Coastal Church Podcast

<p>Throughout the Bible, believers are urged to pray for one another, to lift up the needs and concerns of others in prayer, and to intercede on their behalf. Intercession is a powerful way to express love and care for one another, following the example of Jesus, who interceded on behalf of humanity.</p>

<p>This year our theme has been The Journey. As believers we are called to journey of faith, and a crucial aspect of this journey is our continual thanks to our Heavenly Father, even before our prayers are answered.</p>

<p>Just as the disciples faced a life-threatening storm, people today encounter various storms in their lives, be it personal challenges, global crises, or uncertainties. The story reminds us to have faith even in the midst of adversity, trusting that God is capable of calming the storms we face.</p>

<p>We live in a society where promises are easily broken, so we find it hard to believe God would keep His Word. However, God is a covenant keeping God who never changes and we can fully put our trust in His promises.</p>

<p>God is bigger than your mountain, more powerful than your suppressor, greater than your depression and has given you victory over all things! However, without FAITH we can receive nothing from God! Faith takes courage, for the blind to see, cripple to walk, for your life to be radically changed, to see your breakthrough – it requires you to take a step forward.</p>

<p>We all make mistakes. Just as it takes faith to step out and follow God, it also takes faith to turn back to God after we have made a mistake. Abraham’s journey of faith is not only noted for his incredible obedience, but also for his human frailty. In Genesis 12:10-20, we find a pivotal moment in his life when he ventured to Egypt during a time of famine and there lied about his wife Sarah.</p><p>Through Abraham’s experience, we can learn some valuable lessons on how to overcome our shortcomings and embrace God’s grace.</p>

<p>Abraham’s journey teaches us that a life of faith begins with responding to a call from God. This call involves obedience, trusting in God’s promises, navigating challenges, enduring trials, and ultimately surrendering to God’s will. His story resonates throughout the pages of the Bible, echoing the message that faith is the foundation of our relationship with God.</p>

<p>The book of Jeremiah carries a broader message about divine purpose, predestination, and the idea that God has a plan for each of us, even before we were born! We each have unique talents and abilities, and it’s up to us to discover and fulfill the calling God has for our lives!</p>

<p>Saul was a man who was chosen by God to be king over Israel. Saul’s journey is a sobering reminder of how even those who are anointed for a specific calling can veer off course due to disobedience, insecurity, and jealousy. Saul’s actions had a huge impact on Samuel and the nation of Israel but God had not forgotten them. He would raise up King David, they could dream again and certainly the “best was yet to come”.</p>

<p>In a world that often questions the relevance and significance of the church, a world that encourages individualism, we must recognize the goodness of God that is manifested through the vibrant life of the church.</p>

<p>In a world that bombards us with messages that challenge the value and integrity of family relationships, we must not neglect the importance of nurturing healthy family dynamics and remind ourselves that God’s design for family is rooted in His goodness.</p>

<p>As recipients of God’s goodness, we are now sent by Jesus to share with others the Good News (the Gospel) in word and in deed.</p><p><br></p>

<p>God is more interested in your character than your comfort and there are times we will experience suffering as we wait for God’s plan to unfold. In those times of difficulty it's important to remember God’s goodness and faithfulness, which ultimately brings blessings and fulfillment.</p>

<p>In a world plagued by strife, brokenness, and insecurities, it is crucial we understand that God fashioned us in His image of goodness to do good. Despite our fallen world, God has a masterplan to restore all of us to His goodness.</p>

<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>