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Showing posts with the label Jesus Christ

12 Years of Struggle: Finding Authority and Healing in the Midst of Life's Storms

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 From a Sermon by Pastor Richie Thornton The first thing I want you to see in this passage this morning is that this woman struggled with this issue of blood for 12 years. 12 years is a long time! The number 12 has a significant meaning in the Bible… The number 12 typically means perfection or authority, and often the number 12 is used in a context of government… For instance, we see the 12 disciples; the 12 tribes of Israel; 12 spies who went to scout the Promised Land… In Revelation we read about the New Jerusalem; we see the number 12 repeatedly: 12 gates, 12 angels, 12 foundations…all this points to perfection, ultimately coming under God’s authority and under God’s government.

From Jackpot Dreams to Spiritual Riches: Why Losing Can Be a Blessing in Disguise

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 Photo and Story by Ken Hulsey This past weekend, my wife found one of the old pictures that I actually didn't have in my archives. It is a photo of a lonely desert road in Nevada that she rendered in stark black and white. I think that the image in this form conveys a true sense of emptiness.  Terri labeled this photo 'On The Road to Vegas', a road that I have traveled down numerous times. On the road towards Las Vegas, your mind is preoccupied with thoughts of winning a jackpot at a slot machine or game table. There is an optimism that somehow Lady Luck is going to shine her grace upon you, and all your financial worries will be over. Since you are about to become rich, you can't help but fantasize about how big a house you are going to buy and what it would be like to dive into a huge pool of gold coins like Scrooge McDuck.

Finding Strength in Connection: Embracing Hope in Life's Challenges

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Finding Hope in Every Storm: Embracing Connection on Life's Journey Life can often feel like a turbulent journey, filled with unexpected challenges that can leave us feeling overwhelmed and isolated. Whether you’re facing health issues, financial struggles, relationship difficulties, or the profound sorrow of losing a loved one, these trials can test our faith and resilience. In such moments, it's important to remember a vital truth: you are not alone on this journey.

Rising Above: Finding Strength and Love in Times of Turmoil

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  Finding Strength and Wisdom in Scripture In a world filled with uncertainty and turmoil, many seek wisdom that provides strength and comfort. The teachings from various spiritual leaders in history offer insights that resonate deeply with our human experience. They remind us of the enduring power of love , faith , and the ability to overcome challenges.

A Message For Easter Sunday | From Struggles to Triumph: Embracing Deliverance Through Faith in Jesus

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  Unlocking a Better Life: Finding Hope and Community in Faith In pursuit of a better life, many individuals find themselves on an endless quest for fulfillment, peace, and purpose. Often, this journey can feel overwhelming, leaving us longing for direction and support. This is where the power of faith and a strong church community come into play, providing a sanctuary for hope and growth.

Walking in Faith: What Sacrifice Looks Like in the Life of a Christian | Ken Hulsey

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As Christians, we should use the Easter holiday as a time for reflection. Beyond the commercialization of this celebration—the day our Savior, Jesus Christ , arose from the dead—we should take time to contemplate the sacrifice made on our behalf. Indeed, Easter is more than just chocolate bunnies, egg hunts, and a wonderful ham dinner, although those aspects are enjoyable too. It is a remembrance and celebration of the life, death, and resurrection of the Son of God, through whom all sins are forgiven, and salvation is made possible.

Eternal Hope in a Fragile World: How the Resurrection Redefines Our Existence

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The Power of Belief: Understanding the Resurrection of Jesus Christ At the heart of Christian theology lies the profound significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As articulated in John 11:25-26, Jesus asserts, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies." This statement not only promises eternal life to those who believe in Him but also challenges us to reflect on the essence of our faith. In an ever-changing world, the notion of resurrection and life resonates with hope, renewal, and purpose.

Fear vs. Faith: How to Break Free from the Chains That Hold You Back | History's Warning: Are We Repeating the Mistakes of Fallen Empires?

