In Spirit & Truth

We try to make long-range decisions with our children in mind, but honestly, we mainly hope it works out for them because we probably won’t be around. Pastor JD will be teaching from a passage in Nehemiah, where it is inferred that a decision some Israelites made to leave exile and return to their homeland worked out well for their descendants.

We haven’t always done or said the right thing, even when we “promised” to do it – and usually more than once. The Israelites did the same thing, and Pastor JD will be teaching about one of those instances. We, like Israel, want to do right by God but either through neglect and apathy or outright rebellion we end up on the wrong trail.

The Israelites in Nehemiah’s day made the decision to begin to trust God again, unlike their parents. Pastor JD will be teaching about our need to do the same thing. We need to consciously choose to put our full dependence on God. In everything from our health to our finances, our families, we need to trust God to do His best for us.

The important question in our lives is, will we trust God? Pastor JD will be teaching about the Israelites in Nehemiah’s time addressing that question after years of exile and slavery. Their leaders chose to answer in the affirmative, and put their names down to show everyone their strength of resolve. We will be challenged to do the same.

The amazing potential of the prophecies represented in Isaiah chapter 17 will be the focus of today's prophecy update. What's happening in Damascus and Syria is absolutely stunning. Especially in light of the horrific use of chemical weapons on Syria. May God give us eyes to see the signs that are happening all around us!

The breaking news of the chemical weapons attack on a hospital in Syria by none other than Bashar Al Assad is stunning to say the least. This horrific act is stirring up the world scene considerably. Today Pastor JD will encourage us to consider the Ezekiel thirty eight prophetic ramifications of this terrible event.

We haven’t always done or said the right thing, even when we “promised” to do it – and usually more than once. The Israelites did the same thing, and Pastor JD will be teaching about one of those instances. We, like Israel, want to do right by God but either through neglect and apathy or outright rebellion we end up on the wrong trail.

After years of ceremonial uncleanness the Levitical priests had to go through ceremonial cleansing before they could offer praises to God. Pastor JD will be teaching about how God blessed the returning exiles once they began following the dictates of the Law again. He will tell us about our need to remain pure so we can worship God properly, too.

We try to make long-range decisions with our children in mind, but honestly, we mainly hope it works out for them because we probably won’t be around. Pastor JD will be teaching from a passage in Nehemiah, where it is inferred that a decision some Israelites made to leave exile and return to their homeland worked out well for their descendants.

We’ve all had to say, “I’m sorry” before. From the time we were young children, we were taught to apologize. However, when we do something wrong, are we sorry we got caught, or are we experiencing true sorrow? In his message, Pastor JD describes the sorrow we should experience as Christians when we sin. It should be so intense that true repentance is the result.

The most recent funding bill that was passed by our government included a significant amount of money to Planned Parenthood. Why would President Donald Trump support Planned Parenthood? The murder of the unborn is not something that the LORD takes lightly. Pastor JD continues to uncover more relevant topics that we are facing in these last days.

What does Saul Alinsky's book Rule for Radicals have to do with the last days? Are the methodologies in this book being used in our government and culture today? Pastor JD shares numerous points from this book that will sound amazingly familiar. They are the exact characteristics that mark the United States of America today.

While there isn’t a specific way we’re to position ourselves when we pray, there is something to be said about taking a posture of humility. And as Pastor JD explains to us, expressing outward humility when praying to our Heavenly Father can dramatically impact our prayer life. For when we humbly come before the Lord, it is pleasing to Him!

We have such a loving God! He loves us so much, and knows what’s best for us. Just as Pastor JD explains in his message, God’s commandments come out of a tender heart for us. He gave us a guidebook, so we don’t have to guess what we should or shouldn’t do. So, instead of viewing them simply as rules and restrictions, we should view them as loving protection from our Heavenly Father!

Considering the numerous references to humility and pride in the Bible, we can gather that this topic is important to our walk with God. And as Pastor JD points out, WE must humble ourselves before Him. If we are to find favor with our Heavenly Father, we must come before Him with humility. And if we fail to do so, God will create situations in our lives to foster its development.

When we are experiencing a period of difficult circumstances, we may be tempted to question God’s goodness. However, Pastor JD reminds us that, often, it’s us who are preventing God from showering His blessings upon us. It’s in those times, that we must evaluate our lives for areas of sin or disobedience. Allow God’s blessings to flow, as He so greatly desires!

How does studying prophecy affect our daily lives? We'll learn more about how God uses these studies to grow and mature the Body of Christ. But, specifically today Pastor JD focuses in on Isaiah seventeen which speaks of the destruction of Damascus and Syria. The possibility of this happening is happening before our eyes.

