Sunday Live http://pglive.mypodcast.com/ en dennisak dennisak dennisak@pinegrovecommunitychurch.com clean Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:00:24 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss MyPodcast.com RSS generator v1.0 info@pinegrovecommunitychurch.com (dennisak) support@mypodcast.com (MyPodcast team) Galatians 4:1-11 Adopted: out of poverty and into good fortune. But it is more than just a heart Galatians 4:1-11 Adopted: out of poverty and into good fortune. But it is more than just a heartwarming story. It is an illustration of what has happened to every child of God. We have been set free from the poverty of sin, death and hell and have been adopted into the house of our Lord, the Sovereign ruler of the entire universe. We have all the riches of the kingdom at our disposal. Let’s trace our story from the orphanage of slavery into the house of the king, and then let us see how we should respond to such generosity. We Were Once Slaves 1-3 We Are Now Adopted 4-7 We need to live like it! 8-11 We are heirs. You are a child of the King. You are a co-owner of the universe! You will spend eternity with God in heaven. How foolish of us to turn back to the beggarly elements of slavery. If you want to, you go ahead and live like slaves, but as for me, I think I’ll sit at my father’s feet and enjoy the riches of his estate. Set me Free! I want to experience liberty as never before. So I choose to live like a son. Galatians 4:1-11 Adopted: out of poverty and into good fortune. But it is more than just a heartwarming story. It is an illustration of what has happened to every child of God. We have been set free from the poverty of sin, death and hell and have been adopted into the house of our Lord, the Sovereign ruler of the entire universe. We have all the riches of the kingdom at our disposal. Let’s trace our story from the orphanage of slavery into the house of the king, and then let us see how we should respond to such generosity. We Were Once Slaves 1-3 We Are Now Adopted 4-7 We need to live like it! 8-11 We are heirs. You are a child of the King. You are a co-owner of the universe! You will spend eternity with God in heaven. How foolish of us to turn back to the beggarly elements of slavery. If you want to, you go ahead and live like slaves, but as for me, I think I’ll sit at my father’s feet and enjoy the riches of his estate. Set me Free! I want to experience liberty as never before. So I choose to live like a son. dennisak http://pglive.mypodcast.com/2007/11/Adopted-56693.html Tue, 13 Nov 2007 17:23:20 +0000 31:05 clean Galatians 3:22-29 Freedom is counted in Scripture as one of the greatest privileges of the child Galatians 3:22-29 Freedom is counted in Scripture as one of the greatest privileges of the child of God. Throughout history, there is nothing for which nations have made great sacrifices except freedom. Slavery is the lowest condition into which man can sink, for in it he can no longer govern himself. Freedom is the deepest need of his nature. Experience Liberty as Never Before! Set me free! That is the theme of the book of Galatians, and today we will trace the path of the captivity, from the clanking of the chains forged under the law, to the cruel snap of the whip from our harsh task master. Until we find our way by faith to freedom as the sons of God. Our message today will focus on three men: A vigilant Jailor, A harsh Task Master, and a wealthy freedman. These three men illustrate the superiority of the freedom offered by the Gospel. The Jailer – 22-23 We were confined We were guarded for our own safety The Task Master – 24-25 We were supervised We are “under bondage" The Heir – 26-29 We are Sons of Promise Here is the way to freedom! We receive the Promise - through faith. We are now heirs because we are Christ’s. We are not only free, we are rich! Wealthy. We get to inherit all of creation. All of heaven. All of hope and joy and promise. Right now, if you have Jesus, you have the power of freedom. You are no longer under the thumb of the law, because you don’t need anyone to tell you to obey it. You want to obey it because you love Jesus. You have the power. You just need to utilize it. Galatians 3:22-29 Freedom is counted in Scripture as one of the greatest privileges of the child of God. Throughout history, there is nothing for which nations have made great sacrifices except freedom. Slavery is the lowest condition into which man can sink, for in it he can no longer govern himself. Freedom is the deepest need of his nature. Experience Liberty as Never Before! Set me free! That is the theme of the book of Galatians, and today we will trace the path of the captivity, from the clanking of the chains forged under the law, to the cruel snap of the whip from our harsh task master. Until we find our way by faith to freedom as the sons of God. Our message today will focus on three men: A vigilant Jailor, A harsh Task Master, and a wealthy freedman. These three men illustrate the superiority of the freedom offered by the Gospel. The Jailer – 22-23 We were confined We were guarded for our own safety The Task Master – 24-25 We were supervised We are “under bondage" The Heir – 26-29 We are Sons of Promise Here is the way to freedom! We receive the Promise - through faith. We are now heirs because we are Christ’s. We are not only free, we are rich! Wealthy. We get to inherit all of creation. All of heaven. All of hope and joy and promise. Right now, if you have Jesus, you have the power of freedom. You are no longer under the thumb of the law, because you don’t need anyone to tell you to obey it. You want to obey it because you love Jesus. You have the power. You just need to utilize it. dennisak http://pglive.mypodcast.com/2007/10/Out_From_Under_The_Thumb-53499.html Wed, 31 Oct 2007 18:45:31 +0000 38:03 clean Galatians 3:1-5 Illusion—that’s what magic is all about. A magician makes it look like he’s sawing Galatians 3:1-5 Illusion—that’s what magic is all about. A magician makes it look like he’s sawing a beautiful girl in half, when you know that this is not happening. On the other hand, those who practice witchcraft are knowingly or unwittingly calling on supernatural beings to do something, like casting a spell. The Galatians had been bewitched. Someone had exerted power over them, to deceive them and make them think that something is one way when it is just the opposite. This is more than an illusion or a misconception. Wrong teaching is so powerful that it is like the spell of the demonic itself. They were foolish… About how they received Eternal Life 1-2 You once clearly understood the purpose of the death of Christ They were foolish… About how they retain Eternal Life 3-5 If you began in the Spirit, can