Build up in Christ

Topics: Discipline, Holiness Big Idea of the Message: The desires of the flesh are directly opposed to the desires of the Spirit. Application Point: We cannot do what our flesh wants and also serve the Spirit; we must choose which we will elevate. Galatians 5:16-26, 6:7-8; Romans 6:12-13, 8:18-19 "Discipline, for the Christian, begins with the body. We have only one. It is this body that is the primary material given to us for sacrifice. We cannot give our hearts to God & keep our bodies for ourselves." - Elisabeth Elliot https://linktr.ee/thresholdchurchchrist Support the show

Text: 2 Cor 5:17-18; 2 Samuel 11; 2 Samuel 12:1-15; Psalm 51 Topic: Repentance, living in your newness Big Idea of the Message: When you slip up, repent and ask God to help you; don’t use it as an excuse to give into more sin. The new life of devotion to Christ means one has new attitudes and actions. Why do most New Year resolutions fail? Usually, we slip up once and then use that mistake as an excuse to slip up again and again. In our journey to become more like Christ, we can fall down. When that happens, it’s important to repent—not give up. Support the show

Friendship is a mutual relationship characterized by intimacy, faithfulness, trust, unmotivated kindness, and service. The concept can describe one’s relationship with people and with God. Obviously, we are affected most by those to whom we are closest. It is why there is such a heavy emphasis by Solomon on choosing close friends carefully & when you find some great ones---sticking together for the long haul. Support the show

As the United States of America celebrates Independence Day on July 4, it’s worth noting the nation was founded upon the idea that God created human beings to be free. The Declaration of Independence states that people “are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” But what is “liberty,” exactly? Is freedom based upon the country where you live, or can it have a deeper meaning? We as believers have to look at the word freedom thru a Kingdom lens. Mientras los Estados Unidos de América celebran el Día de la Independencia el 4 de julio, vale la pena señalar que la nación se fundó sobre la idea de que Dios creó a los seres humanos para que fueran libres. La Declaración de Independencia establece que las personas “son dotadas por su Creador de ciertos derechos inalienables, entre los que se encuentran la vida, la libertad y la búsqueda de la felicidad”. Pero, ¿qué es "libertad", exactamente? ¿La libertad se basa en el país donde vives o puede tener un significado más profundo? Nosotros, como creyentes, tenemos que mirar la palabra libertad a través de los lentes del Reino de Dios. Support the show

The church that does not operate under the biblical theology of worship is in danger of failing to give God glory and failing to offer worship that is pleasing to Him. Contrary to popular belief, worship does not begin and end with the singing portion of our church services. Worship is also not limited to bowing in reverence before God. To begin with, worship is determined by God Himself. Recommended reading: Life Together by Bonhoeffer I will by Rainer Support the show

No church is perfect. It’s full of imperfect people who come together for a common goal: to love Jesus and to talk about Him to those who don’t know Him. The Church is the body of Christ and, as such, is charged to carry out His work in the world. Before Jesus ascended back into heaven, He gave the disciples the Great Commission: "Go therefore and make disciples(reproduce) of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age(Jesus' 2nd coming)" (Matthew 28:19-20). A healthy local church will be actively fulfilling the Great Commission, and the Bible provides specific guidelines of what the signs of a healthy church are. 2 practical tests to apply to all teaching: 1. Test of faith: does it come from God, being in agreement with apostolic doctrine, or is it a product of human imagination? 2. The test of love: does it promote unity in the body of Christ Recommended Reading: Church Called Tov By Scot McKnight life together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer Support the show

