What Does It Mean To Be Born Again?
05/06/12
Dr. Phil Wilkes, 2 Tim 1:1-11
Jesus and Nicodemus have a very interesting conversation one evening. This well educated Pharisee, who knew the Old Testament scriptures very well, comes to Jesus to try and figure out who the Lord really is. As Jesus talks with Nicodemus our Lord tries to point Nicodemus to see the true need in his life to be born again.
Nicodemus should have been able to put together all the prophecies about the Messiah and see them coming to life in Jesus. But he missed it. Jesus didn't fit the Jews idea of Messiah. Our Lord gets to the heart of Nicodemus need by telling this well versed Jewish leader “you must be born again.”
So do you know Jesus Christ? Information about the Lord isn't enough. Being a good person does not remove sin. Joining a church or being baptized will not make a person acceptable to God. Jesus came to be the perfect sacrifice for our sin and offer anyone who comes to Him a new life.
Are you born again? Have you given your life to Jesus Christ and experienced his forgiveness? Once you know Christ the second step is to be baptized as a follower of Jesus. Baptism does not wash away sin but it does represent Jesus forgiving you, making you clean and giving you a new life. Finally, it is important to connect with a local church as a member where you serve your Lord. These are decisions that we each must make for ourselves. The greatest decision you will ever make is to give your life to Jesus Christ.
Podcast
Jesus and Nicodemus have a very interesting conversation one evening. This well educated Pharisee, who knew the Old Testament scriptures very well, comes to Jesus to try and figure out who the Lord really is. As Jesus talks with Nicodemus our Lord tries to point Nicodemus to see the true need in his life to be born again.
Nicodemus should have been able to put together all the prophecies about the Messiah and see them coming to life in Jesus. But he missed it. Jesus didn't fit the Jews idea of Messiah. Our Lord gets to the heart of Nicodemus need by telling this well versed Jewish leader “you must be born again.”
So do you know Jesus Christ? Information about the Lord isn't enough. Being a good person does not remove sin. Joining a church or being baptized will not make a person acceptable to God. Jesus came to be the perfect sacrifice for our sin and offer anyone who comes to Him a new life.
Are you born again? Have you given your life to Jesus Christ and experienced his forgiveness? Once you know Christ the second step is to be baptized as a follower of Jesus. Baptism does not wash away sin but it does represent Jesus forgiving you, making you clean and giving you a new life. Finally, it is important to connect with a local church as a member where you serve your Lord. These are decisions that we each must make for ourselves. The greatest decision you will ever make is to give your life to Jesus Christ.
Podcast
When Your Fire Goes Out
04/29/12
Dr. Phil Wilkes, 2 Tim 1:1-11
When life gets hard and becomes complicated, where do you turn for help? Who do you seek out for guidance? The Apostle Paul writes to Timothy, his son in the ministry, to encourage and exhort him to fan into flame the gift of God. Timothy was a young pastor. The church had some teaching false doctrine. Some looked down on Timothy because of his youth. Paul writes to tell Timothy, stir up your faith. Fan into flame your gift from God.
We need to also pay attention to our faith in Jesus Christ. By nurturing your faith you keep the right perspective when life is good. You recognize God is the source of your blessings. When life is hard you remember that you do not face the challenges and crisis alone.
But how do you stir up your faith? In this message you will hear suggestions to enable your faith to burn brightly for Christ. The longer you know the Lord should result in a faith that is burning brightly, giving comfort and strength for trials and offering hope to others.
Ask God to show you what you can do to stir up your faith this week.
Podcast
When life gets hard and becomes complicated, where do you turn for help? Who do you seek out for guidance? The Apostle Paul writes to Timothy, his son in the ministry, to encourage and exhort him to fan into flame the gift of God. Timothy was a young pastor. The church had some teaching false doctrine. Some looked down on Timothy because of his youth. Paul writes to tell Timothy, stir up your faith. Fan into flame your gift from God.
We need to also pay attention to our faith in Jesus Christ. By nurturing your faith you keep the right perspective when life is good. You recognize God is the source of your blessings. When life is hard you remember that you do not face the challenges and crisis alone.
But how do you stir up your faith? In this message you will hear suggestions to enable your faith to burn brightly for Christ. The longer you know the Lord should result in a faith that is burning brightly, giving comfort and strength for trials and offering hope to others.
