The Word from Mountain View

The Futility of their Thinking - July 11, 2021

by Pastor Chuck Ryan

“The Futility of their Thinking”

(“Stinkin Thinkin”-Zig Zigler)

Text: Ephesians 4:17-24)

Thesis: Solomon the Wise states, “As a man thinks, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7 KJV). The Apostle Paul challenges the Church in Ephesus and new believers to have a thought process as noble as Jesus Christ.

1. The Apostle Paul is more than adamant that “they no longer live as the Gentiles (non -Christians) do.” (Vs 17a)
2. As Christians, God calls us to make choices that reflect the lifestyle of Jesus Christ.
3. Jesus lived a Holy lifestyle and sought to please God rather than seeking to satisfy “the lust of the flesh” as Paul finds the Ephesians doing. (see vs.19)

   “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)

1. Jesus understands your temptation so give them to him.
2. Jesus will provide a way of escape when you are tempted.

     “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1Cor. 10:13)

2. God’s Word warns of the inner battle of the flesh and the need to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit.

      “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” (Galatians 5:17)

     “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:18)

     “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,” (Ephesians 5:18)

 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26)

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30)

1. The Apostle Paul clarifies their impurity is due to a sinful mind.

     “In the futility of their thinking.” (vs17b)

1. The goal of every Christian is to develop a Biblical World View.
2. God wants you to view the world through the eyes of Jesus Christ.
3. God created a perfect world and every person, male, and female, were cre- ated in his image. (Gen. 1&2)
4. Adam and Eve were in a perfect relationship with God prior to sin. (Gen.           3:8
5. The Sin of our first parents separated us from God. (Gen 3)
6. Sin came into the world through man and brought death to everyone.        (Romans 5:12)
7. Jesus Christ came into the world to reconcile mankind unto God through His death and resurrection. (Colossians 1:15-23)
8. Jesus ascended into heaven and intercedes on our behalf.
9. Everyone who repents and calls on the name of Jesus will be saved. (Revelations 3:19-20)
10. As Christians we live in a fallen world and will not obtain heaven until        death or Jesus returns. (John 14:1-2)
11. The Evil One, Lucifer, the Devil exists and “seeks to kill and destroy” every human, who are the objects of God’s love. (John10:10)
12. Jesus reminds us “In this world we will have trouble, but to take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
13. We are to remain faithful to God and live by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:8)
14. Jesus will return for those have “Believed unto salvation.”(1 Cor. 15:57 & John 14:1-2)
15. Those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior will live for eternity in Heaven and those who have rejected Jesus Christ will live for eternity in Hell. ((John 14:1-2 & Mathew 25:46)

Worship Service Video Podcast - July 4, 2021

WORSHIP SERVICE

video and audio recorded live at Mountain View Church.

Sermon by Pastor Chuck Ryan, "The Church is Our Stronghold"

Find Sermon Notes and the Bulletin here.

The Church is Our Stronghold (Part 2) - July 4, 2021

 

The Church is Our Stronghold

(Part II-The Method)

Text: Ephesians 4:11-16

Thesis: The Church is the Body of Christ, a Spiritual Stronghold, a refuge for the Saints, a hospital for sinners and well-fortified by capable Spirit-filled workers of Christ.

1. The Apostle Paul proclaims the plan of God for building the Church.
2. The Church is the body of Christ: a place of security, hope and harmony. (See last week’s sermon)
3. Paul reveals it was Jesus himself who called “some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers.” (vs11)
4. These positions were not self-appointed or created by another human.
5. The Divine call of God is to be taken seriously by those who are called and by those who will be served by those called.

Jesus speaks about those who failed to recognize those God sent out and includes himself in the discussion. (Read Mark 12:1-12)

Moses’ own sister-Miriam and brother-Aaron were punished by God for failing to recognize the calling of the brother. (Read Numbers 12:1-13)

1. The Apostle Paul clarifies the job description of those called by God.
2. Paul states, “it is to prepare God’s people for works of service.” (vs17)
3. There is much confusion in Christendom on what the job description of the “Pastor” (vs11) is.

“I believe my main responsibilities as a Pastor are 1) Love the people, 2) Feed the people and 3) “Prepare God’s people for a work of service.” (Find people a Job. 😊)

                                                       Pastor Chuck Ryan

 

their Spiritual gifting is and engage in a “Work of Service”.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

The “Work of Service” may be performed in the Church, out of the Church or both.

III. The Apostle Paul reveals the positive result of this is “that the body of Christ may be built up.” (Vs 12-15)

1. Christ is calling us to be spiritual bodybuilders. (vss. 13)
2. As Christians, Christ wants us to be strong in the Lord and not “infants”! (Vs 14)
3. This will protect us from the terrible spiritual deception that Jesus speaks about that will take place in the last days. (See Matthew 24: 21-25)
4. The Apostle Paul reemphasizes the vital role that each individual plays as a member of the body of Christ. (vs16)

“As Each Part Does its Work”

Worship Service Video Podcast - June 27, 2021

WORSHIP SERVICE

video and audio recorded live at Mountain View Church.

Sermon by Pastor Chuck Ryan, "Paul's Prayer for the Church"

Find Sermon Notes and the Bulletin here.

