The War in our Mind. (2 Cor 10:1-5) Verses 1-2 In this section Paul is dealing with some people in the Corinthian church who were questioning his authority and his methods. Verse 3 Paul realizes that this is spiritual warfare. This is a spiritual issue, not a worldly one. They don’t have just cause for...
The Good News of Bad Government (Romans 13:1-3) In order to understand this passage, we have to develop Theology for it. The first rule is developing Theology is to make sure the whole of scripture agrees with it. Let’s look at 1 Peter 2:13-15. Peter and Paul seem to be in agreement here. They both...
In this message guest speaker Paulsen Kitimbo talks about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
In this message Tim continues to look at the idea of living under the Favor of God by looking at Malachi 3.
Living Under God’s Favor Why is this important? To live under the favor of God. When we live under the favor of God, God protects and breathes life into our finances. When we live under God’s favor, he protects our health. When we live under the favor of God, He protects our possessions. Duet 29:5;...
The Difference Easter Makes Living in the Spirit (Jer 31:31, John 14:15) In the OT era the presence of God was confined largely to a geographic location. When the Hebrews wandered in the wilderness for 40 years his presence was confined to the When they finally reached the promised land God’s presence was...
Easter 2023 Resurrection Power Luke 24:1 The first day of the week is of course Sunday. The structure in the Greek suggests this was at first light, as soon as they could see. Verse 2 The tomb would have had a large round stone that looked like a wheel or disk covering the opening. The...
Palm Sunday 2023: His Relentless Pursuit (Luke 19:28-42) Verses 28-29 There is a strong contrast in this section between the rejoicing of the crowd over Jesus’ entry and the lamenting and weeping of Jesus over the coming rejection of the people and the destruction of Jerusalem. Verse 30 Jesus’ confidence about the animal’s availability, location,...
Right Response (Matt 11:16-19) Verse 11 Many of Jesus’ parables start with something like. What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? Jesus was always trying to find a way to help the people understand what the Kingdom of God is like. Here he tries to explain the people rather...
This message is by special guest speaker Paulsen Kitimbo. THE BREATH OF GOD The Hebrew word for breath is RUACH which means In Greek word for breath is PNEUMA which translates Spirit. It was the breath of GOD that hovered overed over the lifeless void, the breath that animated the dark waters with a...
Wrong signs (Matt 12:38 and John 14:11) Matt 12:38 In the parallel story in Luke, He points out that the crowds were getting bigger. The verse here in Matt ends with a demand from the Pharisees and teachers of the law. The Greek word used here means distinguishing mark (1), miracle (2), sign(s) They were...
Binding and losing done right (Matt16:19-20) Verse 13 This verse sets the context for this lesson. This is about 20 miles north of Galilee. This was a very Gentile region and perhaps the perfect back drop for what Jesus wanted to do. In the parallel story of Luke and Mark Jesus asks, “who do people...
Reconciliation done right (Matt 5:21-24) The context here in this passage is part of Jesus’ sermon on the Mount. The sermon on the Mount really sets the stage for the rest of Jesus’ ministry. In the sermon on the Mount Jesus takes the law and the Commandments and elevates them to heart issues. The law...
Doing Love Right (2023) (John 13:34) John 13: 34 Jesus is nearing the end of this life on earth, and He is giving His disciples instructions on how to live and how to spread the Gospel after His death. So, Jesus starts by giving a “New Command First, it is a command straight from the...
Completed Work (Philippians 1:6) Phil 1:6 Context: Paul wrote this letter in 62 AD near the end of his first Roman imprisonment. So, he is writing this letter from prison. Paul may have known the people in the Philippian church were feeling discouraged with their spiritual growth. We often think of that word “work”...
What is Good? (Isaiah 5:20) Verse 20 is broken into three phrases. They all mean the same basic thing. This is just the typical Hebrew poetry style of writing common in the OT. They say something, and then they say it again, using different words, to add emphasis. The repeating and subtle word choices would...
Lot’s Wife Philippians 3:3-4 Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Luke 17: 32-33 Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life...
God of restoration (2023) From Genesis to revelation, we see that God is a god of restoration. Gen 41:39–43 How do you go from a prisoner to the second in command of an entire country that fast? But God loves to restore and restore quickly. And in the next chapter of Genesis Joseph is...
In this message Pastor Tim recaps and summarizes the last several weeks of messages from the Christmas story in the book of Luke and makes a few comments along the way.
