Grace And Love Intertwined

Morning Sermon  Indestructible Kingdom  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” - Luke 1:31-33 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke1:31-33&version=NKJV Jesus' kingdom is eternal. He preached repentance for the Kingdom was near while He was upon earth (Matthew 4:17).  This kingdom come to fruition on the day of Pentecost fifty days His resurrection (see Acts Chapter 2). This kingdom is the church. And the way into this kingdom is obedience to the Gospel.  This kingdom is spiritual, not physical (Luke 17:20-21). Jesus is the builder of the kingdom (Matthew 16:18) and the head of it (Ephesians 1:22-23). Be a part of this glorious kingdom through Gospel obedience.  Afternoon Sermon Sav

Standing on the Edge of Eternity Lesson 8 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life  maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to  hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched—where ‘Their worm does not die And the fire is not quenched.’And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into  hell,  into the fire that shall never be quenched—where ‘Their worm does not die And the fire is not quenched.’And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into  hell fire—where ‘Their worm does not die And the  fire is not quenched.’ - Mark 9:43-48 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark9:43-48&version=NKJV Hell is a real place. Not a fairy tale or something preachers made up to scare us.god is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew

3 John Chapter 1 The Elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth:Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth.I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. - 3 John 1:1-4 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=3John1:1-4&version=NKJV May we all pray for our brethren and walk in truth daily.  Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers,who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well,because they went forth for His name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles.We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth. - 3 John 1:5-8 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=3John1:5-8&version=NKJV This passage should encou

Motivated by the Grace of God

Layered Taco Pie 30 minutes to prepare serves 4 INGREDIENTS 1 lb ground beef 1 (16 oz) can refried beans 1 packet taco seasoning 1/2 cup water 6 8-inch flour tortillas 2 cups Mexican cheese, grated For topping: Sour cream Black olives Iceberg lettuce, chopped Tomatoes, chopped PREPARATION Preheat oven to 350°F and spray an 8-inch springform pan with nonstick spray. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and drain, if needed. Add in the refried beans, taco seasoning, and water, and simmer until most liquid has absorbed, about 5 minutes. Line the bottom of the prepared pan with a tortilla. Spread 1/5 of the beef mixture evenly over the tortilla and top with 1/4 cup of the cheese. Repeat layers - tortilla, beef, cheese - ending with a tortilla on top. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top and bake until cheese is melted and golden brown, about 20 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve with toppings if desired. Enjoy! Recipe adapted from Th

Morning Sermon Don't Be Troubled “Let  not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.In My Father’s house are many  mansions; if it were not so,  I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.And if I go and prepare a place for you,  I will come again and receive you to Myself; that  where I am, there you may be also. - John 14:1-3 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John14:1-3&version=NKJV Don't be troubled. Heaven prepared for me. Believe in God. Believe also in Jesus. Lay up heavenly treasures, not earthly (Matthew 6:19-21). Set mind on heavenly things (Colossians 3:1-2). Set hope in eternal life (Titus 1:2).  I have an incorruptible inheritance (1 Peter 1:4). Even after death, still have heaven (1 Corinthians 5:1).  Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. - Revelation 1:7 http://www.biblegateway.

In Depth Bible Study  Standing on the Edge  Of Eternity Lesson 7 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel,who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” - Acts 1:9-11 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts1:9-11&version=NKJV Jesus will return. Be sure of that. And take the faithful to be with Him in heaven forever (John 14:1-3). Death, judgment, His return are all certain facts (Hebrews 9:27-28).  But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.F

2 John Chapter 2 The Elder, To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth,because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever:Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father.And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another.This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it. - 2 John 1:1-6 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2John1:1-6&version=NKJV We have grace, mercy, and peace from God and Jesus Christ. Walk in His commandments and walk in love.  For many deceivers have gone o

Motivated by the Mind of Christ

Upside-Down Pecan Cake 45 minutes to prepare serves 6-8 INGREDIENTS For the topping: 2 cups toasted pecans, chopped 1 cup shredded coconut 2/3 cup brown sugar 6 tablespoons butter, melted 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon salt For the cake: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup brown sugar, packed 1 cup milk 2/3 cup butter, softened 2 large eggs 1 tablespoon baking powder 2 teaspoons vanilla 1/4 teaspoon salt Report Advertisement PREPARATION Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9x13-inch pan with aluminum foil, making sure it hangs over the sides a bit, then grease with non-stick spray. Spread pecans, brown sugar and 1 cup of the coconut in the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and salt, and drizzle with vanilla extract and melted butter. In a medium bowl, beat together the 2/3 cup butter and 1 cup brown sugar on medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Continue mixing on low, and add eggs one at a time, follo

Morning Sermon Nicodemus There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you,  unless one is born  again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you,  unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.That which is born of the flesh is  flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. - John 3:1-6 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John3:1-6&version=NKJV Must be born again. Not a physical birth but a spiritual one. Look at the examples of conversion: the eunuch baptized, Cornelius and his household baptized, Paul baptized (Ac

Standing on the Edge of Eternity Lesson 6 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. - James 2:26 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James2:26&version=NKJV We will all one day die. There is no reincarnation, no coming back, no soul annihilation. Once we die, we will pass into eternity in one of two places, paradise or torment within the Hadean realm.  “There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and  fared sumptuously every day.But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate,desiring to be fed with  the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to  Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried.And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.“Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have m

1 John Chapter 5 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him.By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments.For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world— our faith.Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? - 1 John 5:1-5 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1John5:1-5&version=NKJV If we truly love God, we will keep His commandments. There is no riding the fence. We either love Him or we don't. Even Jesus said in John 14:15, that if we love Him we will obey Him. Don't let anyone, not even a well respected preacher, tell you otherwise.  This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood.

Motivated by the Hope of the Resurrection

Cheesy Bundt Bread 1 hour 15 minutes to prepare serves 8 INGREDIENTS 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese, grated 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 2 large eggs 3/4 cup sour cream 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder PREPARATION Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a Bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray, and spread evenly around pan with a paper towel. Mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder in large bowl until combined. Whisk together eggs, sour cream, and Greek yogurt. Pour mixture into dry ingredients. Add melted butter and stir to combine. Mix Cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese into mixture. Pour batter into Bundt pan, spreading evenly to edges. Bake for 50-55 minutes, until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven. Cool 10 minutes before

Morning Sermon Evangelism Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only.But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus.And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch.When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul.And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people

Standing on the Edge of Eternity Lesson 5 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel,who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” - Acts 1:9-11 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts1:9-11&version=NKJV Jesus will descend the same way in which He ascended into heaven when He returns. This will come as a thief in the night and this whole universe will be destroyed (2 Peter 3:10).  In 2nd Peter 3, the Christians were facing persecution, suffering and apostasy. We could be facing the same struggles: grief, persecution, apostasy. But our mindset must be heaven.  We are to live holy, righteous lives. Our lives should be a daily sacrifice to Go

1 John Chapter 4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them.We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. - 1 John 4:1-6 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1John4:1-6&version=NKJV Test all religious teachings by the Bible. If the Bible does not support it, don&

Motivated by the Mercies of God

Get Well' Wild Rice Soup 35 minutes to prepare serves 6-8 INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons olive oil 8 oz cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced 2 medium carrots, diced 2 ribs celery, diced 1 small white onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock 1 1/2 cups uncooked wild rice 1 bay leaf 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste PREPARATION In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, onions, carrots, and celery, and cook until starting to soften, 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in chicken stock, rice, and bay leaf and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until rice has cooked through, 25-30 minutes. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half and thyme, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve. Enjoy! Get Well Wild Rice Soup