So since Josh and I have moved to St. Michael we aren't close to our regular church - Substance. We were very sad about leaving Substance because we loved the people and worship and messages but we know it is important to be close to our church so we can grow in relationship with the fellow members and build friendships.
We have attended a few churches in the area and this last week we heard a wonderful message at a church called The Crossing. We were drawn to it because it is a similar church to Substance.
This last week the regular/main pastor wasn't speaking but a different campus pastor spoke on a message called "Noise." We heard a wonderful message that I wanted to share with you because it is such a good message to hear on a regular basis. He spoke about earth with and fire and the consequences of following those things instead of the gentle whisper of the Lord. Following the noise of culture can cause many problems if we don't filter out the noises and just listen to the message of the bible. (2 Tim 3:16-17 the bible is the manual on how to live before going to heaven)
Culture teaches us 3 messages, the "YOU DESERVE IT" message, the "FOLLOW THE CROWD" message and "LOOK OUT FOR YOURSELF" or "YOU ARE #1" message.
1 Kings 19:5-12 talks about Elijah traveling to Mount Sinai and a mighty windstorm passed by, but the Lord wasn't in the wind, then there was an earthquake but the Lord wasn't in the earthquake. And after that there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. But after that there was the sound of a gentle whisper.
"YOU DESERVE IT" - TV tells us that we deserve it all. Do you chase after that wind? Culture tells us to drink more, have more sex, take more drugs...you deserve more, you should have it. It brings you negative consequences and the Bible is your filter to block out the message of the "I deserve it" wind. We don't deserve God, we deserve hell but He came so that we may have life, and have it tot he fullest. (John 10:10)
"FOLLOW THE CROWD" - Everybody else is doing it, so I should do it. Buying the "new" thing that is "old" a few months later. We do things so we feel accepted and popular. Luke 23:18-24 talks about how Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as the crowd demanded even though he wanted to set him free but the crowd shouted and demanded that Jesus be crucified and the crowd won. Are you following the crowd or the gentle whisper of God?
"LOOK OUT FOR YOURSELF" - It's all about me! Not only do I deserve it and I follow the crowd but it is all about me. You play with fire when you look out for yourself. Culture tells you that when you look out for yourself it's just a little sin...it's not a big deal...it's just a little white lie...chase that fire!
Genesis 3:3-4 Being tempted to eat the fruit from the tree.
Culture tells us to sleep around a little bit - there is no looking at the menu when you are married.
Culture tells us to acquire anything we can - the house, boat, car - the guy with the most toys wins....what are you actually winning by being selfish? Are you sticking your hand in the fire?
Read Galatians 5:16-23 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
This was such a great message and such a great testimony Pastor Bruce gave at the end! I thought it would be good for everyone to hear and be reminded as we follow what the Lord is saying!
If you want to hear the message you can listen here at
http://www.crossing-church.com/video_player.php?src=%253Ciframe%2520src%253D%2522http%253A//player.vimeo.com/video/26543480%253Ftitle%253D0%2526amp%253Bbyline%253D0%2526amp%253Bportrait%253D0%2526amp%253Bcolor%253D80ceff%2522%2520width%253D%2522940%2522%2520height%253D%2522529%2522%2520frameborder%253D%25220%2522%253E%253C/iframe%253E&width=940&downloadLink=
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