it happened, and He had a plan in motion to deal with this particular point in his life. Life is never a straight line between two points. There will be hills, valleys and mountains that must be overcome. Life is never stress free. Life can quickly turn from victory to defeat with alarming suddenness. The chapter 18 of 1 Kings sees Elijah in the midst of a great victory, but chapter 19 has him at one of the lowest points in his life. Bro. Hughes points out that because of this journey, it is dangerous to react to a particular moment in life. Elijah reacted to a moment in his life, and asks God to take his life. If we read about Elijah, we see that he was not a man who reacted to life, but who acted with a purpose. Rather than rebuking Elijah, God provided a meal for him. The meal that God provided Elijah was enough to sustain him for 40 days and 40 nights. Bro. Hughes tells us that we need to take what God provides for us because He knows the journey ahead of us and whatever He provides will sustain us. We are not lost in our journey. God knows where we are and He has already made provision for us. When we eat the meat that God provides, we will it will change our focus and will get our eyes off those things that are trying to destroy our life, and fix them on God’s plan. If we eat what God provides, it will take us further than we thought we could go and bring us to the place that God wants us to be. We are all on a journey. It is the journey of life. On life’s journey we have to deal with life as we meet it. We cannot go back and change that which happened in the past. We must look toward the future and deal with the journey that is before us.… Mark Hughes 1389 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690585/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_eatwhatgodhasprepared/id/953455.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690585 Provide,Journey,Situation, Scripture: 1 Kings 19:5-19:8, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 11 Mar 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We have all made mistakes. Some of our mistakes have been small. Other mistakes have been very large. There are no boundaries for mistakes. Educated and uneducated people, rich people and poor people, wise people and foolish people all make mistakes. Mistakes can be public or private. There are some lives that are more affected by the mistakes that have been made, than the miracles that have occurred. Mistakes rob us of our spiritual energy and have a way of affecting our lives for a long time. Our mistakes have a way of generating shame, guilt, and despair. For many people the mistakes in life tend to win out over miracles. In our text we find Sarah and Abraham dealing with a mistake. God had promised Abraham a son. As the time for that prophecy drew close, the tensions began to rise and they attempted to orchestrate by their own hand that which God had promised. The waiting is the hardest part. It is during this waiting that our character is tested. When Abraham and Sarah became more concerned about the outward appearance and what people would think that drove them to make a decision that would haunt them for the rest of their life. The result of this decision was living with them in the same tent. Abraham had to decide who would live in his house. He had to choose if he would live with faith and rely upon God, or he would live with the result of his trying to take the will of God into his own hand. Bro. Hughes declares that it is time to have a house cleaning and put out those things and spirits that are tying us to our failures, and allow the promises of God to live there in stead. We can either put the mistake out and let the promise rule, or let the mistake keep us from realizing the promise. We have all made mistakes. Some of our mistakes have been small. Other mistakes have been very large. There are no boundaries for mistakes. Educated and uneducated people, rich people and poor people, wise people and foolish people all make mistakes. Mistakes can be public or private. There are some lives that are more affected by the mistakes that have been made, than the miracles that have occurred. Mistakes rob us of our spiritual energy and have a way of affecting our lives for a long time. Our mistakes have a way of generating shame, guilt, and despair. For many people the mistakes in life tend to win out over miracles. In our text we find Sarah and Abraham dealing with a mistake. God had promised Abraham a son. As the time for that prophecy drew close, the tensions began to rise and they attempted to orchestrate by their own hand that which God had promised. The waiting is the hardest part. It is during this waiting that our character is tested. When Abraham and Sarah became more concerned about the outward appearance and what people would think that drove them to make a decision that would haunt them for the rest of their life. The result of this decision was living with them in the same tent. Abraham had to decide who would live in his house. He had to choose if he would live with faith and rely upon God, or he would live with the result of his trying to take the will of God into his own hand. Bro. Hughes declares that it is time to have a house cleaning and put out those things and spirits that are tying us to our failures, and allow the promises of God to live there in stead. We can either put the mistake out and let the promise rule, or let the mistake keep us from realizing the promise. We have all made mistakes. Some of our mistakes have been small. Other mistakes have been very large. There are no boundaries for mistakes. Educated and uneducated people, rich people and poor people, wise people and foolish people all make mistake… Mark Hughes 2313 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690586/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whoisgoingtoliveinyourhouse/id/953456.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690586 Mistake,Failure,Cast out, Scripture: Genesis 21:1-21:10, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We read in the Bible of great men. We read of men whom God uses mightily and who accomplish great things. We also read of many of these men who make mistakes and who find them selves in situations of despair and depression. Stories of these great men who overcome some of the same problems that we face can be an encouragement to us. Our text defines the situation Elijah was in as a journey. A journey implies a purpose. It speaks of a direction. It involved distance and time. A journey is an undertaking that involves changes. Life is not a straight point between two places. It travels through hills and valleys. It has many phases and chapters. Some people get caught up in a particular part or chapter of life and they make decisions that can affect their life for eternity. It is important to remember that we are on a journey and that a particular phase does not define the entirety of life. In our text Elijah got caught up in on phase of his life and he ask God to end his life. He was running away from a threat to kill him, and he lays down under a juniper tree and asks God to take his life. While we are focused on the moment, God looks at the entire journey of our life and He works according to the entire story. On life’s journey, if we find out selves down and feeling like we have had all we can stand, we can stand by Elijah who had also had enough. God said the he was wrong. God knows when we have had enough and will see us through just has he did for Elijah. We read in the Bible of great men. We read of men whom God uses mightily and who accomplish great things. We also read of many of these men who make mistakes and who find them selves in situations of despair and depression. Stories of these great men who overcome some of the same problems that we face can be an encouragement to us. Our text defines the situation Elijah was in as a journey. A journey implies a purpose. It speaks of a direction. It involved distance and time. A journey is an undertaking that involves changes. Life is not a straight point between two places. It travels through hills and valleys. It has many phases and chapters. Some people get caught up in a particular part or chapter of life and they make decisions that can affect their life for eternity. It is important to remember that we are on a journey and that a particular phase does not define the entirety of life. In our text Elijah got caught up in on phase of his life and he ask God to end his life. He was running away from a threat to kill him, and he lays down under a juniper tree and asks God to take his life. While we are focused on the moment, God looks at the entire journey of our life and He works according to the entire story. On life’s journey, if we find out selves down and feeling like we have had all we can stand, we can stand by Elijah who had also had enough. God said the he was wrong. God knows when we have had enough and will see us through just has he did for Elijah. We read in the Bible of great men. We read of men whom God uses mightily and who accomplish great things. We also read of many of these men who make mistakes and who find them selves in situations of despair and depression. Stories of these great me… Mark Hughes 2462 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690584/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thepowertoseeitthrough/id/953454.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690584 Journey,Time,Path,Direction, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 04 Mar 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison There are times in all of our lives when God intervened just in the nick of time. God knows when to step in and rescue his children. God’s timing is far different from our timing. God owes us no explanation for what He does or does not do or the timing with which He does it. As humans, we pray for things based upon our knowledge. However, God knows the entire picture and will move or not move based upon His divine plan. We cannot get so tied up with where we think God should be, that we miss where He really is. We think because God has not done it yet, He will not do it at all. He is just waiting on the correct time. Delay is not denial. God deals in promises and processes. He gives a promise and then sets about a process to make the promise come about. No one likes the process. The process is difficult. If He revealed the process, many would say no thanks to the promise, because the process would be too daunting. However, the process is necessary to achieve the promise. If it were not for the process, we would not appreciate the promise. The disciples were confused at the end of the earthly life of Jesus. They thought they had it all figured out and that they were just getting started, when they saw Jesus hanging on a cross saying, “It is finished.” They only saw the immediate situation. They did not have the benefit of knowing about Revelation 21:6 where it is revealed to John “It is done.” God did not abandon the disciples just as He has not abandoned any of us. The time between finished and done is where the promise is fulfilled. Just because God has finished, it does not mean that He is done. There are times in all of our lives when God intervened just in the nick of time. God knows when to step in and rescue his children. God’s timing is far different from our timing. God owes us no explanation for what He does or does not do or the timing with which He does it. As humans, we pray for things based upon our knowledge. However, God knows the entire picture and will move or not move based upon His divine plan. We cannot get so tied up with where we think God should be, that we miss where He really is. We think because God has not done it yet, He will not do it at all. He is just waiting on the correct time. Delay is not denial. God deals in promises and processes. He gives a promise and then sets about a process to make the promise come about. No one likes the process. The process is difficult. If He revealed the process, many would say no thanks to the promise, because the process would be too daunting. However, the process is necessary to achieve the promise. If it were not for the process, we would not appreciate the promise. The disciples were confused at the end of the earthly life of Jesus. They thought they had it all figured out and that they were just getting started, when they saw Jesus hanging on a cross saying, “It is finished.” They only saw the immediate situation. They did not have the benefit of knowing about Revelation 21:6 where it is revealed to John “It is done.” God did not abandon the disciples just as He has not abandoned any of us. The time between finished and done is where the promise is fulfilled. Just because God has finished, it does not mean that He is done. There are times in all of our lives when God intervened just in the nick of time. God knows when to step in and rescue his children. God’s timing is far different from our timing. God owes us no explanation for what He does or does not do or the tim… Tyler Stevison 2064 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690583/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dwellingbetweenfinishedanddone/id/953453.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690583 Finished,Done,Promise,Process, Scripture: John 19:25-19:30 Sun, 04 Mar 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison If we were to make a list of things that changed history it would be a long list indeed. The invention of gunpowder, the adoption of the trinity as the God head, the discovery of sugar, Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection, the flight of the Wright brothers, the invention of technology and the computer would all make the list. Bro. Stevison looks over the list of life changing events and things and points out that the secular world leaves out the account of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. But Jesus was more than just a man. He was a man, but his identity transformed that. Jesus was God in the flesh. When God became man, He became what He was not, but remained what He was. Bro. Stevison lists several things that Jesus was and did concluding that one of the things that Jesus was is mercy. Son in a sense, not only was Jesus hanging from the cross, mercy was hanging from the cross. He poses the question: What did mercy see while hanging from that cross? Mercy Saw: The accusers – Those that crucified him. The doubter – One of the thieves doubted who Jesus was “If you are who you say you are, get us out of this” The seeker – The other thief knew that Jesus could help his situation. The future – He saw beyond the cross and saw us in our struggles and a people who needed mercy and grace. We make our decisions based upon external influences and human perceptions. Mercy sees things differently than we do. It is a good thing God does not let our past dictate our relationship with Him and the kingdom of God. Jesus saw all from the cross, and said “Father Forgive them.” This declaration is a key to our future. No matter what we have done, Jesus extends mercy and forgives us. Our past will not dictate His extension of mercy and grace. His mercy and grace are new every day. God’s mercy sees us differently than we see ourselves. While he was hanging from the cross, He extended forgiveness for all that had happened to Him. He extends that same forgiveness today. If we were to make a list of things that changed history it would be a long list indeed. The invention of gunpowder, the adoption of the trinity as the God head, the discovery of sugar, Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection, the flight of the Wright brothers, the invention of technology and the computer would all make the list. Bro. Stevison looks over the list of life changing events and things and points out that the secular world leaves out the account of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. But Jesus was more than just a man. He was a man, but his identity transformed that. Jesus was God in the flesh. When God became man, He became what He was not, but remained what He was. Bro. Stevison lists several things that Jesus was and did concluding that one of the things that Jesus was is mercy. Son in a sense, not only was Jesus hanging from the cross, mercy was hanging from the cross. He poses the question: What did mercy see while hanging from that cross? Mercy Saw: The accusers – Those that crucified him. The doubter – One of the thieves doubted who Jesus was “If you are who you say you are, get us out of this” The seeker – The other thief knew that Jesus could help his situation. The future – He saw beyond the cross and saw us in our struggles and a people who needed mercy and grace. We make our decisions based upon external influences and human perceptions. Mercy sees things differently than we do. It is a good thing God does not let our past dictate our relationship with Him and the kingdom of God. Jesus saw all from the cross, and said “Father Forgive them.” This declaration is a key to our future. No matter what we have done, Jesus extends mercy and forgives us. Our past will not dictate His extension of mercy and grace. His mercy and grace are new every day. God’s mercy sees us differently than we see ourselves. While he was hanging from the cross, He extended forgiveness for all that had happened to Him. He extends that same forgiveness today. If we were to make a list of things that changed history it would be a long list indeed. The invention of gunpowder, the adoption of the trinity as the God head, the discovery of sugar, Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection, the flight of the W… Tyler Stevison 1596 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690582/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_mercyspointofview/id/953452.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690582 Mercy,Forgiveness Wed, 29 Feb 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison Worship is more than a physical demonstration of emotion. We associate worship as a public, visible demonstration. The truth is that small things usually mean more than a big demonstration. God desires a relationship, not just a one-night encounter. When we focus on our relationship with God, we will always have the joy and the high of a Sunday night shouting service. Bro. Stevison tells us that worship is a lifestyle. Worship is revealed by time. The thing that we devote our time to will be the thing that we worship. In our text, Jesus speaks to a woman at the well. In their conversation, Jesus introduces a change in the concept of worship. Until Jesus, worship had happened in a specific place; the tabernacle. People had to go to the Tabernacle in order to worship. With Jesus coming and the day of Pentecost, worship changed from a location to being a lifestyle. Jesus tells her that we “must worship him in sprit and truth.” In order to truly worship God, we have to be honest. There is no hiding anything from God. If we are not honest with God, He is not fooled, and our worship will be hindered. Worship is more than a physical demonstration of emotion. We associate worship as a public, visible demonstration. The truth is that small things usually mean more than a big demonstration. God desires a relationship, not just a one-night encounter. When we focus on our relationship with God, we will always have the joy and the high of a Sunday night shouting service. Bro. Stevison tells us that worship is a lifestyle. Worship is revealed by time. The thing that we devote our time to will be the thing that we worship. In our text, Jesus speaks to a woman at the well. In their conversation, Jesus introduces a change in the concept of worship. Until Jesus, worship had happened in a specific place; the tabernacle. People had to go to the Tabernacle in order to worship. With Jesus coming and the day of Pentecost, worship changed from a location to being a lifestyle. Jesus tells her that we “must worship him in sprit and truth.” In order to truly worship God, we have to be honest. There is no hiding anything from God. If we are not honest with God, He is not fooled, and our worship will be hindered. Worship is more than a physical demonstration of emotion. We associate worship as a public, visible demonstration. The truth is that small things usually mean more than a big demonstration. God desires a relationship, not just a one-night encounter.… Tyler Stevison 1822 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690581/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sincereworship/id/953451.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690581 Sincere,Truth,Honest,Lifestyle, Scripture: John 4:7-4:25 Sun, 26 Feb 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison God desires unity. With unity comes peace and delight. When we receive the Holy Ghost, we receive a spirit of unity. When we have unity of purpose and unity of spirit, we can achieve more than we can by working individually. As humans we place more value on what is visible. The visible manifestation of the Holy Ghost is speaking in tongues, but Bro. Stevison points out that even someone who appears to be filled with the Holy Ghost can divide a Church and bring dis-unity. Our minds have a hard time grasping what we cannot see or understand. Invisible opposition will wreak havoc on a church. Someone who appears to be part of the body of Christ and working in opposition to it can do more damage than someone who is backsliding. We cannot deal with the invisible with the visible. The only way to deal with the invisible is with the invisible. We have to fight in the spirit to prevail against these invisible forces. Our responsibility as a church is to pray to bind these invisible forces in the spirit realm and loose restoration. God desires unity. With unity comes peace and delight. When we receive the Holy Ghost, we receive a spirit of unity. When we have unity of purpose and unity of spirit, we can achieve more than we can by working individually. As humans we place more value on what is visible. The visible manifestation of the Holy Ghost is speaking in tongues, but Bro. Stevison points out that even someone who appears to be filled with the Holy Ghost can divide a Church and bring dis-unity. Our minds have a hard time grasping what we cannot see or understand. Invisible opposition will wreak havoc on a church. Someone who appears to be part of the body of Christ and working in opposition to it can do more damage than someone who is backsliding. We cannot deal with the invisible with the visible. The only way to deal with the invisible is with the invisible. We have to fight in the spirit to prevail against these invisible forces. Our responsibility as a church is to pray to bind these invisible forces in the spirit realm and loose restoration. God desires unity. With unity comes peace and delight. When we receive the Holy Ghost, we receive a spirit of unity. When we have unity of purpose and unity of spirit, we can achieve more than we can by working individually. As humans we place more… Tyler Stevison 2029 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690580/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_invisibleopposition/id/953450.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690580 Invisable ,Sprits,Posession Sun, 26 Feb 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison Jesus was a man of miracles, signs and wonders. The church was built upon the same principles. People were drawn to Jesus because they saw miracles, signs, and wonders. As word got out about healings and other miracles, the crowds that sought Him grew. Often Jesus would admonish people to not tell anyone, but when He makes a difference in our life, we cannot help but tell. We have good preaching, good music and good programs, but the real difference maker in our life is the power of Jesus Christ. Miracles do not happen because of great preaching, they happen because of the power of Jesus. If you can believe, God can perform. God is only hindered by our disbelief. Modern convenience and technology has diminished our reliance on the power of God. Our ancestors only had the power of God to rely upon. In those times, the only option was to pray for a sick child, or to believe in the God to provide food. In our time of plenty and convenience, we no longer rely on the power for God. The truth is that the same God that provided for our ancestors can meet our needs today. It gets down to belief. We either believe that God can meet our needs, or fix our situation or we do not. We have gotten to the place in life where we are astonished when God moves. Bro. Stevison declares that we do not need to be astonished; we need to come to church expecting a miracle. We will only get what we expect Jesus was a man of miracles, signs and wonders. The church was built upon the same principles. People were drawn to Jesus because they saw miracles, signs, and wonders. As word got out about healings and other miracles, the crowds that sought Him grew. Often Jesus would admonish people to not tell anyone, but when He makes a difference in our life, we cannot help but tell. We have good preaching, good music and good programs, but the real difference maker in our life is the power of Jesus Christ. Miracles do not happen because of great preaching, they happen because of the power of Jesus. If you can believe, God can perform. God is only hindered by our disbelief. Modern convenience and technology has diminished our reliance on the power of God. Our ancestors only had the power of God to rely upon. In those times, the only option was to pray for a sick child, or to believe in the God to provide food. In our time of plenty and convenience, we no longer rely on the power for God. The truth is that the same God that provided for our ancestors can meet our needs today. It gets down to belief. We either believe that God can meet our needs, or fix our situation or we do not. We have gotten to the place in life where we are astonished when God moves. Bro. Stevison declares that we do not need to be astonished; we need to come to church expecting a miracle. We will only get what we expect Jesus was a man of miracles, signs and wonders. The church was built upon the same principles. People were drawn to Jesus because they saw miracles, signs, and wonders. As word got out about healings and other miracles, the crowds that sought Him gr… Tyler Stevison 1763 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690579/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theextinctionofexpectancy/id/953449.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690579 Expectation,Belief,Faith, Scripture: Mark 5:35-5:43 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison As long as we operate in the flesh, we will never obtain perfection. Even though we cannot attain it, we should strive for perfection. Perfection can be defined as heaven. Used as a verb, perfecting is the process of moving toward perfection. All that we do here on earth is a process of moving toward perfection. Maturing involves dealing with problems and issues in life and learning to deal with them. Often times these problems and issues can be uncomfortable. When you grow it is uncomfortable. Bro. Stevison tells us that the same is true in the spirit. In order to grow spirituality we must endure some trials and issues. It is how deal with these issues that determine if we grow spiritually. If we are to grow spiritually, it will be because we want to. On judgment day it will be about how well we allowed the process of perfecting to work in our life. It takes the process of perfecting in order to attain perfection. Like the clay on the potters wheel, our life will be determined by how pliable we are in the potter’s hand. Bro. Stevison offers Psalm 27 as a blueprint for the perfect Christian. In it he sees 5 points: • Dependency on God (verses 1-3) • Desire for God (verses 4-6) • Divine Assistance (verses 7-10) • Direction from God (verses 11-13) • Delight in God (verse 14) As long as we operate in the flesh, we will never obtain perfection. Even though we cannot attain it, we should strive for perfection. Perfection can be defined as heaven. Used as a verb, perfecting is the process of moving toward perfection. All that we do here on earth is a process of moving toward perfection. Maturing involves dealing with problems and issues in life and learning to deal with them. Often times these problems and issues can be uncomfortable. When you grow it is uncomfortable. Bro. Stevison tells us that the same is true in the spirit. In order to grow spirituality we must endure some trials and issues. It is how deal with these issues that determine if we grow spiritually. If we are to grow spiritually, it will be because we want to. On judgment day it will be about how well we allowed the process of perfecting to work in our life. It takes the process of perfecting in order to attain perfection. Like the clay on the potters wheel, our life will be determined by how pliable we are in the potter’s hand. Bro. Stevison offers Psalm 27 as a blueprint for the perfect Christian. In it he sees 5 points: • Dependency on God (verses 1-3) • Desire for God (verses 4-6) • Divine Assistance (verses 7-10) • Direction from God (verses 11-13) • Delight in God (verse 14) As long as we operate in the flesh, we will never obtain perfection. Even though we cannot attain it, we should strive for perfection. Perfection can be defined as heaven. Used as a verb, perfecting is the process of moving toward perfection. All t… Tyler Stevison 2625 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690578/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theprototypeofaperfectchristia/id/953448.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690578 Perfection,Living for God,Being a Christian Sun, 19 Feb 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison Tomorrow is a thief. Putting off until tomorrow has wasted many opportunities. We think that we will have plenty of time to respond to God. Time is the one think that we cannot recover. We must make good use of the time we have. God’s timing is not the same as our timing. In our text Joseph came out to visit his brothers in the field. Joseph’s brothers despised him because of his dreams. The brothers conspired to kill Joseph. Rueben stopped them from doing that, and convinced the brothers to throw him in a pit. Bro. Stevison speculates that Rueben had a plan to come back and save Joseph. Rueben thought he had time to come back to that pit and save him, but time was not on his side. While he was gone, Rueben’s brothers sold Joseph into slavery. In Rueben’s case time won. Rueben had good intentions, but he ran out of time. People who are away from God are also in a race against time. Too many people are waiting to get their ducks in a row before they respond to God. Bro. Stevison declares that they will never get their ducks in a row. There are many times in the bible where people were going to miss out on a miracle because Jesus was going to walk by. The only way these people got their miracle is that they had to take the opportunity and reach out to Him. They were in a race between time and good intentions. Tomorrow is a thief. Putting off until tomorrow has wasted many opportunities. We think that we will have plenty of time to respond to God. Time is the one think that we cannot recover. We must make good use of the time we have. God’s timing is not the same as our timing. In our text Joseph came out to visit his brothers in the field. Joseph’s brothers despised him because of his dreams. The brothers conspired to kill Joseph. Rueben stopped them from doing that, and convinced the brothers to throw him in a pit. Bro. Stevison speculates that Rueben had a plan to come back and save Joseph. Rueben thought he had time to come back to that pit and save him, but time was not on his side. While he was gone, Rueben’s brothers sold Joseph into slavery. In Rueben’s case time won. Rueben had good intentions, but he ran out of time. People who are away from God are also in a race against time. Too many people are waiting to get their ducks in a row before they respond to God. Bro. Stevison declares that they will never get their ducks in a row. There are many times in the bible where people were going to miss out on a miracle because Jesus was going to walk by. The only way these people got their miracle is that they had to take the opportunity and reach out to Him. They were in a race between time and good intentions. Tomorrow is a thief. Putting off until tomorrow has wasted many opportunities. We think that we will have plenty of time to respond to God. Time is the one think that we cannot recover. We must make good use of the time we have. God’s timing is no… Tyler Stevison 1602 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690576/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theracebetweentimeandgoodinten/id/953446.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690576 Procrastination,Tomorrow,Time, Scripture: Genesis 37:18-37:29 Sun, 19 Feb 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison We live in a day when religion has become a learned behavior. For many, church is a ritual that goes on without any spiritual leading. We must have a clear understanding why we worship God and have church. We are not doing this out of habit or because our parents did it. We are doing this because God commands it. In our text, Sampson was bound with new cords and delivered to the Philistines. The spirit of God came upon him and Sampson began to fight and was victorious over the enemy. We were too were bound by sin. Our fight is in the spirit. Our enemy is not others in the church. That is fighting in the flesh. Our fight is against spirits. Sampson used the jawbone of a donkey for his weapon. Our weapon is our our praise. Praise will keep us through the high times and the low times. God gave Samson a great victory with that jawbone. When he had won the victory, Sampson threw the jawbone down and cried out to God for a drink. God delivered water to Sampson through the same weapon he cast down. Bro. Stevison declares that too many people cast down their weapon and cry out to God. Before we cry out to God that we are in a dry place, we need to find our weapon of praise. If we can get back to our praise, God will turn it into a well of blessing. We live in a day when religion has become a learned behavior. For many, church is a ritual that goes on without any spiritual leading. We must have a clear understanding why we worship God and have church. We are not doing this out of habit or because our parents did it. We are doing this because God commands it. In our text, Sampson was bound with new cords and delivered to the Philistines. The spirit of God came upon him and Sampson began to fight and was victorious over the enemy. We were too were bound by sin. Our fight is in the spirit. Our enemy is not others in the church. That is fighting in the flesh. Our fight is against spirits. Sampson used the jawbone of a donkey for his weapon. Our weapon is our our praise. Praise will keep us through the high times and the low times. God gave Samson a great victory with that jawbone. When he had won the victory, Sampson threw the jawbone down and cried out to God for a drink. God delivered water to Sampson through the same weapon he cast down. Bro. Stevison declares that too many people cast down their weapon and cry out to God. Before we cry out to God that we are in a dry place, we need to find our weapon of praise. If we can get back to our praise, God will turn it into a well of blessing. We live in a day when religion has become a learned behavior. For many, church is a ritual that goes on without any spiritual leading. We must have a clear understanding why we worship God and have church. We are not doing this out of habit or becau… Tyler Stevison 1208 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690577/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenyourweaponbecomesawell/id/953447.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690577 Praise,Weapon,Bound, Scripture: Judges 15:11-15:20 Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison Human perception causes people to act or react to situations based upon their opinions and understanding of that situation. Perception is relative to each person. One person may not act and react to a situation in the same way that another person. Perception is the act of observing a situation and building an opinion about that situation based on human emotion and senses and experience. Our perception of a situation will either hinder or elevate us. In our text, Saul was celebrating the victory over the philistines. Somewhere in the midst of the celebration, he became displeased with how much attention was paid to David. At that moment, Saul crossed the line between delight and displeasure. Saul’s perception of what was said about David, caused him to change his opinion of him. This change in perception forever changed the relationship between Saul and David. Perceptions will color the way that we see and react to situations. Perceptions can cause offense, division, and strife among people. We must guard against our perceptions causing new problems or making existing problems worse. The bridge between delight and displeasure is perception. Human perception causes people to act or react to situations based upon their opinions and understanding of that situation. Perception is relative to each person. One person may not act and react to a situation in the same way that another person. Perception is the act of observing a situation and building an opinion about that situation based on human emotion and senses and experience. Our perception of a situation will either hinder or elevate us. In our text, Saul was celebrating the victory over the philistines. Somewhere in the midst of the celebration, he became displeased with how much attention was paid to David. At that moment, Saul crossed the line between delight and displeasure. Saul’s perception of what was said about David, caused him to change his opinion of him. This change in perception forever changed the relationship between Saul and David. Perceptions will color the way that we see and react to situations. Perceptions can cause offense, division, and strife among people. We must guard against our perceptions causing new problems or making existing problems worse. The bridge between delight and displeasure is perception. Human perception causes people to act or react to situations based upon their opinions and understanding of that situation. Perception is relative to each person. One person may not act and react to a situation in the same way that another person. Pe… Tyler Stevison 1970 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690575/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thebridgebetweendelightanddisp/id/953445.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690575 Perception,Emotions,Displeasure Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison Independence is a wonderful thing. We like to exercise our independence. We like to be in control and make our own decisions. Many young people cannot wait to gain their independence and to make their own decisions. These decisions have consequences however. They affect our parents, our families, and us. Independence is not a bad thing as long as we remember that we must always be dependent upon God. In our text, the young man thought he knew what was best for his life and then set out to fulfill his heart’s desire. We do not know the time frame, but we do know that in a short time, he had squandered all he had and was broke and was surly not living the life that he had envisioned. His life had taken a path that led him to a place that he never thought we would be. He exercised his independence but he alienated himself from the people that loved him. It finally got bad enough and he began to reflect on the choices he made and the situation in his life. He finally came to himself. Before he could escape the pig pin, he had to come to terms with himself. He bottomed out and had run out of options. Finally he decided that he was better off in his father’s house than being in the world. The prodigal did not go seeking the presents of his father, but simply to be in his presence. There is a second prodigal in this story. The father, when he saw his son far off, ran to his son and showered his love, mercy, and compassion upon his son. There is not sin too great, past too dark, or failing too large that God will not love us and welcome us back with open arms and sufficient grace and mercy to provide complete restoration. Independence is a wonderful thing. We like to exercise our independence. We like to be in control and make our own decisions. Many young people cannot wait to gain their independence and to make their own decisions. These decisions have consequences however. They affect our parents, our families, and us. Independence is not a bad thing as long as we remember that we must always be dependent upon God. In our text, the young man thought he knew what was best for his life and then set out to fulfill his heart’s desire. We do not know the time frame, but we do know that in a short time, he had squandered all he had and was broke and was surly not living the life that he had envisioned. His life had taken a path that led him to a place that he never thought we would be. He exercised his independence but he alienated himself from the people that loved him. It finally got bad enough and he began to reflect on the choices he made and the situation in his life. He finally came to himself. Before he could escape the pig pin, he had to come to terms with himself. He bottomed out and had run out of options. Finally he decided that he was better off in his father’s house than being in the world. The prodigal did not go seeking the presents of his father, but simply to be in his presence. There is a second prodigal in this story. The father, when he saw his son far off, ran to his son and showered his love, mercy, and compassion upon his son. There is not sin too great, past too dark, or failing too large that God will not love us and welcome us back with open arms and sufficient grace and mercy to provide complete restoration. Independence is a wonderful thing. We like to exercise our independence. We like to be in control and make our own decisions. Many young people cannot wait to gain their independence and to make their own decisions. These decisions have consequence… Tyler Stevison 2089 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690574/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ataleoftwoprodigals/id/953444.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690574 Prodigal,Mercy,Grace,Bottomed out Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison Our world has experienced a monumental generational shift. Previous generations were accustomed to physical labor. They knew what it was to work the fields or work the livestock. The man that didn’t work didn’t eat. Our culture has enjoyed such increase, that many no longer know the concept of working because it has to be done. This same mentality has taken over the spiritual realm. Many do not do the things that they know need to be done because it is inconvenient or unpleasant. It is our responsibility to but forth the effort to live for God to the best of our ability. Our text tells us “having done all, to stand.” A word search in the bible shows that stand in all of it’s tenses far out paces all forms of sit. Standing implies readiness, willingness and ability to respond. Sitting implies laziness and an unwillingness to do what needs to be done. God is still in control. He does not expect us to be able to explain His methods; He just wants us to stand. Standing involves doing what is right when it is not the easiest thing to do. Sitting, doing nothing, spiritual inactivity is not what God desires. God expects us to stand. We must make up our minds that we will stand for God no matter what. Our world has experienced a monumental generational shift. Previous generations were accustomed to physical labor. They knew what it was to work the fields or work the livestock. The man that didn’t work didn’t eat. Our culture has enjoyed such increase, that many no longer know the concept of working because it has to be done. This same mentality has taken over the spiritual realm. Many do not do the things that they know need to be done because it is inconvenient or unpleasant. It is our responsibility to but forth the effort to live for God to the best of our ability. Our text tells us “having done all, to stand.” A word search in the bible shows that stand in all of it’s tenses far out paces all forms of sit. Standing implies readiness, willingness and ability to respond. Sitting implies laziness and an unwillingness to do what needs to be done. God is still in control. He does not expect us to be able to explain His methods; He just wants us to stand. Standing involves doing what is right when it is not the easiest thing to do. Sitting, doing nothing, spiritual inactivity is not what God desires. God expects us to stand. We must make up our minds that we will stand for God no matter what. Our world has experienced a monumental generational shift. Previous generations were accustomed to physical labor. They knew what it was to work the fields or work the livestock. The man that didn’t work didn’t eat. Our culture has enjoyed such inc… Tyler Stevison 2262 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690573/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_standingwhensittingiseasier/id/953443.