Ask God to show you what you can do to stir up your faith this week.
Podcast
You Are Not Alone
04/22/12
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Act 1:4-5
Jesus gave the disciples instructions to go into the world to preach the gospel and make disciples. But our Lord also instructed them to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit to come upon them before going out to share the gospel with others. However, waiting does not mean inactivity. It means watching for God. The disciples prayed together for 10 days before God poured out his Spirit on them.
Prayer is vital to your connection with God. Imagine the possibilities as we watch and listen for God to speak to us and we respond to Him. The question becomes not “how can I have more of the Holy Spirit but how can the Holy Spirit have more of me?
Once God speaks then we are to respond with obedience to Jesus. Obedience reflects your love for Christ. As you obey God will do far more than you could ever hope or imagine through you.
Podcast
Jesus gave the disciples instructions to go into the world to preach the gospel and make disciples. But our Lord also instructed them to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit to come upon them before going out to share the gospel with others. However, waiting does not mean inactivity. It means watching for God. The disciples prayed together for 10 days before God poured out his Spirit on them.
Prayer is vital to your connection with God. Imagine the possibilities as we watch and listen for God to speak to us and we respond to Him. The question becomes not “how can I have more of the Holy Spirit but how can the Holy Spirit have more of me?
Once God speaks then we are to respond with obedience to Jesus. Obedience reflects your love for Christ. As you obey God will do far more than you could ever hope or imagine through you.
Podcast
Don't Keep This to Yourself
04/15/12
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Matthew 28:16-20
Many Christians ask themselves, “what does God want me to do?” Jesus told us to love God with all our heart, mind and soul. He then said to love others as you love yourself. Finally our Lord told us that He came to serve, not to be served. So our vision statement at New Colony is simply to “Love God, Love Others and Serve the World Through Jesus Christ.”
Jesus told his disciples to go and preach the gospel. That was their mission. Rick Warren observes “your ministry is your service to believers.” “Your mission is your service to unbelievers.” John 20:21 Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
Some Christians want to share their faith but are not sure how to do so. This message gives you some simple suggestions for how to share your testimony of how Jesus has transformed your life. You have a mission field where you work, go to school and live. The gospel is too good to keep to ourselves. Who can you share God's love with today?
Podcast
Many Christians ask themselves, “what does God want me to do?” Jesus told us to love God with all our heart, mind and soul. He then said to love others as you love yourself. Finally our Lord told us that He came to serve, not to be served. So our vision statement at New Colony is simply to “Love God, Love Others and Serve the World Through Jesus Christ.”
Jesus told his disciples to go and preach the gospel. That was their mission. Rick Warren observes “your ministry is your service to believers.” “Your mission is your service to unbelievers.” John 20:21 Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
Some Christians want to share their faith but are not sure how to do so. This message gives you some simple suggestions for how to share your testimony of how Jesus has transformed your life. You have a mission field where you work, go to school and live. The gospel is too good to keep to ourselves. Who can you share God's love with today?
Podcast
He Is Risen
04/08/12
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Matthew 28:1-7
Matthew records for us the events of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. His death on the cross had to have the disciples wondering what's next for them. Yet on this morning women come to them talking about Jesus not being in the tomb. Through encounters they have with the resurrected Lord they realize everything Jesus had told them was true.
Jesus is alive! His resurrection changes how we view the cross. Jesus resurrection defeated death and now the grave is not the final word for Christians. Jesus is our high priest who lives to intercede for us continually before the Father.
The Good News is that we serve a Risen Savior. He is alive. That changes everything.
Podcast
Matthew records for us the events of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. His death on the cross had to have the disciples wondering what's next for them. Yet on this morning women come to them talking about Jesus not being in the tomb. Through encounters they have with the resurrected Lord they realize everything Jesus had told them was true.
Jesus is alive! His resurrection changes how we view the cross. Jesus resurrection defeated death and now the grave is not the final word for Christians. Jesus is our high priest who lives to intercede for us continually before the Father.
The Good News is that we serve a Risen Savior. He is alive. That changes everything.
