Episodios

  • Trust in the Lord

    Trust in the Lord
    Aug 11 2024
    s we reflect on 75 years of our church's history, we're reminded that there's often more to the story than we realize. The journey of faith is full of surprises, just like the discovery of the Fruitland Mission Society's early beginnings. This teaches us to appreciate the layers of our spiritual heritage and the continuous work of God through generations. The central message revolves around Proverbs 3:5-6, calling us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts. This trust isn't blind faith, but a relationship built on God's proven faithfulness. We're challenged to apply this trust in all areas of life - our finances, relationships, and even in uncertain times. The wisdom of Proverbs isn't about rigid rules, but about discerning God's guidance in various situations. As we face our own challenges, let's remember that trusting God doesn't guarantee an easy path, but it does promise His presence and ultimate purpose in our lives. How can we cultivate a deeper trust in God when faced with life's challenges and uncertainties? In what ways might our understanding of success differ from God's perspective, especially in light of Jesus' life and ministry? How can we balance using our intellect and skills while still fully trusting in God's guidance? role does community play in helping us trust God more fully, both as individuals and as a church? How might our approach to politics and social issues change if we truly trusted God with 'all our hearts'? In what ways can we learn to trust God's timeline rather than our own expectations for immediate results? How can studying the lives of biblical figures and historical Christians deepen our understanding of what it means to trust God? What are some practical ways we can demonstrate trust in God in our daily lives, especially in areas where we tend to rely on our own understanding? How might our church's mission and vision be impacted if we fully embraced the concept of trusting God as outlined in Proverbs 3:5-6? In what ways can we cultivate a culture of trust within our church that encourages both personal and collective spiritual growth?
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  • The Nature of Babylon

    The Nature of Babylon
    Aug 4 2024
    In this powerful exploration of Revelation 18, we're called to examine our hearts and 'come out of Babylon.' The imagery of Monte Testaccio in Rome and the clothing waste in Chile's Atacama Desert vividly illustrate the excesses of our modern world. We're challenged to recognize the 'Babylon' in our lives - the arrogance, opulence, and economic exploitation that can seduce us away from God. The scripture warns us about the destruction awaiting Babylon, urging us to detach from its values. We're encouraged to reflect on our consumer habits, our attitudes towards wealth, and how our choices impact others. This message compels us to seek God's help in discerning areas of compromise in our lives, reminding us that our ultimate allegiance should be to the Lamb, not to the beast or Babylon. How can we recognize modern-day 'Babylons' in our own societies and cultures, and what are some examples?In what ways might our personal pursuits of wealth and luxury be built on the exploitation of others, even if unintentionally? How can Christians balance living in the world while not being 'of the world,' particularly in a consumerist society? What are some practical steps we can take to 'come out of Babylon' in our daily lives and choices?How might our view of success and importance be influenced by Babylonian values rather than biblical ones? In what ways could churches inadvertently adopt 'Babylonian' practices or attitudes in their operations or leadership selection? How can we cultivate a mindset that sees our possessions as a trust from God for the sake of others, rather than solely for our own benefit? What are some 'blind spots' we might have regarding our participation in systems of exploitation or excess? How can we develop a more ethical approach to consumption that considers the entire supply chain and its impact on others? In what ways might our pursuit of financial security or economic prosperity become an idol that competes with our allegiance to Christ?
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  • Babylon the Great?

    Babylon the Great?
    Jul 28 2024
    The Book of Revelation, often seen as complex and daunting, offers profound spiritual insights when we step back and view the bigger picture. We're reminded that God is on the throne, even when the world seems chaotic. The central message challenges us to maintain our allegiance to Jesus amidst persecution and temptation. The imagery of Babylon as a seductive woman represents the allure of wealth, power, and compromise that can lead us astray from our faith. We're called to recognize these temptations in our own lives and resist them, remembering that earthly powers, no matter how formidable, are ultimately destined for destruction. This perspective offers hope and encouragement, especially when we face trials, reminding us that our suffering is temporary compared to the eternal reign we'll share with Christ. How does the imagery of Babylon in Revelation relate to modern-day challenges of wealth, power, and compromise in faith? How might John's vision of the beast and the harlot inform our understanding of the relationship between political power and economic prosperity today? In what ways can Christians discern and resist the 'seductive power' of modern-day 'Babylons' in their own lives and communities? How does the concept of 'Babylon' as a symbol help us interpret other symbolic language in Revelation and apply it to our current context? What insights does the imagery of the beast 'consuming' the harlot offer about the self-destructive nature of evil systems? How can the message of Revelation inspire hope and perseverance for Christians facing persecution or hardship in various parts of the world today? In what ways does the contrast between the 'hour' of the beast's reign and the 'thousand years' of God's reign challenge our perspective on current events and ultimate outcomes? How might the call to 'come out of Babylon' be applied practically in the lives of believers navigating complex social, economic, and political systems? What lessons can we draw from the repeated emphasis on the beast's ultimate destruction, especially when earthly powers seem overwhelming or invincible?
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  • The Bowls