The Christmas Story: Love is Born Part II (Luke 1:26-38) Verse 26 The story now shifts from Zechariah to Mary. From the public setting of the Temple in Jerusalem to a private scene in a small town. There are nine parallels between this story and the one that we just looked at with Zechariah. The...
The Christmas Story: Love is Born (Luke 1:5-25) Verse 5 Luke sets the dates of these events for us in the history of Palestine. Luke references Herod the Great who reigned over the Jewish people for Rome. Herod received his commission to rule from Mark Anthony and the Roman Senate in 40BC but did not...
Thanksgiving 2022 (Luke 17:11-19) Luke 17 Within the context of Luke Jesus has been traveling for some time to make his way back to Jerusalem. He is now between Samaria and galilee. Verse 12 The Greek word used here is for various diseases affecting the skin–not necessarily just leprosy. Because of social ostracism and religious...
Assurance of Forgiveness (2022) (1 John 1:8-9) Verse 8 This verse tells us all that we have sinned. We have loss the standard of measure, God’s perfect Holiness. People today want to compare themselves to their own understanding, or to others they perceive to be worse than themselves. Holiness and sin and have become subjective...
Gospel of the kingdom (2022) The Pew research group did a study with this headline. “47% of American church goers no longer believe that Jesus is the Only way.” In other words, half of the America church attenders no longer believe in Jesus. According to this study, most believe that just being a good...
Opportune Prayer (Eph 6:18) Eph 6: 18 in the NLT and the YLT It says to pray at all times in the first phrase. Which sounds like I am supposed to prayer every second of the day. But how would that be possible? To understand this verse, we need to start by looking at the...
In Luke 11 Jesus’ disciples ask Him how to pray and Jesus teaches them the Lord’s prayer. Then right after that Jesus teaches them about praying boldly and persistently using a parable about a visitor in the night. This parable is often misunderstood. In This message pastor Tim explain this parable, what it really means...
House of Prayer (Mark 11:11-17) Mark 11:11 This scene comes during the Palm Sunday entry into Jerusalem. After Jesus comes riding into the city with everyone cheering and singing praises. Verses:12-14 He curses the fig tree and a few verses later we see that the tree has died. First, There is a metaphor between the...
In this message guest speaker Alana Becker talks about the familiar passage in Jeremiah 29:11 (For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.) and shows us it might not mean what we always though...
To the Nations and the Neighbors (2022) Matt 28:18; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46 These passages are generally referred to as the Great Commission. Jesus’ clear and emphatic call to His Disciples to take the mission of God to the nations and to our neighbors. Around the world and across the street. Acts 2:5 God saw...
Do Not Worry: Seek First…. Part II (Matt 6:25-29) Verse 30 This is a continuation of Jesus’ command not to worry about what to wear. Not so much what outfit to wear, but that we would have something to wear. Jesus continues His analogy but switches from, “wild flowers” to “grass of the field.” His...
Do Not Worry: Consider Closely (Matt 6:25-34) Verse 25 In the previous section Jesus tells three very short parables of sorts. First, do not store up treasures on earth Second, guard the condition of our soul Third, you can’t serve two masters, both God and money. It is into that context that Jesus begins...
The beauty of stripping (Hebrews 12:1) The whole point of this verse is to encourage his readers to run the race and to finish well. The context here is of course is the Christian life. The race marked out for us is the Christian Life. The writer gives us this exhortation to run the...
Tylenol Prayers (Mark 9:14-29) Verse 29 After the Disciples failed to get the demon out, they ask Jesus why they couldn’t get the demon out. Jesus gives an answer about prayer. Some translation includes the word fasting. But the word fasting is not in the most original Greek texts. It is simply the Greek word...
Jesus as Psalm 23 Psalm 23:1 The Shepherd’s job was to protect the sheep. To deal with any enemies that came to attack the sheep. Jesus is of course the shepherd, our shepherd. And He has laid down His life for us, the sheep. To save us from the attacks of the enemy the devil....
A Focus on Jesus (Matt 12:38) Luke starts his account by pointing out that the crowds were getting bigger. Matt is writing to a Jewish audience, so he points out that the crowd was made up of Pharisees law teachers. Matt ends with a demand from the Pharisees and teachers of the law. They...
Here is a link to the video of the message. In this message pastor Tim looks at Isaiah 54:16-17. This is the passage that says, “no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.” When we quote this verse in prayer we often take it out of context....
Click here for a link to the message. In this message pastor Tim looks at John 10:10 where Jesus contrasts the activities of the devil with the Kingdom of God. This is really a message on Spiritual warfare, how to recognize it and how to stop it. The tale of two kingdoms (John 10:10)...
