Trinity Missionary Church Podcast

This week we begin a message series on the Cross of Jesus. The cross is an image that is quite common in our society. Simply look around, and you will see crosses on necklaces, earrings, pens, keychains, bumper stickers and bookmarks. It is odd that such a graphic symbol of torture, anguish and shame would be so common, but don't let the familiarity of the symbol fool you. To the follower of Christ, the cross is a symbol of life and salvation, juxtaposed to those who are walking away from Jesus. To those not following Jesus, the cross is just some wood and nails used to instill fear and shame. Paul wrote it this way in 1 Corinthians 1:18, "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God." All doctrine of God, man and salvation hinge on the cross. As Christians, we are to be very cross centered. Let me make this discussion very personal for you. "How has the cross changed you?" How you answer this question speaks volumes about you

I think it is fair to say our society is infatuated with the after-life. With so many best selling books and Hollywood movies surrounding heaven and hell, it is apparent we are intrigued with what happens after death. That should come as no surprise as King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 3:11, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end." We were designed and created for something more than this temporary life. When tested by the lawyer in Luke 10:25-28 with the question of "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus did not miss a beat when he put the question back on the man. He said, "What does the Law say?" After the man responded with, "Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all of your mind, and your neighbor as yourself" (Luke 10:27). Jesus simply replied, "You have answered correctly; do this, and

In his second letter to young pastor Timothy, the Apostle Paul challenges his friend to remain strong in the Lord even in the midst of trouble. Paul wrote, "But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:1,12). These are challenging words that remain true today. Living a godly life is not glamorous or easy, but it is the life we are called to live as Christ followers. In the midst of a "me-centered society," how do we hold true to God's Word and live its principles every day? Join us as we discover how to counteract this "selfie society" in which we live.

As we continue to learn about the Holy Spirit this week, consider these statements. "The Holy Spirit allows us to experience intimacy with God. We have direct access to the Throne of The Almighty." "The Holy Spirit wants to show you more of Jesus. Will you allow Him access to your life?" The Apostle Peter wrote in 2 Peter 1:3, "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence." Do we even realize the blessings God has given us through the Holy Spirit? According to what Peter wrote above, we have been given access to "all things that pertain to life and godliness." We have the backstage pass at the event. We can go wherever we please in the building. We have no good excuse as to why we are not flourishing in our relationship with God and in life. So, the question remains: "What happened to the Holy Spirit? Why is He not more active in our lives?" Join us as we work our way through Galatians

What comes to mind when you hear about the third part of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit? If you are like most people, you probably do not know much about the Holy Spirit. What is His purpose? How does He work in the world today? Is He even still around today, or was He at work only in the book of Acts? There are so many questions that surround the Holy Spirit. For this reason, Pastor Steve has begun a short series on the Holy Spirit with our key passage being Galatians 3:1-5. Many people today live as though the Holy Spirit is an addendum to our lives, only there to serve as a "Holy Jimminey Cricket" warning us when we are about to do something wrong. The Holy Spirit has been given to us to walk along side of us every day helping us become the people God desires. But, often we try to tune out the Holy Spirit because He is seen as a "kill-joy." The Spirit is a vital part of the Trinity, and wants to be involved in our lives every day. Join us over the next few weeks as we learn about the Holy Spi

Idolatry is a word at which we recoil when we hear it. But, what is idolatry? Is it just the worship of a figure or icon made in something's image? Is it something we struggle with in western culture? Should we be concerned with idolatry? These are all very good questions that Pastor Steve addresses in this week's message. A good working definition for idolatry is, "Idolatry is placing a higher value on something than you do God." This is a very fitting topic for Super Bowl Sunday! If we are honest, we may not struggle with worshipping a statue, but we all need to be aware of keeping God at the head of our lives. Idolatry is not really about the object of worship, but about the attitude behind the object. God is a jealous God, and He was very clear in writing the Ten Commandments that He alone is God and is the only One worthy of our worship! Be prepared to ask yourself some hard questions and do some soul searching as you join us for this week's message. You will be glad you took the time to refo

