(2/2) It's not about how big my faith is but how big God is. Yet, to grow our faith:
1. Read the Bible (Romans 10: 17)
2. Act on what you believe (Hebrews 11:8)
3. Avoid sin (Romans 8: 13)
@kiebowman#Bible#sermon#Galatians 3:10-11 #ReformationSunday
(1/2) Choosing to live by faith puts us in a right relationship w/ God. Everything we get in Christian life comes by faith (see Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, Hebrews 10:38, & Galatians 3:11). God didn't lower standard but raised it: (sinless) Jesus died on the cross for everyone.
How to live the Christian life? Through many questions, Paul reminded the Galatians (& us) that the Holy Spirit strengthens us to live by faith, not flesh. By the Spirit, we're justified, sanctified, & glorified (when we go to Heaven). @kiebowman#Bible#sermon#Galatians 3:1-5
No reserves. No retreats. No regrets.-William Borden
The crucified life testifies to what is forsaken for Christ. We can't be both dead & alive, physically & spiritually. The crucified life also testifies to our fellowship with Christ.@kiebowman#Bible#sermon#Galatians 2:19-20
There's only one way: the Truth, which has no shelf life. We don't change Jesus to fit us; we change us. Deserting the only way insults Christ & invites a curse. We need to know the Bible which is better than what the world offers.@kiebowman#Bible#sermon#Galatians 1:6-9
John 1 introduces God as the Word and John the Baptist as the voice. Just like John the Baptist, one person can make a difference. God can give us a voice to speak for the Lord as a witness (v. 6-8) & to speak the word (v. 19-23). @kiebowman#Bible#sermon#John 1:6-8, 19-23
A life-changer, Jesus changes our values in life like He did Paul. Writing to new believers, Paul wrote about loss 3x in 2 verses, referring to things he treasured but now considered "rubbish." Christ became the most important. @kiebowman#Bible#sermon#Philippians 3:7-8
Peter's commands to those who heard the Gospel: to repent (to reverse one's thinking) & be baptized (go public). Both were result of the forgiveness of sin, not actions to produce it. Believers in Jesus are to be baptized by full immersion. @kiebowman#Bible#sermon#Acts 2:37-41
We're probably living in the last days of the last days & Jesus will come when He chooses to do so. Thru the story of the 10 bridesmaids He told 3 days before Crucifixion, Jesus urges us to prepare for His sudden yet significant return.@kiebowman#Bible#sermon#Matthew 25:1-13
There will be storms in life but @scottdawson reminds us of what Jesus has said: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." #Bible#sermon#John 14:1, 25-28
(2/2) My faith was never designed to prevent problems but my faith can face problems without fear. Important: the silence of Jesus (at the moment) is not the same as absence of Jesus. @kiebowman#Bible#sermon#Mark 4:35-41
(1/2) Choose faith over fear. Fear & faith can't coexist but our faith answers our fear. The Sea of Galilee was usually calm but a mega storm came. The disciples forgot God's power & faced problem 'til they got Jesus involved. He then performed a miracle by silencing the storm.
Fasting ("no eat" in Greek & "shut mouth" in Hebrew) allows us to focus on God. It helps us surrender to Him (humility instead of pride) & to seek Him more fully through life's big challenges. With God, all things are possible. @kiebowman#Bible#sermon#Ezra 8:21-23
(1/2) The Apostle Paul was in prison but he was pressing on - aggressively pursuing as in hunters going for prey or Olympians competing for a prize. We also press on to experience progress in Christ now, toward closer relationship w/ God, without regret, & through resilience.
(2/2) a. God's Presence: He was preparing Joseph
b. God's Prizes: mercy & favor (grace)
c. God's Prosperity: Joseph did God's work & obedience helps us see His omnipotence.
God's work is unmatchable & unstoppable.-Larry Brinker #Bible#sermon#Genesis 39:20-23
(1/2) There's liberty in the midst of bondage. Joseph was a model son, model sibling, & model servant in his papa's house, Potiphar's house (corruption, temptation), & even prison house (restrictions, persecution). How to serve in bondage?
(2/2) More on prayer - 4 misconceptions:
1. Transactions rather than relationship with God
2. Emergency rather than lifestyle
3. Privatization (praying in private)
4. Personalization (me, me, me) rather than purpose
@KieBowman#Bible#sermon#Isaiah 62:6-7
(1/2) God doesn't need us to accomplish His purposes, but He wants us to be a part. God called for watchmen on the wall 2,700 years ago; He now calls us as watchmen to extraordinary prayer for kingdom expansion through continually-expressed & Kingdom-expanding prayer.
We all go through crises like Peter but even in a crisis, God calls His people to pray. There's amazing power & partnership in prayer (see Matthew 6:6 & Acts 1:14). We're also called to passionate prayer ("earnest" in v. 5). @kiebowman#Bible#sermon#Acts 12:1-17