God bless everyone & welcome to Build up in Christ Podcast. This episode will be broadcast in Spanish. I have been asked to upload an episode in Spanish & I am curious to see if there is any interest out there for any Spanish episodes. I have had listeners from Latin American countries listen to the English episodes. So, let’s see how well a Spanish episode is received. The panel of speakers: Pastor Gene Diaz, Pastor Henry "Rick" Verdejo, Pastor Darby Paris Dios bendiga a todos y bienvenidos a Edificar en Cristo Podcast. Este episodio será transmitido en español. Me han pedido que suba un episodio en español y tengo curiosidad por ver si hay algún interés por algún episodio en español. He tenido oyentes de países latinoamericanos escuchando los episodios en inglés. Entonces, veamos qué tan bien se recibe un episodio en español. panel de oradores: Pastor Gene Diaz, Pastor Henry "Rick" Verdejo, Pastor Darby Paris En el contexto sombrío de nuestro mundo actual, Efesios 2:1-10 se destaca con una relevancia sorprendente. Pablo primero se adentra en las profundidades de la desconfianza hacia el hombre y luego se eleva a las alturas del optimismo sobre Dios. Lo que hace Pablo en estos pasajes es pintar un vívido contraste entre lo que el hombre es por naturaleza y lo que podemos llegar a ser por gracia! Support the show

In this episode, I discuss Spiritual growth in Christ. Becoming more like Christ is the desire of every believer, and it is encouraging to know that God has the same desire for us. In fact, the Bible says that God “predestined [believers] to be conformed to the likeness of his Son” (Romans 8:29). Making us Christlike is God’s work, and He will see it through to the end (Philippians 1:6). Key Vs: Philippians 1:5-6 Suggested reading: So you want to be like Christ by Charles Swindoll Rose Guide to Discipleship The most significant teachings in the Bible by Christopher D Hudson 77 FAQs about God and the Bible by Josh McDowell & Sean McDowell Support the show

In this episode Brother, Jason Mitchell Weber is with us, AKA Mitch. We are discussing What is the meaning behind the word Church, and the need for the church & fellowship. Key verses: Matthew 16:18 & Genesis 28:3 Recommended reading: The Body: being light in the darkness by Charles Colson, Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer Wise Quotes: “Let him who is not in the community beware of being alone. Into the community you were called-the call was not meant for you alone; in the community of the called you bear your cross, you struggle, you pray. You are not alone even in death and on the last Day, you will be only one of the great congregation of Jesus Christ. -Dietrich Bonhoffer, Life Together “Healthy spiritual growth requires the presence of the other—the brother, the sister, the pastor, the teacher. A private, proudly isolated life cannot grow. The two or three who gather together in Christ’s name keep each other sane. Spiritual growth cannot take place in isolation. It is not a private thing.” --Eugene Peterson Support the show

A biblical worldview (or a Christian worldview) is a worldview based on God's unchanging Word. Since God is the Creator of everything in heaven and earth, He is the standard for truth. God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and unchanging. The Bible contains the words of God, and God is Truth. In broad terms, a worldview that is Christian examines cultural data and locates them within a pattern of belief that is consistent with the sacred text of Scripture, but also with the broader Christian intellectual tradition. Key verse: Romans 12:1-3 Recommended reading: Faithfully Different by Natasha Crain Baker Compact Dictionary of Theological Terms Support the show

Advent symbolizes the present situation of the church in these “last days” (Acts 2:17), as God’s people wait for the return of Christ in glory to consummate his eternal kingdom. The church is in a similar situation to Israel at the end of the Old Testament: in exile, waiting and hoping in prayerful expectation for the coming of the Messiah. The return of Jesus Christ is a vital part of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. That’s why the event was foretold by prophets, proclaimed by angels, and taught by Jesus and the apostles. In fact, more Old Testament passages are devoted to Christ’s second coming than to His first. And in the New Testament, the Lord mentions His return more frequently than He speaks of His death. The second coming defeats Satan’s earthly reign and establishes Christ’s kingdom of peace and righteousness in its place. Revelation 19:11-21, 20:1-6, Acts 2:14-21 Support the show

This Episode is part of the Church Hurt episode. When we are hurt in a church, we should not stop fellowshipping. We should go into prayer, and seek discernment & Godly counsel before making a decision to leave a church. Most importantly, if we decide to leave we should seek another Christ-centered church to fellowship in. Verses mentioned: Acts 2:42, 1 Thessalonians 5:9-12, James 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, 1 Corinthians 1:10-12 & Ephesians 4:11-14. Recommended reading: Church Called Tov: Forming a Goodness Culture that Resists abuses of power by Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer Support the show