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690573 Stand,Fight,Defense Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison Some people have misconceptions when it comes to the church. This is not about a denomination or a particular movement. The church is not about family. It is about serving God. Many times in the bible, obedience was the determining factor between blessing and destruction. In our text Saul was instructed to kill the Amalekites and everything that was associated with them. He only partially obeyed and allowed the Agag and the animals to live. Bro. Stevisen tells us that partial obedience is disobedience. Saul tried to please the man of God, but not do everything that the man of God told him. If you are not going to do what the man of God tells you, don’t ask for his advice. God said everything had to die, but Saul didn’t do it. Samuel had to take up the sword and kill the Agag. Samuel was not the bad guy, he was doing the will of God. Each of us has a Agag in our life that God has told us to kill. If we refuse to kill the Agag in our life, he will rule us. If God declares it must die, it must. Being a Christian means being obedient to the word of God. Some people have misconceptions when it comes to the church. This is not about a denomination or a particular movement. The church is not about family. It is about serving God. Many times in the bible, obedience was the determining factor between blessing and destruction. In our text Saul was instructed to kill the Amalekites and everything that was associated with them. He only partially obeyed and allowed the Agag and the animals to live. Bro. Stevisen tells us that partial obedience is disobedience. Saul tried to please the man of God, but not do everything that the man of God told him. If you are not going to do what the man of God tells you, don’t ask for his advice. God said everything had to die, but Saul didn’t do it. Samuel had to take up the sword and kill the Agag. Samuel was not the bad guy, he was doing the will of God. Each of us has a Agag in our life that God has told us to kill. If we refuse to kill the Agag in our life, he will rule us. If God declares it must die, it must. Being a Christian means being obedient to the word of God. Some people have misconceptions when it comes to the church. This is not about a denomination or a particular movement. The church is not about family. It is about serving God. Many times in the bible, obedience was the determining factor between bl… Tyler Stevison 2432 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690572/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_onthebrinkofobedience/id/953442.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690572 Obedience,Submission Sun, 05 Feb 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison The church; the body of Christ is the greatest thing going today. There is not greater entity on this earth than God’s church. Regardless of who the pastor is, who is leading singing, or who is greeting visitors, it is God’s church. Some people in church get stuck on a way of doing things. “That’s my pew, I sit there” “That’s my job, I do that.” Bro. Stevison declares that none of that matters, because this is God’s church. In our text, Jesus asks the disciples “Who do men say that I am?” They give various answers, and then He asks: “Who do YOU say that I am?” Simon answers, and Jesus then declares, “Upon this rock I will build My church.” The rock is not Peter, but the revelation of who Jesus is. Jesus says that the gates of hell will not prevail against His church. Bro. Stevinson tells us that this means that the gates of hell will TRY to prevail against the church. The bible tells us that the devil will come as a roaring lion or a subtle serpent. It is easy to see the roaring lion, but the subtle serpent is harder to see. The church is full of people who are possessed by this subtle serpent sprit. The look the part, but they cause division, and discord in God’s church. The enemy will use people of influence to accomplish his work. These subtle serpents will inhabit a church and inhibit its growth. The church cannot grow as long as people will not grow up and mature in their relationship with God. At some point, God will cast off those things that inhibit the growth of His church. The church; the body of Christ is the greatest thing going today. There is not greater entity on this earth than God’s church. Regardless of who the pastor is, who is leading singing, or who is greeting visitors, it is God’s church. Some people in church get stuck on a way of doing things. “That’s my pew, I sit there” “That’s my job, I do that.” Bro. Stevison declares that none of that matters, because this is God’s church. In our text, Jesus asks the disciples “Who do men say that I am?” They give various answers, and then He asks: “Who do YOU say that I am?” Simon answers, and Jesus then declares, “Upon this rock I will build My church.” The rock is not Peter, but the revelation of who Jesus is. Jesus says that the gates of hell will not prevail against His church. Bro. Stevinson tells us that this means that the gates of hell will TRY to prevail against the church. The bible tells us that the devil will come as a roaring lion or a subtle serpent. It is easy to see the roaring lion, but the subtle serpent is harder to see. The church is full of people who are possessed by this subtle serpent sprit. The look the part, but they cause division, and discord in God’s church. The enemy will use people of influence to accomplish his work. These subtle serpents will inhabit a church and inhibit its growth. The church cannot grow as long as people will not grow up and mature in their relationship with God. At some point, God will cast off those things that inhibit the growth of His church. The church; the body of Christ is the greatest thing going today. There is not greater entity on this earth than God’s church. Regardless of who the pastor is, who is leading singing, or who is greeting visitors, it is God’s church. Some people in c… Tyler Stevison 2293 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690571/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thechurchthatgodbuilt/id/953441.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690571 God's Church,Church,Ministry Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes It would be great if things in life would work out like we envisioned them. Often we prepare to do something and as soon as we begin speaking, the exchange does not go as we expected. Most of us do not envision the pitfalls in our plans. We miss the things that can distract us or get in the way of what we are trying to do. Bro. Hughes asks the question: “What do we do when we find difficulties in the path of what we believe God is doing in our life?” “What do you do when change does not come easy?” In our text, we have an answer to that question: We must let God work until He is finished, and not give up before He has completed His work. The bible tells us that Jesus spit into the blind man’s eyes. That cannot have been a comfortable situation for him, but surly he was willing to submit to whatever means Jesus had in mind in order to restore his sight. We do not always like the methods that God uses, but we must do it God’s way. This story is the only biblical account of a progressive miracle. All the others were instantaneous. This miracle shows us that sometime we have to wait on God to complete the work He is doing. If the blind man had walked away after the first touch, he would not have been made whole. He went from blind to being able to see a little. God never does a half work in our life. Whatever God begins, He begins for the purpose of total restoration and we must stick around for the complete work. Do we want things to be better, or do we want them to be restored? If we get a little blessing and then go away, likely we will be back in the same situation again. Bro. Hughes declare that he would rather let the work be finished and not walk away before He gets though doing what He is wanting to do. It would be great if things in life would work out like we envisioned them. Often we prepare to do something and as soon as we begin speaking, the exchange does not go as we expected. Most of us do not envision the pitfalls in our plans. We miss the things that can distract us or get in the way of what we are trying to do. Bro. Hughes asks the question: “What do we do when we find difficulties in the path of what we believe God is doing in our life?” “What do you do when change does not come easy?” In our text, we have an answer to that question: We must let God work until He is finished, and not give up before He has completed His work. The bible tells us that Jesus spit into the blind man’s eyes. That cannot have been a comfortable situation for him, but surly he was willing to submit to whatever means Jesus had in mind in order to restore his sight. We do not always like the methods that God uses, but we must do it God’s way. This story is the only biblical account of a progressive miracle. All the others were instantaneous. This miracle shows us that sometime we have to wait on God to complete the work He is doing. If the blind man had walked away after the first touch, he would not have been made whole. He went from blind to being able to see a little. God never does a half work in our life. Whatever God begins, He begins for the purpose of total restoration and we must stick around for the complete work. Do we want things to be better, or do we want them to be restored? If we get a little blessing and then go away, likely we will be back in the same situation again. Bro. Hughes declare that he would rather let the work be finished and not walk away before He gets though doing what He is wanting to do. It would be great if things in life would work out like we envisioned them. Often we prepare to do something and as soon as we begin speaking, the exchange does not go as we expected. Most of us do not envision the pitfalls in our plans. We miss the… Mark Hughes 1526 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690570/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_improvementorrestoration/id/953440.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690570 Improvement,Restoration,Complete,Finish Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Tyler Stevison There are two spirits that have been warring since the beginning of time: The spirit of truth and the spirit of error. With the introduction of sin came the sprit of bondage. Due to the original sin, all men are born into the bondage of sin. God wants everyone to be free. It is not God’s will that we live a life of bondage. When we receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost, we are made new and are not longer bound. We may remember the things of the past, but when the blood is applied to our life, we are no longer bound by the sins of the past. We are liberated by the power of the Holy Ghost. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Once God sets us free, He has done His part. It then becomes our responsibility to stay free. There are two spirits that have been warring since the beginning of time: The spirit of truth and the spirit of error. With the introduction of sin came the sprit of bondage. Due to the original sin, all men are born into the bondage of sin. God wants everyone to be free. It is not God’s will that we live a life of bondage. When we receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost, we are made new and are not longer bound. We may remember the things of the past, but when the blood is applied to our life, we are no longer bound by the sins of the past. We are liberated by the power of the Holy Ghost. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Once God sets us free, He has done His part. It then becomes our responsibility to stay free. There are two spirits that have been warring since the beginning of time: The spirit of truth and the spirit of error. With the introduction of sin came the sprit of bondage. Due to the original sin, all men are born into the bondage of sin. God wa… Tyler Stevison 1655 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690569/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_oncefreedtwicebound/id/953439.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690569 Bound,Sin,Holy Spirit,Free Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Many people have gone to the story of Job when they go through a struggle in order to find strength and direction. The story of Job is one of a good man who went through a bad time. He was a Godly man who endured great heartache and pain. The bible says that the Godly man will be persecuted. God knows what He is going to do, and the reason for doing it. One of the great mysteries of life is understanding God’s methods in working on our lives. It is hard to understand that in order to go up, we must go down. For God to tell us that our life will get worse before it gets better is a difficult realization to have. Each of us can look back on our lives and see the hand of God in situations that we have gone through. The problem is that we can clearly see that hand, but we miss that hand in our current situation. God does not waste his time working on hopeless situations. Therefore if God is working on us by putting us through a trial, we should rejoice that God is working on a worthwhile thing. Our text talks about God being hidden. This does not mean that He was hiding from Job, but that Job needed to seek Him in order to receive his blessing. Searching releases answers in our lives. We are at our best when we are seeking for God. There are times when we need more than good advice and a pat on the back; we need the word of God in our life. Job lost everything. He couldn’t turn to his children; they were dead. He couldn’t turn to his wife, or his friends. He couldn’t look to himself. He could only turn to God. He said that there is nothing behind me, nothing to my right or left and nothing in front of me, but if I will seek God, he will know that he knows where I am. Bro. Hughes tells us that most drowning victims drown because they panic. The truth is that if the drowning victim would relax that they would float because the body is naturally buoyant. Many people drown spiritually because the buck and fight against what God is telling them to do. If we will simply trust Him, he will not allow anything to come into our lives that we cannot handle. If we will look around we will find God. Job said “God knows the way that I take.” Right after that he said “when He hath tried me.” The use of when implies that there is a time limit on the trial. And when that trial is over: he said “I shall come forth as gold.” When all the fire and boiling is over, we will shine brighter than we ever have. In every trial, we must rejoice at the opportunity. We may be in turmoil not, but God will bring us out a better person. Many people have gone to the story of Job when they go through a struggle in order to find strength and direction. The story of Job is one of a good man who went through a bad time. He was a Godly man who endured great heartache and pain. The bible says that the Godly man will be persecuted. God knows what He is going to do, and the reason for doing it. One of the great mysteries of life is understanding God’s methods in working on our lives. It is hard to understand that in order to go up, we must go down. For God to tell us that our life will get worse before it gets better is a difficult realization to have. Each of us can look back on our lives and see the hand of God in situations that we have gone through. The problem is that we can clearly see that hand, but we miss that hand in our current situation. God does not waste his time working on hopeless situations. Therefore if God is working on us by putting us through a trial, we should rejoice that God is working on a worthwhile thing. Our text talks about God being hidden. This does not mean that He was hiding from Job, but that Job needed to seek Him in order to receive his blessing. Searching releases answers in our lives. We are at our best when we are seeking for God. There are times when we need more than good advice and a pat on the back; we need the word of God in our life. Job lost everything. He couldn’t turn to his children; they were dead. He couldn’t turn to his wife, or his friends. He couldn’t look to himself. He could only turn to God. He said that there is nothing behind me, nothing to my right or left and nothing in front of me, but if I will seek God, he will know that he knows where I am. Bro. Hughes tells us that most drowning victims drown because they panic. The truth is that if the drowning victim would relax that they would float because the body is naturally buoyant. Many people drown spiritually because the buck and fight against what God is telling them to do. If we will simply trust Him, he will not allow anything to come into our lives that we cannot handle. If we will look around we will find God. Job said “God knows the way that I take.” Right after that he said “when He hath tried me.” The use of when implies that there is a time limit on the trial. And when that trial is over: he said “I shall come forth as gold.” When all the fire and boiling is over, we will shine brighter than we ever have. In every trial, we must rejoice at the opportunity. We may be in turmoil not, but God will bring us out a better person. Many people have gone to the story of Job when they go through a struggle in order to find strength and direction. The story of Job is one of a good man who went through a bad time. He was a Godly man who endured great heartache and pain. The bible … Mark Hughes 1833 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690568/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenyoucannotfindwhatyouareloo/id/953438.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690568 Job,looking,seeking, Scripture: Job 23:8-23:12, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 22 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes There are times in life where the burden of life gets so heavy that we feel as if it will crush the very life out of us. Life is that way. Thing swill be going along just fine, and then at a moments notice, we find ourselves in a storm. Bro. Hughes refers to such situations as a trying place. Our text tells of a man named Joseph who found himself sold into slavery by his brothers. He was falsely accused, sent to prison, and forgotten. Through all of this, the bible tells us that the Lord was with Joseph even in his trying place. It would be easy to understand that God would be with him in his home, but even in the terrible situations that Joseph found himself in life, God was still with him. Joseph is a study of how we should conduct ourselves in times when we find ourselves in out trying places. Joseph was a good man in a bad situation, but God was with him. The Lord may be with us but we can still suffer pain, humiliation, shame and everything else that Joseph endured. Even with all he endured, Joseph never became what his situation made it to appear. Egypt tried everything they could to defeat him, but Joseph always maintained who he was: A Child of God! No matter what happened in his life, Joseph acknowledged God in all things. Even in our trying place, we can still enjoy the presence of God! Joseph demonstrated the wisdom of silence while he lived in his trying place. The bible doesn’t record a time when Joseph spoke out or complained about his circumstance. We might have to repent from what we said, but we will never have to repent for our silence. Through all that Joseph had to endure, he remained compassionate and tender. He realized that he was not the only one going through a trying time. He looked around in prison; he looked around in slavery; and saw others that were in the same situation. Joseph realized that his situation was not permanent. It was not his home. It was not what God called him to be. He was simply living through a trying place. Each of us will find ourselves in trying places as we live our life. Even in these trying places, we are still a child of God. There are times in life where the burden of life gets so heavy that we feel as if it will crush the very life out of us. Life is that way. Thing swill be going along just fine, and then at a moments notice, we find ourselves in a storm. Bro. Hughes refers to such situations as a trying place. Our text tells of a man named Joseph who found himself sold into slavery by his brothers. He was falsely accused, sent to prison, and forgotten. Through all of this, the bible tells us that the Lord was with Joseph even in his trying place. It would be easy to understand that God would be with him in his home, but even in the terrible situations that Joseph found himself in life, God was still with him. Joseph is a study of how we should conduct ourselves in times when we find ourselves in out trying places. Joseph was a good man in a bad situation, but God was with him. The Lord may be with us but we can still suffer pain, humiliation, shame and everything else that Joseph endured. Even with all he endured, Joseph never became what his situation made it to appear. Egypt tried everything they could to defeat him, but Joseph always maintained who he was: A Child of God! No matter what happened in his life, Joseph acknowledged God in all things. Even in our trying place, we can still enjoy the presence of God! Joseph demonstrated the wisdom of silence while he lived in his trying place. The bible doesn’t record a time when Joseph spoke out or complained about his circumstance. We might have to repent from what we said, but we will never have to repent for our silence. Through all that Joseph had to endure, he remained compassionate and tender. He realized that he was not the only one going through a trying time. He looked around in prison; he looked around in slavery; and saw others that were in the same situation. Joseph realized that his situation was not permanent. It was not his home. It was not what God called him to be. He was simply living through a trying place. Each of us will find ourselves in trying places as we live our life. Even in these trying places, we are still a child of God. There are times in life where the burden of life gets so heavy that we feel as if it will crush the very life out of us. Life is that way. Thing swill be going along just fine, and then at a moments notice, we find ourselves in a storm. Bro. Hughes … Mark Hughes 2740 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690567/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_livingthroughtryingplaces/id/953437.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690567 Trying,Trial,Faithful, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 15 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes There are many things in life that are uncertain, but the Word of God is certain. God said it like it needed to be said, and we must accept it as that. Our three scripture texts appear to have nothing in common. Bro. Hughes points out however that there is a single word that is common to all three. The word yet appears in all three. This one word appears in our texts and means a continuance or an expectation of the future. In all three stories, the word yet tells us that the situations in which they are used is not over until God decides it is over. What a wonderful promise we have that nothing is settled until God settles it. There is yet Grace, there is yet mercy, there is yet hope. The simple truth is that all of us live our lives in hope. Things might not be right at the moment, but we have hope that tomorrow will be better. More than hope, we have God’s promise that better days lay before us because God is yet to do something. My children may be lost, but God is not through YET. My home may be troubled, but God is not through YET. My life may not be where it needs to be, but God is not through YET. Yet I will be what God has called me to become. Yet my family will be where God wants them to be. The devil may be telling you that there is no hope of recovery, but God tells us that there is YET hope. God said all things are possible to him that believes. Weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning! The situation is not better YET, but it ain’t over until God says it is over. There are many things in life that are uncertain, but the Word of God is certain. God said it like it needed to be said, and we must accept it as that. Our three scripture texts appear to have nothing in common. Bro. Hughes points out however that there is a single word that is common to all three. The word yet appears in all three. This one word appears in our texts and means a continuance or an expectation of the future. In all three stories, the word yet tells us that the situations in which they are used is not over until God decides it is over. What a wonderful promise we have that nothing is settled until God settles it. There is yet Grace, there is yet mercy, there is yet hope. The simple truth is that all of us live our lives in hope. Things might not be right at the moment, but we have hope that tomorrow will be better. More than hope, we have God’s promise that better days lay before us because God is yet to do something. My children may be lost, but God is not through YET. My home may be troubled, but God is not through YET. My life may not be where it needs to be, but God is not through YET. Yet I will be what God has called me to become. Yet my family will be where God wants them to be. The devil may be telling you that there is no hope of recovery, but God tells us that there is YET hope. God said all things are possible to him that believes. Weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning! The situation is not better YET, but it ain’t over until God says it is over. There are many things in life that are uncertain, but the Word of God is certain. God said it like it needed to be said, and we must accept it as that. Our three scripture texts appear to have nothing in common. Bro. Hughes points out however that t… Mark Hughes 2398 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690566/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itaintoveruntilhesaysitsover/id/953436.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690566 Yet,not finished,still working on me, Scripture: Genesis 7:4-7:5, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 11 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Changes in life seldom come easily. Change brings with it a certain amount of discomfort and pain. Pain is one of the motivators of change. When things get bad enough and we hurt enough, then we get up and decide to change. Pressure is another motivator. If enough pressure it brought to bear, people will change. The problem is that when the pressure subsides, we often go back to how things were before. The best motivator for change is a revelation. A vision of a better life is a positive motivator that can often produce the best results. Bro. Hughes says that many people’s lives are like the baggage claim at the airport. Things go around in circles. Things are moving, but even given all that motion, the same thing comes around time after time. Many people can describe their life as being in a rut. A rut is a low place in life. Bro. Hughes is quick to explain that a rut is not a routine. A routine is a good thing in life. A rut is something that is a tedious drudgery. It is miserable. Ruts are difficult to navigate. In life we can get into a rut, and it may seem like we will never get out of it. A rut will not go away by itself. Bro. Hughes offers these points to help get out of a rut. • Stop waiting for someone to rescue you from your problem. • Stop looking in the wrong places. • Stop feeling sorry for yourself. • Stop hoping for a solution and create one. Our text introduces us to a blind man named Bartimaeus. This man teaches us how to get out of a rut. The bible tells us that when he heard that it was Jesus HE began to cry out. He didn’t rely on someone else; HE began to cry out to try to change his situation. Getting out of a rut begins when we quit making excuses and we get up and begin to make a change. Bartimaeus recognized the time of his opportunity. When he recognized that it as Jesus, he recognized that his best hope for being healed was there. Bartimaeus didn’t worry about what people around him were saying about him. They tried to quite him down, but Bartimaeus didn’t care, he cried out louder. Bartimaeus said what he wanted. When Jesus ask him what he wanted, Bartimaeus told him without hesitation. Finally, Bartimaeus did something bold to get out of his rut. He cast off his garment that identified him as being blind and left it on the side of the road. The resulting blessing of breaking out of his rut changed Bartimaeus’ life forever. Changes in life seldom come easily. Change brings with it a certain amount of discomfort and pain. Pain is one of the motivators of change. When things get bad enough and we hurt enough, then we get up and decide to change. Pressure is another motivator. If enough pressure it brought to bear, people will change. The problem is that when the pressure subsides, we often go back to how things were before. The best motivator for change is a revelation. A vision of a better life is a positive motivator that can often produce the best results. Bro. Hughes says that many people’s lives are like the baggage claim at the airport. Things go around in circles. Things are moving, but even given all that motion, the same thing comes around time after time. Many people can describe their life as being in a rut. A rut is a low place in life. Bro. Hughes is quick to explain that a rut is not a routine. A routine is a good thing in life. A rut is something that is a tedious drudgery. It is miserable. Ruts are difficult to navigate. In life we can get into a rut, and it may seem like we will never get out of it. A rut will not go away by itself. Bro. Hughes offers these points to help get out of a rut. • Stop waiting for someone to rescue you from your problem. • Stop looking in the wrong places. • Stop feeling sorry for yourself. • Stop hoping for a solution and create one. Our text introduces us to a blind man named Bartimaeus. This man teaches us how to get out of a rut. The bible tells us that when he heard that it was Jesus HE began to cry out. He didn’t rely on someone else; HE began to cry out to try to change his situation. Getting out of a rut begins when we quit making excuses and we get up and begin to make a change. Bartimaeus recognized the time of his opportunity. When he recognized that it as Jesus, he recognized that his best hope for being healed was there. Bartimaeus didn’t worry about what people around him were saying about him. They tried to quite him down, but Bartimaeus didn’t care, he cried out louder. Bartimaeus said what he wanted. When Jesus ask him what he wanted, Bartimaeus told him without hesitation. Finally, Bartimaeus did something bold to get out of his rut. He cast off his garment that identified him as being blind and left it on the side of the road. The resulting blessing of breaking out of his rut changed Bartimaeus’ life forever. Changes in life seldom come easily. Change brings with it a certain amount of discomfort and pain. Pain is one of the motivators of change. When things get bad enough and we hurt enough, then we get up and decide to change. Pressure is another moti… Mark Hughes 2850 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690565/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sittingbythesideoftheroad/id/953435.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690565 Rut,Change Sun, 08 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Robert Frizzell Awesome, epic, and excellence all have lost their meaning because they have been used in common language improperly. We speak in superlatives. We call something excellent or awesome when whatever we are talking about does not meet those criteria. Excellence is going above and beyond exceptional. It is significantly better than normal. God has expectations for our lives and the truth is that most of us live at normal or average. Bro. Frizzell tells us that we must strive to live a live that is above average and that strives for excellence. In order to do this, we have to live what we say. We cannot simply say “I’ll pray for you” We must say “I’ll pray for you” and then actually pray for that person! In order to be excellent, we must desire to please God and then do those things that we need to do in order to please Him. God chooses how we will serve Him, not the other way around. We have to find out what our purpose in life. What is it that God has designated for us to do? Ask the questions: Does my life glorify God? Does my life justify the sacrifice on Calvary? Is my life worship to the Lord? It is our responsibility if we are to excel is to know Him. The only way to know Him is to pray. By praying (and praying correctly) we learn what God desires for us by listening to Him. Awesome, epic, and excellence all have lost their meaning because they have been used in common language improperly. We speak in superlatives. We call something excellent or awesome when whatever we are talking about does not meet those criteria. Excellence is going above and beyond exceptional. It is significantly better than normal. God has expectations for our lives and the truth is that most of us live at normal or average. Bro. Frizzell tells us that we must strive to live a live that is above average and that strives for excellence. In order to do this, we have to live what we say. We cannot simply say “I’ll pray for you” We must say “I’ll pray for you” and then actually pray for that person! In order to be excellent, we must desire to please God and then do those things that we need to do in order to please Him. God chooses how we will serve Him, not the other way around. We have to find out what our purpose in life. What is it that God has designated for us to do? Ask the questions: Does my life glorify God? Does my life justify the sacrifice on Calvary? Is my life worship to the Lord? It is our responsibility if we are to excel is to know Him. The only way to know Him is to pray. By praying (and praying correctly) we learn what God desires for us by listening to Him. Awesome, epic, and excellence all have lost their meaning because they have been used in common language improperly. We speak in superlatives. We call something excellent or awesome when whatever we are talking about does not meet those criteria. Ex… Robert Frizzell 4628 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690564/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_excellence/id/953434.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690564 Power,Prayer,Purpose,Perception, Scripture: Daniel 5:12-5:13 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Life has its ups and downs. We all experience trouble, perplexities, adversities and pressures. Being a child of God does not exempt us from having to live through these things in life. Life has a way of humbling all of us. At times, life will bring us to our knees because in a moment’s time, life can change. Paul writing to the Corinthian church makes a simple statement. We may be surrounded by trouble, but we will live in victory. Life does not determine our destiny; our response to life will determine our destiny. How we respond to the trials and tribulations in life will chart course of our life and will ultimately determine our eternity. Paul says, “We are troubled on every side, but not distressed”. The word used for trouble means pressure. He didn’t say MIGHT BE; he said ARE troubled. We will all experience pressure: on our job, in our marriage, in our relationships. By leaning our faith and relationship with God, we can overcome anything. We can be troubled, but how we respond to that trouble is up to us. Paul tells us that it is possible to be in a world where there is pressure, but not be overwhelmed. The bible tells us that no matter what pressure is brought to bear in our life, God has made a way out. This is contrary to what the world tells us. The world will tell us that there is no hope, and no way out. We can get out of it, if we will just stay with God. Out text says that we are perplexed, but not in despair. The word perplexed means confused. Life has a way of throwing things at us and we have no idea how to respond. Sometimes the pressure is so great that we become confuse and at our wits end. Paul tells us that we can be at our wits end, but not be at our faith’s end. Though we may be confused, God is not. God is never at His wits end. Life does not depend upon my knowledge of the big picture. It depends on His knowledge of the big picture. Even though we may be perplexed, we can rely on God. Paul says that we are persecuted but not forsaken. We suffer undeserved things, but God will never abandon us. God will never leave nor forsake us. There is nothing in the world that can alter the loyalty of God. People, friends, loved ones, our job may all forsake us, but God never will. God is on our side. Out text concludes by saying we may be knocked down, but we are not knocked out. We cannot get through life without being hit. However, we must get back up after we are hit and continue on. God’s promise is that He is on our side, and that no matter how many times we get knocked down, He will be there to help us get back up. Life has its ups and downs. We all experience trouble, perplexities, adversities and pressures. Being a child of God does not exempt us from having to live through these things in life. Life has a way of humbling all of us. At times, life will bring us to our knees because in a moment’s time, life can change. Paul writing to the Corinthian church makes a simple statement. We may be surrounded by trouble, but we will live in victory. Life does not determine our destiny; our response to life will determine our destiny. How we respond to the trials and tribulations in life will chart course of our life and will ultimately determine our eternity. Paul says, “We are troubled on every side, but not distressed”. The word used for trouble means pressure. He didn’t say MIGHT BE; he said ARE troubled. We will all experience pressure: on our job, in our marriage, in our relationships. By leaning our faith and relationship with God, we can overcome anything. We can be troubled, but how we respond to that trouble is up to us. Paul tells us that it is possible to be in a world where there is pressure, but not be overwhelmed. The bible tells us that no matter what pressure is brought to bear in our life, God has made a way out. This is contrary to what the world tells us. The world will tell us that there is no hope, and no way out. We can get out of it, if we will just stay with God. Out text says that we are perplexed, but not in despair. The word perplexed means confused. Life has a way of throwing things at us and we have no idea how to respond. Sometimes the pressure is so great that we become confuse and at our wits end. Paul tells us that we can be at our wits end, but not be at our faith’s end. Though we may be confused, God is not. God is never at His wits end. Life does not depend upon my knowledge of the big picture. It depends on His knowledge of the big picture. Even though we may be perplexed, we can rely on God. Paul says that we are persecuted but not forsaken. We suffer undeserved things, but God will never abandon us. God will never leave nor forsake us. There is nothing in the world that can alter the loyalty of God. People, friends, loved ones, our job may all forsake us, but God never will. God is on our side. Out text concludes by saying we may be knocked down, but we are not knocked out. We cannot get through life without being hit. However, we must get back up after we are hit and continue on. God’s promise is that He is on our side, and that no matter how many times we get knocked down, He will be there to help us get back up. Life has its ups and downs. We all experience trouble, perplexities, adversities and pressures. Being a child of God does not exempt us from having to live through these things in life. Life has a way of humbling all of us. At times, life will brin… Mark Hughes 2265 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690563/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_life/id/953433.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690563 Pressure,Trouble,Persecution, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 01 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Although there is no real difference between today and yesterday, the New Year marks a difference in the human mind. For most people, the coming of the New Year represents a new beginning. Many people are excited about what the New Year holds. As we stand on this first day of the New Year, we question what will this New Year hold? Will this be a good year, or a year of sorrow and disappointment? The New Year speaks of new challenges, new opportunities and new adventures. We are ready to let the old year with all of its shortcomings and problems fall away into the past. We hope that this New Year will mark a difference and will be a great deal better than the last. Bro. Hughes asks the question: “Will another year make any difference?” When we come to the end of this year, will we be able to say that this has been the best year of our life? It will if we allow the Lord to work in our life. The new year has great promise because God made it that way. In our text, the word new is used several times. In the original Greek, there are two different words used to describe new. One is new as in different than before. The other word used is new as in fresh and better than what was before. Bro. Hughes asks will this be a new year in terms of fresh and better, or simply new in terms of novel and temporary. Do we want new as in causing us to be better than we were the day before? There are two things that spoke from the text to Bro. Hughes. If this is to be a superior year, than we must become pliable again. Old wineskins are dried out and cannot hold new wine. They are brittle and could not expand with the new wine. In order to receive the new that God has for us, we must become pliable and conditioned to be ready to receive the new work that God has for us. The scripture also mentions patching an old garment. Bro. Hughes tells us that we must not settle for a patch job. The patch on an old garment will fail and will be worse off. The end result will always be worse than the original problem. If we will submit ourselves to God to do his work, he can remake us into a new person and not one that has been patched. The answer to the question of what kind of year will this be can be answered by our response to God. If we submit ourselves to Him, He can make it the best year of our life. Although there is no real difference between today and yesterday, the New Year marks a difference in the human mind. For most people, the coming of the New Year represents a new beginning. Many people are excited about what the New Year holds. As we stand on this first day of the New Year, we question what will this New Year hold? Will this be a good year, or a year of sorrow and disappointment? The New Year speaks of new challenges, new opportunities and new adventures. We are ready to let the old year with all of its shortcomings and problems fall away into the past. We hope that this New Year will mark a difference and will be a great deal better than the last. Bro. Hughes asks the question: “Will another year make any difference?” When we come to the end of this year, will we be able to say that this has been the best year of our life? It will if we allow the Lord to work in our life. The new year has great promise because God made it that way. In our text, the word new is used several times. In the original Greek, there are two different words used to describe new. One is new as in different than before. The other word used is new as in fresh and better than what was before. Bro. Hughes asks will this be a new year in terms of fresh and better, or simply new in terms of novel and temporary. Do we want new as in causing us to be better than we were the day before? There are two things that spoke from the text to Bro. Hughes. If this is to be a superior year, than we must become pliable again. Old wineskins are dried out and cannot hold new wine. They are brittle and could not expand with the new wine. In order to receive the new that God has for us, we must become pliable and conditioned to be ready to receive the new work that God has for us. The scripture also mentions patching an old garment. Bro. Hughes tells us that we must not settle for a patch job. The patch on an old garment will fail and will be worse off. The end result will always be worse than the original problem. If we will submit ourselves to God to do his work, he can remake us into a new person and not one that has been patched. The answer to the question of what kind of year will this be can be answered by our response to God. If we submit ourselves to Him, He can make it the best year of our life. Although there is no real difference between today and yesterday, the New Year marks a difference in the human mind. For most people, the coming of the New Year represents a new beginning. Many people are excited about what the New Year holds. As we… Mark Hughes 1610 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690562/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatkindofnewyearwillitbe/id/953432.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690562 New,New Year,Resolutions, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000 Jay Hilton In our text, Matthew makes a simple statement: Many are called but few are chosen. In the bible, God chose some men to accomplish His purpose over other men. Bro. Hilton asks the question “What does it take to be a chosen?” The choosing process relies on man’s power. If we want to be used for God’s purpose, we must choose to serve His purpose. Simply put, if we choose God, He will choose us. Bro. Hilton provides several examples of men in the bibles who chose God, and were mightily used by Him. The choices we make will determine if we will be used. The scripture is that many are called, but the truth is that ALL are called. Those that are chosen are the ones that choose to respond to God’s call. In our text, Matthew makes a simple statement: Many are called but few are chosen. In the bible, God chose some men to accomplish His purpose over other men. Bro. Hilton asks the question “What does it take to be a chosen?” The choosing process relies on man’s power. If we want to be used for God’s purpose, we must choose to serve His purpose. Simply put, if we choose God, He will choose us. Bro. Hilton provides several examples of men in the bibles who chose God, and were mightily used by Him. The choices we make will determine if we will be used. The scripture is that many are called, but the truth is that ALL are called. Those that are chosen are the ones that choose to respond to God’s call. In our text, Matthew makes a simple statement: Many are called but few are chosen. In the bible, God chose some men to accomplish His purpose over other men. Bro. Hilton asks the question “What does it take to be a chosen?” The choosing process reli… Jay Hilton 1663 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690561/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatdoesittaketobeachosen/id/953431.