Watersprings Church Podcast Watersprings Church

How amazing would it have been to be part of the early church? The new adventure of sharing the Gospel of salvation with a world that has never heard of the love and sacrifice of Jesus and the power of the resurrection. Think about it for a moment: every person you meet is hearing the message of hope for the first time.

All of this was being done through flawed humans filled with the very nature of God through the Spirit. When we read the descriptions of the early church—the miracles, the sharing, and generosity, the fellowship, the forgiveness of sin, and hope for a future with God—we may wish we could have been a part of this “perfect” church. However, the real reality is that the early church had problems as we do today. Does the church today have problems? Of course, She does, for She is full of sinners.

No church has ever been or will ever be perfect until Christ and his followers are united at his second coming. All churches have problems (See Revelation 2:1ff). If your church’s shortcomings distress you, ask yourself: Would a perfect church allow me to be a member? Then do what you can to make your church home better for everyone! A church does not have to be perfect to advance the cause of Christ. We need to be focused on fulfilling the commission Jesus gave us.

“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:18–20)

References:
John. 7:12
Philippians. 2:14
1 Peter 4:9
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DISCLAIMER: Closed captioning and/or transcription is being provided solely for the convenience of our viewers. Watersprings Church does not review for accuracy any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript. Watersprings Church makes no representations or warranties, and expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability with respect to, any errors or omissions in, or the accuracy, reliability, timeliness or completeness of, any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript.

Come join us as we continue going through Ephesians 4:17-32

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Call us: 208.524.4747
prayer@watersprings.net

Online Giving: https://watersprings.net/give.php
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DISCLAIMER: Closed captioning and/or transcription is being provided solely for the convenience of our viewers. Watersprings Church does not review for accuracy any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript. Watersprings Church makes no representations or warranties, and expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability with respect to, any errors or omissions in, or the accuracy, reliability, timeliness or completeness of, any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript.

Have you ever lost your cool? Me too. I have also felt defiled and embarrassed by my out-of-control emotions or frustrations, especially anger. Be it in the car alone or out in public, anger wounds us and others and puts a callous on our hearts. Anger is a real emotion but also a dangerous one. Oh, that we would feel shame when we sin in our anger. May we live in complete humility and brokenness over these kinds of public and private mistakes. This kind of piety would benefit us personally and as a community. "The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit." (Psalm 34:18)

Peter writes, "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. (1 Peter 5:6-9)

When it comes to our emotions, self-control is greatly needed. Not the elimination of emotions, that is something for science fiction and cults. God has created us with feelings to help us to connect first with Him and then with others. Love God! Love others! Therefore, choices must be made regarding the control and healthy use of our feelings. We need to discipline ourselves, for “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls. (Proverbs 25:28)

So, here is the rub for us as Christians. We are in the fight of our lives against our own flesh and sinful nature until we are with the LORD. We need the help of the Holy Spirit to help us live in a way that honors God and people. This can be nearly impossible when we are spiraling out of control emotionally. Paul said, and rightly so, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” Paul’s answer, “I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24–25) There is help for us all in the blessed gift of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

References
James 3:8–11
Exodus 20:13
Ephesians 4:26–27
Psalm 4:4
Psalm 37:7-8
Ephesians 4:28–32
Colossians 3:8
James 1:19-20
Romans 12:17-19
Deut. 32:35
Peter 2:3
Ps. 94:1
Is 35:4
Na 1:2–3
Ex 34:5–7
Ps 103:8
1 Th 4:3–6
Heb. 10:30-31:

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Call us: 208.524.4747
prayer@watersprings.net

Online Giving: https://watersprings.net/give.php
Serve at Watersprings: https://watersprings.churchcenter.com...

CCLI Streaming License: 20080252 Size E
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DISCLAIMER: Closed captioning and/or transcription is being provided solely for the convenience of our viewers. Watersprings Church does not review for accuracy any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript. Watersprings Church makes no representations or warranties, and expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability with respect to, any errors or omissions in, or the accuracy, reliability, timeliness or completeness of, any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript.

Happy Thanksgiving from your family here at Watersprings!

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Call us: 208.524.4747
prayer@watersprings.net

Online Giving: https://watersprings.net/give.php
Serve at Watersprings: https://watersprings.churchcenter.com...

CCLI Streaming License: 20080252 Size E
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DISCLAIMER: Closed captioning and/or transcription is being provided solely for the convenience of our viewers. Watersprings Church does not review for accuracy any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript. Watersprings Church makes no representations or warranties, and expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability with respect to, any errors or omissions in, or the accuracy, reliability, timeliness or completeness of, any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript.

We must choose who we will be loyal to. Fully Submit to the God of love or cower under the fear and ternary of men. The choice is ours and is a choice we all must make. Just as the very first church leaders and disciples had to choose what side they were on, we also need to make that decision today. Joshua declared, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15b). This was his choice as a leader of His home. So, will we stand up, speak out, and live courageously for our God or not?

So many today are becoming afraid to speak up for their faith, bowing to the pressure of countless ungodly ideologies. These are not the days for timid Christians. Be strong. Be brave. Be heard. Jesus said, “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven. “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. (Matthew 10:32–34) We are called to battle for our King and will be wounded but never destroyed.

Nowhere in the scriptures does it say following God will be easy. Yet we do know it will be worth it! Paul declares, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18). Paul also tells His son in the faith, Timothy, as the torch of leadership is being passed from the first to seconded generation, "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:12–13) So when things are difficult, uncomfortable, or even life or death, will you and I stand up and speak out or cower in the dark?

Referances:
Matthew 13:57b–58
Hebrews 2:1-4
John 14:12
Matthew 10:28

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Call us: 208.524.4747
prayer@watersprings.net

Online Giving: https://watersprings.net/give.php
Serve at Watersprings: https://watersprings.churchcenter.com...

CCLI Streaming License: 20080252 Size E
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DISCLAIMER: Closed captioning and/or transcription is being provided solely for the convenience of our viewers. Watersprings Church does not review for accuracy any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript. Watersprings Church makes no representations or warranties, and expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability with respect to, any errors or omissions in, or the accuracy, reliability, timeliness or completeness of, any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript.

Join us as we start going through Ephesians 4!

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Call us: 208.524.4747
prayer@watersprings.net

Online Giving: https://watersprings.net/give.php
Serve at Watersprings: https://watersprings.churchcenter.com...

CCLI Streaming License: 20080252 Size E
CCLI Copyright License: 1406906 Size F

DISCLAIMER: Closed captioning and/or transcription is being provided solely for the convenience of our viewers. Watersprings Church does not review for accuracy any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript. Watersprings Church makes no representations or warranties, and expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability with respect to, any errors or omissions in, or the accuracy, reliability, timeliness or completeness of, any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript.