The teachings below were recorded during our, “Phone-in Fellowship” in Glendale Arizona during the 2020 Pandemic. The underlying theme of these audio teachings is how to receive God’s help; trusting Him in uncertain times. They are practical for any uncertain times one may face.
12-27-2020 The New Birth In The New Year (27:55)
(Some comments prior to the teaching are included)
Many are praying for lots of things to change for the better while others are making new “resolutions” for their lives in this upcoming New Year. But there is something that will not change this year! As we read God’s Word in this coming year, especially the Church epistles that have so much information about who we are as born again ones, and what we have as born again ones, and what we can do as born again ones, when we read and think on those things, let’s remind ourselves, that all those things have not, and will not change! This morning we pondered some of the great realities we have because of the new birth that will never, ever change!
12-20-2020 The Magi (43:34)
(Some comments prior to the teaching are included)
This teaching may answer some questions you have about the “wise men” from Matthew 2. Whatever you believe about the Magi does not affect your salvation. But if we are not careful in our handling of Scriptures concerning matters that do not directly affect our salvation, how can we be sure that we’ll be careful and precise when they do?
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, God’s Son, the savior of the world had arrived. However, salvation had not arrived. We have salvation because of the completed work of Jesus Christ, which includes him laying down his life, paying the price for the sins of the whole world. And then, God raised him from the dead to die no more!
God raising Jesus from the dead is the assurance God has given that Jesus Christ is indeed lord of all people who have ever lived. And Romans 10 declares that if a person confesses Jesus as lord, and believes in their heart that God raised him from the dead, “thou shalt be saved!”
12-13-2020 The Two Announcements (44:13)
(Some comments prior to the teaching are included)
‘Tis the season – to preach about Jesus! Every season is a good time to preach Jesus! In the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke, God sent Gabriel to make an announcement – first to Zacharias, and then, 6 months later, to Mary. Their responses were different. Nevertheless, God not only sent John the Baptist to bless Israel, but He sent His only begotten Son – the savior of the world! And Jesus in his earthly ministry proclaimed he was, “the light of the world.” He also stated that we are the light of the world, and that we should let our light shine! This morning we looked at how we can let our light shine, even in the midst of so much chaos and uncertainty in our world, plus perhaps in dealing with personal difficulties we may be struggling with.
12-6-22-2020 The Greatest Gift (41:09)
(Some comments prior to the teaching are included)
Even in the midst of these stressfully uncertain and unsettling days, many people this time of year will turn their thoughts to the tradition of gift giving. Sadly for some, this brings on more stress, feeling obligated to give.
On the other hand, God gave the greatest gift ever given, not from feeling obligated, but out of love – love for all human beings! This morning we considered God’s great love, His great gift, and the great result to all who accept His great invitation!
11-22-2020 So Very Important (42:18)
(Some comments prior to the teaching are included)
When it comes to a right understanding of the Scriptures, we dare not add to it, subtract from it, and we certainly do not change it around a little bit to fit the current culture.
It doesn’t matter how sincere sounding, how religious sounding, how spiritual sounding something is; if it is contrary to the gospel of God concerning His Son Jesus Christ, then it greatly hinders a born-again one from living a victorious life, enjoying and taking advantage of the rights, privileges and abilities that God has given each one of us, that Jesus Christ accomplished for us by his death and resurrection. This morning, a brief reminder of why it’s so very important to rightly understand the Scriptures.
11-15-2020 A Spiritual Awakening (36:34)
(Some comments prior to the teaching are included)
Over the past three or four weeks there’s something that’s been on my mind. In Acts 17 when Paul went into Thessalonica, those Gentiles, turned from worshipping idols to serve the One True God! And then, they became examples! It was a spiritual awakening! In the midst of all the chaos in our day and time, can we not pray for a spiritual awakening? A revival?
11-8-2020 Faithful To His Promises (43:17)
(Some comments prior to the teaching are included)
This morning we considered 4 really big promises made by God, three of which He has already fulfilled. After considering those 4, what about His others promises He has declared in His Word? There will always be things going on that are outside of our control. But our own thinking is one thing we can control. We can choose to believe what God has spoken to us in His Word.
11-1-2020 Praise God (38:10)
(Some comments prior to the teaching are included) When we give God the praise He deserves, it greatly benefits us, especially in times of need, because it takes our focus off of ourselves and our problem – we mentally shift from dwelling on ourselves to dwelling on our loving God and Father – a God of power, a delivering God! A God Who specializes in things called impossible. A God of miracles! That kind of focus increases our trust and confidence in Him.
And, as a side note, regardless of who wins the election this Tuesday, regardless of which political party is in the majority, regardless of what type of government we live under, who do we look to, for our deliverance, our protection, and our healing? Our government or our God?
10-25-2020 God Does Not Change (42:18)
Last week we saw in God’s Word some people who changed – from serving idols to serving the living and true God! People change, sometimes for the better! Cultures change, sometimes not for the better. But God Almighty does not change! This morning we briefly considered our unchanging God, and His unchanging Word. And we saw a glimpse of the great profit and benefit of believing God’s wonderful Word!