In this message pastor Tim looks at Micah 6:8 where God explains all that is required of us. Tim then shows us that Jesus perfectly walks out Micah 6:8 in John 8:2-6. John 8:2-6 also shows us how we can walk out Micah 6:8 in our day. we had technical difficulties with the audio recording...
In this message Pastor Tim looks at Mark 8:1-18 and Jesus’ command to “watch our for the yest of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” What did Jesus mean by that and what does it mean for us today? How do we apply this verse in our day? we had technical difficulties with the audio...
Biblical Rest (2022) The Commandment: Exodus 20:8-11 This is one of the original Ten Commandments. Exodus 34:21 This passage is later after the people have rebelled with the golden calf etc. This was very much a societal rest. Something we have really lost sight of today. Notice, they didn’t rest and quickly fell into...
The Strength You have is Enough Part II With Right Understanding Picking up in verse 33 It appears Gideon had very little time to think this over and/or prepare. Verse 34 As a result he is suddenly given the strength to summon the other tribes and clans. Verse 35 They are responding to him...
Lost Roles (Ephesians 4:11-13) Verse 11 The verse begins with a list of the various offices in the church. These are not elected offices, but ones given by God. These leaders are a gift from God to the church. These five types of leaders are in some circles referred to as the “five-fold ministry.” Some...
All in for the Gospel (1 Cor 9:19) 1 Cor 9:19 In the previous context here in chapter 9 Paul has been defending his apostleship. Verse 19 He seems to be using language that would suggest that he had been accused of trying to please the masses. At the same time, he seems to...
The Spirit of Easter: 2022 In the OT: In the Old Testament and old covenant era the HS was only situationally available or present. He would come on a prophet and give the prophet words to speak on behalf of God. But he wasn’t always and continually present within the followers of God. The Promise:...
Palm Sunday 2022: His Relentless Pursuit (Luke 19:28) Verses 28-29 There is a strong contrast in this section between the rejoicing of the crowd over Jesus’ entry and the lamenting and weeping of Jesus over the coming rejection of the people and the destruction of Jerusalem. Verse 30 Jesus’ confidence about the animal’s availability,...
Drop Your weapon (Psalm 46) We have romanticized this verse. When we think “be still” we think of floating on a cloud like an angel. As we try to understand this verse, we have to keep in mind the context of the previous verses. Look at verse 9: This is all military language. Bow...
What gets in the way? (John 21:15-23) Today let’s focus in on two questions in this passage. Jesus’s questions to Peter, and Peter’s question to Jesus. Jesus asks the first question, “Do you truly love me?” (NIV) Many translations render it “Do you love me more than these?” In the Greek the word is “these”...
Behind Enemy Lines Mark 1:21-24 A man with a demon is the only one to recognize Jesus for who He is. The people also didn’t seem to mind or care that a demon was in the synagogue. The demon spoke up to cause a distraction and take attention away from Jesus. John 10:10 This...
What Spirit is that? (1 Cor 12:10) Why do we need this gift? 2 Cor 11:14; 1 John 4:1; 1 Timothy 4:1; Matt 13:25 We can see that the enemy likes to work in secret and in hidden ways So, we need to be able to distinguish what the enemy is doing. The Greek...
We see the birth of the church in Ephesus in Acts 19:1-7 So, there was a small group of believers already in Ephesus when Paul passes through. But they were trying to do church and the Christian life without the Holy Spirit. Later Paul returns to Ephesus and stays there for two years teaching them....
The Promise of Hope Ephesians 1 & Romans 5 What is the promise of perseverance? ___________ Why is hope so important? Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Hope is at our ____________ level. It’s so important that it’s being ____________ from us. Because you...
The new way of Love Turn to John 13:34 This is a command straight from the mouth of ___________. What is this new commandment? _____________________ So agape love is where I love you because I see the ___________ God has put in you. The world can’t separate love from the _____________. As Christians we...
Theology of Tithe Historical context: We first see the idea of an offering or a tithe in Gen 4:3-7 Cain brought fruit from his crops and Able brought fat portions from his flocks. Acknowledging that it was God who gave them the crops and animals. We first see the tithe being 10% in Gen...
Only Jesus Acts 4:8-12 The context here is that Peter had healed a crippled beggar and now is facing charges from the religious leaders. Look at verses 9 & 10, Peter makes it clear that it was not simply an act of Kindness that healed the man. Verse ten makes it clear that it...
God of restoration (2022) From Genesis to revelation, we see that God is a god of restoration. Gen 41:39–43 How do you go from a prisoner to the second in command of an entire country that fast? But God loves to restore and restore_______________. And in the next chapter of Genesis Joseph is...
