Meeting with God Radio
794 episodes — Page 10 of 16
Spiritual Leadership Nurtures Legendary Faith, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens Text: Genesis 25:19-34 Spiritual Leadership is actively taking my family toward the Presence, Promises, Practices, Purposes, and Power of God. Spiritual Passivity is prioritizing my comfort over God’s calling. My choice will result in Fruitfulness and Grace or Chaos and Regret.
How to Pursue a Beautiful Marriage by Faith, Part B
Pastor Luke Ahrens Text: Genesis 24:29-67 Do you have the faith to prepare for marriage and be content? Do you have the faith to involve wise family and mentors in the decision? Does this relationship advance your missional calling before God? Are you willing to trust God’s guiding hand by leaving your family and cleaving to your future spouse? Are you excited to pursue God’s blueprint of loving/respecting in marriage?
How to Pursue a Beautiful Marriage by Faith, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens Text: Genesis 24:29-67 Do you have the faith to prepare for marriage and be content? Do you have the faith to involve wise family and mentors in the decision? Does this relationship advance your missional calling before God? Are you willing to trust God’s guiding hand by leaving your family and cleaving to your future spouse? Are you excited to pursue God’s blueprint of loving/respecting in marriage?
The Second Most Important Faith Decision, Part B
Pastor Luke Ahrens Text: Genesis 24:1-28 You cannot control _____________’s decision on marriage, but you can influence... toward a vibrant Personal Faith and Life Mission. by giving a Redemptive Legacy and Personalized Vision. through prayer into a Beautiful Story orchestrated by God.
The Second Most Important Faith Decision, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens Text: Genesis 24:1-28 You cannot control _____________’s decision on marriage, but you can influence... toward a vibrant Personal Faith and Life Mission. by giving a Redemptive Legacy and Personalized Vision. through prayer into a Beautiful Story orchestrated by God.
Faith Transformed by the Test of Total Surrender, Part B
Pastor Luke Ahrens Text: Genesis 22:1-19 Four Tests of Total Surrender: Choosing to Listen when God is asking you to do something difficult. Choosing Immediate Obedience to the Word of God. Choosing to Follow God through the fog of No Good Answers. Choosing to Withhold Nothing from God. Three Gifts of Total Surrender: Commendation and confirmation from God. Deeper relationship with God. Richer blessing from God.
Faith Transformed by the Test of Total Surrender, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens Text: Genesis 22:1-19 Four Tests of Total Surrender: Choosing to Listen when God is asking you to do something difficult. Choosing Immediate Obedience to the Word of God. Choosing to Follow God through the fog of No Good Answers. Choosing to Withhold Nothing from God. Three Gifts of Total Surrender: Commendation and confirmation from God. Deeper relationship with God. Richer blessing from God.
When God Flips the Script in Grace, Part B
Pastor Luke Ahrens Text: Genesis 21:1-7 You can be confident: God keeps his promises! You can be patient: God always shows up right on time! God is teaching you to live by faith one chapter at a time. You can celebrate: God manifests His power, grace, and glory in ways that fill us with overwhelming joy!
When God Flips the Script in Grace, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens Text: Genesis 21:1-7 You can be confident: God keeps his promises! You can be patient: God always shows up right on time! God is teaching you to live by faith one chapter at a time. You can celebrate: God manifests His power, grace, and glory in ways that fill us with overwhelming joy!
Time To Celebrate! Part B
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Nehemiah 12:27-43 God’s favor leads us to times of intentional celebration and thanksgiving. (12:27-43) We celebrate a restored relationship with God. We celebrate a new depth in our relationship with God. We celebrate the blessings that flow out of our relationship with God.
Time To Celebrate! Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Nehemiah 12:27-43 God’s favor leads us to times of intentional celebration and thanksgiving. (12:27-43) We celebrate a restored relationship with God. We celebrate a new depth in our relationship with God. We celebrate the blessings that flow out of our relationship with God.
Finishing with God’s Help, Part B
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Nehemiah 6:1-19 God’s help will enable you to overcome difficult, manipulative people. (vv. 2-14) God’s help can turn your problems into blessings. (vv. 1, 17-19) God’s help will enable you to finish. (v. 15) God’s help is the greatest blessing in rebuilding. (v. 16)
Finishing with God’s Help, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Nehemiah 6:1-19 God’s help will enable you to overcome difficult, manipulative people. (vv. 2-14) God’s help can turn your problems into blessings. (vv. 1, 17-19) God’s help will enable you to finish. (v. 15) God’s help is the greatest blessing in rebuilding. (v. 16)
A Mind To Work, Part B
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Nehemiah 4:1-23 Do you have a mind to work in rebuilding? (v. 6) You must realize that the work is both physical and spiritual. You must work through and overcome the obstacles in rebuilding. Your work in rebuilding will become part of your testimony and legacy in the Gospel.
