church of Christ Merced
By church of Christ Merced
We are the church of Christ that worships at the corner of 4th and P street in Merced, CA. If you are interested in learning more about the one true church spoken of in the Bible, please contact us (209)-722-0312. You could also reach us through our Instagram @read_bible_everyday, our email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com, or our website at www.churchofchristmerced.com
church of Christ MercedMay 07, 2024
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44:18
Pleasure and Love
It is important that we pay attention to where our pleasure comes from. If we get it from the wrong place, it could cause hs to become addicted. We must separate our physical love and pleasure from that of our spiritual. The pursuit of spiritual love and pleasure will show ourselves approved in the eyes of the Lord. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email ministry@churchofchristmerced.com.
May 07, 202444:18
The Anti Social Media Message
Self elevation leads to shame and abasement, which is exactly what social media is based on. Humbling yourself will lead to being exalted in the eyes of the Lord. He glorifies those things which are secret and sacred, while social media is constantly disclosing those secrets. For more information about this episode contact us at 209 722 0312 or email ministry@churchofchristmerced.com.
May 07, 202443:42
To Be Hardened
Pressure has the power to transform. When the world puts pressure on us, we need the strength to push back to avoid a hardening of the heart. However, we can't do this without the strength and love of God. For more information about this episode,contact us at 209 722 0312 or email ministry@churchofchristmerced.com.
May 07, 202456:53
The Purge
The act of purging is cathartic for many people, whether physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. When your heart is troubled, some kind of pressure must be applied to rid it of that trouble. After everything is purged, the release of pressure and newfound elation is sweet. We have to go to God and ask for His grace and mercy in order to purge the trouble from our hearts. For more information about this episode contact us at 209 722 0312 or email ministry@churchofchristmerced.com.
May 07, 202448:20
Vision and Anxiety
The stress and anxiety of uncertainty is crushing. Many people look for relief in worldly things, but in reality, it can only be overcome by God through praise, thanks, and submitting ourselves to Him. We have to keep the Law in our heart and stay focused on the Lord. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com or call us at 209 722 0312.
Apr 07, 202449:08
Discrimination
When it's convenient, we humans accept anyone and everyone. When it's not, we let hate and discrimination run rampant. The saving power of Jesus Christ doesn't discriminate, so why do we? For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com or call us at 209 722 0312.
Apr 07, 202444:28
The Freedom We Need
There's a stark difference between the freedom you want and the freedom you need. Freedom means many things for different people at different stages in their lives. When we were baptized, we gave up the freedom our flesh wanted for the freedom our spirit needed. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com or call us at 209 722 0312.
Apr 07, 202456:39
To Live as a Jew or To Live as a Gentile
In order to live as a spiritual Jew, we need to be hearers and doers of God's Word. As long as we fulfill our purpose, God will take care of us like He takes care of the lillies and the birds. It's not the circumcision of the flesh that matters, but that of the heart. For more information on this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com or call us at 209 722 0312.
Apr 07, 202449:51
To Worship in Spirit and in Truth
The word "in": most often used to mean being fully encased or surrounded by something. When we worship in spirit and in truth, we are to be fully surrounded in it, not with our foot hanging out. God wants 100% of us to be in Him. Being halfway in isn't good enough. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com or 209 722 0312.
Mar 10, 202442:32
Idle Words
Words are immensely powerful. They are a reflection of what's in your heart. Just as a tree is known by the fruit it bears, we are known by the words we speak and by our actions. We need to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com or call us at 209 722 0312.
Feb 25, 202456:26
Who's Your Hero?
Before Stephen was stoned, he talked about all of the great men of faith, heroes of the faith, who were precursors to Christ. Jesus Christ is our ultimate hero, with the superpower of sacrificial love. This is a power we all have and need to exercise to our friends and enemies to reach the peak of our superhero powers. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email ministry@churchofchristmerced.com.
Feb 17, 202446:13
Darkness
When we see a light amidst the darkness, we are drawn to it. That is because where there is God, there is always light. Satan's powers are the absence of that light, that activity, that hope. We need to stay in the light to stay in the presence of God and resist the darkness. For more information about this episode contact us at 209 722 0312 or email ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Feb 17, 202448:01
Blessings as a Burden
We often see our blessings as burdens, as chores that we need to take care of. We need to be humble and remind ourselves that God did not have to give us this life, but He did. Like the servants of the nobleman, we need to invest our blessings for God's benefit. For more information about this episode contact us at 209 722 0312 or email ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Feb 17, 202451:36
Separation Anxiety
Don't let separation anxiety from God cause you to seek comfort in the world. It can not hold the weight of your sins, but the strong foundation of the love of God can. For more information about this episode, contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com or 209 722 0312.
Feb 05, 202457:56
Sin
How can a rational human being act in a way that is directly contrary to God's Will? We get to choose the victor of the fight between our flesh and the Holy Spirit, as we can either walk in the light or not. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email ministry@churchofchristmerced.com.
