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Biblical Principles for a Better Life - Pastor Kris Davis

Biblical Principles for a Better Life - Pastor Kris Davis

By Pastor Kris Davis

A gifted communicator, the Massachusetts based Pastor has covered a variety of Biblical topics. The length of the podcast episodes varies from around 20 minutes to nearly an hour. The majority of the messages are self-contained expositions of the Bible designed to aid the listener in understanding and growing in their relationship with the Lord.
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Romans 1:1-4, 4:24-25, 8:11 -The Easter Gifts

Biblical Principles for a Better Life - Pastor Kris DavisAug 11, 2019

00:00
28:31
2 Samuel 23:8-12 Perseverance

2 Samuel 23:8-12 Perseverance

Perseverance- Steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement;continue steadfastly. 

Hebrews 6:9-12

Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation. 10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

Jan 03, 202052:53
Isaiah 46:1-13 The God who carries your burdens

Isaiah 46:1-13 The God who carries your burdens

The prophet spoke to the people of Judah in a time of tremendous transition. They had had to get used to the notion that their homeland was no more; Judah had been taken, Jerusalem had been destroyed, the Temple had been pulled down, and they were going to have to live in exile in Babylon. It was not a happy time. They were tempted to sit down and bathe themselves in a nostalgic frenzy – how good
it was back in the day. But the prophet insisted that that was a luxury they could ill afford, and that, in fact, they were showing the symptoms of a disease called nostalgia.

The Bible tells us that if we carry around our old stuff too long, it will become an idol and it will be nothing but a burden. Isaiah tells Judah that, attracted as they were to the false gods of Canaan, they are going to wear themselves out carrying around burdensome stuff they should have gotten rid of a long time ago. Stuff that makes us feel like pack animals hauling bricks up the hillside.

In the ancient world, quite often people had household gods, statues and images of the gods they worshiped. And if they had go somewhere, they took their gods along with them. Earlier in the Old Testament there is that wonderful story of Rachel going off to be Jacob’s wife, and she hid the household gods under her skirts. Now these things were idols; you and I know that. You and I know, and the Bible knows, and, to tell the truth, these people knew it too – that God cannot be transported like so much luggage. God is a spirit and not a little chunk of stone or metal. You won’t get
charged an overweight penalty for carrying the true God with you when you travel!

The picture here is of a people who are afraid to jettison old habits and old ways. They have had to pick up and move to a new place they don’t like very much. They are not sure what the future holds. But they think they might hold on to the past. So they pick up their little statuettes and load them on their pack animals and set off on their long and lonely journey to an uncharted destination. Their idols are burdens loaded on weary animals.

Is it really any different with us? We have made ourselves into tired out, weary pack animals, beasts of burden, because we carry around with us too much stuff, and it is wearing us out.

Jan 03, 202041:31
Deuteronomy 31:30–32:13 The Preparation of Disruption

Deuteronomy 31:30–32:13 The Preparation of Disruption

Experts say that when the time has come for a young eaglet to learn to fly, the parent bird at first tries to coax the youngster into flight. If this method fails, the mother then resorts to what seems to be much harsher treatment. The mother bird will force her offspring off the nest out into the air. By this discipline of disturbance, she accomplishes her desire and design, the first flight of the eaglet. Now Moses, laying hold of this wonderful picture, shows that this is how God has acted toward His people. When they were settled down in Egypt, God stirred their nest through persecution until they were ready to leave for the Promised Land. Let’s look together at this preparation of disruption.

Jan 03, 202033:48
Mark 7:24–30 Impressive Faith

Mark 7:24–30 Impressive Faith

In this story Jesus left the Jewish area of Galilee for the seaport of Tyre, a pagan Gentile area. This was a very un-Jewish and un-rabbinical thing to do, but He knew there was a desperate mother there. Notice the verbs describing her: she heard about Him, came, fell at his feet, and begged His help. Yet Jesus answered her not a word. Her response to His non-response was to keep crying for mercy. Desperate people do desperate things. When you’re desperate you don’t care what people think, you don’t give up easily. Jesus finally said, in summary, “I’ve been sent to the lost sheep of Israel. My mission is the Jews. Why take the food of children and give it to dogs?” The word dog would be better translated, little dog or puppy. “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their puppy.” Jesus was not being unkind, but making a theological point—His first priority was the Jewish people. “Yes, Lord,” the woman replied, “but even the puppies under the table get some crumbs.” In other words, “What you’re saying is true, but I don’t need the full meal. Just a few crumbs will be sufficient.” Can you sense this woman’s faith? Jesus did. “Woman,” He said, “you have great faith!” The Greek word is μεγας(megˊ-as), source of the English prefix mega. This woman had mega-faith! From this story, notice the characteristics of this impressive faith.