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The Israelites misunderstood Jesus's mission . They expected him to be their next political ruler—a general who would form a political party and raise an army to overthrow the Romans who ruled and oppressed them. However, that was not his mission at all. He had a more significant purpose: to forgive sins and bring a message of peace.

The King They Didn’t Expect: Crowd Faith vs Committed Faith | Journey Church | Pastor James W Greer

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On Palm Sunday, the crowds shouted, "Hosanna! Save us now!" as Jesus rode into Jerusalem. They celebrated Him like a king, but only days later, many of those same voices cried, "Crucify Him." Why did this happen? Because Jesus wasn’t the king they expected. 

The Missing Piece: How Connection to Christ Changes Everything | Journey Church | Pastor James W Greer

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Have you ever felt like something was missing, but you couldn’t quite put your finger on it? In this powerful message, we explore the “mystery of the missing part.” Just like a puzzle with one piece removed, life doesn’t function correctly when something essential is disconnected.  Jesus declares in John 15:5 that He is the vine and we are the branches. When we stay connected to Him, we bear fruit; when we disconnect, dysfunction follows. This sermon reveals a life-changing truth: most problems aren’t about the fruit; they are about the roots. And root problems stem from connection issues. 

How a Stranger Can Bring God’s Message When You Least Expect It | Ken Hulsey

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A few years back, Terri and I took our granddaughter for a delightful day at the zoo. What unfolded that day was more than just a joyful outing; it was a profound message from God that I never anticipated. Many of you know that I have a passion for photography, and the zoo offered the perfect backdrop for my wildlife photography pursuits. As is often my habit, I wandered off in search of interesting shots, momentarily losing sight of my family. Before long, I noticed the girls had moved on, prompting me to put my camera away and rejoin them. As I made my way back, I encountered a young woman who crossed my path and greeted me with a warm “Hi.” This caught me off guard, as it’s not every day that a young lady randomly stops to speak with a man of my age. In truth, this wasn't something that happened, even in my younger, more handsome (Who am I kidding), years. The woman had a familiar air about her, yet I couldn’t quite place where I had seen her before.

Walking on Water: Overcoming Fear and Embracing Faith in the Face of Life's Challenges | Ken Hulsey

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Imagine yourself sailing on a serene lake, the gentle waves lapping against your boat. As you gaze toward the shore, a figure emerges, and after a moment of focus, you realize it's a man. To your astonishment, you see him walking toward you on the surface of the water. As he approaches, it becomes clear—this is Jesus. He stops about fifty yards away and gestures for you to step out of the boat and join him on the water. Now, here's where I find myself facing a real challenge.

Finding Strength in Struggles: How to Lean on Your Faith During Life’s Toughest Trials

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 Life can be incredibly challenging at times, throwing unexpected obstacles in our path that threaten to derail us. Whether it’s a health crisis, financial hardship, relationship troubles, or the loss of a loved one, these trials can shake our faith and leave us feeling lost and alone.  However, I want to remind you of a profound truth: you were never meant to navigate this journey called life on your own. God created us for relationship and community, both with Him and with others. When we try to endure our struggles solely in our own strength, relying on our limited understanding and resources, we quickly become overwhelmed and discouraged.

Faith Shouts Louder | Awaken Church | Pastor Leanne Mastthesius

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During my recent Bible study, I embarked on the journey of reading through the entire Bible in a year. I'm curious—how many of you are taking on this challenge as well? If you're attempting it, congratulations! It’s wonderful to see the enthusiasm for diving into the Word. As we look back on the end of the year, let's take a moment to reflect on those who have raised their hands and committed to this spiritual endeavor.

