“Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” – Ephesians 4:1-4
Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Tony D'Amico
Do you ever feel like it’s hard to talk to people about God because you can’t think of a simple way to start the conversation? There’s actually a great “lead-in” (and one that is easily overlooked). We admire it on a daily basis, or at least we should. We live in a world where the Creation itself speaks to the divinity of God.
Paul wrote to the Romans, “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” — Romans 1:19-20 (ESV)
Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Tony D'Amico
“And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:23-24
This verse is about Jesus healing the boy with the unclean spirit. The father of the boy knew that Jesus and His disciples were doing some pretty incredible things, so he decided to take his son to the disciples for help. They were not able to cast out the evil spirit. Jesus, in His love, then came and asked the man what he was looking for? The man asked for compassion and help for his son.
Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Tony D'Amico
Recently, I have been living inside of the Psalms, reading them over and over again. I just love how David wrote down his thoughts so poetically.
One of the Psalms that really spoke to me, was Psalm 40. David expressed what I believe is a scenario we all tend to experience when we first get saved.
First, in verses 40:1-3, God pulls us out of our old life and gives us a new song, new life, gives us salvation. Then, in verses 40:4-10, there is that exciting feeling we have knowing all of the great things that God has done for us — we proclaim it to the world. Next, in verses 40:11-15, we see the critics, the skeptics, the haters of God. The ones who start to attack our new found life with Him! They try to destroy, humiliate and shame us for loving God.
Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Tony D'Amico
“Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!” Psalm 31:24 (ESV)
We all experience times in our lives when we have to wait for something. There are times that are simply mundane, like waiting in line at the grocery store or at the bank. It could be waiting for something exciting, like going on a trip to Disneyland or a long awaited vacation to Europe. Or, it could be waiting for things that are not so exciting, like hearing back about a job interview or waiting to hear about medical test results.
Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Tony D'Amico
Recently, I was reading through the book of Philippians, and there were some simple verses that really spoke to me.
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others as significant as yourself.” (2:3)
Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Tony D'Amico
Last weekend, I had the opportunity to teach on John, Chapter 17; it is known as the High Priestly Prayer. I was able to take a closer look at not only who Jesus prayed to, but who and what He prayed for, and why He prayed. This chapter is full of rich truths and you can learn a good deal from them.
Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Tony D'Amico
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20
Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Tony D'Amico
“Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” John 6:27
This was Jesus’ reply to the Jews the day after He fed the multitudes. He gave them a beautiful analogy of food to help them understand what He was saying.
Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Tony D'Amico