by Papa Bravo | Mar 22, 2018 | Uncategorized
1 Peter 3:10-12 : 10 For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; 11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
This passage is under the heading “Suffering for Righteousness’ Sake”.
Do we really suffer when we deny ourselves and become obedient to God? It would appear so in some people, especially myself.
by Papa Bravo | Mar 20, 2018 | Uncategorized
Defined: NOUN characters (plural noun) : the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.
Also: It is who you are, when no one else is around.
Our character influences what we say, do, think and act.
Proverbs 28:6 (ESV): Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.
Accepting that Jesus died and was buried for your sin and to prove it rose again, you will begin to desire to develop good character, a Christ like character. But what is it and how do we develop it?
by Papa Bravo | Mar 18, 2018 | Sermon Notes
March 18, 2018
Psalm 126
Each of us has experienced joy of some time in our life.
However none of us have probably experienced and captured the joy that flows from Psalm 126.
This passage is referred to as a Psalm of Ascent, which focused on the people of God Traveling to Jerusalem to worship their God.
The occasion for this Psalm is possibly a return of God’s people from captivity in Babylon during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah.
Though the Pilgrims have known difficult days, they are anticipating better days from the Lord.
How might our Church experience joy in these days?
The remembrance of God’s faithfulness (vs. 1-3)
1. The joy of salvation.
Psalms 51:12 – David lost his joy due to sin and asks for restoration of joy.
2. The joy of spiritual victory
Psalms 43:4 – Dark cloud hanging over life. Eventually experience victory.
3. The joy of fellowship with God’s people.
Phil 1, Paul described his joy. From prison.
4. The joy of the work of God.
Psalms 85:6- revival. Crying out for a new work in life.
The restoration of God’s Favor (vs. 4-6)
1. The prayer of a desperate heart.
Bring back the captivity. Life is so dry, they yearn for a time of abundance.
2. The of tears a sorrowful heart.
Could be from sin in life.
Could be tears from lost joy.
Luke 19:41 no dry eyes. Do not let my eyes become dry for lost souls.
3. The sowing of a faithful heart.
A harvest cannot be made until seeds are sown.
The seed is the Gospel.
4. The reaping of a joyful heart.
The fallen returns to God and have joy.
by Papa Bravo | Mar 15, 2018 | Uncategorized
We all do it.
It is a social question asked many times a day. It is not intended to start a conversation (and usually doesn’t), but asked all the time.
Hey, how are you? < Fine, how are you? > Fine.
So now, I change it up: if I am asked the question: “how are you?”; I respond: I am overweight, hypertensive, but I have the peace that passes understanding.
Either one or two things happen: they smile and nod and continue on their way, or they pause to comment on one of those responses. When you pause, guess what happens? Yep they get to hear about the peace that comes from knowing my sins are forgiven through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.
by Papa Bravo | Mar 14, 2018 | Uncategorized
I’ve heard it many times before. But what does it mean?
The Gospel is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That one sentence sums it up. Sweet, simple, free and true. I have also heard it this way: Jesus died for my sin and your sin. And to prove it, He was buried and rose again! This is not as short but addresses a bit more detail.
