Why does God allow suffering? It’s a question asked by many. A careful, biblically sound answer is crucial for faith in the face of suffering. Senior Pastor Dr. Stephen Isaac presents in-depth, biblical teaching on the concept and reality of human suffering.
Category Archives: Christian church Peoria AZ
The Christian’s Call to Holiness, cont.
“We have not chosen the wrong path – we have followed the more difficult one. We were chosen for it. It is no longer enough just to be on the right path – circumstances now dictate that we follow the path that leads to righteousness. It is difficult, it is costly, but it is the path. But remember, we were chosen for it. So chosen ones, with the Day of the Lord at hand, use all righteous means possible – be willing to pay any price necessary – to follow the revealed and Holy One – the Kyrios Iesous Christos.”
Core Four – The Call of God’s People to Be Holy
Highly relevant – a Christian’s morality must be defined by the Word of God, and derived from the character of God (Who God Is) as revealed in Scripture, and then ultimately as a way of life for those who find their meaning, purpose, and the way to love in the life and person of Jesus Christ. This is the biblical roadmap to what Peter is asserting to his listeners.
Fall Kickoff at Church in Peoria AZ
Join us on Sunday, August 25th at 10:30 AM! Fall Kickoff at the Reunion Church is an annual event at our non-denominational Christian church in Peoria AZ. We celebrate our students, student athletes, teachers, coaches, and families. Special guest speakers are invited to deliver words of challenge and encouragement to students, followed by a prayer of blessing over each student, teacher, coach, and student athlete as they embark on the new school year.
The Foreknowledge Of God – Petros; Πέτρος, Week 5
Many biblical worldview theologians advise that the sovereign foreknowledge of God destroys the biblical principles of human freedom (free will) and personal responsibility. So, they wrongly respond to their critics that God does not know future events either with certainty or to their completion.
Think about that for a moment – does that not sound like a God with limitations?
Unfortunately, in present-day, the theological arguments regarding the foreknowledge of God continue to deconstruct and digress only to become even more unreliable and sketchy. For example, some modern theologians and influencers have conceived of God as growing and developing along with nature and man (kind of like a Discovery Channel). That argument leads only one place – “man ascends to be more like God, and God descends to become more like man.” This ideology of man does not match the Word of God.
John 8:23-29
“Jesus said to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am He you will die in your sins.” 25 So they said to Him, “Who are you?” Jesus said to them, “Just what I have been telling you from the beginning. 26 I have much to say about you and much to judge, but He who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from Him.” 27 They did not understand that He had been speaking to them about the Father. 28 So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught Me. 29 And He who sent Me is with Me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.” ESV
The Foreknowledge of God – Petros; Πέτρος, Week 4
Dr. Stephen Isaac, Senior Pastor of the Reunion Church, continues the teaching on the foreknowledge of God. In this teaching, he continues emphasizing the importance of understanding God’s Word in context. The teaching also delves into the concept of God’s foreknowledge as depicted in the Bible, addressing theological and historical interpretations. The teaching further highlights the significance of seeking knowledge and wisdom in the understanding of Scripture, emphasizing the responsibility of individuals, especially those teaching the Word of God, to diligently study and comprehend the truth.
The Foreknowledge of God – Petros; Πέτρος, Week 3
Core Four – The Foreknowledge of God and the Plan of Redemption
Foreknowledge – Foreknowledge is understood variously as God’s eternal loving regard and saving purpose, or merely as His passive awareness of the future choices of free individuals. With reference to God and men it carries the simple significance of perceiving in advance.
Redemption – Redemption relates to deliverance from a circumstance or condition. Most often, this involves paying a price to “buy back” the person or thing that is being ransomed. In the New Testament, redemption is almost exclusively related to Jesus’ death on the cross. God redeems humanity at the cost of Jesus’ life, which is given freely, in order that humans might be delivered from spiritual slavery and death. Jesus told His disciples that His purpose for coming was to give His life as a ransom for the redemption of men.
Petros; Πέτρος, Week Two
Christ is not an accessory or merely the “add-ons” to our identity, as if one were choosing options for a new car. He transforms and has the power to take over one’s broken, wounded, and flawed identity so that everything else becomes supplemental or an accessory, which is precisely what “Jesus is Lord” means. There is an evident heavy dose of Christology (Christ-centeredness) in which both of the epistles support the point that “the life of Jesus and the life of the believer are inseparable. In Peter’s narrowed way of thinking, believing, and living, Jesus is everything not merely something.”
A Historical, Literary, and Biblical Context for the Apostle Peter’s Epistles to the Early Church
Dr. Stephen Isaac delivers this teaching series at the Reunion Church, unpacking timeless doctrinal precepts given to the Apostle Peter as he was inspired by the Holy Spirit to send letters of instruction to equip, and encourage the early Christian Church. Who received those letters and why? We need to answer those questions and many others to gain depth of understanding regarding foundational and critically relevant biblical themes essential to the Christian faith including… The Foreknowledge of God, The Call of God’s Chosen to Holiness, The Apologetic of Righteous Suffering, The End of All Things, and The Prophetic Day of the Lord.
“We have not chosen the wrong path – we have followed the more difficult one. We were chosen for it. It is no longer enough just to be on the right path – circumstances now dictate that we follow the path that leads to righteousness. It is difficult, it is costly, but it is the path. But remember, we were chosen for it. So chosen ones, with the Day of the Lord at hand, use all righteous means possible – be willing to pay any price necessary – to follow the revealed and Holy One – the Kyrios Iesous Christos.”
The Power in Sharing Christian Testimonies
Brian Woodard presents a teaching about the power of sharing of our testimonies and why it is important. Sharing our testimonies is biblical; it edifies us, and it edifies those around us; it shares the good news of salvation, and it glorifies God! Testimonies are a gift from God. People can doubt or debate the Bible or the existence of God, but no one can deny your personal story with God. Your testimony is one of the most effective tools for evangelism.
Let’s read a few biblical testimonies and learn what God has in store for each of us by applying biblical principles to our own lives. We are going to look at our first testimony from John chapter 4 of the Samaritan woman at the well.
Building A Life of Service
Pastor Steve Merryman explores the important topic of serving others.
If you were to ask the question, “How would you define greatness or success?” You would get many different answers:
-Business people: Company growth or being #1 in the marketplace might be their answer.
-Wall Street brokers: financial clout and a big portfolio could be the answer.
-Athletes: Winning a World Championship or an MVP award might be the answer.
You would probably get as many answers as the number of people you asked. But what does God say? How does God define greatness and success?
In Matthew 20:26 (NKJV), Jesus says, “. . . whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.” Notice that Jesus says if you want to be great, then you must serve.
Service and greatness go together.