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690561 Chosen,Choices Wed, 21 Dec 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes For many people, excellence is not something for which they strive. As a society, we are comfortable with being average. This attitude spills into our spiritual life too. Many Christians are content with simply being average. God designed us to be more than average. Bro. Hughes observes that our world has become accustomed to being average. He goes on to say that this is contrary to God’s word. In our text, Paul extols us to “approve things that are excellent.” If we believe that God desires for us to be excellent, we must ask the question: “What does God consider to be excellent and best for our life?” We must set our sights high and seek a vision for the excellence that God has planned for us. Excellence will challenge us. When we begin to reach for something higher we will be required to face challenges and to push us out of our comfort zone. Excellence can cause us to doubt and fear that we have stepped out too far. The bible tells us that God will not call us to strive for something that we cannot attain. Bro. Hughes asks the question what must happen to challenge us spiritually. We must strive for excellence and develop a taste for those things that are better. For many people, excellence is not something for which they strive. As a society, we are comfortable with being average. This attitude spills into our spiritual life too. Many Christians are content with simply being average. God designed us to be more than average. Bro. Hughes observes that our world has become accustomed to being average. He goes on to say that this is contrary to God’s word. In our text, Paul extols us to “approve things that are excellent.” If we believe that God desires for us to be excellent, we must ask the question: “What does God consider to be excellent and best for our life?” We must set our sights high and seek a vision for the excellence that God has planned for us. Excellence will challenge us. When we begin to reach for something higher we will be required to face challenges and to push us out of our comfort zone. Excellence can cause us to doubt and fear that we have stepped out too far. The bible tells us that God will not call us to strive for something that we cannot attain. Bro. Hughes asks the question what must happen to challenge us spiritually. We must strive for excellence and develop a taste for those things that are better. For many people, excellence is not something for which they strive. As a society, we are comfortable with being average. This attitude spills into our spiritual life too. Many Christians are content with simply being average. God designed us to be … Mark Hughes 1996 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690560/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_approveofthingsthatareexcellen/id/953430.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690560 Excellence,The Best, Scripture: Philippians 1:1-1:9, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 18 Dec 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The wise men that visited the baby Jesus traveled from a great distance away. Some historians say that the journey could have take up to two years to make the journey. They came and worshiped and gave their gifts. When they prepared to leave, the bible tells us that they were visited by a dream that told them that they should take a different path home to avoid Herod. We have all arrived where we are in life from various roads. Bro. Hughes tells us that however we got here, we are here and we should praise God for that. Right now what matters is where we go from here. There are real life Herods in our world that will try to destroy us. Like the wise men, God can direct us around and away from those people. God cares enough about us to send a message to protect us from those that would destroy us. God can see down the road and knows what is coming. We can only see right now, and usually we can only see what we want to see. We must listen to the warning that God is giving and take a different road home. The wise men that visited the baby Jesus traveled from a great distance away. Some historians say that the journey could have take up to two years to make the journey. They came and worshiped and gave their gifts. When they prepared to leave, the bible tells us that they were visited by a dream that told them that they should take a different path home to avoid Herod. We have all arrived where we are in life from various roads. Bro. Hughes tells us that however we got here, we are here and we should praise God for that. Right now what matters is where we go from here. There are real life Herods in our world that will try to destroy us. Like the wise men, God can direct us around and away from those people. God cares enough about us to send a message to protect us from those that would destroy us. God can see down the road and knows what is coming. We can only see right now, and usually we can only see what we want to see. We must listen to the warning that God is giving and take a different road home. The wise men that visited the baby Jesus traveled from a great distance away. Some historians say that the journey could have take up to two years to make the journey. They came and worshiped and gave their gifts. When they prepared to leave, the bi… Mark Hughes 2229 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690558/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_takingadifferentroadhome/id/953428.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690558 Path,Different,God's Plan, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 18 Dec 2011 01:00:00 +0000 James Hughes Bro. James Hughes shares a story with us about his grandson going through the house looking for him. As the boy continued to look, he became more desperate to find him. Bro. Hughes relates this story to how God feels when we come into the house of God and fervently seek him. Bro. Hughes’ parents did not grow up in a house where church and a relationship with God was an important thing. Mom and Pop Hughes came to the Lord later in life. Someone took the time to show the elder Hughes the joy of living for God. They in turn imparted to their children this joy. It is important for each generation to teach the next the joy and importance of living for the Lord. We have the power to influence lives today now and in the future. If we want our children and grandchildren to know about Pentecost, we must show them both directly and by the way we live our lives. We live in a drastically changing world, but the God we serve has not changed. He desires to have the same relationship with us that He has always had. Bro. Hughes tells us that it is the responsibility of the older generation to show the younger generation how it is done. If we want another generation to see who God is and how He loves us, we have to show them through our life. Bro. James Hughes shares a story with us about his grandson going through the house looking for him. As the boy continued to look, he became more desperate to find him. Bro. Hughes relates this story to how God feels when we come into the house of God and fervently seek him. Bro. Hughes’ parents did not grow up in a house where church and a relationship with God was an important thing. Mom and Pop Hughes came to the Lord later in life. Someone took the time to show the elder Hughes the joy of living for God. They in turn imparted to their children this joy. It is important for each generation to teach the next the joy and importance of living for the Lord. We have the power to influence lives today now and in the future. If we want our children and grandchildren to know about Pentecost, we must show them both directly and by the way we live our lives. We live in a drastically changing world, but the God we serve has not changed. He desires to have the same relationship with us that He has always had. Bro. Hughes tells us that it is the responsibility of the older generation to show the younger generation how it is done. If we want another generation to see who God is and how He loves us, we have to show them through our life. Bro. James Hughes shares a story with us about his grandson going through the house looking for him. As the boy continued to look, he became more desperate to find him. Bro. Hughes relates this story to how God feels when we come into the house of Go… James Hughes 2876 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690559/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thenextgeneration/id/953429.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690559 Next Generation,Pass it on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We often meet people who are failures, but rarely if ever do we meet someone who set out to fail. There are many things in life, which we cannot control. We did not get to choose the circumstances of our birth. We had no say in where, when or to whom we were born. There are things that happen to us that we cannot control. Storms (physical or spiritual) come at their own pace and on their own schedule. Our text is from the Sermon on the Mount. It is a message that is full of principles of living on which we can build our life. The life built upon these principles is a life of success. Although we may not have gotten to choose how things have gone up to now, by living by the principles in the Sermon on the Mount, we can determine the rest of our life from now to eternity. He says that if we take his message to heart and make it part of our life, we get to choose how the story ends. Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with the story of two builders. Both builders set out to build a house. Both had building skills, desire, and the ability to get the job done. Both had to face the same challenges building their homes. One made a choice that ensured that his house would be strong and last for a long time. The other also made a choice, but his choice produced results that did not end well. Both men made choices, but only one looked down the road and chose to take the path that would yield the best possible results. Bro. Hughes asks us to look down the road of our life and ask the question: “Will I like how the story will end if I continue on this path?” Like the two homebuilders, we all have a choice to make. We must decide how the story ends. We often meet people who are failures, but rarely if ever do we meet someone who set out to fail. There are many things in life, which we cannot control. We did not get to choose the circumstances of our birth. We had no say in where, when or to whom we were born. There are things that happen to us that we cannot control. Storms (physical or spiritual) come at their own pace and on their own schedule. Our text is from the Sermon on the Mount. It is a message that is full of principles of living on which we can build our life. The life built upon these principles is a life of success. Although we may not have gotten to choose how things have gone up to now, by living by the principles in the Sermon on the Mount, we can determine the rest of our life from now to eternity. He says that if we take his message to heart and make it part of our life, we get to choose how the story ends. Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with the story of two builders. Both builders set out to build a house. Both had building skills, desire, and the ability to get the job done. Both had to face the same challenges building their homes. One made a choice that ensured that his house would be strong and last for a long time. The other also made a choice, but his choice produced results that did not end well. Both men made choices, but only one looked down the road and chose to take the path that would yield the best possible results. Bro. Hughes asks us to look down the road of our life and ask the question: “Will I like how the story will end if I continue on this path?” Like the two homebuilders, we all have a choice to make. We must decide how the story ends. We often meet people who are failures, but rarely if ever do we meet someone who set out to fail. There are many things in life, which we cannot control. We did not get to choose the circumstances of our birth. We had no say in where, when or to who… Mark Hughes 2222 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690557/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_decidinghowthestoryends/id/953427.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690557 Success,Choices,Outcome, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The Christmas story is full of wonderful and powerful messages. Bro. Hughes notes that it is unfortunate that the Christmas message is only talked about during the Christmas season. The Christmas story is full of what Bro. Hughes calls Stars of Hope. Mary’s entire life was forever transformed by a word from God. The bible is full of stories where a situation or a life was changed by a word from God. A word from God, even from an unlikely source, can transform everything. In another part of the Christmas story is that God sent the angel Gabriel to Mary and Elizabeth. There are times in life when God will send a messenger with a word. The wise men from our text said that a star led them. The sign given by God led them and the entire world to a specific place. God didn’t give general directions, but provided a direct route to the presence of Jesus. God gives specific directions if we will simply follow them. The wise men came from far away. Many who were close did not even know He had come. Often it is that we miss what is closest. We do not realize the gift that is with us always. Bro. Hughes reminds us to not miss what is closest to us during this season. The Christmas story is full of wonderful and powerful messages. Bro. Hughes notes that it is unfortunate that the Christmas message is only talked about during the Christmas season. The Christmas story is full of what Bro. Hughes calls Stars of Hope. Mary’s entire life was forever transformed by a word from God. The bible is full of stories where a situation or a life was changed by a word from God. A word from God, even from an unlikely source, can transform everything. In another part of the Christmas story is that God sent the angel Gabriel to Mary and Elizabeth. There are times in life when God will send a messenger with a word. The wise men from our text said that a star led them. The sign given by God led them and the entire world to a specific place. God didn’t give general directions, but provided a direct route to the presence of Jesus. God gives specific directions if we will simply follow them. The wise men came from far away. Many who were close did not even know He had come. Often it is that we miss what is closest. We do not realize the gift that is with us always. Bro. Hughes reminds us to not miss what is closest to us during this season. The Christmas story is full of wonderful and powerful messages. Bro. Hughes notes that it is unfortunate that the Christmas message is only talked about during the Christmas season. The Christmas story is full of what Bro. Hughes calls Stars of Hope.… Mark Hughes 2321 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690556/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_starsofhope/id/953426.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690556 Transormation,Christmas,Hope,Star, Scripture: Matthew 2:2-2:3, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 04 Dec 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes In the story from our scripture text in Mark, we see one of the most prolific displays of how evil can ruin a life. Many read this story and dismiss it as not applying to their life because they do not perceive their situation to be as dire as the man Jesus found when he got off the boat. Bro. Hughes points out that often in scripture an example is taken to the extreme to illustrate a point. The story in Mark 5 is the story of what evil can and will do to any of us when allowed to enter into and remain in our life. Evil had taken over and controlled this man’s life to the point where it had driven him away from the people who loved him and everything that was good and worthwhile in his life. When we let evil in the first time, it does not appear as it does in Mark 5, but it disguises itself as something else and lies to gain entry. Once there, it begins to reveal itself for what it is and to multiply and grow. Evil will always separate us from the people that love us and can best help us recover from our failures. Evil has an ulterior motive and it always wants more and more control in our life. The bible tells us that this man was at the lowest point he could be. But when he saw Jesus afar off, the man recognized the presence of the Lord and he ran to Jesus and worshiped. In spite of his pitiful situation and the demons that had control of him, he realized an opportunity to worship the Lord and change his life. Bro. Hughes remarks that it is amazing that Jesus would even come to such a place. The Lord knew what he would find when he got there. He knew of the mess that this man’s life was and yet He was not afraid to go to where the need was. Jesus was not afraid of the mess that this man’s life was, and He is not afraid of the mess that we may have in our life. Our life may not be where we need or want it to be, but no matter what situation we have in our life, God is not afraid to step into that situation. He won’t even make us come to him, Jesus traveled across the sea to find this man in his pitiful situation. He is not afraid of our sin, our failures or our iniquities. He will come all the way to hell to save us if He needs to. This story illustrates a simple truth: No matter what our trouble, problem or situation, the best thing to do is to run to Jesus. He is not afraid of our mess. In the story from our scripture text in Mark, we see one of the most prolific displays of how evil can ruin a life. Many read this story and dismiss it as not applying to their life because they do not perceive their situation to be as dire as the man Jesus found when he got off the boat. Bro. Hughes points out that often in scripture an example is taken to the extreme to illustrate a point. The story in Mark 5 is the story of what evil can and will do to any of us when allowed to enter into and remain in our life. Evil had taken over and controlled this man’s life to the point where it had driven him away from the people who loved him and everything that was good and worthwhile in his life. When we let evil in the first time, it does not appear as it does in Mark 5, but it disguises itself as something else and lies to gain entry. Once there, it begins to reveal itself for what it is and to multiply and grow. Evil will always separate us from the people that love us and can best help us recover from our failures. Evil has an ulterior motive and it always wants more and more control in our life. The bible tells us that this man was at the lowest point he could be. But when he saw Jesus afar off, the man recognized the presence of the Lord and he ran to Jesus and worshiped. In spite of his pitiful situation and the demons that had control of him, he realized an opportunity to worship the Lord and change his life. Bro. Hughes remarks that it is amazing that Jesus would even come to such a place. The Lord knew what he would find when he got there. He knew of the mess that this man’s life was and yet He was not afraid to go to where the need was. Jesus was not afraid of the mess that this man’s life was, and He is not afraid of the mess that we may have in our life. Our life may not be where we need or want it to be, but no matter what situation we have in our life, God is not afraid to step into that situation. He won’t even make us come to him, Jesus traveled across the sea to find this man in his pitiful situation. He is not afraid of our sin, our failures or our iniquities. He will come all the way to hell to save us if He needs to. This story illustrates a simple truth: No matter what our trouble, problem or situation, the best thing to do is to run to Jesus. He is not afraid of our mess. In the story from our scripture text in Mark, we see one of the most prolific displays of how evil can ruin a life. Many read this story and dismiss it as not applying to their life because they do not perceive their situation to be as dire as the man… Mark Hughes 2062 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690555/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_heisnotafraidofourmess/id/953425.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690555 Evil,Mess,Worship, Scripture: Mark 5:1-5:6, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 27 Nov 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our ability to see is often taken for granted. We do not usually wake each day and thank God for our sight. However if we were to lose the ability to see, it would greatly affect our life. In addition to being able to see, the ability to look ahead and see what is coming in life is vitally important. If we cannot see past the present moment, we run the risk of making miserable mistakes. What we are doing now has the potential to have long lasting affects on our lives. Peter was writing to a people who had been saved and filled with the Holy Ghost, but that had never grown or gotten past the initial experience of when they first believed. Bro. Hughes asks: “Are you a better person now than when God saved you?” The people in our scripture text still held on to the lifestyle and vices from which they had been delivered. Our lifestyle and culture has conditioned us to only focus on the here and now. Decisions are made based upon expediency and convenience rather than evaluating the consequences of those decisions down the road. Our world is focused on instant gratification with no consideration of the long term. The inability to see how the decisions we are making (or not making) today will lead us in the future can have serious consequences in our future. Our ability to see is often taken for granted. We do not usually wake each day and thank God for our sight. However if we were to lose the ability to see, it would greatly affect our life. In addition to being able to see, the ability to look ahead and see what is coming in life is vitally important. If we cannot see past the present moment, we run the risk of making miserable mistakes. What we are doing now has the potential to have long lasting affects on our lives. Peter was writing to a people who had been saved and filled with the Holy Ghost, but that had never grown or gotten past the initial experience of when they first believed. Bro. Hughes asks: “Are you a better person now than when God saved you?” The people in our scripture text still held on to the lifestyle and vices from which they had been delivered. Our lifestyle and culture has conditioned us to only focus on the here and now. Decisions are made based upon expediency and convenience rather than evaluating the consequences of those decisions down the road. Our world is focused on instant gratification with no consideration of the long term. The inability to see how the decisions we are making (or not making) today will lead us in the future can have serious consequences in our future. Our ability to see is often taken for granted. We do not usually wake each day and thank God for our sight. However if we were to lose the ability to see, it would greatly affect our life. In addition to being able to see, the ability to look ahead … Mark Hughes 3677 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690553/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thedangerofonlyseeingwhatisnea/id/953424.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690553 Decisions,Affect, Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:10-4:11, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 27 Nov 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Life confronts us with many complexities and dilemmas. Many times in life where we are called to face situations that are greater than we can face with the resources we have available to us. Often we are staggered when viewing the difference in what we have available to us and what we are called upon to do. Our text sets up such a situation. The multitude gathered that day numbered in excess of 10,000 people. The disciples knew that they could not feed that crowd with five loaves and two fish. The disciples could not imagine that the resources to meet the need before them were on that hillside. This miracle teaches many things, but Bro. Hughes points out that one of the most important things it teaches is that Jesus awakens possibilities that otherwise are not available. When He becomes involved, the situation changes. This miracle teaches us many things. It teaches us that we have to use what we have no matter how meager it may be. It also teaches us, that until we use what we have, we will only have what we have. Until we are willing to put what we have in His hands, we will only have what we have. Until we use what we have, we will never have more than we have now. If it is going to grow it has to be developed. The third lesson this story teaches is that no matter what our failings or limitations may be, He has none! Finally this miracle teaches us that God wants what we have to bless us. He can take whatever we have and use it to bless our life. The multitude was fed with the loaves and fishes that they brought. Human nature is to wait for things to get better. Life does not give us that opportunity. Bro. Hughes tells us that we have to play the game of life with what we have. We have to use what we have right now and give it to God to meet the situation that presents itself. When the question is “what do we have?” and the answer is “not much” we have to learn to put what we have into God’s hands and He will use what we have to rise and meet the challenge. Life confronts us with many complexities and dilemmas. Many times in life where we are called to face situations that are greater than we can face with the resources we have available to us. Often we are staggered when viewing the difference in what we have available to us and what we are called upon to do. Our text sets up such a situation. The multitude gathered that day numbered in excess of 10,000 people. The disciples knew that they could not feed that crowd with five loaves and two fish. The disciples could not imagine that the resources to meet the need before them were on that hillside. This miracle teaches many things, but Bro. Hughes points out that one of the most important things it teaches is that Jesus awakens possibilities that otherwise are not available. When He becomes involved, the situation changes. This miracle teaches us many things. It teaches us that we have to use what we have no matter how meager it may be. It also teaches us, that until we use what we have, we will only have what we have. Until we are willing to put what we have in His hands, we will only have what we have. Until we use what we have, we will never have more than we have now. If it is going to grow it has to be developed. The third lesson this story teaches is that no matter what our failings or limitations may be, He has none! Finally this miracle teaches us that God wants what we have to bless us. He can take whatever we have and use it to bless our life. The multitude was fed with the loaves and fishes that they brought. Human nature is to wait for things to get better. Life does not give us that opportunity. Bro. Hughes tells us that we have to play the game of life with what we have. We have to use what we have right now and give it to God to meet the situation that presents itself. When the question is “what do we have?” and the answer is “not much” we have to learn to put what we have into God’s hands and He will use what we have to rise and meet the challenge. Life confronts us with many complexities and dilemmas. Many times in life where we are called to face situations that are greater than we can face with the resources we have available to us. Often we are staggered when viewing the difference in what … Mark Hughes 2164 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690552/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_unrealizedpossibilities/id/953423.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690552 resources,challenges, Scripture: Mark 6:38-6:39, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 16 Nov 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Bro. Hughes gives us a history of the events in David’s life that led up to the 34th Psalm. David opens this Psalm with the most important decision he ever made in his life. No matter the situation, good or bad, he declares: “I will bless the Lord at all times.” This decision forever altered his life. He realized that he had been operating outside of the will of God and that he had taken matters into his own hands. Then he realized that God had been protecting him all the way. Whether he was on the throne or in the dungeon, God was his protector. Bro. Hughes gives us a history of the events in David’s life that led up to the 34th Psalm. David opens this Psalm with the most important decision he ever made in his life. No matter the situation, good or bad, he declares: “I will bless the Lord at all times.” This decision forever altered his life. He realized that he had been operating outside of the will of God and that he had taken matters into his own hands. Then he realized that God had been protecting him all the way. Whether he was on the throne or in the dungeon, God was his protector. Bro. Hughes gives us a history of the events in David’s life that led up to the 34th Psalm. David opens this Psalm with the most important decision he ever made in his life. No matter the situation, good or bad, he declares: “I will bless the Lord a… Mark Hughes 2291 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690551/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_adecisionthatwillalteranyday/id/953422.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690551 Blessing,Right or Wrong, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Jesus began His church with 12 disciples. One of them used bad language, one was a doubter, and one was a traitor. The others also had their failings. But using these twelve flawed men, Jesus started a church that has grown and flourished to what we know today. He continues to use flawed men in His work. God’s work with man is fraught with difficulties and setbacks. God’s progress with work in our life is often slow. When we should get it, we don’t When we should have received and responded, we must be told again and again before we get it, if we get it at all. The bible recounts many examples of Jesus demonstrating His power, His ministry, and His glory. The disciples had seen miracles: healings, the feeding of the multitudes, the raising of the dead, water to wine and many more. Even so, when confronted by a troubling situation or storm, they were fearful and unbelieving. Mark records in our text Jesus’ rebuke of the disciples: “Do you not yet get it?” We also have knowledge of the power of Jesus. We have read and re-read the description and accounts of His work. Yet we too still have doubts. After all the grace and mercy that God has shown in our life, we still do not get it. We are fearful and doubting. There are those who have not yet put behind them the failures of the past. We may have given it to God, but still we hold onto the very thing that God has forgiven and cast into the sea of forgetfulness. To these people Bro. Hughes comes tonight to say that God is not yet done with us. He will never abandon us in the storm. He will come to where we are and let us know “it is I, be not afraid.” Jesus got into that boat with the disciples knowing what would happen. Even though He knew they would fail, He still invested in them. He shows over and over that he will stand by us even in the midst of failure. No matter how many times we may fail, He will never write us off. God is not yet finished with us. Jesus began His church with 12 disciples. One of them used bad language, one was a doubter, and one was a traitor. The others also had their failings. But using these twelve flawed men, Jesus started a church that has grown and flourished to what we know today. He continues to use flawed men in His work. God’s work with man is fraught with difficulties and setbacks. God’s progress with work in our life is often slow. When we should get it, we don’t When we should have received and responded, we must be told again and again before we get it, if we get it at all. The bible recounts many examples of Jesus demonstrating His power, His ministry, and His glory. The disciples had seen miracles: healings, the feeding of the multitudes, the raising of the dead, water to wine and many more. Even so, when confronted by a troubling situation or storm, they were fearful and unbelieving. Mark records in our text Jesus’ rebuke of the disciples: “Do you not yet get it?” We also have knowledge of the power of Jesus. We have read and re-read the description and accounts of His work. Yet we too still have doubts. After all the grace and mercy that God has shown in our life, we still do not get it. We are fearful and doubting. There are those who have not yet put behind them the failures of the past. We may have given it to God, but still we hold onto the very thing that God has forgiven and cast into the sea of forgetfulness. To these people Bro. Hughes comes tonight to say that God is not yet done with us. He will never abandon us in the storm. He will come to where we are and let us know “it is I, be not afraid.” Jesus got into that boat with the disciples knowing what would happen. Even though He knew they would fail, He still invested in them. He shows over and over that he will stand by us even in the midst of failure. No matter how many times we may fail, He will never write us off. God is not yet finished with us. Jesus began His church with 12 disciples. One of them used bad language, one was a doubter, and one was a traitor. The others also had their failings. But using these twelve flawed men, Jesus started a church that has grown and flourished to what we… Mark Hughes 1600 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690550/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_notyet/id/953421.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690550 Flaws,Failings, Scripture: Mark 4:40-4:41, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes It is amazing how often we can go to the bible and find in that book written so many years ago, the answers to the current problems we may be facing in life. There is something about the word of God that is timeless. It is timeless because God is not constrained by time. Bro. Hughes reminds us that our journey through life will not be without incidents and issues. It is inevitable that each of us will face trouble as we live life on earth. The Israelites faced many adversities. Even as they were being led out of Egyptian bondage, they had to cross the Red Sea between two giant walls of water that looked as if they would rush in and crush them. Even as God is delivering us, the outlook can be rather dangerous looking. As they wondered in the desert, Israel faced many adversities that surly appeared to be defeat to them. So much so that they wondered if they would be better off back in Egyptian bondage. The truth is that even though things looked bleak and dangerous, God was delivering them. God had made a promise to them and He meant to keep it. Our scripture text is a song of worship that reflects back to the painful experience, and giving praise for the revelation that He was delivering them all the while. They were not able to see at the time what was happening, but upon looking back, they saw the hand of God keeping them and leading them all the way. The best they could say in this text was “we went though.” God was taking them somewhere that was better than where they were. They had to go though some rough places to get there, but His plan was better than where they were. God has a plan for us too. It may take us through some scary places, but if we allow Him to lead, we will be taken to a place that is better than we can imagine. It is amazing how often we can go to the bible and find in that book written so many years ago, the answers to the current problems we may be facing in life. There is something about the word of God that is timeless. It is timeless because God is not constrained by time. Bro. Hughes reminds us that our journey through life will not be without incidents and issues. It is inevitable that each of us will face trouble as we live life on earth. The Israelites faced many adversities. Even as they were being led out of Egyptian bondage, they had to cross the Red Sea between two giant walls of water that looked as if they would rush in and crush them. Even as God is delivering us, the outlook can be rather dangerous looking. As they wondered in the desert, Israel faced many adversities that surly appeared to be defeat to them. So much so that they wondered if they would be better off back in Egyptian bondage. The truth is that even though things looked bleak and dangerous, God was delivering them. God had made a promise to them and He meant to keep it. Our scripture text is a song of worship that reflects back to the painful experience, and giving praise for the revelation that He was delivering them all the while. They were not able to see at the time what was happening, but upon looking back, they saw the hand of God keeping them and leading them all the way. The best they could say in this text was “we went though.” God was taking them somewhere that was better than where they were. They had to go though some rough places to get there, but His plan was better than where they were. God has a plan for us too. It may take us through some scary places, but if we allow Him to lead, we will be taken to a place that is better than we can imagine. It is amazing how often we can go to the bible and find in that book written so many years ago, the answers to the current problems we may be facing in life. There is something about the word of God that is timeless. It is timeless because God is not… Mark Hughes 1960 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690549/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wewentthroughit/id/953420.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690549 Through,Places,God's Plan, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 06 Nov 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Bro. Kilgore shares his experiences and his burden for God and encourages us to simply love the Lord. Being loving and friendly and living a life loving the Lord is the best ministry to a lost world. Bro. Kilgore shares his experiences and his burden for God and encourages us to simply love the Lord. Being loving and friendly and living a life loving the Lord is the best ministry to a lost world. Bro. Kilgore shares his experiences and his burden for God and encourages us to simply love the Lord. Being loving and friendly and living a life loving the Lord is the best ministry to a lost world. … Kenneth Baker 2458 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690548/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_doyoureallylovehim/id/953419.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690548 Love,Friendly,Kilgore,Pappa K, Custom categories: Guest Speaker: James Kilgore Sun, 06 Nov 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes So much in life does not work out as we have planned. Often what we looked for did not come to pass. No matter how crazy life is, it goes on. It doesn’t stop or wait for us to catch our breath. Many times our faith is tried by the facts of life. In our text, Martha notes that Jesus was not present when she needed him to save her brother. The family’s faith was tried by the delay of Jesus arriving on the scene and by the death of Lazarus. We sense in this story the desperation of the family. Things had gone from bad to worse for this family. Lazarus became more and more sick, and ultimately died before Jesus could arrive. Martha knew that “even now” Jesus could make something good happen. The same God in which Martha had this faith, has the same power in our life. Even now, God can reach us where we are and resurrect something in our life that has died. Even now God can make a difference in our life. The One that brought back Lazarus, who had been dead four days, can resurrect something in our life. So much in life does not work out as we have planned. Often what we looked for did not come to pass. No matter how crazy life is, it goes on. It doesn’t stop or wait for us to catch our breath. Many times our faith is tried by the facts of life. In our text, Martha notes that Jesus was not present when she needed him to save her brother. The family’s faith was tried by the delay of Jesus arriving on the scene and by the death of Lazarus. We sense in this story the desperation of the family. Things had gone from bad to worse for this family. Lazarus became more and more sick, and ultimately died before Jesus could arrive. Martha knew that “even now” Jesus could make something good happen. The same God in which Martha had this faith, has the same power in our life. Even now, God can reach us where we are and resurrect something in our life that has died. Even now God can make a difference in our life. The One that brought back Lazarus, who had been dead four days, can resurrect something in our life. So much in life does not work out as we have planned. Often what we looked for did not come to pass. No matter how crazy life is, it goes on. It doesn’t stop or wait for us to catch our breath. Many times our faith is tried by the facts of life. I… Mark Hughes 1511 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690547/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_evennow/id/953418.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690547 Resurrect,Faith, Scripture: John 11:21-11:22, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 02 Nov 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The members of the first century church saw the hand of God in literally every aspect of their life. Bro. Hughes notes that this is a wonderful way to live. When we live life that way, it settles many of the small details that confront us every day. First century Christians focused on and talked about the hand of God in their life. By contrast, we tend to think and talk about the circumstances and problems that we face in life. In our text Paul was intent on preaching and bringing the word to Asia. All indications were that Asia was the logical place to take the gospel. The Spirit however prevented this from happening. Paul recognized and obeyed God’s blocking of his noble effort. God is in it all. No matter the weather, the circumstance, the disappointments and frustrations, the joy and the blessings. It is here that our faith often breaks down. If God is in the blessings, he is also in the disappointments. It is easy to think that when bad things happen that we are not in the will of God. That is not necessary the case. Bad things happen to good people. It is during those times that the enemy comes in and whispers lies to us: “You must not be living right” “The reason you are going through this is that you aren’t good enough.” The devil may be the source of the trouble, but God is in it all. Good and bad; happy and sad God is in it all. The members of the first century church saw the hand of God in literally every aspect of their life. Bro. Hughes notes that this is a wonderful way to live. When we live life that way, it settles many of the small details that confront us every day. First century Christians focused on and talked about the hand of God in their life. By contrast, we tend to think and talk about the circumstances and problems that we face in life. In our text Paul was intent on preaching and bringing the word to Asia. All indications were that Asia was the logical place to take the gospel. The Spirit however prevented this from happening. Paul recognized and obeyed God’s blocking of his noble effort. God is in it all. No matter the weather, the circumstance, the disappointments and frustrations, the joy and the blessings. It is here that our faith often breaks down. If God is in the blessings, he is also in the disappointments. It is easy to think that when bad things happen that we are not in the will of God. That is not necessary the case. Bad things happen to good people. It is during those times that the enemy comes in and whispers lies to us: “You must not be living right” “The reason you are going through this is that you aren’t good enough.” The devil may be the source of the trouble, but God is in it all. Good and bad; happy and sad God is in it all. The members of the first century church saw the hand of God in literally every aspect of their life. Bro. Hughes notes that this is a wonderful way to live. When we live life that way, it settles many of the small details that confront us every day. … Mark Hughes 2180 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690546/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_heisinitall/id/953417.