"The way to discover how God wants to work is to venture out in faith. Step out and see what the Lord might do. But as we step out in faith, there has to be a guard against presumption. A lot of people make a serious mistake by falling back on human effort when God's hand obviously is not in it... God will do the work, but you have the opportunity to be the vessel through which God works." (pp. 123, 135)
"God wants to work, but God wants the glory for the work that He does. That's why He uses the simple things of this world in order to confound the wise. People can only look on, shake their heads, and say, 'I don't understand it, but God's anointing is there. God is sure using them.'" (p. 104)
"Without love, all the gifts and powers of the Holy Spirit are meaningless and worthless." (p. 107)
"I believe it is so important that we proclaim this teaching of the Rapture and keep the people watching and hoping because, without that, what hope do we have in the world today? We need to keep people focused on the truth that a better day is coming very soon. Be ready! The Lord is coming for His people, and He is going to take us to be with Him." (pp. 87-88)
The rapture refers to that time when Jesus is going to come, without warning, and take away His church from this earth. After the rapture, the Lord will pour out His wrath upon this sinful world. (p. 69)
The teaching ministry of calvary chapel is expositional in style. One of the best commentaries on the Bible is the Bible itself, which is why we declare we preach the whole counsel of God to the people of God. Jesus must also be the central focus, and distractions in worship kept to a minimum.
A true manifestation of the Holy Spirit will always exalt the person of Jesus Christ. The gifts of the Spirit operate so naturally that often we're not even aware of the gift that is being exercised. Proper use of the gifts will result in a fresh vision of Christ and His glory as the Christian is drawn to Him, falling deeper in love with the living God.
The purpose for the indwelling of the Spirit is so that He can change and transform our lives to become more like Jesus. The only power we have to live the Christian life is found in the Holy Spirit. Through His power we are able to live, serve, and do ministry as God intended.
The belief we've had at Calvary Chapel is that if you simply teach the Word of God, the church will grow. Calvary Chapel also seeks to minister to hurting people - to see them restored, back on their feet, functioning again... if I am to be a minister of Jesus Christ, then I must be ministering grace.
Jesus Christ is the Head over the body of the church. It's His church. He's the One in charge. Pastors need to be like Moses, in touch with Jesus and receiving His direction and guidance. Pastors need to be leading the church in such a way that the people know the Lord is in control. (p. 24)
Christian service always begins with God's call. This calling equips God's people to minister and serve as "unto the Lord" rather than for the praise of man or for earthly gain. We also look to the Book of Acts as the model for the church with the four basic functions of the early church being the teaching of the Word, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. Churches that operate in this form will see God meet every need as they walk in obedience to the will of God by the Holy Spirit.
This season we delve into Dietrich Bonhoeffer's seminal work, The Cost of Discipleship, exploring its theological depth, historical context, and enduring relevance. Each episode unpacks key themes, chapters, and concepts, offering listeners a structured journey through Bonhoeffer’s call to radical Christian living.
This season we delve into Dietrich Bonhoeffer's seminal work, The Cost of Discipleship, exploring its theological depth, historical context, and enduring relevance. Each episode unpacks key themes, chapters, and concepts, offering listeners a structured journey through Bonhoeffer’s call to radical Christian living.
This season we delve into Dietrich Bonhoeffer's seminal work, The Cost of Discipleship, exploring its theological depth, historical context, and enduring relevance. Each episode unpacks key themes, chapters, and concepts, offering listeners a structured journey through Bonhoeffer’s call to radical Christian living.
This season we delve into Dietrich Bonhoeffer's seminal work, The Cost of Discipleship, exploring its theological depth, historical context, and enduring relevance. Each episode unpacks key themes, chapters, and concepts, offering listeners a structured journey through Bonhoeffer’s call to radical Christian living.
This season we delve into Dietrich Bonhoeffer's seminal work, The Cost of Discipleship, exploring its theological depth, historical context, and enduring relevance. Each episode unpacks key themes, chapters, and concepts, offering listeners a structured journey through Bonhoeffer’s call to radical Christian living.
This season we delve into Dietrich Bonhoeffer's seminal work, The Cost of Discipleship, exploring its theological depth, historical context, and enduring relevance. Each episode unpacks key themes, chapters, and concepts, offering listeners a structured journey through Bonhoeffer’s call to radical Christian living.
This season we delve into Dietrich Bonhoeffer's seminal work, The Cost of Discipleship, exploring its theological depth, historical context, and enduring relevance. Each episode unpacks key themes, chapters, and concepts, offering listeners a structured journey through Bonhoeffer’s call to radical Christian living.
This season we delve into Dietrich Bonhoeffer's seminal work, The Cost of Discipleship, exploring its theological depth, historical context, and enduring relevance. Each episode unpacks key themes, chapters, and concepts, offering listeners a structured journey through Bonhoeffer’s call to radical Christian living.
"We must see the world as our enemy, not our friend. And we must see our calling as more than just keeping ourselves undefiled by the world. Rather, we must develop a love for Christ that is greater than our love of sin." (p.259)
"We need to be resolute but understanding, firm but also wise. We take our example from Jesus. 'When he was reviled, he did not revile in teturn; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to the one who judges justly' (1 Peter 2:23). We don't have to shout louder than others when we stand our ground. We just need to know that we are being faithful to our Command and King. Like Martin Luther, we should be willing to say, 'Here we stand, we cannot do otherwise.'" (p.243)
