Coastal Church Podcast

<p>The Holy Spirit is here to empower and guide us in the everyday decisions we struggle with. In this message Pastor Dave Koop goes through how can we tap into this power.</p>

<p>God has given us the Holy Spirit to live within us, and this source of power will bring change to the world around us. In a culture that has a negative view of Christianity, Jesus wants us to bring change. Jesus demonstrated that compassion for a hurting world releases His power.</p>

<p>The key to building great relationships can be summed up in the great commandment to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.</p>

<p>Small groups help us grow together because they are a place where we can affirm each otherʼs worth, be honest and open, and pray for each other.</p>

<p>A healthy life group has what we call fellowship. This word is translated from the Greek word koinonia. Koinonia is translated into four essential elements for fellowship: 1. Community 2. Participation 3. Contribution and 4. Generosity. To do life together requires the element of generosity.</p>

<p>We have this idea that if we are financially or relationally independent, we will be happy. But God had a better way when He designed our lives to be rich with community living interdependent with each other.</p>

<p>God’s design of community is reflected in the early church, which had key components that made it healthy and very attractive.</p>

<p>In the upside-down kingdom we believe, despite what we see, that God’s word is true. Jesus told Thomas (John 20:29) that those who believe without seeing are blessed. In the kingdom we can be confident because God has approved us through what Jesus has done.</p>

<p>In the upside-down kingdom we believe, despite what we see, that God’s word is true. Jesus told Thomas (John 20:29) that those who believe without seeing are blessed. In the kingdom we can be confident because God has approved us through what Jesus has done.</p>

<p>God’s way will ensure a brighter future for you and your family! In this message Pastor Dave Koop uses the story of Jacob and Esau as an illustration of how to rule over your appetites, and not to allow them to rule over you. You have no idea what hangs in the balance of your decision to trade your future for a “bowl of stew”.</p>

<p>It seems upside down, but Jesus taught us that in His kingdom we are to bless rather than curse others, and this includes our enemies.</p>

<p>Joseph is a great character in the Bible that demonstrates the principle of forgiveness versus taking revenge.</p>

<p>Our destiny is directly related to the understanding of our spiritual identity and the choices we make because of it.</p>

<p>Jesus taught us in Matthew 6:10 to pray “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.” In praying this we are asking for two things: 1. A radical change in society. 2. A radical change within ourselves.</p>

<p>Believe it or not - you were created for and with rhythm! True rest can be found when we understand the rhythm of life.</p>

<p>Faith is the key to the ultimate rest. In Hebrews 4:3 (NLT) it says, "for only we who believe can enter his place of rest."</p>

<p>God established this special day at creation and wants us to take time to rest. This time off from our busy lives allows us to grow closer to Him and get refreshed.</p>

<p>In this message Pastor Cheryl Koop talks about learning to rest in the promises of God. In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus says, "Come to Me, all you who labor and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."</p>

<p>God has put into our DNA the potential for growth and success, which is unlocked as we delight in His word. If the blessed and successful person is like a tree, then we can likely learn from the largest tree in the world. The largest and strongest living thing on the earth is the Giant Sequoia tree. They do not just survive but thrive.</p>

<p>Before you graduate to the next level, there will be tests you have to pass that are designed to prepare you for what’s ahead. David was prepared by a number of tests before he went to a new level in his battle with Goliath.</p>

<p>The life of Hezekiah is a rich example in the scripture of a man that had a mother train him to trust in God. In this message Pastor Cheryl Koop goes through six key strategies in trusting God that will impact our children.</p>

<p>In order to go to the next level, we first must hold the gains we have made in our lives and not relapse. To take ground is costly and requires a great output of energy. What we want to avoid is falling back or a relapse.</p>

<p>Wherever Jesus went He brought life. We have the same nature as Jesus, so we too can bring life to others.</p>

<p>In order to give life to others we first must be connected to the true source of life. It is the nature of God to give life. Wherever Jesus went he brought life.</p>

<p>The way we listen has a great impact on how to deal with disasters in life. In Mark chapter four Jesus tells a parable about a farmer who planted seed that landed on different types of soils. The parable has a lot to do with the way we hear.</p>