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690546 In it all,Hand of God,Spirit Led, Scripture: Acts 16:7-16:8, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 30 Oct 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Our scripture text really begins with Jesus teaching a multitude of people. This is the miracle of the loaves and fishes. After teaching the multitude, he fed them and sent them away. Bro. Custer observes that is how it is with some people. They come and experience God and go home. Some in the bible experienced him as part of the multitude and went home, but others sought more and desired for more. With all that God has done and how He has blessed His people, Bro. Custer declares that he does not understand how people can simply experience God as part of the multitude. We must step out and seek more. Jesus sent the disciples across the sea and told them that He would meet them on the other side. They were fishermen and were comfortable with traveling in boats. When they set out, they were comfortable with the situation. However the storm was greater than they had ever experienced. They had weathered storms before and had come through, but this time it was different. In the midst of their greatest storm, Jesus comes walking on the water. Mark says that it appeared as if He would pass them by. Peter, once he heard that it was Jesus, ask to meet Him on the water. All Peter needed to know was that it was Jesus. He didn’t’ have to understand how Jesus was walking on the water, or why He wasn’t sinking, all he needed to know was that it was Jesus. While the others chose to remain in the boat, Peter decided to step out from the multitude and to seek more. Our scripture text really begins with Jesus teaching a multitude of people. This is the miracle of the loaves and fishes. After teaching the multitude, he fed them and sent them away. Bro. Custer observes that is how it is with some people. They come and experience God and go home. Some in the bible experienced him as part of the multitude and went home, but others sought more and desired for more. With all that God has done and how He has blessed His people, Bro. Custer declares that he does not understand how people can simply experience God as part of the multitude. We must step out and seek more. Jesus sent the disciples across the sea and told them that He would meet them on the other side. They were fishermen and were comfortable with traveling in boats. When they set out, they were comfortable with the situation. However the storm was greater than they had ever experienced. They had weathered storms before and had come through, but this time it was different. In the midst of their greatest storm, Jesus comes walking on the water. Mark says that it appeared as if He would pass them by. Peter, once he heard that it was Jesus, ask to meet Him on the water. All Peter needed to know was that it was Jesus. He didn’t’ have to understand how Jesus was walking on the water, or why He wasn’t sinking, all he needed to know was that it was Jesus. While the others chose to remain in the boat, Peter decided to step out from the multitude and to seek more. Our scripture text really begins with Jesus teaching a multitude of people. This is the miracle of the loaves and fishes. After teaching the multitude, he fed them and sent them away. Bro. Custer observes that is how it is with some people. They co… Kenneth Baker 2010 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690545/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_outofthemultitude/id/953416.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690545 Multitude,part of the crowd,More,Step Out, Scripture: Matthew 14:24-14:32 Sun, 30 Oct 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Life can often be challenge. If we are not careful we can fall into that trap of simply surviving. We seem to spend all our time simply trying to make it through. For many Christians, living for God appears to be an up hill struggle that one must endure to make it through. Bro. Hughes laments that one of the difficult tasks a pastor has it to convince people that God truly wants us to have a better life. God does not simply want us to survive, but to thrive and have a blessed life. Our text describes a woman who was suffered the loss of her Husband and is now dealing with the creditors knocking at her door. She wisely goes to the man of God for advice. Elijah tells her to collect empty pots to fill with oil. They do this and begin to pour oil into the vessels. The miraculous flow of oil continued until all the pots were full and there were no more pots. If there had been more vessels, the oil would have continued to flow. God’s blessing to this woman solved her immediate need, and provided for her life in the future. That is the promise of God. He doesn’t want to just bless us for the moment, but to give us a blessing that will carry us for the rest of our life. Life can often be challenge. If we are not careful we can fall into that trap of simply surviving. We seem to spend all our time simply trying to make it through. For many Christians, living for God appears to be an up hill struggle that one must endure to make it through. Bro. Hughes laments that one of the difficult tasks a pastor has it to convince people that God truly wants us to have a better life. God does not simply want us to survive, but to thrive and have a blessed life. Our text describes a woman who was suffered the loss of her Husband and is now dealing with the creditors knocking at her door. She wisely goes to the man of God for advice. Elijah tells her to collect empty pots to fill with oil. They do this and begin to pour oil into the vessels. The miraculous flow of oil continued until all the pots were full and there were no more pots. If there had been more vessels, the oil would have continued to flow. God’s blessing to this woman solved her immediate need, and provided for her life in the future. That is the promise of God. He doesn’t want to just bless us for the moment, but to give us a blessing that will carry us for the rest of our life. Life can often be challenge. If we are not careful we can fall into that trap of simply surviving. We seem to spend all our time simply trying to make it through. For many Christians, living for God appears to be an up hill struggle that one must end… Mark Hughes 2407 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690544/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_survivingorliving/id/953415.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690544 Abundant Life,Blessing, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes God has chosen a great variety of people to accomplish his purpose. Some are of great spirituality and faith. Others are less than what we would expect of someone who would be used by God. Samson was such a man. There are many things about him that were questionable. His carnal desires and his choice of friends are among those. We read in the life of Sampson of great triumph, but also great failure. Through all these failures, he maintained a vow and promise to God that kept him in God’s favor. God used him in spite of his recklessness and his willful disobedience. God still used him even though he was far from being a perfect man. The story of Sampson and Delilah is the story of our life. Delilah was after the same thing in Sampson as the devil is after in all of us. She sought to find the source of our power and anointing. For Sampson his strength was in the vows he had taken as a Nazarene to God. The lost power in his life was due to his consecration being lost. The secret of our strength lies in our consecration to God and to His purpose and calling. The true power in us lies in the restrictions we place on ourselves to remain faithful to Gods calling. When Sampson let those things that set him apart in life go, he succumb to the very things he triumphed over the day before. The world laughs at the separation that Christians have from the world and the commitment to those Godly principles. It is however that very separation that is the source of the power we have to resist those worldly things that would destroy us. It is in our commitments to God and the boundaries we set up for ourselves that we can find victory over a world that wants to destroy us. Our consecrations are what keep our weakness and shortcomings from destroying us. We all need commitments in our life that keep us from opening ourselves to things that we shouldn’t be doing. The devil is doing his best to get us to compromise our vows and convince us that the promises we have made to God are no longer valid. Boundaries are the secret of our safety. God has chosen a great variety of people to accomplish his purpose. Some are of great spirituality and faith. Others are less than what we would expect of someone who would be used by God. Samson was such a man. There are many things about him that were questionable. His carnal desires and his choice of friends are among those. We read in the life of Sampson of great triumph, but also great failure. Through all these failures, he maintained a vow and promise to God that kept him in God’s favor. God used him in spite of his recklessness and his willful disobedience. God still used him even though he was far from being a perfect man. The story of Sampson and Delilah is the story of our life. Delilah was after the same thing in Sampson as the devil is after in all of us. She sought to find the source of our power and anointing. For Sampson his strength was in the vows he had taken as a Nazarene to God. The lost power in his life was due to his consecration being lost. The secret of our strength lies in our consecration to God and to His purpose and calling. The true power in us lies in the restrictions we place on ourselves to remain faithful to Gods calling. When Sampson let those things that set him apart in life go, he succumb to the very things he triumphed over the day before. The world laughs at the separation that Christians have from the world and the commitment to those Godly principles. It is however that very separation that is the source of the power we have to resist those worldly things that would destroy us. It is in our commitments to God and the boundaries we set up for ourselves that we can find victory over a world that wants to destroy us. Our consecrations are what keep our weakness and shortcomings from destroying us. We all need commitments in our life that keep us from opening ourselves to things that we shouldn’t be doing. The devil is doing his best to get us to compromise our vows and convince us that the promises we have made to God are no longer valid. Boundaries are the secret of our safety. God has chosen a great variety of people to accomplish his purpose. Some are of great spirituality and faith. Others are less than what we would expect of someone who would be used by God. Samson was such a man. There are many things about him that… Mark Hughes 1989 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690543/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whereisyourstrengthfound/id/953414.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690543 Strength,Comittments,Concecreations, Scripture: Judges 16:6-16:7, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 23 Oct 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We live in a time where people are engaged in selfish living. They are only concerned with what is best for them or their family. It is for this reason that people will cut in line, or will otherwise try to cheat or disregard the polite rules of society. We live in a selfish world. Bro. Hughes laments that sometimes that same attitude can manifest itself in the church. Some people only come to church for what they can get out of it. Some will only focus on what affects them or their family without regard to the other “little ships” that are along for the journey. Our scripture text is the story of Jesus and the Disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee. The bible references other little ships that were also making the crossing when the storm came up. That storm affected all of the ships on the water that night. None of us are islands and we are not alone. The same storm that comes against us, can also affect the others around us. The disciple’s decision to go to Jesus for help also affected the condition of the companion boats. When they sought Jesus and He calmed the storm, the other boats also enjoyed the calm seas. There are always others involved in every decision we make. Bro. Hughes asks us tonight: “How is what I am doing going to influence and affect our children, our neighbors, or those who are associated with us?” We live in a time where people are engaged in selfish living. They are only concerned with what is best for them or their family. It is for this reason that people will cut in line, or will otherwise try to cheat or disregard the polite rules of society. We live in a selfish world. Bro. Hughes laments that sometimes that same attitude can manifest itself in the church. Some people only come to church for what they can get out of it. Some will only focus on what affects them or their family without regard to the other “little ships” that are along for the journey. Our scripture text is the story of Jesus and the Disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee. The bible references other little ships that were also making the crossing when the storm came up. That storm affected all of the ships on the water that night. None of us are islands and we are not alone. The same storm that comes against us, can also affect the others around us. The disciple’s decision to go to Jesus for help also affected the condition of the companion boats. When they sought Jesus and He calmed the storm, the other boats also enjoyed the calm seas. There are always others involved in every decision we make. Bro. Hughes asks us tonight: “How is what I am doing going to influence and affect our children, our neighbors, or those who are associated with us?” We live in a time where people are engaged in selfish living. They are only concerned with what is best for them or their family. It is for this reason that people will cut in line, or will otherwise try to cheat or disregard the polite rules of soci… Mark Hughes 1310 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690541/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_otherlittleships/id/953412.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690541 Others,Companions,Little ones, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 23 Oct 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We live in a success driven world. The bookstores are full of self-help books. We view people and form opinions of them based upon their success or failure in life. Our society places a great importance on success. Many people in our world are focused on survival. They are struggling to survive and success is a bonus. Many describe life as a pressure cooker. Pressure cookers work on a compounding of heat and pressure to produce results. Most of us can handle problems one at a time, but when problems compound themselves and weigh upon us, we find it difficult to cope. Life has a way of throwing multiple problems at us. Like the pressure cooker, this pressure has a way of breaking us down. The pressures of life just keep building and building. Our text describes a woman who is experiencing just such a situation. This woman who is dealing with the death of her husband, and now the creditors come to call to collect debts that her late husband was never able to repay. The demands upon her are more than her ability to deliver. God had a remedy for her as he does for each of us. She wisely went to the man of God for help. She knew the right place to go for help. She didn’t go to a bar, or sit at a councilor’s office, or complain about her problems on Facebook. The man of God inquired what she had in her house and she replied that she had one vessel of oil. Elisha tells her to go borrow vessels and to borrow “not a few.” She went out and borrowed as many as she could. Nothing limited the blessing and the miraculous flow of oil but the availability of vessels to contain it. Her blessing was only limited by her ability to provide empty vessels. God’s blessing will continue to flow long beyond our ability to receive it and it will far exceed our needs. He wants to meet our needs and give us enough to live life. We live in a success driven world. The bookstores are full of self-help books. We view people and form opinions of them based upon their success or failure in life. Our society places a great importance on success. Many people in our world are focused on survival. They are struggling to survive and success is a bonus. Many describe life as a pressure cooker. Pressure cookers work on a compounding of heat and pressure to produce results. Most of us can handle problems one at a time, but when problems compound themselves and weigh upon us, we find it difficult to cope. Life has a way of throwing multiple problems at us. Like the pressure cooker, this pressure has a way of breaking us down. The pressures of life just keep building and building. Our text describes a woman who is experiencing just such a situation. This woman who is dealing with the death of her husband, and now the creditors come to call to collect debts that her late husband was never able to repay. The demands upon her are more than her ability to deliver. God had a remedy for her as he does for each of us. She wisely went to the man of God for help. She knew the right place to go for help. She didn’t go to a bar, or sit at a councilor’s office, or complain about her problems on Facebook. The man of God inquired what she had in her house and she replied that she had one vessel of oil. Elisha tells her to go borrow vessels and to borrow “not a few.” She went out and borrowed as many as she could. Nothing limited the blessing and the miraculous flow of oil but the availability of vessels to contain it. Her blessing was only limited by her ability to provide empty vessels. God’s blessing will continue to flow long beyond our ability to receive it and it will far exceed our needs. He wants to meet our needs and give us enough to live life. We live in a success driven world. The bookstores are full of self-help books. We view people and form opinions of them based upon their success or failure in life. Our society places a great importance on success. Many people in our world are focus… Mark Hughes 2156 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690540/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_pastsurvivingandontoliving/id/953411.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690540 Blessing,Vessel,More than enough, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 19 Oct 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Daniel lived in a time when men were being pressured to bow to a different kind of religion. He felt the pressure to conform to the cultural customs and beliefs that were in contrast with the life of living for God. He found himself in a strained and hostile environment. He was taken into captivity and there was no support system of other Christians to rely upon. Many of God’s people changed their behavior and conformed to the Babylonian culture in which they were confined. Daniel lived in this environment though no fault of his own. He was there because of the failure of pervious generations. Through all of this Daniel maintained a faith and a relationship with God that was extraordinary. In a society that viewed him to be odd and weird, Daniel found the secrets to remaining faithful. Daniel lived in a time when men were being pressured to bow to a different kind of religion. He felt the pressure to conform to the cultural customs and beliefs that were in contrast with the life of living for God. He found himself in a strained and hostile environment. He was taken into captivity and there was no support system of other Christians to rely upon. Many of God’s people changed their behavior and conformed to the Babylonian culture in which they were confined. Daniel lived in this environment though no fault of his own. He was there because of the failure of pervious generations. Through all of this Daniel maintained a faith and a relationship with God that was extraordinary. In a society that viewed him to be odd and weird, Daniel found the secrets to remaining faithful. Daniel lived in a time when men were being pressured to bow to a different kind of religion. He felt the pressure to conform to the cultural customs and beliefs that were in contrast with the life of living for God. He found himself in a strained and… Mark Hughes 2380 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690538/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_daretobelikedaniel/id/953409.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690538 Faithful,Concequences,Windows,Decisions, Scripture: Daniel 6:10-6:11, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 16 Oct 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Landon Long The scripture we are more than conquers does not end there, but we discover it is through Him that loved us. This is not to discredit anything we have become or have been in the past but simply remind us, the best is yet to come. What I can be has little to do with what I am or have been. Some of us have become teachers, doctors, and lawyers, shepherds and even conquerors but that is not the end. We are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us… We Are More Than What We Have Become. The scripture we are more than conquers does not end there, but we discover it is through Him that loved us. This is not to discredit anything we have become or have been in the past but simply remind us, the best is yet to come. What I can be has little to do with what I am or have been. Some of us have become teachers, doctors, and lawyers, shepherds and even conquerors but that is not the end. We are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us… We Are More Than What We Have Become. The scripture we are more than conquers does not end there, but we discover it is through Him that loved us. This is not to discredit anything we have become or have been in the past but simply remind us, the best is yet to come. What I can be has litt… Landon Long 3085 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690539/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_youaremorethanwhatyouhavebecom/id/953410.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690539 Promise,Potential, Scripture: Romans 8:33-8:39 Sun, 09 Oct 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes In Peter we see a case study in spirituality. We see him at both extremes of uncountable faith and believer and also at a point of denying and cursing Christ. We see his boldness and his failure. In our text Peter recognizes Jesus in a troubling situation, but just after that recognition, he expresses doubt. How quickly he moved from “Lord bid me” to “Lord save me”. Faith and fear often times come close to each other. Like Peter we will not always be strong and courageous. We will not always feel strong faith in our heart. There will be times when we feel weak and vulnerable. We will know Him as Lord, but we will also have our moments of doubt and fear. This is simply life. How we are going to live will be determined in moments like this. In our text, Peter moves from bold faith to sinking defeat. The key is that when things began to go wrong, Peter immediately cried out to the Lord. There will come times in our life when things begin to unravel. When we first begin to sink is the time to cry out to God: “Lord save me.” In Peter we see a case study in spirituality. We see him at both extremes of uncountable faith and believer and also at a point of denying and cursing Christ. We see his boldness and his failure. In our text Peter recognizes Jesus in a troubling situation, but just after that recognition, he expresses doubt. How quickly he moved from “Lord bid me” to “Lord save me”. Faith and fear often times come close to each other. Like Peter we will not always be strong and courageous. We will not always feel strong faith in our heart. There will be times when we feel weak and vulnerable. We will know Him as Lord, but we will also have our moments of doubt and fear. This is simply life. How we are going to live will be determined in moments like this. In our text, Peter moves from bold faith to sinking defeat. The key is that when things began to go wrong, Peter immediately cried out to the Lord. There will come times in our life when things begin to unravel. When we first begin to sink is the time to cry out to God: “Lord save me.” In Peter we see a case study in spirituality. We see him at both extremes of uncountable faith and believer and also at a point of denying and cursing Christ. We see his boldness and his failure. In our text Peter recognizes Jesus in a troubling sit… Mark Hughes 1690 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690542/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thebeginning/id/953413.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690542 Faith,Doubt,Sink, Cry Out, Scripture: Matthew 14:25-14:30, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 05 Oct 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Jay Hilton It has been said that the tongue is mightier than the sword. We must be careful with our words. Often words form in our head and come out of our mouth. Sometimes we do not take the time to run these words through a filtering mechanism in that process. The bible commands us to control our mind and our thinking process. Imaginations and thoughts are to be in alignment with God’s thoughts. The mind is like a garden. When we plant carrots, we do not get cucumbers, we get carrots. That which we cultivate in our minds, will grow and mature. The tongue reveals the mind. We must learn to discipline our thoughts and learn to govern our minds. The words that come out of our mouth control our life. James likened the tongue to the rudder on a ship. The words that we speak determine the direction of our life. We must have control of our tongue. It has been said that the tongue is mightier than the sword. We must be careful with our words. Often words form in our head and come out of our mouth. Sometimes we do not take the time to run these words through a filtering mechanism in that process. The bible commands us to control our mind and our thinking process. Imaginations and thoughts are to be in alignment with God’s thoughts. The mind is like a garden. When we plant carrots, we do not get cucumbers, we get carrots. That which we cultivate in our minds, will grow and mature. The tongue reveals the mind. We must learn to discipline our thoughts and learn to govern our minds. The words that come out of our mouth control our life. James likened the tongue to the rudder on a ship. The words that we speak determine the direction of our life. We must have control of our tongue. It has been said that the tongue is mightier than the sword. We must be careful with our words. Often words form in our head and come out of our mouth. Sometimes we do not take the time to run these words through a filtering mechanism in that proces… Jay Hilton 1341 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690537/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wordswespeak/id/953408.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690537 Words,Tongue,Uplift Sun, 02 Oct 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes There are many recorded appearances of our Lord after the resurrection. Most happened on the day of the resurrection, but some happened days later. The purpose of these appurtenances was to confirm in the disciple’s minds that He had in fact risen. The appearance chronicled in this scripture was perhaps a week or more after the resurrection. In this case, he appears to seven of the disciples who were struggling with poor fishing. After all that He had endured, Jesus appears to these men with genuine concern about their earthly struggle and problem. Anything that is big enough to occupy our thoughts and concerns is worth to be addressed by our Lord. The risen Lord is interested in the problems and disappointments and setbacks of His people. There are times when our best efforts and hard work yield no results. Such is the case of these men who had spent a failed night of fishing. Jesus did not appear to prove that He had risen; He did not come to show his power. He appeared because these men were in need. That same promise is made to each of us. Jesus asks them a question: “Do you have any meat?” He did not ask so that he could gain knowledge. He already knew that they did not. He asks the question so that they would acknowledge their state and be ready to accept the hand of God. There are many that live in denial of what is not working in their life. Many have passed the point of caring about what is going on and who will lie about their true state. Jesus’ question to the fishermen was not to embarrass them, but to prepare them to receive a miracle. God can see our toil and our fruitless effort. Life is full of effort and work done in vain. God is not so busy that He cannot come to where we are and ask about our problem. He knows about our efforts and our failure. He knows the emptiness of our nets. He knows the whole situation. He comes to change our situation. All he needs is for us to recognize that there is nothing in our net and to obey the word of God to receive a great miracle. There are many recorded appearances of our Lord after the resurrection. Most happened on the day of the resurrection, but some happened days later. The purpose of these appurtenances was to confirm in the disciple’s minds that He had in fact risen. The appearance chronicled in this scripture was perhaps a week or more after the resurrection. In this case, he appears to seven of the disciples who were struggling with poor fishing. After all that He had endured, Jesus appears to these men with genuine concern about their earthly struggle and problem. Anything that is big enough to occupy our thoughts and concerns is worth to be addressed by our Lord. The risen Lord is interested in the problems and disappointments and setbacks of His people. There are times when our best efforts and hard work yield no results. Such is the case of these men who had spent a failed night of fishing. Jesus did not appear to prove that He had risen; He did not come to show his power. He appeared because these men were in need. That same promise is made to each of us. Jesus asks them a question: “Do you have any meat?” He did not ask so that he could gain knowledge. He already knew that they did not. He asks the question so that they would acknowledge their state and be ready to accept the hand of God. There are many that live in denial of what is not working in their life. Many have passed the point of caring about what is going on and who will lie about their true state. Jesus’ question to the fishermen was not to embarrass them, but to prepare them to receive a miracle. God can see our toil and our fruitless effort. Life is full of effort and work done in vain. God is not so busy that He cannot come to where we are and ask about our problem. He knows about our efforts and our failure. He knows the emptiness of our nets. He knows the whole situation. He comes to change our situation. All he needs is for us to recognize that there is nothing in our net and to obey the word of God to receive a great miracle. There are many recorded appearances of our Lord after the resurrection. Most happened on the day of the resurrection, but some happened days later. The purpose of these appurtenances was to confirm in the disciple’s minds that He had in fact risen. … Mark Hughes 1886 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690536/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_gettingreadyforamiracle/id/953407.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690536 Truth,Not working,Obedience, Scripture: John 21:4-21:6, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 25 Sep 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes So often in life we blame others for what is missing or has gone wrong in our life. The truth is that our destiny is never in somebody else’s hand. Some people blame all their failures on the actions of others. In our text, Jesus is at the wedding in Cana of Galilee where there was not enough wine. The mother of Jesus tells the servants “Whatever He tells you to do, do it.” At this point, the servants had a choice. They could blame the failure to have enough wine on others, or complain that someone else had failed. Or they could choose to act and be obedient to the word of God. Their obedience was the key to their salvation. The problem was not of their making. Someone else had made a mistake, however the key to salvation was their obedience to God. In the story of Noah and the ark, God told Noah that He was going to destroy the world and gave him a course of action. It was up to Noah to take his salvation into his hands and act on the word of God. If he had not obeyed, he and his family would have perished. God had determined it, but it was up to Noah to act. Sometimes our salvation is in the simple act of obedience. Obedience is better than sacrifice. It does not matter what you place on the alter, it means nothing if you are not willing to be obedient to God. There are people whose happiness is determined by what others are saying are doing. We are the only ones who can decide if we are happy. We are as happy as you want to be. Our destiny is in our hands So often in life we blame others for what is missing or has gone wrong in our life. The truth is that our destiny is never in somebody else’s hand. Some people blame all their failures on the actions of others. In our text, Jesus is at the wedding in Cana of Galilee where there was not enough wine. The mother of Jesus tells the servants “Whatever He tells you to do, do it.” At this point, the servants had a choice. They could blame the failure to have enough wine on others, or complain that someone else had failed. Or they could choose to act and be obedient to the word of God. Their obedience was the key to their salvation. The problem was not of their making. Someone else had made a mistake, however the key to salvation was their obedience to God. In the story of Noah and the ark, God told Noah that He was going to destroy the world and gave him a course of action. It was up to Noah to take his salvation into his hands and act on the word of God. If he had not obeyed, he and his family would have perished. God had determined it, but it was up to Noah to act. Sometimes our salvation is in the simple act of obedience. Obedience is better than sacrifice. It does not matter what you place on the alter, it means nothing if you are not willing to be obedient to God. There are people whose happiness is determined by what others are saying are doing. We are the only ones who can decide if we are happy. We are as happy as you want to be. Our destiny is in our hands So often in life we blame others for what is missing or has gone wrong in our life. The truth is that our destiny is never in somebody else’s hand. Some people blame all their failures on the actions of others. In our text, Jesus is at the wedding i… Mark Hughes 2091 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690535/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ourdestinyisinourhands/id/953406.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690535 Destiny,Obedience, Scripture: John 2:1-2:5, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 21 Sep 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The Cape of Good Hope is on the southern edge of the continent of Africa. It is a point of navigation that marks the transition between the Indian and the Atlantic Oceans. The first European to reach the cape was the Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias in 1488, who named it the Cape of Storms due to the tumultuous and quickly changing weather. For many years the Cape had a reputation for being treacherous and dangerous and was known as the Cape of Fear. After successful navigation by other Portuguese explorers it was later renamed by John II of Portugal as Cape of Good Hope because of the great optimism engendered by the opening of a sea route to India and the East. In our text Paul extols Timothy to be an example to others. An example in this case is someone who has suffered a setback, but who has carried on and overcame the obstacles to survive. Those who have survived treacherous waters, abuses, abandonment, and trials and afflictions and are still here are an example to others who may be going through similar situations. This world desperately needs examples of people who get back up and continue to live a Godly life after life has knocked them down. Bro. Hughes declares that we need examples because we live in a world of quitters. We need people who can stand, stay, and remain faithful because God is faithful to be an example to others on how to react to the adversity and turmoil that come in life. The world needs to know that we can live through heartache, letdown, or a dark night and still come to worship, praise and give thanks to God. Our world needs an example. The Cape of Good Hope is on the southern edge of the continent of Africa. It is a point of navigation that marks the transition between the Indian and the Atlantic Oceans. The first European to reach the cape was the Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias in 1488, who named it the Cape of Storms due to the tumultuous and quickly changing weather. For many years the Cape had a reputation for being treacherous and dangerous and was known as the Cape of Fear. After successful navigation by other Portuguese explorers it was later renamed by John II of Portugal as Cape of Good Hope because of the great optimism engendered by the opening of a sea route to India and the East. In our text Paul extols Timothy to be an example to others. An example in this case is someone who has suffered a setback, but who has carried on and overcame the obstacles to survive. Those who have survived treacherous waters, abuses, abandonment, and trials and afflictions and are still here are an example to others who may be going through similar situations. This world desperately needs examples of people who get back up and continue to live a Godly life after life has knocked them down. Bro. Hughes declares that we need examples because we live in a world of quitters. We need people who can stand, stay, and remain faithful because God is faithful to be an example to others on how to react to the adversity and turmoil that come in life. The world needs to know that we can live through heartache, letdown, or a dark night and still come to worship, praise and give thanks to God. Our world needs an example. The Cape of Good Hope is on the southern edge of the continent of Africa. It is a point of navigation that marks the transition between the Indian and the Atlantic Oceans. The first European to reach the cape was the Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Di… Mark Hughes 2654 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690534/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_neededexamples/id/953405.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690534 Example,Worship,Hardship,Principles, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 18 Sep 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes As children we acted out and played what life would be like. None of us could have imagined how life would turn out and what we would have to face. Life doesn’t play fair. Life doesn’t play by the rules. Life for everybody gets frazzled at times. The pressures and problems in life can wear us down. God knows all this. He is the creator and knows all that we will encounter in life. God came to earth in the flesh and encountered the same things we do. The bible tells us that He was tempted in all things. So He knows how we feel. He has been there. In our text, Peter writing to the first century church provides encouragement. God inspires Peter to provide a promise that should offer encouragement to us even today. He is the God of all grace. Whatever the need in our life, God’s grace is sufficient to answer that need. Peter tells them (and us) that after we suffer for a while, we will be made perfect. The word perfect here in the Greek refers to a process for mending the fishing nets. Bro. Hughes tells us that no matter what holes or tears there may be in our life, God’s grace is sufficient to mend the holes and put it back together and make it perfect. God’s promise is greater than our problems. As children we acted out and played what life would be like. None of us could have imagined how life would turn out and what we would have to face. Life doesn’t play fair. Life doesn’t play by the rules. Life for everybody gets frazzled at times. The pressures and problems in life can wear us down. God knows all this. He is the creator and knows all that we will encounter in life. God came to earth in the flesh and encountered the same things we do. The bible tells us that He was tempted in all things. So He knows how we feel. He has been there. In our text, Peter writing to the first century church provides encouragement. God inspires Peter to provide a promise that should offer encouragement to us even today. He is the God of all grace. Whatever the need in our life, God’s grace is sufficient to answer that need. Peter tells them (and us) that after we suffer for a while, we will be made perfect. The word perfect here in the Greek refers to a process for mending the fishing nets. Bro. Hughes tells us that no matter what holes or tears there may be in our life, God’s grace is sufficient to mend the holes and put it back together and make it perfect. God’s promise is greater than our problems. As children we acted out and played what life would be like. None of us could have imagined how life would turn out and what we would have to face. Life doesn’t play fair. Life doesn’t play by the rules. Life for everybody gets frazzled at times. … Mark Hughes 2863 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690533/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_apromisethatisgreaterthanyourp/id/953404.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690533 Holes,Torn,Mend,Grace, Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8-5:10, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 11 Sep 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes One of the great tragedies of our day is that we have more than we ever have had, but for the most part, people are unhappier than they have ever been. More is the motto of the day. He who has the most, wins is the mantra of our world. Yet even in this time of plenty, so many are not happy. Simply put, more is not the answer. This is nothing new. God placed man in the Garden of Eden and gave him complete rule over it. He had all there was to have. Man’s downfall is wanting more than God has already given. Bro. Hughes tells us that we are looking to the wrong place to find happiness. In our text, the Psalmist understood that his happiness in life was not based upon his location or his possessions, but upon knowing God. True happiness does not come from things and what we may be experiencing, but from the Lord. When God becomes the source of happiness it does not matter what we have, where we are, or what we are experiencing. One of the great tragedies of our day is that we have more than we ever have had, but for the most part, people are unhappier than they have ever been. More is the motto of the day. He who has the most, wins is the mantra of our world. Yet even in this time of plenty, so many are not happy. Simply put, more is not the answer. This is nothing new. God placed man in the Garden of Eden and gave him complete rule over it. He had all there was to have. Man’s downfall is wanting more than God has already given. Bro. Hughes tells us that we are looking to the wrong place to find happiness. In our text, the Psalmist understood that his happiness in life was not based upon his location or his possessions, but upon knowing God. True happiness does not come from things and what we may be experiencing, but from the Lord. When God becomes the source of happiness it does not matter what we have, where we are, or what we are experiencing. One of the great tragedies of our day is that we have more than we ever have had, but for the most part, people are unhappier than they have ever been. More is the motto of the day. He who has the most, wins is the mantra of our world. Yet even in t… Mark Hughes 1754 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690531/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_alessonthatcantransformyourlif/id/953403.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690531 Happiness,Things,True Happiness, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 11 Sep 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes In our scripture text, we see Jesus struggle with his flesh in the Garden of Gethsemane. He pleaded for the cup to pass from Him. Jesus emerges from Gethsemane having defeated his flesh and was ready to face the cross. He provides for us an example of perseverance. The bible describes the struggle as being so intense that Jesus sweat as great drops of blood. On His way to this struggle, our text tells us that He was singing a song. Most historians agree that the song He was singing the 118th Psalm. The 118th Psalm is a song of faith and praise of God’s strength. Jesus teaches us here that no matter what we may be facing, if we will praise the Lord and trust in Him, He will see us through. In our scripture text, we see Jesus struggle with his flesh in the Garden of Gethsemane. He pleaded for the cup to pass from Him. Jesus emerges from Gethsemane having defeated his flesh and was ready to face the cross. He provides for us an example of perseverance. The bible describes the struggle as being so intense that Jesus sweat as great drops of blood. On His way to this struggle, our text tells us that He was singing a song. Most historians agree that the song He was singing the 118th Psalm. The 118th Psalm is a song of faith and praise of God’s strength. Jesus teaches us here that no matter what we may be facing, if we will praise the Lord and trust in Him, He will see us through. In our scripture text, we see Jesus struggle with his flesh in the Garden of Gethsemane. He pleaded for the cup to pass from Him. Jesus emerges from Gethsemane having defeated his flesh and was ready to face the cross. He provides for us an example … Mark Hughes 2579 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690530/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ustkeepgoing/id/953402.