A Divine Pause Christmas 2021 Matt 2:13-17 Verse 13 “When they had gone,” refers to the Magi. So, this is now several weeks after the birth of Jesus. This could have been as much as a month or two after the birth of Jesus. After the magi had left Joseph has a dream. This...
The Justice of Christmas In the previous chapters of Malachi God has made serious accusations against the people. God has charged the priest with not faithfully doing their duty. He has accused both the people and the priests of offering stolen sacrifices. God has accused them of having broken the covenant he had with...
Though We Fall, We Shall Rise Proverbs 24:16: NIV for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes. The Falling Down The righteous ______________ The wicked ________________ The situation that is given is when ________________________ Colossians 1:22 NIV But now he has reconciled you...
Running with agony Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let’s start with the exhortation itself, at the end of the verse....
Learning to be Content Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any...
In this message pastor Tim Look at Matt 24:12 Matt 24:12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. to aee what this can tell us about the times we are living in and what to do about...
There Your Heart Will Be Also Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. What are 2 things I’m spending my time, energy, and money on? _________________________________________ _________________________________________ What are 2 thoughts that run through my head constantly? ...
Pray the opportunity (Eph 6:18) NLT 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. It’s best to read an English translation that include the word “time.” In the Greek language There are two words for time. Chronos (From where...
Guest speaker Alana Becker talks about becoming what you behold. This message is rooted in the idea of Psalm 100:4.
Evil Spirits (Mark 1:21-28) Here we see Jesus exercise rule and authority over evil spirits. Verse 24 shows that the evil spirit immediately recognized Jesus for who he was. Notice also that Jesus did not have to scream or shout or get worked up to get rid of the demon. He simply says “be...
Building on Faith part 2 (Matt16:19-20) Verse 19 Jesus goes from talking about the gates of hell in verse 18 to the keys of heaven in verse 19. The word translated here as “keys’ in the original language here means access to power. This same type of language and imagery of binding and losing is...
Building on Faith (Matt 16:13-180 This scene starts in verse 13 when Jesus asks his disciples who the crowds say that he is. Verse 18 This statement is part of How Jesus then responds to Peter’s correct answer. It starts with a play on words in the original language, Petros and Petra The Name...
Jesus Perfect acceptance (Luke 7:36 Verse 36 The same story in Matt and Mark identifies the man as Simon the leper. It’s somewhat shocking that Jesus would go to the house of a Pharisee, given how much they hated Jesus. And if this man were a leper, then a good Jew didn’t go anywhere...
Surprised by Grace (John 4:1-13) Verse 1-4 The scene starts by telling us that Jesus has once again returned to the region of Galilee, which was north of Judea. But to get there, he had to pass through Samaria, This was considered the short cut. There was a longer way to cross the Jordan...
Jesus sees our Pain (Luke 8:40-48) Starting in Luke 8:40 we see two miracles; The two characters in these stories are also unlikely characters. Luke 8:40 The crowd’s reaction here is in contrast to the fear of the crowd Jesus just left on the other side of the lake after he healed the man...
Recapture: Community Human connectedness (Acts 2:46-47) Gen 2:18 God said it was not good for humans to be alone. We were created by God to be in relationship with Him and with other humans. This is essential to what it is to be human. God created us this way. When we are not deeply...
We tend to see hardship and suffering as negative and fight against them. But Paul saw them as positive and essential to the Gospel message. In this message pastor Tim looks at 2 Corinthians 8:7-12 where Paul tells us that our suffering, hardships and persecutions are all part of the Gospel message. Rather then fighting...
This is a sermon on Romans 12:1-2 delivered in a Podscast style.
In this message Tim and Alana discus their way through Luke 11 and Jesus’ teaching on Prayer. This is sermon delivered in a podcast style. We look at Luke 11 where Jesus’ disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray, first Jesus teaches them the Lord’s Prayer, then Jesus goes on to teach them...
Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues, Helps, Administration 1 Cor 12:9-11 Speaking in different kinds of tongues: This can be both known languages and unknown languages (heavenly languages) With some segments of the Christian church speaking in tongues is extremely important. Some will even tie this gift to salvation but this is not supported in the...
What is required? (Micah 6:8 and John 8) Micah 6:8 The Israelites always tried to make it more difficult and complicated than it needed to. Starting here in verse 8 God is boiling down what is required in real simple terms for the people. This word from the Lord through Micah is as much...