A Mind To Work, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Nehemiah 4:1-23 Do you have a mind to work in rebuilding? (v. 6) You must realize that the work is both physical and spiritual. You must work through and overcome the obstacles in rebuilding. Your work in rebuilding will become part of your testimony and legacy in the Gospel.
Compelled by God’s Plan: Three Steps in Vision-building, Part B
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Nehemiah 2:9-20 You need clarity and commitment in your heart regarding a God-given vision. (vv. 9-16) You need to communicate the why and what of your compelling vision. (vv. 17-18a) You need the co-builders to embrace and participate in this compelling vision. (v. 18b) Excursus: You must expect and endure opposition to your compelling vision. (vv. 19-20)
Compelled by God’s Plan: Three Steps in Vision-building, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Nehemiah 2:9-20 You need clarity and commitment in your heart regarding a God-given vision. (vv. 9-16) You need to communicate the why and what of your compelling vision. (vv. 17-18a) You need the co-builders to embrace and participate in this compelling vision. (v. 18b) Excursus: You must expect and endure opposition to your compelling vision. (vv. 19-20)
Choosing to Live a Life of Impact, Part B
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Nehemiah 1:1-2:8 Are you seeking a carefree life or a fruitful life? Will you allow God to open your heart to a broken world? (vv. 1:1-4) God uses prayer, fasting, and time to bring clarity to our burdens. (vv. 1:4-10) >> Clarity leads us to offer specific prayers. (v. 1:11) >> Clarity leads us to take bold steps of action. (vv. 2:1-5) God will open the door to our next stage of fruitful ministry. (vv. 2:6-8)
Choosing to Live a Life of Impact, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Nehemiah 1:1-2:8 Are you seeking a carefree life or a fruitful life? Will you allow God to open your heart to a broken world? (vv. 1:1-4) God uses prayer, fasting, and time to bring clarity to our burdens. (vv. 1:4-10) >> Clarity leads us to offer specific prayers. (v. 1:11) >> Clarity leads us to take bold steps of action. (vv. 2:1-5) God will open the door to our next stage of fruitful ministry. (vv. 2:6-8)
10 Indispensable Tools To Rebuilding Part 3, B
Pastor Luke Ahrens Text: Ezra 9-10 Indispensable Tool #7: A Reverent Fear of the Lord. Indispensable Tool #8: Mourning over Our Sin and Confession of Our Sin. Indispensable Tool #9: Hope in the Mercy of God. Indispensable Tool #10: Determined, Diligent Repentance.
10 Indispensable Tools To Rebuilding Part 3, A
Pastor Luke Ahrens Text: Ezra 9-10 Indispensable Tool #7: A Reverent Fear of the Lord. Indispensable Tool #8: Mourning over Our Sin and Confession of Our Sin. Indispensable Tool #9: Hope in the Mercy of God. Indispensable Tool #10: Determined, Diligent Repentance.
10 Indispensable Tools To Rebuilding Part 2, B
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Ezra 8 Indispensable Tool #4: Find support from wise advocates in uncommon community. (vv. 15-20) Indispensable Tool #5: Humble yourself in fasting and prayer. (vv. 21-23) Indispensable Tool #6: Model integrity to others. (vv. 24-34)
10 Indispensable Tools To Rebuilding Part 2, A
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Ezra 8 Indispensable Tool #4: Find support from wise advocates in uncommon community. (vv. 15-20) Indispensable Tool #5: Humble yourself in fasting and prayer. (vv. 21-23) Indispensable Tool #6: Model integrity to others. (vv. 24-34)
10 Indispensable Tools To Rebuilding Part 1, B
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Ezra 7 The center of all rebuilding is in the heart. Indispensable Tool #1: The favor of God. (v. 6) Indispensable Tool #2: Heart devotion to the Word of God. >> Do you have a passion to understand God’s ways? >> Do you have a passion to apply God’s ways? >> Do you have a passion to communicate God’s ways? Indispensable Tool #3: Courageous leadership. (v. 28)
10 Indispensable Tools To Rebuilding Part 1, A
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Ezra 7 The center of all rebuilding is in the heart. Indispensable Tool #1: The favor of God. (v. 6) Indispensable Tool #2: Heart devotion to the Word of God. >> Do you have a passion to understand God’s ways? >> Do you have a passion to apply God’s ways? >> Do you have a passion to communicate God’s ways? Indispensable Tool #3: Courageous leadership. (v. 28)
Rebuilding with Hope that becomes Joy, Part B
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Ezra 6 • If I rebuild… I should expect to find joy in unexpected blessings. (vv. 1-13) I will find joy in finishing God’s priorities. (vv. 14-16) I will find joy in a restored relationship and renewed worship. (vv. 17-22a) • The ultimate objective in rebuilding is for me to have joy in God Himself. (v. 22)