Jan 03, 202032:22
Mark 2:18–3:6 Religion or Relationship

Mark 2:18–3:6 Religion or Relationship

I wonder how many people we turn off to the gospel by arguing about religious concepts rather than sharing the truth of Jesus Christ’s love and mercy to save us from the wrath we deserve. 

I wonder how many people got ready for church without so much as a thought of who they were coming to worship. 

Mark 2:18–3:6 highlights the difference between religion and a relationship in three encounters Jesus had with a group of Pharisees. 

There is all the difference in the world between religion and relationship.

Jan 03, 202050:22
Luke 5:1-11 Turning Clay into Rock

Luke 5:1-11 Turning Clay into Rock

Surveys continually show that education is among the issues of most concern to Americans. We want well-educated children in quality learning environments. Jesus, the “Master Teacher,” wants to develop us to our full potential, and He masterfully uses whatever learning environment is available at any given time.

The Greek text of the Gospel calls Jesus teacher 45 times

That which Jesus did is called teaching 45 times

Those who followed Him were called disciples (Learners) 215 times

Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is described as when Jesus taught the people

With Peter, Jesus turned the Sea of Galilee into a classroom, and an old boat into a student’s desk. Peter no doubt looked every part the fisherman. He was rough and rugged with the jaws of a fighter and tough leather skin. However, through several encounters recorded in the Gospels, he became a big-hearted individual—a rock with a soft heart. Peter was a son of the sea, and from his encounters with the sea Jesus taught him great lessons, turning him from clay to rock.

Jan 03, 202044:38
Soil of Our Faith

Soil of Our Faith

Using a common everyday plant pot and some soil to help draw a parallel to how our faith should be growing. 

Jan 02, 202045:59
Nehemiah 11:1–36 Joining God's Great Army of the Unknowns

Nehemiah 11:1–36 Joining God's Great Army of the Unknowns

Most people live their lives in obscurity. Few become famous during their lifetime, and fewer remain famous after they are gone. After all, God has called us to be faithful, not famous. After Nehemiah rebuilt the wall around Jerusalem, his next task was to convince people to move inside the walls, into the “inner city.” What took place in Nehemiah 11 was the first “urban development plan” in history. Nehemiah 11 is a listing of names of people who were necessary for the success of the city, but unknown to anyone else. Three groups moved into the city: (1) Leaders (v. 1). (2) Draftees (v. 1). (3) Volunteers (v. 2). This last group deserves attention. The Hebrew word volunteered means to impel, or to incite from within. These volunteers symbolize God’s army of the great unknowns, the kind of solid people who fill every good and thriving church, people who toil behind the scenes without any credit, with no other desire than to serve. These volunteers teach us a simple truth: God calls us to be faithful, not famous.Five unknowns from Nehemiah 11 serve as our example.

Jan 02, 202034:15
Matthew 18:15-20 Conflict Happens

Matthew 18:15-20 Conflict Happens

Conflict Happens

Christians can Wound each other If . . . ? It’s fairly sure you’ll be hurt eventually,  We’re not immune from hurt in Church,  in marriage, family, or friendships either.

It hurts more to be hurt by ones you love, These stings hurt most and longest,  These hurts go the deepest

Hurts Break relationships. Our response to pain is to withdraw.  Over time we become isolated & alone

As love unites, sin (hurt) divides. The fruit of love is unity.  The fruit of sin is division. Unless we deal with hurt, division remains

This is Serious stuff This is about what it is to be Church. Church membership – agreement - Church requires relational unity

The Bottom Line: We will love Enough to Confront each other in Loving ways


Jan 02, 202039:58
Jeremiah 18:1–6 Clay in the Hand of God

Jeremiah 18:1–6 Clay in the Hand of God

Clay in the Hand of God

Jeremiah 18:1–6, "As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand. (nkjv)" God can take your messed-up life in His hand and say to you, “I want to give you another chance.” I thank God for a hand like that, because all of us have messed up at some point. All of us have ruined something in our lives. Maybe you’ve ruined everything. I want to show you several examples Of God’s remolding hand from Scripture.

