The Unpopular Sermon

Posted on November 23, 2018 by KD Manes under Bible Study, God's Call

With Thanksgiving tucked under our belts, if we’re able to cinch our belts :), many of us are feeling the financial bulge warring against our desire to buy that perfect Christmas gift(s). After all, who wants to rob our loved ones from the joy of receiving this season?

But what about God? Is it possible to rob Him? What kind of gifts are pleasing to Him? What offends God and constitutes this idea of robbing Him? Continuing in the book of Malachi, Pastor Cliff Purcell shares an unpopular teaching that challenges even the most generous and courageous heart. Among my “thankful” list of blessings and people, I am grateful for a pastor who doesn’t water down the truth of the Gospel. You may listen to his message here: The Sermon We Wish Cliff Wouldn’t Preach (Nov. 18, 2018).

I am also thankful for you! Wishing you God’s abundant blessing this holiday season!

Marriage, Divorce and the People of God – Part Two

Posted on November 16, 2018 by KD Manes under Bible Study, God's Call

God desires and deserves faithfulness in every part of our lives, including marriage.

Pastor Cliff Purcell expounds on what Scriptures teach in this area, specifically from the book of Malachi. You may listen to his podcast here: Marriage, Divorce and the People of God – Part Two, (Nov. 11, 2018).

Have a great week!

Divorce, Marriage and the People of God

Posted on November 9, 2018 by KD Manes under Bible Study, God's Call

Coming back to our study in Malachi, this book delivers hard truth. But we are also given a glimpse of God’s truth sprinkled with grace. Listen to Pastor Cliff Purcell’s message and be encouraged. Although God hates divorce because of the damage it creates, He loves divorced people. You may listen to this podcast here: Divorce, Marriage and the People of God (Nov. 4, 2018).

Pastor Purcell also just began a series on “The Marital Area of Life”, which he live-streams from his Facebook page. The areas he covers are: “Two Becoming One”, “Psychological Intimacy”, “Spiritual Intimacy”, and “Restoring Intimacy”. His teaching is packed with great insights and practical application, geared for people at different phases: seasoned couples, newlyweds, or single people just wanting more information in the marital relationship. You may find this information here: The Marital Area of Life. Have a great week!

How Far Would You Go?

Posted on October 19, 2018 by KD Manes under Bible Study, God's Call

Do you ever wonder how far God would go in order to have a relationship with you? How far would you go to pursue, or keep, a friendship with God? Pastor Cliff Purcell addresses these questions as he continues his series in the book of Malachi. You may listen to his podcast here: How Far Would You Go? (Oct. 14, 2018).

Ready to Revere

Posted on October 12, 2018 by KD Manes under Bible Study, God's Call

The idea of fearing God is not a popular concept in the American church. So much so that many church leaders have watered down God’s truth, trying to make it appear less daunting and more appealing to the masses. But the Hebrew word for fear means: Be afraid . . . anxiety caused by approaching danger.

When we recognize this truth, we realize there is a power that is greater than us and can overcome us in an instant. This should check our hearts and make us tremble, at least for a moment. And yet, this powerful, loving God wants to have a relationship with each of us. How much does He long to save us from death, the consequence of our sin, and give us abundant life instead? To the point that He sacrificed His only Son, Jesus Christ, for everyone who would accept His free gift of forgiveness and salvation when He died on the cross.

In the Hebrew context, fear isn’t an emotion word, but rather an action verb where recognition of something (God’s power, majesty, holiness, forgiveness, goodness, judgment) causes specific action. Fear isn’t meant to stay in our hearts, but rather worked out in reverence toward God through a manifestation of worship. Godly fear is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 1:7). Other action words defining godly fear include: Hating evil (Prov. 8:13), satisfying (Prov. 14:27), and sanctifying (Ps. 19: 9).

Continuing in the book of Malachi, Pastor Cliff Purcell shares a heartfelt message. Warning: This is not an easy passage to digest, especially for pastors, which this portion is directed toward. But this section also contains truth for all of us who are Christ followers. You may listen to his podcast here: Ready to Revere (Oct. 7, 2018).