Podcast
Words From the Cross: "It Is Finished"
04/01/12
Dr. Phil Wilkes, John 19:30, Luke 23:46
“Tetelestai”. It Is Finished. When Jesus spoke this word from the cross he declared that everything the Father asked him to do has been accomplished. Jesus came to be the sacrifice for our sin. We could never do this on our own. In his love Jesus gave up his life so that we could be forgiven of sin and receive a new life.
“Tetelestai” also reminds us that the final sacrifice for sin has been made. Jesus never did anything wrong. He could give himself in our place as the perfect sacrifice. There will never have to be another one.
Jesus also declared “Father into your hands I commit my spirit.” Fully confident in completing his mission Jesus gives himself back to his Father. Because of Jesus we can also have confidence that when Christ enters our lives that we are securely in the Fathers hands. Nothing can change that fact.
Jesus came to seek and save the lost. He came to do the Father's work. He came to give himself as the perfect sacrifice and die so we can live.
Podcast
“Tetelestai”. It Is Finished. When Jesus spoke this word from the cross he declared that everything the Father asked him to do has been accomplished. Jesus came to be the sacrifice for our sin. We could never do this on our own. In his love Jesus gave up his life so that we could be forgiven of sin and receive a new life.
“Tetelestai” also reminds us that the final sacrifice for sin has been made. Jesus never did anything wrong. He could give himself in our place as the perfect sacrifice. There will never have to be another one.
Jesus also declared “Father into your hands I commit my spirit.” Fully confident in completing his mission Jesus gives himself back to his Father. Because of Jesus we can also have confidence that when Christ enters our lives that we are securely in the Fathers hands. Nothing can change that fact.
Jesus came to seek and save the lost. He came to do the Father's work. He came to give himself as the perfect sacrifice and die so we can live.
Podcast
Words From the Cross: "I Thirst"
03/25/12
Dr. Phil Wilkes, John 19:28
Jesus once again reveals his humanity on the cross. He declares “I Thirst”. Jesus was fully human and fully divine. Heresies had arisen claiming Jesus only appeared to be human but was only a spiritual being. Some believed the body was evil and God would never take on flesh. But Jesus really did clothe himself in human skin. That's why Jesus can sympathize with us today. He knows what we go through.
Jesus declaration of thirst is a fulfillment of scripture as well. It is but one final evidence that Jesus has fulfilled all the prophecies concerning the coming messiah.
Jesus came to quench our spiritual thirst. Where do you find refreshment when life makes you tired and weary, when your soul is overwhelmed? Jesus says in John 7:37-38 “If anyone thirst, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”
Podcast
Jesus once again reveals his humanity on the cross. He declares “I Thirst”. Jesus was fully human and fully divine. Heresies had arisen claiming Jesus only appeared to be human but was only a spiritual being. Some believed the body was evil and God would never take on flesh. But Jesus really did clothe himself in human skin. That's why Jesus can sympathize with us today. He knows what we go through.
Jesus declaration of thirst is a fulfillment of scripture as well. It is but one final evidence that Jesus has fulfilled all the prophecies concerning the coming messiah.
Jesus came to quench our spiritual thirst. Where do you find refreshment when life makes you tired and weary, when your soul is overwhelmed? Jesus says in John 7:37-38 “If anyone thirst, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”
Podcast
Words From the Cross: "Why Have You Forsaken Me?"
03/18/12
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Matthew 27:45-46
Pain is part of life. Heartaches and brokenness do not discriminate in whose lives they reside. Noone is exempt. Part of it is because we are all sinners and sometimes we create pain in ourselves or in others. Sometimes pain is the result of simply living in a fallen world scarred by sin.
People have different ways of dealing with pain. Some withdraw and isolate from everyone. Some lash out in anger at whoever is near them. Still others find means of coping that help them through it.
Volumes have been written on pain and suffering as it relates to knowing God. The fourth word from Jesus on the cross is a question made while suffering: “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”
Jesus life was characterized by intimacy with the Father. For all of eternity leading to the cross Jesus has known deep intimacy with God. Jesus decisions and agenda in this life came from intimate relationship with God. We need that same intimacy. It only happens when you are intentional about time with the Father.
On the cross something has caused great anguish in Jesus. When our sins were thrust upon Jesus it impacted his intimacy with the Father. Yet God was never closer than when he was in Jesus reconciling the world to himself.