Jan 02, 202042:16
Mark 6:46–52 -Surviving Deep Waters and Dark Nights

Mark 6:46–52 -Surviving Deep Waters and Dark Nights

Mark 6:46–52 Surviving Deep Waters and Dark Nights

All of us go through stormy weather, and we sometimes endure dark nights. The Bible gives us a wonderful story for such times, one of Scripture’s favorite and most vivid accounts.

Jan 02, 202042:06
Romans 8:28–39 Confidence in Troubled Times

Romans 8:28–39 Confidence in Troubled Times

 Do you ever feel that life is one challenge after another? Perhaps you are one of thousands who struggles to keep your home, feed your family, or stay employed. Or maybe your battle involves your health, your marriage, or a rebellious child. Whatever form it takes, hardship comes to every life sooner or later. You and I live in a fallen world. Even as believers, we have no guarantee that our lives will be easy.

However, we don’t have to be anxious in the midst of difficulty. The Word of God gives us four foundational truths that can help face troubled times with confidence. 

Aug 11, 201939:34
Romans 1:1-4, 4:24-25, 8:11 -The Easter Gifts

Romans 1:1-4, 4:24-25, 8:11 -The Easter Gifts

Just after World War II, a Methodist leader in London named William Sangster contracted a disease that gradually paralyzed him. Eventually even his vocal cords were paralyzed. On Easter Sunday—his last Easter on earth—his daughter came to visit. Using stiffened fingers, he scribbled a message: “How terrible to wake up on Easter and have no voice with which to shout, ‘He is risen!’ ” Then, pausing a moment, he added, “Far worse to have a voice and not want to shout.” We feel like shouting today because this is Easter, and Christ has risen from the dead. But just what does that mean to us here, now, in this twenty-first century? The answer is in the Book of Romans, Paul’s definitive statement of Christian truth. Three times in Romans the apostle Paul cites the great implications of Easter.

Aug 11, 201928:31
Proverbs 10:19-21 Knowing what to say & when to say it

Proverbs 10:19-21 Knowing what to say & when to say it

In the book of Proverbs—we find God’s wisdom in small doses. A great number of these deal with our words. Many of our problems in life occur because we say the wrong thing, or we say it at the wrong time, or we say it in the wrong way. A 20-second tirade can damage a twenty-year career, a twenty-year marriage, or twenty years of reputation. As he wrote Proverbs, Solomon was cognizant of the power of the tongue, and when you read his thoughts on this subject in Proverbs, you find God’s wisdom in small doses 

Aug 11, 201942:36
Philippians 1:3-11 Living above your troubles

Philippians 1:3-11 Living above your troubles

We are going to discover Paul’s four secrets for maintaining your joy in spite of adverse circumstances, difficult people, and insurmountable loss. 

 Joy is not a feeling, it is a choice a choice to be grateful for God’s blessings, a choice to be confident in God’s plan, a choice to connect yourself to other Christians in a church, and a choice to live your life for God’s approval.

Aug 11, 201953:29
Genesis 22:1-19 That far away hill

Genesis 22:1-19 That far away hill

 When we board an airliner, we’re asked to show a photo ID. For security reasons, the airlines don’t take us at our word. They want proof that we’re who we claim to be. Jesus’ critics demanded proof of His identity, thus He showed them His “photo ID.” He told them His portrait was on every page of the Old Testament. “If you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me” (John 5:46). Where did Moses write of Jesus? One place is Genesis 22. The young man Isaac is a remarkable prototype of Jesus Christ. Everything about Isaac in this passage points to his being a type or illustration of Christ. Everything about him reminds us of the Lord Jesus, and those who carefully study Genesis 22 find a remarkable series of parallels between Isaac and Immanuel.

Two thousand years before Calvary, we have the gospel story given to us in advance through a preview, a prototype. Yet Isaac himself could never have actually provided purification for sins, for he was a sinner just as we are. Two millennia later and two millennia ago, God became a man, went to the cross, and there, shedding His blood, bridged the gulf between His own holiness on the one hand, and you and me on the other. On the mountain of the Lord, it was provided. Will you believe it? Will you receive it? “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:11–12).

Aug 11, 201943:09
Matthew 4:18-22 Fishers of Men

Matthew 4:18-22 Fishers of Men

Why are we not winning more of our friends, relatives, and associates to Christ? Why are we not better witnesses? According to surveys by George Barna, only about half (53 percent) of born again Christians feel a sense of responsibility to tell others about their faith. In other words, nearly half of us don’t think it’s our personal responsibility to share our beliefs with those who don’t know Christ.