    The Bowls
    Jul 14 2024
    In this exploration of Revelation, we delve into the challenging imagery of God's judgment and wrath. These vivid descriptions are symbolic, not literal, designed to convey the completeness of God's ultimate eradication of evil. We're reminded that God's judgment isn't vengeful, but purposeful - aimed at clearing the way for a new heaven and earth. The parallels drawn with the plagues of Egypt highlight God's consistent pattern of using judgment to prompt repentance. As we grapple with these difficult concepts, we're encouraged to view God's wrath not as vindictive destruction, but as a necessary step towards salvation and the establishment of justice. This perspective challenges us to examine our own lives, cry out against injustice, and find refuge in God rather than earthly powers. How does the book of Revelation use symbolism and imagery to convey its message, and what are the challenges in interpreting these symbols literally? What is the purpose of God's judgment and wrath as depicted in Revelation, and how does this relate to His ultimate plan for salvation? How does the structure of Revelation, with its repeating cycles of judgment, contribute to our understanding of God's work throughout history? In what ways does Revelation draw upon Old Testament imagery, particularly the plagues of Egypt, and how does this inform our interpretation? How can we reconcile the seemingly violent imagery in Revelation with the concept of a loving God? What role does repentance play in the judgments described in Revelation, both for those outside and inside the church? How should believers respond to injustice in the world, given the perspective offered by Revelation on God's ultimate justice? What does it mean to 'follow the Lamb' in the context of Revelation, and how does this impact our daily lives? How does Revelation challenge our reliance on political power and earthly solutions to global problems? In light of Revelation's message, how can we find hope and refuge in God amidst the troubles and judgments of this world?
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  • The Choice

    The Choice
    Jul 7 2024
    In this exploration of Revelation 14, we're reminded that we face a crucial choice between following the Lamb (Jesus) or the Beast (worldly powers). The imagery of the 144,000 sealed believers, the three angels' messages, and the two harvests vividly illustrate the consequences of our allegiance. We're called to patient endurance, keeping God's commands and remaining faithful to Jesus even in the face of persecution. The eternal gospel is simple yet profound: fear God, give Him glory, and worship Him alone. This message challenges us to examine where our true loyalties lie and to resist the intoxicating influence of 'Babylon' the world's systems that oppose God.
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  • The Beasts

    The Beasts
    Jun 23 2024
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  • The Woman, the Child, and the Dragon

    The Woman, the Child, and the Dragon
    Jun 16 2024
    The story of the woman, the dragon, and the male child in Revelation 12 is a powerful symbol of God's unwavering protection over His promises and His people. We learn that the woman represents the holder of God's promise, whether it be Eve, Israel, Mary, or the church. Despite the dragon's relentless attempts to devour and destroy, God's promises remain secure. This reminds us that no matter what trials or challenges we face, we can find comfort in knowing that God's love and salvation are unshakable. As we navigate our own spiritual battles, let us hold fast to the truth of God's Word and the power of our testimony in Christ.
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  • The Witnesses

    The Witnesses
    Jun 9 2024
    This message delves into the rich symbolism and themes of Revelation 11, where two witnesses clothed in sackcloth prophesy, perform miracles, and are ultimately killed by the beast, only to be resurrected and called up to heaven. We learn that these witnesses represent the church, empowered by the Holy Spirit to boldly testify about Jesus in a world that opposes God. Though we may face rejection or persecution for our witness, we can find courage knowing the Spirit is with us and that even in death, we share in Christ's ultimate victory. The vivid imagery of the passage, with allusions to Old Testament figures like Moses and Elijah, is meant to spark our imagination and reveal deep spiritual truths about God's kingdom triumphing over evil. As we let this message ignite our faith, we are inspired to live as faithful witnesses, making every word and deed a testimony that points others to Jesus.
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