Jan 31, 202445:31
The 5% Club
In God, we Trust
Jan 21, 202449:33
Keep Fighting
In order to combat the wiles of the Devil, we need to put on the armor of God to help us to keep fighting.
Nov 12, 202344:17
Spiritual Hope
For more information about this episode contact us at 209 722 0312 or email ministry@churchofchristmerced.com.
Nov 08, 202355:08
Trustworthy
For more information about this episode contact us at 209 722 0312 or email ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Nov 08, 202348:54
Almost
For more information about this episode contact us at 209 722 0312 or email ministry@churchofchristmerced.com.
Nov 08, 202332:22
The Tunnel
For more information about this episode contact us at ministry@churchofchristmerced.com or 209.722.0312
Nov 08, 202354:45
If It Was Easy
If it was easy, everyone would be doing it. Perserverance is a hallmark of living a life as a Christian. When there is a delay of success, we need to perservere and continue to live righteously. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
Sep 05, 202355:47
The Importance of the Judgements of God
As we go through this world, we must stick to the judgements of God, as it keeps us holy. We have to respect His Laws and protect our minds to be holy as He is holy. God demands all obeisance from us, and that's what we need to give Him. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
Sep 05, 202348:26
Mutually Grateful
There is a mutual gratefulness between us and God. We owe Him everything, as He gave up His Son on the cross for us. In return, God has a people to love Him and serve Him. This reciprocity of love results in an alignment of mindset and values. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
Sep 05, 202351:44
The Fear of Loss
The fear of loss causes divisions among us. When someone envies what you have, you feel the need to protect it from them, causing strife. We must shed that fear through the love of the Lord and build our lives on the foundation of God. Just like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, our faith will be tested by fire to reveal any blemishes we may have and determine our righteousness. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
Sep 05, 202355:47
The Calling
The calling we follow hails from the past, present, and the future. A love for something is a preference for it, and if we don't take the time to appreciate the preference we have for our calling, we will lose sight of it like Peter. We have to be willing to do anything for it. Do you love Jesus Christ enough to forsake all else and follow Him? For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
Sep 05, 202351:00
Death
God is the Master of all things, but death is the last enemy He will defeat. In order to be saved and truly live, we have to die and be born again through baptism. We have to put to death the lusts of the flesh in order to live spiritually, constantly living and dying at the same time. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
Sep 05, 202353:59
Glory to Glory
When we look at the craftsmanship, design, value, and purpose of God's creations, we can't help but bask in its glory. Those who put the glory of the old over the glory of the new are blinded by a veil. When we turn our hearts to God, the Spirit of the Lord will lift that veil and set us free. We must work every day to be as holy as possible on this side of life to join God in His glory and splendor in the next. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
Sep 05, 202350:19
The Cost
All of our actions have a cost, whether positive or negative. When we were baptized, we automatically rejected all previous allegiances and swore our allegiance to God. Jesus tells us to be ready to give up everything for Him, including our life. We have to give up our life on Earth to accept a new one in Heaven. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
Sep 05, 202347:48
Past the End of the Street
When we were young, our parents would tell us not to play past the end of the street, but we always wanted to know what was out there. Constantly striving to experience everything the world has to offer is a distraction from our purpose, and it is certainly not worth our soul. We need to strive for the mastery, not for the world. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
Sep 05, 202345:51
Stay True to Your Vocation
We've all heard the saying "losers never win and cheaters never prosper." Without proper teaching and guidance, children will grow up to be those losers and cheaters. Just like Jesus ordained the apostles with the vocation of equipping evangelists and teachers to spread the word, we need to stay true to our vocation of being a good soldier of Jesus Christ. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
Sep 05, 202359:60
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Equity hinges on the fact that there is only one source of truth: if everyone's truth is different, how can we be equal? Our bodies are manifestations of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as the different parts work together equally and in harmony to maintain the body. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
Sep 05, 202340:37
Mixing Oil and Water
Just like oil and water, the physical and the spiritual don't typically mix. There has to be a continual "shaking" to keep them together, like God sending the Jews into tribulations. The Holy Spirit is the seal that binds us to God, effectively mixing oil and water. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
Sep 05, 202355:00
Being Holy
As the end time nears, the righteous will get closer to God, and the gap between the righteous and the unrighteousness will become that much more apparent. We need to think on those things that are true and just and keep our eyes focused on the race ahead of us in order to present ourselves as a holy and living sacrifice. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
Sep 05, 202356:02
Telling Yourself a Story
We all form stories in our heads based on non-verbal communication from others. Maybe someone gave you a weird look, or their smile didn't seem genuine. If we dwell on these stories, we can't be in control of our lives. Being obsessed with stories keeps us from focusing on the truth and makes us forget who we are. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
Sep 05, 202357:14
Faith that Overcomes the World
We have to have faith that when we start something, God will carry us through. We can't win without Him, who strengthens us despite our many weaknesses. Even in the case of Jonah, God, in His infinite wisdom, grew a fish to the size necessary to swallow Jonah. God works, and we need to have faith that He will not let us down. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
Sep 05, 202359:60
Dealing with Struggles
In the end, we're all going to die. During these last times, the struggles we're going to endure seem daunting, but we need to cling to our faith. We believe in the same God that kept Paul safe and sane while he was on the battlefield and in prison, so He will do the same for us. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
Sep 05, 202342:40
Intrapersonal Schisms
We are all of one body and one mind, so if one of us has a disturbance, we all need to be disturbed. The connection that we have causes us to be disturbed when members of the body are not aligned in a singular mind. We have to ensure our foundation of faith is sure in order to prevent these intrapersonal schisms. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
Sep 05, 202336:24
The Personality of Humility
Despite who your friends, your family, or this world prefers, the one who God prefers will be taken care of. The world prefers those with a Type A personality or those who are motivated by winning. God prefers those with a Type B personality or the personality of humility. These people put others before themselves and don't think of themselves more highly than they ought to. We need to have a Type B personality and give all glory and honor to God. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com or 209 722 0312.
