http://www.restoration-church.com/category/audio/ These are the weekly teachings happening at Restoration Covenant Church in Redlands, CA. We meet on Sunday evenings at 5:30pm at the 1st United Methodist Church right in downtown Redlands at 1 East Olive Ave, Redlands, CA 92374. To learn more about our church and it's ministries, visit our website at www.restoration-church.com or our Facebook at www.facebook.com/restorationchurch. Sat, 04 Feb 2012 21:44:18 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=Restoration Covenant Church These are the weekly teachings happening at Restoration Covenant Church in Redlands, CA. We meet on Sunday mornings at 10:30am at the University of Redlands at University Hall. The address is: 1200 East Colton Ave. Redlands, CA 92373 To learn more about our church and it's ministries, visit our website at www.restoration-church.com or our Facebook at www.facebook.com/restorationchurch. Restoration Covenant Church no Restoration Covenant Church ben@restoration-church.com ben@restoration-church.com (Restoration Covenant Church) ©2010 Restoration Covenant Church Restoration Covenant Church in Redlands, CA Restoration, Covenant, Church, Redlands, Following, Jesus, family, good, world, restoration-church.com http://www.restoration-church.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/restoration_itunes_144x144.jpg http://www.restoration-church.com/category/audio/ Redlands, CA Weekly http://www.restoration-church.com/2012/01/22/gods-heart-for-the-world/ http://www.restoration-church.com/2012/01/22/gods-heart-for-the-world/#comments Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:59:01 +0000 Restoration Covenant Church http://www.restoration-church.com/?p=2151 Share|]]> http://www.restoration-church.com/2012/01/22/gods-heart-for-the-world/feed/ 0 jonah,Love,mission,outside,rebellion God is a missionary God. His heart is for those on the outside, for those who are far away, even for those who live in open rebellion to his law. And our heart, if it is anything like God's heart, is to love those who are far away from him. (http://www.restoration-church.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/identity_01_green_585x268.jpg) God is a missionary God. His heart is for those on the outside, for those who are far away, even for those who live in open rebellion to his law. And our heart, if it is anything like God's heart, is to love those who are far away from him. Recorded at our service on 1/22/12 by Pastor Jon MacDonald. Jonah 1 (TNIV) Jonah Flees From the LORD 1 The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” 3 But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD. 4 Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. 5 All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. 6 The captain went to him and said, “How can you sleep Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us so that we will not perish.” 7 Then the sailors said to each other, “Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity.” They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. 8 So they asked him, “Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us What kind of work do you do Where do you come from What is your country From what people are you” 9 He answered, “I am a Hebrew and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” 10 This terrified them and they asked, “What have you done” (They knew he was running away from the LORD, because he had already told them so.) 11 The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, “What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us” 12 “Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” 13 Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. 14 Then they cried out to the LORD, “Please, LORD, do not let us die for taking this man’s life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, LORD, have done as you pleased.” 15 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. 16 At this the men greatly feared the LORD, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows to him. [a]17 Now the LORD provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. Jonah 2 Jonah’s Prayer 1 [b]From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. 2 He said: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry. 3 You hurled me into the deep, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. 4 I said, ‘I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’ 5 The engulfing waters threatened me,[c] the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. 6 To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you, LORD my God, brought my life up from the pit. 7 “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. 8 “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit God’s love for them. 9 But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’” 10 And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. Jonah 3 Jonah Goes to Nineveh Restoration Covenant Church no 30:33 http://www.restoration-church.com/2012/01/15/addiction-and-grace/ http://www.restoration-church.com/2012/01/15/addiction-and-grace/#comments Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:59:05 +0000 Restoration Covenant Church http://www.restoration-church.com/?p=2138 Share|]]> http://www.restoration-church.com/2012/01/15/addiction-and-grace/feed/ 0 addiction,freedom,garden,grace,identity Psychologist have proven that grace is essential to overcoming addictive behavior.  The Gospel is grace, and is powerful in actually liberating us from our real and crippling addictions.  We know the story of where they originate (the Garden) and where... (http://www.restoration-church.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/identity_04_tan_585x268.jpg) Psychologist have proven that grace is essential to overcoming addictive behavior.  The Gospel is grace, and is powerful in actually liberating us from our real and crippling addictions.  