the flesh make you perfect? Set me free to live a life of faith! We are saved by faith, and we live by faith. We gain eternal life by faith, and we become more like Jesus Christ by faith. Faith is the beginning, and faith is the process, and faith is the end. Choose faith and it will carry you through life, but choose against it, and you will end up eating sawdust and spiritually dead. Galatians 3:1-5 Illusion—that’s what magic is all about. A magician makes it look like he’s sawing a beautiful girl in half, when you know that this is not happening. On the other hand, those who practice witchcraft are knowingly or unwittingly calling on supernatural beings to do something, like casting a spell. The Galatians had been bewitched. Someone had exerted power over them, to deceive them and make them think that something is one way when it is just the opposite. This is more than an illusion or a misconception. Wrong teaching is so powerful that it is like the spell of the demonic itself. They were foolish… About how they received Eternal Life 1-2 You once clearly understood the purpose of the death of Christ They were foolish… About how they retain Eternal Life 3-5 If you began in the Spirit, can the flesh make you perfect? Set me free to live a life of faith! We are saved by faith, and we live by faith. We gain eternal life by faith, and we become more like Jesus Christ by faith. Faith is the beginning, and faith is the process, and faith is the end. Choose faith and it will carry you through life, but choose against it, and you will end up eating sawdust and spiritually dead. dennisak http://pglive.mypodcast.com/2007/10/Bewitched-53490.html Sun, 07 Oct 2007 17:36:00 +0000 43:30 clean Galatians 2:16-21 I Hate My Life – Ever felt like that? Wouldn’t it be great if I could trade plac Galatians 2:16-21 I Hate My Life – Ever felt like that? Wouldn’t it be great if I could trade places with an intelligent, good looking or athletic person. Wouldn’t it be great if I could just start over? Is there another way to live? Can you find relief even at the height of life’s many demands? Is there a way to start over with a new life? The answer is the great exchange: New lives for old, warm hearts for cold. Have I got a deal for you today? Come on step this way, and get your new lives for old. Explaining the Exchange 16 The basis of the exchange is Justification by Faith We are free from the Penalty of sin & restored to favor w/God Legal term: A legitimate reason for something normally illegal Our defense is that Christ paid the penalty for us It is not by Works It is by Faith in Jesus Christ Exchanging away our former life 17-18 Argument against Justification by faith Justification by faith is an invitation for loose living If justified, why bother to live a good life? The answer to the argument Justification by faith does not remove all sin from our lives Justification is not the cause of the sin in our lives! If you insist on the way of works it will make you a sinner The way of works is a slap in God’s face The way of Works is a way of saying you don’t need God To please God, you must “die” to the way of works Exchanging in our new life 20 This is a statement of fact... I have been crucified The Penalty has been paid When Christ died, I died with him This is a statement essential to life… I live by Faith! I was saved by faith The life that you now live must also become a life of faith You must live by faith. It is the only way you can find hope and victory over sin Life without the exchange 21 The way of Works means no grace – no grace, no hope! The way of Works means we must obey the law perfectly The end of the matter is this – we are saved by faith and we live by faith. And that makes all the difference. This is the great exchange. This is what hope is all about. . John 8:36 says "If the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed." Do you hate your life? Do you desire to have freedom from guilt, rejection, and remorse? God is offering you forgiveness through the great exchange. Will you accept it? Galatians 2:16-21 I Hate My Life – Ever felt like that? Wouldn’t it be great if I could trade places with an intelligent, good looking or athletic person. Wouldn’t it be great if I could just start over? Is there another way to live? Can you find relief even at the height of life’s many demands? Is there a way to start over with a new life? The answer is the great exchange: New lives for old, warm hearts for cold. Have I got a deal for you today? Come on step this way, and get your new lives for old. Explaining the Exchange 16 The basis of the exchange is Justification by Faith We are free from the Penalty of sin & restored to favor w/God Legal term: A legitimate reason for something normally illegal Our defense is that Christ paid the penalty for us It is not by Works It is by Faith in Jesus Christ Exchanging away our former life 17-18 Argument against Justification by faith Justification by faith is an invitation for loose living If justified, why bother to live a good life? The answer to the argument Justification by faith does not remove all sin from our lives Justification is not the cause of the sin in our lives! If you insist on the way of works it will make you a sinner The way of works is a slap in God’s face The way of Works is a way of saying you don’t need God To please God, you must “die” to the way of works Exchanging in our new life 20 This is a statement of fact... I have been crucified The Penalty has been paid When Christ died, I died with him This is a statement essential to life… I live by Faith! I was saved by faith The life that you now live must also become a life of faith You must live by faith. It is the only way you can find hope and victory over sin Life without the exchange 21 The way of Works means no grace – no grace, no hope! The way of Works means we must obey the law perfectly The end of the matter is this – we are saved by faith and we live by faith. And that makes all the difference. This is the great exchange. This is what hope is all about. . John 8:36 says "If the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed." Do you hate your life? Do you desire to have freedom from guilt, rejection, and remorse? God is offering you forgiveness through the great exchange. Will you accept it? dennisak http://pglive.mypodcast.com/2007/09/The_Great_Exchage-42133.html Tue, 18 Sep 2007 14:27:03 +0000 35:57 clean Galatians 2:11-21 Galatians 2:11-21 Galatians 2:11-21 dennisak http://pglive.mypodcast.com/2007/09/A_time_for_Confrontation-40461.html Tue, 11 Sep 2007 09:15:31 +0000 32:05 clean The Lord's Supper 1 Corinthians 11 The Lord's Supper 1 Corinthians 11 The Lord's Supper 1 Corinthians 11 dennisak http://pglive.mypodcast.com/2007/09/The_Important_Things-39736.html