James W Greer - Journey Church - Resurrection Road | Mercies and Miracles

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 This Easter, Jesus wants to give mercies and miracles to us. Easter is not just about the bunny, eggs, and fun, but it's a time to celebrate Jesus's sacrifice on the cross and His promises. Jesus desires to give us what we need. The Word is full of the promises of God. We should seek to know Him more and receive more grace and peace. There is power in the promises of God. Keep the faith and do what you have been called to do. Jesus wants to give mercy and miracles this Easter. ( Matthew 28:1 , TLB) Jesus had cast 7 demons from Mary Magdalene, He had already shown her mercy and miracles. Jesus not only showed her mercy by not giving her what she deserved, but He also gave her unearned kindness and performed the miracle of casting out the 7 demons. ( Mark 16:9, NKJV ) Jesus wants to give you a new day and a new beginning. Jesus wants to give you what you need, not what you want. ( Matthew 28:6 , TLB) You may have Jesus as your fire insurance or death insurance, but not your ...

Pastor Steve Smothermon - Legacy Church - Easter / What He's Done

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 God is willing to save you from the torment of sin and give you His peace and joy which is beyond human understanding.   Legacy Church 7201 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87121 Phone  (505) 831-0961 Website  https://www.legacychurchnm.com Check Out: Pastor Steve Smothermon - Legacy Church - "If I Had More, I'd Be Happier" ➝ Bad Mindset

Pastor James W Greer - Journey Church - Resurrection Road: Power Under Pressure

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  The Secret Christians. ( Matthew 27:57-66, NKJV ; John 19:38, NKJV ) Joseph of Arimathea was a secret disciple of Jesus. There will come a time when you will have to make a choice who you will follow, Jesus or the world. Joseph, the secret disciple of Jesus, was showing more courage than any of the other disciples. There will come a time in your life when you will have to have the courage to confess Jesus before men. ( Matthew 10:32-33, NKJV ; Philippians 2:9-11, NKJV ) Jesus was simply borrowing Joseph’s tomb. ( Matthew 27:59-61, NKJV ) There were very few people left at the tomb with Jesus. Jesus had already lived a sinless life and made a great impact. Make a difference while you are alive, good works will then follow you to Heaven. ( Revelation 14:13, NKJV ) Anything that you do to help get people saved will be rewarded. Many Christians spend their lives trying to be good, but not doing good. For the Christian, it matters what you do before the funeral. You can’t keep a goo...

Pastor Josh Gerbracht - Victorville First Assembly Of God - The Hope of Easter

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 He has risen! We are excited that you are attending our livestream service. Today is an exciting day to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Pastor Josh will be going over 1 Peter 1:3 as he discusses how Jesus brings HOPE. We hope this message speaks to you and that you are blessed by it.     First Assembly of God 15260 Nisqualli Rd, Victorville, CA 92395 Phone  760) 243-4343 Website  https://www.vfassembly.org/ Check Out: Pastor John C. Martin - Victorville First Assembly of God - Engage Part 1

The Real Meaning of Easter

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 Jesus had come into town for the Passover celebration and was nearing the time when he would be betrayed by one of his disciples, publicly humiliated and mocked, beaten beyond recognition, and hung on a cross to die. It was the night before his suffering when he made his special request for his followers to remember that He gave his body for them and poured out his blood as a sacrifice for them. The best way to understand the real meaning of Easter would be from Jesus, in His three words ... the new covenant. In Luke 22 we get a picture of the night before his death: When the time came, Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table. Jesus said, "I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won't eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God." Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. Then he said, "Take this and share it among yourselves. For I will ...

God's Only Son, Our Savior

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Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. - Ephesians 1:3 It has often been pointed out that Jesus lived in a small country and never went beyond its borders. He was so poor that He said He had nowhere to lay His head. His only pocketbook was the mouth of a fish, He rode on another man's beast. He cruised the lake in another man's boat. He was buried in another man's grave. And He laid aside a royal robe for all this. He never wrote a book. His recorded words would hardly make a pocket edition. Yet if all the words that have been written about Him were brought together, they would fill a thousand libraries.  He never founded a college to perpetuate His doctrines. Yet His teachings have endured for more than two thousand years.  He never carried a sword. He never organized an army, He never built a navy, and He never had an air force. Yet He founded an empire in which there are mil...