In this episode, I discuss Spiritual Disciplines. Spiritual Disciplines are practices we do regularly that can help us change with the power and grace of the Holy Spirit, our sinful habits and make us more like Christ, and connect us closer to God. Biblical Spiritual Disciplines are for: Recommended Reading: Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard J. Foster How to read the Bible for all its worth By Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart The most Significant Teachings in the Bible by Christopher D. Hudson Rose Guide to Discipleship Rose book of Bible Charts vol 1,2 &3 What the Bible is all about by Dr. Henrietta C. Mears 500 Questions & Answers from the Bible by Mark Fackler So you want to be like Christ by Charles R Swindoll The revolutionary Disciple by Jim Putman & Chad Harrington Support the show

In this episode, we discuss Discipleship with Pastor Gary Buon & brother Mitch Weber. We discuss how we came to love disciplining people for Christ. Key Verse Matthew 28:16-20 We must know Christ, grow in Christ, serve in Christ, to share Christ! What is a Disciple? A disciple is a person who follows Jesus, knows Jesus & His teaching; to grow more like Jesus, and goes for Jesus, serving others and making new disciples. Support the show

God bless, in this episode I discuss tools we can use to keep our eyes on God & be Christ centered in our mindset during difficult times. We look at the following verses in The Holy Bible: 2 Chronicles 20:1-4, 20:35, 33, Hebrews 12:2-3, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, Romans 8:28 & Luke 22:42. Support the show

God Bless & welcome to Season 2 of Build up in Christ. In this episode we discuss setting Godly goals/resolutions as well as keeping our eyes on things above/heaven. In order to control our thoughts & emotions. Key verse is found in 2 Corinthians 5:17. Cross verses are 2 Corinthians 3:18, Colossians 2:6-7, Colossians3:1-14 & Philippians 3:12-14. Support the show

In this episode we are discussing Church Discipline with Pastor Sam Colon (Circle of Christ Church). Which is the process of correcting sinful behavior among members of a local church body for the purpose of protecting the church, restoring the sinner to a right walk with God, and renewing fellowship among the church members. Key verse is found in Mt 18:15-20 . There are 3 steps to Church Discipline. In this episode we cover 2. 1. Step 1 Vs15: to approach the offender in private would avoid bringing shame on that person. It also would minimize the opportunity for misunderstanding & gossip. 2. Step 2 Vs 16:Witnesses. This step emphasizes the importance of the issue at hand & provides the wisdom of others. They are there to witness as well help resolve issue. 3. Step 3 Vs 17: The Church. The Greek word here is ekklesia, which means “assembly”. It appears in other NT writings in ref to the corporate body of all believers (body of Christ) Acts 9:31. Support the show

In this episode Pastor Sam Colon (Circle of Christ Church) and I discuss the topic Church hurt. How it occurs, how as individuals we can prevent causing hurt to someone & how to deal with church hurt. Key verse : Philippians 1:27. Support the show

Part of ongoing series that will invite Pastors to a conversation. Discussing varies state of affairs in the world of believers in Christ. This episode we have Pastor Rev. Samuel Colon from Circle of Christ Church (https://www.circleofchristchurch.com/) located in Coop City in Bronx NY. Discussing the difficulty's of pasturing during a pandemic. Support the show

In this episode we have special guest: Elizabeth Zaiter & Mary Coronel. Discussing examples in God's Holy Word of people who had chronic pain. As well discussing personal testimony on our personal challenges with dealing with chronic pain. How God encourages us & how we continue walking in Christ. Hardships are temporary & easier to bear when we put in perspective eternity & heaven. God uses hardships to display His strength in weakness. Verses discussed: Psalms 103:14, Isaiah 29:16, Psalm 139:13-15, Matthew 5:16 & Revelation 21:4. Support the show