At times you may feel God has left you and you ask the same question as Jesus. Be assured that God does not abandon you. He desires to do his good work in you. Keep your focus on Jesus. He invites you to come to him for rest. Come to him for forgiveness and freedom from guilt. Come to him when overwhelmed. Jesus offers you his peace in the midst of the storm.
It may feel as if God has forsaken you. Be assured God has not done that. He loves you unconditionally and longs to do a good work in you.
Podcast
Pain is part of life. Heartaches and brokenness do not discriminate in whose lives they reside. Noone is exempt. Part of it is because we are all sinners and sometimes we create pain in ourselves or in others. Sometimes pain is the result of simply living in a fallen world scarred by sin.
People have different ways of dealing with pain. Some withdraw and isolate from everyone. Some lash out in anger at whoever is near them. Still others find means of coping that help them through it.
Volumes have been written on pain and suffering as it relates to knowing God. The fourth word from Jesus on the cross is a question made while suffering: “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”
Jesus life was characterized by intimacy with the Father. For all of eternity leading to the cross Jesus has known deep intimacy with God. Jesus decisions and agenda in this life came from intimate relationship with God. We need that same intimacy. It only happens when you are intentional about time with the Father.
On the cross something has caused great anguish in Jesus. When our sins were thrust upon Jesus it impacted his intimacy with the Father. Yet God was never closer than when he was in Jesus reconciling the world to himself.
At times you may feel God has left you and you ask the same question as Jesus. Be assured that God does not abandon you. He desires to do his good work in you. Keep your focus on Jesus. He invites you to come to him for rest. Come to him for forgiveness and freedom from guilt. Come to him when overwhelmed. Jesus offers you his peace in the midst of the storm.
It may feel as if God has forsaken you. Be assured God has not done that. He loves you unconditionally and longs to do a good work in you.
Podcast
Words From the Cross: "Woman, Behold Your Son."
03/11/12
Dr. Phil Wilkes, John 19:26-27
Words. They can cause great celebration or deep despair. With the spoken word, God created the earth and everything in it. With words Jesus calmed a raging storm and cast out demons. With words our Lord described who belongs to God's family.
Jesus mother and brothers had come to a home to get Jesus. He was inside the house teaching with his disciples and others gathered around him. When told his family was outside, Jesus asked “who is my family?” Then he said “whoever does the will of God is his brother, sister and mother.”
The truth is we need each other. Through faith in Jesus Christ we connect to the larger body of Christ comprised of Christians around the globe. We also are able to connect with a local church where we become part of God's family in that specific location. The Christian life was never designed by God to be lived in isolation.
God knew we need each other as we journey through life. We will all face struggles, challenges, temptations and tough seasons in life and having other Christians to walk with us can make the difference between giving up and continuing the journey.
Jesus was in the midst of his worst storm. Dying for the sins of every person in the world so we could choose to follow him as our Savior and Lord. In all of his pain and suffering Jesus is still taking care of people. He looks at his mom and then to the disciple John. He declares that John is now her son and she is now his mother. Jesus made sure his responsibility as the eldest son to care for his mother was taken care of. Jesus was still serving others while on the cross.
Being connected to other Christians in a local church is critical for you receiving support. It also affords you the opportunity to emulate your Savior by serving others when they are facing a storm. Who are you serving in your family of faith?
Podcast
Words. They can cause great celebration or deep despair. With the spoken word, God created the earth and everything in it. With words Jesus calmed a raging storm and cast out demons. With words our Lord described who belongs to God's family.
Jesus mother and brothers had come to a home to get Jesus. He was inside the house teaching with his disciples and others gathered around him. When told his family was outside, Jesus asked “who is my family?” Then he said “whoever does the will of God is his brother, sister and mother.”
The truth is we need each other. Through faith in Jesus Christ we connect to the larger body of Christ comprised of Christians around the globe. We also are able to connect with a local church where we become part of God's family in that specific location. The Christian life was never designed by God to be lived in isolation.
God knew we need each other as we journey through life. We will all face struggles, challenges, temptations and tough seasons in life and having other Christians to walk with us can make the difference between giving up and continuing the journey.