Sat, 08 Sep 2007 09:17:13 +0000 20:17 clean Acts 20:17-35 Acts 20:17-35 Acts 20:17-35 dennisak http://pglive.mypodcast.com/2007/09/Over_Under_Through_but_never_Around-39331.html Thu, 06 Sep 2007 08:58:00 +0000 31:19 clean Galatians 1:1-9 There is a time for tolerance, and there is a time for truth. There is a time fo Galatians 1:1-9 There is a time for tolerance, and there is a time for truth. There is a time for business as usual, and there is a time to be tough. I would describe this message with words like: Clear cut, Straight forward, Immovable, Uncompromising, Resolute, Unshakable, Unswayable, Firm, Decisive, and yes, even intolerant. This is a time for intolerance. When it comes to the truth, intolerance is a virtue of the highest quality. It is rare in our society to find anyone with a cause important enough to die for. This is that cause. We are those people. The Genuine Article It’s authority 1-2 Paul set out to prove that the message was the Truth He appealed to his authority as an Apostle His authority did not come from men, but from God His message was the truth All the apostles were in agreement with the message It’s content 3-5 It is of Grace - God’s gracious free gift of eternal life It is not of works. It is not of ourselves It centers around Jesus Christ the savior The Genuine Danger The problem of perversion 6-7 The Judiazers were trying to enslave the Galatians Trouble: to perplex the mind with doubts and puzzles They proposed a different Gospel “HETEROS” another of a differnt kind “ALLOS” another of the same kind “6 I marvel that you are turning away to a gospel of a different kind (heteros), 7 which is not another of the same kind (allos). Their message could not bring Eternal life If I am saved, & after fall prey to error what happens? 2: 4 They were now in bondage - enslaved 3:10 They were now under the curse of the law. 5: 1 To defeat this they must Stand fast in liberty The Anathema – 8-9 To those who preach falsly, “Let him be accursed.” Anathema is used of something with no hope of redemption If we preach a false gospel, those who buy into are lost. We are consigning them to an eternity without Christ. We must get it right. The stakes are too high. The message is too crucial. This is a time for intolerance. This is a time for truth. This is a time to be tough. Let the message be clear, let it never be fuzzy. We are saved only by grace through faith. Galatians 1:1-9 There is a time for tolerance, and there is a time for truth. There is a time for business as usual, and there is a time to be tough. I would describe this message with words like: Clear cut, Straight forward, Immovable, Uncompromising, Resolute, Unshakable, Unswayable, Firm, Decisive, and yes, even intolerant. This is a time for intolerance. When it comes to the truth, intolerance is a virtue of the highest quality. It is rare in our society to find anyone with a cause important enough to die for. This is that cause. We are those people. The Genuine Article It’s authority 1-2 Paul set out to prove that the message was the Truth He appealed to his authority as an Apostle His authority did not come from men, but from God His message was the truth All the apostles were in agreement with the message It’s content 3-5 It is of Grace - God’s gracious free gift of eternal life It is not of works. It is not of ourselves It centers around Jesus Christ the savior The Genuine Danger The problem of perversion 6-7 The Judiazers were trying to enslave the Galatians Trouble: to perplex the mind with doubts and puzzles They proposed a different Gospel “HETEROS” another of a differnt kind “ALLOS” another of the same kind “6 I marvel that you are turning away to a gospel of a different kind (heteros), 7 which is not another of the same kind (allos). Their message could not bring Eternal life If I am saved, & after fall prey to error what happens? 2: 4 They were now in bondage - enslaved 3:10 They were now under the curse of the law. 5: 1 To defeat this they must Stand fast in liberty The Anathema – 8-9 To those who preach falsly, “Let him be accursed.” Anathema is used of something with no hope of redemption If we preach a false gospel, those who buy into are lost. We are consigning them to an eternity without Christ. We must get it right. The stakes are too high. The message is too crucial. This is a time for intolerance. This is a time for truth. This is a time to be tough. Let the message be clear, let it never be fuzzy. We are saved only by grace through faith. dennisak http://pglive.mypodcast.com/2007/07/A_time_for_Intollerance-29359.html Thu, 12 Jul 2007 18:46:00 +0000 48:17 clean Galatians 1:10-24 Over the centuries, millions of people have experienced a life transforming Con Galatians 1:10-24 Over the centuries, millions of people have experienced a life transforming Conversion to Jesus Christ. Some of those conversions have produced nothing short of an astonishing Radical Transformation: And were we to make a list, it would be astonishingly long. From unlikely convert to hero of the faith. That’s what God delights to do. He specializes in Radical Transformation. And when God changes you, he uses you to change the world. Line Drawn in the Sand 10-12 There are generally two kinds of leaders: Men Pleasers: accommodates himself to others opinions Men Pursuaders: convinces others of his point of view Paul had received his message directly from God Revelation – direct disclosure of truth from God Inspiration – the process of revealing God’s Word to mankind Illumination – When the Holy Spirit enlightens us to the truth Paul was the last person you would expect 13-14 Saul’s first accomplishment was to persecute Jewish Christians Saul set out on a crusade to rid the world of this scourge. Paul had a direct encounter with Christ 15-17 The unexpected happened on his way to Damascus Saul was a chosen vessel Acts 9:15 Paul had been set apart for this from birth He did not consult with the Apostles about his message He went to the Arabian Desert where he spent time with God The Apostles added nothing to the message 18-24 His message was not given to him by the Apostles The mother church didn’t give Paul his message Paul’s message came from God Paul became the crusader God needed for a problem like the legalists. He was the cure for the disease. His transformation was exactly what doctor Jesus ordered. That’s what conversion does. It changes us. It makes believers out of Atheists. It makes sober men out of drunks. It makes honest men out of liars. It makes useful men out of laggards. And it makes the world sit back on its haunches in shock and disbelief. Jesus saves. Galatians 1:10-24 Over the centuries, millions of people have experienced a life transforming