 “[Winning souls] is something you cannot outgrow; it is a lifetime undertaking.”

“We need to be joined to the Holy Spirit so that the living water may flow through us. But let me also say that the channel of life has two ends: One end is open toward the Holy Spirit; but the other end is open toward men.” 

“Beloved, there are two big days in the life of a believer: the day on which he believes in the Lord—and every day after that when he leads someone to faith in Christ.”

How can we be better witnesses for Christ?

• Ask God to give you a burden for a handful of people who need to be saved, and begin praying for them.

• Live a consistent Christian life, letting others see the hope within you.

• Be ready when asked to give a reason for that hope (1 Peter 3:15).

• Seize opportunities for inviting others to church. If you invite enough people, some will come. And if enough come, some will be saved.

Aug 11, 201925:45
Mark 9:14-29 Weak Faith meets Strong Lord

Mark 9:14-29 Weak Faith meets Strong Lord

 U. S. News and World Report said  “In the United States, 27 million adults and 7.5 million children have a diagnosable mental disorder—more than the combined number of people with cancer, heart disease, and lung disorders.” For many, that mental disorder is anxiety, worry. The man in today’s story was in the grips of an understandable anxiety attack, for his son was in crisis. Our greatest worries are often over those we love the most.  In our story today, it brought this father to Jesus, but once there, his unbelief threatened his receiving of the Lord’s help. While worry may sometimes drive us to the Lord, it can so dominate our prayers that we have trouble claiming God’s answers by faith. Maybe this father’s case may help us understand our own. 

Aug 11, 201941:03
March 25 2016 Good Friday Service

March 25 2016 Good Friday Service

Good Friday Service from March 25, 2016.

Aug 11, 201936:43
Luke 9:57-62 Cost of Discipleship

Luke 9:57-62 Cost of Discipleship

 Who sets the pace of your life as you follow Christ? Do you obey Him only when life is acceptable to you? Do you obey when it’s convenient? Do you ever reconsider whether you want to follow Him? Jesus warns us against this, so what is the Cost of Discipleship.

Aug 11, 201938:46
James 5:7-12 Integrity

James 5:7-12 Integrity

 Someone suggested the top ten lies told in America: 10) Your table will be ready in a minute. 9) One size fits all. 8) This will hurt me more than it hurts you. 7) I’m sorry I’m late; I got stuck in traffic. 6) The check is in the mail. 5) This offer is limited to the first 50 callers. 4) It’s not the money; it’s the principle of the thing. 3) I need just five minutes of your time. 2) I’ll start my diet tomorrow. 1) I’m from the IRS and I’m here to help you. Our culture doesn’t place much value on integrity, but Scripture does. James helps us sort out what characterizes a life of integrity.

Aug 11, 201942:11
Isaiah 46:1-13 The God who carries your burdens

Isaiah 46:1-13 The God who carries your burdens

 The Bible tells us that if we carry around our old stuff too long, it will become an idol and it will be nothing but a burden. Isaiah tells Judah that, attracted as they were to the false gods of Canaan, they are going to wear themselves out carrying around burdensome stuff they should have gotten rid of a long time ago.  The prophet insisted that that was a luxury they could ill afford, and that, in fact, they were showing the symptoms of a disease called nostalgia.  


Aug 11, 201941:31
Genesis 32 & 33 From Dysfunctional to Dynamic

Genesis 32 & 33 From Dysfunctional to Dynamic

Is your life in constant motion, moving from place to place, from school to school, or from career to career? Or do you realize that God is at work in you, changing you through these circumstances? As we observe Jacob’s journey, we see not only a geographic journey, but a journey from Jacob to Israel—a pilgrimage from selfishness to God-centeredness, from deception to devotion. This journey takes a lifetime. 

In our text for this week, we have the longest prayer recorded in the Book of Genesis. Jacob laid out his entire problem before God, providing us with a model as to how covenant people should approach God when they’re under threat. 

In verse 9, He reminded God of His covenant promises. Then He confessed His total unworthiness in verse 10. He then asked for God’s deliverance in verse 11, and again returned to God’s promised word in verse 12. 

If we get stuck, not knowing how to approach God, this is a wonderful pattern. To enter into the blessings both now and hereafter, we must submit ourselves totally to the touch of God. We must let Him work in us that which takes away our deceit and self-dependence. Take your difficulties to God, wrestle and deal with them, and you will be able to deal with others with the same grace given to you.