Sorry for poor audio quality! The people of God, the church, entertaining (host) the presence of God verses the church entertaining the people. Entertaining the Presence he has this tour guide simply identified as “the man.” This man is leading Ezekiel through a long and complex vision. Much of the last part of the book...
we apologize for the poor audio in the first 2:15min, at the 2:26 mark the audio becomes normal. Spiritual Gifts Training 2020 Wisdom, Words of Knowledge, Prophetic
Spiritual Gifts Training 2020: Being Filled Turn in your bible to Eph 5: 15 Pray As we study Spiritual gifts we of course have to keep in mind that these gifts are from the Holy Spirit. And in order for us to operate in them we must be filled with the Spirit And we...
Did God say that?? (5:1-19) Verse 3 Many historians believe that several hundred people would be there on any given day. Some even think it would have been several thousand people. This is important to keep in mind once we get to verse 19. Verse 5 This should be an encouragement to anyone with...
Anointed faithfulness (Matt 25:14) The differences: Let’s start with the differences between this parable and the parable of the minas in Luke 19. In the parable of the ten minas each was given the same amount, one mina. In this parable thy are given different amounts depending on their ability. So this parable is...
Serving as a place of power and restoration (1 Peter 4:10) Quote: Esau McCauley (Asst. Professor NT, Wheaton College)—“The religion that needs a politician to protect it is not Christianity. If death couldn’t hold Jesus then we’ll be fine come what may.” If we think the church needs recuse then we have one of...
How to hear the Holy Spirit/God In this episode Tim and Alana discuss hearing from God and recognizing his Voice. Here are some of the questions they discuss. Do you think God speaks? And Speaks to the church today? In what ways can you “hear” from God? How do you tell if it is the...
Being Kingdom People In this episode Being Kingdom People we explore the idea that the church is to be from every tribe, language, people and nation. The mandate to be Kingdom People We start by discussing Revelations 5:9-10 and the mandate that the church on earth is to be every tribe, language, people and nation....
The undignified love of the Father Turn in your bibles to Luke 15:11-3215 Verse 12The prodigal comes and ask the Father to divide his estate. This was basically the equivalent of saying “ I wish you were dead.” This was a completely outrages request and an insult to the father. Upon receiving such a...
Rest and Mourning • Matt 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. • There is a blessing that comes with mourning. Part of that blessings is direct comfort from the Lord Himself. The Commandment: Exodus 20:8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and...
I Understand that I don’t Understand In this episode I Understand that I don’t Understand we grieve with our black community and discuss with humility how to fight racism. However, we don’t claim to have any answers but we offer this with humility and grace. What we do know is that there continues to be...
Stories from the Mission Field Pt 2 In this episode of Stories from the Mission Field Pt 2 Tim turns the tables on Alana and asks her to share about her time on the mission Field in Northern Ireland. We did this to show the differences in how people will experience missions. We will all...
Stories from the mission field. In this episode Alana ask Tim to share some stories from the mission field. Tim has traveled to Africa to do mission work now many times over the past several years. Over the course of those trips Tim has accumulated many stories. Some he can share and some he can’t....
Complete Joy in the midst of a Pandemic. In John 15:9-13 Jesus promises us complete joy, or the full measure of joy. But for many of us we would say that we aren’t living in the reality of complete joy. Then on tip of that add the circumstances of the a global pandemic and...
A discussion on walking in the tension of the Kingdom. This is the online version of Taco Tue with Tim. Because we can’t meet for tacos at our favorite taco shop, we took our discussion online. So you’re welcome to grab your own tacos and join us for this discussion. Why the topic of walking...
As I look at how this Corona-virus pandemic has been playing out, I keep asking God what are you doing? And I believe one of the things that God is doing is exposing the idols and blind spots in the church, at least here in the U.S. This is a very biblical concept. When we...
A discussion on Worship and the effects of COVID-19, the online version of Taco Tue with Tim. Because we can’t meet for tacos at our favorite taco shop we took our discussion online. So you’re welcome to grab your own tacos and join us for this discussion. Why talk about it from the perspective of...
Sorry for poor audio quality Covid-19 The Curse, the Mercy, and the Response The Curse • This is a question I have been hearing both from believers and non-believers. o “Why would a loving God allow this to happen?” o To briefly answer this question, we must go back to Genesis 1 & 2 •...
Pastor Tim Mengler continues in the series Winning the War for Your Mind this week dealing with temptations. • 1 Cor 10:13 There is nothing unusual about our temptations. • Why is this important? Because the enemy tries to convince us no one else has this problem. o Use this verse, don’t condone the sin;...