Conversion to Jesus Christ. Some of those conversions have produced nothing short of an astonishing Radical Transformation: And were we to make a list, it would be astonishingly long. From unlikely convert to hero of the faith. That’s what God delights to do. He specializes in Radical Transformation. And when God changes you, he uses you to change the world. Line Drawn in the Sand 10-12 There are generally two kinds of leaders: Men Pleasers: accommodates himself to others opinions Men Pursuaders: convinces others of his point of view Paul had received his message directly from God Revelation – direct disclosure of truth from God Inspiration – the process of revealing God’s Word to mankind Illumination – When the Holy Spirit enlightens us to the truth Paul was the last person you would expect 13-14 Saul’s first accomplishment was to persecute Jewish Christians Saul set out on a crusade to rid the world of this scourge. Paul had a direct encounter with Christ 15-17 The unexpected happened on his way to Damascus Saul was a chosen vessel Acts 9:15 Paul had been set apart for this from birth He did not consult with the Apostles about his message He went to the Arabian Desert where he spent time with God The Apostles added nothing to the message 18-24 His message was not given to him by the Apostles The mother church didn’t give Paul his message Paul’s message came from God Paul became the crusader God needed for a problem like the legalists. He was the cure for the disease. His transformation was exactly what doctor Jesus ordered. That’s what conversion does. It changes us. It makes believers out of Atheists. It makes sober men out of drunks. It makes honest men out of liars. It makes useful men out of laggards. And it makes the world sit back on its haunches in shock and disbelief. Jesus saves. dennisak http://pglive.mypodcast.com/2007/07/A_Radical_Transformation-29311.html Thu, 19 Jul 2007 14:29:00 +0000 29:58 clean 1 Thess 4:13-18 What really happens when we die? And how can I be prepared. If there is a heaven, 1 Thess 4:13-18 What really happens when we die? And how can I be prepared. If there is a heaven, what is it like? And if I am going there how does that change the way I look at death and how does it change the way I look at this life? For our answer to this mystery, once again, we go to the word of God, and to many passages which describe heaven for us. The word Heaven is used nearly 700 times in the Bible. There are three places called heaven or the heavens #1 the atmosphere where birds fly. #2 The starry universe #3 The place where God dwells with angels and departed saints. There are several different names for heaven The "Father’s house" # Joh 14:2 "Paradise" # Lu 23:43 2Co 12:4 Re 2:7 “Abraham’s bosom" # Lu 16:22 Mt "The heavenly Jerusalem" # Ga 4:26 Heb 12:22 Re 3:12 The "kingdom of heaven" # Mt 25:1 Jas 2:5 The "eternal kingdom" #2Pe 1:11 The "eternal inheritance" #1Pe 1:4 Heb 9:15 The "better country" # Heb 11:14,16 Heaven has at least five distinct phases The pre-sin heaven, before Satan fell (Is. 14:12-15, Rev. 12:4). The OT heaven of Paradise or "Abraham's bosom" ( Luke 16:22), The current heaven, in the presence of God (Eph. 4:8-10; 2 Cor. 5:8). The millennial kingdom (Rev. 20:14). The New J & the new heavens and new earth (Rev. 21-22). (Nearly) 40 facts about heaven about heaven 1. It is the dwelling place of God (Deut. 26:15; Matt. 6:9). 2. It is the dwelling place of angels (Luke 2:15; Matt. 28:2; Heb. 12:22). 3. It is the dwelling place of the saints (Rev. 4-5; Luke 16:22; Heb. 12:23). 5. There is immediate conscious existence after death, (Luke 16:22ff. 6. It is an actual place (John 1:32; 6:33; Acts 1:2), 7. It is consistently referred to as "up" (Mark 6:41; Luke 9:51). 8. It is where Christ came from (John 6:42), 9. It is described as a city (Heb. 11:16; 12:22; 13:14; Rev. 21:12).. 10. It is an inheritance reserved for us. (1 Pet. 1:4). 11. It is the Christian's country of citizenship (Heb. 11:16; Phil. 3:20).. 13 It will deliver us from our sinful condition (Rom. 7:24). 16 Heaven's central draw is Christ (Phil. 1:23). 17. Heaven contains an actual temple (Heb. 8:5; 9:11,23-24 18. Christ promised we would live with him there (John 12:26; 13:36; 14:2. 20. Our body will be like Christ’s (1 Cor. 15:20, 48-49; Phil. 3:21; 1 John 3:2). 29. In heaven, we will have eternal rewards, (Matt. 6:19-25; 25:20-21). 30. At least five different crowns are given as heavenly rewards: 33. We will reign with Him in heaven (2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 3:21; 22:5). 35. Heaven has light, water, trees and fruit (Rev. 22:1-2). 39. God's people should long for heaven (Heb. 11:13-16; 2 Cor. 5:2, Phil. 3:14 40. Heaven should be a central object of our attention (Col. 3:1-4). If there be so certain and glorious a rest for the saints, why is there no more industrious seeking after it? One would think, if a man did but once hear of such unspeakable glory to be obtained, and believed what he heard to be true, he should be transported with the vehemence of his desire after it, and should almost forget to eat and drink, and should care for nothing else, and speak of and inquire after nothing else, but how to get this treasure. And yet people who hear of it daily, and profess to believe it as a fundamental article of their faith, do as little mind it, or labor for it, as if they had never heard of any such thing, or did not believe one word they hear. Pastor Richard Baxter 1 Thess 4:13-18 What really happens when we die? And how can I be prepared. If there is a heaven, what is it like? And if I am going there how does that change the way I look at death and how does it change the way I look at this life? For our answer to this mystery, once again, we go to the word of God, and to many passages which describe heaven for us. The word Heaven is used nearly 700 times in the Bible. There are three places called heaven or the heavens #1 the atmosphere where birds fly. #2 The starry universe #3 The place where God dwells with angels and departed saints. There are several different names for heaven The "Father’s house" # Joh 14:2 "Paradise" # Lu 23:43 2Co 12:4 Re 2:7 “Abraham’s bosom" # Lu 16:22 Mt "The heavenly Jerusalem" # Ga 4:26 Heb 12:22 Re 3:12 The "kingdom of heaven" # Mt 25:1 Jas 2:5 The "eternal kingdom" #2Pe 1:11 The "eternal inheritance" #1Pe 1:4 Heb 9:15 The "better country" # Heb 11:14,16 Heaven has at least five distinct phases The pre-sin heaven, before Satan fell (Is. 14:12-15, Rev. 12:4). The OT heaven of Paradise or "Abraham's bosom" ( Luke 16:22), The current heaven, in the presence of God (Eph. 4:8-10; 2 Cor. 5:8). The millennial kingdom (Rev. 20:14). The New J & the new heavens and new earth (Rev. 21-22). (Nearly) 40 facts about heaven about heaven 1. It is the dwelling place of God (Deut. 26:15; Matt. 6:9). 