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690530 Struggle,Flesh,Perseverance, Scripture: Mark 14:26-14:38, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 04 Sep 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes To the Romans, the crucifixion of Jesus was just another crucifixion. The practice was to force the condemned man to carry the cross to which he would be nailed though out the city. This was done as much as to humiliate the condemned man, as it was to serve as a message to other Jews about the consequences of violating Roman law. When Jesus stumbled and became unable to continue, the Roman Centurion conscripted Simon to carry the cross to the place of execution. Bro. Hughes notes that surly he did not want to do this, but that somewhere along the way to Calvary, Simon underwent a transformation. Later in the bible, Simon and his son’s are cataloged as being leaders in the new church and people who went and preached the gospel to the world. Whatever plans and desires Simon had that day were changed by a meeting with Jesus. There are many unexpected things in life. Life changes too quickly for many of us. These changes can make us angry and frustrated. As with Simon, changes in life can be a change for the good. Bro. Hughes reminds us that this story shows that there are no unimportant moments in our life. Any moment can be a rendezvous with destiny. This story also shows us that we can be blessed by things that we are compelled to do. Simon could have been angry and resentful about being compelled to act, but by his action he blessed himself, his family and thousands of others in the world who received the message of the gospel. To the Romans, the crucifixion of Jesus was just another crucifixion. The practice was to force the condemned man to carry the cross to which he would be nailed though out the city. This was done as much as to humiliate the condemned man, as it was to serve as a message to other Jews about the consequences of violating Roman law. When Jesus stumbled and became unable to continue, the Roman Centurion conscripted Simon to carry the cross to the place of execution. Bro. Hughes notes that surly he did not want to do this, but that somewhere along the way to Calvary, Simon underwent a transformation. Later in the bible, Simon and his son’s are cataloged as being leaders in the new church and people who went and preached the gospel to the world. Whatever plans and desires Simon had that day were changed by a meeting with Jesus. There are many unexpected things in life. Life changes too quickly for many of us. These changes can make us angry and frustrated. As with Simon, changes in life can be a change for the good. Bro. Hughes reminds us that this story shows that there are no unimportant moments in our life. Any moment can be a rendezvous with destiny. This story also shows us that we can be blessed by things that we are compelled to do. Simon could have been angry and resentful about being compelled to act, but by his action he blessed himself, his family and thousands of others in the world who received the message of the gospel. To the Romans, the crucifixion of Jesus was just another crucifixion. The practice was to force the condemned man to carry the cross to which he would be nailed though out the city. This was done as much as to humiliate the condemned man, as it was t… Mark Hughes 1810 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690529/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_blessingintheburden/id/953401.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690529 Burden,Blessing,Compelled , Scripture: Mark 15:20-15:22, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 31 Aug 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes In his message Sunday evening, Bro. Hughes preached to us about going to a higher place. This church is on a journey to the high place. We need to elevate our desires, our effort and our actions. Our media fast will be a season of sacrifice. It will be a season of improvement. Sacrifice is supposed to hurt. If it does not hurt, it is not sacrifice. Our scripture text is the beginning of a group of Psalms that are known as songs of assent. These songs were sung as worshipers traveled to Jerusalem and to the temple. As we begin our month long media fast, Bro. Hughes wants us to begin to songs of assent on our way to a higher place. This first song of assent is one of disconnection. They were asking God to help them disconnect from their current situation so that they could go to the higher place. If we want to get to a higher place in life, we need to make decisions about what and to whom we remain connected. If the people and things to which we are connected have different wants and desires than are in our heart, then these influences can keep us from getting to the place we need to be. In his message Sunday evening, Bro. Hughes preached to us about going to a higher place. This church is on a journey to the high place. We need to elevate our desires, our effort and our actions. Our media fast will be a season of sacrifice. It will be a season of improvement. Sacrifice is supposed to hurt. If it does not hurt, it is not sacrifice. Our scripture text is the beginning of a group of Psalms that are known as songs of assent. These songs were sung as worshipers traveled to Jerusalem and to the temple. As we begin our month long media fast, Bro. Hughes wants us to begin to songs of assent on our way to a higher place. This first song of assent is one of disconnection. They were asking God to help them disconnect from their current situation so that they could go to the higher place. If we want to get to a higher place in life, we need to make decisions about what and to whom we remain connected. If the people and things to which we are connected have different wants and desires than are in our heart, then these influences can keep us from getting to the place we need to be. In his message Sunday evening, Bro. Hughes preached to us about going to a higher place. This church is on a journey to the high place. We need to elevate our desires, our effort and our actions. Our media fast will be a season of sacrifice. It wil… Mark Hughes 1857 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690528/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_asongofascension/id/953400.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690528 Assension,High Places,Sacrifice,Media Fast, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 28 Aug 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Most people try to hide and mask the ugly side of our lives. We are masters of disguise. We hide and cover the problems and issues in our life and act as if nothing is wrong. We carefully disguise our failures, mistakes and shortcomings. Adversity tends to bring out the worst in us. We do not usually show our best side when adversity comes. Trying times have a way of bringing out the worst in people. The truth is that we never know the true nature of a life until a little pressure comes. The revealing nature of adversity strips away all the pretense and disguise and shows the true character. In our text, the psalmist looked back over his life, and observed that God had seen him at his worst. God had seen him in his weakest moments and those words and thoughts came too easily. The bible says that God had known the psalmist in his weakest moment but that He did not leave him in that state. Nothing but love can explain why God stays with us even when we are at our worst. The psalmist praises God for not handing him over to his enemies. God could easily look and any of us and wash His hands of us and leave us alone. But He does not do that. In fact, He does more than not leave us, He puts into a setting where we can turn around and get life back on track. Even at our worst, God never quits loving us. When everybody else walks away, God remains Most people try to hide and mask the ugly side of our lives. We are masters of disguise. We hide and cover the problems and issues in our life and act as if nothing is wrong. We carefully disguise our failures, mistakes and shortcomings. Adversity tends to bring out the worst in us. We do not usually show our best side when adversity comes. Trying times have a way of bringing out the worst in people. The truth is that we never know the true nature of a life until a little pressure comes. The revealing nature of adversity strips away all the pretense and disguise and shows the true character. In our text, the psalmist looked back over his life, and observed that God had seen him at his worst. God had seen him in his weakest moments and those words and thoughts came too easily. The bible says that God had known the psalmist in his weakest moment but that He did not leave him in that state. Nothing but love can explain why God stays with us even when we are at our worst. The psalmist praises God for not handing him over to his enemies. God could easily look and any of us and wash His hands of us and leave us alone. But He does not do that. In fact, He does more than not leave us, He puts into a setting where we can turn around and get life back on track. Even at our worst, God never quits loving us. When everybody else walks away, God remains Most people try to hide and mask the ugly side of our lives. We are masters of disguise. We hide and cover the problems and issues in our life and act as if nothing is wrong. We carefully disguise our failures, mistakes and shortcomings. Adversity t… Mark Hughes 1922 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690526/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_anincredibletruth/id/953398.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690526 Character,Disguise,Weakness, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 28 Aug 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We live in a time when base, trashy and vulgar things are presented as normal and even classy. We live in an hour when low things are promoted at high places. Almost every billboard suggests and displays things that will cause life to continue to take a downward spiral. Even among God’s people there can be a high level of low living. Bro. Hughes has called for September to be a month of a media fast. We carry in our pocket devices that allow us to be in almost constant contact with people from all over the world. In thinking about this endeavor, Bro. Hughes says he is looking forward to seeing what can happen when we put down those things that have control of our life. Spiritually we all need times when we lay aside all the junk and we get into contact with what God has planned for our life. Until we get out of the low level and low expectation and low desires, we will not get to the place where God can communicate to us what He needs to say. God is calling us to higher things, and until we leave the low places, we will not experience what He has for us. During our media fast, Bro. Hughes asks that we do these things. • We elevate our values. What matters to us and to God. If this were our last month on earth, what would be important? • We elevate our priorities. Once we reassess our values, we will realize what is important • We elevate our standards. After we elevate our values and our priorities, we will demand and expect better. How long has it been since we came to church expecting someone to get the Holy Ghost? How long has it been since we came to church expecting that someone will receive a miracle? God has something more for us, but we cannot receive it living in the low places. Until we move to the higher ground, we will continue to battle the same things, and fighting the same battles. Bro. Hughes declares that it is time to put our foot down and not accept things as they have been and that we need to put our food down on that higher ground. If we can get a little higher, we will be able to see more clearly Bro. Hughes asks that we use the media fast to put aside those things that are keeping us down and begin to seek the higher things that God has for us. We live in a time when base, trashy and vulgar things are presented as normal and even classy. We live in an hour when low things are promoted at high places. Almost every billboard suggests and displays things that will cause life to continue to take a downward spiral. Even among God’s people there can be a high level of low living. Bro. Hughes has called for September to be a month of a media fast. We carry in our pocket devices that allow us to be in almost constant contact with people from all over the world. In thinking about this endeavor, Bro. Hughes says he is looking forward to seeing what can happen when we put down those things that have control of our life. Spiritually we all need times when we lay aside all the junk and we get into contact with what God has planned for our life. Until we get out of the low level and low expectation and low desires, we will not get to the place where God can communicate to us what He needs to say. God is calling us to higher things, and until we leave the low places, we will not experience what He has for us. During our media fast, Bro. Hughes asks that we do these things. • We elevate our values. What matters to us and to God. If this were our last month on earth, what would be important? • We elevate our priorities. Once we reassess our values, we will realize what is important • We elevate our standards. After we elevate our values and our priorities, we will demand and expect better. How long has it been since we came to church expecting someone to get the Holy Ghost? How long has it been since we came to church expecting that someone will receive a miracle? God has something more for us, but we cannot receive it living in the low places. Until we move to the higher ground, we will continue to battle the same things, and fighting the same battles. Bro. Hughes declares that it is time to put our foot down and not accept things as they have been and that we need to put our food down on that higher ground. If we can get a little higher, we will be able to see more clearly Bro. Hughes asks that we use the media fast to put aside those things that are keeping us down and begin to seek the higher things that God has for us. We live in a time when base, trashy and vulgar things are presented as normal and even classy. We live in an hour when low things are promoted at high places. Almost every billboard suggests and displays things that will cause life to continue to tak… Mark Hughes 2290 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690527/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_goingtothehighplaces/id/953399.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690527 Media Fast,High Places,Standards,Values Wed, 24 Aug 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes It would be nice in life if God were to remove our enemies and our problems. He does not do that. Rather, He chooses to make us overcomers. He works in us and through us to enable us to survive and to deal with the obstacles in our lives. In verse 5 of our text, we learn that God will prepare a safe place in the presence of our enemies. Bro. Hughes points out those enemies are all around us. We have a devil that will try to trip us up. We have a world that will try to corrupt us. We have flesh that will try to betray us. If we remain close to the Shepherd, we can find protection from these enemies. Our life is not in the hand of an enemy, but in the hands of a loving Shepherd that has prepared a place for us to be safe in the presence of the very enemies that seek to destroy us. The second part of verse five references the anointing with oil. Flies are pests that annoy and plague the sheep. Some of these would burrow into the sheep’s brains and had the potential to drive the sheep crazy. The shepherd’s remedy to ward off these bugs was to apply an oil concoction on the head of the sheep. This oil would keep the pests away. Bro. Hughes likens that anointing of oil to the anointing of God’s spirit on our life. God’s spirit calms the fears, and the annoying distractions that drive us out of our minds. God’s spirit is the remedy for the things that are annoying and pestering us. It’s the anointing that makes the difference. It would be nice in life if God were to remove our enemies and our problems. He does not do that. Rather, He chooses to make us overcomers. He works in us and through us to enable us to survive and to deal with the obstacles in our lives. In verse 5 of our text, we learn that God will prepare a safe place in the presence of our enemies. Bro. Hughes points out those enemies are all around us. We have a devil that will try to trip us up. We have a world that will try to corrupt us. We have flesh that will try to betray us. If we remain close to the Shepherd, we can find protection from these enemies. Our life is not in the hand of an enemy, but in the hands of a loving Shepherd that has prepared a place for us to be safe in the presence of the very enemies that seek to destroy us. The second part of verse five references the anointing with oil. Flies are pests that annoy and plague the sheep. Some of these would burrow into the sheep’s brains and had the potential to drive the sheep crazy. The shepherd’s remedy to ward off these bugs was to apply an oil concoction on the head of the sheep. This oil would keep the pests away. Bro. Hughes likens that anointing of oil to the anointing of God’s spirit on our life. God’s spirit calms the fears, and the annoying distractions that drive us out of our minds. God’s spirit is the remedy for the things that are annoying and pestering us. It’s the anointing that makes the difference. It would be nice in life if God were to remove our enemies and our problems. He does not do that. Rather, He chooses to make us overcomers. He works in us and through us to enable us to survive and to deal with the obstacles in our lives. In verse … Mark Hughes 2901 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690525/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_verse5/id/953397.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690525 Enemies,Anointing, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Mon, 22 Aug 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Jesus used parables to teach lessons. The characters and situations used in parables are fictional, but they are used to teach non-fiction principles. In this parable, a man prepared a feast and invited his friends in to enjoy the meal, but he was not able to convince any of his friends to come. Each of the invited guests had some sort of excuse as to why they could not attend. The master then tells his servants to go bring in people from the “bad” part of town. Even after that, there was still room. The master then tells his servants to go find anyone they could find to fill the house. Bro. Tuminello explains that there were many people in this story that were hungry, but they were not hungry enough for them to be moved to come to the feast. We live in a starving world, but most are not hungry enough to be moved to respond to God. The church is starving for a lot of things, but we must be hungry for a sovereign move of God. Jesus used parables to teach lessons. The characters and situations used in parables are fictional, but they are used to teach non-fiction principles. In this parable, a man prepared a feast and invited his friends in to enjoy the meal, but he was not able to convince any of his friends to come. Each of the invited guests had some sort of excuse as to why they could not attend. The master then tells his servants to go bring in people from the “bad” part of town. Even after that, there was still room. The master then tells his servants to go find anyone they could find to fill the house. Bro. Tuminello explains that there were many people in this story that were hungry, but they were not hungry enough for them to be moved to come to the feast. We live in a starving world, but most are not hungry enough to be moved to respond to God. The church is starving for a lot of things, but we must be hungry for a sovereign move of God. Jesus used parables to teach lessons. The characters and situations used in parables are fictional, but they are used to teach non-fiction principles. In this parable, a man prepared a feast and invited his friends in to enjoy the meal, but he was not… Kenneth Baker 2202 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690524/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_starvingbutnothungryenough/id/953396.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690524 Hungry,Starving,Moved, Scripture: Luke 14:16-14:23 Sun, 21 Aug 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker We can look at today’s headlines and see many talented and gifted people who are led astray or fall into an immoral lifestyle. This is nothing new. We can look in the bible to the life of David and observe that this has been going on for a long time. The bible describes David as a man after God’s own heart. Even so, David fell into a number of pitfalls in his life. Bro. Tumenello uses the story of David’s wife Michal and the entry of the Arc of the Covenant back to Jerusalem to illustrate one of these snares. She was physically beautiful, but inside she was shallow and did not love the Lord. Through all of David’s problems, he loved the Lord. One of the snares in David’s life was his Wife who did not share his love of God. She despised David for dancing before the Lord, and the Lord cursed her. Bro. Tumenello declares that anyone who stands in the way of what God is trying to do or who opposes the presence of God will be cursed. We can look at today’s headlines and see many talented and gifted people who are led astray or fall into an immoral lifestyle. This is nothing new. We can look in the bible to the life of David and observe that this has been going on for a long time. The bible describes David as a man after God’s own heart. Even so, David fell into a number of pitfalls in his life. Bro. Tumenello uses the story of David’s wife Michal and the entry of the Arc of the Covenant back to Jerusalem to illustrate one of these snares. She was physically beautiful, but inside she was shallow and did not love the Lord. Through all of David’s problems, he loved the Lord. One of the snares in David’s life was his Wife who did not share his love of God. She despised David for dancing before the Lord, and the Lord cursed her. Bro. Tumenello declares that anyone who stands in the way of what God is trying to do or who opposes the presence of God will be cursed. We can look at today’s headlines and see many talented and gifted people who are led astray or fall into an immoral lifestyle. This is nothing new. We can look in the bible to the life of David and observe that this has been going on for a long time.… Kenneth Baker 2256 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690523/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_abeautifulsnare/id/953395.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690523 God's Spriit,Move of God,Blessed,Cursed, Scripture: 2 Samuel 18:14-18:18 Wed, 17 Aug 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The fourth verse of the 23rd Psalm is a transition verse. In this verse, the writer changes from referring to the Lord in third person, and begins to speak to Him in first person. It becomes much more personal. David moves from talking about the Shepherd, and begins talking to Him. He describes a journey that we know as life. Most people want to go higher and higher in life. The path to higher ground, or a mountaintop, must go through a valley. The experiences we have on this journey are all important in God’s plan for each of us. The only way to get to the mountaintop is to go through some valleys. These valleys are difficult, but necessary. They are meant to be traveled through. They are not a place to stay. The Shepherd knows about the dangers and trials of the passage. As in the beginning portions of this scripture, the Shepherd is our constant companion. The Shepherd is fully prepared to safeguard His flock no matter what the situation. We have no reason to fear when we stand in the presence of our Lord. Sheep are among the most defenseless of all animals. Their courage is not in their ability to stand up to a foe, but to trust in their shepherd. David goes on to say that the Shepherd’s rod and staff comfort him. The rod was a club that was used to defend against foes. The ability of the Shepherd to protect his flock with the rod is a comfort. The staff is used to guide the flock and to pull them back from dangerous situations. Together these two implements provide a comfort. God’s rod is His word and His staff is His spirit. The fourth verse of the 23rd Psalm is a transition verse. In this verse, the writer changes from referring to the Lord in third person, and begins to speak to Him in first person. It becomes much more personal. David moves from talking about the Shepherd, and begins talking to Him. He describes a journey that we know as life. Most people want to go higher and higher in life. The path to higher ground, or a mountaintop, must go through a valley. The experiences we have on this journey are all important in God’s plan for each of us. The only way to get to the mountaintop is to go through some valleys. These valleys are difficult, but necessary. They are meant to be traveled through. They are not a place to stay. The Shepherd knows about the dangers and trials of the passage. As in the beginning portions of this scripture, the Shepherd is our constant companion. The Shepherd is fully prepared to safeguard His flock no matter what the situation. We have no reason to fear when we stand in the presence of our Lord. Sheep are among the most defenseless of all animals. Their courage is not in their ability to stand up to a foe, but to trust in their shepherd. David goes on to say that the Shepherd’s rod and staff comfort him. The rod was a club that was used to defend against foes. The ability of the Shepherd to protect his flock with the rod is a comfort. The staff is used to guide the flock and to pull them back from dangerous situations. Together these two implements provide a comfort. God’s rod is His word and His staff is His spirit. The fourth verse of the 23rd Psalm is a transition verse. In this verse, the writer changes from referring to the Lord in third person, and begins to speak to Him in first person. It becomes much more personal. David moves from talking about the She… Mark Hughes 1988 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690522/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_throughthevalley/id/953394.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690522 Valley,Passage,Rod,Staff, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 10 Aug 2011 01:00:00 +0000 James Hughes It is said of David that he was a man after God’s own heart. When we look at this statement in the context of David’s life is it very reassuring. David had many failures as a man and a follower of God. Dr. Hughes examines David’s life and observes that if David could fall short in so many areas and still be favored of God, then we all have hope in life that we too can find favor with God. In all of his troubles, David seems to find blame in others. Paul on the other hand had a different outlook. Where David blamed everyone else for his problems, Paul looked to inward as the cause for his problems. Some people are not happy unless they are dealing with chaos and issues in their lives. We live in a world that makes it easy to not be content. David appears to have been such a person. Paul was content to be in whatever state he found himself. Bro. Hughes asks which side of the cross defines you? Are we defined like David, or like Paul. Yesterday either defines us or we must forget yesterday and move on. It is said of David that he was a man after God’s own heart. When we look at this statement in the context of David’s life is it very reassuring. David had many failures as a man and a follower of God. Dr. Hughes examines David’s life and observes that if David could fall short in so many areas and still be favored of God, then we all have hope in life that we too can find favor with God. In all of his troubles, David seems to find blame in others. Paul on the other hand had a different outlook. Where David blamed everyone else for his problems, Paul looked to inward as the cause for his problems. Some people are not happy unless they are dealing with chaos and issues in their lives. We live in a world that makes it easy to not be content. David appears to have been such a person. Paul was content to be in whatever state he found himself. Bro. Hughes asks which side of the cross defines you? Are we defined like David, or like Paul. Yesterday either defines us or we must forget yesterday and move on. It is said of David that he was a man after God’s own heart. When we look at this statement in the context of David’s life is it very reassuring. David had many failures as a man and a follower of God. Dr. Hughes examines David’s life and observes t… James Hughes 2897 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690521/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whichsideofthecross/id/953393.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690521 blame,discontent,content Sun, 07 Aug 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Jay Hilton In the third verse of Genesis, God said, “Let there be light”. With those words, He brought order to a chaotic world. Our world has become increasingly chaotic and dark again. We still require that God shed light into our world. In our text, Lot finds himself living in a time of great darkness. Sodom and Gomorrah were two of the most vibrant cities of their time. They were cities of great prominence. They were the New York or Paris of that time. God held five great sins against these two cities. They were immoral, proud and insensitive. The wickedness of these cities was so great that God sent angels to destroy them. The angels appear to Lot and tell him the date and time of this destruction. Bro. Hilton asks, “What would you do if God came to you and told you that this was the last night to be saved?” He speculates that they would have a church and try to save as many people as they can. Lot attempted to convince as many people as he could, but in the end, he was only able to reach his wife and daughters. He wanted to save more, but he ran out of time. Bro. Hilton proclaims we are like Lot. We only have so much time to reach a lost world. Unlike Lot, we do not know the date and time of our end. We have to understand as a church that this truth that we know, we must live on a daily basis and share with a lost world. In the third verse of Genesis, God said, “Let there be light”. With those words, He brought order to a chaotic world. Our world has become increasingly chaotic and dark again. We still require that God shed light into our world. In our text, Lot finds himself living in a time of great darkness. Sodom and Gomorrah were two of the most vibrant cities of their time. They were cities of great prominence. They were the New York or Paris of that time. God held five great sins against these two cities. They were immoral, proud and insensitive. The wickedness of these cities was so great that God sent angels to destroy them. The angels appear to Lot and tell him the date and time of this destruction. Bro. Hilton asks, “What would you do if God came to you and told you that this was the last night to be saved?” He speculates that they would have a church and try to save as many people as they can. Lot attempted to convince as many people as he could, but in the end, he was only able to reach his wife and daughters. He wanted to save more, but he ran out of time. Bro. Hilton proclaims we are like Lot. We only have so much time to reach a lost world. Unlike Lot, we do not know the date and time of our end. We have to understand as a church that this truth that we know, we must live on a daily basis and share with a lost world. In the third verse of Genesis, God said, “Let there be light”. With those words, He brought order to a chaotic world. Our world has become increasingly chaotic and dark again. We still require that God shed light into our world. In our text, Lot fi… Jay Hilton 2892 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690520/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_24hours/id/953392.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690520 Lost,Don't look back,Outreach,Preach the gospel, Scripture: Genesis 19:1-19:2 Sun, 07 Aug 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Amos was a minor prophet who ministered to a prosperous people. In our text, Amos is addressing a specific problem: Their response to the knowledge of the coming events. The bear was more dangerous than the lion, and the serpent was more deadly than both. The people’s actions in attempting to avoid the trouble would lead them selves into only more trouble. Some even wished for the day of the Lord. The prophet tells them that they are foolish because if they were to experience the day of the Lord, they would be in even more trouble than they were in. The great problems of life that come against us cannot be avoided. It is always better to face these problems than to run away. The harder and father that we run from our problems make it harder to recover from or longer to return from them. Like Amos in the Old Testament, Bro. Hughes tells us this morning: It is better to deal with problems today than to run away and try to avoid them. The issues that are in front of us today must be dealt with. Many people over react to a problem. This often causes more harm than the original problem. A measured, calm response to life’s problems is better than a knee-jerk reaction. When a storm approaches, sailors will turn their boats into the wind and face the storm head on. If the waves hit the side, or crash over the transom, the boat will be lost. The only way to survive the storm is to face it head on. Amos was a minor prophet who ministered to a prosperous people. In our text, Amos is addressing a specific problem: Their response to the knowledge of the coming events. The bear was more dangerous than the lion, and the serpent was more deadly than both. The people’s actions in attempting to avoid the trouble would lead them selves into only more trouble. Some even wished for the day of the Lord. The prophet tells them that they are foolish because if they were to experience the day of the Lord, they would be in even more trouble than they were in. The great problems of life that come against us cannot be avoided. It is always better to face these problems than to run away. The harder and father that we run from our problems make it harder to recover from or longer to return from them. Like Amos in the Old Testament, Bro. Hughes tells us this morning: It is better to deal with problems today than to run away and try to avoid them. The issues that are in front of us today must be dealt with. Many people over react to a problem. This often causes more harm than the original problem. A measured, calm response to life’s problems is better than a knee-jerk reaction. When a storm approaches, sailors will turn their boats into the wind and face the storm head on. If the waves hit the side, or crash over the transom, the boat will be lost. The only way to survive the storm is to face it head on. Amos was a minor prophet who ministered to a prosperous people. In our text, Amos is addressing a specific problem: Their response to the knowledge of the coming events. The bear was more dangerous than the lion, and the serpent was more deadly than… Mark Hughes 2065 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690519/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thewisdomoffacingthings/id/953391.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690519 Face it,Trouble,run,stand, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 03 Aug 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Life can be like an unmarked road; Blind curves, unmarked cross roads. Life can be filled with mistakes. Life passes before us, and we get one chance at it. It is important that we get life right. It can be easy to lose or way, or to be unsure of the next step. Jesus provides us with a sense of direction. When Jesus is leading our life, nothing can happen us that is outside of His divine purpose. If he is leading, everything is going to be okay. The text is careful to say that He LEADS me not He DRIVES me. Bro. Hughes tells us that if He is leading, He is in the same situation we are. If He is leading, He is going ahead of us up the mountain or down into the valley. By leading, He is taking us down the right paths. The ones that will produce the best results and that are like Him. He leads because He knows the needs of the sheep. Sheep have several habits and tendencies that are destructive to themselves. If left to themselves, they will over graze a pasture. They will not return to the barn at night, they have no sense of direction. People are the same way. They will return to the same destructive situations and places over and over. The good shepherd directs his flock to new pastures each day to ensure that there is adequate food. The single greatest thing that the shepherd does to ensure the safety of his flock is to keep them moving. If we will but follow Him, He will lead us to the right places for the right reasons. Life can be like an unmarked road; Blind curves, unmarked cross roads. Life can be filled with mistakes. Life passes before us, and we get one chance at it. It is important that we get life right. It can be easy to lose or way, or to be unsure of the next step. Jesus provides us with a sense of direction. When Jesus is leading our life, nothing can happen us that is outside of His divine purpose. If he is leading, everything is going to be okay. The text is careful to say that He LEADS me not He DRIVES me. Bro. Hughes tells us that if He is leading, He is in the same situation we are. If He is leading, He is going ahead of us up the mountain or down into the valley. By leading, He is taking us down the right paths. The ones that will produce the best results and that are like Him. He leads because He knows the needs of the sheep. Sheep have several habits and tendencies that are destructive to themselves. If left to themselves, they will over graze a pasture. They will not return to the barn at night, they have no sense of direction. People are the same way. They will return to the same destructive situations and places over and over. The good shepherd directs his flock to new pastures each day to ensure that there is adequate food. The single greatest thing that the shepherd does to ensure the safety of his flock is to keep them moving. If we will but follow Him, He will lead us to the right places for the right reasons. Life can be like an unmarked road; Blind curves, unmarked cross roads. Life can be filled with mistakes. Life passes before us, and we get one chance at it. It is important that we get life right. It can be easy to lose or way, or to be unsure of t… Mark Hughes 2885 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690518/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_heleadsme/id/953390.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690518 Lead,Name's Sake, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 31 Jul 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker There was no man on earth at the time that was closer to Jesus than Peter. Even so, in the hours just before the crucifixion, Peter fulfilled prophecy by denying Christ three times. Although he had declared only hours before that he would ever deny Jesus, Peter did just that; even going so far as to curse Him. At that time Peter must have felt that he was a failure. In modern terms, he would think himself to be a loser. Our scripture text is the scene when Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James went to the sepulcher to see Him. The angel of the Lord told them to tell the disciples AND Peter that Jesus had risen. The angel mentioned Peter by name. There are things in all of our lives that we can categorize as failure. Like Peter it is easy to feel like we are losers for these failures. Bro. Smith tells us that we must make room at the alters and in the church for these “losers.” The devil is telling us the lie. The truth is that there is no failure or issue that cannot be overcome through earnest faithful prayer. The truth is that none of us are losers; we are children of God. We may fail, and we may fall short, but we are not losers. Bro. Smith tells us “I am not a judge. Neither am I willing to write anyone off.” It is not up to us to define and decide who is a loser. The devil is a liar and God has made a way for the “loser.” There was no man on earth at the time that was closer to Jesus than Peter. Even so, in the hours just before the crucifixion, Peter fulfilled prophecy by denying Christ three times. Although he had declared only hours before that he would ever deny Jesus, Peter did just that; even going so far as to curse Him. At that time Peter must have felt that he was a failure. In modern terms, he would think himself to be a loser. Our scripture text is the scene when Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James went to the sepulcher to see Him. The angel of the Lord told them to tell the disciples AND Peter that Jesus had risen. The angel mentioned Peter by name. There are things in all of our lives that we can categorize as failure. Like Peter it is easy to feel like we are losers for these failures. Bro. Smith tells us that we must make room at the alters and in the church for these “losers.” The devil is telling us the lie. The truth is that there is no failure or issue that cannot be overcome through earnest faithful prayer. The truth is that none of us are losers; we are children of God. We may fail, and we may fall short, but we are not losers. Bro. Smith tells us “I am not a judge. Neither am I willing to write anyone off.” It is not up to us to define and decide who is a loser. The devil is a liar and God has made a way for the “loser.” There was no man on earth at the time that was closer to Jesus than Peter. Even so, in the hours just before the crucifixion, Peter fulfilled prophecy by denying Christ three times. Although he had declared only hours before that he would ever deny J… Kenneth Baker 3637 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690517/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_makeroomforthelosers/id/953389.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690517 Loser,Lies,Failure Sun, 31 Jul 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Life is an ever-changing road. No two days are ever the same. Each day brings its own set of uncertainties. Yet we live in faith that we are in God’s care. We do not always understand the path we must travel. Bro. Hughes tells us that if we trust in God, we will be better prepared to deal with what we encounter on our journey. The Psalmist talks about the valley of Baca. Historians are not sure of the location of this valley, but the writer knew it. This place was one of tears and sorrows. In our journey through life, we will all walk through the valley of Baca. Some of us will go through it more than once. The psalmist traveled through the valley of Baca on his way to the house of God. He came into a difficult place and he tried to make it better by establishing a well. We must learn to make a place better. Instead of complaining or waiting for someone else to do something, we must take action to make a place or situation better. It does not matter what we may be going through, we can make it a better place. There is no problem or trial that we cannot make a better place through prayer, faith and worship. Life is an ever-changing road. No two days are ever the same. Each day brings its own set of uncertainties. Yet we live in faith that we are in God’s care. We do not always understand the path we must travel. Bro. Hughes tells us that if we trust in God, we will be better prepared to deal with what we encounter on our journey. The Psalmist talks about the valley of Baca. Historians are not sure of the location of this valley, but the writer knew it. This place was one of tears and sorrows. In our journey through life, we will all walk through the valley of Baca. Some of us will go through it more than once. The psalmist traveled through the valley of Baca on his way to the house of God. He came into a difficult place and he tried to make it better by establishing a well. We must learn to make a place better. Instead of complaining or waiting for someone else to do something, we must take action to make a place or situation better. It does not matter what we may be going through, we can make it a better place. There is no problem or trial that we cannot make a better place through prayer, faith and worship. Life is an ever-changing road. No two days are ever the same. Each day brings its own set of uncertainties. Yet we live in faith that we are in God’s care. We do not always understand the path we must travel. Bro. Hughes tells us that if we trust … Mark Hughes 1991 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690516/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_youcanmakeit/id/953388.