Rebuilding with Hope that becomes Joy, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Ezra 6 If I rebuild… I should expect to find joy in unexpected blessings. (vv. 1-13) I will find joy in finishing God’s priorities. (vv. 14-16) I will find joy in a restored relationship and renewed worship. (vv. 17-22a) The ultimate objective in rebuilding is for me to have joy in God Himself. (v. 22)
Rebuilding By Faith, Part B
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Ezra 5 My faith is demonstrated by how I respond to God’s Word. (vv. 1-2) My faith is observed through my testimony of God’s redemptive purposes. (vv. 3-17) My faith is secure in God’s attentive oversight and care. (v. 5)
Rebuilding By Faith, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Ezra 5 My faith is demonstrated by how I respond to God’s Word. (vv. 1-2) My faith is observed through my testimony of God’s redemptive purposes. (vv. 3-17) My faith is secure in God’s attentive oversight and care. (v. 5)
Roadmap to Unlimited Hope, Part B
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Haggai 2:10-23 The necessary ingredient of my spiritual renaissance is personal holiness. (vv.10-14) For my spiritual renaissance to continue, reflection must continue too. (vv.15-19) > Reflection on past failures and consequences. > Reflection on the grace and mercy of our God. My final blessing: Revived hope in a restored heritage! (vv.20-23)
Roadmap to Unlimited Hope, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Haggai 2:10-23 The necessary ingredient of my spiritual renaissance is personal holiness. (vv.10-14) For my spiritual renaissance to continue, reflection must continue too. (vv.15-19) > Reflection on past failures and consequences. > Reflection on the grace and mercy of our God. My final blessing: Revived hope in a restored heritage! (vv.20-23)
The Process of Spiritual Renaissance, Now Reinforced, Part B
Pastor Luke Ahrens Text: Haggai 2:1-9 Spiritual Renaissance can be derailed by comparison, regret, and disillusionment. (vv.1-3) The momentum of Spiritual Renaissance is renewed as: I am strong in the Lord; (v.4) I meditate on the steadfast faithfulness of the Lord; (v.5) I receive a greater vision regarding the glorious promises and purposes of the Lord. (v.6-9)
The Process of Spiritual Renaissance, Now Reinforced, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Haggai 2:1-9 Spiritual Renaissance can be derailed by comparison, regret, and disillusionment. (vv.1-3) The momentum of Spiritual Renaissance is renewed as: I am strong in the Lord; (v.4) I meditate on the steadfast faithfulness of the Lord; (v.5) I receive a greater vision regarding the glorious promises and purposes of the Lord. (v.6-9)
The Joy of a New Start! Part B
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Haggai 1:12-15 My obedience reflects what I really think about God. (v.12) Blessing of Obedience #1: God is with me! (v.13) Blessing of Obedience #2: God inspires me to begin building a new reality. (vv.14-15)
The Joy of a New Start! Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Haggai 1:12-15 My obedience reflects what I really think about God. (v.12) Blessing of Obedience #1: God is with me! (v.13) Blessing of Obedience #2: God inspires me to begin building a new reality. (vv.14-15)
Establishing a God-centered Life, Part B
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Haggai 1:1-11, Ezra 5:1-2 Spiritual Renaissance rarely starts at a convenient time. (vv.2-4) Spiritual Renaissance begins as I assess my present situation. (vv.5-6) Spiritual Renaissance begins as I refocus on God's priorities. (vv.7-8) Spiritual Renaissance intensifies as I understand the discipline of God. (vv.9-11) 30% 5A) Rebuke is my first blessing as I grow toward a God-centered life. (v.1)
Establishing a God-centered Life, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Haggai 1:1-11, Ezra 5:1-2 Spiritual Renaissance rarely starts at a convenient time. (vv.2-4) Spiritual Renaissance begins as I assess my present situation. (vv.5-6) Spiritual Renaissance begins as I refocus on God's priorities. (vv.7-8) Spiritual Renaissance intensifies as I understand the discipline of God. (vv.9-11) Rebuke is my first blessing as I grow toward a God-centered life. (v.1)
Overcoming The Obstacles In Rebuilding, Part B
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Ezra 4 We will encounter obstacles during rebuilding: Pressure to Compromise (vv. 1-3); Unrelenting Opposition (vv. 4-5); Indefinite Interruptions (v. 24) 20% Test: Will we trust God in the midst of the interruptions and trials of rebuilding? The Spirit of God will enable us to overcome obstacles. (Ezra 5:1, Zechariah 4:6-7)