2. It is the dwelling place of angels (Luke 2:15; Matt. 28:2; Heb. 12:22). 3. It is the dwelling place of the saints (Rev. 4-5; Luke 16:22; Heb. 12:23). 5. There is immediate conscious existence after death, (Luke 16:22ff. 6. It is an actual place (John 1:32; 6:33; Acts 1:2), 7. It is consistently referred to as "up" (Mark 6:41; Luke 9:51). 8. It is where Christ came from (John 6:42), 9. It is described as a city (Heb. 11:16; 12:22; 13:14; Rev. 21:12).. 10. It is an inheritance reserved for us. (1 Pet. 1:4). 11. It is the Christian's country of citizenship (Heb. 11:16; Phil. 3:20).. 13 It will deliver us from our sinful condition (Rom. 7:24). 16 Heaven's central draw is Christ (Phil. 1:23). 17. Heaven contains an actual temple (Heb. 8:5; 9:11,23-24 18. Christ promised we would live with him there (John 12:26; 13:36; 14:2. 20. Our body will be like Christ’s (1 Cor. 15:20, 48-49; Phil. 3:21; 1 John 3:2). 29. In heaven, we will have eternal rewards, (Matt. 6:19-25; 25:20-21). 30. At least five different crowns are given as heavenly rewards: 33. We will reign with Him in heaven (2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 3:21; 22:5). 35. Heaven has light, water, trees and fruit (Rev. 22:1-2). 39. God's people should long for heaven (Heb. 11:13-16; 2 Cor. 5:2, Phil. 3:14 40. Heaven should be a central object of our attention (Col. 3:1-4). If there be so certain and glorious a rest for the saints, why is there no more industrious seeking after it? One would think, if a man did but once hear of such unspeakable glory to be obtained, and believed what he heard to be true, he should be transported with the vehemence of his desire after it, and should almost forget to eat and drink, and should care for nothing else, and speak of and inquire after nothing else, but how to get this treasure. And yet people who hear of it daily, and profess to believe it as a fundamental article of their faith, do as little mind it, or labor for it, as if they had never heard of any such thing, or did not believe one word they hear. Pastor Richard Baxter dennisak http://pglive.mypodcast.com/2007/06/What_happens_after_I_die_Part_II-22778.html Wed, 13 Jun 2007 17:53:00 +0000 41:20 clean Luke 16:19-31 What will happen to me after I die? Is there a heaven? If so, how can I get there? Luke 16:19-31 What will happen to me after I die? Is there a heaven? If so, how can I get there? Is there a hell? If so, how can I avoid it? If there is not, what is the point of living and dying anyway? You hover on the brink of consciousness hoping for answers, but no bright glow comes, no great tunnel of light appears, no angels sing, and no devils roar. In fact, the silence is so overwhelming that your heart beat is a deafening sound. Since life after death cannot be scientifically ascertained, and since heaven and hell, if they exist cannot be observed from our vantage point on earth, what really happens when we die? And how can we be prepared. The Rich Man and Lazarus Jesus tells this story as though he knows the people involved A wealthy man – he has five brothers A beggar named Lazarus The patriarch Abraham Abraham was a real person, the others may be as well They teach us something about the afterlife The poor man went to a place called Abraham’s bosom A place of good things A place of conscious comfort The Rich man died and went to a place called Hades A place of thirst without expiration A place of excessive temperature A place of no mercy A place of conscious torment A Primer on Hell Hades–used of the grave, the underworld, death & hell Sheol – Is the match for the Greek word Hades Tartarus –the place of fallen angels 2 Peter 2: 4 the Bottomless Pit - equivalent to the Abyss or Tartarus Rev 19 Gehenna –the word for eternal hell fire Mark 9:43 - A fire that will never be quenched Mat 8:12 –outer darkness weeping and gnashing of teeth Mat 25:41, 46 – a Place of everlasting punishment 2 Thess 1:9 the unbeliever will receive everlasting destruction Daniel 12:2 everlasting contempt A Short History of Hell The Lake of Fire was created for the Devil and his angels Until the final judgment, unbelievers are sent to hades Fallen angels are cast into Tartarus At the Judgment unbelievers will be cast into the lake of fire What Hell is like – Rev 20 10- Hell is eternal punishement - 10. Judgment is final and certain - there is no way out 11-13. . Judgment is impartial and just - Vs 12-15. Every person will have an opportunity for his works to be examined. Whoever does not have his name written in the book of life, will be consigned to the Lake of fire. The book of life contains the names of all the saved of all time. Anyone who has but their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior, has his name written there. Luke 16:19-31 What will happen to me after I die? Is there a heaven? If so, how can I get there? Is there a hell? If so, how can I avoid it? If there is not, what is the point of living and dying anyway? You hover on the brink of consciousness hoping for answers, but no bright glow comes, no great tunnel of light appears, no angels sing, and no devils roar. In fact, the silence is so overwhelming that your heart beat is a deafening sound. Since life after death cannot be scientifically ascertained, and since heaven and hell, if they exist cannot be observed from our vantage point on earth, what really happens when we die? And how can we be prepared. The Rich Man and Lazarus Jesus tells this story as though he knows the people involved A wealthy man – he has five brothers A beggar named Lazarus The patriarch Abraham Abraham was a real person, the others may be as well They teach us something about the afterlife The poor man went to a place called Abraham’s bosom A place of good things A place of conscious comfort The Rich man died and went to a place called Hades A place of thirst without expiration A place of excessive temperature A place of no mercy A place of conscious torment A Primer on Hell Hades–used of the grave, the underworld, death & hell Sheol – Is the match for the Greek word Hades Tartarus –the place of fallen angels 2 Peter 2: 4 the Bottomless Pit - equivalent to the Abyss or Tartarus Rev 19 Gehenna –the word for eternal hell fire Mark 9:43 - A fire that will never be quenched Mat 8:12 –outer darkness weeping and gnashing of teeth Mat 25:41, 46 – a Place of everlasting punishment 2 Thess 1:9 the unbeliever will receive everlasting destruction Daniel 12:2 everlasting contempt A Short History of Hell The Lake of Fire was created for the Devil and his angels Until the final judgment, unbelievers are sent to hades Fallen angels are cast into Tartarus At the Judgment