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690516 Valley,Trial,Better,Worship, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 24 Jul 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes As children of God we live by a different standard than the world. The world lives by sight and proof. We live by faith. All of us struggle with living by faith at some point. Faith causes many to stumble because the unknown and the unseen intimidate us. It does not matter how long one has been living for God, we are all susceptible to a failing of faith. It is easy to talk about faith; it is more difficult to demonstrate it. Out scripture text is a glimpse of John the Baptist in a moment of questioning his faith. John was a man who had been unafraid of anything in his ministry. He now finds himself in a prison cell alone and forgotten. He begins to question his ministry, his mission and his life. John sends his disciples to ask Jesus: Are you the one? Bro. Hughes notices some things about this story of John’s faith storm. First, faith storms can happen when the pace of life changes. John had been on the top of the world. He was famous and note worth. He was a major player and was much sought after by the religious leaders of the time. He was now out of favor, and relegated to a prison cell with nothing to do. The second thing was that John was now in a restricted environment. John was used to being free and living in the wilderness, and now he found himself restricted and confined. Finally John was alone in his cell, and was living in silence. No contact with God. There are no recorded visits from Jesus during this time of incarceration. Now alone in his cell, he had to live the message that he had preached. In the silence of his situation, he had to rely on his own message. It is not easy to live our own message. Bro. Hughes asks, “So what do you do when you don’t know what to do?” The answer is that we do just what John did. John reached out to Jesus. He is the one that has the answer. He is the one that we need to rely upon. John not only reached out to Him, he received a word from Him. Jesus provided the confirmation that John needed. As children of God we live by a different standard than the world. The world lives by sight and proof. We live by faith. All of us struggle with living by faith at some point. Faith causes many to stumble because the unknown and the unseen intimidate us. It does not matter how long one has been living for God, we are all susceptible to a failing of faith. It is easy to talk about faith; it is more difficult to demonstrate it. Out scripture text is a glimpse of John the Baptist in a moment of questioning his faith. John was a man who had been unafraid of anything in his ministry. He now finds himself in a prison cell alone and forgotten. He begins to question his ministry, his mission and his life. John sends his disciples to ask Jesus: Are you the one? Bro. Hughes notices some things about this story of John’s faith storm. First, faith storms can happen when the pace of life changes. John had been on the top of the world. He was famous and note worth. He was a major player and was much sought after by the religious leaders of the time. He was now out of favor, and relegated to a prison cell with nothing to do. The second thing was that John was now in a restricted environment. John was used to being free and living in the wilderness, and now he found himself restricted and confined. Finally John was alone in his cell, and was living in silence. No contact with God. There are no recorded visits from Jesus during this time of incarceration. Now alone in his cell, he had to live the message that he had preached. In the silence of his situation, he had to rely on his own message. It is not easy to live our own message. Bro. Hughes asks, “So what do you do when you don’t know what to do?” The answer is that we do just what John did. John reached out to Jesus. He is the one that has the answer. He is the one that we need to rely upon. John not only reached out to Him, he received a word from Him. Jesus provided the confirmation that John needed. As children of God we live by a different standard than the world. The world lives by sight and proof. We live by faith. All of us struggle with living by faith at some point. Faith causes many to stumble because the unknown and the unseen intimida… Mark Hughes 2000 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690515/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_faithstorms/id/953387.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690515 Faith,Storm,Confined,Restricted, Scripture: Matthew 11:1-11:10, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 20 Jul 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes As David reflected over his life, he came to the conclusion that his life and relationship with God paralleled the relationship he had with his sheep when he was a shepherd. The 23rd Psalm contains several promises that God makes as the shepherd of his flock. Bro. Hughes focuses on verse three tonight and explores the promise of restoration of the soul. There are times and circumstances when people can become frustrated or depressed in life. None are immune to these down days. We all feel depressed no matter how blessed our life may be overall. Verse 3 contains the promise that God will restore our soul during these times. In the world of sheep herding, there is a parallel to this concept. If a sheep rolls over onto their back, they are not capable of righting themselves, and if they are left too long, they will die. The role of the shepherd is to roll the sheep back over on their feet to save them. God makes this promise to us. Our shepherd will not leave us when we fall, and will do everything necessary to put us back on our feet. There are some parallels between sheep becoming cast and people getting down. Sheep become cast when they find a soft spot in which to lay. Bro. Hughes says there is a danger in comfort. Some people get into a comfortable place, and fall. Sheep can become cast for seasonal issues; If they are pregnant or carrying more weight. People too can fall when the weight of life becomes too great. Sheep can become cast when they have too much wool. The extra wool attracts extra things that weigh them down, or cause their balance to be off. People too can have too much attached to their lives. These extra things can cause us to fall. A sheep may become cast if they eat too much and become fat. Often the people who complain the most, are the ones that have been blessed the most. They never do anything with the blessings that God brings into their life, and it turns into spiritual fat rather than spiritual muscle. God may put us onto a spiritual diet and exercise program to build the necessary muscle to put us back on our feet. God is working to get us back on our feet. As David reflected over his life, he came to the conclusion that his life and relationship with God paralleled the relationship he had with his sheep when he was a shepherd. The 23rd Psalm contains several promises that God makes as the shepherd of his flock. Bro. Hughes focuses on verse three tonight and explores the promise of restoration of the soul. There are times and circumstances when people can become frustrated or depressed in life. None are immune to these down days. We all feel depressed no matter how blessed our life may be overall. Verse 3 contains the promise that God will restore our soul during these times. In the world of sheep herding, there is a parallel to this concept. If a sheep rolls over onto their back, they are not capable of righting themselves, and if they are left too long, they will die. The role of the shepherd is to roll the sheep back over on their feet to save them. God makes this promise to us. Our shepherd will not leave us when we fall, and will do everything necessary to put us back on our feet. There are some parallels between sheep becoming cast and people getting down. Sheep become cast when they find a soft spot in which to lay. Bro. Hughes says there is a danger in comfort. Some people get into a comfortable place, and fall. Sheep can become cast for seasonal issues; If they are pregnant or carrying more weight. People too can fall when the weight of life becomes too great. Sheep can become cast when they have too much wool. The extra wool attracts extra things that weigh them down, or cause their balance to be off. People too can have too much attached to their lives. These extra things can cause us to fall. A sheep may become cast if they eat too much and become fat. Often the people who complain the most, are the ones that have been blessed the most. They never do anything with the blessings that God brings into their life, and it turns into spiritual fat rather than spiritual muscle. God may put us onto a spiritual diet and exercise program to build the necessary muscle to put us back on our feet. God is working to get us back on our feet. As David reflected over his life, he came to the conclusion that his life and relationship with God paralleled the relationship he had with his sheep when he was a shepherd. The 23rd Psalm contains several promises that God makes as the shepherd of hi… Mark Hughes 2851 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690514/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_castdown/id/953386.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690514 Cast Down,Back on your feet, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 17 Jul 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The word of God is a lifeline to a people that are drowning in doubt, fear, sin and failure. The word of God is an amazing book. Not only is it the actual word of God, it is God’s word to each individual person. Rich or poor, smart or dumb, big or small, the word of God can minister to each individual’s needs at just the right time and in just the right way. God’s word can speak to us at whatever level and in whatever form is necessary. The word of God can calm any storm and confront any problem that may show itself in our life. It does not matter how much life fluctuates, the word of God remains the same. Everything around us may be shaken, but the word of God remains steadfast. The word of God is a powerful encouragement in life. It is light to the path, and lamp to the feet. God has a word for every situation in life. Bro. Hughes comes tonight to deliver the word of God: God does not want you to fail. Our text has Jesus coming upon the disciples as they were cleaning up after a fruitless night of fishing. The bible describes the failed fishing effort as though they had tried everything, but nothing had worked. Jesus teaches for a while, and then instructs them to set out to the deep again for a great drought of fish. Simon’s response is what most of our might have been. Their reply was to tell Him that they had tried before and failed. Nevertheless, they agreed to go out again on His word. Bro. Hughes says to not get lost in our first efforts. The only thing that turned these men from failure, to a great catch of fish as the word of God. His word made the difference for them. He doesn’t want us to fail, and He wants to make sure we understand that. This story tells us that He will be better to us than even our expectation. Jesus told them to let the nets (plural) down, and Simon replied that he would let the net (singular) down. The result was a catch that was more than the one net could contain. God wants to be more to us than we can imagine. The word of God is a lifeline to a people that are drowning in doubt, fear, sin and failure. The word of God is an amazing book. Not only is it the actual word of God, it is God’s word to each individual person. Rich or poor, smart or dumb, big or small, the word of God can minister to each individual’s needs at just the right time and in just the right way. God’s word can speak to us at whatever level and in whatever form is necessary. The word of God can calm any storm and confront any problem that may show itself in our life. It does not matter how much life fluctuates, the word of God remains the same. Everything around us may be shaken, but the word of God remains steadfast. The word of God is a powerful encouragement in life. It is light to the path, and lamp to the feet. God has a word for every situation in life. Bro. Hughes comes tonight to deliver the word of God: God does not want you to fail. Our text has Jesus coming upon the disciples as they were cleaning up after a fruitless night of fishing. The bible describes the failed fishing effort as though they had tried everything, but nothing had worked. Jesus teaches for a while, and then instructs them to set out to the deep again for a great drought of fish. Simon’s response is what most of our might have been. Their reply was to tell Him that they had tried before and failed. Nevertheless, they agreed to go out again on His word. Bro. Hughes says to not get lost in our first efforts. The only thing that turned these men from failure, to a great catch of fish as the word of God. His word made the difference for them. He doesn’t want us to fail, and He wants to make sure we understand that. This story tells us that He will be better to us than even our expectation. Jesus told them to let the nets (plural) down, and Simon replied that he would let the net (singular) down. The result was a catch that was more than the one net could contain. God wants to be more to us than we can imagine. The word of God is a lifeline to a people that are drowning in doubt, fear, sin and failure. The word of God is an amazing book. Not only is it the actual word of God, it is God’s word to each individual person. Rich or poor, smart or dumb, big or sm… Mark Hughes 2404 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690513/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_goddoesntwantyoutofail/id/953385.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690513 Success,Failure, Scripture: Luke 5:4-5:8, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 17 Jul 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes What a relief it is to be able to leave a care or concern with someone else. However not everything in life can be given to somebody else. Some things we must bear ourselves. Nobody can walk through our valley for us. Every person must bear some sort of cross in life. Trials and trouble in life is not for people who are being punished, or who need to learn a lesson. All people will experience some sort of trial or issue while going through life. Jesus said to take up your cross and follow me. This tells us that we all must carry some sort of cross in life. Cross bearing is dealing with the people, situations and issues that get in the way of living a life for God. Even though we must each bear our own cross, God gives us hope by letting us know that there are some things that we do not have to bear. In our text, David finds this realization when God tells him to "Leave that to me". God told David to “Leave my ways to me.” There are things that we do not understand about God and how He works. We simply have to turn it over to Him and trust in Him. There is no answer to how things work in life. There is no answer why some people suffer pain, loss, or suffering and others do not. We have to trust in God and that all that happens is part of His plan. If we disagree with God and argue with Him, the burden only gets heaver. We do not have to understand God’s plans to experience them. We simply have to obey. We can cast our cars on God. The word care encompasses a whole world of meaning. Worry, Fear, Anxiety, stress, disappointment. It also can be worries about family, job, the economy, health, the future. These are the things that we can cast upon God. He has said that He will carry that load. There are three things that God requires of man. They are outlined in Micah 6:8. Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Everything else can be left to God. There is a better way than giving up. Give it all to God, and let him carry it. What a relief it is to be able to leave a care or concern with someone else. However not everything in life can be given to somebody else. Some things we must bear ourselves. Nobody can walk through our valley for us. Every person must bear some sort of cross in life. Trials and trouble in life is not for people who are being punished, or who need to learn a lesson. All people will experience some sort of trial or issue while going through life. Jesus said to take up your cross and follow me. This tells us that we all must carry some sort of cross in life. Cross bearing is dealing with the people, situations and issues that get in the way of living a life for God. Even though we must each bear our own cross, God gives us hope by letting us know that there are some things that we do not have to bear. In our text, David finds this realization when God tells him to "Leave that to me". God told David to “Leave my ways to me.” There are things that we do not understand about God and how He works. We simply have to turn it over to Him and trust in Him. There is no answer to how things work in life. There is no answer why some people suffer pain, loss, or suffering and others do not. We have to trust in God and that all that happens is part of His plan. If we disagree with God and argue with Him, the burden only gets heaver. We do not have to understand God’s plans to experience them. We simply have to obey. We can cast our cars on God. The word care encompasses a whole world of meaning. Worry, Fear, Anxiety, stress, disappointment. It also can be worries about family, job, the economy, health, the future. These are the things that we can cast upon God. He has said that He will carry that load. There are three things that God requires of man. They are outlined in Micah 6:8. Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Everything else can be left to God. There is a better way than giving up. Give it all to God, and let him carry it. What a relief it is to be able to leave a care or concern with someone else. However not everything in life can be given to somebody else. Some things we must bear ourselves. Nobody can walk through our valley for us. Every person must bear some so… Mark Hughes 2544 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690512/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_leaveitalltogod/id/953384.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690512 Trust,Bear, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Thu, 14 Jul 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes If we look at the 23rd Psalm as a way of looking at God, it changes the way that we live for God. The first verse establishes a relationship with God. He is MY shepherd, not a shepherd. He is not only THE shepherd, but he is MY shepherd. Continuing to look at the 23rd Psalm, Bro. Hughes explains that these short six verses require close analysis. This is not a race, but a leisurely stroll. We need to take time to go slowly and let it be absorbed. Being able to know and quote the 23rd Psalm is not the same as understanding it. The 23rd Psalm is timeless. It is a comfort to all who hear it. There is no problem that this Psalm that has not seen, there is no hurt that this Psalm has not felt, there is not one mystery in life that this Psalm has not solved. This Psalm was written by an old man who had returned to the place of his youth. He had grown up to be king of Israel, but David had once been a shepherd. Now reflecting upon his life, he realized something, and wrote the words of the 23rd Psalm. As a shepherd, he realized that the sheep are his. Because they are his, he leads them to green pasture. He does not worry about other flocks; he is concerned with HIS sheep. By leading them to green pasture, he was taking them to a place where they felt comfortable to lay down and rest, and feed. When a sheep is feeding, his head is down and not paying attention. The shepherd is responsible for protecting them from danger. The shepherd knows all the sheep individually by name. They had names because they have value. We do not name things that do not have value to us. God know our names; each and everyone one of us. The shepherd knows the personalities and fears of each of us. The scripture tells us that He leads me by the still water. Sheep fear quickly moving water. The shepherd would even go so far as to dam up swiftly moving creeks to create a still pool that would allow the sheep to drink easily. Because He knows our fears, He will create an atmosphere that will calm those fears and cause us to be at ease. Reading the 23rd Psalm and think of God as MY shepherd will change everything. Because He is MY shepherd, He will provide, protect, look after and love me. If we look at the 23rd Psalm as a way of looking at God, it changes the way that we live for God. The first verse establishes a relationship with God. He is MY shepherd, not a shepherd. He is not only THE shepherd, but he is MY shepherd. Continuing to look at the 23rd Psalm, Bro. Hughes explains that these short six verses require close analysis. This is not a race, but a leisurely stroll. We need to take time to go slowly and let it be absorbed. Being able to know and quote the 23rd Psalm is not the same as understanding it. The 23rd Psalm is timeless. It is a comfort to all who hear it. There is no problem that this Psalm that has not seen, there is no hurt that this Psalm has not felt, there is not one mystery in life that this Psalm has not solved. This Psalm was written by an old man who had returned to the place of his youth. He had grown up to be king of Israel, but David had once been a shepherd. Now reflecting upon his life, he realized something, and wrote the words of the 23rd Psalm. As a shepherd, he realized that the sheep are his. Because they are his, he leads them to green pasture. He does not worry about other flocks; he is concerned with HIS sheep. By leading them to green pasture, he was taking them to a place where they felt comfortable to lay down and rest, and feed. When a sheep is feeding, his head is down and not paying attention. The shepherd is responsible for protecting them from danger. The shepherd knows all the sheep individually by name. They had names because they have value. We do not name things that do not have value to us. God know our names; each and everyone one of us. The shepherd knows the personalities and fears of each of us. The scripture tells us that He leads me by the still water. Sheep fear quickly moving water. The shepherd would even go so far as to dam up swiftly moving creeks to create a still pool that would allow the sheep to drink easily. Because He knows our fears, He will create an atmosphere that will calm those fears and cause us to be at ease. Reading the 23rd Psalm and think of God as MY shepherd will change everything. Because He is MY shepherd, He will provide, protect, look after and love me. If we look at the 23rd Psalm as a way of looking at God, it changes the way that we live for God. The first verse establishes a relationship with God. He is MY shepherd, not a shepherd. He is not only THE shepherd, but he is MY shepherd. Continuing… Mark Hughes 2930 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690510/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ashepherdandhisflock/id/953383.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690510 Flock,Shepherd, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 10 Jul 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes There are times in life when we get sick. There are times in life when we get sick and tired. Then there are times when we get sick and tired of being sick and tired. We know there is more, but we don’t have it. There are times when we just go through the motions. We simply do the things that we are supposed to do for worship, but there is no true worship: Prayers that are prayed without passion; Songs that are sung without engaging the heart in the words that are being sung. Bro. Hughes declares that we need singing that is anointed of the Lord. We need prayer that is fervent and impassioned. We have to break away from church as usual. We need a break through. People that need a break through, make others uncomfortable because those who need a break trough get away from tradition and make a way to get into the presence of the Lord. The rain does not care where it falls. It falls on the fertile ground and runs off of the hard ground, but it falls everywhere. Bro. Hughes cries that we need a spiritual rain in this place. The world does not need another denomination. It does not need another type of church, they need a church that seeks the face of God and desires to be in His will. There are times in life when we get sick. There are times in life when we get sick and tired. Then there are times when we get sick and tired of being sick and tired. We know there is more, but we don’t have it. There are times when we just go through the motions. We simply do the things that we are supposed to do for worship, but there is no true worship: Prayers that are prayed without passion; Songs that are sung without engaging the heart in the words that are being sung. Bro. Hughes declares that we need singing that is anointed of the Lord. We need prayer that is fervent and impassioned. We have to break away from church as usual. We need a break through. People that need a break through, make others uncomfortable because those who need a break trough get away from tradition and make a way to get into the presence of the Lord. The rain does not care where it falls. It falls on the fertile ground and runs off of the hard ground, but it falls everywhere. Bro. Hughes cries that we need a spiritual rain in this place. The world does not need another denomination. It does not need another type of church, they need a church that seeks the face of God and desires to be in His will. There are times in life when we get sick. There are times in life when we get sick and tired. Then there are times when we get sick and tired of being sick and tired. We know there is more, but we don’t have it. There are times when we just go thro… Mark Hughes 1425 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690509/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sickandtiredofbeingsickandtire/id/953382.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690509 Passion,Worship,Prayer, Scripture: Isaiah 64:1-64:3, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 10 Jul 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Hezekiah was very ill, and was at the point of death. He pleaded with God to spare him. Isaiah told Hezekiah that God would spare him, and he ask for a sign. God gave Hezekiah a choice of either having the sun move backwards or forward in the sky. He chose to have the sun move backward. For one man, God performed a miracle that was visible to the entire world. He can make the sun not only stand still, but He can make it retreat. God is in control of everything. He is in control of the shadows that fall into our lives. The shadow of sickness, finances, sorrow and death all can fall in our lives, and God controls all of it. He is not just a god of the sunshine and joy; he is also the God of all the shadows in life. Just as God controlled the shadow for Hezekiah, He also can move back the shadow in our life and allow us the time to recover and be restored and renewed. The Lord turned back that day, and if He turned it back then, he can turn it back for us. God can cause something that is in decline, to reverse course. This miracle was a sign to Hezekiah that he was not going to die. It was a sign that he was going to be healed. This same promise is extended to us. The same God that reversed the shadow in Hezekiah’s life can reverse any shadow that may be in our life. Hezekiah was very ill, and was at the point of death. He pleaded with God to spare him. Isaiah told Hezekiah that God would spare him, and he ask for a sign. God gave Hezekiah a choice of either having the sun move backwards or forward in the sky. He chose to have the sun move backward. For one man, God performed a miracle that was visible to the entire world. He can make the sun not only stand still, but He can make it retreat. God is in control of everything. He is in control of the shadows that fall into our lives. The shadow of sickness, finances, sorrow and death all can fall in our lives, and God controls all of it. He is not just a god of the sunshine and joy; he is also the God of all the shadows in life. Just as God controlled the shadow for Hezekiah, He also can move back the shadow in our life and allow us the time to recover and be restored and renewed. The Lord turned back that day, and if He turned it back then, he can turn it back for us. God can cause something that is in decline, to reverse course. This miracle was a sign to Hezekiah that he was not going to die. It was a sign that he was going to be healed. This same promise is extended to us. The same God that reversed the shadow in Hezekiah’s life can reverse any shadow that may be in our life. Hezekiah was very ill, and was at the point of death. He pleaded with God to spare him. Isaiah told Hezekiah that God would spare him, and he ask for a sign. God gave Hezekiah a choice of either having the sun move backwards or forward in the sky. … Mark Hughes 1293 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690508/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theturningoftheshadow/id/953381.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690508 Shadow,Another Chance, Scripture: 2 Kings 20:11-20:12, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 06 Jul 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The 23rd Psalm is often used as a source of strength and encouragement. This Psalm contains a truth that should profoundly affect our lives. Bro. Hughes tells us that the 23rd Psalm is so familiar to us that we run the risk of missing the depth of what is packed into these short six verses. The 23rd Psalm contains the secret to a happy life and a happy death. More than that, the 23rd Psalm contains the secret to a happy eternity. David introduces us to one who can take care of our frailties, our enemies and our future. Above all else, this Psalm introduces us to a way of thinking of God. It is a way of looking at God that transforms every area of our life. Many have memorized this Psalm, but the power of this text is in the thinking. The Psalm begins by defining the relationship: The Lord is my Shepherd. The shepherd protects, directs and provides for his sheep. He is not A shepherd. He is not THE shepherd. He is MY shepherd. Once we gain this understanding, our relationship with God can become very different. The 23rd Psalm is often used as a source of strength and encouragement. This Psalm contains a truth that should profoundly affect our lives. Bro. Hughes tells us that the 23rd Psalm is so familiar to us that we run the risk of missing the depth of what is packed into these short six verses. The 23rd Psalm contains the secret to a happy life and a happy death. More than that, the 23rd Psalm contains the secret to a happy eternity. David introduces us to one who can take care of our frailties, our enemies and our future. Above all else, this Psalm introduces us to a way of thinking of God. It is a way of looking at God that transforms every area of our life. Many have memorized this Psalm, but the power of this text is in the thinking. The Psalm begins by defining the relationship: The Lord is my Shepherd. The shepherd protects, directs and provides for his sheep. He is not A shepherd. He is not THE shepherd. He is MY shepherd. Once we gain this understanding, our relationship with God can become very different. The 23rd Psalm is often used as a source of strength and encouragement. This Psalm contains a truth that should profoundly affect our lives. Bro. Hughes tells us that the 23rd Psalm is so familiar to us that we run the risk of missing the depth of wh… Mark Hughes 2549 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690507/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_myshepherd/id/953380.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690507 Shepherd,Psalm 23, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Sun, 03 Jul 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our country has moved far away from its founding principle. Our country was founded on Godly principles. Bro. Hughes tells us that modern churches are under attack from the very Government that these Godly principles founded. Freedom means different things to different people. The freedom we enjoy was not and is not free. There was a price paid for the freedom and liberty we have. When ask to define freedom, most people will describe the external trappings of freedom: not bound, not physically constrained. Bro. Hughes describes an internal freedom. Through Christ we are free from past failures and sin. Whatever happened yesterday, we can be free from the fear of those failures when we bring those things to God and repent from them. We are free from the uncertainty of the future. With God we can be free from the fear of what is to come, because He has already ordered our steps. On this Independence Day weekend, we know that we live in land where freedom abounds, and through God, we can be free indeed. Our country has moved far away from its founding principle. Our country was founded on Godly principles. Bro. Hughes tells us that modern churches are under attack from the very Government that these Godly principles founded. Freedom means different things to different people. The freedom we enjoy was not and is not free. There was a price paid for the freedom and liberty we have. When ask to define freedom, most people will describe the external trappings of freedom: not bound, not physically constrained. Bro. Hughes describes an internal freedom. Through Christ we are free from past failures and sin. Whatever happened yesterday, we can be free from the fear of those failures when we bring those things to God and repent from them. We are free from the uncertainty of the future. With God we can be free from the fear of what is to come, because He has already ordered our steps. On this Independence Day weekend, we know that we live in land where freedom abounds, and through God, we can be free indeed. Our country has moved far away from its founding principle. Our country was founded on Godly principles. Bro. Hughes tells us that modern churches are under attack from the very Government that these Godly principles founded. Freedom means different… Mark Hughes 2227 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690506/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_apreciouspossession/id/953379.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690506 Independence Day,Freedom, Custom categories: Pastor : Mark Hughes Wed, 29 Jun 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker If we are doing anything halfway decent, the devil will attempt to provoke us. As humans we sometimes fall prey to this temptation. David fell victim to this temptation too and as a result God was displeased with him. As his punishment David had to choose one of three options. He could have chosen famine for the land, or loss in battles. David could have justified these options without much personal suffering. He chose to accept responsibility personally, admit is mistake and place himself in the hands of God. David did not allow his pride to get in the way of submitting to God’s will and admitting his mistake. By choosing to place himself in the hand of God he knew that God’s grace and mercy would save him from what he deserved. God commanded David to build an alter on Ornan’s threshing floor. David paid Ornan an incredible (even by today’s standards) amount of money for the property. Bro. Custer declares that we have to pay a price for the requirements that God has on our life. David did what was required of him by God. He paid the price for the threshing floor, he built the alter, he offered the sacrifice and the burnt offering. He then went on to do above and beyond what God had asked. Bro. Custer tells us that we need to do more that what is required. To only do the bare minimum is not good enough in God’s economy; We must do more. If we are doing anything halfway decent, the devil will attempt to provoke us. As humans we sometimes fall prey to this temptation. David fell victim to this temptation too and as a result God was displeased with him. As his punishment David had to choose one of three options. He could have chosen famine for the land, or loss in battles. David could have justified these options without much personal suffering. He chose to accept responsibility personally, admit is mistake and place himself in the hands of God. David did not allow his pride to get in the way of submitting to God’s will and admitting his mistake. By choosing to place himself in the hand of God he knew that God’s grace and mercy would save him from what he deserved. God commanded David to build an alter on Ornan’s threshing floor. David paid Ornan an incredible (even by today’s standards) amount of money for the property. Bro. Custer declares that we have to pay a price for the requirements that God has on our life. David did what was required of him by God. He paid the price for the threshing floor, he built the alter, he offered the sacrifice and the burnt offering. He then went on to do above and beyond what God had asked. Bro. Custer tells us that we need to do more that what is required. To only do the bare minimum is not good enough in God’s economy; We must do more. If we are doing anything halfway decent, the devil will attempt to provoke us. As humans we sometimes fall prey to this temptation. David fell victim to this temptation too and as a result God was displeased with him. As his punishment David had t… Kenneth Baker 2882 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690505/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_youvegottopayaprice/id/953378.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690505 more,responsibilty, Scripture: 1 Chronicles 21:9-21:19 Sun, 26 Jun 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Morning Service Our scripture text is the account of Jesus turning water into wine at the marriage in Cana. This is the first miracle that Jesus performed. Mary called upon Jesus to respond to her need. She realized that if she could get Jesus connected to the problem at hand He could meet that need. No matter how small the need, if we can simply get Jesus connected, He can take care of it. Bro. Custer tells us that this is Mary’s miracle. She didn’t know how he would do it, but she knew that He would do it. He did not tell her that her problem was not important. However small the concern may seem to God, He will respond to the need in our life. He will take care of the big things in life, and he will also take care of the small things. God is big enough so show up for the small things as well as the big things. It doesn’t matter the size of the need, God can and will meet the need we have. Morning Service Our scripture text is the account of Jesus turning water into wine at the marriage in Cana. This is the first miracle that Jesus performed. Mary called upon Jesus to respond to her need. She realized that if she could get Jesus connected to the problem at hand He could meet that need. No matter how small the need, if we can simply get Jesus connected, He can take care of it. Bro. Custer tells us that this is Mary’s miracle. She didn’t know how he would do it, but she knew that He would do it. He did not tell her that her problem was not important. However small the concern may seem to God, He will respond to the need in our life. He will take care of the big things in life, and he will also take care of the small things. God is big enough so show up for the small things as well as the big things. It doesn’t matter the size of the need, God can and will meet the need we have. Morning Service Our scripture text is the account of Jesus turning water into wine at the marriage in Cana. This is the first miracle that Jesus performed. Mary called upon Jesus to respond to her need. She realized that if she could get Jesus co… Kenneth Baker 1954 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690504/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theaudacityofherfaith/id/953377.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690504 Faith,Need,Miracle Wed, 22 Jun 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Jay Hilton As Christians we must understand what constitutes faith, and what does not. Failure to do this can cause great problems with our walk with God. Many people believe in God, but they do not have faith. As long as our faith is grounded in what we see and experience, it will be shallow and will not hold up to the challenges of life. If we base our faith on current events, we can convince ourselves that God doesn’t care, or doesn’t listen to our prayers. This analysis is faulty and lacks the perspective of God’s plan. Joseph could have easily questioned why he was sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely imprisoned and forgotten. He however placed his faith in God and trusted that these things in his life placed him in a position to be used by God for a mighty work. Authentic faith looks at the whole picture. People are unwilling to accept faith for what it really is, instead of what they want it to be. They want faith to move God to do their will, not His. They want faith to be a way to get what they want from God when they want it. They wrongly believe that God’s decision to say no somehow means that He is displeased with them. Faith is also not confidence. Many people feel that if they muster enough confidence that God will act on that need or want. Biblical faith is not desire. The difference between wishful thinking and faith is a promise. Faith is confidence that God is who He says He and that He will do what He has promised. As Christians we must understand what constitutes faith, and what does not. Failure to do this can cause great problems with our walk with God. Many people believe in God, but they do not have faith. As long as our faith is grounded in what we see and experience, it will be shallow and will not hold up to the challenges of life. If we base our faith on current events, we can convince ourselves that God doesn’t care, or doesn’t listen to our prayers. This analysis is faulty and lacks the perspective of God’s plan. Joseph could have easily questioned why he was sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely imprisoned and forgotten. He however placed his faith in God and trusted that these things in his life placed him in a position to be used by God for a mighty work. Authentic faith looks at the whole picture. People are unwilling to accept faith for what it really is, instead of what they want it to be. They want faith to move God to do their will, not His. They want faith to be a way to get what they want from God when they want it. They wrongly believe that God’s decision to say no somehow means that He is displeased with them. Faith is also not confidence. Many people feel that if they muster enough confidence that God will act on that need or want. Biblical faith is not desire. The difference between wishful thinking and faith is a promise. Faith is confidence that God is who He says He and that He will do what He has promised. As Christians we must understand what constitutes faith, and what does not. Failure to do this can cause great problems with our walk with God. Many people believe in God, but they do not have faith. As long as our faith is grounded in what we s… Jay Hilton 1895 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690503/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_authenticfaith/id/953376.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690503 Faith Sun, 19 Jun 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes For his father’s day message, Bro. Hughes turns to the story of Caleb. Caleb was one of the 12 spies sent into the Promised Land ahead the nation of Israel. The bible tells us Caleb fully followed the commandments of God. He was a man who did not pick and choose, or try to reorder the will of God. Bro. Hughes highlights traits and characteristics of Caleb that every man should strive to possess. Caleb was a man for his time, and if we could learn to be like him, we would be men for our time. For his father’s day message, Bro. Hughes turns to the story of Caleb. Caleb was one of the 12 spies sent into the Promised Land ahead the nation of Israel. The bible tells us Caleb fully followed the commandments of God. He was a man who did not pick and choose, or try to reorder the will of God. Bro. Hughes highlights traits and characteristics of Caleb that every man should strive to possess. Caleb was a man for his time, and if we could learn to be like him, we would be men for our time. For his father’s day message, Bro. Hughes turns to the story of Caleb. Caleb was one of the 12 spies sent into the Promised Land ahead the nation of Israel. The bible tells us Caleb fully followed the commandments of God. He was a man who did not pi… Mark Hughes 1724 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690502/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_amanforthetimes/id/953375.