Jesus was in the midst of his worst storm. Dying for the sins of every person in the world so we could choose to follow him as our Savior and Lord. In all of his pain and suffering Jesus is still taking care of people. He looks at his mom and then to the disciple John. He declares that John is now her son and she is now his mother. Jesus made sure his responsibility as the eldest son to care for his mother was taken care of. Jesus was still serving others while on the cross.
Being connected to other Christians in a local church is critical for you receiving support. It also affords you the opportunity to emulate your Savior by serving others when they are facing a storm. Who are you serving in your family of faith?
Podcast
Words From the Cross: "Today, You Will Be With Me In Paradise"
03/04/12
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Luke 23:43
Jesus is hanging between two criminals. While on the cross these two criminals hear Jesus pray to God to forgive those who put him on that cross. Maybe that's what compelled one of the criminals to make a request of Jesus. His request is for Jesus to remember him when the Lord comes into his kingdom. The second thief taunts and hurls insults at Jesus.
Both men had the same opportunity to respond to Jesus. They are both under a death sentence. Jesus could have appealed to the second man. God gives each of us the freedom to follow Jesus or go our own way.
Their choice will determine their destiny in eternity. Soon each man would step into eternity and what happens to them is dependent on how they responded to God. Jesus says one of them will enter paradise with him.
Suffering causes a person to either pull away from God blaming Him for their problems or closer to God seeking his help. When you face hard times remember that you have a high priest that understands all you will go through. Jesus stands ready to transform anyone who asks for his help.
Podcast
Jesus is hanging between two criminals. While on the cross these two criminals hear Jesus pray to God to forgive those who put him on that cross. Maybe that's what compelled one of the criminals to make a request of Jesus. His request is for Jesus to remember him when the Lord comes into his kingdom. The second thief taunts and hurls insults at Jesus.
Both men had the same opportunity to respond to Jesus. They are both under a death sentence. Jesus could have appealed to the second man. God gives each of us the freedom to follow Jesus or go our own way.
Their choice will determine their destiny in eternity. Soon each man would step into eternity and what happens to them is dependent on how they responded to God. Jesus says one of them will enter paradise with him.
Suffering causes a person to either pull away from God blaming Him for their problems or closer to God seeking his help. When you face hard times remember that you have a high priest that understands all you will go through. Jesus stands ready to transform anyone who asks for his help.
Podcast
Words From the Cross: "Father, Forgive Them…"
02/26/12
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Luke 23:34
Over the next several weeks leading to Easter we will be thinking about the statements Jesus made while on the cross. The first is that Jesus prayed for those who had put him on the cross. What was his prayer? It wasn't for them to be struck done or for angels to come rescue him. Jesus prayed “ Father forgive them because they don't know what they are doing.” That prayer could only come from one filled with unconditional love.
In order to have a personal relationship with God we must also be forgiven by Jesus. Our sin separates us from God. Only Jesus is able to forgive our sin, remove our guilt and give us a new life. After experiencing his forgiveness we are called to extend forgiveness to others in our lives that have hurt, offended, betrayed or injured us. Yes, that is hard, And yes, it is not something that we naturally do on our own. But through knowing Jesus Christ, we are enabled to give others the same forgiveness that we have received through Christ.
As we live out our faith, as we begin to extend this forgiveness to others, you will make an incredible impact in their lives. Francis Chan calls this “crazy love.” The world cannot understand this kind of unconditional love. Yet, because of Christ, this is exactly what we can give to those who inflict pain in our lives.
Podcast
Over the next several weeks leading to Easter we will be thinking about the statements Jesus made while on the cross. The first is that Jesus prayed for those who had put him on the cross. What was his prayer? It wasn't for them to be struck done or for angels to come rescue him. Jesus prayed “ Father forgive them because they don't know what they are doing.” That prayer could only come from one filled with unconditional love.
In order to have a personal relationship with God we must also be forgiven by Jesus. Our sin separates us from God. Only Jesus is able to forgive our sin, remove our guilt and give us a new life. After experiencing his forgiveness we are called to extend forgiveness to others in our lives that have hurt, offended, betrayed or injured us. Yes, that is hard, And yes, it is not something that we naturally do on our own. But through knowing Jesus Christ, we are enabled to give others the same forgiveness that we have received through Christ.
As we live out our faith, as we begin to extend this forgiveness to others, you will make an incredible impact in their lives. Francis Chan calls this “crazy love.” The world cannot understand this kind of unconditional love. Yet, because of Christ, this is exactly what we can give to those who inflict pain in our lives.