May 13, 202359:60
Not Invictus
God is our protector and our provider, the Master of our fate and the Captain of our soul. Unlike the ideals portrayed in Henley's Invictus, God has power over our soul and can easily conquer it. Without Him and the gift of His Son, we would have no way of obtaining eternal life. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com or 209 722 0312.
May 13, 202353:56
The True Friend
Jesus is the perfect friend and mediator for us. He always knows what our needs and wants are and puts them before His own. We can always rely on His love, as there is nothing that can separate us from it. While the friends of this world are unpredictable, Jesus will remain the same always and forever. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com or 209 722 0312.
May 12, 202332:54
Who is Great?
God is, was, and always will be. He is not bound by the constraints of time like we are. The wisdom of man is akin to the foolishness of God. We need to acknowledge God in everything we do, as we are only a product of His greatness. For more information about this episode, contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com or 209 722 0312.
May 12, 202348:01
Love and Satisfaction
What satisfies you is what will bring you peace. If you look for that satisfaction in physical things, you will be searching your entire life. The hole in your heart
will never be filled. Search for that satisfaction in the love of God, and you will have great gain and eternal peace. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com or 209 722 0312.
will never be filled. Search for that satisfaction in the love of God, and you will have great gain and eternal peace. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com or 209 722 0312.
May 10, 202359:60
Choosing to be a Wheat or a Tare
The choices we make everyday are important: they dictate who we serve and where we will rest eternally. Our choices make us a wheat or a tare. Wheat make the choice to follow God because of a genuine love they have for Him. Tares look and act like wheat when they're young, but it becomes apparent what they really are when they mature. When the harvest comes, the tares will be plucked up and burned, and the wheat will be saved for the barn. What will you chose to be? For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com or 209 722 0312.
Jan 31, 202349:58
The Word of God
God has given us the greatest gift of all: His Word. The Word of God is our protection against the trials and tribulations of this world and our guide as we try to run a righteous race. It reveals the true thoughts of intentions of the mind and gives us the knowledge to guide others to God. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
Jan 31, 202332:35
All Things Made New
There are only 2 options for the afterlife: eternal life in Heaven, or eternal damnation in Hell. With the coming of the new year, our resolution should be to prove ourselves to be holy and living sacrifices unto God. We aren't promised this year, so it's something we need to work at everyday. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com
Jan 31, 202330:16
Jesus Christ: The Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever
The future of Jesus is permanent, as it is written in Revelations. He was the light in the beginning, is the light in us all today, and will be the light of the everlasting day in New Jerusalem. While no one today has seen Jesus Christ, they should be able to see His light shining through us. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com
Jan 31, 202348:10
Exemplify the Light of God
When people look at you, would they be able to tell that you are a child of God? Do you prove you are a child of God through your actions? Just like a child acts and talks like their parents, we are to exemplify the traits of God as we walk through this world. For more information about this episode,contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com
Jan 31, 202359:60
Using Meekness to Gain the Patience to Wait for the Coming of the True Messiah
This world is full of false prophets, false teachers, and false messiahs. We need to exercise meekness to patiently wait on the Lord with quiet confidence. We know that there is only one True Messiah, and that He will come again. We have to hold fast to our faith, no matter what is done to us. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com or 209 722 0312.
Jan 22, 202359:60
Inherent Troubles
God has designed us all to be able to endure the inherent troubles of this world, or the ones from the curse placed upon Adam and Eve. The decisions we make in life can add troubles on top of troubles. We have to remove ourselves from these troubles and have the confidence of Simon, Andrew, James, and John to follow Jesus Christ straightaway. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com or 209 722 0312.
Jan 22, 202357:17