Bringing Scripture to Life

This past Sunday at Church I was sharing about an American Idol moment that I had when I was in the 6th Grade. The reason I was sharing this moment is because it perfectly illustrates the reality of some people who profess to be Christians, but have no relationship with God. I used this illustration to express the importance that "practicing the truth" is for Christians, if we are to have "fellowship" (or a relationship) with God. I was pointing out the fact that t he Bible tells us in 1 John 1:6, "If we say that we have fellowship with Him,  and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth."  This verse is telling us  that if we are not "practicing the truth", ("walking in the light as He is in the Light" 1 John 1:7), that we are actually lying to ourselves about the reality of our relationship with God, and are completely deceived. And this is not a place that God ever wants us to be when it comes to having a relationship w...

When you read the title of this blog post, please understand that I am not intending any disrespect to anyone who has ever lost a loved-one before, nor am I making light of the pain that comes from losing someone close to us. These are very personal as well as very painful events that take place in all of our lives. What has inspired this post though, was a thought that came to me in prayer a few months back. It was while I was officiating a funeral for a believer who had went home to be with the Lord. The thought came to me while in a prayer group before the service. One of the men who was praying said the word "funeral" as he was in prayer. Not that anything is wrong with the word "funeral" per se, because that is technically where we were at, and what we were praying over. However for me, the word funeral has such a solemn, permanent, and emotionally negative feel to it. Now, when it is the funeral of a person who did not trust in Jesus Christ, this is exactl...

1 st John 1:5-7 Walking in the Light with Jesus Pastor Jason Stewart I.       Introduction: a.     A Dangerous Light    CFL Story: Comparing the dangerous mercury-filled “Compact Fluorescent Lamp”, with that of our faith. The CFL is not a “safe-light” to rely on, and it is quite symbolic of our faith. We have to make sure that we are abiding in the correct light, God’s light.    We have to be careful of false light, like the “special knowledge” from Gnosticisms inner enlightenment, that was really mercury-filled spiritual death and darkness. II.      Revelation: a.     God is Light (1:5)    This is an UNCHANGING message from the beginning (1:5a). God is always light! b.     Light is used to illustrate two primary truths about God.                       ...

In order to experience a relationship with Jesus Christ, our relationship with Jesus has to be centered upon the Bible. There is simply no other way to have a relationship with Him. There is no going around the Bible to get to God. You cannot climb over the Bible in order to get to God. You cannot go under the Bible to get to God. The only way to have a relationship with God is by going through the Bible. Each page, every verse, in faith, believing what it says, and in obedience responding to all it asks of you. There is simply no other way to have a relationship with God. Jesus said, "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and make myself known to him" (John 14:21). What an amazing promise from Jesus. When we go to God through Scripture and obey what it says, we will be loved by God and Jesus will REVEAL Himself to us. It is by going through the Bible to find Jesus, and then all...

What if... you REALLY followed this RECIPE for the rest of the month? What if you went crazy with this concept and tried it for the rest of the year? Wait a minute. What if you tried this for the rest of your life? Hmm...  That is a REALLY BIG LIFE CHANGING WHAT IF! What if Paul really meant what he said, when he wrote "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2). What if Paul really meant that by being in God's word, we could not only be transformed from within (that's a good thing by the way), and at the same time, experience God's perfect will for our lives? That is a REALLY BIG  LIFE CHANGING   WHAT IF! What if Jesus really meant what He said, when He told His followers "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed, and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31-32). What if Jesus...

1 st John 1:1-4 When we Experience Jesus Pastor Jason Stewart I.       Introduction: a.     What does it mean to “Experience” Jesus? b.     According to the dictionary, the word “experience” means to have: “Practical contact with and observation of facts or events. An event or occurrence that leaves an impression on someone.   Have you experienced Jesus in this manner? And if so, what type of observable changes and impressions have taken place in your life? II.      Revelation: Experiencing Jesus a.     Experience from the Beginning (1:1a)                                                i.      This is a very similar introductory statement ...

What is the CURE for, "I am tired of doing things my way?" The Bible tells us that the cure for this is, "Trust in the Lord with ALL of your heart, and DO NOT lean on your own understanding. In all your ways look to Him, and He will guide and direct your life." (Provberbs 3:5-6). If you want help with this, here is the cure .

Introduction to 1 st John Pastor Jason Stewart I.       Introduction: a.     What do we know about the Book of 1 st John?                                                i.      Author: The Apostle John                                              ii.      Date: AD 85-90                                 ...