Podcast
If God Is For Us
02/19/12
Joshua Brownfield, Romans 8:31-39
At the conclusion of Romans 8, Paul asks a series of five questions to show that the Christian has nothing to fear. Because God is for them and has justified them, they do not need to fear anything, especially condemnation before their Creator. Nothing can separate them from God's love, because God is both sovereign and good. He will not allow anything to come to them except whatever is for their eternal benefit.
Podcast
At the conclusion of Romans 8, Paul asks a series of five questions to show that the Christian has nothing to fear. Because God is for them and has justified them, they do not need to fear anything, especially condemnation before their Creator. Nothing can separate them from God's love, because God is both sovereign and good. He will not allow anything to come to them except whatever is for their eternal benefit.
Podcast
We Need Each Other
02/05/12
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Hebrews 10:19-25
The church is God's idea. The Bible describes the church or body of Christ as the “bride of Christ”. It is also described as a body with Christ as the head. The church is made up of people who love Jesus and are simply seeking to follow him. Life can be challenging, hard and overwhelming. God knew this. So he created the church to be a place where his people can come together to – encourage one another, pray for one another, carry one another's burdens, serve one another, motivate one another to serve, and to worship God together. This message will help you see the ways the local church can care for each other.
Podcast
The church is God's idea. The Bible describes the church or body of Christ as the “bride of Christ”. It is also described as a body with Christ as the head. The church is made up of people who love Jesus and are simply seeking to follow him. Life can be challenging, hard and overwhelming. God knew this. So he created the church to be a place where his people can come together to – encourage one another, pray for one another, carry one another's burdens, serve one another, motivate one another to serve, and to worship God together. This message will help you see the ways the local church can care for each other.
Podcast
Prayer for the Rest of Us
01/29/12
Dr. Phil Wilkes, 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Prayer. As a Christian you know you are supposed to pray. But maybe you are not sure where to begin or what to say to God. Anyone can pray. It isn't complicated. Start where you are. You don't need to have your life in order before talking with God. Just start the conversation. Be honest with God. Some of the prayers by people in scripture are brutally honest. Sometimes those prayers express anger or frustration at God. You can be honest and tell God how you feel and what you are thinking. Keep the conversation going throughout the day. You don't have to be secluded and quiet to always pray. You can pray short, quick prayers during your day. Give thanks for something that works out. Praise him for something that touches your heart in a special way. Ask for help. Intercede for a need you find out about in someone else's life. Just start the conversation. You will discover God to be a very good listener.
Podcast
Prayer. As a Christian you know you are supposed to pray. But maybe you are not sure where to begin or what to say to God. Anyone can pray. It isn't complicated. Start where you are. You don't need to have your life in order before talking with God. Just start the conversation. Be honest with God. Some of the prayers by people in scripture are brutally honest. Sometimes those prayers express anger or frustration at God. You can be honest and tell God how you feel and what you are thinking. Keep the conversation going throughout the day. You don't have to be secluded and quiet to always pray. You can pray short, quick prayers during your day. Give thanks for something that works out. Praise him for something that touches your heart in a special way. Ask for help. Intercede for a need you find out about in someone else's life. Just start the conversation. You will discover God to be a very good listener.
Podcast
Follow The Road Map
01/22/12
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Nehemiah 8:1-10
We all need directions sometimes. Roadmaps and GPS can be a great tool when you don't know how to get somewhere. God has given us a road map for life called the Bible. In this book you discover how much God loves you and the great lengths He will go to in order to bring you into his family. God's word is different than any other book because the words of the Bible are alive and active.
God's word points to Jesus Christ as the author of our salvation. The words of God are given so you can know the Lord intimately, have guidance for daily living and be reminded of God's promises to you. In his word we also see how seriously God takes sin and how harmful sin is in a person's life.
While the Bible is consistently at the top of the best sellers list not everyone in the world has the bible in their own language. There are 6,500+ languages and 2,000 do not have any of the Bible in their heart language. Only 465 language groups have the entire Bible in their language.