We know the story of where they originate (the Garden) and where our identity is found (in Christ). Recorded at our service on 1/15/12 by Pastor Jon MacDonald. Luke 7:36-50 (TNIV) Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman 36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. 39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” 40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. 41 “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,[a] and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. 44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” 48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Footnotes: a. Luke 7:41 A denarius was the daily wage of a day laborer (see Matt. 20:2). Today's New International Version (TNIV) © Copyright 2001, 2005 by Biblica Restoration Covenant Church no 44:15 http://www.restoration-church.com/2012/01/08/jesus-friend-of-sinners/ http://www.restoration-church.com/2012/01/08/jesus-friend-of-sinners/#comments Mon, 09 Jan 2012 07:59:42 +0000 Restoration Covenant Church http://www.restoration-church.com/?p=2127 Share|]]> http://www.restoration-church.com/2012/01/08/jesus-friend-of-sinners/feed/ 0 friend,humility,jesus,sinners Why was Jesus so attractive to sinners?  How was it that someone who had never once sinned attract people who were hyper aware of their own sin?  Could it be because of the humble beginnings of his life and his operating from the fringes of society? (http://www.restoration-church.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/identity_03_purple_585x268.jpg) Why was Jesus so attractive to sinners?  How was it that someone who had never once sinned attract people who were hyper aware of their own sin?  Could it be because of the humble beginnings of his life and his operating from the fringes of society? Recorded at our service on 1/8/12 by Pastor Jon MacDonald. Luke 7:36-50 (TNIV) Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman 36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. 39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” 40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. 41 “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,[a] and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. 44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” 48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Footnotes: a. Luke 7:41 A denarius was the daily wage of a day laborer (see Matt. 20:2). Today's New International Version (TNIV) © Copyright 2001, 2005 by Biblica   Restoration Covenant Church no 50:00 http://www.restoration-church.com/2012/01/01/remembering/ http://www.restoration-church.com/2012/01/01/remembering/#comments Sun, 01 Jan 2012 19:59:18 +0000 Restoration Covenant Church http://www.restoration-church.com/?p=2105 Share|]]> http://www.restoration-church.com/2012/01/01/remembering/feed/ 0 altars,faithfulness,remember Many times in the Old Testament the people are commanded to remember. Alters are built, not to sacrifice, but to remember what God has done to be faithful to his people. God's concern seems to be much more focused on remembering the past than making pl... (http://www.restoration-church.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/identity_02_blue_585x268.jpg) Many times in the Old Testament the people are commanded to remember. Alters are built, not to sacrifice, but to remember what God has done to be faithful to his people. God's concern seems to be much more focused on remembering the past than making plans for the future. Recorded at our service on 1/1/12 by Pastor Jon MacDonald. Joshua 3 Crossing the Jordan 1 Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. 2 After three days the officers went throughout the camp, 3 giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. 4 Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits[a]between you and the ark; do not go near it.” 5 Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you.” 6 Joshua said to the priests, “Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on ahead of the people.” So they took it up and went ahead of them. 7 And the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses. 8 Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river.’” 9 Joshua said to the Israelites, “Come here and listen to the words of the LORD your God. 10 This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that he will certainly drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites and Jebusites. 11 See, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go into the Jordan ahead of you. 12 Now then, choose twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe. 13 And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the LORD—the Lord of all the earth—set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap.” 14 So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. 15 Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, 16 the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. 17 The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground. Joshua 4 1 When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua, 2 “Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, 3 and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, from right where the priests are standing, and carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight.” 4 So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, 5 and said to them, “Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, 6 to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 7 tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever. Restoration Covenant Church no 42:17 http://www.restoration-church.com/2011/08/14/husbands-and-wives-kids-and-slaves/ http://www.restoration-church.com/2011/08/14/husbands-and-wives-kids-and-slaves/#comments Mon, 15 Aug 2011 06:59:05 +0000 Restoration Covenant Church http://www.restoration-church.com/?p=1883 Share|]]> http://www.restoration-church.com/2011/08/14/husbands-and-wives-kids-and-slaves/feed/ 0 Ephesians 2: 14-22,Ephesians 5:21-6:9,jesus,Love,Marraige,Men and Women,peace,Relationships,Submitting to Christ,The Church Jesus has destroyed all dividing walls, and our job is to make sure those walls don't return.  