Famous composer, conductor, author and musician, Leonard Bernstein, was asked the question, "Of all of the musical instruments, which is the toughest to play?" He responded, "The most difficult instrument to play is second fiddle." Let those words sink in for a minute . . . if you think about it, Bernstein was very insightful in his answer. For many of us, "playing second fiddle" is difficult because we are inundated with the idea that we are to be the best. Our culture sees pride as strength and humility as weakness. We are told to look out for number one, and do whatever it takes to succeed- no matter the cost. Jesus came and challenged the idea that you are to look only to your own interests. Using the story of Mary and her sons, James and John, found in Matthew 20:17-19, Pastor Steve shares with us the last message in our G.E.A.R.S. series. Humility is not a sign of weakness, but is a key component in living a Godly life. Join us as we discuss what it means to "serve" others.

What do you "know?" There are any numbers of answers to this question, but the best answer to this question came from the mouth of Job in the Old Testament. Even after suffering through some of the most difficult challenges mankind can endure, He answered this question by saying "For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will stand upon the earth" (Job 19:25). The letter "R" in our current message series entitled "Get Into G.E.A.R." stands for "Receive." If you have confessed your sins to Jesus Christ, and believe into His death and resurrection for your sins, you have "Received" His gift of eternal life. Jesus is your Redeemer just like He was Job's Redeemer. John the Apostle, wrote these words about "receiving" God's love in our main text- 1 John 3:18-24, "Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do what pleases Him." Today we can "receive" God's love for us, and in turn, become

Week three of our message series G.E.A.R.S. focuses on the word, "Ask." "Ask" is a simple three letter action we engage in every day. We "ask" our family questions. We "ask" for help at our places of work. We "ask" when we are in need. But, how often do we "ask" God for things? How do we "Ask" God for things? In Luke 11:5-13, Jesus shares a story of a man who "asks" his neighbor for food to entertain a visitor. The parable seems simple, until you realize the backstory. The timing of the request, the setting of the request, the very request for food itself was inconvenient and bothersome; therefore, the one neighbor told his friend, "No, I cannot help you. Come back tomorrow and I will help." To which Pastor Steve replied, "Aren't you glad God is not like our neighbor?" Jesus tells us to "Ask, Seek and Knock," even when it is inconvenient. The Apostle James writes, "You do not have because you do not ask. And when you do ask, you ask with the wrong motives" God not only wants us to ask for His h

What would happen if every day we woke up and before we got out of bed we said, "I want to make much of Jesus today."? Then, we commit to make every decision for our day with that goal in mind. Can you imagine the impact that would have on our families, neighborhoods, workplaces and every other place we frequent on a daily basis? Now, imagine if every person across the globe who has a relationship with Jesus Christ would make the same commitment? Our world would be radically different! This week, the G.E.A.R. we are studying is "Exalt." In Philippians 2:9-11, the Apostle Paul writes, "Therefore, God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the Name that is above every other name, so that at the Name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Join us as we explore what it means to Exalt our Lord, Jesus Christ.

This week we begin a new series entitled, GEARS. Week one is all about spiritual growth, and Pastor Steve begins this series by asking the question, "Do you want to grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ?" Many people seem satisfied with maintaining their relationship with Jesus Christ and do not desire to grow. Jesus did not call us to a life of mediocrity, but wants us to grow deeper in our relationship with Him. Peter writes in 2 Peter 3:18, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen." Join us as we Get Into GEAR over the next five weeks!

Merry Christmas! Peace- so often we hear the word, but what is peace? Does it come through a "Silent Night?" Does it come when there is no fighting and turmoil? We all crave peace, but why is it so elusive? How can we find international, national, local, family and financial peace? Join us as we explore peace from 2 Thessalonians 3:16 where Paul writes, "Now may the Lord of peace, Himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all." This Christmas Sunday, Pastor Steve shares our final Gift of Christmas- Peace, and how we can have peace that comes straight from our Creator and Savior.