In many places around the world it is illegal to own a Bible. You can be put in prison, tortured or killed. Take advantage of your freedom to read and apply God's truth to your life. When a person gets lost they will sometimes consult their map or GPS. At other times they think they know where they are going but end up lost for several hours.
You don't have to wander around confused and lost. By reading God's word regularly you will have God's direction for your life. Take advantage of all the free online resources that can help you develop a reading plan to read the entire bible in a year. God is waiting to speak to you and often He does so as you read his word.
Podcast
We all need directions sometimes. Roadmaps and GPS can be a great tool when you don't know how to get somewhere. God has given us a road map for life called the Bible. In this book you discover how much God loves you and the great lengths He will go to in order to bring you into his family. God's word is different than any other book because the words of the Bible are alive and active.
God's word points to Jesus Christ as the author of our salvation. The words of God are given so you can know the Lord intimately, have guidance for daily living and be reminded of God's promises to you. In his word we also see how seriously God takes sin and how harmful sin is in a person's life.
While the Bible is consistently at the top of the best sellers list not everyone in the world has the bible in their own language. There are 6,500+ languages and 2,000 do not have any of the Bible in their heart language. Only 465 language groups have the entire Bible in their language.
In many places around the world it is illegal to own a Bible. You can be put in prison, tortured or killed. Take advantage of your freedom to read and apply God's truth to your life. When a person gets lost they will sometimes consult their map or GPS. At other times they think they know where they are going but end up lost for several hours.
You don't have to wander around confused and lost. By reading God's word regularly you will have God's direction for your life. Take advantage of all the free online resources that can help you develop a reading plan to read the entire bible in a year. God is waiting to speak to you and often He does so as you read his word.
Podcast
Your Power Source
01/15/12
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Acts 8:14-17
Jesus came to show us a new way of life. His purpose was to give himself up so that you and I might be forgiven of sin and receive the gift of a new life. But how are people supposed to live this new life that Jesus gives?
The disciples were not sure what they would do when Jesus went back to the Father. But our Lord promised to send the Holy Spirit. Every person who puts trust in Jesus Christ as Lord is filled with God's Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit convicts people of sin and draws people to Christ. In Galatians 5:22-23 Paul describes how the Holy Spirit shapes Christians. As the Spirit produces good fruit a believer becomes a living testimony of the transforming power of Christ.
Finally the Holy Spirit equips Christians to serve the Lord and others by placing spiritual gifts in each Christian. Every believer has been gifted by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of serving and building others up in the local church.
Podcast
Jesus came to show us a new way of life. His purpose was to give himself up so that you and I might be forgiven of sin and receive the gift of a new life. But how are people supposed to live this new life that Jesus gives?
The disciples were not sure what they would do when Jesus went back to the Father. But our Lord promised to send the Holy Spirit. Every person who puts trust in Jesus Christ as Lord is filled with God's Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit convicts people of sin and draws people to Christ. In Galatians 5:22-23 Paul describes how the Holy Spirit shapes Christians. As the Spirit produces good fruit a believer becomes a living testimony of the transforming power of Christ.
Finally the Holy Spirit equips Christians to serve the Lord and others by placing spiritual gifts in each Christian. Every believer has been gifted by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of serving and building others up in the local church.
Podcast
Getting To Know Jesus
01/08/12
Dr. Phil Wilkes, John 1:1-18
Who would you like to meet and spend some time with? It can be anyone alive today. Who would you tell? So how does it make you feel to know that God, who created you, wants to spend time with you? God came looking for you. Jesus invites you to get to know Him and experience the true life that is only possible through Him.
Every day you are given 24 hours. You make decisions about how you will use your skills, your gifts and resources. What you do is influenced by your values and priorities. As you reflect on Jesus you will be reminded of all the Lord can do in you and through you. John says Jesus is the true light and therefore can give you direction in life. Jesus is the living word of God. All he has to do is speak his word into your life and it will happen. He knows best how to work in your life. Jesus is the embodiment of God's love. You can trust him to always work in your life for good. Jesus is the source of grace and truth. You don't have to try harder to earn God's forgiveness. You welcome Jesus into your life as Savior and He forgives you and gives you a new heart. Jesus is truth. He does not change God will not trick you or deceive you.
You have to decide if you are willing to trade what you have been doing for yourself in order to flesh out the life Jesus wants for you. His love for you means He will not force you to serve Him. That's your decision. As you read John 1 consider who Jesus is and what He can do in you and through you. What do you need to do to give yourself fully to Christ?