unbelievers will be cast into the lake of fire What Hell is like – Rev 20 10- Hell is eternal punishement - 10. Judgment is final and certain - there is no way out 11-13. . Judgment is impartial and just - Vs 12-15. Every person will have an opportunity for his works to be examined. Whoever does not have his name written in the book of life, will be consigned to the Lake of fire. The book of life contains the names of all the saved of all time. Anyone who has but their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior, has his name written there. dennisak http://pglive.mypodcast.com/2007/06/Lost_What_happens_when_I_die-21506.html Thu, 07 Jun 2007 16:54:00 +0000 hell 43:27 clean Joshua 7:11-26 Crime and punishment: Some sentences fit the crime. Others… well… you decide for Joshua 7:11-26 Crime and punishment: Some sentences fit the crime. Others… well… you decide for yourself. In Palestine an offender and his family were stoned to death for stealing a coat, and a few thousand dollars worth of Gold and Silver. It seems like quite a high price to pay for such a petty theft. What’s so bad about sin anyway? If no one got hurt… what’s the big deal about sin? That’s the question we’re going to answer today. And the answer is this… Sin is a lot worse than we think it is. Private consequences - God sees all & we know it / 11-15 Sin isn’t all about other people. It’s about God “Against you, and you only have I sinned.” Psalm 51:4 Sin is also about us… because sin is a matter of the heart “The heart is deceitful… I the Lord search the heart” Jer 17:9-10 The problem is explained in verse 11 – They have… 1. sinned - missing of the mark 2. transgressed - deliberate departure from the path 3. taken Dedicated things - stealing from God! 4. stolen - removed by stealth 5. deceived - pretended to obey 6. hid it - he covered it up The profile of a sinner in verse 21 His name was Achan, and it’s meaning is “trouble” I Saw – “spoils” He redefined what he saw! I Coveted - his passions controlled him I Took - a taker fails to trust God to meet his needs I hid – the irony / they do not enjoy the pleasures they steal Public consequences – Every one will hear of it / 16-23 Why the long ceremony? 16-23 #1 to make an impression about the seriousness of sin. #2 to leave time for repentance The Confession confession comes only when he’s caught The seven marks of godly sorrow and repentance from 2 Cor 7:11 1) Quick to right the wrong. 2) Eager to clear the air with an apology. 3) Angry at your own sin. 4) Humbled with the Fear of God. 5) Wanting what is right 6) Zealous to correct what's wrong. 7) Ready to make restitution or payment. Personal consequences – We will pay for it / 24-25 Achan got to keep a few bucks in exchange for his life The law prohibited the family from being punished Deut 24:16 Achan’s family most certainly assisted him in the crime Future consequences – It will not be forgotten / 26 The wages of sin is death – Romans 6:23 We have all sinned and transgressed the law of God. We can all look forward to a pile of stones with our name carved on it. Yet, no defeat is permanent and no mistake is beyond remedy. Even the “Valley of Trouble” can become a “door of hope!” The cross was the instrument of execution and death in the past and now is the symbol hope and joy, You may deserve the rocks, but Christ wants to make your life pure gold. Joshua 7:11-26 Crime and punishment: Some sentences fit the crime. Others… well… you decide for yourself. In Palestine an offender and his family were stoned to death for stealing a coat, and a few thousand dollars worth of Gold and Silver. It seems like quite a high price to pay for such a petty theft. What’s so bad about sin anyway? If no one got hurt… what’s the big deal about sin? That’s the question we’re going to answer today. And the answer is this… Sin is a lot worse than we think it is. Private consequences - God sees all & we know it / 11-15 Sin isn’t all about other people. It’s about God “Against you, and you only have I sinned.” Psalm 51:4 Sin is also about us… because sin is a matter of the heart “The heart is deceitful… I the Lord search the heart” Jer 17:9-10 The problem is explained in verse 11 – They have… 1. sinned - missing of the mark 2. transgressed - deliberate departure from the path 3. taken Dedicated things - stealing from God! 4. stolen - removed by stealth 5. deceived - pretended to obey 6. hid it - he covered it up The profile of a sinner in verse 21 His name was Achan, and it’s meaning is “trouble” I Saw – “spoils” He redefined what he saw! I Coveted - his passions controlled him I Took - a taker fails to trust God to meet his needs I hid – the irony / they do not enjoy the pleasures they steal Public consequences – Every one will hear of it / 16-23 Why the long ceremony? 16-23 #1 to make an impression about the seriousness of sin. #2 to leave time for repentance The Confession confession comes only when he’s caught The seven marks of godly sorrow and repentance from 2 Cor 7:11 1) Quick to right the wrong. 2) Eager to clear the air with an apology. 3) Angry at your own sin. 4) Humbled with the Fear of God. 5) Wanting what is right 6) Zealous to correct what's wrong. 7) Ready to make restitution or payment. Personal consequences – We will pay for it / 24-25 Achan got to keep a few bucks in exchange for his life The law prohibited the family from being punished Deut 24:16 Achan’s family most certainly assisted him in the crime Future consequences – It will not be forgotten / 26 The wages of sin is death – Romans 6:23 We have all sinned and transgressed the law of God. We can all look forward to a pile of stones with our name carved on it. Yet, no defeat is permanent and no mistake is beyond remedy. Even the “Valley of Trouble” can become a “door of hope!” The cross was the instrument of execution and death in the past and now is the symbol hope and joy, You may deserve the rocks, but Christ wants to make your life pure gold. dennisak http://pglive.mypodcast.com/2007/05/Lost_is_Sin_that_Bad-19909.html Tue, 29 May 2007 14:27:00 +0000 Solid Teaching, Sunday Live 36:34 clean Let’s say you were stranded. And finding yourself on a deserted island you now have to learn to liv Let’s say you were stranded. And finding yourself on a deserted island you now have to learn to live without all the blessings of civilization. No running water, no showers, no indoor toilets, no electricity, no microwaves, no stove, no heater, no air conditioning, no fast food joints, no grocery stores… you have none of the accessories of life you once took for granted. Life is hard, and life takes hard work. But something else is missing as well. All your vices are gone, but your desire for them is still as strong as ever. If you liked to