Is there potential for a sudden war to be ignited? There are key prophecies that Pastor JD will be talking about today. Ezekiel thirty eight seems to be unfolding right before our very eyes. Of course, Pastor JD always wants to make sure that listeners know...we know neither the day or the hour of the return of Jesus. That said, we can know the season.

We often surround ourselves with those who will tell us what we want to hear, and what we want to believe, about ourselves. Unfortunately, that does us no good. As Pastor JD points out, when we read the Bible, and view ourselves from the light of God’s word, our true self is exposed. Then, and only then, will we begin to make progress towards becoming who God created us to be.

We can all hear or read something…and we can know something. However, it benefits no one, including ourselves, unless we put it into action. As Pastor JD discusses in his message, wisdom is the application of that which we know. We aren’t just to be hearers of the Word…we must also be doers.

How exciting that God wants to do great things in our lives? He wants more for us than we can even imagine! In his message, Pastor JD encourages us to trust God and put our faith in Him. For even with a tiny amount of faith, our BIG God can do a mighty work in our lives. We just need to surrender to His will and follow where He leads!

How many blessings have we allowed the enemy to take from us by allowing him to deceive and tempt? As Pastor JD points out, Satan comes to steal and destroy. We must be so in tune with God’s Word and His promises, that we quickly recognize the work of the enemy and turn away from it. God has called us to a blessed life, but we must remain in Him, His will, and His promises.

The looming threat of nuclear proliferation is something that few people are talking about. Recently, Vladimir Putin made some startling threats about when and how he would retaliate against ANY POWER that threatens Russia or Russia's allies. Friends, this is definitely something that we need to be keeping our eyes on.

It's easy to brush off the possibility of nuclear war as something that simply can't happen. Today Pastor JD will continue to share with us why this may not be the best way to think through this possible scenario. Ultimately, we know that God is in complete control of every circumstance we face and will always protect us.

We serve a mighty God! How often we forget this fact. We get caught up in the perceived obstacles in front of us and become blinded to His greatness. Pastor JD reminds us in his message that when God sets something in our lives to be accomplished…nothing can stop it. We just need to remember this, live into it, and claim it.

We may think that if we are in the will of God, everything will be smooth and we will face no opposition. Unfortunately, that isn’t true. As Pastor JD points out, the enemy attacks when we are making an impact on God’s kingdom. When the enemy leaves us alone, we should worry…we should evaluate our focus on God’s purpose. When we face attacks, give it to God and keep pushing forward!

As we continue in our relationship with God, it can be easy to lose zeal and become lukewarm. In today’s message, Pastor JD gives us a game plan to help ensure we don’t experience this in our relationship with our Heavenly Father. We must remember when we first fell in love with Him, repent of our sinful ways, and repeat what we did at first and what works. Remember, repent, and repeat!

We allow things to get in the way of what’s important. We put what’s easy and fun in front of what can be difficult and hard. However, as Pastor JD teaches us, the Bible lays out the example to us of what we should do. At all times, we must place God above everything else. Our relationship with Him must be what we seek first. And from that, our priorities will fall in to place according to His will for us.

Jesus has everything that is going on in the world under control. He has a plan that He has prepared for His people and the church. In today's message, Pastor JD will remind us of the promises that God has given to His people as His return draws nigh. Remember to continue to keep you heart set as a flint toward God as He prepares to take us up soon.

With all the things going on around the world it's easy to become concerned. However, remember that Jesus has it all under control. And, He has given us His word to guide us and comfort us as His return draws closer and closer. In today's message, Pastor JD will update us on Iran threats to Israel and the US embassy's relocation to Jerusalem possibly this year.

Today, Pastor JD will be encouraging us to not only pray for God to guide us in our decision making, but to also have faith that God can do what seems to be impossible. God often brings us to a place where we are forced into a seemingly impossible situation, so that we are forced to look up to Him for provision and wisdom.

In today's text, we'll hear how the Jewish people made a peace treaty with their enemies, without seeking first the Lord on the matter. Making decisions without first inquiring of the Lord, is the most dangerous thing you can possibly do. Pastor JD will be exhorting us to never make any decisions based on our own understanding.

As Pastor JD continues his teaching series through the Book of Ezra, he'll be challenging us to remain faithful in ministry, to be more available to do the work of the Lord, and lastly, to remain teachable. Too often people want to jump into a leadership or ministry position, yet they don't have these qualities that the Lord looks for in a servant.

Every Christian has their own spiritual gifts that the Lord has given. God doesn't use every individual Christian the same way. Today, Pastor JD will be encouraging us to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to do our part in furthering the Kingdom of God, just as the Jewish people had different roles to play in rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem.