Podcast
Who would you like to meet and spend some time with? It can be anyone alive today. Who would you tell? So how does it make you feel to know that God, who created you, wants to spend time with you? God came looking for you. Jesus invites you to get to know Him and experience the true life that is only possible through Him.
Every day you are given 24 hours. You make decisions about how you will use your skills, your gifts and resources. What you do is influenced by your values and priorities. As you reflect on Jesus you will be reminded of all the Lord can do in you and through you. John says Jesus is the true light and therefore can give you direction in life. Jesus is the living word of God. All he has to do is speak his word into your life and it will happen. He knows best how to work in your life. Jesus is the embodiment of God's love. You can trust him to always work in your life for good. Jesus is the source of grace and truth. You don't have to try harder to earn God's forgiveness. You welcome Jesus into your life as Savior and He forgives you and gives you a new heart. Jesus is truth. He does not change God will not trick you or deceive you.
You have to decide if you are willing to trade what you have been doing for yourself in order to flesh out the life Jesus wants for you. His love for you means He will not force you to serve Him. That's your decision. As you read John 1 consider who Jesus is and what He can do in you and through you. What do you need to do to give yourself fully to Christ?
Podcast
What Now?
01/01/12
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Matthew 2:1-2, 13-15
Christmas is over. The gifts have been opened and some of them returned to the store for what you really wanted. Just kidding. What comes next? No doubt you sang some Christmas carols during December, perhaps attended a special Christmas service or choir musical and paused to reflect on the serene, peaceful nativity scene. But what now?
Joseph and Mary are now parents. Jesus is a tiny infant that must now be cared for each day. After all the head spinning events of angels visiting them both, shepherds and magi showing up they now get down to real life.
Real life for them means fleeing to Egypt because a death threat has been issued for Jesus by Herod. Real life meant settling in Nazareth and raising Jesus.
What about you? Now that you have celebrated Jesus birth what do you do with Jesus? His parents had to make an effort to raise him. They would experience times when it wasn't easy, comfortable or convenient to be Jesus parents. The same is true for anyone today who seeks to follow Christ.
Yet God calls us to this amazing journey with Him. While it isn't always easy we do know deep in our hearts that God only leads you in the way that is best for you. It isn't always comfortable to live for Christ, but Jesus never promised that to us. Sometimes you will be inconvenienced by following Jesus. Mary was pregnant outside marriage. Not convenient. Joseph was told to go through with the marriage. What would his friends think? Not convenient. Christians today in many nations are persecuted, arrested and even killed for following Jesus. You get the idea.
If you want easy and comfortable don't follow Jesus. If you want a life filled with purpose, joy and peace and power then Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. So the question for you is, “What Now?”
Podcast
Christmas is over. The gifts have been opened and some of them returned to the store for what you really wanted. Just kidding. What comes next? No doubt you sang some Christmas carols during December, perhaps attended a special Christmas service or choir musical and paused to reflect on the serene, peaceful nativity scene. But what now?
Joseph and Mary are now parents. Jesus is a tiny infant that must now be cared for each day. After all the head spinning events of angels visiting them both, shepherds and magi showing up they now get down to real life.
Real life for them means fleeing to Egypt because a death threat has been issued for Jesus by Herod. Real life meant settling in Nazareth and raising Jesus.
What about you? Now that you have celebrated Jesus birth what do you do with Jesus? His parents had to make an effort to raise him. They would experience times when it wasn't easy, comfortable or convenient to be Jesus parents. The same is true for anyone today who seeks to follow Christ.
Yet God calls us to this amazing journey with Him. While it isn't always easy we do know deep in our hearts that God only leads you in the way that is best for you. It isn't always comfortable to live for Christ, but Jesus never promised that to us. Sometimes you will be inconvenienced by following Jesus. Mary was pregnant outside marriage. Not convenient. Joseph was told to go through with the marriage. What would his friends think? Not convenient. Christians today in many nations are persecuted, arrested and even killed for following Jesus. You get the idea.
If you want easy and comfortable don't follow Jesus. If you want a life filled with purpose, joy and peace and power then Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. So the question for you is, “What Now?”
Podcast