Just before his crucifixion, Jesus met with his disciples in The Upper Room. It was a somber time. He told the disciples he would be leaving them. He said Peter would deny him. He said Judas would betray him. How discouraging and saddening this must have been! Then, just weeks later the disciples were together again in The Upper Room. The mood was so much different this time. Though Jesus had ascended to heaven, he had promised them the Holy Spirit. There was anticipation! There was hope! Speaker: Rod Brandt Your browser does not support the audio element.
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After Jesus rose from the grave, he appeared to many people — as many as 500 at one time! As you might imagine, there was much anticipation as to what would happen next. His disciples thought for sure he would immediately establish his kingdom on earth, as was prophesied in the Old Testament book of Isaiah. But, that's not what happened. Speaker: Rod Brandt Your browser does not support the audio element.
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The Apostle Paul says that self control should be a natural result of living by the Holy Spirit. Yet, it can be so hard! In a world that encourages indulgences and says "speak your mind," it can feel like we're fighting a losing battle. But the same Holy Spirit that convicts us of our sin also gives us the power to withstand temptation and to exercise self-control, for our own good and for the glory of God. Speaker: Rod Brandt Your browser does not support the audio element.
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Our understanding of love is one based on emotion, a feeling that we have, a love from the heart. However, God calls us to love at an even deeper level: with our will. This love, what The Bible calls agape, is not feelings-based; rather, it is a decision. And it can be challenging to love this way sometimes! Still, there is grace. Jesus loves us with agape love even when we cannot love others that way. Speaker: Rod Brandt Your browser does not support the audio element.
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Think about the times when you have been ridiculed, insulted or scorned, times when your integrity has been called into question. How did you respond? Was it in anger? Did you hurl your own insults? In this message, we'll examine how Peter says we, as Christians, are to respond. We'll also hear how one local Christ-centered organization has returned harshness with gentleness. Speaker: Rod Brandt Your browser does not support the audio element.
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What is goodness as defined in The Bible? Is it the same as kindness? (Hint: it's not.) What does it mean to be good? Having integrity is good. Being kind is good. But there is a lot more to goodness than simply doing the right things. Speaker: Rod Brandt Your browser does not support the audio element.
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Patience is a fruit of the Spirit that is elusive for so many of us. Like any fruit, patience can only be produced when planted, watered and nourished. God will develop patience in us; we simply need to do our part by staying in the Word (and remain there), allowing Him to nourish and change us. Speaker: Joe Moore Your browser does not support the audio element.
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Throughout The Bible we see God fulfilling his promises, never wavering from the covenants he makes with mankind. We can take courage that no matter how bad things get in the world, how far we fall into sin or how bad circumstances are in our lives, God is unchanging. God is faithful. God is not faithful to us because we are faithful to him. He is faithful because that is his nature, and he cannot violate his nature. Speaker: Rod Brandt Your browser does not support the audio element.
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Are you happy? Do you have joy? Did you know that the two are not the same? Happiness comes and goes, but joy is persistent. We can be joyful in the midst of struggle, in the midst of persecution and even in our grief. How? Because joy is a choice. We have the ability to choose to be joyful no matter our circumstances. It is a joy the world does not understand and would even call inappropriate. Speaker: Rod Brandt Your browser does not support the audio element.
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God calls us to be kind to others. This doesn't mean kindness when we feel like it or when it's convenient. No, God calls us to be intentionally kind. This includes when we feel indifferent, when we're facing trials in life and even when we're confronted by hate. That sounds like an impossible standard to meet. However, through the Holy Spirit, God produces not only the ability but also the desire to be kind. Speaker: Rod Brandt Your browser does not support the audio element.
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