Aug 11, 201928:23
Luke 22:54 – 62 Peter’s Failure

Luke 22:54 – 62 Peter’s Failure

Failure Is Not Fatal if –
We Recognize that Everyone Fails!
We Remember that God’s Love and Forgiveness Is not Dependent On Our Success!
We Learn and Grow From Our Failures!
We Put Our Failures Behind Us and Go On!

Aug 11, 201937:10
2 Kings 4:1-7 When you are Ready to Give Up

2 Kings 4:1-7 When you are Ready to Give Up

 Have you ever felt like throwing in the towel and quitting? Have you ever come to the end of your rope? Are you there now, ready to give up? In 2 Kings chapter 4, we find a scene of misery, impoverishment, and despair. As the story progresses, however, this widow finds hope and a way out of a hopeless situation.

  Whether you are facing the death of a loved one, debt, or even doubt, remember that God is able 

· to provide (Phil. 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus”., 

· to deliver (Ps. 50:15 “and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”),

· to strengthen (2 Cor. 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.), 

· to save (Heb. 7:25 “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”), and 

· to do more than we could ever ask or imagine (Eph. 3:20 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us”). 

Aug 11, 201945:36
Acts 9:1-18 Amazing Grace

Acts 9:1-18 Amazing Grace

From the ashes of Saul’s old life arose the noblest and most useful man of God the church has ever known. God not only transformed Saul’s life but used him in the transformation of countless others.

Every believer should follow Saul’s example in discovering and obeying God’s call on his or her life. Not all of us are called to be preachers or missionaries, and not all of us will be called in a blinding light. But each of us was created to do something in God’s service. Diligently seek God’s call for your life, and when you discover what God wants you to do, obey him instantly, completely, and persistently.

Aug 11, 201953:02
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 What is essential for a happy, growing church family?

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 What is essential for a happy, growing church family?

 Paul’s favorite name for believers was brethren. He used it at least sixty times in his letters; and in the two Thessalonian Epistles, he used it twenty-seven times. Paul saw the local church as a family. Each member was born again by the Spirit of God and possessed God’s nature (1 Peter 1:22–25; 2 Peter 1:3–4). They all were part of God’s family.

What are the essentials for a happy, thriving church family? How can we make our local churches more spiritual to the glory of God? 

Aug 11, 201920:57
1 Thessalonians 3:1-8 The Need for Encouragement

1 Thessalonians 3:1-8 The Need for Encouragement

Discouragement is an occupational hazard of living today. Its easy to become down in the dumps, stuck in the blues, carrying the weight of the world, cast down. The wind goes out of our sails, it rains on our parade, and our bubble bursts. 

 One of the best ways to overcome discouragement is to focus on others. Who can you encourage this week? 

Aug 11, 201933:36
1 Samuel 15:1-23 Partial Obedience

1 Samuel 15:1-23 Partial Obedience

Anyone who has children knows what partial obedience is. We can send our children to clean their rooms and they come out after a couple of minutes and say it’s all done. When we check, we find they’ve taken all the toys off the floor and thrown them into the closet; and that’s their idea of cleaning. The Lord gives us commands to obey. We think that we can just obey part way and the Lord will be happy. Saul discovered the hard way that the Lord doesn’t want partial obedience.

Aug 11, 201932:08
1 Kings 17:7-24 A Biblical Mom

1 Kings 17:7-24 A Biblical Mom

 When you look at little babies, you could almost get the idea that being a mother is the easiest, happiest, most exciting job in the world. The truth is—being a mother may be the most demanding, self-sacrificing, draining, unrelenting, and thankless job in the world. No one can deny the joys that motherhood brings to a woman. But there are a lot of difficult times that come with being a mom, some downright unhappy moments.  Mom can’t be at her peak if she’s always happy—and neither can the rest of us. It’s in the midst of life’s searing circumstances that we make our deepest connection with God. Hang on to the lessons we spoke about today and let them be anchors for your soul. 

Aug 11, 201939:39
1 Kings 19:9-18 Power & Hope

1 Kings 19:9-18 Power & Hope

Recorded October 23, 2016 in Ware, Massachusetts at Ware Community Church

Story of Elijah at a low point in his life and how the Lord met Him at his point of need. Not with condemnation or judgment as most view the God of the Old Testament but with a question? Listen to a story of how God met Elijah when he was down and doubting and how God lifted him up and restored hope to a tired and worn out soul. 

Jul 17, 201934:03