10-18-2020 Acts 17 (38:32)
When the Apostle Paul visited Thessalonica, the result was, they “turned to God from idols!” And those people became examples to all the other believers in Macedonia and Achaia! How did such a change occur? They believed the Word of God that Paul preached. Any person who hears and believes God’s Word will see a great change for the better in their life. This morning we looked at Acts 17. And although the adversary back then, just like today, endeavored to stop the spreading of the Word of God, as long as His Word is preached, people’s lives will be forever changed!
10-11-2020 Be Thankful (30:38)
God’s Word says, “Be ye thankful.” Scientific studies show the great emotional and physical effects for those who consistently and habitually express gratitude. This morning we looked into God’s Word and considered three main reasons to be thankful. One of those is often overlooked, but it can have a great impact on your trust, confidence and believing God.
10-4-2020 Be Not Afraid (34:59)
The Bible speaks about fear in many places. What are you afraid of?
In Dave Bergey’s new book, 100 Scriptures To Help You Regain Your Health, he points out something in the first chapter that really caught my attention; something I hadn’t noticed before regarding God’s counsel on not being afraid.
This morning we looked into God’s Word and saw some of what God says about fear. We also noted, in a number of places, why God tells us to not be afraid. It’s not only inspiring, but I think it will help you tremendously in overcoming fear! (I also included some comments prior to the teaching)
9-27-2020 How To Endure (34:38)
These are indeed unprecedented times. The plague is still around, there are riots in the streets, and the political shouting leading up to the November election grows louder and louder. And for some people, on top of all that, they are doing their best to deal with personal issues, some with very serious personal issues. How can we endure? This morning we looked at what God says we can and ought to do, in the good times, and in the not so good times.
9-20-2020 How Valuable! (31:02)
God’s Word, the Bible, is often neglected because it’s great value to our everyday lives is too often very underestimated. The Bible is not a hobby for us; it’s not something we take a brief look at on a Sunday. The Words of God are “life unto those that find them, and health (medicine) to all their flesh.” This morning we took a brief look at the great value in understanding and keeping God’s Word in the midst of our hearts.
9-13-2020 Such Privilege (41:24)
When you take the time to study the Scriptures and see what God made available for any and every person who believes in Jesus, it is truly astounding! The completed work of our savior gives everyone who accepts Christ privilege that far surpasses what God did for His people Israel. This morning we took a brief look and gained some more understanding of the “Righteousness of God,” which is unto all, and upon all them that believe!
9-6-2020 Stay The Course (31:32)
We certainly do have a very bright future – Jesus Christ is indeed coming back! But as of this moment, he has not returned. And while we wait for that great day to come in the future, how do we stay the course here and now in this present time? This morning we took a look at what God’s Word says about forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before…we press toward the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus!
8/30/2020 A Bottle In The Smoke (37:19)
In this unprecedented year, we may face times of discouragement or crisis. We may be tempted to despair, or be afraid. We might even feel like a “bottle in the smoke!” In those times, as in all times, our thoughts, our thinking is still our choice. We can choose to think like a child of God should think; we can remember where our help comes from; we can look to God and rely on His reliability. We can stay persistent in prayer, and we can choose to trust in our ever delivering, and ever powerful God!
8/23/2020 God Is Love (37:19)
When you take the time to read Scriptures about God’s love. and His love toward us, it’s oftentimes just overwhelming! To think, the Creator of the heavens and the earth loves you. Who me? Yes, you! This morning we saw a glimpse of what God has done for us, all because of His great love. It was His choice; He initiated His love toward us. All He has done for us through the accomplished and completed work of His dear Son, Jesus Christ, is because God so loved! And, as a loving Father to us, He continues to love us, day in and day out.
8/16/2020 We Are Alive (35:43)
The Bible speaks to those who are born again, saying that we were dead, but we are now alive. What does that mean? This morning’s teaching was a review to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the disaster and consequences of what happened in Genesis, and, also to again see how vitally important to our lives it is to believe God’s Words. How very grateful we are for God’s great plan of redemption and salvation, and the completed work of our savior, Jesus Christ, resulting in the pouring out of His spirit, spirit life, making eternal life available to you and me!
8/9/2020 Who Are You? (37:55)
The Bible reveals to those who are born again our true identity: who we really are in God’s eyes. And this has been undervalued and unappreciated. If we choose to believe who our Father says we are, if we choose to believe that we have what our Father says we have, and if we choose to believe we can do what our Father says we can do, there will be tremendous benefit to every aspect of our personal lives.
8-2-2020 Very Valuable (36:28)
The value of God’s Word, the Bible, is immeasurable. Growing in God’s Word is not about gaining more head knowledge. It is about gaining a greater understanding of God and the things of God, so that our own personal lives will be blessed. As a result, we gain more trust in believing His promises so we can receive from God what we need in our lives. We gain more peace in our lives; we gain more of His grace in our lives. Keep feeding yourself God’s Word – read it, study it – keep growing – the profit and value to your personal life is immeasurable – and, you’ll have Light to speak to others in these dark days.