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690502 Spirit,Faithful,Father's Day, Scripture: Numbers 14:24-14:25 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We all have heard the story of Jonah and the Whale (or the big fish). Jonah attempted to run away from God. Bro. Hughes uses this familiar story to explain the untold story about Jonah. At an early age, we learn the hard lesson that life is not fair. We can be the most righteous person and still go through storms in life. Living a life for God is not an insurance policy against trouble. None of us will get through life without weathering a few troubles. Some of these troubles and storms are of our own making. One of the victims in the story of Jonah is the captain of the ship on which Jonah booked passage. He lost his cargo, and almost lost his life due to the storm. Many times the troubles in our lives are the result of the cargo or passengers that we allow to come on board. Jonah was running from God. Bro. Hughes warns us to beware and stay away from people who are running away from God. Like the captain of the ship, harboring or being around people running from God can bring storms into our life. The first mistake the captain made was allowing Jonah on the ship. Bro. Hughes warns us to be careful what we allow into our life. All this captain did was allow Jonah on board, and he was thrust into the biggest storm of his life. In the midst of the storm, Jonah was asleep in the belly of the ship. The cause of the storm was hiding out and letting the others dealing with the storm. Some things that we allow into our lives cause us trouble, and then are not around when the storm comes. Jonah tells the captain to throw him overboard to calm the seas. They refused, and thus perpetuated the storm. The captain started out innocent, but by the end of the story, he lost that innocence. He could have cut gotten out of the storm, but he chose to hold onto what he had allowed on his boat. Some people go through trouble in their life not because of what they have done, but what they have allowed in. Even after they have received a revelation, they continue to allow the problem to remain. Something has got to go. There are things that are wrecking havoc in peoples lives, and they will continue to wreck havoc until we throw them overboard. We all have heard the story of Jonah and the Whale (or the big fish). Jonah attempted to run away from God. Bro. Hughes uses this familiar story to explain the untold story about Jonah. At an early age, we learn the hard lesson that life is not fair. We can be the most righteous person and still go through storms in life. Living a life for God is not an insurance policy against trouble. None of us will get through life without weathering a few troubles. Some of these troubles and storms are of our own making. One of the victims in the story of Jonah is the captain of the ship on which Jonah booked passage. He lost his cargo, and almost lost his life due to the storm. Many times the troubles in our lives are the result of the cargo or passengers that we allow to come on board. Jonah was running from God. Bro. Hughes warns us to beware and stay away from people who are running away from God. Like the captain of the ship, harboring or being around people running from God can bring storms into our life. The first mistake the captain made was allowing Jonah on the ship. Bro. Hughes warns us to be careful what we allow into our life. All this captain did was allow Jonah on board, and he was thrust into the biggest storm of his life. In the midst of the storm, Jonah was asleep in the belly of the ship. The cause of the storm was hiding out and letting the others dealing with the storm. Some things that we allow into our lives cause us trouble, and then are not around when the storm comes. Jonah tells the captain to throw him overboard to calm the seas. They refused, and thus perpetuated the storm. The captain started out innocent, but by the end of the story, he lost that innocence. He could have cut gotten out of the storm, but he chose to hold onto what he had allowed on his boat. Some people go through trouble in their life not because of what they have done, but what they have allowed in. Even after they have received a revelation, they continue to allow the problem to remain. Something has got to go. There are things that are wrecking havoc in peoples lives, and they will continue to wreck havoc until we throw them overboard. We all have heard the story of Jonah and the Whale (or the big fish). Jonah attempted to run away from God. Bro. Hughes uses this familiar story to explain the untold story about Jonah. At an early age, we learn the hard lesson that life is not fair… Mark Hughes 2278 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690501/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_getoffmyboat/id/953374.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690501 Storm,Overboard,Cargo, Scripture: Jonah 1:1-1:13 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes There are times and difficulties that we go through in our lives. These are temporary things and are not meant to stay. If we look at a single frame from a movie, we will see a single still photograph. It is part of the movie, but it is not the entire movie. To fully understand the movie, we must see the entire thing, not just the single frame. Bro. Hughes tells us that we must view our live in it’s entirety not, just a single frame. We must not judge our entire life by a single event or frame. Many people get caught up in the moment and they lose perspective of what is to come. That moment will pass, and another will take its place. Bro. Hughes reminds us not to make decisions about life based upon the moment. Our texts remind us that there is glory yet to be revealed. The bible tells us that a good man will fail seven times, but he gets back up. The failure does not define his life. God has a plan and a glory in each of our lives, and we need to let that plan work out. “I can’t get over…” something that happened years ago. Bro. Hughes asks why will we continue to judge life based upon a single thing in the past. Stand in the moment no matter how miserable it is and know that this too shall pass. Storms do not last forever, and the night does not last forever. Do not give up and quit because things look bad right now. It is just a moment; this too shall pass. There are times and difficulties that we go through in our lives. These are temporary things and are not meant to stay. If we look at a single frame from a movie, we will see a single still photograph. It is part of the movie, but it is not the entire movie. To fully understand the movie, we must see the entire thing, not just the single frame. Bro. Hughes tells us that we must view our live in it’s entirety not, just a single frame. We must not judge our entire life by a single event or frame. Many people get caught up in the moment and they lose perspective of what is to come. That moment will pass, and another will take its place. Bro. Hughes reminds us not to make decisions about life based upon the moment. Our texts remind us that there is glory yet to be revealed. The bible tells us that a good man will fail seven times, but he gets back up. The failure does not define his life. God has a plan and a glory in each of our lives, and we need to let that plan work out. “I can’t get over…” something that happened years ago. Bro. Hughes asks why will we continue to judge life based upon a single thing in the past. Stand in the moment no matter how miserable it is and know that this too shall pass. Storms do not last forever, and the night does not last forever. Do not give up and quit because things look bad right now. It is just a moment; this too shall pass. There are times and difficulties that we go through in our lives. These are temporary things and are not meant to stay. If we look at a single frame from a movie, we will see a single still photograph. It is part of the movie, but it is not the enti… Mark Hughes 1682 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690500/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_itsustamoment/id/953373.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690500 Moment,Storm,Pass, Scripture: Romans 8:18-8:24 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our scripture text is David reflecting upon the accomplishments of his life. The text references three mighty men. Most of us when we hear the term Mighty Men, feel that we are not included in that group. Most of us feel like we are just getting through. David was a man of great courage and confidence. Then as now, men were attracted to this type of man. Many of these people were outcasts from other situations and were searching for a place. They knew that if they could be around, or get connected with the right people, that they would become better. The old saying that birds of a feather flock together is true. Like-minded people will gather together. When these men came to David, he planted a seed in them that grew, and in turn, they planted seeds in others and reap harvest themselves. Eleazar was such a man. He had come be known as one of these Mighty Men. Even though all the others had run off, Eleazar stood to fight against the Philistines with only his sword and his will. Elaezar knew that the fight was worth fighting and would not allow the Philistines to take what belonged to Israel. Eleazar knew that he had to stand and fight. Bro. Hughes notes that we too need to stand and fight, even if we are the only ones standing. If it is depression, if it is fear, if it is temptation, we must stand and fight even if we fight alone. He fought because it was important. He fought because he couldn’t lose another thing to the enemy. We cannot lose another thing. We cannot lose another night to this enemy. Through God, Eleazar won a victory. Through God, we can win a victory too. Our scripture text is David reflecting upon the accomplishments of his life. The text references three mighty men. Most of us when we hear the term Mighty Men, feel that we are not included in that group. Most of us feel like we are just getting through. David was a man of great courage and confidence. Then as now, men were attracted to this type of man. Many of these people were outcasts from other situations and were searching for a place. They knew that if they could be around, or get connected with the right people, that they would become better. The old saying that birds of a feather flock together is true. Like-minded people will gather together. When these men came to David, he planted a seed in them that grew, and in turn, they planted seeds in others and reap harvest themselves. Eleazar was such a man. He had come be known as one of these Mighty Men. Even though all the others had run off, Eleazar stood to fight against the Philistines with only his sword and his will. Elaezar knew that the fight was worth fighting and would not allow the Philistines to take what belonged to Israel. Eleazar knew that he had to stand and fight. Bro. Hughes notes that we too need to stand and fight, even if we are the only ones standing. If it is depression, if it is fear, if it is temptation, we must stand and fight even if we fight alone. He fought because it was important. He fought because he couldn’t lose another thing to the enemy. We cannot lose another thing. We cannot lose another night to this enemy. Through God, Eleazar won a victory. Through God, we can win a victory too. Our scripture text is David reflecting upon the accomplishments of his life. The text references three mighty men. Most of us when we hear the term Mighty Men, feel that we are not included in that group. Most of us feel like we are just getting thr… Mark Hughes 1956 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690499/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_uststay/id/953372.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690499 Stay,Fight,Enemy,Defeated Wed, 08 Jun 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The bible is more than just a book. It is the word of God. Bro. Hughes says that the bible should be the most important book in our life. The devil will do whatever he can to distract us and keep us from studying, hearing and reading the word of God. In warfare, it is a good tactic to attack targets that will have the largest effect on the enemy. Our scripture text reveals a fact about the devil and demonstrates the power of the word of God. It illustrates something that the devil knows that all of us should know. Something about when the word of God is planted that causes him to come to try to undermine it. The devil is smart enough to know what the word of God will produce in a person’s life and what it can result in. Because of this, as soon as the word of God is deposited, the devil will do his best to distract and take away from it. The power of the word of God in our life is the most powerful force and source of strength that we can ever have in our life. The devil knows this and will do everything he can and as quickly as he can to keep it from taking root. The bible is more than just a book. It is the word of God. Bro. Hughes says that the bible should be the most important book in our life. The devil will do whatever he can to distract us and keep us from studying, hearing and reading the word of God. In warfare, it is a good tactic to attack targets that will have the largest effect on the enemy. Our scripture text reveals a fact about the devil and demonstrates the power of the word of God. It illustrates something that the devil knows that all of us should know. Something about when the word of God is planted that causes him to come to try to undermine it. The devil is smart enough to know what the word of God will produce in a person’s life and what it can result in. Because of this, as soon as the word of God is deposited, the devil will do his best to distract and take away from it. The power of the word of God in our life is the most powerful force and source of strength that we can ever have in our life. The devil knows this and will do everything he can and as quickly as he can to keep it from taking root. The bible is more than just a book. It is the word of God. Bro. Hughes says that the bible should be the most important book in our life. The devil will do whatever he can to distract us and keep us from studying, hearing and reading the word of God… Mark Hughes 2800 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690498/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whythedevilcomes/id/953371.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690498 Word,Attack,Plant,Take Root Mon, 06 Jun 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Landon Long Our scripture text tells us that with God there is no variableness. He is the same then, now and tomorrow. He is always the same. The God that sustained Moses as he fled from the Egyptians, the God that was with Daniel in the Lion’s den is the same God that is here for us. God desires a relationship with his creation. When He created the garden, he made it perfect for his creation. He created man in order to have a relationship. Even after sin entered the world, God still desires a relationship with His creation. He has not had a change of heart. The bible is full of stories where God was a healer, where God was a deliverer, where God was a comforter, where God provider. He has not changed. He is still all those things. His plans have not changed. Our scripture text tells us that with God there is no variableness. He is the same then, now and tomorrow. He is always the same. The God that sustained Moses as he fled from the Egyptians, the God that was with Daniel in the Lion’s den is the same God that is here for us. God desires a relationship with his creation. When He created the garden, he made it perfect for his creation. He created man in order to have a relationship. Even after sin entered the world, God still desires a relationship with His creation. He has not had a change of heart. The bible is full of stories where God was a healer, where God was a deliverer, where God was a comforter, where God provider. He has not changed. He is still all those things. His plans have not changed. Our scripture text tells us that with God there is no variableness. He is the same then, now and tomorrow. He is always the same. The God that sustained Moses as he fled from the Egyptians, the God that was with Daniel in the Lion’s den is the same … Landon Long 2082 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690496/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_achangeofheartisnotonhismind/id/953370.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690496 variableness,change,steadfast Mon, 06 Jun 2011 01:00:00 +0000 James Hughes Our world has changed the principles that many of us grew up believing. We used to be considerate of and look out for our neighbors. Because of our offenses and hurts, we are no longer connected to our neighbors. The human reaction is to retreat when we are hurt. When we become hurt, we begin to build walls and turn inward to protect us from further hurt. Bro. James Hughes tells us that problem with that is that when we do that, we are beginning the process of creating a prison for ourselves. Our world encourages us to be self centered and judgmental. This behavior is contradictory to the will of God and can be very damaging in our relationships. In our scripture text, Jesus is telling the disciples how to respond to those that offend them. The world and human nature tells us that the response to an offense is revenge and retribution. Bro. Hughes says that the problem with that theory is that no matter what you do, or how much revenge we get, it cannot change the original hurt. It only visits hurt onto someone else. We live in the present. We cannot change one thing about the past and we cannot determine the future. The only time we can influence is the present. The decisions we make in the present are the only way that we can affect our life. The bible tells us that offenses will come. Not might come, will come. How we choose to deal with these offenses will determine our quality of life. We cannot allow life to determine our choices. We have to choose to live life the way Jesus tells the disciples. The choice is ours. We can forgive our offenses or we can choose to carry the burden with us and have it weigh us down. Our world has changed the principles that many of us grew up believing. We used to be considerate of and look out for our neighbors. Because of our offenses and hurts, we are no longer connected to our neighbors. The human reaction is to retreat when we are hurt. When we become hurt, we begin to build walls and turn inward to protect us from further hurt. Bro. James Hughes tells us that problem with that is that when we do that, we are beginning the process of creating a prison for ourselves. Our world encourages us to be self centered and judgmental. This behavior is contradictory to the will of God and can be very damaging in our relationships. In our scripture text, Jesus is telling the disciples how to respond to those that offend them. The world and human nature tells us that the response to an offense is revenge and retribution. Bro. Hughes says that the problem with that theory is that no matter what you do, or how much revenge we get, it cannot change the original hurt. It only visits hurt onto someone else. We live in the present. We cannot change one thing about the past and we cannot determine the future. The only time we can influence is the present. The decisions we make in the present are the only way that we can affect our life. The bible tells us that offenses will come. Not might come, will come. How we choose to deal with these offenses will determine our quality of life. We cannot allow life to determine our choices. We have to choose to live life the way Jesus tells the disciples. The choice is ours. We can forgive our offenses or we can choose to carry the burden with us and have it weigh us down. Our world has changed the principles that many of us grew up believing. We used to be considerate of and look out for our neighbors. Because of our offenses and hurts, we are no longer connected to our neighbors. The human reaction is to retreat whe… James Hughes 2568 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690495/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howwillyouhandleoffenses/id/953369.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690495 Offenses,Forgivness,Past Sat, 04 Jun 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes According to John Maxwell, People change when they hurt enough that they have to. He concludes that another way that people change is that they learn enough that they want to change because they see the benefit. The ability to change is one of the benefits of humanity. We can change location, change directions, change vocations, and to adapt and learn. We can change our attitude. The question that troubles Bro. Hughes is “Why is it so difficult for some to change.” Or, ask another way, why is it easier to change some things than others. Our text highlights a man who made a monumental mistake. Esau was the first-born, and was entitled to at least 2/3 of his father’s possessions. He sold that birthright for a bowl of pottage. Afterword’s, he realized his mistake, but he was never able to recover though he tried. Bro. Hughes observes that Esau is not so different from any of us. He struck a deal in the heat of a moment that at the time he must have thought was a good decision. The bible tells us that at some point in his life, Esau changed his feeling about the situation, but was never able to find a place of repentance. He was able to change his feelings and his desire, but he was never able to change his situation. We can all look back over our lives and identify decisions we made, or paths that we took from which we should not have been able to recover, but we have. What was different about Esau that he was not able to recover from his mistake even though he sought it carefully with tears? Bro. Hughes notes that Esau was seeking the wrong thing with his tears. He sold his birthright but he sought to recover the blessing. He wanted to recover the fruit of the blessing, but did not want the responsibility and the hand that came with the blessing. He wanted the blessing but not the bless-er. Some people only want God to make things better, they do not want the relationship with God. The key to real change is in the mind. If we can change the mind, we can change the destiny. If there is no change in the way of thinking, there can be no real change. The key to change is not tears. Desire is not strong enough to change. The reason Esau could not turn around was not because he could not find a place to turn around, he could not change the way he thought about turning around. According to John Maxwell, People change when they hurt enough that they have to. He concludes that another way that people change is that they learn enough that they want to change because they see the benefit. The ability to change is one of the benefits of humanity. We can change location, change directions, change vocations, and to adapt and learn. We can change our attitude. The question that troubles Bro. Hughes is “Why is it so difficult for some to change.” Or, ask another way, why is it easier to change some things than others. Our text highlights a man who made a monumental mistake. Esau was the first-born, and was entitled to at least 2/3 of his father’s possessions. He sold that birthright for a bowl of pottage. Afterword’s, he realized his mistake, but he was never able to recover though he tried. Bro. Hughes observes that Esau is not so different from any of us. He struck a deal in the heat of a moment that at the time he must have thought was a good decision. The bible tells us that at some point in his life, Esau changed his feeling about the situation, but was never able to find a place of repentance. He was able to change his feelings and his desire, but he was never able to change his situation. We can all look back over our lives and identify decisions we made, or paths that we took from which we should not have been able to recover, but we have. What was different about Esau that he was not able to recover from his mistake even though he sought it carefully with tears? Bro. Hughes notes that Esau was seeking the wrong thing with his tears. He sold his birthright but he sought to recover the blessing. He wanted to recover the fruit of the blessing, but did not want the responsibility and the hand that came with the blessing. He wanted the blessing but not the bless-er. Some people only want God to make things better, they do not want the relationship with God. The key to real change is in the mind. If we can change the mind, we can change the destiny. If there is no change in the way of thinking, there can be no real change. The key to change is not tears. Desire is not strong enough to change. The reason Esau could not turn around was not because he could not find a place to turn around, he could not change the way he thought about turning around. According to John Maxwell, People change when they hurt enough that they have to. He concludes that another way that people change is that they learn enough that they want to change because they see the benefit. The ability to change is one of the be… Mark Hughes 2294 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690494/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whyitishardtochange/id/953368.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690494 Change,Attitude,Thinking,Mind Sun, 29 May 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes In all of our lives are things that we would rather forget. We all have things about which we are not proud, and about which we would like to change. The truth is that none of us can change our past, and can only look to the future. Paul extorts us to let the past to be the past and to live our life in hope for the future. Bro. Hughes asks what should we forget. First he says, forget our past failures. We cannot un break the egg, or un-spill the milk. Whatever has happened has happened. We can agonize over the details, and not change one of them. It is foolish to live life in regret mode. Our future success is hindered by the baggage of the past. We must not be so consumed with what has happened that we forget to focus on what will happen. It isn’t always failures that cause us to live in the past. Some rely on past success and forget to strive for new success. When we hold on to the glory days, we cannot strive for new victories. There is more to what Paul said than just to forget the past. He said forgetting those things that are behind AND reaching for those things that are before. It is not enough to forget the past, but we must also reach for the future. In the original Greek, the words mean to literally leap forward. Reaching declares that we have something to live for. When we begin reaching for what God has before us, we are saying to God that we believe that He has the answer to our challenges and faith that He will deliver on His promise. Whatever may have happened in the past, this text tells us that with God, the best is yet to come. In all of our lives are things that we would rather forget. We all have things about which we are not proud, and about which we would like to change. The truth is that none of us can change our past, and can only look to the future. Paul extorts us to let the past to be the past and to live our life in hope for the future. Bro. Hughes asks what should we forget. First he says, forget our past failures. We cannot un break the egg, or un-spill the milk. Whatever has happened has happened. We can agonize over the details, and not change one of them. It is foolish to live life in regret mode. Our future success is hindered by the baggage of the past. We must not be so consumed with what has happened that we forget to focus on what will happen. It isn’t always failures that cause us to live in the past. Some rely on past success and forget to strive for new success. When we hold on to the glory days, we cannot strive for new victories. There is more to what Paul said than just to forget the past. He said forgetting those things that are behind AND reaching for those things that are before. It is not enough to forget the past, but we must also reach for the future. In the original Greek, the words mean to literally leap forward. Reaching declares that we have something to live for. When we begin reaching for what God has before us, we are saying to God that we believe that He has the answer to our challenges and faith that He will deliver on His promise. Whatever may have happened in the past, this text tells us that with God, the best is yet to come. In all of our lives are things that we would rather forget. We all have things about which we are not proud, and about which we would like to change. The truth is that none of us can change our past, and can only look to the future. Paul extorts us … Mark Hughes 3060 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690493/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatwilldefineyourlife/id/953367.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690493 Reach,Forget Wed, 25 May 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The story of Goliath is one that is familiar to us all. He was a man among men who stood between seven and eleven feet tall who wielded enormous weapons. He stood before the nation of Israel defying them to come to the battle. God’s people cowered in their tents and did not answer the call. After forty days, David stepped forward to answer the challenge. We all know the outcome that David was victorious and slew Goliath with a sling and then cut the giant’s head off with his own sword. David did not keep the sword, but turned it over to the house of God. Out text takes place many years later. David while fleeing Saul came to the house of God to seek refuge. He had not brought with him any weapons. The priest offers Goliath’s sword. David recognized that sword to be the best thing available to him. He had the spiritual perception to know that there was none like it. There was a spiritual drive in David to seek the best, something that was tried and proven. Bro. Hughes questions if we are able to recognize the best things in life, the most important thing to posses? Do we still have the knowledge of what matters most in life? There are too many people who do not care what their spiritual weapons are and do not have to the sense to recognize what is needed. We all need to have a desire the very best that God has to offer. We are fighting for our spiritual life, for our families and our loved ones. We need the best spiritual weapon that there is. The story of Goliath is one that is familiar to us all. He was a man among men who stood between seven and eleven feet tall who wielded enormous weapons. He stood before the nation of Israel defying them to come to the battle. God’s people cowered in their tents and did not answer the call. After forty days, David stepped forward to answer the challenge. We all know the outcome that David was victorious and slew Goliath with a sling and then cut the giant’s head off with his own sword. David did not keep the sword, but turned it over to the house of God. Out text takes place many years later. David while fleeing Saul came to the house of God to seek refuge. He had not brought with him any weapons. The priest offers Goliath’s sword. David recognized that sword to be the best thing available to him. He had the spiritual perception to know that there was none like it. There was a spiritual drive in David to seek the best, something that was tried and proven. Bro. Hughes questions if we are able to recognize the best things in life, the most important thing to posses? Do we still have the knowledge of what matters most in life? There are too many people who do not care what their spiritual weapons are and do not have to the sense to recognize what is needed. We all need to have a desire the very best that God has to offer. We are fighting for our spiritual life, for our families and our loved ones. We need the best spiritual weapon that there is. The story of Goliath is one that is familiar to us all. He was a man among men who stood between seven and eleven feet tall who wielded enormous weapons. He stood before the nation of Israel defying them to come to the battle. God’s people cowered i… Mark Hughes 2352 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690491/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_desiringthebestthings/id/953365.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690491 Best,Weapons Sun, 22 May 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes There are times in life when we fighting and doing our best, but life seems to be getting the best of us. Paul wrote to the church in Corinth that was very much like our world today. This first century church was divided. The people there rebelled against any authority in their lives. They were consumed in an atmosphere of false teaching. Bro. Hughes sees a great deal of similarity between the Corinthian church and our modern world. Our scripture text is Paul’s strategy for dealing with the battle that life was presenting the Corinthian church as well as our world today. Bro. Hughes tells us that we will all have some kind of battle in our life. Whether we have been living for God forever, or just converted last week, we will all fight spiritual battles. Out scripture mentions a strong hold. Bro. Hughes defines a stronghold as anything in life over which we have lost control. A strong hold is a mindset that accepts a situation as unchangeable even though the situation is contrary to the will of God. It becomes a point of access through which the enemy can attack and exert some control. Paul and Bro. Hughes both tell us that we must reach up and take hold of whatever strong holds there may be and tear them down. Successful people know how to fight. Learning how to fight is a simple principle that is essential in being able to pull down strong holds. We must learn not to fight on the Devil’s terms. Paul also says something about our weapons. We must use the right weapons. Bro. Hughes says that many people look for their weapons in the wrong place. All the weapons that we need are in the world of God. Bro. Hughes guarantees that reading the book of Proverbs, will give us the tools to deal with any addiction, vice, problem or challenge in life. There are times in life when we fighting and doing our best, but life seems to be getting the best of us. Paul wrote to the church in Corinth that was very much like our world today. This first century church was divided. The people there rebelled against any authority in their lives. They were consumed in an atmosphere of false teaching. Bro. Hughes sees a great deal of similarity between the Corinthian church and our modern world. Our scripture text is Paul’s strategy for dealing with the battle that life was presenting the Corinthian church as well as our world today. Bro. Hughes tells us that we will all have some kind of battle in our life. Whether we have been living for God forever, or just converted last week, we will all fight spiritual battles. Out scripture mentions a strong hold. Bro. Hughes defines a stronghold as anything in life over which we have lost control. A strong hold is a mindset that accepts a situation as unchangeable even though the situation is contrary to the will of God. It becomes a point of access through which the enemy can attack and exert some control. Paul and Bro. Hughes both tell us that we must reach up and take hold of whatever strong holds there may be and tear them down. Successful people know how to fight. Learning how to fight is a simple principle that is essential in being able to pull down strong holds. We must learn not to fight on the Devil’s terms. Paul also says something about our weapons. We must use the right weapons. Bro. Hughes says that many people look for their weapons in the wrong place. All the weapons that we need are in the world of God. Bro. Hughes guarantees that reading the book of Proverbs, will give us the tools to deal with any addiction, vice, problem or challenge in life. There are times in life when we fighting and doing our best, but life seems to be getting the best of us. Paul wrote to the church in Corinth that was very much like our world today. This first century church was divided. The people there rebelled a… Mark Hughes 3088 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690492/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_pullingdownstrongholds/id/953366.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690492 strongholds,weapons,war,battles Sun, 15 May 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Often in life the things we think should happen do not. We often have a vision of how life will go, and it does not always go that way. Life can change in a moments notice and life can turn upside down. Life is filled with the unexpected. No matter what we may be facing, we are all blessed. Even though we may be facing the trial of our life, we are still blessed people. As thankful as we are for the blessings of God in our life, we need to be even more thankful for what God will do in the future. Bro. Hughes declares that our best days are before us not behind. God has a purpose for our life. Often times the hard part for people to believe that God wants to do good in our life. Many people do not see the hand of God in our life due to the process that He uses to bring about his purpose. The things that He allows to happen, or blocks from happening confuse us. Bro. Hughes tells us that the process God uses is just as important as the outcome. For many people, when they begin to meet resistance or adversity in life, they begin to question God’s process. Any time we go through a trial, we learn something about ourselves. These lessons help us to get to the place where God wants us to be. We have to learn to live through what we are going through. Often when we begin to go through a trial, our first response is to ask God: Why? We think that we may have done something wrong. We feel that we are being punished. We ask, “Why would God allow something like this to happen?” It is because the process is what will make us a better person. The process of sifting refers to the harvesting of wheat where the chafe is removed from the grain. When the sifting is done, the parts that are not needed are removed, and what is left is the grain. The process is required to remove the trash and other parts that are not needed. God’s processes are often designed to remove those things that we do not need from our life. The sifting is for our good. Whatever is removed by God’s process is not needed for what He wants us to become. Often in life the things we think should happen do not. We often have a vision of how life will go, and it does not always go that way. Life can change in a moments notice and life can turn upside down. Life is filled with the unexpected. No matter what we may be facing, we are all blessed. Even though we may be facing the trial of our life, we are still blessed people. As thankful as we are for the blessings of God in our life, we need to be even more thankful for what God will do in the future. Bro. Hughes declares that our best days are before us not behind. God has a purpose for our life. Often times the hard part for people to believe that God wants to do good in our life. Many people do not see the hand of God in our life due to the process that He uses to bring about his purpose. The things that He allows to happen, or blocks from happening confuse us. Bro. Hughes tells us that the process God uses is just as important as the outcome. For many people, when they begin to meet resistance or adversity in life, they begin to question God’s process. Any time we go through a trial, we learn something about ourselves. These lessons help us to get to the place where God wants us to be. We have to learn to live through what we are going through. Often when we begin to go through a trial, our first response is to ask God: Why? We think that we may have done something wrong. We feel that we are being punished. We ask, “Why would God allow something like this to happen?” It is because the process is what will make us a better person. The process of sifting refers to the harvesting of wheat where the chafe is removed from the grain. When the sifting is done, the parts that are not needed are removed, and what is left is the grain. The process is required to remove the trash and other parts that are not needed. God’s processes are often designed to remove those things that we do not need from our life. The sifting is for our good. Whatever is removed by God’s process is not needed for what He wants us to become. Often in life the things we think should happen do not. We often have a vision of how life will go, and it does not always go that way. Life can change in a moments notice and life can turn upside down. Life is filled with the unexpected. No matter… Mark Hughes 2575 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690490/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenthesiftingisover/id/953364.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690490 Sifting,Trial,Removed, Scripture: Luke 22:28-22:32 Wed, 11 May 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker The God we serve is by no measure small. There are things that God set into motion that He does not need to visit or to tend. He established laws that have become cause and effect. If we praise, He will inhabit our praise. If we pay our tithes, He will bless our lives. God does not look into the offering plate to see how much is placed there. He does not have to. If we obey God’s law, we will receive the blessing. It is possible to live by God’s laws and receive the blessings of a Godly life, but still be lost. Bro. Custer warns us to not mix up obedience to the law and salvation. If we live by the laws, but miss that He desires a relationship, we will miss out on the life that God wants us to live. The God we serve is by no measure small. There are things that God set into motion that He does not need to visit or to tend. He established laws that have become cause and effect. If we praise, He will inhabit our praise. If we pay our tithes, He will bless our lives. God does not look into the offering plate to see how much is placed there. He does not have to. If we obey God’s law, we will receive the blessing. It is possible to live by God’s laws and receive the blessings of a Godly life, but still be lost. Bro. Custer warns us to not mix up obedience to the law and salvation. If we live by the laws, but miss that He desires a relationship, we will miss out on the life that God wants us to live. The God we serve is by no measure small. There are things that God set into motion that He does not need to visit or to tend. He established laws that have become cause and effect. If we praise, He will inhabit our praise. If we pay our tithes, He … Kenneth Baker 2095 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690489/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godslaw/id/953363.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690489 Law,Relationship, Scripture: Job 42:5-42:6 Sun, 08 May 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Who can measure the value and power of a mother’s influence? For good or bad, nothing can compare to the influence that a mother has on her children. The bible says that a wise woman builds up her home. On this Mother’s Day 2011, Bro. Hughes uses this scripture in Proverbs to describe the light of a mother’s life. Who can measure the value and power of a mother’s influence? For good or bad, nothing can compare to the influence that a mother has on her children. The bible says that a wise woman builds up her home. On this Mother’s Day 2011, Bro. Hughes uses this scripture in Proverbs to describe the light of a mother’s life. Who can measure the value and power of a mother’s influence? For good or bad, nothing can compare to the influence that a mother has on her children. The bible says that a wise woman builds up her home. On this Mother’s Day 2011, Bro. Hughes uses th… Mark Hughes 2354 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690488/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thelightofamotherslife/id/953362.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690488 Mother,Wise Thu, 05 May 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Bro. Hughes observes current events and declares that we are truly living in the end times. With all the glorious description of Heaven, how could anyone not want to go there? Prophecies’ from over 2000 years are happening in our world today. We need now more than ever be living in such a way that they are ready to go to heaven at any time. Bro. Hughes observes current events and declares that we are truly living in the end times. With all the glorious description of Heaven, how could anyone not want to go there? Prophecies’ from over 2000 years are happening in our world today. We need now more than ever be living in such a way that they are ready to go to heaven at any time. Bro. Hughes observes current events and declares that we are truly living in the end times. With all the glorious description of Heaven, how could anyone not want to go there? Prophecies’ from over 2000 years are happening in our world today. We n… Mark Hughes 2078 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690487/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_getreadystayready/id/953361.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690487 End Times,Ready,Lost, Scripture: Luke 21:25-21:28 Sun, 01 May 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Every man at some point wonders if his life is in vain. We all want to feel that our live matter. People like to see the result of their labor and effort. Often in our prayer life, we do not see the results of our prayers. Bro. Hughes tells us that the result of prayer is never nothing. God may not give any sign of His receiving our prayers, but all prayers are heard. Our scripture text references the prophet Elias. God we first meet Elias in 1 Kings 17 where he learns from God that there will be a drought in the land. Bro. Hughes looks at Elias and sees three points He was a man of faith. Faith is not always enough He showed us how to act and respond when God did send an answer. Every man at some point wonders if his life is in vain. We all want to feel that our live matter. People like to see the result of their labor and effort. Often in our prayer life, we do not see the results of our prayers. Bro. Hughes tells us that the result of prayer is never nothing. God may not give any sign of His receiving our prayers, but all prayers are heard. Our scripture text references the prophet Elias. God we first meet Elias in 1 Kings 17 where he learns from God that there will be a drought in the land. Bro. Hughes looks at Elias and sees three points He was a man of faith. Faith is not always enough He showed us how to act and respond when God did send an answer. Every man at some point wonders if his life is in vain. We all want to feel that our live matter. People like to see the result of their labor and effort. Often in our prayer life, we do not see the results of our prayers. Bro. Hughes tells us that… Mark Hughes 2512 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690485/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_amanlikeelias/id/953359.