langley-christian-church

Psalm 51:6-13

derekr835@gmail.com (Derek Robinson) — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 01:08:55 GMT

Psalm 51:6-13

6 Surely you desire integrity in the inner self, and you teach me wisdom deep within.

7 Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

9 Turn your face away from my sins and blot out all my guilt.

10 God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not banish me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore the joy of your salvation to me, and sustain me by giving me a willing spirit.

13 Then I will teach the rebellious your ways, and sinners will return to you.

Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Ps 51:6–13

This passage comes in the context of King David crying out to the LORD after his sin with Bathsheba. We have all shared in that feeling of separation from God because of our sin. We can feel unworthy to be near Him.

Here, David acknowledges his sin but also calls on the mercy and grace of God. He understands that he cannot change these sinful desires on his own; he calls on God for help.

This same help in transforming his heart and life that David found in God is also available to us; if we would only ask. If you are struggling with sin, and that guilt is keeping you from the LORD, know that He is there to help. Just humble yourself and ask. Allow His Spirit to reveal, restore, and strengthen you as you draw into the presence of our loving God.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the Bible, please contact us at langleychristianchurch@gmail.com or by phone at 757-851-7334.

Romans 10:8–13

derekr835@gmail.com (Derek Robinson) — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 01:02:16 GMT

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8 On the contrary, what does it say? The message is near you, in your mouth and in your heart. , This is the message of faith that we proclaim: 9 If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, Everyone who believes on him will not be put to shame , 12 since there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, because the same Lord of all richly blesses all who call on him. 13 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Ro 10:8–13

Through Jesus, the LORD God provided salvation to ALL who will call on Him. No matter where you come from or what you’ve been through, if you believe in your heart (truly believe), that Jesus is God’s Son and He died and rose again to bring us forgiveness and life, His salvation is open to you. It begins by confessing with your mouth (to others) that “Jesus is Lord.”

That confession paired with true belief leads us to righteousness, obedience to God.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the Bible, please contact us at langleychristianchurch@gmail.com or by phone at 757-851-7334.

Living By Faith

derekr835@gmail.com (Derek Robinson) — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:55:00 GMT

Living By Faith

11 Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. 2 For by this our ancestors were approved.

3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

4 By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was approved as a righteous man, because God approved his gifts, and even though he is dead, he still speaks through his faith.

5 By faith Enoch was taken away, and so he did not experience death. He was not to be found because God took him away. For before he was taken away, he was approved as one who pleased God. 6 Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

7 By faith Noah, after he was warned about what was not yet seen and motivated by godly fear, built an ark to deliver his family. By faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

8 By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and set out for a place that he was going to receive as an inheritance. He went out, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he stayed as a foreigner in the land of promise, living in tents as did Isaac and Jacob, coheirs of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

11 By faith even Sarah herself, when she was unable to have children, received power to conceive offspring, even though she was past the age, since she considered that the one who had promised was faithful. 12 Therefore, from one man—in fact, from one as good as dead—came offspring as numerous as the stars of the sky and as innumerable as the grains of sand along the seashore.

13 These all died in faith, although they had not received the things that were promised. But they saw them from a distance, greeted them, and confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth.

Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Heb 11:1–13

These 13 verses are only the first half of the chapter. This chapter in Hebrews is sometimes known as the “faith hall of fame” (we encourage you to read the rest of the chapter).

It is a list of people who trusted God in their lives even though they had yet to see God’s promises fulfilled. The last verses of the chapter read:

“All these were approved through their faith, but they did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, so that they would not be made perfect without us.”

They trusted God with the “big picture”. This trust (faith) guided their choices and actions each day of their lives.

The people in this chapter lived during the Old Testament period. They trusted God to provided redemption and salvation to His people. In the New Testament we see this promise fulfilled in Jesus the Christ. Through His death, burial, and resurrection God provided the salvation. Our faith (trust leading to obedience) in which we live is not a blind hoping, but an assured solid foundation We are confident of this because we see the LORD God’s faithfulness to His promises in the past and are assured of His faithfulness in the future.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the Bible, please contact us at langleychristianchurch@gmail.com or by phone at 757-851-7334.

Eph 2:6-10

derekr835@gmail.com (Derek Robinson) — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 00:38:00 GMT

Eph 2:6-10

6 He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— 9 not from works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.

Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Eph 2:6–10

We could never do enough to earn our salvation. We are only saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. We do not brag or boast because we have received God’s salvation. Nor do we place any burden but faith on any who seek God’s mercy, grace, and salvation

We work, serving others and proclaiming Christ, not to earn God’s love or forgiveness, but in overwhelming gratitude for the richness of His mercy The life we live is His workmanship, created new in Christ Jesus. The work we do, we do confidently knowing it is prepared by God ahead of time.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the Bible, please contact us at langleychristianchurch@gmail.com or by phone at 757-851-7334.

FROM DEATH TO LIFE

derekr835@gmail.com (Derek Robinson) — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 00:28:33 GMT

From Death to Life

2 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins 2 in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. 3 We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were nature children under wrath as the others were also.

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, 5 made us alive with Christ even though we were by dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!

Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Eph 2:1–5

Every one of us has sinned, living disobedient to God. We have chased and carried out the desires of our flesh and thoughts This, by nature, has placed us under the wrath of a Hol God. This is a hopeless condition; standing guilty before the Judge Although sin places us under the wrath of a Just God, He is also a God of love, and that love is rich in mercy and grace. Through Jesus, God has chosen to offer us forgiveness; a way to stand righteous before the Judge.

This is grace. It is totally undeserved, offered through Jesus simply because He loves us That is a hope-filled condition. That is amazing Grace!

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the Bible, please contact us at langleychristianchurch@gmail.com or by phone at 757-851-7334.

THE FIRST DISCIPLES

derekr835@gmail.com (Derek Robinson) — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 00:22:57 GMT

The First Disciples

18 As he was walking along the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter), and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 19 “Follow me,” he told them, “and I will make you fish for people

20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat with Zebedee their father, preparing their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Mt 4:18–22

When the first disciples came to know Jesus, the Son of God, they left everything behind to follow Him. They followed Him not just for their own good, but to share the Good News with others.

Following Jesus is not just something you do at church on Sunday. Following Him comes before all else in our lives. Following Him in everything means living according to His will and not our own. When we come to truly know Jesus, we can’t help but to tell others.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the Bible, please contact us at langleychristianchurch@gmail.com or by phone at 757-851-7334.

APPRECIATION OF SUPPORT

derekr835@gmail.com (Derek Robinson) — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 00:16:51 GMT

APPRECIATION OF SUPPORT

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. 11 I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. 12 know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13 I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 Still, you did well by partnering with me in my hardship.

Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Php 4:10–14

We all desire to be content in life, but many times find ourselves grumbling and envying others lives; “the grass is always greener” syndrome. We struggle to find real satisfaction in our day-to-day lives. The world puts forth many ideas; more money, bigger house, newer tech, etc. We can spend a lot of energy chasing things that simply will not bring contentment.

The secret of true contentment is trusting and relying on the Lord God, finding strength in Him for all things. Note the first and last verse in the above passage: Many times God uses His people to walk beside us; helping, encouraging, and strengthening us.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the Bible, please contact us at langleychristianchurch@gmail.com or by phone at 757-851-7334.

THE CURE FOR ANXIETY

derekr835@gmail.com (Derek Robinson) — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 00:02:29 GMT

The Cure For Anxiety

25 “Therefore I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they? 27 Can any of you add one moment to his life span by worrying? 28 And why do you worry about clothes? Observe how the wildflowers of the field grow: They don’t labor or spin thread.

29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these. 30 If that’s how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won’t he do much more for you—you of little faith? 31 So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. 34 Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Mt 6:25–34

It only takes a quick look around to see that worry and anxiety plaque our lives. We worry about little day-to-day things and we worry about big things, even global things We even worry about our worrying. To add to all that, we know anxiety and stress cause negative health problems, and we worry about that, too!

We can spend a lot of time chasing false answers that will never bring us peace. We have a God who created us and loves us. We only need to trust Him and seek Him. He knows what we need and is more than capable to provide. We trust this because He has already provided for our greatest need, Life, through Christ Jesus.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the Bible, please contact us at langleychristianchurch@gmail.com or by phone at 757-851-7334.

THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 22:48:17 GMT

THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION

16 From now on, then, we do not know anyone from a worldly perspective. Even if we have known Christ from a worldly perspective, yet now we no longer know him in this way. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away,

and see, the new has come! 18 Everything is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. 19 That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and he has committed the message of reconciliation to us.

Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), 2 Co 5:16–19.

Reconciliation means to reestablish proper interpersonal relations after these have been disrupted or broken. Our trespasses (sins) have caused a broken and disrupted relationship with God. But in His great love for us, He made a way for that relationship to be healed and restored. That way is through Jesus Christ; through His death, burial, and resurrection.

In Jesus, we live in that new reconciled life; a life in which our sin is not counted against us. And, in joy and gratitude, we share that hope with others.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the Bible, please contact us at langleychristianchurch@gmail.com or by phone at 757-851-7334.

James 4:1-10

derekr835@gmail.com (Derek Robinson) — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 22:48:12 GMT

PROUD OR HUMBLE

4 What is the source of wars and fights among you? Don’t they come from your passions that wage war within you? 2 You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and wage war. You do not have because you do not ask 3 You ask and don’t receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.

4 You adulterous people! Don’t you know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? So, whoever wants to be the friend of the world becomes the enemy of God. 5 Or do you think it’s without reason that the Scripture says: The spirit he made to dwell in us envies intensely?

6 But he gives greater grace. Therefore he says:

God resists the proud

but gives grace to the humble.

7 Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be miserable and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Jas 4:1–10

If we are honest with ourselves, many of the arguments, fights, and struggles in our live begin with selfish or prideful motives. This seems especially true within our close relationships It’s no surprise because this what we see modeled in the world around us Bu God shows a better way.

It begins with us humbling ourselves before God and drawing near to Him. Allowing Him to change our hearts and minds. He promises that if we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the Bible, please contact us at langleychristianchurch@gmail.com or by phone at 757-851-7334.