7/26/2020 Humble Prayers (33:37)
Prayer is not simply our “Christian duty.” Genuine prayer to God takes humility. We read in the Gospels of Jesus speaking and teaching about prayer many times. This morning we looked at a very important aspect concerning prayer: humility. Prayer is speaking to God Almighty, and it ought to be with great reverence!
7/19/2020 He Is Coming Back (33:10)
We are living in uneasy and uncertain times. However, there is one thing that is absolutely certain. And whether we believe it or not, it makes no difference; it is set, it will happen, absolutely and most certainly. This morning we looked at what we can expect when that great day comes and we meet Jesus Christ face to face!
7/12/2020 The Power Of God (37:51)
Words persuade us, words convince us – it is words we believe. Whether it’s this pandemic, or the riots in the streets, or something you are dealing with personally – what are you thinking? Whatever you may be dealing with in your life, whatever the adversary throws your way, it is no match for the power of God! God has solutions!
7-1-2020 Freedom (37:27)
I am truly grateful for the freedoms afforded us here in the United States. But no government can ever undo the work of Jesus Christ – it is complete – he himself said, “It is finished!” And no government can ever take away the freedoms we have been given as born again ones.
6-28-2020 The Spiritual Battle (39:24)
Bible believing Christians recognize where ALL the evil and confusion we see in these troubled days comes from. It is a spiritual battle. God’s Word gives us clear and precise information about it, and, about what we can and should do.
6-21-2020 Two Very Important Things (41:25)
Whether we are facing tough personal issues, or, dealing with all that’s going on in the world around us, we can shine as lights!
6-14-2020 He Leads You (36:13)
Looking at and believing what God says in His Word, we can be absolutely convinced God can and will lead us, guide us and direct our steps, and that gives us confidence to watch for and expect His guidance.
6/7/2020 – Psalm 23 (41:35)
In Psalm 91 (see the teaching below – 4/5/2020 – God’s Protection), as well as other places, God uses imagery to describe His love, provision, power and protection! Psalm 23 is powerful! (There’s a beautiful song at the end by Lisa Tracy)
5/31/2020 – He Is Both (30:43)
On the Day Of Pentecost, recorded in Acts 2, there was an explosion of blessings, rights, privileges and abilities God lovingly granted to all who would get born again! This morning, in part 3 of this 3 part series,we looked at two of them.
5/24/2020 – In You (43:56)
This is Part 2 of a 3 part series regarding God’s gift of holy spirit. The Scriptures clearly show born again Christians indeed have God’s gift of holy spirit in them, so now what? What do we do with it? What can we do with it?
5/17/2020 – The Holy Spirit (37:14)
Pentecost is in two weeks, May 31. It’s not only a great time of the year to review and remind ourselves of some of the great truths regarding God’s gift of holy spirit, but in these uncertain days, these truths remind us we are not helpless. We have God’s Word, and, we have been given His spirit. Reminding ourselves of some of these truths in God’s Word will help us during these uncertain days, for the Scripture says, “God is at work in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” And He wants the best for you!
5/10/2020 – What An Example (37:06)
In God’s Word, we not only find His direction for us in difficult times, but He also lovingly shows us real people who had to deal with real pressures. There are indeed some awesome examples, and we looked at one this morning.
5/3/2020 – We Are Not Broken (34:33)
It is so important to recognize, understand and believe who God says we are as a result of being born again. Before we accepted Christ, we were indeed broken, very broken. But now, we are far from broken!
4/26/2020 – He Is (39:38)
Reviewing the verses from II Peter 1:2-4 from last week, we then looked at several of God’s promises. His many exceeding great and precious promises to us are all true! The Bible is very clear that God is both able and willing to perform His Word for us. We considered why, at times, one may struggle with believing He is willing to do it for us, and how to overcome that.
4/19/2020 – Believing His Words (36:11)
Hundreds of times the Bible talks about not being afraid – fear not. In order to not be afraid of something, you need to believe something other than what you are hearing or seeing. In this teaching, we looked at a record where 12 men saw the same thing. Two of them were confident in trusting God. The other ten were full of fear, and, as a result of their report, God’s people became full of fear. Believing God’s Words will get the results God desires for us; having fear and unbelief will yield undesirable consequences.
4/5/2020 – God’s Protection (32:59)
Psalm 91 displays in exquisite grandeur, God’s promise of protection from an assortment of dangers, including plagues, which is mentioned 3 times! A close look at the first 3 verses gives us solid direction on our part so we can trust and expect God to do what He has promised us in this magnificent Psalm!
3/29/2020 – Now What? (31:01)
This teaching gives great biblical perspective when facing challenging and uncertain times. There is evil in the world; in the bible, God doesn’t sugarcoat things. But, His Word gives us specific practical actions we can choose to do. Thinking and holding onto His words is more powerful than most realize! His words are skillful in in judging our thoughts and intents, our notions and emotions, our reasoning and conclusions! 5 things shared we can do right now in facing this challenge, or any challenge. Never underestimate the power of the Word of God in your mind! Put on the whole armour of God!