SPIRITUAL OASIS Podcast

Here's presentation that Eddie Randolph (preaching minister with my home church) and I did together. We are addressing the topic of the holiday blues in a dialogical format.

Hope this is an encouragement to you.

Blessings,
-bill

Here's a lesson that speaks to some of the foundational ideas related to experiencing spiritual renewal.

Blessings,
-bill

Hebrews chapter 11 is often referred to as the “Hall of Fame of the Faithful”. Pausing to reflect on the lives of the people listed here is both encouraging and instructive. Through their lives we learn the meaning behind the assertion that faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. We also learn why lives of faith are pleasing to the Lord: faith leads to obedience from the heart to the Lord’s will for our lives. Thus, the writer of Hebrews summarized this train of thought by stating that “these were all commended for their faith” (Hebrews 11:39). No matter when or where we live, our lives should be characterized by such commendable faith.

This lessons explores the topic of Commendable Faith. If you would like to reflect on a written version of this lesson click on this link:
Commendable Faith.

Blessings to all,
-bill

Here's a lesson based on 2 Chronicle 20:1-30, where we read of God's people learning how to trust God in difficult times. We learn that the way to live victoriously is to:

1) Stand in God’s presence... v. 9, “…we will stand in your presence…”
2) Trust in God’s purpose for your life... v. 12, “…our eyes are upon you.”
3) Stand together as God’s people... v. 13, “All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood before the LORD.”
4) Trust in God’s power for victory.. v. 14, “Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel…”
5) Follow God’s plan for deliverance... v. 15, “…the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

Blessings to all,
-bill
Spiritual Oasis Blog

Here are a few comments I made after our return from the Mid-Ohio Valley Work Camp, along with a lesson from Jesus' parable which we call the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25ff).

Blessings to all,
-bill

Luke 1:17 contains a phrase that seems quite appropriate for Father’s Day. Here we are told that Zechariah’s promised son, who would go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, would turn the hearts of the fathers to their children.

As this was needed then, so is it needed today! In this lesson we will focus our thoughts on this idea. To do so we will consider Paul’s inspired summary of the Heart of Fatherhood found in 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12. Here we learn two priorities for fathers:

#1) Being a Spiritual Model
#2) Being a Spiritual Mentor

May God help all of us who are fathers, be what He would have us to be. May all children be blessed with fathers who embrace these values.

Blessings to all,

-bill

Here is the final installment in this series of lessons loosely based on the LifeShapes model of discipleship. This lesson's primary focus is on the key to evangelism, the Person of Peace. However, we will also look at the the conditions for and components of evangelism which Jesus outlines in Luke 10:1-12.

If you would like to view the companion PowerPoint presention, click on this link: http://thespiritualoasis.org/pptsermons.aspx

Blessings to all,
-bill

This lesson is part of the continuing series on living a God-shaped life. While it is based on the LifeShapes model, it departs from lesson you will find for the heptagon.

-- If you would like to view the companion PowerPoint presentation click here:

http://thespiritualoasis.org/pptsermons.aspx

--If you would like to read the companion blog post click here:

http://spiritualoasis.wordpress.com/2007/06/04/gifts-that-keep-on-giving/

Blessings to all,

Here is another lesson that is loosely based on the LifeShapes approach to disciple training model. In this lesson we look at Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:9-13 about how His followers should pray.

If you would like to view the companion PowerPoint presentation for this lesson visit: http://thespiritualoasis.org/pptsermons.aspx

Blessings to all,
-bill

This lesson is based on Hebrews 6:13-20. When we look at this passage the fact that God’s promises are reliable really stands out. They, therefore, provide a secure foundation for hope.

Beyond this we observe at least three additional points to treasure:

1) God’s promises are received by those who patiently endure.
2) God’s promises are the basis for great encouragement.
3) God’s firm and secure promises provide an anchor for our souls.

This excellent lesson is preached by Ron Nelson of the Randolph Church of Christ, Randolph, New Jersey. Ron did a great job bringing a charge to graduating seniors.

If you would like to learn more about Ron and his work for the Lord, visit the Randolph congregation’s web site at: http://www.rcocnj.org.

Blessings to all,
-bill

Although this lesson is part of the continuing series based on the Lifeshapes discipleship model, it is a departure from the original materials. It is designed to identify positive practices of a model disciple. It is based on the Apostle Paul's exhortation to his apprentice Timothy.

Scripture refenence: 1 Timothy 4:12.

Blessings,
-bill

Here's another lesson loosely based on the Lifeshapes discipleship model. It is a lesson designed to help us with the process of sorting through life’s possibilities and setting God-pleasing priorities.

If you would like to view the companion PowerPoint presentation, click this link: http://thespiritualoasis.org/pptsermons.aspx

Blessings,
-bill

This podcast grows out of a continuing series of lessons that I am preaching. It is based on Mike Breen and Walt Kallestad’s “A Passionate Life” series, which develops the LIFEshapes approach to teaching discipleship.

The format for this lesson is somewhat different from most. One of our worship leaders, Bill Betit, III, and I joined forces to present this message with appropriate songs echoing the major points of the lesson interspersed.

You can also view the PowerPoint presentation for this lesson by clicking this link:
http://thespiritualoasis.org/pptsermons.aspx.

Blessings in Christ,
-bill

This post is taken from the morning worship gathering on Easter Sunday. These thoughts regarding the resurrection preceded the communion service. Key passages were: Acts 1:1-11; John 14:1-3 and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.

Following the Lord’s Supper, one of our worship leaders encouraged us to reflect further on the Lord’s life and resurrection. We concluded our time of worship with the soul-stirring singing of:

• Were You There?
• Up From the Grave He Arose
• Christ the Lord is Risen Today

If you would like to view the companion PowerPoint presentation for this message, please click on the following link and click on Until He Comes: http://thespiritualoasis.org/pptsermons.aspx.

In this message we will explore some of the challenges we have when it comes to living for Jesus in a world where B.U.S.Y.N.E.S.S. rules. Our key reference is Luke 9:23-25. We will also discuss Ephesians 5:15-17. If you would like to see the PowerPoint slides for the message visit:

http://thespiritualoasis.org/pptsermons.aspx

Blessings to all,
-bill

Here's a message I delivered in October of 2006. It is similar to the Spiritual Warfare message. In it, however, I take a closer look at kingdom living in the context of the world.

In this message I discuss four strategies for victorious living, while in the world (but not of the world). Reference: Ephesians 6:10-18.

In this lesson we will consider some biblical examples of people whose experiences underscore need to learn important life-lessons from life. This lesson is prompted by the circle in the LifeShapes series by Michael Breen. Reference: Matthew 7:24-27.

The message begins at the 2 minute mark. It wraps up early in the 35th minute.

Blessings to all,
-bill

A look at Jesus' teaching about our Heavenly Father's will regarding wandering sheep.