Sometimes as Christians, the truth of God’s Word doesn’t make it very easily from our heads into our hearts. The Apostle Paul knowing this, prays for the church that we would "GET IT". That our spiritual eyes would be open to the amazing truth that we are “IN” Christ! Once that happens, watch out, our walk with Jesus will change radically.
Podcast: Download (Duration: 46:34 — 10.7MB)
As followers of Jesus Christ, God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. It is simply mind-blowing to realize the privileged position that we have in Christ. The reality of that, should cause us to join Paul in spontaneous praise because we have been selected, saved & sealed “in Christ”. Praise you Lord!
Podcast: Download (Duration: 47:25 — 10.9MB)
When a person looks at the cross of Jesus Christ they see a place of suffering and death for sure. But beyond that, the cross is a beautiful portrait of God’s amazing grace. Grace that forgives, grace that frees, grace that fuels. When we choose to embrace God’s amazing grace, our walk will never be the same!
Podcast: Download (Duration: 44:10 — 10.2MB)
Seeing the despair and anguish of my Savior on His tearful road to the cross out to move me to a greater appreciation and thankfulness to a God who loves me so much that He would endure such heartache for me. "I love you Jesus" should be our response.
Podcast: Download (Duration: 50:32 — 11.6MB)
Seems like the storms in life often come in waves (no pun intended) – and it just so happens to be a particularly stormy time right now for a number of folks in our church family here at Refuge Calvary Chapel Bradenton.
During this stormy season, there are a number of things that the Lord has been speaking to me, but there is one thing that is quickly becoming a reoccurring theme… “The Lord Knows!”
Psalm 139:1-2 O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern
The Lord knows – He really does! Jesus is aware of every intimate detail of your life (check out the rest of Psalm 139:1-24 – I really believe you will be encouraged). The Lord is fully aware of EVERYTHING you are going through RIGHT NOW and in His awareness, He has our best interest at hand EVERY TIME.
You see, it really boils down to this Biblical truth – the storms in the Christian life will come and go and according to God’s economy on things, they are for our own good. How so? They try and refine our faith as a burning fire refines the impurities out of gold. In fact, Peter tells us that our trials are more precious than refined gold. In other words, there is none richer in the Kingdom of God than those who have a faith that has been refined and tested in the heat of difficult times! You can take that to the bank. 
Sometimes the Lord delivers from the storm. Oftentimes he leads us through the storm. One thing that we can all trust in is this “The Lord Knows” and He will be with us EVERY step of the way when those storms do come.
I hope that encourages you as you find yourself being tossed around today.
Blessings, Ray
I viewed this 3 minute video clip from K.P. Yohannan (founder of GFA) a short while ago and thought WOW… other people need to see this too!! I can’t wait to watch the full message later on tonight. If you have ever listen to K.P. speak or have read any of his books, you always walk away convicted and challenge in some way. This clip sure didn’t disappoint. I pray it blessing you likewise-sometimes we need a good helping of reality in our Christians walk. This video has challenge me to rethink once again the weightiness of what Paul meant when he said… "For to me, to live is Christ". You can view the full message here http://www.gfa.org/to-live-is-christ
Guidelines for the ministry can be found here. [Read more...]
Chris Thostenson of Calvary Chapel Venice teaches on the importance of being in tune with Jesus!