drink before, you can’t There is no alcohol. And there is no TV, no Theater, no Internet no R rated movies, and no pornography on the island. But your mind can still lust. There are no drugs… no pot, no cocaine, not even prescription drugs are available. If you were hooked before, you will have to learn to live without them now. And gambling? Casinos seem to be in short supply on the island. And Even if you could find someone to gamble with, what use is money on a deserted island? Your appetites and desires are still there as strong as ever. But you have no way to fulfill them. And you are suffering serious emotional withdrawals from your sins. And with nothing but time on your hands, you wrestle with some great mysteries in your mind: Why is life so difficult? Why do we love the things that hurt us? Why can’t we quit thinking about our vices? How come sin is so pleasurable and yet so painful? Why do I keep doing the same old sins over and over again? Let’s say you were stranded. And finding yourself on a deserted island you now have to learn to live without all the blessings of civilization. No running water, no showers, no indoor toilets, no electricity, no microwaves, no stove, no heater, no air conditioning, no fast food joints, no grocery stores… you have none of the accessories of life you once took for granted. Life is hard, and life takes hard work. But something else is missing as well. All your vices are gone, but your desire for them is still as strong as ever. If you liked to drink before, you can’t There is no alcohol. And there is no TV, no Theater, no Internet no R rated movies, and no pornography on the island. But your mind can still lust. There are no drugs… no pot, no cocaine, not even prescription drugs are available. If you were hooked before, you will have to learn to live without them now. And gambling? Casinos seem to be in short supply on the island. And Even if you could find someone to gamble with, what use is money on a deserted island? Your appetites and desires are still there as strong as ever. But you have no way to fulfill them. And you are suffering serious emotional withdrawals from your sins. And with nothing but time on your hands, you wrestle with some great mysteries in your mind: Why is life so difficult? Why do we love the things that hurt us? Why can’t we quit thinking about our vices? How come sin is so pleasurable and yet so painful? Why do I keep doing the same old sins over and over again? dennisak http://pglive.mypodcast.com/2007/05/Lost_Why_is_life_so_difficult-18812.html Sun, 06 May 2007 20:13:00 +0000 42:26 clean 1 Peter 5:8-9 Is it my imagination, or are there unseen enemies lurking about? The words that whis 1 Peter 5:8-9 Is it my imagination, or are there unseen enemies lurking about? The words that whisper in my mind and all around me… am I crazy, am I the only one who hears them, or do other people hear whispers as well. Is there any such thing as ghosts, ghouls and monsters under my bed, or is there some rational, scientific explanation for what goes bump in the night. Today’s mystery deals with the invisible enemy of our souls: We would state the problem like this: are there really unseen enemies? And if there are, how can I defend myself against them? The Reality of Evil Be Prepared Sober = dispassionate, calm and collected in spirit Be Wary Vigilant = to watch, to be cautious and wary Only 15 % of Christians are completely free of Satan's bondage 65 % wrestle with a steady barrage of sinful thoughts 15 % are plagued by condemning evil thoughts and strange "voices" 5 % have lost control and hear voices which control them. The Attacks of the Enemy Satan literally means "The Adversary." "The Devil." means "The Accuser." He stalks us - He walks about seeking victims He studies us and looks for opportunities to attack us He roars at us The older lions roar to frighten the prey into an ambush He devours Satan’s reward for those who serve him is a miserable death The Ready response Resist & yield (to God) James 4:7 Boldly and loudly repeat the truth from the Word of God Steadfastly - Stand your ground. Don’t give up. Be Biblical - Resist him “In the Faith” Use the Word of God to respond to him Any of a thousand attacks made on your heart every day may take you out of the battle: Immoral thoughts, Anger, Bitterness, The desire for things, An urge to grasp at power , A party spirit, Vile swearing, Cutting words, Vacillating doubt, Head-hanging guilt. The Bible tells us that if we are to be Delivered from darkness, we must renounce the hidden things of dishonesty and have no relationship with them. 1 Peter 5:8-9 Is it my imagination, or are there unseen enemies lurking about? The words that whisper in my mind and all around me… am I crazy, am I the only one who hears them, or do other people hear whispers as well. Is there any such thing as ghosts, ghouls and monsters under my bed, or is there some rational, scientific explanation for what goes bump in the night. Today’s mystery deals with the invisible enemy of our souls: We would state the problem like this: are there really unseen enemies? And if there are, how can I defend myself against them? The Reality of Evil Be Prepared Sober = dispassionate, calm and collected in spirit Be Wary Vigilant = to watch, to be cautious and wary Only 15 % of Christians are completely free of Satan's bondage 65 % wrestle with a steady barrage of sinful thoughts 15 % are plagued by condemning evil thoughts and strange "voices" 5 % have lost control and hear voices which control them. The Attacks of the Enemy Satan literally means "The Adversary." "The Devil." means "The Accuser." He stalks us - He walks about seeking victims He studies us and looks for opportunities to attack us He roars at us The older lions roar to frighten the prey into an ambush He devours Satan’s reward for those who serve him is a miserable death The Ready response Resist & yield (to God) James 4:7 Boldly and loudly repeat the truth from the Word of God Steadfastly - Stand your ground. Don’t give up. Be Biblical - Resist him “In the Faith” Use the Word of God to respond to him Any of a thousand attacks made on your heart every day may take you out of the battle: Immoral thoughts, Anger, Bitterness, The desire for things, An urge to grasp at power , A party spirit, Vile swearing, Cutting words, Vacillating doubt, Head-hanging guilt. The Bible tells us that if we are to be Delivered from darkness, we must renounce the hidden things of dishonesty and have no relationship with them. dennisak http://pglive.mypodcast.com/2007/05/Lost_The_Forces_of_Darkness-18800.html Sun, 20 May 2007 19:08:00 +0000 37:59 clean Why do bad things happen to me? Is God punishing me? Am I cursed? Is it Karma? If there is a God