Paul gives us concrete advice in our relationships with each other, both at home and at work. Recorded at our service on 8/14/11 by Pastor Jon MacDonald.   (http://www.restoration-church.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ephesians_week09_wiveshusbandskidsandslaves_585x268.jpg) Jesus has destroyed all dividing walls, and our job is to make sure those walls don't return.  Paul gives us concrete advice in our relationships with each other, both at home and at work. Recorded at our service on 8/14/11 by Pastor Jon MacDonald.   Ephesians 2:14-22 & 5:21-6:9 Ephesians 2: 14-22 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Ephesians 5:21-6:9 21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, people have never hated their own bodies, but they feed and care for them, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.  1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” 4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. 5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one of you for whatever good you do, whether you are slave or free. 9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him. Restoration Covenant Church no 57:13 http://www.restoration-church.com/2011/07/31/everything-illuminated-becomes-light/ http://www.restoration-church.com/2011/07/31/everything-illuminated-becomes-light/#comments Mon, 01 Aug 2011 03:59:52 +0000 Restoration Covenant Church http://www.restoration-church.com/?p=2018 Share|]]> http://www.restoration-church.com/2011/07/31/everything-illuminated-becomes-light/feed/ 0 become light,belief,darkness,generous,God,light,live well,loving,reflection We once lived in darkness. Now we live in light. To live well, we must know that God is good, generous, and loving, then be free to reflect that into creation, and become light ourselves. Recorded at our service on 7/31/11 by Pastor Jon MacDonald. (http://www.restoration-church.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ephesians_week07_everythingilluminatedbecomesalight_585x268.jpg) We once lived in darkness, but now live in the light.  What we know and believe about God will affect how we live.  In order to live well, we must know that God is good, generous, and loving.  Then we are free to reflect that into creation, and become light ourselves. Recorded at our service on 7/31/11 by Pastor Jon MacDonald.     Ephesians 1:22-2:3 (TNIV) Today's New International Version Ephesians 1 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Ephesians 2 Made Alive in Christ 1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. Footnotes: Ephesians 2:3 Or our flesh   Ephesians 5:8-14 (TNIV) 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” © Copyright 2001, 2005 by Biblica Restoration Covenant Church no 43:36 http://www.restoration-church.com/2011/07/24/walking-in-the-light/ http://www.restoration-church.com/2011/07/24/walking-in-the-light/#comments Mon, 25 Jul 2011 06:59:56 +0000 Restoration Covenant Church http://www.restoration-church.com/?p=1870 Share|]]> http://www.restoration-church.com/2011/07/24/walking-in-the-light/feed/ 0 called,forgive,Love,words We are called to follow God's example in forgiving others and loving others.  We are to learn how to walk in love.  We are also to understand the power of words to create and build others up. Recorded at our service 7/24/11 by Pastor Jon MacDonald. (http://www.restoration-church.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ephesians_week06_walkinginthelight_585x268.jpg) We are called to follow God's example in forgiving others and loving others.  We are to learn how to walk in love.  We are also to understand the power of words to create and build others up. Recorded at our service 7/24/11 by Pastor Jon MacDonald.   Ephesians 1:7-10 (TNIV) 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he[a] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. Footnotes: Ephesians 1:9 Or us with all wisdom and understanding. And he   Ephesians 5:1-7 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for the Lord’s people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them. Footnotes: Ephesians 5:5 Or kingdom of the Christ and God Restoration Covenant Church no 33:36 http://www.restoration-church.com/2011/07/17/gods-masterpiece/ http://www.restoration-church.com/2011/07/17/gods-masterpiece/#comments Mon, 18 Jul 2011 06:59:45 +0000 Restoration Covenant Church http://www.restoration-church.com/?p=1730 Share|]]> http://www.restoration-church.com/2011/07/17/gods-masterpiece/feed/ 0 anger,Ephesians 2:10,Ephesians 4:25-32,life,new ways,paul,Restoration Church,saints,sharing,speak truth,useful We are God's masterpiece.  You are a saint- better get used to that idea.  We are told to stop living in the old ways, but to divert our energies into activities that bring life.  Recorded at our service 07/17/2011 by Pastor Jon MacDonald. (http://www.restoration-church.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/ephesians_week05_godsmasterpiece_585x268.jpg) We are God's masterpiece.  You are a saint- better get used to that idea.  We are told to stop living in the old ways, but to divert our energies into activities that bring life.  Recorded at our service 07/17/2011 by Pastor Jon MacDonald. Ephesians 2:10, 4:25-32 (TNIV) Ephesians 2 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 4 25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”[d]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Those who have been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Restoration Covenant Church no 48:04 http://www.restoration-church.com/2011/07/10/once-dead-now-alive/ http://www.restoration-church.com/2011/07/10/once-dead-now-alive/#comments Mon, 11 Jul 2011 06:59:55 +0000 Restoration Covenant Church http://www.restoration-church.com/?p=1705 Share|]]> http://www.restoration-church.com/2011/07/10/once-dead-now-alive/feed/ 0 alive,dead,death,ephesians,life,Love Once dead; now alive. These two passages contrast two paths: one that leads to death, and another that leads to life. A road we once we walked upon, and another from which love and life flows. Recorded at our service on 7/10/11 by Pastor Jon MacDonald. (http://www.restoration-church.