Overcoming The Obstacles In Rebuilding, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Ezra 4 We will encounter obstacles during rebuilding: Pressure to Compromise (vv. 1-3); Unrelenting Opposition (vv. 4-5); Indefinite Interruptions (v. 24). Test: Will we trust God in the midst of the interruptions and trials of rebuilding? The Spirit of God will enable us to overcome obstacles. (Ezra 5:1, Zechariah 4:6-7)
How To Begin Rebuilding, Part C
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Ezra 3 The start of rebuilding requires courageous leadership. (vv. 1-6) The process of rebuilding involves diligent work. (vv. 7-9) The milestones of rebuilding are a call to grateful worship. (vv. 10-13)
How To Begin Rebuilding, Part B
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Ezra 3 The start of rebuilding requires courageous leadership. (vv. 1-6) The process of rebuilding involves diligent work. (vv. 7-9) The milestones of rebuilding are a call to grateful worship. (vv. 10-13)
How To Begin Rebuilding, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens I Know The Plans I Have For You: Hope While Rebuilding Text: Ezra 3 The start of rebuilding requires courageous leadership. (vv. 1-6) The process of rebuilding involves diligent work. (vv. 7-9) The milestones of rebuilding are a call to grateful worship. (vv. 10-13)
Are You discipling Sodom or is Sodom discipling You? Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens Text: Genesis 19:1-38 God is creating a distinct community that is committed to missional discipleship. Discipleship is about shaping: Your Values and Affections Your Response to God’s Word Your Personal Character Your Sense of Belonging Ultimately, your discipleship decisions will become your legacy.
Are You discipling Sodom or is Sodom discipling You? Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens Text: Genesis 19:1-38 God is creating a distinct community that is committed to missional discipleship. Discipleship is about shaping: Your Values and Affections Your Personal Character Your Sense of Belonging Your Response to God’s Word Ultimately, your discipleship decisions will become your legacy.
3 Ways to Live Missionally in the City of Sinners, Part B
Pastor Luke Ahrens Text: Genesis 18:16-33 God is creating a distinct community that is committed to missional discipleship. Trust in the Lord; set your heart on God’s redemptive story, not on the drama in the City. Do Good; be a source of Light in the City. Pray; step into the Gap before God on behalf of the City.
3 Ways to Live Missionally in the City of Sinners, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens Text: Genesis 18:16-33 God is creating a distinct community that is committed to missional discipleship. Trust in the Lord; set your heart on God’s redemptive story, not on the drama in the City. Do Good; be a source of Light in the City. Pray; step into the Gap before God on behalf of the City.
Does God Ever Show Up Late? Part B
Pastor Luke Ahrens Text: Genesis 18:1-15 God never forgets the forgotten. God comes to redeem what seems wasted, worn out, and past time. God’s grace is even seen in how He gently, but firmly confronts sin. God’s grace and promises are stronger than our finicky hearts. I disbelieved, was afraid, and lied. God’s stuck His grace into my heart and twisted it so I would never forget. Our God performs the impossible and wonderful!
Does God Ever Show Up Late? Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens Text: Genesis 18:1-15 God never forgets the forgotten. God comes to redeem what seems wasted, worn out, and past time. God’s grace is even seen in how He gently, but firmly confronts sin. God’s grace and promises are stronger than our finicky hearts. I disbelieved, was afraid, and lied. God’s stuck His grace into my heart and twisted it so I would never forget. Our God performs the impossible and wonderful!
My Complicated New Identity, Part B
Pastor Luke Ahrens Text: Genesis 17 God wants to shape your identity (and destiny) with: A New Perspective—Nothing in your life is beyond the Power of El Shaddai. A New Name—God alters your given-identities and self-identity by His Grace. The New Covenant—God’s Commitment to you is cemented in Christ. The New Identity Marker—you are marked by a New Heart, not external duty. A New Faith—that Obeys God’s Word immediately.
My (Complicated) New Identity, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens Text: Genesis 17 God wants to shape your identity (and destiny) with: A New Perspective—Nothing in your life is beyond the Power of El Shaddai. A New Name—God alters your given-identities and self-identity by His Grace. The New Covenant—God’s Commitment to you is cemented in Christ. The New Identity Marker—you are marked by a New Heart, not external duty. A New Faith—that Obeys God’s Word immediately.