Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Tampa Bay Pro Life

Well, our government may not be prolife, that is no excuse for us not to continue the fight.  Check out the Alliance at http://www.tampabayprolife.org/ and also the conference in January. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=tyRhPZ_EGWg

 

 

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Project Christmas Joy 2012 video

Check out the latest Christmas Outreach project we are doing!  If you have stuff lying around or want to help, here is how:

http://youtu.be/Cq0rxVhUrbo

 

Friday, July 6, 2012

Amazing truths on Grace from Steve McVey

Trying to overcome sin by focusing on it has the exact opposite effect of what we want in our lives. If we fixate on what we do wrong and try to figure out how to conquer the bad behavior, we will always come up with some sort of plan that involves our own willpower and determination.  We are setting ourselves up to fail no matter how sincere we are and no matter how much we ask for God's help as it is an unbiblical approach and is a human method.  Any approach we take in overcoming our own sins through self discipline is legalistic because it stirs up within us the false hope that there is something we can do to defeat it.  We don't have to conquer sin because Jesus already has.  We try to do what he's already done, we are then denying the sufficiency of His grace and are attempting to utilize a legalistic method to do it ourselves and it dooms us to failure.  The only way to enjoy victory over sin is to rest in the victory that is already ours because of Christ's finished work. He defeated sin. Transformation comes to our lifestyle when we simply believe that reality and stop trying to do something he has already done.  We rest in his victory and (GET THIS PART!) DIRECT OUR ATTENTION TO HIM.  When we do that, the sins that have wielded power over us fall aside into impotency. 


Jesus fully dealt with the matter of our sins so that we don't have to focus on them anymore.  Then He sat down by the right hand of God, not because He was tired, but because there is nothing left to do regarding the matter of our sins.  The lie that we need to focus on overcoming our sins is so dangerous because it takes our eyes off of Jesus and puts them on our sins and an imaginary ability we think we have to solve the matter ourselves.  Don't ever think that sin is so weak that it can be overcome by religious self discipline.  Only one person can effectively deal with yours sins and He did—perfectly and completely.  If you fall down, He will pick you up, dust you off, and set you back on your course again.  With assurance of that reality, you never have to focus on sins again.  Just focus on Him, and as you do, you'll be amazed at the way sinful inclination and temptations lose their power over you.  Like the hymn: Turn your eyes to Jesus, look full on his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace. 

 

 

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Great quote on Prayer

Prayerlessness is our declaration of independence from God.  The only motive for prayer is that God is worthy to be sought. 

 

Friday, June 15, 2012

How to Study the Bible- Notes from the youth conference breakout session I just did.


Edification of a Nation: Modified IBS- How to Study the Bible
A.     Our Foundation-  Biblical worldview.

B.     Preparation!- Understand this is a spiritual battle so prayer and praise start us off (Ps. 100:4)

C.     Observation (read)
a.       Read multiple times
b.      What does text say
                                                     i.     First impressions

                                                   ii.     Record who, what, when, where and how

                                                  iii.     retell logical events out in your head. What does the author see, think, feel. 
D.     Interpretation (think):
a.       Go with the “natural” meaning first.

b.      Context *
                                                     i.     Historical/Cultural-

                                                   ii.     Literal – Understanding the Genre (poetry, narrative, etc). 
c.       Scripture interprets Scripture-

E.      Interaction- Read relationally.
a.       What are the Key words/Thoughts

b.      What is the authors intent?
F.      Application (Live)
a.       Examination-
b.      Memorization-
c.       Pray Scripture-
d.      Respond in Obedience by faith

G.     Realization (Putting into practice)
a.       Repentance-
b.      Regular Reading -
c.       Don’t be legalistic.  Grace based!
d.      Journal 
e.      Accountability-
f.        Location- Find a quiet spot
g.      NT Takes precedence-
h.      Interpret your experience by scripture not the scriptures by your experience. 
i.        Drink from the Well, not from the streams that flow from the Well. 

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Mission Quest Adventures

Our new outreach/fundraiser - Mission Quest adventures is going very well.  We have our new taggers in and they are an improvement on the old ones, if you desire to do a birthday party, let us know!  wwww.missionquestadventures.com   We have one going on today.  We are also looking for volunteers.