Montvale Evangelical Free Church Podcast

Balancing Life's Priorities

newsletter@montvalechurch.org — Sun, 13 May 2012 10:30:00 +0200

Are you “task” oriented or “people” oriented? All about completing the job or building the relationship? It is not that either is right or wrong. It is just the way God has wired us. In fact, both are important. Spurgeon wrote, “We should do much service and have much communion at the same time. For this we need grace. It is easier to serve than to commune.” By that last statement, Spurgeon may have been revealing his own bent. Today we will look at a story where someone lost the balance.

Building the Tabernacle

newsletter@montvalechurch.org — Sun, 06 May 2012 10:30:00 +0200

What God commands, God provides. He commands us to "be holy as He is holy" (Leviticus 11:44, 19:2, 20:7, 1Peter 1:6) and then provides the righteousness we need through Christ. Whatever God asks us to do, He is always faithful to provide the resources to do it. This does not mean that we sit passively, doing nothing. We are called to an active, bold, courageous life. We "step out" in faith doing what God asks trusting that He will supply. One example of this is found in the building of the tabernacle in the Old Testament.

The Vine and the Branches

newsletter@montvalechurch.org — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 10:30:00 +0200

Living in an agricultural society, Jesus often used illustrations from “the farm” to teach spiritual truth. The parable of the sower, and the parable of the lost sheep are just two examples. In John 15, Jesus teaches using the metaphor of the vine and the branches. This is the night before his crucifixion. We will study this passage to see what important spiritual truth Jesus is seeking to convey to those who desire to be his followers.

Are You Playing God

newsletter@montvalechurch.org — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 10:30:00 +0200

This is the third time that James brings up the tongue. In chapter one he gives this advice: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger (1:19),” and this warning: “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless (1:26).” Then in chapter three he devotes 12 verses to the taming of the tongue (3:1-12). Apparently what we say is important. Apparently what we say can be a problem.

Divided Loyalties

newsletter@montvalechurch.org — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 10:30:00 +0200

Have you ever “sat on the fence” for a long time? It gets painful. It divides you in two. It is time to get off the fence. That is what James says in chapter four as he discusses “divided loyalties.”

Peter's Easter Message

newsletter@montvalechurch.org — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 10:30:00 +0200

The Gospel Message of Easter.

True Wisdom

newsletter@montvalechurch.org — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 10:30:00 +0200

James lists eight traits that true wisdom displays. He also contrasts that with "false" wisdom. This week we look at the evidence and the results of true wisdom.

Why Shouldn't I Be Baptized

newsletter@montvalechurch.org — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 11:30:00 +0200

Baptism is the public declaration of a commitment to Christ. The story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunich offers many different aspects of sharing Christ and our need for Salvation.

Taming the Tongue

newsletter@montvalechurch.org — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 10:30:00 +0100

James has already introduced the topic of the tongue. In chapter one he warned us, “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” (James 1:26). Earlier he gave this good advice: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19). Now he devotes a whole paragraph to remind us of both the danger and importance of our speech.

What's the Use of Being Expendable

newsletter@montvalechurch.org — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 10:30:00 +0100

Pastor Doug Welch talked to us about being expendable. Expendable means: “Designed to be used only once and then abandoned or destroyed” or “of little significance when compared to an overall purpose, and therefore able to be abandoned.” When we treat other people this way it is very bad. But when we offer to be expendable for a greater cause or person, it can become very good and noble.

Faith That Works

newsletter@montvalechurch.org — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 10:30:00 +0100

Have you ever encountered someone who professes to be believer in Christ, but the way they live seems to suggest otherwise? James’ argument is that, if you believe in Jesus, you should behave like Jesus. We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is not “alone.” That kind of faith produces good works and fruit: the fruit of the Spirit.

Playing Favorites

newsletter@montvalechurch.org — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 10:30:00 +0100

Is it okay to have a favorite? Perhaps you have a favorite pair of shoes, brand of car, restaurant, or friend? Is there a difference between having a favorite and “playing favorites?” James raises some of these questions when He reminds us that God says, “We are not to ‘show favoritism’.” (James 2:1)

Authentic Christianity

newsletter@montvalechurch.org — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 10:30:00 +0100

The words "spiritual" and "religious" are often used rather loosely in our society to describe any sort of mystical belief or practice. However, true religion, according to James, means to receive, obey, and live out God's Word.

Trials and Temptations

newsletter@montvalechurch.org — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 10:30:00 +0100

In the book of James, we are reminded that, in the midst of trials, we need to Choose Joy, Seek Wisdom, and Beware of Temptations.

Kingdom Assignment No. 1 Celebration

newsletter@montvalechurch.org — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:30:00 +0100

In Ephesians 2, Paul reminds us how Christ's death and resurrection can take us all the way from death's valley to heaven's heights. That changes our whole purpose for living.

Trials and Wisdom

newsletter@montvalechurch.org — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:30:00 +0100

Last week we looked at facing trials with the right attitude: choosing joy rather than dread. Trials also raise many difficult questions. This week we want to consider how to acquire the wisdom we need.