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/ephesians_week04_oncedeadnowalive_585x268.jpg) Once dead; now alive. These two passages contrast two paths: one that leads to death, and another that leads to life. A road we once we walked upon, and another from which love and life flows. Recorded at our service on 7/10/11 by Pastor Jon MacDonald. ---------- Ephesians 2:1-9 (TNIV) Made Alive in Christ 1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. Footnotes: Ephesians 2:3 or "our flesh" ---------- Ephesians 4:17-24 (TNIV) Instructions for Christian Living 17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. 20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Today's New International Version (TNIV) © Copyright 2001, 2005 by Biblica Restoration Covenant Church no 44:09 http://www.restoration-church.com/2011/07/03/the-politics-of-jesus/ http://www.restoration-church.com/2011/07/03/the-politics-of-jesus/#comments Mon, 04 Jul 2011 06:59:59 +0000 Restoration Covenant Church http://www.restoration-church.com/?p=1556 Share|]]> http://www.restoration-church.com/2011/07/03/the-politics-of-jesus/feed/ 0 caesar,jesus,law,politics,tax In an attempt to trap Jesus, the teachers of the law ask Jesus about a hot political topic: the 'head tax.' In his response, Jesus lays the groundwork for political action. Recorded at our service on 7/3/11 by Pastor Jon MacDonald. (http://www.restoration-church.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/politicsofjesus_585x268.jpg) In an attempt to trap Jesus, the teachers of the law ask Jesus about a hot political topic: the 'head tax.'  In his response, Jesus lays the groundwork for political action. Recorded at our service on 7/3/11 by Pastor Jon MacDonald. Mark 12:13-17 (TNIV) Paying the Imperial Tax to Caesar 13 Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. 14 They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax[a] to Caesar or not? 15 Should we pay or shouldn’t we?” But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” 16 They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. 17 Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him. Footnotes: Mark 12:14 A special tax levied on subject peoples, not on Roman citizens Today's New International Version (TNIV) © Copyright 2001, 2005 by Biblica Restoration Covenant Church no 39:15 http://www.restoration-church.com/2011/06/26/growing-up/ http://www.restoration-church.com/2011/06/26/growing-up/#comments Mon, 27 Jun 2011 06:59:46 +0000 Restoration Covenant Church http://www.restoration-church.com/?p=1476 Share|]]> http://www.restoration-church.com/2011/06/26/growing-up/feed/ 0 babies,ephesians,grownups,obedience,strength God is looking for grownups, not babies. He is calling and leading us to grow up into Christ, our head. This is no overnight, 5 steps towards a good life, but a long, learned obedience. We are destined, not to be blown about, but to stand strong. (http://www.restoration-church.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/ephesians_week03_growingup_585x268.jpg) God is looking for grownups, not babies.  He is calling and leading us to grow up into Christ, our head.  This is no overnight, 5 steps towards a good life, but a long, learned obedience.  We are destined, not to be blown about, but to stand strong. Recorded at our service on 6/26/11 by Pastor Jon MacDonald.   Ephesians 2:11-13 (TNIV) Jew and Gentile Reconciled Through Christ 11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.   Ephesians 4:14-16 (TNIV) 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.   Today's New International Version (TNIV) © Copyright 2001, 2005 by Biblica Restoration Covenant Church no 38:41 http://www.restoration-church.com/2011/06/19/chosen-and-equipped/ http://www.restoration-church.com/2011/06/19/chosen-and-equipped/#comments Mon, 20 Jun 2011 06:59:53 +0000 Restoration Covenant Church http://www.restoration-church.com/?p=1453 Share|]]> http://www.restoration-church.com/2011/06/19/chosen-and-equipped/feed/ 0 calling,destiny,ephesians,leading,predestination,predestined,pursue,pursuit,responding,response Christ and church are paired together 11 times in Ephesians. We have been predestined by a God who pursues us. Our lives are stories of God's relentless pursuit, and us responding. And his pursuit of us is to lead us into a call; a specific destiny ... (http://www.restoration-church.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/ephesians_week02_chosenandequipped_585x268.jpg) Christ and church are paired together 11 times in Ephesians.  We have been predestined by a God who pursues us.  Our lives are stories of God's relentless pursuit, and us responding.  And his pursuit of us is to lead us into a call; a specific destiny for each of us. Recorded at our service on 6/19/11 by Pastor Jon MacDonald.   Ephesians 1:11-14 (TNIV) 11 In him we were also chosen,[a] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Footnotes: a. Ephesians 1:11 Or were made heirs   Ephesians 4:7-13 (TNIV) 7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it[a] says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.”[b] 9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions[c]? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Footnotes: a. Ephesians 4:8 Or God b. Ephesians 4:8 Psalm 68:18 c. Ephesians 4:9 Or the depths of the earth   Today's New International Version (TNIV) © Copyright 2001, 2005 by Biblica Restoration Covenant Church no 52:39