Teachings on Spiritual Growth (Page 2)

“Envy Gets in the Way of God’s Purpose” – Acts 5:16-42 (Sunday 5/23/21)

In the last Part of Acts 5, after the apostles are freed from prison by the Angel of the Lord, the religious leaders still asked Peter not to speak in the name of Jesus, but he replied in verse 29, “We will serve God and not man”. These leaders then plotted to kill them, but Gamaliel advised them to leave the followers alone. Pastor Keith points out that just as cod fish were more tasty when catfish were around, so…

“Undercover Missionaries” – Esther 4 (Tuesday 5/18/21)

The Jews, mourning the news of the decree made by king Ahaseurus, send word to Queen Esther of their imminent destruction. Mordecai sends a plea to Esther to appeal on her people’s behalf. Esther commands Mordecai and the Jews to fast for three days and nights and agrees to appeal to the king. Pastor Keith demonstrates how sometimes people are placed in positions where they are working undercover for the Lord. These people may not always be aware or even…

“Liar Liar, Pants on Fire” – Acts 5:1-26 (Sunday 5/16/21)

Pastor Keith explains how Ananias, with Sapphira lie to the Holy Spirit about the price of their property and donation and compares it to how we can act like we are glorifying God with what we give and not be honest about it. The main problem here was hypocrisy. The rest of this passage in Acts 5 showed the great presence of the Holy Spirit in the disciples. People brought the sick out and were healed. This same presence and…

“A New Queen” – Esther 2 (Tuesday 5/4/21)

Coming to his senses after his royal decree against Queen Vashti, the king realizes that he is in need of a replacement queen. Arrangements are made to gather many young, beautiful virgins in order to seek a replacement. Among these is Esther, cousin of Mordecai, who is a beautiful orphaned Jewish girl. Esther impresses the king’s eunuch who advises her on how to seek the king’s favor, which she succeeds at. Esther is made Queen and a feast is prepared…

“God Did it! Not me” – Acts 3 (Sunday 4/25/21)

In Acts 3 the topic of the lame man asking for money at the temple is explained. Peter tells him to look at us and the man was expecting to receive. Peter tells him in verse 6 to rise up and walk in the name of Jesus, then Peter, with no indication of healing takes him by the hand and the lame man is healed (Acts 3:7). The people were amazed, but Peter reminds them is was done through the…

Intro to Book of Esther (Tuesday 4/20/21)

The Book of Esther is about a courageous, Jewish orphan girl who saves her people from extermination through God’s providence. Providence is the way God’s will leads those who will not be led. God is always working behind the scenes, using selected people to further His will.

“Do You want to follow Jesus?” – John 20&21 (Sunday 4/11/21)

In John 20:24-31, Thomas first doubts and then believes after he sees Jesus. In verse 29 we are told blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed. In verse 31, we learn these things are written so we will believe and have life in His name. We are so blessed that the story of the very patriarchs of the church having doubts. In John 21, Jesus finds the disciples going back to fishing, their old life. How easy…

“Jesus, the True Lover” – Ephesians 5:20-33 (Tuesday 4/6/21)

In Ephesians 5:20-33, submission to each other, submission in the marriage and submission to Christ is outlined. In Verse 20 of Ephesians 5 we are told to give thanks always in all things. This is not easy, but we can do all things through Christ. In verse 21 we are told to submit to one another. Submission is a military term to submit to one in authority. This means that we all have authority in Christ. In Verse 21, wives…