Christ is the Answer to Disharmony (Part 1) - June 27, 2021

Christ is the Answer to Disharmony

(Part I-The Goal)

 

Text: Ephesians 4: 1-10

Thesis: “God’s answer to disharmony in the world is Christ. Christ is the only sure foundation for unity…Each member of the body of Christ must live faithfully with this grand result in mind.” (BBC, Ephesians, page 200)

 

1. Paul writes, literally from a prison cell, on behalf of the Lord. (vs1a)
2. In jail, Paul continues to faithfully carry out his duties.
3. For Paul, to serve Christ was his life.

• Paul States, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

 

1. Paul “urges” all believers “to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” (vs1b-3)
2. Paul reiterates throughout the letter to the Ephesians that to serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is a high calling.
3. A believer’s lifestyle should reflect the nature of Christ.
4. To “be” like Christ is to be: (vs2)
5. “Completely humble”-not arrogant, but aware our righteousness is from Christ alone.
6. “Completely gentle”-not weak, but controlled strength.
7. “Completely patient”-not easily angered but able to give a measured response.
8. We are called to “bear with one another in love”.

• “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

1. Paul believes having harmony in the Church is a pre-requisite to having harmony in the world.

• “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit, through the bond of peace.” (vs 3)

2. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, from they will be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
3. Peacemakers are controlled by the “Spirit” (vs3), troublemakers are controlled by the flesh.

• “You, however, are not (controlled) in the realm of the flesh (sinful nature) but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.” (Romans 8:9)

 

III. Paul proclaims the profound “oneness” we find in Christ in verses 4-6.

1. We are included in the family of God.
2. The Triune Godhead is one in Nature, three in Person.
3. We are the “body of Christ”, God the Son.

 

1. Paul personalizes our calling from Christ. (Vs 7-10)

• “But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.”

1. God explained to Paul that His grace is sufficient in a time of need.

• “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.” (2 Cor. 12:9)

1. A unanimous teaching throughout scripture is that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17)

Worship Service Video Podcast - June 20, 2021

WORSHIP SERVICE

video and audio recorded live at Mountain View Church.

Sermon by Pastor Chuck Ryan, "Paul's Prayer for the Church"

Find Sermon Notes and the Bulletin here.

Paul's Prayer for the Church - June 20, 2021

by Pastor Chuck Ryan

Paul’s Prayer for the Church

 

Text: Ephesians 3: 14-21

 

Thesis: “Prayer is the Key to Power” Pray that God will give you the power to grasp his love for you and his enormous ability to provide your every need!

 

1. The family of God, both residence of Heaven and earth, derive their name from God the Father. (vs 14-15)

 

1. Our name (more than a title) comes from God’s name.
2. We are revealed as “Saints” of God!

• “To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus.” (Eph. 1:1a)
• “Saint- a person acknowledged as holy or virtuous and typically regarded as being in heaven after death.”

1. Paul envisions believers of both heaven and earth as one.

• “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of

witnesses,” (Hebrews 12:1)

 

1. Paul prays “out of God’s glorious riches”. (vs 16)

 

1. Paul comprehends the enormity of God’s storehouse of blessings.

• “Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?” (Romans 8:32)

 

1. Paul’s twofold prayer for us:

 

1^st- To be strong in the Lord and not weak in the faith. (Read vs 16-17)

 

2^nd - To have the power to grasp the love of Christ for us and not weak minded.

(Read vs 18-19)

• “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39)

 

“God Loves You!”

 

III. Paul’s Faith in God is enormous as well. (Read vss20-21)

• He (Jesus) replied, "Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (Mathew 17:20)

1. The measurements of God’s blessings are greater than what we can even ask for or imagine!
2. It is impossible to ask God for more than He can provide.

 

“God Can Do Anything but Fail!”

Worship Service Video Podcast - June 13, 2021

WORSHIP SERVICE

video and audio recorded live at Mountain View Church.

Sermon by Pastor Chuck Ryan, "God's Great Grace is Synonymous with Service"

Find Sermon Notes and the Bulletin here.

There is a Future in the Family of God - June 13, 2021

by Pastor Chuck Ryan

There is a Future in the Family of God

 

Text: Galatians 6: 7-10; vs.10

Thesis: “A Cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)

 

1. The Family that plays together stays together!

1. The Apostle Paul is instructing Christians to “do good to all people, especially the family of God.” (vs10)

1. This instruction is in keeping with the command of Christ to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Mark 12:31)

• “Treat your family like friends and your friends like family.” Anonymous

1. The Apostle Paul not only instructs on whom we should “do good” towards but instructs on the frequency. “Therefore, as we have opportunity.”

• We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations. (Charles R. Swindoll)

1. The Apostle Paul clearly teaches “To do Good”.

1. God reveals, “A Cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)

2. Laughter is a healthy, wholesome activity. People need to laugh.

• “Laughter is a powerful medicine. It has been proven to lower blood pressure and reduces stress hormones.”

1. The family that Prays together stays together.

1. Praying for someone is a superior way to “doing good” to another.

1. Jesus is the head of the family and when we pray, we allow him into the inner circle.
2. Praying with another person creates a sense of belonging.

Worship Service Video Podcast - June 6, 2021

WORSHIP SERVICE

video and audio recorded live at Mountain View Church.

Sermon by Pastor Chuck Ryan, "God's Great Grace is Synonymous with Service"

Find Sermon Notes and the Bulletin here.