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690485 Faith,Prayer, Scripture: James 12:5-12:18 Sun, 01 May 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Often in life we worry about the things. We face facts, dilemmas and odds that overwhelm and confuse us. These things confront and confound us, but God is not confounded. Our scripture text is from a journey that Jesus and the disciples took across the Sea of Galilee. This trip takes place right after the miracle of the loaves and fish. These disciples began to be concerned about their lack of food on this journey. Jesus questions them: “Why are you so troubled?” After witnesses the various miracles, they were still worried about their current lack of bread. Jesus ask them to consider what they already knew. The question they should have ask is one that is relevant to us today: When has God NOT met a need in our life? Bro. Hughes uses this story to ask the same question. The God that helped in the past will be the same God that can help today. Whatever we may be going through today, God knows and can help us. Remember from where God has brought us. If God can feed 4000 with seven loaves of bread, and have seven baskets left over, He can meet whatever need there may be in our life. The crisis we are facing may be new, but it is not new to God. If He did it then, He can do it now. The disciples could not remember the recent miracle that far exceeded their current situation. Bro. Hughes tells us to simply look back at what God has done in our lives, and to have faith that if He did it then, He will do it again. Often in life we worry about the things. We face facts, dilemmas and odds that overwhelm and confuse us. These things confront and confound us, but God is not confounded. Our scripture text is from a journey that Jesus and the disciples took across the Sea of Galilee. This trip takes place right after the miracle of the loaves and fish. These disciples began to be concerned about their lack of food on this journey. Jesus questions them: “Why are you so troubled?” After witnesses the various miracles, they were still worried about their current lack of bread. Jesus ask them to consider what they already knew. The question they should have ask is one that is relevant to us today: When has God NOT met a need in our life? Bro. Hughes uses this story to ask the same question. The God that helped in the past will be the same God that can help today. Whatever we may be going through today, God knows and can help us. Remember from where God has brought us. If God can feed 4000 with seven loaves of bread, and have seven baskets left over, He can meet whatever need there may be in our life. The crisis we are facing may be new, but it is not new to God. If He did it then, He can do it now. The disciples could not remember the recent miracle that far exceeded their current situation. Bro. Hughes tells us to simply look back at what God has done in our lives, and to have faith that if He did it then, He will do it again. Often in life we worry about the things. We face facts, dilemmas and odds that overwhelm and confuse us. These things confront and confound us, but God is not confounded. Our scripture text is from a journey that Jesus and the disciples took across … Mark Hughes 2260 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690486/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godknows/id/953360.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690486 miracles,God will provide,Worry Sun, 24 Apr 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes At the turn of the last century, polish artist Jan Styka created two paintings. One of them, the Crucifixion, is an enormous 195 feet long and 45 feet high. Bro. Hughes remarks that one of the messages of such a work of art is that the Crucifixion and the Resurrection are both larger than life events. Jesus did more than just die an innocent death, he blotted out our sin. He nailed our debt to His cross. No one can say that they are excluded, His love embraces all. His love is deeper than our sorrow or our guilt; it is deeper than our deepest sin. It is wider than our largest transgression. On this Easter Sunday, we can do what he has done and nail our sin to His cross. At the turn of the last century, polish artist Jan Styka created two paintings. One of them, the Crucifixion, is an enormous 195 feet long and 45 feet high. Bro. Hughes remarks that one of the messages of such a work of art is that the Crucifixion and the Resurrection are both larger than life events. Jesus did more than just die an innocent death, he blotted out our sin. He nailed our debt to His cross. No one can say that they are excluded, His love embraces all. His love is deeper than our sorrow or our guilt; it is deeper than our deepest sin. It is wider than our largest transgression. On this Easter Sunday, we can do what he has done and nail our sin to His cross. At the turn of the last century, polish artist Jan Styka created two paintings. One of them, the Crucifixion, is an enormous 195 feet long and 45 feet high. Bro. Hughes remarks that one of the messages of such a work of art is that the Crucifixion an… Mark Hughes 2808 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690484/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_easterbiggerthanlife/id/953358.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690484 Easter,Crucifixion,Love,Grace Wed, 20 Apr 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes In the subway system in New York and Washington DC, the tunnels and passages crisscross underground in a seeming endless array. There are signs posted in the terminals that point the traveler to their destinations or to the exit. In life, we are often presented with situations that make it difficult to know which path to take. Our scripture text seems to be Paul’s attempt to advise someone who found it difficult to live and live for God in the sinful land of Corinth. He first assures them that the pressures and issues they were dealing with were common to all men. The people of Corinth perhaps felt as if they were alone in their struggle, but Paul reassures them that they were not alone in their temptations. No matter what the Devil says, we are not the only ones struggling with the things with which we are struggling. Then Paul reminds them of God’s faithfulness. God will not tempt us beyond our capacity to handle that temptation. God knows our limitations, and will provide a way out from any situation. In the subway system in New York and Washington DC, the tunnels and passages crisscross underground in a seeming endless array. There are signs posted in the terminals that point the traveler to their destinations or to the exit. In life, we are often presented with situations that make it difficult to know which path to take. Our scripture text seems to be Paul’s attempt to advise someone who found it difficult to live and live for God in the sinful land of Corinth. He first assures them that the pressures and issues they were dealing with were common to all men. The people of Corinth perhaps felt as if they were alone in their struggle, but Paul reassures them that they were not alone in their temptations. No matter what the Devil says, we are not the only ones struggling with the things with which we are struggling. Then Paul reminds them of God’s faithfulness. God will not tempt us beyond our capacity to handle that temptation. God knows our limitations, and will provide a way out from any situation. In the subway system in New York and Washington DC, the tunnels and passages crisscross underground in a seeming endless array. There are signs posted in the terminals that point the traveler to their destinations or to the exit. In life, we are ofte… Mark Hughes 2736 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690483/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_somethinggoodtorememberwhenyou/id/953357.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690483 Temptation,Stress,Faithfulness,Escape Sun, 17 Apr 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes There is no such thing as a self made man. There are those who have done well in life, and have appeared to have done so without any help from others. The truth is that all of us rely upon others in some way. It is common in American society to think that we are owed certain things. Bro. Hughes declares that none of us are entitled to anything in this life, but each one of us owe something to others. If all we do is take from life, we will be like the Dead Sea. Life will be empty and void if we do not give as much as we take. In our scripture text, Paul declares that he is a debtor. One could look at Paul’s life and question how he could feel that way, but he was keenly aware that he owed everything to God. Each of us owes a debt to God because of His mercy and grace and we owe an obligation to His church. Each of us has found a home in the church. We have found forgiveness, mercy, restoration and love in the church. We in turn have an obligation to extend the same to others in the church and to those who may come to it. We all owe so much to the church, and we must continue to feel a sense of obligation to the church in order to see it continue. There is no such thing as a self made man. There are those who have done well in life, and have appeared to have done so without any help from others. The truth is that all of us rely upon others in some way. It is common in American society to think that we are owed certain things. Bro. Hughes declares that none of us are entitled to anything in this life, but each one of us owe something to others. If all we do is take from life, we will be like the Dead Sea. Life will be empty and void if we do not give as much as we take. In our scripture text, Paul declares that he is a debtor. One could look at Paul’s life and question how he could feel that way, but he was keenly aware that he owed everything to God. Each of us owes a debt to God because of His mercy and grace and we owe an obligation to His church. Each of us has found a home in the church. We have found forgiveness, mercy, restoration and love in the church. We in turn have an obligation to extend the same to others in the church and to those who may come to it. We all owe so much to the church, and we must continue to feel a sense of obligation to the church in order to see it continue. There is no such thing as a self made man. There are those who have done well in life, and have appeared to have done so without any help from others. The truth is that all of us rely upon others in some way. It is common in American society to thin… Mark Hughes 2385 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690482/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_iamadebtor/id/953356.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690482 debt,obligation,church family, Scripture: Romans 1:11-1:17 Sun, 17 Apr 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Morning Service Words are part of our life. It is said that men speak 25,000 words each day. Women speak 45,000 words each day. All of our words have meaning, but not all of our words are thought out. Our text indicates that our words have the ability to build up, or to tear down. Not only do our words affect others, the words we use affect our own lives. Words have power and influence. Because of the power and influence of words, we need to guard our words and choose our words carefully. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that not only are words powerful, but that we will eat the fruit of our words. The bible tells us that a good word can change the tide of our life. Bro. Hughes tells us that a good word will be true and kind. Morning Service Words are part of our life. It is said that men speak 25,000 words each day. Women speak 45,000 words each day. All of our words have meaning, but not all of our words are thought out. Our text indicates that our words have the ability to build up, or to tear down. Not only do our words affect others, the words we use affect our own lives. Words have power and influence. Because of the power and influence of words, we need to guard our words and choose our words carefully. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that not only are words powerful, but that we will eat the fruit of our words. The bible tells us that a good word can change the tide of our life. Bro. Hughes tells us that a good word will be true and kind. Morning Service Words are part of our life. It is said that men speak 25,000 words each day. Women speak 45,000 words each day. All of our words have meaning, but not all of our words are thought out. Our text indicates that our words have the a… Mark Hughes 2226 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690481/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thepowerofagoodword/id/953355.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690481 words Sun, 10 Apr 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Bro. Hughes' scripture text is part of Paul's report to Agrippa about how is life changed and he began to live for Christ. He sums up his story by saying from that moment he had lived up to that heavenly vision. Bro. Hughes asks each of us: "Are you living up to the heavenly vision in your life?" Bro. Hughes' scripture text is part of Paul's report to Agrippa about how is life changed and he began to live for Christ. He sums up his story by saying from that moment he had lived up to that heavenly vision. Bro. Hughes asks each of us: "Are you living up to the heavenly vision in your life?" Bro. Hughes' scripture text is part of Paul's report to Agrippa about how is life changed and he began to live for Christ. He sums up his story by saying from that moment he had lived up to that heavenly vision. Bro. Hughes asks each of us: "Are you… Mark Hughes 2058 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690480/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_obedienttotheheavenlyvision/id/953354.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690480 Vison,Potential Wed, 06 Apr 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Everyone has faced a situation in life where we did not know where to turn. Bro. Hughes asks "What do you do when you don't know what to do; when we have said all you know to do, and all that you are capable of doing, but nothing changes?" In our text Paul outlines who our enemy is and he makes it clear what we are facing. Then he gives us the needed armor and arsenal to deal with this enemy. After he describes this armor and the enemy, he offers the most difficult strategy for dealing with the enemy and his attack: Stand. This advice is not in our nature. We either want to do something, or to turn and run, but to stand still is not natural to us. Bro. Hughes reminds us that it is better to stand still, especially when we do not know what to do. Everyone has faced a situation in life where we did not know where to turn. Bro. Hughes asks "What do you do when you don't know what to do; when we have said all you know to do, and all that you are capable of doing, but nothing changes?" In our text Paul outlines who our enemy is and he makes it clear what we are facing. Then he gives us the needed armor and arsenal to deal with this enemy. After he describes this armor and the enemy, he offers the most difficult strategy for dealing with the enemy and his attack: Stand. This advice is not in our nature. We either want to do something, or to turn and run, but to stand still is not natural to us. Bro. Hughes reminds us that it is better to stand still, especially when we do not know what to do. Everyone has faced a situation in life where we did not know where to turn. Bro. Hughes asks "What do you do when you don't know what to do; when we have said all you know to do, and all that you are capable of doing, but nothing changes?" In our tex… Mark Hughes 1889 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690479/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_themostdifficultbattlestrategy/id/953353.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690479 Stand,Still,Wait,Faith Sun, 03 Apr 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Bro. Custer uses as his text the familiar parable of the prodigal son. Often when this scripture is used, we identify the younger son as a back slider. In truth, that prodigal son can be any one of us. We do not have to be back slid to realize that we have gotten too far away from God and want to come back. It is easy to think that we have disappointed God and feel like we are not worthy to return to His favor. The parable demonstrates to us that this is not the case. The father threw a party for the young son. The party was to raise the spirits of the young son and to help restore him to full status. The party guests can be identified as the members of the church. Bro. Custer declares that as church members, it is our duty to reach out to the “prodigals” in our midst and help to restore them to full status as a child of God. Bro. Custer uses as his text the familiar parable of the prodigal son. Often when this scripture is used, we identify the younger son as a back slider. In truth, that prodigal son can be any one of us. We do not have to be back slid to realize that we have gotten too far away from God and want to come back. It is easy to think that we have disappointed God and feel like we are not worthy to return to His favor. The parable demonstrates to us that this is not the case. The father threw a party for the young son. The party was to raise the spirits of the young son and to help restore him to full status. The party guests can be identified as the members of the church. Bro. Custer declares that as church members, it is our duty to reach out to the “prodigals” in our midst and help to restore them to full status as a child of God. Bro. Custer uses as his text the familiar parable of the prodigal son. Often when this scripture is used, we identify the younger son as a back slider. In truth, that prodigal son can be any one of us. We do not have to be back slid to realize that w… Kenneth Baker 1852 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690478/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_iwillclothyou/id/953352.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690478 Cloths,Child of God,Full Status,How He sees you Sun, 03 Apr 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes The most dangerous thing to life is not a poison, a dangerous animal or some physical challenge. Jesus encountered this thing when he returned to his home town. The miraculous work of Jesus in other areas of the country had no power in the place he grew up. The familiarity with Jesus, left the people of his home town unable to believe in Him as anything other than what they had known. It has been said that familiarity breeds contempt. They knew him too well. Their "knowledge" of Him left them unable to see Him for what He was. We too must guard against familiarity. This thief called familiarity does not steal your blessing. It hides the blessing, or to camouflage its existence. Familiarity dulls our senses to the point we forget how blessed we truly are. We are blessed, but we don't see it. This can cause us to lose sight of how good our life is. The devil cannot steal our blessing, but he can use familiarity to hide the true nature of our blessing from us. This thief cannot steal our salvation; it simply causes us to forget the misery and heartaches of life before we began living for God. We become so accustomed to blessing, wealth and our way of life that we begin to feel that we are entitled to all if it. The truth is that we are not entitled to anything. The people of Jesus' home town could not see Him for anything other than a carpenter. Because of this, they could not see Him for the miracle worker that he was. Familiarity is a dangerous influence in our lives and we must strive to overcome it to see how blessed we truly are. The most dangerous thing to life is not a poison, a dangerous animal or some physical challenge. Jesus encountered this thing when he returned to his home town. The miraculous work of Jesus in other areas of the country had no power in the place he grew up. The familiarity with Jesus, left the people of his home town unable to believe in Him as anything other than what they had known. It has been said that familiarity breeds contempt. They knew him too well. Their "knowledge" of Him left them unable to see Him for what He was. We too must guard against familiarity. This thief called familiarity does not steal your blessing. It hides the blessing, or to camouflage its existence. Familiarity dulls our senses to the point we forget how blessed we truly are. We are blessed, but we don't see it. This can cause us to lose sight of how good our life is. The devil cannot steal our blessing, but he can use familiarity to hide the true nature of our blessing from us. This thief cannot steal our salvation; it simply causes us to forget the misery and heartaches of life before we began living for God. We become so accustomed to blessing, wealth and our way of life that we begin to feel that we are entitled to all if it. The truth is that we are not entitled to anything. The people of Jesus' home town could not see Him for anything other than a carpenter. Because of this, they could not see Him for the miracle worker that he was. Familiarity is a dangerous influence in our lives and we must strive to overcome it to see how blessed we truly are. The most dangerous thing to life is not a poison, a dangerous animal or some physical challenge. Jesus encountered this thing when he returned to his home town. The miraculous work of Jesus in other areas of the country had no power in the place he g… Mark Hughes 1770 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690477/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thethiefcalledfamiliarity/id/953351.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690477 familarity,blessing, Scripture: Mark 6:1-6:7 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes We do not know the worth and value that faith has brought to our lives. Faith is beyond value because faith has made all of us better than we would otherwise be. Most of us would agree that we are all better off now than we would have been without the Lord in our lives. Not only that, but because we are connected to the church, we are connected to and associated with a better group of people than we would be if we were to only associate with the world. Bro. Hughes proclaims that he would rather live a life of faith than any other kind of life. Faith has also elevated our horizon. With faith we can always reach for and expect more, because we know that God can far exceed our needs. Our scripture text states that God was not ashamed to be their God. This implies that there are those about whom God is ashamed. Our text offers characteristics of the people about whom God is not ashamed. • They walked by faith • They could have gone back, but they did not • They desired something better We do not know the worth and value that faith has brought to our lives. Faith is beyond value because faith has made all of us better than we would otherwise be. Most of us would agree that we are all better off now than we would have been without the Lord in our lives. Not only that, but because we are connected to the church, we are connected to and associated with a better group of people than we would be if we were to only associate with the world. Bro. Hughes proclaims that he would rather live a life of faith than any other kind of life. Faith has also elevated our horizon. With faith we can always reach for and expect more, because we know that God can far exceed our needs. Our scripture text states that God was not ashamed to be their God. This implies that there are those about whom God is ashamed. Our text offers characteristics of the people about whom God is not ashamed. • They walked by faith • They could have gone back, but they did not • They desired something better We do not know the worth and value that faith has brought to our lives. Faith is beyond value because faith has made all of us better than we would otherwise be. Most of us would agree that we are all better off now than we would have been without th… Mark Hughes 1849 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690476/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_therewardoffaith/id/953350.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690476 Faith,Ashamed Sun, 27 Mar 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Bro. Hughes uses the parable of the sower to encourage us to improve our opportunities. Bro. Hughes uses the parable of the sower to encourage us to improve our opportunities. Bro. Hughes uses the parable of the sower to encourage us to improve our opportunities. … Mark Hughes 2196 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690474/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_improvingyouropportunitiy/id/953348.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690474 parable,Opportunity,seed Sun, 27 Mar 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our scripture text is the last words of King David. Bro. Hughes uses the last words of this great man to deliver a stirring message. Our scripture text is the last words of King David. Bro. Hughes uses the last words of this great man to deliver a stirring message. Our scripture text is the last words of King David. Bro. Hughes uses the last words of this great man to deliver a stirring message.… Mark Hughes 2986 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690475/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ironinyourblood/id/953349.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690475 iron,strength,King David Wed, 23 Mar 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Bro Hall uses the story of the prodigal son as his scripture text tonight. Both the young son and the father had a story. The son’s story was that he was not worthy. The father’s story was that he son had returned. The son had a choice of which story he would believe. The older brother also had a story. The older brother’s story was that he had been faithful and never disobeyed. He was resentful that he had never been treated like the younger brother was being treated. He felt he was not being treated fairly. Bro. Hall explains that grace and mercy are not fair. The grace of God is not built upon our earning it. So we have three stories. The story that each man chose to believe will go a long way in determining the life that each would live. The difference of what story to believe is the difference between enjoying the blessings of God or living in a virtual hell. Bro Hall uses the story of the prodigal son as his scripture text tonight. Both the young son and the father had a story. The son’s story was that he was not worthy. The father’s story was that he son had returned. The son had a choice of which story he would believe. The older brother also had a story. The older brother’s story was that he had been faithful and never disobeyed. He was resentful that he had never been treated like the younger brother was being treated. He felt he was not being treated fairly. Bro. Hall explains that grace and mercy are not fair. The grace of God is not built upon our earning it. So we have three stories. The story that each man chose to believe will go a long way in determining the life that each would live. The difference of what story to believe is the difference between enjoying the blessings of God or living in a virtual hell. Bro Hall uses the story of the prodigal son as his scripture text tonight. Both the young son and the father had a story. The son’s story was that he was not worthy. The father’s story was that he son had returned. The son had a choice of which sto… Kenneth Baker 2672 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690473/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whosstorywillyoutrust/id/953347.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690473 Stories,Grace,Mercy,Prodigal Son Sun, 20 Mar 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Our scripture text warns us to guard against allowing our selves to slip. Some translations use the word drift. Drift means to move without power; to be at the whim of winds and currents. A life without purpose will wander around at the whim and swirling currents of life. The King James translation uses the word slip. Bro. Hughes suggests that slip is more dangerous than drift. In nautical terms, slip refers to the loss of power between the engine and the propeller. Slip is natural and occurs no matter what we do. Drift is accidental and can be prevented. Our scripture text extols us to pay attention to our spiritual life so that there is will not be slippage. The only remedy for slip is the continual diligence and vigilance. We have to know that it occurs, and plan for it in order to overcome it. Our scripture text warns us to guard against allowing our selves to slip. Some translations use the word drift. Drift means to move without power; to be at the whim of winds and currents. A life without purpose will wander around at the whim and swirling currents of life. The King James translation uses the word slip. Bro. Hughes suggests that slip is more dangerous than drift. In nautical terms, slip refers to the loss of power between the engine and the propeller. Slip is natural and occurs no matter what we do. Drift is accidental and can be prevented. Our scripture text extols us to pay attention to our spiritual life so that there is will not be slippage. The only remedy for slip is the continual diligence and vigilance. We have to know that it occurs, and plan for it in order to overcome it. Our scripture text warns us to guard against allowing our selves to slip. Some translations use the word drift. Drift means to move without power; to be at the whim of winds and currents. A life without purpose will wander around at the whim and s… Mark Hughes 2768 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690472/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_slip/id/953346.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690472 Slip,Drift Wed, 16 Mar 2011 01:00:00 +0000 James Hughes In our text, Moses is traveling and comes upon a burning bush that is not consumed by the flames. He then discovers that the bush talks and it is the voice of God wanting him to do something. Moses offers 6 excuses for why he cannot do what God wants him to do. Bro. James Hughes explores these excuses and offers lessons to be learned from them. In our text, Moses is traveling and comes upon a burning bush that is not consumed by the flames. He then discovers that the bush talks and it is the voice of God wanting him to do something. Moses offers 6 excuses for why he cannot do what God wants him to do. Bro. James Hughes explores these excuses and offers lessons to be learned from them. In our text, Moses is traveling and comes upon a burning bush that is not consumed by the flames. He then discovers that the bush talks and it is the voice of God wanting him to do something. Moses offers 6 excuses for why he cannot do what God wants… James Hughes 2268 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690471/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_excuses/id/953345.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690471 Excuses, Scripture: Exodus 3:1-3:11 Sun, 13 Mar 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Our scripture text asks the two most important spiritual questions that have ever been ask. Even today, Have your received the Holy Ghost and how were you baptized are eternal questions the answer to which will determine how we will spend eternity. Our text takes place 23 years after the day of Pentecost. Paul comes to Ephasis and finds these 12 men who were followers of John the Baptist. When ask about the Holy Ghost, they profess to not even know if there was a Holy Ghost. They had somehow missed Calvary and Resurrection. They had missed the day of Pentecost. They missed all this because they were living in the past. Bro. Tumenello proclaims that if we live in the past, we will miss what God had for us in the present and the future. The past is a difficult place to live. Once we come out of the past, God give us something that is glorious but we must come of the past to receive it. We must come out of the shadow of that happened, and stand in the light of what God has for us. We have to let go of John and embrace Jesus. Our scripture text asks the two most important spiritual questions that have ever been ask. Even today, Have your received the Holy Ghost and how were you baptized are eternal questions the answer to which will determine how we will spend eternity. Our text takes place 23 years after the day of Pentecost. Paul comes to Ephasis and finds these 12 men who were followers of John the Baptist. When ask about the Holy Ghost, they profess to not even know if there was a Holy Ghost. They had somehow missed Calvary and Resurrection. They had missed the day of Pentecost. They missed all this because they were living in the past. Bro. Tumenello proclaims that if we live in the past, we will miss what God had for us in the present and the future. The past is a difficult place to live. Once we come out of the past, God give us something that is glorious but we must come of the past to receive it. We must come out of the shadow of that happened, and stand in the light of what God has for us. We have to let go of John and embrace Jesus. Our scripture text asks the two most important spiritual questions that have ever been ask. Even today, Have your received the Holy Ghost and how were you baptized are eternal questions the answer to which will determine how we will spend eternity. O… Kenneth Baker 1528 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690469/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_livinginthepast/id/953343.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690469 Past,Future,John the Baptist, Scripture: Acts 19:1-19:8 Sun, 13 Mar 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Leprosy is a horrible disease. It is a cell by cell rotting away of the human body. Jewish law was that if a man had leprosy, he must separate himself away from society. Everything that the leper touched had to be cleaned or destroyed. It became as if the leper had never existed. It was forbidden for there to be any contact (physical or otherwise) between a leper and a healthy person. Spiritually, sin is leprosy. It destroys lives and forces the child of God to have to live outside from and to be cut off from God’s people. In our story, Jesus (in violation of the law) spoke with had contact with a group of lepers. Jesus spoke healing into their life, but the evidence of the healing did not happen until they began to travel to present themselves to the priests. In obedience to God’s word, they began to be healed. It did not happen immediately, but as they obeyed the Lord, they were cleansed. One of the 10 turned back and begins to praise the Lord. All ten of these believed. They would not have gone to Jesus if they did not believe that He could heal them. Bro. Tumenello points out that this tells us that more there are a lot more people that believe than praise. There are more people who receive blessing than praise God for those blessing. Ten men were healed, but one was made whole. We have all received blessings from God, but unless we thank Him in praise, we will not be made whole. Leprosy is a horrible disease. It is a cell by cell rotting away of the human body. Jewish law was that if a man had leprosy, he must separate himself away from society. Everything that the leper touched had to be cleaned or destroyed. It became as if the leper had never existed. It was forbidden for there to be any contact (physical or otherwise) between a leper and a healthy person. Spiritually, sin is leprosy. It destroys lives and forces the child of God to have to live outside from and to be cut off from God’s people. In our story, Jesus (in violation of the law) spoke with had contact with a group of lepers. Jesus spoke healing into their life, but the evidence of the healing did not happen until they began to travel to present themselves to the priests. In obedience to God’s word, they began to be healed. It did not happen immediately, but as they obeyed the Lord, they were cleansed. One of the 10 turned back and begins to praise the Lord. All ten of these believed. They would not have gone to Jesus if they did not believe that He could heal them. Bro. Tumenello points out that this tells us that more there are a lot more people that believe than praise. There are more people who receive blessing than praise God for those blessing. Ten men were healed, but one was made whole. We have all received blessings from God, but unless we thank Him in praise, we will not be made whole. Leprosy is a horrible disease. It is a cell by cell rotting away of the human body. Jewish law was that if a man had leprosy, he must separate himself away from society. Everything that the leper touched had to be cleaned or destroyed. It became as… Kenneth Baker 1742 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690470/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wherearethenine/id/953344.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690470 Praise,Blessing,Worship Wed, 09 Mar 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Paul writing to the early church contrasts the life that was and the life that is resurrected. The life that was dead in sin and the life that lives in a newness of the resurrection. The message of the death, burial and resurrection is a fundamental message. Paul describes how we go about living this new life. The first is a description of what has transpired so that there is no question that we died to one way of life, and that we rose to walk in a newness of life. That knowledge is essential if we are to enjoy the beauty of living for God. The second thing Paul talks about begins in verse 11. The first part of the chapter is how God sees the death, burial and resurrection in our lives. Beginning in verse 11, Paul tells us how WE need to view it. He says that we need to view ourselves as dead unto sin. It does not matter how much we know. If we do not live that knowledge, it is all worthless. When we realize that we have died to sin, we are no longer controlled by sin. Sin will always be there, but we are not controlled by it any longer. Once we live that way, it changes our thinking. We are not what we once were. That old way has died. Finally Paul tells us that we must yield ourselves to God. Paul writing to the early church contrasts the life that was and the life that is resurrected. The life that was dead in sin and the life that lives in a newness of the resurrection. The message of the death, burial and resurrection is a fundamental message. Paul describes how we go about living this new life. The first is a description of what has transpired so that there is no question that we died to one way of life, and that we rose to walk in a newness of life. That knowledge is essential if we are to enjoy the beauty of living for God. The second thing Paul talks about begins in verse 11. The first part of the chapter is how God sees the death, burial and resurrection in our lives. Beginning in verse 11, Paul tells us how WE need to view it. He says that we need to view ourselves as dead unto sin. It does not matter how much we know. If we do not live that knowledge, it is all worthless. When we realize that we have died to sin, we are no longer controlled by sin. Sin will always be there, but we are not controlled by it any longer. Once we live that way, it changes our thinking. We are not what we once were. That old way has died. Finally Paul tells us that we must yield ourselves to God. Paul writing to the early church contrasts the life that was and the life that is resurrected. The life that was dead in sin and the life that lives in a newness of the resurrection. The message of the death, burial and resurrection is a fundamental … Mark Hughes 3199 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690468/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_reckoningthepromisesofgod/id/953342.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690468 Dead,Reckoning,Sin,Reborn Sun, 06 Mar 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes Spring is a wonderful time of year. It comes with the hope of new of life and the promise of renewal. All that had seemed dead comes back to life and new growth appears on the plants and flowers. The song birds begin to sing their song amid the dead winter landscape. This singing announces the change of the season. This singing is evidence of the impending spring. If we were to look around, all still seems dead, but the song bird has a promise of a change. However dead it may seem in our life today, the spring is upon us and the time for renewal is coming. It is easy to fall in the winter doldrums spiritually. It may seem like we will never get out of the dreary cold time of our life. God’s promise is that there IS a change coming. Like the birds, we need to sing the song of spring and rejoice in the promise of change. Spring is a wonderful time of year. It comes with the hope of new of life and the promise of renewal. All that had seemed dead comes back to life and new growth appears on the plants and flowers. The song birds begin to sing their song amid the dead winter landscape. This singing announces the change of the season. This singing is evidence of the impending spring. If we were to look around, all still seems dead, but the song bird has a promise of a change. However dead it may seem in our life today, the spring is upon us and the time for renewal is coming. It is easy to fall in the winter doldrums spiritually. It may seem like we will never get out of the dreary cold time of our life. God’s promise is that there IS a change coming. Like the birds, we need to sing the song of spring and rejoice in the promise of change. Spring is a wonderful time of year. It comes with the hope of new of life and the promise of renewal. All that had seemed dead comes back to life and new growth appears on the plants and flowers. The song birds begin to sing their song amid the dead… Mark Hughes 1750 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690466/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thetimehascome/id/953340.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690466 Spring,New Beginnings,Time,Praise, Scripture: Song of Solomon 2:8-2:12 Sun, 06 Mar 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Kenneth Baker Many things happen in life for which there is no explanation. People die. Good people die. We can be tempted to ask God why. He has to remind us that life is temporary, but what we do while we are here is important. Jesus relates in our scripture text, the story of a rich man who had everything and a beggar who had nothing. The bible tells us that the both the rich man and the beggar died, and was carried by angels while the rich man went to hell. It was not until then that the rich man discovered that the poor man had something on the inside that was really key to his success. God had laid that poor man at his gate, but the rich man never paid any attention. God has laid someone or something at our gate. Bro. Tumenello asks: What has God laid at your gate? Many things happen in life for which there is no explanation. People die. Good people die. We can be tempted to ask God why. He has to remind us that life is temporary, but what we do while we are here is important. Jesus relates in our scripture text, the story of a rich man who had everything and a beggar who had nothing. The bible tells us that the both the rich man and the beggar died, and was carried by angels while the rich man went to hell. It was not until then that the rich man discovered that the poor man had something on the inside that was really key to his success. God had laid that poor man at his gate, but the rich man never paid any attention. God has laid someone or something at our gate. Bro. Tumenello asks: What has God laid at your gate? Many things happen in life for which there is no explanation. People die. Good people die. We can be tempted to ask God why. He has to remind us that life is temporary, but what we do while we are here is important. Jesus relates in our scripture … Kenneth Baker 1713 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690467/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whathasgodlaidatyourgate/id/953341.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690467 Opportunity,Love,Compassion, Scripture: Luke 16:19-16:25 Sat, 05 Mar 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Mark Hughes One can look at humanity and see that we are all different. We have different tastes, different languages, and different customs. But despite all our differences, we are all the same in that we are needy. Every one of us has needs that we cannot supply ourselves. We cannot solve all of life’s problems and mysteries without assistance. Micah was overcome by the troubling times in which he lived. He outlines in the opening verses of Micah chapter seven, the overwhelming carnality of everyone around him. By his estimation, everyone around him was evil and not to be trusted including his own family. This all changes in verse seven when he turns away from his despair and declares his trust in God and affirms “my God will hear me” Scripture Text: Micah 7:7-8 Message Title: God will hear me Speaker: Mark Hughes Running Time: 48 Min 40 Sec One can look at humanity and see that we are all different. We have different tastes, different languages, and different customs. But despite all our differences, we are all the same in that we are needy. Every one of us has needs that we cannot supply ourselves. We cannot solve all of life’s problems and mysteries without assistance. Micah was overcome by the troubling times in which he lived. He outlines in the opening verses of Micah chapter seven, the overwhelming carnality of everyone around him. By his estimation, everyone around him was evil and not to be trusted including his own family. This all changes in verse seven when he turns away from his despair and declares his trust in God and affirms “my God will hear me” Scripture Text: Micah 7:7-8 Message Title: God will hear me Speaker: Mark Hughes Running Time: 48 Min 40 Sec One can look at humanity and see that we are all different. We have different tastes, different languages, and different customs. But despite all our differences, we are all the same in that we are needy. Every one of us has needs that we cannot sup… Mark Hughes 2920 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690465/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godwillhearme/id/953339.mp3 https://greaterlifechurch.sermon.net/9690465 Faith,Trust, Scripture: Micah 7:7-7:8