We should have a sense of urgency as we walk through this life with Christ. And, if our adversary the Devil knows Bible prophecy more than we do and he has an urgency and agenda of his own, then today is the day to WAKE UP! In today's message, Pastor JD will encourage us to open our eyes to the times. Oh Christian! Walk with urgency!

As Pastor JD begins his new teaching series through the Book of Ezra, he'll be reminding us that God will alway's bring His soveriegn plan to pass. Every prophecy found within the Bible has either been fulfilled or will be in the future. The Lord used Perisa, an enemy of Israel, to bring to pass the plans He ordained for the Temple in Jerusalem.

God gave us the Ten Commandments for a reason. He knew what He was doing when He laid them out. In his message, Pastor JD points out that the first half of the commandments concern our relationship with God…and the second half is with others. Following this example, we must have our relationship with God right before we can show true love to others.

We love to receive grace. In fact, we feel entitled to it. God’s grace flows abundantly to us because He love us. However, we tend to be stingy with our grace. We want to hold on to hurts, instead of allowing others grace. As Pastor JD explains, it’s only when we give grace away that healing and restoration can occur, and true love can be demonstrated.

Praying in front of others can bring fear equivalent to that of public speaking…maybe even greater. We hear eloquent prayers and think we need to pray in the same manner. In his message, Pastor JD discusses the idea that we’ve made prayer too difficult. Prayer should be simple. And while it’s a powerful act, it’s a simple and heartfelt conversation we have with our Heavenly Father.

We should have a sense of urgency as we walk through this life with Christ. And, if our adversary the Devil knows Bible prophecy more than we do and he has an urgency and agenda of his own, then today is the day to WAKE UP! In today's message, Pastor JD will encourage us to open our eyes to the times. Oh Christian! Walk with urgency!

Benjamin Netanyahu has declared plainly that an Israeli jet being shot down will not be tolerated. And it's no wonder! Is there any country in the world that would tolerate an obvious act of war like this? Of course not! This is just another indicator of the times that we live in. Please prayerfully listen with an open heart today.

When we love someone, we want to make them happy. We want to do things and behave in such a way that brings them joy. As Pastor JD explains, that is one of the ways we express love to our Heavenly Father. While we will never be sinless, our love for Him should drive us to break free of…move away from...and desire to never return to the sin in our lives.

Love…a simple, yet powerful word. A word by which, as Pastor JD explains, we can gauge whether we are born again. The love we show to others is a direct reflection of our relationship with Jesus. When others see our lives and the fruit of our lives, do they see Jesus living inside, and through us? Let us constantly examine the love that is demonstrated in our lives to others.

As Pastor JD continues to discuss true love and speaking the truth to those we love, he challenges us to first examine our own behavior for the same sin we are about to confront. Yes, we need to speak truth to others. However, we also can’t forget to speak truth to ourselves. As we’ve all heard, we must first remove the log in our own eye before confronting the speck in another.

You've probably heard many of the pundits touting facts about the church dying. The fact is...main line churches are definitely seeing a decline in attendance. That said, Pastor JD believes that the people leaving main line churches are actually going to Bible teaching churches. People are tired of the pablum that is being fed them. There is a hunger for God's Word.

The decision by our president to release classified memos is yet another step towards transparency in our government that we should be thankful for. The things that these memos are revealing...well, these are very concerning. Pastor JD will talk about how the hidden practices of those in our government are contributing to the steady demise of culture.

Speaking the truth to someone we care for, is easy when it’s a pleasant topic. However, when it’s regarding a sin in that person’s life, it can be extremely tough. So tough, that we often avoid it. However, Pastor JD reminds us that our willingness to speak the truth in a loving way, is a demonstration of true love. Withholding the truth from someone may only mean their destruction.

As followers of Jesus, we have many eyes on us. Watching how we handle difficult situations. And as Pastor JD teaches, this is for a purpose. For when we go through trials, and others see how God sustains us through them; it gives hope to those who are lost or broken. Our trials can serve to benefit others. So while we may not know the purpose…God has a plan.

Trying to do two very different things at once is quite difficult…even impossible at times. But often, we think we can indulge in the flesh and still walk with Jesus. As Pastor JD takes us through some of the reasons we go through trials, he explains that trials can serve to bring us back in step with Jesus. And when we are in step with Him…all in…it is impossible to be in step with the flesh.

When we are in the midst of a trial, we beg for God to deliver us from it. We think we know what’s best for us, and question God’s plan and what we are experiencing. However, Pastor JD uses the illustration of the potter and the goldsmith to remind us, that while we may not like our current situation, God ultimately knows what we need and what is best for us.