Why do bad things happen to me? Is God punishing me? Am I cursed? Is it Karma? If there is a God, why doesn’t he do something about all the starving and abused children in the world? If he is loving, he would certainly want to stop injustice. And if he was almighty, he would certainly step in and do so. Wouldn't he? Why do bad things happen to me? Is God punishing me? Am I cursed? Is it Karma? If there is a God, why doesn’t he do something about all the starving and abused children in the world? If he is loving, he would certainly want to stop injustice. And if he was almighty, he would certainly step in and do so. Wouldn't he? dennisak http://pglive.mypodcast.com/2007/04/Lost_and_the_Difficulties_of_Life-17695.html Sun, 29 Apr 2007 18:46:00 +0000 42:41 clean What if the people that you thought you could trust betrayed you. What if life itself conspired to What if the people that you thought you could trust betrayed you. What if life itself conspired to molest you and what if it left you crippled, imprisoned, alone and devastated? What if one of the mysteries of that baffled your mind and confused your spirit was that you had no idea why these things happened to you? There seemed to be no rhyme nor reason for anything. Your world is turned upside down and it is nothing like you expected. Do you think that things happen for a reason? Is God in control, or is the universe controlled by blind fate, or are things just a matter of dumb luck, accident or coincidence? What if the people that you thought you could trust betrayed you. What if life itself conspired to molest you and what if it left you crippled, imprisoned, alone and devastated? What if one of the mysteries of that baffled your mind and confused your spirit was that you had no idea why these things happened to you? There seemed to be no rhyme nor reason for anything. Your world is turned upside down and it is nothing like you expected. Do you think that things happen for a reason? Is God in control, or is the universe controlled by blind fate, or are things just a matter of dumb luck, accident or coincidence? dennisak http://pglive.mypodcast.com/2007/04/Lost_and_the_Meaning_of_Life-17692.html Sun, 22 Apr 2007 18:21:00 +0000 46:04 clean Acts 17:16-34 It’s a tragedy that there would be anyone in the world today who does not know enou Acts 17:16-34 It’s a tragedy that there would be anyone in the world today who does not know enough about God to know him. Everyone should know God. The problem of our world today is that the popular ideas of God are as false and empty as a Pirate’s prosthesis. The societal problem – 16 The societal attitude – 17-18 The societal Conclusion – 22-23 God is the creator – therefore the Lord 24 Acts 17:16-34 It’s a tragedy that there would be anyone in the world today who does not know enough about God to know him. Everyone should know God. The problem of our world today is that the popular ideas of God are as false and empty as a Pirate’s prosthesis. The societal problem – 16 The societal attitude – 17-18 The societal Conclusion – 22-23 God is the creator – therefore the Lord 24 dennisak http://pglive.mypodcast.com/2007/04/Lost_The_Unknown_God-17443.html Sun, 15 Apr 2007 15:20:00 +0000 lost, Bible Teaching 43:58 clean What would it be like to be stranded on a mysterious uncharted island with a group of strangers who What would it be like to be stranded on a mysterious uncharted island with a group of strangers who you don’t know and you don’t think you can trust. What if this island held dark mysteries that you could not comprehend, and unexpected events that you could not explain. What if there was cruel weather, harsh terrain and dark secrets that baffled the mind and confused the spirit. And What if there was no way off the island and no hope of rescue. What if your world has been turned upside down and it is nothing like you expected. And what if you have to battle with supernatural forces you can not see and do not understand. As life on the island unfolds you begin to wonder, what is real? Who can I trust? What should I believe? What if you had to deal with some big Mysteries like: is there a reason for the strange and painful things that happen to me?” What is the purpose of life? Are things really the way they seem? What is the truth? Are we alone, or are there others around us we cannot see; supernatural forces we do not understand? What should I believe about God, sin, life, and the afterlife? How can I be happy when life is full of unhappiness? Lost, that’s how the average man feels sometimes. Out of Place. Confused. Welcome to our little blue and green island called earth, adrift somewhere in a vast and dark universe. If you find you’re a bit lost in the layers of this life, fear not. This message series aims to answer some of your deepest questions and to give you the chance to start your life over again, in a place unlike any you’ve ever experienced. There mistakes of the past no longer matter, it’s who you become that matters. What would it be like to be stranded on a mysterious uncharted island with a group of strangers who you don’t know and you don’t think you can trust. What if this island held dark mysteries that you could not comprehend, and unexpected events that you could not explain. What if there was cruel weather, harsh terrain and dark secrets that baffled the mind and confused the spirit. And What if there was no way off the island and no hope of rescue. What if your world has been turned upside down and it is nothing like you expected. And what if you have to battle with supernatural forces you can not see and do not understand. As life on the island unfolds you begin to wonder, what is real? Who can I trust? What should I believe? What if you had to deal with some big Mysteries like: is there a reason for the strange and painful things that happen to me?” What is the purpose of life? Are things really the way they seem? What is the truth? Are we alone, or are there others around us we cannot see; supernatural forces we do not understand? What should I believe about God, sin, life, and the afterlife? How can I be happy when life is full of unhappiness? Lost, that’s how the average man feels sometimes. Out of Place. Confused. Welcome to our little blue and green island called earth, adrift somewhere in a vast and dark universe. If you find you’re a bit lost in the layers of this life, fear not. This message series aims to answer some of your deepest questions and to give you the chance to start your life over again, in a place unlike any you’ve ever experienced. There mistakes of the past no longer matter, it’s who you become that matters. dennisak http://pglive.mypodcast.com/2007/04/Lost-17423.html Sun, 08 Apr 2007 15:01:00 +0000 27:33 clean