Have you ever asked yourself the question, "Why was Jesus born?" How about, "Why did Jesus have to die on the cross?" Maybe you have asked, "Why did Jesus rise from the dead three days after His crucifixion?" The answer lies in a familiar phrase- Jesus loves you and me! God could have come into our world with parades, loud jubilation and much fanfare. But, God chose to enter our world in a livestock trough in a cave in the town of Bethlehem while announcing His arrival to shepherds- not exactly the way we would expect God to come! Instead of pomp and circumstance, God chose to whisper to mankind. Why? You whisper to someone when you are close- and He is Emmanuel (God with us). Rome missed His coming. The innkeeper missed it. The religious leaders missed it. Don't miss His coming and the love it shows. Join us as we look at John 3:16-17 in a new light this morning!

Joy- a seemingly simple, three letter word that can be heard all throughout this Christmas season. But, what does it really mean? Am I joyful when I get all I put on my Christmas list? Am I joyful when I get that raise or job promotion? Am I joyful when my family and friends are near? The Apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 1:8-9 "Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls." Join us as we discuss this "inexpressible and glorious joy" that came in the form a baby the first Christmas.

In the first two chapters of the Gospel of Matthew, which tell of the birth of Jesus, our Savior is given four titles. In Matthew 1:21, He is called "Jesus" which means "the Lord to save." In verse 23 He is called "Emmanuel" which means "God with us." Chapter 2 verse 2 describes Jesus as the "King," and in verse 4, Matthew calls Jesus "the Christ" or the Messiah/Anointed One. All four names give us a different perspective of hope, and how the birth of Jesus changed (and still changes) the perspective of mankind. Join us for the first of four messages in our The Gifts of Christmas message series.

We have just celebrated Thanksgiving where many of us enjoyed great food, time with family and friends. But, did we really take the time to thank God for all of His blessings? What are you thankful for? Pastor Steve asserts that so much of our "thanksgiving" is circumstantial, but we do not have to live this way. We can give thanks for so many reasons, but the most important is that our God and Savior has redeemed us! The more we understand about redemption, the more thankful we will become because of what Jesus did for us on the cross! Join us this week as we explore the relationship between thanksgiving and redemption.

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, we are inundated with food, family, friends and football (none of which are bad things). But, how often do we pause during this season to REALLY give thanks? It is so simple to say the words "Thank You" but really not mean them our hearts. Using Psalm 95 as his main text, Pastor Steve challenges us this week to adopt a heart of true thankfulness that affects our lives on a daily basis. The Psalmist reminds us that God is Great, God is Personal, and God Provides for us. Join us this week as we are reminded to give thanks in all things! Have a blessed Thanksgiving weekend!

Pastor Steve poses a profound statement at the beginning of this week's message. "What would you think about- when you think about- what God thinks about you?" We all know the song, "Jesus Loves Me," and He absolutely does, but have you really ever put some thought into WHY God loves you? In a culture where our value is based primarily in what we do, God challenges that thought. Our behavior has nothing to do with God's love. He loves us, in spite of us! Join us this week as we take a fresh look at Jesus' teaching about the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15.

Exodus 3:13-14 says, "Moses said to God, 'Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is His Name?' Then what shall I tell them?" God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM sent me to you.'" Have you ever really thought about God's proper Name? I AM- I always was, I always am, and I will always be. God does not need anybody to defend Him. He does not need permission to do anything, because He IS. That is the God we serve! Listen in this week as we dive into the Great I AM, and allow Him to change our lives!

This message title, "What Are You Hungry For?" asks a far deeper question than "What do you plan to have today for lunch?" "Your appetite" encompasses far more than simply food. We have an appetite for respect, sports, acceptance, sex, progress, success, fame, recognition and stuff, in addition to our appetite for food. Using the backdrop of Esau and Jacob, we discuss how Esau traded his birthright for a bowl of stew and forever changed history. With a different choice and attitude from Esau is it likely that Yahweh-God, would be known as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Esau- not Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as we know Him today. Appetites whisper "Now!" not "Later." If we are not careful, our appetites will lure us to trade the ultimate for the immediate, and Esau is a perfect example of this principle. Join us today as we learn how to control our appetites!