Coastal Church Podcast

<p>Insecurity is something we all struggle with to some degree. Our feelings of insecurity are related to our sense of identity, how we see ourselves, how we think others see us and most importantly how we see God.</p><p>Satan’s goal is to get our focus off the goodness of God. In doing so he can keep us walled in from realizing the goodness of God and the freedom He has for us.</p>

<p>We live in a time when Canada is facing some serious challenges and uncertainties. In order to bring healing to our land it is imperative that we focus on the goodness of God and His light rather than the darkness we see around us. The choice is ours; His goodness is not forced on us but God has promised that IF we turn our hearts to Him, He will heal our land.</p>

<p>The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is not just a distant concept or an abstract idea, nor a passive observer in our lives. He is the living and active presence of God within us who is renewing and shaping our view of the world from God’s perspective.</p>

<p>In a world that is redefining the family, fathers need a clear measurement of what a father is and what God expects of them to succeed.</p><p>Measurement is like a compass that guides us through the flood of information coming at us today, helping us to navigate our way. For a father to “measure up” he must pattern himself not after what the world is saying but after what God has spoken.</p>

<p>The Greek word for “spiritual gift” is charisma. It means, “something freely given.” The plural Greek word, charismata, is found in 1 Corinthians 12:4, 9, 28, 30-31. The spiritual gifts or charismata are operations of supernatural abilities bestowed on individuals, to flow through them at the will of the Holy Spirit revealing the love and power of God.</p>

<p>The Bible teaches that we as followers of Christ should be known by the fruit of the Spirit. Like natural fruit, it is important to understand the nature of the fruit and what kind of climate brings forth fruit. Nine keys to understand the fruit are: </p>

<p>Astronomer and best-selling author, Dr. Ross travels the globe speaking on the compatibility of scientific discoveries with the timeless truths of Christianity. His organization, Reasons to Believe, is dedicated to demonstrating, via a variety of resources and events, that science and biblical faith are allies, not enemies. His books include Improbable Planet, Navigating Genesis, and Why the Universe Is the Way It Is.</p>

<p>To walk in the Spirit is a walk of faith. It is a journey of recognizing your spiritual identity, that you are not merely an ordinary individual but the temple of the Holy Spirit. You carry within you a divine aroma, an indwelling presence that sets you apart from the world.</p>

<p>To equip the next generation for today’s culture we must leave a legacy of godliness. As we pass on Biblical values to our children and teenagers, we’re preparing a generation of spirit filled believers who are strong in the Lord and power of His might.</p>

<p>God has given us the Holy Spirit who guarantees success when we follow His guidance. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” - John 14:26</p>

<p>As we embark on our journey of faith, there are many obstacles that will try to hinder us from progressing into what God has for us. At first it can be daunting when we look at the giants and challenges in our way, but God has not left us alone. Just like was saw last week, He has given us the Holy Spirit who guarantees success when we follow His guidance.</p><p>But the Holy Spirit does not just guide us on our journey, He also empowers us for our journey. Success comes when we exchange our limited strength for His unlimited power.</p>

<p>At the conclusion of Pilgrim’s Progress, the protagonist, a man named Christian, arrives at the Celestial City. This is a metaphor for heaven, a prepared place for a prepared people. One of the most exciting and sobering events that is being prepared for every believer is the Judgment Seat of Christ. Yet sadly many believers aren’t aware of this event or what will be involved.</p>

<p>Jesus is risen. He is risen indeed!</p><p>Across Canada we enjoy the long weekend that Easter brings, yet for many what Easter really means is unclear. It is time to think deeper about Easter.</p>

<p>As we come to the end of the story of Pilgrim’s Progress, we see Christian and Hopeful enter the Celestial City. They have finished strong after facing numerous trials and challenges along the way. As they cross the river and enter into the City, they are greeted by angels who welcome them with songs of celebration.</p><p>The example of Christian is an inspiration for us as we run the race of faith. </p>

<p>As Christian and Hopeful draw closer to the end of their pilgrimage, they reach the Enchanted Grounds, a place they had been warned about by the Shepherds at the Delectable Mountains. Bunyan describes the Enchanted Grounds as a place where the air naturally tends to make one drowsy. It is a place that is meant to make one tired and sleepy rather than refreshed. If Satan cannot cause us to succumb to unbelief, he will cause us to slumber.</p>

<p>As Christian and Hopeful leave Doubting Castle and the giant Despair, they reach the Delectable Mountains. These mountains are a picture of the Sabbath, Sunday the day of rest. The shepherds they meet represent the pastors that God has given the church to care and lead them.</p><p>In this chapter of Pilgrim’s Progress we learn why Sundays should be set apart.</p>

<p>In the uncertain and changing world we live in we find a desperate search for hope. The key is to have a true hope, a hope anchored to the right source. If you place your hope in the present world, your wealth, or the people in your life, you will be disappointed. But there is a hope that God gives, which like the rising sun brightens your path.</p>

<p>As Christian and Faithful continue their journey, they arrive at a town named Vanity, in which there is an ongoing festival called Vanity Fair. At this fair, all types of lusts, desires, and cravings are on display and the two pilgrims face temptation to stop their journey to the Celestial City and partake in Vanity Fair.</p>

<p>God uses relationships with other believers to strengthen our faith. In this Podcast Pastor James talks about 3 Things to Look for in a Godly Companion: </p><p>1. A godly companion has a deep love for God.</p><p>2. A godly companion is a doer of God’s Word.</p><p>3. A godly companion submits to God’s authority.</p>

<p>When we receive Jesus, we are born again and made new creations in Christ (2 Cor 5:17). However, we still have thinking patterns, mindsets and maybe painful memories that have been with us most of our lives. As we begin the process of renewing our minds in the Bible, we discover that the focus of our enemy shifts to this new battlefield. Here in the battlefield of the mind we can find ourselves in dark valleys that God has empowered us to walk through victoriously on our journey to the Celestial City.</p>

<p>The Christian life is filled with challenges, but Jesus has given us everything we need to overcome the hills of difficulty. Regardless of the challenges we face on the outside, we can be renewed and refreshed on the inside every day.</p>

<p>In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks about the narrow gate, which is a metaphor for the path to eternal life. The narrow gate represents the path to salvation and leads to the Celestial City or eternal life that is referred to in Pilgrim’s Progress. The function of the narrow gate is to separate those who have chosen to follow Jesus from those who have chosen to follow the ways of the world.</p><p><br></p>

<p>We will be going through the book, Pilgrim’s Progress written by John Bunyan. This book really does cover the journey of a lifetime. In the pages of this allegory you will be introduced to a cast of unique and memorable characters, each with their own role and lessons to impart. You’ll be able to relate to the protagonist and find yourself encountering the same challenges and obstacles as he did. But with determination and perseverance, you’ll too find God’s strength and grace to overcome them.</p><p>Whether you’re a seasoned believer or a newcomer to the journey, this series is sure to capture your imagination and inspire you to pursue your own path to true greatness. Are you ready to join us? Let’s go!</p>